Fruit cleaning system
By incorporating partitions and a self-rotating roller brush within the fruit washing tank, the problem of time-consuming fruit washing is solved, achieving an efficient fruit washing and draining process.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511568890.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies for fruit washing are time-consuming, resulting in low washing efficiency.
A partition is installed inside the washing tank to divide it into a washing chamber and a draining chamber. Multiple rotating first and second roller brushes are arranged in the washing chamber to form a washing channel. Combined with flow-blocking components and a draining plate, the fruit can be continuously washed and drained.
The design of the partition and roller brush shortens the washing time, improves the washing efficiency, and achieves continuous and efficient fruit washing and draining.
Smart Images
Figure CN121128936A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of fruit deep processing auxiliary equipment, and particularly relates to a fruit cleaning system. BACKGROUND
[0002] Orange (or other spherical skin fruits, such as citrus) needs to be cleaned before deep processing to remove impurities on the skin. In the prior art, a cleaning sink can be used as a container, and cleaning water is introduced into the cleaning sink to clean the citrus. During the cleaning process, a nozzle can be used to spray flushing water with pressure to make the citrus tumble in the cleaning sink while flushing away the impurities attached to the skin. After a period of time, the citrus is fished out and then drained. SUMMARY
[0003] In view of the problems in the prior art, the present application provides a fruit cleaning system which solves the problem of low efficiency caused by long cleaning time in the prior art.
[0004] According to an embodiment, a fruit cleaning system is provided, which comprises a cleaning sink, a partition plate fixedly connected in the cleaning sink and separating the cleaning sink into a cleaning chamber and a draining chamber, a plurality of first rolling brushes arranged equidistantly from one end to the other end in the cleaning chamber and rotating, a plurality of second rolling brushes arranged opposite to the first rolling brushes and rotating above the first rolling brushes, a brush cleaning channel formed between the first rolling brushes and the second rolling brushes and located above the partition plate, and a feeding hopper fixedly connected to the cleaning sink and close to one end of the brush cleaning channel away from the partition plate; the cleaning sink is further fixedly connected with a discharging chute in communication with the draining chamber and opposite to the upper end of the partition plate, and a draining plate is fixedly connected in the cleaning sink and close to both the partition plate and the discharging chute, and a plurality of draining holes are arranged on the draining plate; and a flow resistance member is arranged between the draining plate and the partition plate. In the cleaning chamber of the cleaning sink, the second rolling brushes and the first rolling brushes are arranged in a vertical manner. During cleaning, the fruits (i.e. citrus, orange and other fruits to be cleaned) pass through the brush cleaning channel enclosed by the first rolling brushes and the second rolling brushes, and the fruits are continuously brushed from top to bottom. During the brushing process, the fruits roll towards the other end (the end) under the pushing of the first rolling brushes and the second rolling brushes. The flow resistance member arranged at the end of the brush cleaning channel blocks the fruits from directly passing through, so that the fruits move closely in the brush cleaning channel and then pass over the flow resistance member to the draining chamber for draining, and finally are guided to the discharging chute. The whole process can be faster and more continuous than the prior art, and the draining is performed immediately after the brushing, so that the operation time is shortened, and the problem of low efficiency caused by long cleaning time in the prior art is solved.
[0005] Further, the flow blocking member comprises a first plate segment adjacent to the partition plate and a second plate segment adjacent to the draining plate, the first plate segment and the second plate segment are in an obtuse angle opening downward, the second plate segment is rotatably connected to the cleaning tank, and the first plate segment is provided with a first perforation.
[0006] Further, the discharge groove is horizontally extended and detachably connected to a brush plate at an end away from the cleaning tank, the brush plate is provided with upwardly extending blocking bristles.
[0007] Further, the partition plate is fixedly connected to a positioning block, and the first plate segment is fixedly connected to a limiting rod extending downwardly and penetrating through the positioning block.
[0008] Further, the draining plate is higher at an end adjacent to the partition plate than at another end, a plurality of installation horizontal pipes are installed in the cleaning tank above the draining plate, two ends of each installation horizontal pipe are fixed to inner walls of the cleaning tank, one end of each installation horizontal pipe extends out of the cleaning tank, and a plurality of first nozzles are connected to the installation horizontal pipes.
[0009] Further, the first nozzles provided on the installation horizontal pipes adjacent to the partition plate are provided with outlets away from the partition plate and obliquely downward, and the first nozzles provided on the installation horizontal pipes farther away from the partition plate are provided with larger angles with a horizontal plane.
[0010] Further, the cleaning tank is provided with a plurality of installation vertical pipes fixedly arranged above the second brush at an upper end of the cleaning tank, one end of each installation vertical pipe is fixedly connected to an access pipe, the installation vertical pipes are provided with a plurality of second nozzles with outlets downward, and all the second nozzles are arranged from one end of the cleaning chamber to another end of the cleaning chamber.
[0011] Further, the cleaning tank is fixedly connected to a first drain pipe and a second drain pipe at a bottom of the cleaning tank, the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe are respectively in communication with the cleaning chamber and the draining chamber.
[0012] Further, the first brush and the second brush each comprise an installation shaft and a roller fixedly arranged around the installation shaft, the roller is provided with a plurality of second perforations and a plurality of cleaning bristles staggered with the second perforations.
[0013] Further, the cleaning bristles and the second perforations are arranged in spaced strip shapes on the roller, and the roller of the first brush is further fixedly connected to a plurality of protruding strips arranged in strip shapes.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following beneficial effects: The cleaning water tank is arranged into a cleaning chamber and a draining chamber through the partition plate, the washed fruits are directly drained, the overall time consumption can be shortened, the first roller brush and the second roller brush are arranged in the cleaning chamber to form a brushing channel, the fruits pass through the brushing channel, the fruits are continuously brushed from top to bottom in the process, the fruits also roll to the other end (the terminal end) under the pushing of the first roller brush and the second roller brush, the flow resistance member is arranged at the terminal end of the brushing channel to block the fruits from directly passing through, so that the fruits can move closely in the brushing channel, then pass over the flow resistance member to the draining chamber to be drained, and finally are guided to the discharge groove, the overall time consumption is shorter, and the problem of low efficiency caused by long cleaning time in the prior art is solved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] Figure 1 It is a general structure schematic diagram of the embodiment of the application; Figure 2 It is a general structure schematic diagram of the embodiment of the application; Figure 1 It is an enlarged schematic diagram of the partial structure at A in the embodiment of the application; Figure 3 It is a first roller brush and a second roller brush driving structure schematic diagram (one) of the embodiment of the application; Figure 4 It is a first roller brush and a second roller brush driving structure schematic diagram (two) of the embodiment of the application; Figure 5 It is a first roller brush structure schematic diagram of the embodiment of the application; Figure 6 It is a second roller brush structure schematic diagram of the embodiment of the application; Figure 7 It is a general structure schematic diagram of the embodiment of the application; Figure 1 It is an enlarged schematic diagram of the partial structure at B in the embodiment of the application; In the above drawings: The cleaning water tank 1, the cleaning chamber 2, the draining chamber 3, the partition plate 4, the first roller brush 5, the second roller brush 6, the feeding hopper 7, the mounting shaft 8, the roller 9, the chain wheel 10, the chain 11, the driving motor 12, the speed reducer 13, the output end 14, the cleaning brush 15, the connecting rod 16, the draining plate 17, the discharge groove 18, the positioning block 19, the limiting hole 20, the first plate segment 21, the second plate segment 22, the sleeve 23, the rotating shaft 24, the limiting rod 25, the mounting horizontal pipe 26, the first nozzle 27, the top plate 28, the mounting vertical pipe 29, the access pipe 30, the second nozzle 31, the water inlet pipe 32, the second perforation 33, the convex strip 34, the blocking brush 35, the mounting plate 36, the first drain pipe 37, the second drain pipe 38, the guiding pipe 39, the three-way valve 40. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The technical solutions in the application will be further described below in combination with the drawings and the embodiments.
[0017] As Figures 1-4As shown, this embodiment provides a fruit washing system, which includes a washing tank 1. Unlike existing technologies, this solution has a partition 4 fixedly installed within the washing tank 1, dividing it into a washing chamber 2 and a draining chamber 3. Fruits (i.e., citrus fruits, oranges, etc.) are washed in the washing chamber 2, and then pass over the partition 4 to drain directly in the draining chamber 3. This shortens the overall time and improves overall efficiency to a certain extent. Furthermore, multiple first roller brushes 5 are equidistantly arranged from one end to the other within the washing chamber 2, and a rotating device is also installed above the first roller brushes 5. Multiple second roller brushes 6 are staggered with the first roller brush 5, forming a washing channel above the partition 4. A feed hopper 7 is fixedly connected to the washing tank 1, located near the end of the washing channel opposite to the partition 4. The feed hopper 7 allows the fruit to be washed to be fed into the washing tank 1. The first roller brush 5 is positioned closer to the lower edge where the feed hopper 7 connects to the washing tank 1, while the second roller brushes 6 are positioned further away. This creates a V-shaped opening between the feed hopper 7 and the washing channel, allowing the fruit to enter the washing channel normally. In a further embodiment, the first roller brush 5 and the second roller brush 6 are similarly configured, both including... Mounting shaft 8 and roller 9 fixedly surrounding mounting shaft 8. One end of mounting shaft 8 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of cleaning tank 1, and the other end extends rotatably outside cleaning tank 1 and is connected to a driver to drive its rotation. Sprockets 10 can also be fixedly connected to the ends of mounting shaft 8 of all first roller brushes 5 (or second roller brushes 6) located outside cleaning tank 1, with chains 11 connected around them. Thus, a set of drivers can drive all first roller brushes 5 (or all second roller brushes 6) to rotate synchronously. More specifically, the driver may include a drive motor 12 and a reducer 13 connected thereto. The reducer 13 has a connection to the end of mounting shaft 8. The output end 14 is connected to the drive motor 12 and the reducer 13 to achieve drive. In a more detailed scheme, the outer wall of the roller 9 is fixedly connected to the cleaning brush 15, and the inner wall is fixedly connected to the corresponding mounting shaft 8 through the connecting rod 16. In this way, the roller 9 rotates with the mounting shaft 8, and the cleaning brush 15 also rotates. The fruit is brushed in the washing channel. More specifically, during the washing process, the first roller brush 5 can rotate clockwise, while the second roller brush 6 rotates counterclockwise. The two work together to push the fruit to roll towards the partition 4, so that the washing can be carried out continuously.In a further embodiment, a drain plate 17 located within the draining chamber 3 is fixedly connected inside the washing tank 1. The drain plate 17 has drainage holes. A flow-blocking component is installed between the drain plate 17 and the partition 4 to prevent fruit from directly crossing the partition 4 onto the drain plate 17. The fruit must first cross the partition 4, then the flow-blocking component, and finally reach the drain plate 17. This allows the fruit to move closely together in the washing channel, then cross the flow-blocking component to reach the drain plate 17 in the draining chamber 3 for draining. A discharge trough 18, communicating with the draining chamber 3 and directly opposite the upper end of the partition 4, is also fixedly connected to the washing tank 1. This allows the fruit passing through the drain plate 17 to be discharged into the discharge trough 18. The entire process is faster and more continuous than existing technologies, with immediate draining, thus shortening the operation time and solving the problem of low efficiency due to long washing times in existing technologies.
[0018] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, in a further embodiment, the flow-blocking component includes a positioning block 19 fixed to one side of the partition 4 located within the draining chamber 3. The positioning block 19 has a limiting hole 20. The flow-blocking component also includes a first plate segment 21 and a second plate segment 22 connected thereto, forming an obtuse angle with the opening facing downwards. The first plate segment 21 is close to the partition 4, and the second plate segment 22 is close to the draining plate 17. A sleeve 23 is fixedly connected to the end of the second plate segment 22. A rotating shaft 24, which can rotate relative to the sleeve 23, is provided within the sleeve 23. Both ends of the rotating shaft 24 pass through the sleeve 23 and are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the washing water tank 1. That is, the first plate segment 21 and the second plate segment 22 can rotate relative to the rotating shaft 24. Simultaneously, a limiting rod 25 extending downwards and passing through a limiting hole 20 is fixedly connected to the end of the first plate segment 21. More specifically, the inner diameter of the limiting hole 20 is larger than the diameter of the limiting rod 25 (there can be two sets of limiting rods 25 and limiting holes 20). This allows the first plate segment 21 and the second plate segment 22 to rotate around the rotating shaft 24 within a relatively small range. Furthermore, the middle sections of the first plate segment 21 and the second plate segment 22 bulge upwards and are higher than the partition 4. Thus, after the fruit passes over the partition 4, it needs to move diagonally upwards and then over the first plate segment 21, allowing the fruit to slide downwards. The trend is such that as more fruit continues to move, the fruit speed decreases and rolls close together. This means that the fruit can roll closely together in the washing channel, improving washing efficiency. After the fruit passes the first plate segment 21, it can roll over the second plate segment 22 at a relatively fast speed, thus gradually increasing the spacing between the fruit on the drain plate 17. In this solution, the first plate segment 21 and the second plate segment 22 can be fixed relative to the washing tank 1, but they are set to be able to rotate relative to the rotating shaft 24 within a small range. This allows them to be pressed relatively downwards during the washing of larger fruits. The end of the first plate segment 21 is lower than the upper surface of the partition 4 (initially it is flush with the upper surface of the partition 4), allowing the fruit to flow more smoothly onto the first plate segment 21. This also makes the slope of the first plate segment 21 steeper, requiring subsequent fruit to push it over, thus ensuring that the fruit can roll closely together in the washing channel. In a further embodiment, several first perforations are provided on the first plate segment 21, running through it from top to bottom. At the same time, there is a small gap between the first plate segment 21 and the partition 4, which ensures that the first plate segment 21 can move downward smoothly by a small amount, and also allows the fruit to start draining after passing the partition 4.
[0019] like Figure 1As shown, the drain plate 17 in this design is inclined, with its higher end close to the second plate segment 22 and its lower end close to the inlet of the discharge trough 18. This allows the fruit to smoothly roll towards the other end after passing through the flow obstruction and onto the drain plate 17, thus smoothly reaching the discharge trough 18. In a further design, multiple horizontal mounting pipes 26 are installed above the drain plate 17 inside the washing tank 1. Both ends of the horizontal mounting pipes 26 are fixed to the inner wall of the washing tank 1, with one end extending outside the washing tank 1. Multiple first nozzles 27 are also connected to the 6, that is, multiple sets of first nozzles 27 with varying angles are set above the drain plate 17. As the fruit rolls towards the lower end, the first nozzles 27 can introduce pressurized air through the mounting horizontal pipe 26 (that is, one end of the mounting horizontal pipe 26 is fixedly extended to the outside of the washing water tank 1 and connected to the high-pressure air source to introduce high-pressure air) and blow it obliquely downward in the opposite direction of the fruit's rolling direction. This can slow down the rolling speed of the fruit and also help the water on the surface of the fruit to leave faster, ensuring the draining effect.
[0020] like Figure 1 , 5As shown in Figure 6, in a further embodiment, the top of the cleaning tank 1 is closed, meaning the top of the cleaning tank 1 has a top plate 28. Multiple mounting pipes 29, located above the second roller brush 6, are fixedly mounted on the top plate 28. Inlet pipes 30 are fixedly connected to one end of each mounting pipe 29. Multiple second nozzles 31 with downward-facing outlets are also connected to the mounting pipes 29. All second nozzles 31 extend from one end of the cleaning chamber 2 to the other end. The inlet pipes 30 at both ends can be connected to inlet pipes 32 to supply water. High-pressure cleaning water enters the installation longitudinal pipe 29 through the inlet pipe 30, and then sprays downwards through each of the second nozzles 31, spraying onto the second roller brush 6 below or onto the fruit. Besides achieving a similar rinsing effect to existing technologies, it also rinses the second roller brush 6 and supplies water to it for better brushing. More specifically, both the first roller brush 5 and the second roller brush 6 have second perforations 33 spaced apart from the cleaning bristles 15 on their rollers 9, allowing cleaning water to penetrate and pass through the rollers 9. The second perforation 33 is relatively large, allowing the impurities washed off to enter the roller 9, thus more efficiently separating from the fruit surface and migrating into the washing water in the washing chamber 2. Specifically, the upper surface of the partition 4 is higher than the mounting shaft 8 of the first roller brush 5, ensuring that most of the first roller brush 5 is submerged in the washing water. Furthermore, the rollers 9 of the first roller brush 5 have a gap smaller than the diameter of the fruit, allowing the fruit to be lifted by the washing bristles 15 and rolled towards the partition 4 as it is brushed. Simultaneously, the second roller brush 6 can be positioned below two adjacent first roller brushes 5. Directly above the partition 4, these components work together to allow the fruit to roll smoothly and closely to one end of the partition 4. In a more detailed embodiment, the roller 9 of the first roller brush 5 is also fixedly connected with multiple raised strips 34 arranged in a strip shape. These raised strips 34 are spaced apart from the cleaning brush bristles 15 and the second perforation 33, and are located inside the cleaning brush bristles 15. During the rolling of the fruit, these raised strips 34 can assist the cleaning brush bristles 15 to improve the cleaning efficiency. At the same time, the raised strips 34 can assist the fruit to move upward, so that the fruit can roll smoothly in the washing channel.
[0021] like Figure 1 and 7As shown, a brush plate is detachably connected to the end of the discharge trough 18 that extends horizontally and is away from the washing water tank 1. The brush plate is provided with upward-extending bristles 35. After the fruit is drained, it continues to roll on the discharge trough 18. As the speed slows down, the bristles 35 act as a barrier, causing the fruit to stay on the discharge trough 18. As more fruit follows, the fruit behind is gradually pushed forward, allowing it to smoothly pass over the bristles 35 and fall to the bottom. The fruit can then be collected in a collection box or other container. In a more detailed embodiment, the brush plate includes a "7"-shaped mounting plate 36 that is detachably connected to the discharge end. The mounting plate 36 has a top surface that is flush with the bottom surface of the discharge trough 18 (or slightly lower than the bottom surface of the discharge trough 18). The bristles 35 are fixed to the top surface of the mounting plate 36. In this way, the brush plate can also be detached, and the washed and drained fruit can be collected below.
[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the bottom of the cleaning tank 1 is also fixedly connected to a first drain pipe 37 and a second drain pipe 38, which are respectively connected to the cleaning chamber 2 and the draining chamber 3, for draining the water inside them. More specifically, the second drain pipe 38 can be normally open, so that the draining chamber 3 will not be full of water during the cleaning process. In a further embodiment, the first drain pipe 37 and the second drain pipe 38 can also be connected to the outlet pipe 39, and the three of them are connected by a three-way valve 40. During the cleaning process, the three-way valve 40 connects the second drain pipe 38 and the outlet pipe 39. After the cleaning is completed, the water in the draining chamber 3 will be drained first, and then the three-way valve 40 will connect the first drain pipe 37 and the outlet pipe 39 to release the water in the cleaning chamber 2.
[0023] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A fruit washing system, characterized in that, The system includes a washing tank, within which a partition is fixedly connected, dividing the tank into a washing chamber and a draining chamber. Multiple first roller brushes, equidistant from one end to the other, are rotatably arranged within the washing chamber. Above the first roller brushes, multiple second roller brushes are rotatably arranged, staggered from them. A brushing channel is formed between the first and second roller brushes above the partition. A feed hopper, located near the end of the brushing channel opposite the partition, is fixedly connected to the washing tank. A discharge chute, communicating with the draining chamber and directly opposite the upper end of the partition, is also fixedly connected to the washing tank. A drain plate, with multiple drainage holes, is fixedly connected at both ends near the partition and the discharge chute, respectively. A flow-blocking component is also provided between the drain plate and the partition.
2. The fruit washing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow-blocking component includes a first plate segment close to the partition and a second plate segment connected to the drain plate. The first plate segment and the second plate segment form an obtuse angle with the opening facing downwards. The second plate segment is also rotatably connected to the washing water tank. The first plate segment is also provided with a first perforation.
3. The fruit washing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A brush plate can be detachably connected to the end of the discharge trough that extends horizontally and is away from the cleaning water tank. The brush plate is equipped with upward-extending bristles to block the flow.
4. The fruit washing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A positioning block is fixedly connected to the partition, and a limiting rod extending downward and penetrating the positioning block is fixedly connected to the end of the first plate segment.
5. The fruit washing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the drain plate near the partition is higher than the other end. Multiple horizontal mounting pipes are installed above the drain plate in the cleaning tank. Both ends of the horizontal mounting pipes are fixed to the inner wall of the cleaning tank, and one end extends outside the cleaning tank. Multiple first nozzles are also connected to the horizontal mounting pipes.
6. The fruit washing system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first nozzle installed on the mounting horizontal tube near the partition has an outlet that is facing away from the partition and angled downwards, and the angle between the first nozzle on the mounting horizontal tube and the horizontal plane is larger the further away from the partition.
7. The fruit washing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the cleaning tank is also fixedly equipped with multiple mounting pipes located above the second roller brush. One end of each mounting pipe is fixedly connected to an inlet pipe. Multiple second nozzles with downward-facing outlets are also connected to the mounting pipes. All the second nozzles extend from one end of the cleaning chamber to the other end of the cleaning chamber.
8. The fruit washing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the washing tank is also fixedly connected to a first drain pipe and a second drain pipe, which are respectively connected to the washing chamber and the draining chamber.
9. The fruit washing system as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Both the first and second roller brushes include a mounting shaft and a roller fixedly surrounding the mounting shaft. The roller is also provided with a number of second perforations and a number of cleaning bristles that are staggered with the second perforations.
10. The fruit washing system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The cleaning bristles and the second perforation are distributed in a spaced strip pattern on the roller, and the roller of the first roller brush is also fixedly connected with multiple raised strips distributed in a strip pattern.