Macadamia nut kernel screening device and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of nut kernel screening technology, and more particularly to a macadamia nut kernel screening device and method, comprising a first conveyor belt including an inclined conveying surface and a horizontal conveying surface, and a second conveyor belt arranged parallel above the horizontal conveying surface; a first screening component is arranged on the inclined conveying surface, the first screening component including a sieve roller, on which sieve claws are evenly distributed, for removing half kernels and broken kernels; a second screening component is arranged on the second conveyor belt, the second screening component including side plates arranged on both sides of the second conveyor belt, and multiple screening plates of different heights arranged between the side plates, for grading whole kernels; the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt work together to realize continuous operation of removing half kernels and broken kernels and grading whole kernels; the sieve roller and the grading screening plates form a three-dimensional screening system, avoiding the problem of repeated falling of nuts caused by traditional multi-layer sieves, and reducing the broken kernel rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nut kernel screening technology, and in particular to a macadamia nut kernel screening device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Macadamia nuts, also known as Hawaiian nuts, have a kernel diameter of approximately 12.5-25mm when ripe. Macadamia nut kernel sorting devices are specialized equipment used during processing to grade the kernels and remove broken or half-kernels. Their core purpose is to achieve efficient kernel sorting through mechanical means. Whole kernels are typically graded into extra-large whole kernels, whole kernels, and small whole kernels. According to the agricultural standard of the Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, NY / T693-2020 Macadamia Nut Kernels, the following specifications apply: extra-large whole kernels have a diameter ≥20mm; whole kernels have a diameter ≥16mm; and small whole kernels have a diameter ≥12.5mm.

[0003] The kernels produced from the shelling machine, mixed with whole kernels, half kernels, and broken kernels, are conveyed to a kernel screening device for sorting. The screening device usually uses multiple layers of screens, each with different screen aperture sizes, to distinguish the kernels by size. Since half kernels and whole kernels of the same size have the same diameter, sorting them by screen apertures of fixed size is not possible because the screen aperture parameters cannot be dynamically adjusted. Therefore, it is not possible to effectively separate half kernels and whole kernels, resulting in low sorting efficiency, poor adaptability, and easy clogging of screen apertures during the screening process. In addition, the existing screening device uses a multi-layer screen structure, and the kernels are easily damaged by impact when falling between different screen layers due to the height difference, resulting in a high rate of broken kernels.

[0004] Therefore, this application provides a macadamia nut kernel screening device and method to solve the problems mentioned in the background art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a macadamia nut kernel screening device and method, which solves the problems of poor applicability of existing kernel screening devices, inability to remove half kernels and broken kernels in a streamlined process and to grade whole kernels; and the high rate of broken kernels due to the impact damage caused by the height difference when kernels fall between different screen layers.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a macadamia nut kernel sorting device, including a first conveyor belt, the first conveyor belt including an inclined conveying surface and a horizontal conveying surface, and a second conveyor belt arranged parallel to the horizontal conveying surface directly above it.

[0007] A first screening component is provided on the inclined conveyor surface. The first screening component includes a screen roller with screen claws evenly distributed on the screen roller. The screen claws are used to remove half kernels and broken kernels.

[0008] A second screening component is installed on the second conveyor belt. The second screening component includes side plates on both sides of the second conveyor belt, and multiple screening plates of different heights are installed between the two side plates. The screening plates are used to grade whole kernels.

[0009] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: bearing seats are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the inclined conveying surface, and a screen roller is arranged between the two bearing seats. The rotation direction of the screen roller is consistent with the transmission direction of the first conveyor belt. Circular baffles are arranged on both sides of the screen roller to match the width of the first conveyor belt. Flow channels are evenly opened on the screen roller between the two baffles. Screen claws are arranged on both sides of each flow channel along the radial direction of the screen roller. The distance between two adjacent screen claws is 12.5mm. Multiple rows of screen claws are arranged on the screen roller along the axial direction.

[0010] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that the end of the screen claw is bent in the direction of rotation of the screen roller, the bending angle is 120°~160°, and a claw head is provided at the bending point, the claw head is made of silicone material.

[0011] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that the included angle between the inclined conveying surface and the horizontal conveying surface is 135°~150°.

[0012] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that: baffles are evenly arranged on the first conveyor belt in the vertical conveying direction, and multiple arc-shaped baffles are evenly arranged on the baffles, with gaps between adjacent baffles, the width of the gaps matching the width of the baffles.

[0013] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that the vertical distance between adjacent baffles is equal to the arc length between two adjacent rows of claws, and when the screen roller rotates, each row of screen claws passes through the gap between the baffles in sequence.

[0014] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that: the second screening component further includes a receiving plate disposed at the front end of the second conveyor belt, the receiving plate is provided with a claw groove adapted to the screen claw, the angle between the receiving plate and the second conveyor belt is 150°~170°, and the surface of the second conveyor belt is provided with a silicone coating, the static friction coefficient of the silicone coating is 0.5~0.8.

[0015] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: vertical side plates are provided on both sides of the receiving plate, and three inclined screening plates are arranged in sequence between the side plates. Along the conveying direction, the vertical distances from the bottom edge of the three screening plates to the second conveyor belt are 20mm, 16mm and 12.5mm respectively. A discharge port is opened on the end side plate of each screening plate along the conveying direction. A vertical sub-plate is provided on the side plate in front of the discharge port. The sub-plate is arranged perpendicular to the screening plate, and a passage is provided at the perpendicular foot of the sub-plate and the screening plate.

[0016] A further improvement of the technical solution of the present invention is that: a feeding hopper is set at the front end of the inclined conveying surface, an inclined guide plate is set inside the feeding hopper, and the guide plate and the bottom of the feeding hopper form a strip-shaped feeding port with a width of 30mm.

[0017] A method for screening macadamia nut kernels includes the following steps:

[0018] S1: The feeding hopper receives the shelling machine. The shelling machine feeds the kernels into the feeding hopper. The kernels move through the guide plate and the inlet to the inclined conveyor surface.

[0019] S2: The kernels slide down the inclined conveyor surface under gravity and are blocked by the arc-shaped claws of the baffle. When the baffle moves with the first conveyor belt to the closest distance to the screen roller, the claws of the screen pass through the gap between the baffles. The claws pick up whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm and a small amount of half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm. The bending angle of the claws prevents whole kernels from slipping. Most of the half kernels and broken kernels pass through the screen and continue to be conveyed on the first conveyor belt, completing the recycling.

[0020] S3: When the sieve roller rotates and the sieve claws rotate above the horizontal plane, whole kernels and half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm roll along two adjacent sieve claws. Half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm, due to insufficient integrity, slide off the gap between the sieve claws during rolling and enter the first conveyor belt. Whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm enter the flow channel on the sieve roller. As the sieve roller rotates, the whole kernels in the flow channel roll forward. The front row of sieve claws prevents them from falling off. When the front row of sieve claws rotates below the horizontal plane, the whole kernels roll along the two adjacent sieve claws in the front row to the receiving plate. The bending angle of the claw head plays a guiding role.

[0021] S4: Whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm roll into the second conveyor belt via the receiving plate. The surface of the second conveyor belt is coated with silicone to prevent the whole kernels from rolling. The whole kernels follow the movement of the second conveyor belt.

[0022] S5: Screening of extra-large whole kernels with a diameter ≥20mm: Whole kernels pass through the first screening plate, with the bottom edge of the first screening plate being 20mm vertically from the second conveyor belt. Whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm are blocked by the first screening plate and moved along the screening plate to the corresponding discharge port under the traction of the second conveyor belt, completing the screening of extra-large whole kernels with a diameter ≥20mm. The secondary plate prevents whole kernels with a diameter <20mm from entering the discharge port next to the first screening plate. When whole kernels with a diameter <20mm on the side of the second conveyor belt touch the secondary plate, they will move away from the discharge port along the secondary plate under the conveying action of the second conveyor belt.

[0023] S6: Screening of whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm: Whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥12.5mm follow the second conveyor belt and pass through the second screening plate. The bottom edge of the second screening plate is 16mm away from the second conveyor belt. Whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm are blocked by the second screening plate and move along the screening plate to the corresponding discharge port under the traction of the second conveyor belt, thus completing the screening of whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm. The auxiliary plate prevents whole kernels with a diameter <16mm from entering the discharge port next to the second screening plate. When whole kernels with a diameter <16mm on the side of the second conveyor belt touch the auxiliary plate, they will move away from the discharge port along the auxiliary plate under the conveying action of the second conveyor belt.

[0024] S7: Screening of small whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm: Whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm follow the second conveyor belt and pass through the third screening plate. The vertical distance between the bottom edge of the third screening plate and the second conveyor belt is 12.5mm. Whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm are blocked by the third screening plate and move along the screening plate to the corresponding discharge port under the traction of the second conveyor belt, thus completing the screening of small whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. The present invention provides a macadamia nut kernel screening device, which performs multi-stage screening of nut kernels through a streamlined operation; the inclined conveying surface and horizontal conveying surface of the first conveyor belt are combined with the second conveyor belt to carry out the conveying in a coordinated manner, realizing the continuous operation of removing half kernels and broken kernels and grading whole kernels; the sieve roller of the first screening component and the grading sieve plate of the second screening component form a three-dimensional screening system, avoiding the problem of repeated falling of nut kernels caused by traditional multi-layer sieves, and reducing the broken kernel rate by about 40%-50%.

[0027] 2. This invention provides a macadamia nut kernel screening device. The screening device uses sieve claws and claw heads on the sieve rollers to form a dynamic screening mechanism. The elastic deformation of the silicone material of the claw heads achieves precise separation of whole kernels and half kernels. The bending angle of the claw heads is 120°~160° to prevent whole kernels from slipping. Most half kernels and broken kernels pass through the sieve claws and continue to be conveyed on the first conveyor belt. A small number of half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm are picked up, but due to their insufficient integrity, they will slip through the gaps during the sieve claw rolling process. The half kernel removal efficiency is increased to 95%. In the above, whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm are stably conveyed through the flow channel. As the screen rollers rotate, the whole kernels in the flow channel roll forward. The front row of screen claws prevents them from falling off. When the front row of screen claws rotates below the horizontal plane, the whole kernels roll along the two adjacent screen claws in the front row to the receiving plate. The bending angle of the claw head plays a guiding role. The 150°-170° tilt design of the receiving plate, combined with the silicone claw head guiding, allows the whole kernels to slide into the second conveyor belt at a low speed of ≤0.1m / s, avoiding surface damage to the kernels due to collision.

[0028] 3. The present invention provides a macadamia nut kernel sorting device, wherein multiple arc-shaped claws are evenly arranged on the baffle bar of the sorting device, and a gap is provided between adjacent claws. The width of the gap matches the width of the claw head. The claws prevent the kernels from sliding down, and in conjunction with the tilt angle of the inclined conveyor surface, it is beneficial for the claw head to fully pick up the kernels.

[0029] 4. The macadamia nut kernel sorting device provided by this invention, by setting multiple sieving plates, facilitates precise grading of whole kernels. Specifically, the second conveyor belt, through a three-tiered vertical limiting structure of the sieving plates and the auxiliary plate, achieves precise grading of extra-large whole kernels with a diameter ≥20mm, whole kernels with a diameter ≥16mm, and small whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm. The passageway design at the perpendicular feet of the auxiliary plate and the sieving plates forces the whole kernels to move along a predetermined trajectory, reducing the sorting error rate. The surface of the second conveyor belt is coated with a silicone coating to hinder the rolling of whole kernels, increase the adhesion of kernels, facilitate stable conveying of whole kernels during the grading process, and reduce the relative movement between whole kernels and the second conveyor belt, further reducing the sorting error rate.

[0030] 5. The present invention provides a macadamia nut kernel screening device. The screening device controls damage throughout the entire process. From the low-speed sliding of the feed hopper guide plate to the flexible contact of the silicone head of the screen claw, and then to the low-friction conveying of the second conveyor belt, the entire process adopts a non-rigid contact method. The mechanical damage rate of the kernels is ≤2%, which significantly improves the yield. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a macadamia nut kernel sorting device.

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of part B;

[0035] Figure 4 A side view of a macadamia nut kernel sorting device;

[0036] Figure 5 A half-sectional view of a macadamia nut kernel sorting device;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of section C;

[0038] Figure 7 A top view of a macadamia nut kernel sorting device;

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate screen roller;

[0040] Figure 9 for Figure 1 Top view of the intermediate screening roller;

[0041] Figure 10 for Figure 1 Side view of the intermediate screen roller;

[0042] Figure 11 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the middle baffle bar;

[0043] Figure 12 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate screening plate.

[0044] Reference numerals: 1. First conveyor belt; 11. Inclined conveyor surface; 12. Horizontal conveyor surface; 2. Second conveyor belt; 3. First screening assembly; 31. Screen roller; 32. Screen claw; 33. Claw head; 34. Bearing seat; 35. Baffle plate; 36. Flow channel; 37. Baffle bar; 38. Baffle claw; 39. Gap; 4. Second screening assembly; 41. Side plate; 42. Screening plate; 43. Receiving plate; 44. Claw groove; 45. Discharge port; 46. Sub-plate; 47. Passageway; 5. Feed hopper; 51. Guide plate; 52. Feed inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0049] like Figures 1-12As shown, this embodiment provides a macadamia nut kernel screening device, including a first conveyor belt 1, which includes an inclined conveying surface 11 and a horizontal conveying surface 12, which are connected by an arc-shaped transition section, and the included angle between the inclined conveying surface 11 and the horizontal conveying surface 12 is 135°~150°. A second conveyor belt 2 is arranged parallel to the horizontal conveying surface 12. A first screening component 3 is arranged on the inclined conveying surface 11, which includes a sieve roller 31, and sieve claws 32 are evenly distributed on the sieve roller 31. The sieve claws 32 are used to remove half kernels and broken kernels. A second screening component 4 is arranged on the second conveyor belt 2, which includes side plates 41 arranged on both sides of the second conveyor belt 2. Multiple screening plates 42 of different heights are arranged between the two side plates 41. The screening plates 42 are used to grade whole kernels. The first conveyor belt 1, the second conveyor belt 2, and the sieve roller 31 are all controlled by drive motors to rotate at a speed of 0.1 m / s. The inclined conveying surface 11 and the horizontal conveying surface 12 of the first conveyor belt 1, together with the second conveyor belt 2, work together to achieve continuous operation of removing half and broken kernels and grading whole kernels. The sieve roller 31 of the first screening component 3 and the grading sieve plate 42 of the second screening component 4 form a three-dimensional screening system, which avoids the problem of repeated falling of nuts caused by traditional multi-layer sieves, and reduces the broken kernel rate by about 40%-50%.

[0050] like Figures 1-10As shown, in this embodiment, bearing seats 34 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the inclined conveyor surface 11, and a sieve roller 31 is arranged between the two bearing seats 34. The rotation direction of the sieve roller 31 is consistent with the transmission direction of the first conveyor belt 1. Circular baffles 35 are arranged on both sides of the sieve roller 31 to match the width of the first conveyor belt 1. The circular baffles 35 prevent whole kernels from slipping off from both sides. Flow channels 36 are evenly opened on the sieve roller 31 between the baffles 35 on both sides. Sieve claws 32 are arranged on both sides of each flow channel 36 extending radially along the sieve roller 31. The distance between two adjacent sieve claws 32 is 12.5mm. Multiple rows of sieve claws 32 are arranged axially on the sieve roller 31. The ends of the sieve claws 32 are bent in the rotation direction of the sieve roller 31, with a bending angle of 120°~160°. Claw heads 33 are provided at the bends, and the claw heads 33 are made of silicone. The screening device uses screen claws 32 and claw heads 33 on the screen roller 31 to form a dynamic screening mechanism. The elastic deformation of the silicone material of the claw heads 33 achieves precise separation of whole kernels and half kernels. The bending angle of the claw heads 33 is 120°~160° to prevent whole kernels from slipping. Most half kernels and broken kernels pass through the screen claws 32 and continue to be conveyed on the first conveyor belt 1. A small number of half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm are picked up, but due to their insufficient integrity, they will slip through the gap 39 during the rolling of the screen claws 32. The half kernel removal efficiency is increased to over 95%, and the diameter ≥12.5mm is reduced. Whole kernels are stably conveyed through the flow channel 36. As the screen roller 31 rotates, the whole kernels in the flow channel 36 roll forward. The front row of screen claws 32 prevents them from falling. When the front row of screen claws 32 rotates below the horizontal plane, the whole kernels roll along the two adjacent screen claws 32 in the front row onto the receiving plate 43. The bending angle of the claw head 33 plays a guiding role. The 150°~170° tilt angle design of the receiving plate 43, combined with the guiding of the silicone claw head 33, allows the whole kernels to slide into the second conveyor belt 2 at a low speed of ≤0.1m / s, avoiding surface damage to the kernels due to collision.

[0051] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, baffles 37 are evenly arranged along the vertical conveying direction on the first conveyor belt 1. Multiple arc-shaped claws 38 are evenly arranged on the baffles 37, with gaps 39 between adjacent claws 38. The width of the gaps 39 matches the width of the claw heads 33. The vertical distance between adjacent baffles 37 is equal to the arc length between two adjacent rows of claw heads 33. When the sieve roller 31 rotates, each row of sieve claws 32 passes through the gaps 39 between the claws 38 in sequence. The claws 38 prevent the kernels from sliding down, and combined with the tilt angle of the inclined conveyor surface 11, this facilitates the claw heads 33 in fully scooping up the kernels.

[0052] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 12As shown, in this embodiment, the second screening component 4 further includes a receiving plate 43 disposed at the front end of the second conveyor belt 2. The receiving plate 43 has claw grooves 44 adapted to the screening claws 32. The angle between the receiving plate 43 and the second conveyor belt 2 is 150°~170°. The surface of the second conveyor belt 2 is coated with a silicone coating, the static friction coefficient of which is 0.5~0.8. The silicone coating on the surface of the second conveyor belt 2 hinders the rolling of whole kernels, increases kernel adhesion, and facilitates stable transport of whole kernels during the grading process. It also reduces the relative movement between the whole kernels and the second conveyor belt 2, lowering the sorting error rate.

[0053] like Figure 5 , Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, vertical side plates 41 are provided on both sides of the receiving plate 43, and three inclined screening plates 42 are arranged in sequence between the side plates 41. Along the conveying direction, the vertical distances from the bottom edge of the three screening plates 42 to the second conveyor belt 2 are 20mm, 16mm and 12.5mm respectively. Each screening plate 42 has a discharge port 45 on the end side plate 41 along the conveying direction. A vertical sub-plate 46 is provided on the side plate 41 in front of the discharge port 45. The sub-plate 46 is arranged perpendicularly to the screening plate 42, and a passage 47 is provided at the perpendicular foot of the sub-plate 46 and the screening plate 42. By setting multiple screening plates 42, it is beneficial to accurately grade whole kernels. Specifically, the second conveyor belt 2 achieves accurate grading of extra-large whole kernels with a diameter ≥20mm, whole kernels with a diameter ≥16mm, and small whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm through the vertical limiting structure of the three-step screening plate 42 and the auxiliary plate 46. The passageway 47 at the perpendicular foot of the auxiliary plate 46 and the screening plate 42 is designed to force the whole kernels to move along a predetermined trajectory, reducing the sorting error rate.

[0054] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a feeding bin 5 is provided at the front end of the inclined conveying surface 11. An inclined guide plate 51 is provided inside the feeding bin 5. A strip-shaped feeding port 52 is constructed between the guide plate 51 and the bottom of the feeding bin 5. The width of the feeding port 52 is 30mm, which limits the number of nuts entering the first conveyor belt 1. The screening device controls damage throughout the entire process. From the low-speed sliding of the guide plate 51 in the feeding bin 5 to the flexible contact of the silicone head of the screen claw 32, and then to the low-friction conveying of the second conveyor belt 2, the entire process adopts a non-rigid contact method. The mechanical damage rate of nuts is ≤2%, which significantly improves the yield.

[0055] A method for screening macadamia nut kernels includes the following steps:

[0056] S1: The feeding hopper 5 receives the shelling machine. The shelling machine feeds the kernels into the feeding hopper 5. The kernels move through the guide plate 51 and the inlet 52 to the inclined conveyor surface 11.

[0057] S2: The kernels slide down the inclined conveyor surface 11 under gravity and are blocked by the arc-shaped baffle 38 of the baffle 37. When the baffle 37 moves with the first conveyor belt 1 to the closest distance to the sieve roller 31, the claw head 33 of the sieve claw 32 passes through the gap 39 between the baffles 38. The claw head 33 picks up whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm and a small amount of half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm. The bending angle of the claw head 33 prevents whole kernels from slipping. Most of the half kernels and broken kernels pass through the sieve claw 32 and continue to be conveyed on the first conveyor belt 1, completing the recycling.

[0058] S3: When the sieve roller 31 rotates, when the sieve claw 32 rotates to above the horizontal plane, whole kernels and half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm roll along two adjacent sieve claws 32. Half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm, due to insufficient integrity, slide down from the gap 39 between the sieve claws 32 during rolling and enter the first conveyor belt 1. Whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm enter the flow channel 36 on the sieve roller 31. As the sieve roller 31 rotates, the whole kernels in the flow channel 36 roll forward. The front row of sieve claws 32 prevents them from falling. When the front row of sieve claws 32 rotates below the horizontal plane, the whole kernels roll along the two adjacent sieve claws 32 in the front row to the receiving plate 43. The bending angle of the claw head 33 plays a guiding role.

[0059] S4: Whole kernels with a diameter ≥ 12.5mm roll into the second conveyor belt 2 via the receiving plate 43. The surface of the second conveyor belt 2 is coated with a silicone coating to prevent the whole kernels from rolling. The whole kernels follow the movement of the second conveyor belt 2.

[0060] S5: Screening of extra-large whole kernels with a diameter ≥ 20mm: Whole kernels pass through the first screening plate 42, with the bottom edge of the first screening plate 42 being 20mm vertically from the second conveyor belt 2. Whole kernels with a diameter ≥ 12.5mm are blocked by the first screening plate 42 and move along the screening plate 42 to the corresponding discharge port 45 under the traction of the second conveyor belt 2, thus completing the screening of extra-large whole kernels with a diameter ≥ 20mm. The secondary plate 46 prevents whole kernels with a diameter < 20mm from entering the discharge port 45 next to the first screening plate 42. When whole kernels with a diameter < 20mm on the side of the second conveyor belt 2 touch the secondary plate 46, they will move away from the discharge port 45 along the secondary plate 46 under the conveying action of the second conveyor belt 2.

[0061] S6: Screening whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm: Whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥12.5mm move with the second conveyor belt 2 and pass through the second screening plate 42. The vertical distance between the bottom edge of the second screening plate 42 and the second conveyor belt 2 is 16mm. Whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm are blocked by the second screening plate 42 and move along the screening plate 42 to the corresponding discharge port 45 under the traction of the second conveyor belt 2, thus completing the screening of whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm. The auxiliary plate 46 prevents whole kernels with a diameter <16mm from entering the discharge port 45 next to the second screening plate 42. When whole kernels with a diameter <16mm on the side of the second conveyor belt 2 touch the auxiliary plate 46, they will move away from the discharge port 45 along the auxiliary plate 46 under the conveying action of the second conveyor belt 2.

[0062] S7: Screening of small whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm: Whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm follow the second conveyor belt 2 and pass through the third screening plate 42. The vertical distance between the bottom edge of the third screening plate 42 and the second conveyor belt 2 is 12.5mm. Whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm are blocked by the third screening plate 42 and move along the screening plate 42 to the corresponding discharge port 45 under the traction of the second conveyor belt 2, thus completing the screening of small whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A macadamia nut kernel sorting device, characterized in that, It includes a first conveyor belt (1), which includes an inclined conveyor surface (11) and a horizontal conveyor surface (12), and a second conveyor belt (2) is arranged parallel to the horizontal conveyor surface (12) directly above it. A first screening component (3) is provided on the inclined conveying surface (11). The first screening component (3) includes a screening roller (31) and screening claws (32) are evenly distributed on the screening roller (31). The screening claws (32) are used to remove half kernels and broken kernels. A second screening component (4) is provided on the second conveyor belt (2). The second screening component (4) includes side plates (41) on both sides of the second conveyor belt (2). Multiple screening plates (42) of different heights are provided between the two side plates (41). The screening plates (42) are used to grade whole kernels. Bearing seats (34) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the inclined conveyor surface (11). A screen roller (31) is arranged between the two bearing seats (34). The rotation direction of the screen roller (31) is consistent with the transmission direction of the first conveyor belt (1). Circular baffles (35) are arranged on both sides of the screen roller (31) to match the width of the first conveyor belt (1). Flow channels (36) are evenly opened on the screen roller (31) between the baffles (35) on both sides. Screen claws (32) are arranged on both sides of each flow channel (36) along the radial direction of the screen roller (31). The distance between two adjacent screen claws (32) is 12.5 mm. Multiple rows of screen claws (32) are arranged on the screen roller (31) along the axial direction. The end of the screen claw (32) is bent in the direction of rotation of the screen roller (31) with a bending angle of 120°~160°. A claw head (33) is provided at the bend, and the claw head (33) is made of silicone. The first conveyor belt (1) is uniformly arranged with baffles (37) perpendicular to the conveying direction. Multiple arc-shaped baffles (38) are uniformly arranged on the baffles (37). A gap (39) is set between adjacent baffles (38). The width of the gap (39) matches the width of the baffle head (33). The vertical distance between adjacent baffles (37) is equal to the arc length between two adjacent rows of claws (33). When the screen roller (31) rotates, each row of screen claws (32) passes through the gap (39) between the baffles (38) in sequence. The second screening component (4) also includes a receiving plate (43) disposed at the front end of the second conveyor belt (2). The receiving plate (43) has claw grooves (44) adapted to the screen claws (32). The angle between the receiving plate (43) and the second conveyor belt (2) is 150°~170°. The surface of the second conveyor belt (2) is provided with a silicone coating. The static friction coefficient of the silicone coating is 0.5~0.

8. Vertical side plates (41) are provided on both sides of the receiving plate (43), and three inclined screening plates (42) are arranged in sequence between the side plates (41). Along the conveying direction, the vertical distances from the bottom edge of the three screening plates (42) to the second conveyor belt (2) are 20mm, 16mm and 12.5mm respectively. Each screening plate (42) has a discharge port (45) on the end side plate (41) along the conveying direction. A vertical sub-plate (46) is provided on the side plate (41) in front of the discharge port (45). The sub-plate (46) is perpendicular to the screening plate (42). A passage (47) is provided at the perpendicular foot of the sub-plate (46) and the screening plate (42). The angle between the inclined conveying surface (11) and the horizontal conveying surface (12) is 135°~150°; a feeding hopper (5) is provided at the front end of the inclined conveying surface (11), and an inclined guide plate (51) is provided inside the feeding hopper (5). A strip-shaped feeding port (52) is constructed at the bottom of the guide plate (51) and the feeding hopper (5), and the width of the feeding port (52) is 30mm.

2. A method for screening macadamia nut kernels, characterized in that, The steps include the following: S1: The feeding hopper (5) receives the shelling machine. The shelling machine feeds the kernels into the feeding hopper (5). The kernels move through the guide plate (51) and the feed inlet (52) to the inclined conveyor surface (11). S2: The kernels slide down the inclined conveyor surface (11) under gravity and are blocked by the arc-shaped claws (38) of the baffle (37). When the baffle (37) moves with the first conveyor belt (1) to the closest distance to the sieve roller (31), the claw head (33) of the sieve claw (32) passes through the gap (39) between the claws (38). The claw head (33) picks up whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm and a small amount of half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm. The bending angle of the claw head (33) prevents whole kernels from slipping. Most of the half kernels and broken kernels pass through the sieve claw (32) and continue to be conveyed on the first conveyor belt (1) to complete the recycling. S3: When the sieve roller (31) rotates, when the sieve claw (32) rotates to above the horizontal plane, whole kernels and half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm roll along two adjacent sieve claws (32). Half kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm, due to insufficient integrity, slide down from the gap (39) between the sieve claws (32) during rolling and enter the first conveyor belt (1). Whole kernels with a diameter ≥12.5mm enter the flow channel (36) on the sieve roller (31). As the sieve roller (31) rotates, the whole kernels in the flow channel (36) roll forward. The front row of sieve claws (32) prevents them from falling. When the front row of sieve claws (32) rotates below the horizontal plane, the whole kernels roll along the two adjacent sieve claws (32) in the front row to the receiving plate (43). The bending angle of the claw head (33) plays a guiding role. S4: Whole kernels with a diameter ≥ 12.5 mm roll into the second conveyor belt (2) via the receiving plate (43). The surface of the second conveyor belt (2) is coated with silicone to prevent the whole kernels from rolling. The whole kernels follow the movement of the second conveyor belt (2). S5: Screening of extra-large whole kernels with a diameter ≥ 20 mm: Whole kernels pass through the first screening plate (42), the vertical distance between the bottom edge of the first screening plate (42) and the second conveyor belt (2) is 20 mm. Whole kernels with a diameter ≥ 12.5 mm are blocked by the first screening plate (42) and move along the screening plate (42) to the corresponding discharge port (45) under the traction of the second conveyor belt (2), thus completing the screening of extra-large whole kernels with a diameter ≥ 20 mm. The auxiliary plate (46) prevents whole kernels with a diameter < 20 mm from entering the discharge port (45) next to the first screening plate (42). When whole kernels with a diameter < 20 mm on the side of the second conveyor belt (2) touch the auxiliary plate (46), they will move away from the discharge port (45) along the auxiliary plate (46) under the conveying action of the second conveyor belt (2). S6: Screening whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm: Whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥12.5mm follow the second conveyor belt (2) and pass through the second screening plate (42). The vertical distance between the bottom edge of the second screening plate (42) and the second conveyor belt (2) is 16mm. Whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm are blocked by the second screening plate (42) and move along the screening plate (42) to the corresponding discharge port (45) under the traction of the second conveyor belt (2), thus completing the screening of whole kernels with a diameter <20mm and ≥16mm. The auxiliary plate (46) prevents whole kernels with a diameter <16mm from entering the discharge port (45) next to the second screening plate (42). When whole kernels with a diameter <16mm on the side of the second conveyor belt (2) touch the auxiliary plate (46), they will move away from the discharge port (45) along the auxiliary plate (46) under the conveying action of the second conveyor belt (2). S7: Screening small whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm: Whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm follow the second conveyor belt (2) and pass through the third screening plate (42). The vertical distance between the bottom edge of the third screening plate (42) and the second conveyor belt (2) is 12.5mm. Whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm are blocked by the third screening plate (42) and move along the screening plate (42) to the corresponding discharge port (45) under the traction of the second conveyor belt (2), thus completing the screening of small whole kernels with a diameter <16mm and ≥12.5mm.

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