A system and method for hanging and spreading kelp for drying with long seedling ropes

Abstract

This invention discloses a long-rope kelp hanging and flat-laying drying system and method. The system includes: a long-rope traction device for pulling the kelp seedling rope, causing the kelp on the seedling rope to sequentially pass through a kelp drum washing device, a kelp tip trimming device, a two-sided distribution device, an adjustable net frame, and a finished kelp cutting device; the two-sided distribution device is used to sequentially distribute the passed kelp to both sides, so that the kelp on the seedling rope is alternately laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame; the adjustable net frame includes two net panels symmetrically distributed on both sides of the ridge line of the adjustable net frame, used to allow the kelp to be laid flat during the drying process. By alternately laying the kelp seedling rope on both sides of the adjustable net frame, with adjacent kelp located on opposite sides of the adjustable net frame, this system reduces the overlap and obstruction of adjacent kelp on the seedling rope during the drying process, allowing the kelp to spread out more evenly, reducing leaf curling, thereby accelerating moisture evaporation and shortening the drying time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aquatic product processing, specifically to a long-rope kelp hanging and flat drying system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the kelp farming industry generally uses a short seedling rope system, which exhibits significant length differences between the north and south. Specifically, seedling ropes in the south can reach 8 meters in length, suitable for the warmer climate and deeper waters. In the north, however, shorter ropes of 2.4 meters are typically used, usually requiring two to be joined together to form a 4.8-meter long rope, to adapt to the colder climate and shallower waters.

[0003] In the traditional process of drying kelp manually, the kelp is usually harvested along with the seedlings and then transported to the beach and laid out stalk by stalk to dry. To ensure that the kelp dries evenly, workers need to constantly shake it. This method is not only labor-intensive, but also results in a shortage of workers due to the large amount of manual labor required. In addition, this drying method requires a large area, limiting the possibility of large-scale production.

[0004] To overcome these challenges, some regions have begun to adopt a combination of manual and mechanical methods for drying kelp. Specifically, short ropes or long ropes (up to 100 meters in length) tied at both ends are suspended from hooks on support poles for drying. This method significantly reduces the land area required and effectively lowers labor intensity. However, as the kelp dries, its leaves tend to curl inwards due to its own weight. This curling makes it difficult for internal moisture to evaporate, prolonging the drying time and ultimately affecting the kelp's appearance, resulting in an undesirable strip-like shape. This aesthetic defect can impact the kelp's competitiveness and selling price in the market. Therefore, improving kelp drying technology to enhance product quality has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned defects and shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention aims to solve the above problems, improve the efficiency and quality of kelp drying, reduce labor intensity, and improve the appearance of kelp.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a long seedling rope kelp hanging and flat drying system, which includes: a long seedling rope traction device for traction of the kelp seedling rope, so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope passes in sequence through a kelp drum washing device, a kelp tip cutting device, a two-sided separating device, an adjustable net frame, and a finished kelp cutting device.

[0007] The kelp drum rinsing device is used to clean kelp;

[0008] The kelp tip-cutting device is used to cut off the tips of kelp;

[0009] The two-sided distribution device is used to sequentially distribute the passing kelp to both sides, so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope is alternately laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame.

[0010] The adjustable netting frame includes two net panels symmetrically distributed on both sides of the ridge line of the adjustable netting frame; it is used to allow kelp to be laid out flat during the drying process.

[0011] A further improvement of the present invention is that the long seedling rope traction device includes: a guide rail, a rope laid in the guide rail, a plurality of hooks spaced apart on the rope, the hooks being used to hang the kelp seedling rope; the rope is driven by a drive wheel driven by a motor to achieve traction of the kelp seedling rope; a driven wheel is provided at the turning point of the guide rail to achieve turning of the rope.

[0012] A further improvement of the present invention is that a kelp tail collection and conveying device is provided at a position adjacent to the kelp tail cutting device for collecting kelp tails; the kelp tail cutting device includes a tail disc cutter that rotates in the horizontal direction for cutting off the kelp tails at a predetermined distance below the kelp seedling rope.

[0013] A further improvement of the present invention is that the two-sided distributing device is located adjacent to the starting end of the adjustable mesh frame, and includes:

[0014] Two opposing tension guide rollers are used to guide the kelp passing between the two tension guide rollers;

[0015] The sorting impeller is used to sort the kelp that passes between two tension guide rollers;

[0016] The distributing baffle extends horizontally from the starting end of the ridge line toward the distributing impeller.

[0017] A further improvement of the present invention is that a visual sensor is provided on the side of the sorting impeller for identifying the kelp diameter; the drive device driving the sorting impeller controls the rotation direction of the sorting impeller according to the identification result of the visual sensor, so as to realize that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope swings alternately left and right.

[0018] A further improvement of the present invention is that a swing plate is provided below the distribution baffle, the top of the swing plate is connected to a swing device, and the swing device is used to drive the swing plate to swing, thereby patting the kelp laid on the distribution baffle, so that the kelp swings so that it can be laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame.

[0019] A further improvement of the present invention is that the starting end of the adjustable mesh frame includes a bottom edge arc section; in the bottom edge arc section, the bottom edge of the mesh plate is arc-shaped, and the straight-line distance between the bottom edge of the mesh plate and the ridge line gradually increases from the starting end of the ridge line.

[0020] A further improvement of the present invention is that the ridge line extends in a horizontal direction, the top edge of the mesh plate is rotatably connected to the ridge line, and the mesh plate is also connected to an angle adjustment mechanism.

[0021] A further improvement of the present invention is that the supporting surface of the mesh plate for supporting kelp is provided with a protruding horizontal support rod near the ridge line; during the process of the kelp seedling rope driving the kelp to be laid on the adjustable mesh frame in sequence, the two mesh plates hang down, and the horizontal support rod contacts the kelp, so that there is a distance between the kelp and the supporting surface; during the drying process, the kelp seedling rope remains stationary, and the tilt adjustment mechanism supports the two mesh plates, so that the kelp is laid on the supporting surface of the mesh plate.

[0022] This invention also provides a method for drying kelp by hanging it on long ropes and spreading it out to dry, which includes the following steps:

[0023] The kelp seedling rope with kelp attached is hung on the long seedling rope traction device.

[0024] A long seedling rope traction device is used to pull the kelp seedling rope, so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope passes through the kelp drum washing device, the kelp tip cutting device, and the two-sided distribution device in sequence; during this process, the two-sided distribution device alternately moves the kelp to the adjustable net frame, so that the kelp is laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame.

[0025] During the drying process, the kelp seedling rope remains stationary, and the tilt adjustment mechanism supports the two mesh panels, so that the kelp is laid on the supporting surface of the mesh panels;

[0026] After the kelp is dried, it is cut off from the kelp seedling rope using a finished kelp cutting device, packaged, and transported to the storage room.

[0027] The advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0028] 1. Improve drying efficiency: By alternately draping kelp seedling ropes on both sides of the adjustable net frame, with adjacent kelp located on either side of the adjustable net frame, the overlapping and obstruction of adjacent kelp on the seedling ropes can be reduced during the drying process, allowing the kelp to unfold more evenly, reducing leaf curling, thereby accelerating water evaporation and shortening drying time.

[0029] 2. Improved kelp appearance: Because the kelp can be laid flat during the drying process, the poor appearance caused by the curling of leaves in traditional methods is avoided, and the final product's appearance quality is significantly improved.

[0030] 3. Reduced labor intensity: The system combines mechanized operation, reduces reliance on manual labor, lowers labor intensity, and improves production efficiency.

[0031] 4. Saves space: Compared with traditional drying methods, this system occupies less space and can carry out large-scale production in a limited space.

[0032] 5. Improve product quality: Through a series of automated processes such as washing, trimming, and sorting, we ensure that the kelp surface is free of impurities and that it is dried evenly, thereby improving the quality and market competitiveness of the final product. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a side view of the long-rope kelp hanging and flat drying system of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a top view of the long-rope kelp hanging and flat drying system of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at point A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at point B;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustable wire mesh frame in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the seaweed being pushed to the left by the two side-distribution devices.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the seaweed being pushed to the right by the two side distribution devices.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable wire mesh frame deployment state in another embodiment;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable wire mesh frame retraction state in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features described therein can be combined with each other.

[0043] Some exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that the invention may be implemented in other ways not specifically shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a long-rope kelp hanging and flat drying system, comprising: a long-rope traction device for traction of the kelp seedling rope 20, such that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope 20 passes sequentially through a kelp roller washing device 6, a kelp tip cutting device 8, a two-sided distribution device, an adjustable net frame 15, and a finished kelp cutting device 16; the kelp roller washing device 6 is used to wash the kelp; the kelp tip cutting device 8 is used to cut off the kelp tip; the two-sided distribution device is used to sequentially distribute the passed kelp to both sides, so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope 20 is alternately laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame 15; the adjustable net frame 15 includes two net panels 23, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the ridge line of the adjustable net frame 15; used for laying the kelp flat during the drying process. In this embodiment, the ridge line of the adjustable net frame 15 extends horizontally, located directly below the kelp seedling rope 20, and parallel to the kelp seedling rope 20.

[0045] The long seedling rope traction device includes: a guide rail 3, a rope 4 laid in the guide rail 3, and multiple hooks 5 spaced apart on the rope 4 for attaching the seaweed seedling rope 20; the rope 4 is driven by a drive wheel 2 driven by a motor 1 to achieve traction of the seaweed seedling rope 20; a driven wheel 9 is provided at the bend of the guide rail 3 to achieve turning of the rope 4. In this embodiment, the rope 4 is housed in the guide rail 3, and the top of the hooks 5 is also slidably disposed in the guide rail 3. The height of all other components is lower than the height of the guide rail 3. Furthermore, Figure 2 The track shown is a closed loop, with driven or driving wheels at the four corners for steering. The kelp seedling rope 20 is suspended from the mounting platform 10 onto the hook 5.

[0046] The kelp roller rinsing device 6 cleans long rope kelp with internal nozzles and flexible roller brushes to ensure that the kelp surface is free of impurities and maintains the quality of the dried kelp.

[0047] The kelp tip trimming device 8 is used to cut off the tips of kelp, preserving the most economically valuable part of the kelp, reducing the weight of a rope of kelp, and accelerating the drying process. The cut-off tip section dries quickly and can be used for drum drying, blanching kelp strips, or feeding abalone, etc.

[0048] A kelp tail collection and conveying device 7 is provided near the kelp tail cutting device 8 to collect kelp tails; the kelp tail cutting device 8 includes a tail disc cutter that rotates horizontally to cut off the kelp tails at a predetermined distance below the kelp seedling rope 20. This predetermined distance is less than the distance between the ridge line of the adjustable netting frame 15 and the ground.

[0049] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown: The two-sided distributing devices are located near the starting end of the adjustable mesh frame 15, and include:

[0050] Two oppositely arranged tension guide rollers 11 are used to guide the seaweed passing between the two tension guide rollers 11;

[0051] The separating impeller 12 is used to separate the kelp that passes between the two tension guide rollers 11. The shaft of the separating impeller 12 is set vertically and connected to the drive device. The drive device is used to drive the separating impeller 12 to rotate forward or backward, so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope 20 swings left and right alternately.

[0052] The separating baffle 13 extends horizontally from the starting end of the ridge line toward the separating impeller 12, providing a platform for the kelp after lateral separating. Driven by the kelp seedling rope 20, the kelp moves from the side of the separating baffle 13 to the side of the adjustable net frame 15.

[0053] A vision sensor 21 is provided on one side of the sorting impeller 12 to identify the diameter of the kelp. The drive device that drives the sorting impeller 12 controls the rotation direction of the sorting impeller 12 according to the identification result of the vision sensor 21, so as to realize the left and right swing of the kelp on the kelp seedling rope 20. In this embodiment, the vision sensor 21 counts the kelp passing through the sorting impeller 12. For an odd number of kelp, the sorting impeller 12 is driven to rotate clockwise; for an even number of kelp, the sorting impeller 12 is driven to rotate counterclockwise.

[0054] To facilitate the smooth movement of kelp from the sorting baffle 13 to the side of the adjustable net frame 15, a swing plate 19 is provided below the sorting baffle 13. The top of the swing plate 19 is connected to a swinging device 18, which drives the swing plate 19 to swing, thereby pushing the kelp draped on the sorting baffle 13 so that the kelp swings and drapes on both sides of the adjustable net frame 15. In this embodiment, the swing plate 19 is used to pat the lower middle part of the kelp 26 from the side. In some embodiments, the swinging device 18 is linked to the drive device of the sorting impeller 12. After the sorting impeller 12 rotates, a predetermined time is delayed until the kelp sorted by the sorting impeller 12 moves to the bottom of the swing plate 19, and then the swing plate 19 is driven to swing, causing the kelp to swing outward, thereby reducing the friction between the kelp 26 and the front edge of the net plate 23. The swing plate 19 pats the bottom side of the kelp 26, causing the kelp 26 to swing to the side at a predetermined angle.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the distributor impeller 12 distributes the kelp 26 to the left of the distributor baffle 13. When the kelp passes the swing plate 19, the swing device 18 drives the swing plate 19 as follows: Figure 6 The seaweed 26 is swayed to the left as shown, and its bottom is patted from the inside, causing it to sway to the left so that it can be placed on the left side of the adjustable net frame 15. Figure 7 As shown Figure 6 Similarly, the distributor impeller 12 distributes the kelp 26 to the right to the left side of the distributor baffle 13. As the kelp passes the swing plate 19, the swing device 18 drives the swing plate 19 as follows: Figure 7 The kelp 26 is swayed to the right as shown, and its bottom is patted from the inside, causing it to sway to the left so that it can be placed on the left side of the adjustable net frame 15. Through the swaying plate 19, the kelp moves to the side of the adjustable net frame 15 under the swaying and pulling of the seedling ropes. During this process, the kelp can be fully unfolded, avoiding wrinkles and twisting.

[0056] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the two mesh panels 23 of the adjustable mesh frame 15 have a small adjustment range. To facilitate the movement of kelp from the side distribution devices to the sides of the adjustable mesh frame 15, the starting end of the adjustable mesh frame 15 includes a bottom edge arc-shaped section 14; in the bottom edge arc-shaped section 14, the bottom edge of the mesh panel 23 is arc-shaped; in the bottom edge arc-shaped section 14, from the starting end of the ridge line, the straight-line distance between the bottom edge of the mesh panel 23 and the ridge line gradually increases. This arc-shaped bottom edge can serve a guiding function. In this embodiment, the mesh panel 23 is driven by an adjustable bracket 22.

[0057] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, in other embodiments, the two mesh plates 23 are fully adjustable. The ridge extends horizontally, and the top edge of the mesh plate 23 is rotatably connected to the ridge. The mesh plate 23 is also connected to a tilt adjustment mechanism 24. The tilt adjustment mechanism 24 of the two mesh plates 23 forms an umbrella-like structure when viewed from the side, allowing the two mesh plates 23 to be adjusted as follows: Figure 9 As shown, it can also be drooping and gathered, or as... Figure 8 The tilt adjustment mechanism 24 can be implemented using a vertically moving slider and a connecting rod between the slider and the screen plate 23. The slider can be driven by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric means, thereby causing the two screen plates 23 to be raised or lowered.

[0058] Before the drying stage, the kelp seedling ropes 20 are used to move the kelp one by one to the predetermined position on the adjustable net frame 15. During this process, to reduce friction between the kelp and the netting 23, the supporting surface of the netting 23 for carrying the kelp has a protruding horizontal support rod 25 near the ridge line. The side of the horizontal support rod 25 that contacts the kelp is a smooth plane. As the kelp seedling ropes 20 move the kelp to be laid sequentially on the adjustable net frame 15, the two netting 23 hang down (e.g., ...). Figure 9 As shown, the horizontal support rod 25 contacts the kelp, creating a distance between the kelp and the supporting surface. This prevents the kelp from contacting the supporting surface of the mesh plate 23 during dragging, reducing friction and preventing the kelp from being scratched, twisted, or wrinkled. After all the kelp is laid out in the preset position on the adjustable mesh frame 15, the kelp seedling rope 20 remains stationary, and the tilt adjustment mechanism 24 supports the two mesh plates 23, allowing the kelp to lie on the supporting surface of the mesh plates 23. This method keeps the kelp flat during drying and reduces wrinkles.

[0059] During the drying process, the two mesh plates 23 can be rotated within a certain angle range according to the angle of sunlight, wind direction, and light intensity to improve the drying efficiency of kelp.

[0060] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for drying kelp by hanging it on long ropes and laying it flat, comprising the following steps:

[0061] Hang the kelp seedling rope 20 with kelp attached on the long seedling rope traction device;

[0062] The kelp seedling rope is pulled by a long seedling rope traction device, so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope 20 passes through the kelp roller washing device 6, the kelp tip cutting device 8, and the two-sided distribution device in sequence; during this process, the two-sided distribution device alternately moves the kelp to the adjustable net frame 15, so that the kelp is alternately laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame 15.

[0063] During the drying process, the kelp seedling rope 20 remains stationary, and the tilt adjustment mechanism 24 supports the two net plates 23 so that the kelp is laid on the supporting surface of the net plates 23;

[0064] After the kelp is dried, the kelp is cut off from the kelp seedling rope 20 using the finished kelp cutting device 16, placed on the harvesting platform 17, packaged, and transported to the storage room.

[0065] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A long-rope kelp hanging and flat-laying drying system, characterized in that, include: The long seedling rope traction device is used to pull the kelp seedling rope (20) so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope (20) passes through the kelp roller washing device (6), the kelp tip cutting device (8), the two-sided distribution device, the adjustable net laying frame (15), and the finished kelp cutting device (16) in sequence. The kelp drum rinsing device (6) is used to clean kelp; The kelp tip-cutting device (8) is used to cut off the tips of kelp; The two-sided distribution device is used to sequentially distribute the passing kelp to both sides, so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope (20) is alternately laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame (15); The adjustable mesh frame (15) includes two mesh panels (23), which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the ridge line of the adjustable mesh frame (15); Used to allow kelp to be laid out flat during the drying process; The two-sided distributing devices are located near the starting end of the adjustable mesh frame (15), and include: Two oppositely arranged tension guide rollers (11) are used to guide the seaweed passing between the two tension guide rollers (11); The sorting impeller (12) is used to sort the kelp that passes between the two tension guide rollers (11); The distributing baffle (13) extends horizontally from the starting end of the ridge line toward the distributing impeller (12); Below the distribution baffle (13) is a swing plate (19), the top of which is connected to a swing device (18). The swing device (18) is used to drive the swing plate (19) to swing, thereby patting the kelp laid on the distribution baffle (13) so that the kelp swings to be laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame (15).

2. The long-rope kelp hanging and flat-laying drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The long seedling rope traction device includes: a guide rail (3), a rope (4) laid in the guide rail (3), and multiple hooks (5) spaced apart on the rope (4). The hooks (5) are used to hang the kelp seedling rope (20). The rope (4) is driven by a drive wheel (2) driven by a motor (1) to achieve traction of the kelp seedling rope (20). A driven wheel (9) is set at the turning point of the guide rail (3) to achieve turning of the rope (4).

3. The long-rope kelp hanging and flat drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A kelp tail collection and conveying device (7) is provided near the kelp cutting device (8) for collecting kelp tails; the kelp cutting device (8) includes a tail disc cutter that rotates horizontally to cut off the kelp tails from a predetermined distance below the kelp seedling rope (20).

4. The long-rope kelp hanging and flat drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A vision sensor (21) is provided on the side of the sorting impeller (12) to identify the kelp diameter; the drive device that drives the sorting impeller (12) controls the rotation direction of the sorting impeller (12) according to the identification result of the vision sensor (21) so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope (20) swings alternately to the left and right.

5. The long-rope kelp hanging and flat-laying drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The starting end of the adjustable mesh frame (15) includes a bottom edge arc section (14); in the bottom edge arc section (14), the bottom edge of the mesh plate (23) is arc-shaped, and the straight distance between the bottom edge of the mesh plate (23) and the ridge line gradually increases from the starting end of the ridge line.

6. The long-rope kelp hanging and flat drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ridge line extends horizontally, and the top edge of the mesh plate (23) is rotatably connected to the ridge line. The mesh plate (23) is also connected to an angle adjustment mechanism (24).

7. The long-rope kelp hanging and flat drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mesh plate (23) for supporting kelp has a protruding horizontal support rod (25) near the ridge line; during the process of the kelp seedling rope (20) driving the kelp to be laid on the adjustable net frame (15) in sequence, the two mesh plates (23) hang down, and the horizontal support rod (25) contacts the kelp, so that there is a distance between the kelp and the supporting surface; during the drying process, the kelp seedling rope (20) remains stationary, and the tilt adjustment mechanism (24) supports the two mesh plates (23), so that the kelp is laid on the supporting surface of the mesh plate (23).

8. A method for drying kelp by hanging and spreading it flat using long ropes, implemented using the long rope kelp drying system described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: The kelp seedling rope (20) with kelp attached is hung on the long seedling rope traction device; The kelp seedling rope is pulled by a long seedling rope traction device, so that the kelp on the kelp seedling rope (20) passes through the kelp roller washing device (6), the kelp tip cutting device (8), and the two-sided distribution device in sequence; during this process, the two-sided distribution device alternately moves the kelp to the adjustable net frame (15), so that the kelp is laid on both sides of the adjustable net frame (15). During the drying process, the kelp seedling rope (20) remains stationary, and the tilt adjustment mechanism (24) supports the two net plates (23), so that the kelp is laid on the bearing surface of the net plate (23); After the kelp is dried, the kelp is cut off from the kelp seedling rope (20) using a finished kelp cutting device (16), and then packaged and transported to the storage room.

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