An automated massaging apparatus for processing mussels

Abstract

The present application relates to mussel processing technical field, specifically is related to a kind of automatic kneading equipment for mussel processing;Including: rack;Guiding module, vertical state is fixedly arranged on the rack, the guiding module is equipped with coaxially arranged outer guide ring and inner guide ring;The outer guide ring and the inner guide ring between enclosed constitute the long circular channel that can be supplied for mussel to pass through, the upper horizontal plane and the lower horizontal plane of this long circular channel respectively constitute upper cleaning area and lower cleaning area;Cleaning module is provided with two groups, two groups of the cleaning module are vertically set respectively in the upper surface of the outer guide ring and inner guide ring;Flexible limiting module is provided with two groups, two groups of the flexible limiting module are respectively horizontally fixedly arranged on the lower surface of the inner guide ring and the outer guide ring;Traction module, centrally arranged in the guiding module;The present application can not only be overall cleaned mussel and will not cause damage to mussel, and cleaning efficiency is high, effect is good.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mussel processing technology, specifically to an automated kneading device for mussel processing. Background Technology

[0002] Mussels (also known as blue mussels or blue mussels) are a nutritious and widely produced seafood. Their processing typically includes cleaning, removing the tentacles, kneading, rinsing, and grading. Among these steps, kneading is crucial for removing surface contaminants, tentacles residue, and mucus impurities, directly impacting subsequent rinsing and quality control. Current mussel processing often employs manual kneading or semi-automatic drum-type washing equipment. While manual operation is flexible, it is inefficient and labor-intensive; traditional drum-type washing structures still have significant shortcomings in terms of uniform decontamination, automation, and protection of the mussel's integrity.

[0003] Currently common drum-type or agitator-type rubbing equipment mostly relies on unidirectional rotation or high-pressure water jet impact to clean the surface of mussels, but it has the following main problems: 1. Uneven rubbing and unsatisfactory cleaning effect: The irregular shape of mussel shells makes it difficult for traditional equipment to achieve full contact at all angles, resulting in some areas not being thoroughly cleaned; 2. Mussels are easily damaged: Mechanical impact or excessive agitation can easily damage the shells, affecting the product appearance and yield; 3. Lack of automated control and intelligent adjustment: Most equipment cannot automatically adjust the rubbing intensity, time and direction according to the number, size or cleaning stage of mussels, resulting in increased energy consumption and unstable processing; 4. Low separation between cleaning and sewage systems: Wastewater and impurities generated during the rubbing process are not easily separated and discharged in time, which can easily cause secondary pollution and affect the processing hygiene standards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, an automated rubbing device for mussel processing is provided. This device not only tilts the mussels fully but also prevents damage, thus solving the technical problems of poor cleaning effect and damage to mussels caused by existing cleaning equipment.

[0005] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides an automated kneading device for mussel processing, comprising: a frame; a guide module, vertically fixed on the frame, the guide module having an outer guide ring and an inner guide ring coaxially arranged; the outer guide ring and the inner guide ring forming an elongated oval channel through which mussels can pass, the upper and lower horizontal surfaces of the elongated oval channel forming an upper cleaning zone and a lower cleaning zone, respectively; and two sets of cleaning modules, each set vertically positioned on the upper surface of the outer and inner guide rings, with the cleaning ends of the two sets of cleaning modules facing respectively. The system includes an upper and lower cleaning zone; two sets of flexible limiting modules, each horizontally fixed to the lower surface of the inner and outer guide rings, with their limiting ends facing the upper and lower cleaning zones respectively; a traction module centrally located within the guide module, equipped with a first pushing roller capable of sliding along the elongated oval channel transmission trajectory; a feeding module horizontally positioned behind the guide module for conveying mussels into the upper cleaning zone; and a discharging module horizontally positioned behind the guide module for discharging mussels from the lower cleaning zone.

[0006] Preferably, the cleaning module includes an adjustment frame and a cleaning brush that is horizontally rotatably disposed at the bottom of the adjustment frame, as well as a first linear driver that can adjust the cleaning brush to move longitudinally closer to or further away from the upper cleaning area; multiple cleaning brushes are provided, and the multiple cleaning brushes are rotatably disposed in a central array on the lower surface of the adjustment frame.

[0007] Preferably, the lower surface of the outer guide ring and the upper surface of the inner guide ring are respectively provided with through holes for the limiting end of the flexible limiting module to pass through; the through holes are provided in a rectangular array on the lower surface of the outer guide ring and the upper surface of the inner guide ring.

[0008] Preferably, the flexible limiting module is provided with a plurality of flexible limiting heads that are configured one-to-one with the through holes and a second linear actuator that can drive the plurality of flexible limiting heads to slide synchronously in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] Preferably, the flexible limiting head is a rubber head.

[0010] Preferably, the traction module further includes a second push roller, a limiting rod capable of equidistantly limiting the distance between the first push roller and the second push roller, and a drive rod capable of guiding the first push roller to rotate along the elongated oval channel.

[0011] Preferably, the feeding module is provided with a telescopic synchronous belt and a first support frame that can horizontally support and fix the telescopic synchronous belt; the telescopic synchronous belt is horizontally fixed to one side of the frame through the first support frame and the feeding end is set directly opposite the cleaning area.

[0012] Preferably, the feeding module is equipped with a pusher plate capable of horizontally pushing mussels out of the lower cleaning zone and a third linear actuator capable of horizontally driving the pusher plate to slide.

[0013] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0014] 1. This invention, through the cooperation of a guiding module and a traction module, enables mussels to automatically flip along a channel and enter the lower cleaning zone for lower surface cleaning after the upper surface is cleaned in the upper cleaning zone, thereby achieving continuous and uninterrupted cleaning operations on both sides. Compared with traditional single-sided rinsing or manual turning methods, it can achieve simultaneous cleaning of both sides in a single transmission process, significantly reducing cleaning time and resulting in more uniform surface cleanliness.

[0015] 2. This invention features cleaning modules composed of multiple sets of flexible cleaning brushes in both the upper and lower cleaning zones. Each set of brushes is controlled by both linear and rotary drives, automatically adjusting the contact pressure and rotation speed according to the size and degree of contamination of the mussels, achieving gentle contact and rubbing. Compared to traditional rigid drum cleaning structures, this invention effectively avoids technical problems such as shell breakage and separation of mussel meat while ensuring cleaning power.

[0016] 3. This invention incorporates flexible limiting modules in the upper and lower cleaning zones, with rubber limiting heads at the limiting ends, working in conjunction with a lifting plate to form a flexible limiting area. During the cleaning process, this structure provides elastic support and frictional restraint to the non-cleaned surface of the mussel, effectively preventing the mussel from slipping or shifting under the influence of water flow and brushing force. This flexible anti-slip design not only maintains the mussel's stable position but also buffers mechanical impact, significantly reducing damage rate and noise levels.

[0017] 4. This invention, through the linkage structure of the first and second pushing rollers and the rotational guide design of the drive rod, enables the mussels to naturally flip over during movement within the cleaning zone, thus achieving automatic cleaning on both sides without manual intervention. This automatic flipping mechanism, combined with the limiting guide rail, effectively ensures the stability of the mussels' conveying direction and posture, enabling continuous operation of the entire machine. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram of an automated kneading device used for processing mussels.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view of an automated kneading device used for processing mussels.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of section B.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a front view of an automated kneading device used for mussel processing.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view at point CC.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the loading and unloading modules in an automated kneading device used for mussel processing.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of point D.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an exploded 3D view of a portion of the structure of an automated kneading device for mussel processing, excluding the feeding and unloading modules.

[0027] Figure 10 This is an exploded 3D view of the feeding and unloading modules in an automated kneading device for mussel processing.

[0028] The numbers on the map are:

[0029] 1. Rack;

[0030] 2. Guide module; 21. Outer guide ring; 22. Inner guide ring; 23. Through hole;

[0031] 3. Cleaning module; 31. Adjustment frame; 32. Cleaning brush; 33. First linear driver; 34. First rotary driver;

[0032] 4. Flexible limiting module; 41. Flexible limiting head; 42. Second linear actuator; 43. Lifting plate; 44. First fixing frame;

[0033] 5. Traction module; 51. First push roller; 52. Second push roller; 53. Limiting rod; 54. Drive rod; 55. Second rotary driver; 56. Second fixing frame;

[0034] 6. Feeding module; 61. Telescopic synchronous belt; 62. First support frame;

[0035] 7. Feeding module; 71. Pusher plate; 72. Third linear driver; 73. Second support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] See Figures 1 to 10 The following describes an automated rubbing and kneading device for processing mussels: a frame 1; a guide module 2, vertically fixed on the frame 1, the guide module 2 having an outer guide ring 21 and an inner guide ring 22 coaxially arranged; the outer guide ring 21 and the inner guide ring 22 enclose an elongated oval channel through which mussels can pass, the upper and lower horizontal surfaces of the elongated oval channel forming an upper cleaning zone and a lower cleaning zone, respectively; and two sets of cleaning modules 3, each set vertically positioned on the upper surfaces of the outer guide ring 21 and the inner guide ring 22, with the cleaning ends of the two sets of cleaning modules 3 facing the upper cleaning zone and the lower cleaning zone, respectively. The system includes a lower cleaning zone; two sets of flexible limiting modules 4, each set horizontally fixed to the lower surfaces of the inner guide ring 22 and the outer guide ring 21, with the limiting ends of the two sets of flexible limiting modules 4 facing the upper and lower cleaning zones respectively; a traction module 5, centrally located within the guide module 2, equipped with a first pusher roller 51 capable of sliding along the elongated oval channel transmission trajectory; a feeding module 6, horizontally located behind the guide module 2, for conveying mussels towards the upper cleaning zone; and a discharging module 7, horizontally located behind the guide module 2, for discharging mussels from the lower cleaning zone.

[0038] When mussels need to be cleaned, an external power source is first connected to activate the feeding module 6. The feeding module 6 then transports the mussels to be cleaned to the upper cleaning zone located on the elongated oval channel via a telescopic synchronous belt 61. Subsequently, the corresponding cleaning module 3 in the upper cleaning zone is activated to rub and scrub the upper surface of the mussels. After the upper surface is cleaned, the traction module 5 is activated. This module drives the pusher rollers to move along the elongated oval channel, guiding the mussels from the upper cleaning zone to the lower cleaning zone. During this process, the inner diameter of the elongated oval channel matches the size of the mussels, ensuring that the mussels naturally flip over during traction, turning their unwashed side into the upper surface. At this time, the cleaning module 3 in the lower cleaning zone begins to work, rubbing and cleaning the flipped upper surface of the mussels, thus achieving efficient cleaning of both sides of the mussels.

[0039] During the cleaning process, flexible limiting modules 4, located on both sides of the upper and lower cleaning zones, provide flexible support and limiting constraints for the non-cleaned surfaces of the mussels, preventing them from shifting or jumping due to water flow or friction, thus ensuring cleaning uniformity and equipment operational stability. Through the segmented structure of the upper and lower cleaning zones and the automatic mussel flipping path design, continuous double-sided cleaning and automatic guidance of the mussels are achieved, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and surface decontamination uniformity while reducing manual intervention.

[0040] See Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown: The cleaning module 3 is provided with an adjustment frame 31 and a cleaning brush 32 that is horizontally rotatably disposed at the bottom of the adjustment frame 31, as well as a first linear driver 33 that can adjust the cleaning brush 32 to move longitudinally closer to or further away from the upper cleaning area; multiple cleaning brushes 32 are provided, and the multiple cleaning brushes 32 are rotatably disposed in a central array on the lower surface of the adjustment frame 31.

[0041] The cleaning module 3 also includes a first rotary driver 34 capable of synchronously driving multiple sets of cleaning brushes 32.

[0042] When it is necessary to rub the surface of the mussels in the upper cleaning zone, an external power source is first connected to drive the first linear actuator 33 to operate. The actuator output shaft extends longitudinally to move the adjusting frame 31 downward, causing multiple cleaning brushes 32 to gradually approach the mussel surface. Subsequently, the first rotary actuator 34 is activated, causing the cleaning brushes 32 to rotate synchronously. Multiple cleaning brushes 32 rub synchronously at the same speed and direction, forming a uniformly distributed multi-point friction field, effectively removing deposits and dirt from the mussel surface. The adjusting frame 31 and the rotary actuator form a linkage structure, which can automatically adjust the cleaning force and contact pressure according to the number of mussels and the thickness of surface deposits, thereby achieving efficient and flexible surface rubbing and cleaning.

[0043] Through dual control of linear and rotary drives, the cleaning brush 32 is synchronously approached and performs multi-point uniform rubbing, ensuring stable cleaning power and comprehensive coverage, while avoiding damage to the shell and improving cleaning consistency.

[0044] See Figure 8 As shown: The lower surface of the outer guide ring 21 and the upper surface of the inner guide ring 22 are respectively provided with through holes 23 for the limiting end of the flexible limiting module 4 to pass through; the through holes 23 are provided in a rectangular array on the lower surface of the outer guide ring 21 and the upper surface of the inner guide ring 22.

[0045] In the non-working state, the limiting end of the flexible limiting module 4 remains flush with the upper surface of the through hole 23. When the mussels enter the upper or lower cleaning zone, to prevent displacement or slippage during water flow or brushing, the flexible limiting module 4 is activated, causing the limiting end to pass longitudinally through the through hole 23, forming a flexible limiting band distributed within the cleaning zone. This limiting band provides flexible support and frictional constraint to the non-cleaned surface of the mussel, thereby maintaining its stable posture during cleaning. The flexible limiting module 4 can automatically extend and retract according to the shape of the mussel and the cleaning area, avoiding excessive compression that could damage the mussel.

[0046] By setting up the flexible limiting module 4, flexible limiting and stable support are achieved for the non-cleaned surface of the mussel, effectively preventing the mussel from drifting and rotating during cleaning, and significantly improving the cleaning uniformity and device stability.

[0047] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown: The flexible limiting module 4 is provided with a plurality of flexible limiting heads 41 that correspond one-to-one with the through holes 23 and a second linear driver 42 that can drive the plurality of flexible limiting heads 41 to slide longitudinally synchronously.

[0048] The flexible limiting module 4 also includes a lifting plate 43 and a first fixing frame 44 capable of simultaneously installing multiple flexible limiting heads 41; the second linear driver 42 is vertically fixed inside the inner guide ring 22 via the first fixing frame 44.

[0049] When the mussels require flexible positioning before cleaning, an external power source is first connected to drive the second linear actuator 42, which in turn moves the lifting plate 43 longitudinally upwards. This allows multiple flexible positioning heads 41 to pass through the through holes 23 in sequence, thus forming a "flexible positioning zone" in the cleaning area. This positioning zone provides effective support for the non-cleaned surface of the mussels during cleaning, preventing the mussels from slipping or rolling under the action of the cleaning module 3. The flexible positioning heads 41 are made of elastic material and have a certain deformation absorption capacity. They can automatically conform to the surface of the mussels during contact, achieving flexible support and shock absorption positioning.

[0050] The second linear actuator 42 drives the lifting plate 43 to form a flexible limiting zone, realizing automatic lifting and limiting of mussels and position self-adaptation, ensuring the stability and flexible protection of the cleaning process.

[0051] See Figure 4 As shown: The flexible limiting head 41 is specifically a rubber head.

[0052] The flexible limiting head 41 is made of highly elastic rubber or silicone material with an anti-slip texture on the surface. When in operation, it generates high friction when in contact with the non-washing surface of the mussel, thus forming a stable supporting friction interface in the washing area. This structure prevents the mussel from slipping and effectively absorbs vibrations during high-frequency rubbing, preventing shell breakage.

[0053] By adopting a rubber limiting head structure, flexible anti-slip support and vibration-resistant limiting effect are provided for mussels, significantly improving the compatibility of the equipment and the safety of cleaning.

[0054] See Figure 9 As shown: The traction module 5 further includes a second push roller 52, a limiting rod 53 that can equidistantly limit the distance between the first push roller 51 and the second push roller 52, and a drive rod 54 that can guide the first push roller 51 to rotate along the elongated oval channel.

[0055] The traction module 5 also includes a second rotary driver 55 capable of driving the drive rod 54 to rotate. The second rotary driver 55 is fixedly mounted in the first fixed frame 44 by a second fixed frame 56.

[0056] In the non-operating state, the first push roller 51 and the second push roller 52 are rotatably mounted in the elongated oval channel via the limiting rod 53, and are located on both sides of the upper cleaning zone. When it is necessary to transport mussels from the upper cleaning zone to the lower cleaning zone, an external power supply is connected to drive the second rotary actuator 55 to rotate, thereby driving the output shaft to rotate the drive rod 54. The drive rod 54, while rotating, synchronously drives the first push roller 51 to slide along the elongated oval channel. Because the second push roller 52 is in a limiting state on the opposite side, the mussels are clamped and guided by the two sets of rollers during the pushing process, thus sliding along the channel into the lower cleaning zone. During this process, the mussels naturally flip due to the geometric constraints of the channel, achieving automatic posture adjustment. Through the double-roller linkage and limiting guide structure, automatic pushing and natural flipping conveying of mussels are realized, ensuring continuous cleaning of the upper and lower surfaces, and improving the automation level and cleaning efficiency of the equipment.

[0057] See Figure 10 As shown: The feeding module 6 is equipped with a telescopic synchronous belt 61 and a first support frame 62 that can horizontally support and fix the telescopic synchronous belt 61; the telescopic synchronous belt 61 is horizontally fixed to one side of the frame 1 through the first support frame 62 and the feeding end is set directly opposite the cleaning area.

[0058] When mussels need to be fed, the operator first lays the mussels to be cleaned flat on the telescopic synchronous belt 61. Then, an external power source is connected to drive the synchronous belt, extending its feeding end horizontally into the upper cleaning area, thus automatically transferring the mussels to the upper cleaning area. The synchronous belt can automatically adjust its speed and conveying rhythm according to the number of mussels, achieving continuous feeding.

[0059] The telescopic synchronous belt 61 structure enables automatic feeding and stable distribution of mussels, avoiding uneven feeding by manual feeding and improving feeding efficiency and system continuity.

[0060] See Figure 10 As shown: The feeding module 7 is equipped with a pusher plate 71 that can horizontally push mussels out of the lower cleaning zone and a third linear actuator 72 that can horizontally drive the pusher plate 71 to slide.

[0061] The feeding module 7 also includes a second support frame 73, and the third linear driver 72 is fixedly mounted horizontally on one side of the frame 1 via the second support frame 73; the pusher plate 71 is fixedly mounted vertically on the drive end of the third linear driver 72 in a horizontal state.

[0062] When it is necessary to remove the mussels located in the lower cleaning zone, an external power supply is connected to drive the third linear actuator 72, whose output shaft extends longitudinally to move the pusher plate 71 forward. During its sliding motion, the pusher plate 71 pushes the cleaned mussels out of the cleaning channel, achieving automatic unloading. The unloading process can be linked with the loading process to form a cyclical work rhythm, supporting continuous production.

[0063] The linear drive ejection structure enables automatic unloading and rhythmic discharge of mussels, improving the continuous operation capability of the entire machine and reducing manual intervention.

[0064] This invention can thoroughly clean mussels without damaging them, and it is highly efficient and effective.

[0065] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated kneading device for mussel processing, characterized in that, include: frame; The guide module is fixedly mounted vertically on the frame. The guide module has an outer guide ring and an inner guide ring arranged coaxially. The outer guide ring and the inner guide ring together form an elongated oval channel that allows mussels to pass through. The upper and lower horizontal surfaces of the elongated oval channel form an upper cleaning area and a lower cleaning area, respectively. The cleaning module is provided in two sets. The two sets of cleaning modules are respectively vertically arranged on the upper surface of the outer guide ring and the inner guide ring, and the cleaning ends of the two sets of cleaning modules are respectively facing the upper cleaning area and the lower cleaning area. The flexible limiting module is provided in two sets. The two sets of flexible limiting modules are horizontally fixed on the lower surfaces of the inner guide ring and the outer guide ring, respectively, and the limiting ends of the two sets of flexible limiting modules are respectively facing the upper cleaning area and the lower cleaning area. A traction module is centrally located within the guide module, and the traction module is equipped with a first pusher roller capable of sliding along the transmission trajectory of the elongated oval channel. The feeding module is horizontally positioned behind the guide module to transport mussels into the upper cleaning area. The feeding module is horizontally positioned behind the guide module to extract mussels from the lower cleaning area.

2. The automated kneading equipment for mussel processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning module is equipped with an adjustment frame and a cleaning brush that is horizontally rotatably mounted at the bottom of the adjustment frame, as well as a first linear driver that can adjust the cleaning brush to move longitudinally closer to or further away from the upper cleaning area. Multiple cleaning brushes are provided, and the multiple cleaning brushes are rotatably arranged in a central array on the lower surface of the adjustment frame.

3. The automated kneading equipment for mussel processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower surface of the outer guide ring and the upper surface of the inner guide ring are respectively provided with through holes for the limiting end of the flexible limiting module to pass through. Multiple through holes are formed in a rectangular array on the lower surface of the outer guide ring and the upper surface of the inner guide ring.

4. An automated kneading device for mussel processing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flexible limiting module is equipped with multiple flexible limiting heads that correspond one-to-one with the through holes and a second linear actuator that can drive the multiple flexible limiting heads to slide longitudinally synchronously.

5. An automated kneading device for mussel processing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flexible limiting head is specifically a rubber head.

6. An automated kneading device for mussel processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The traction module also includes a second push roller, a limiting rod that can equidistantly limit the distance between the first push roller and the second push roller, and a drive rod that can guide the first push roller to rotate along the elongated oval channel.

7. An automated kneading device for mussel processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding module is equipped with a telescopic synchronous belt and a first support frame that can horizontally support and fix the telescopic synchronous belt. The telescopic synchronous belt is fixed horizontally to one side of the frame via the first support frame, with the feeding end facing the upper cleaning area.

8. An automated kneading device for mussel processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding module is equipped with a pusher plate that can horizontally push mussels out of the lower cleaning zone and a third linear actuator that can horizontally drive the pusher plate to slide.

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