Automatic sorting and impurity removing device for sugarcane seed stems

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic sorting and impurity removing device for sugarcane seed stems, relates to the technical field of on-line quality inspection of the sugarcane seed stems, and solves the problems that sugarcane seed stem sections which do not meet the length requirement need to be screened manually or by complex equipment in an existing sugarcane seed stem production line, and the stem sections are conveyed disorderly. The on-line quality inspection conveying device comprises the first belt conveying device and the second belt conveying device which are sequentially arranged at an interval, the first belt conveying device and the second belt conveying device are obliquely arranged, the adjustable interval is reserved between the first belt conveying device and the second belt conveying device, and automatic falling and removing of short stems are achieved under the action of gravity; an additional detection sensor or a complex execution mechanism is not needed, and the equipment structure is simplified. Compared with an existing mode depending on manual screening or high-cost automatic equipment, the scheme has the advantage that the manufacturing and maintenance cost is remarkably reduced while the screening function is guaranteed. The device is particularly suitable for being used in cooperation with a sugarcane detoxification healthy seed stem production line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of online quality inspection technology for sugarcane seed stalks, and more particularly to an automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks. Background Technology

[0002] Sugarcane cultivation typically utilizes asexual propagation via sugarcane stalk segments, requiring the mature whole sugarcane stalks to be cut into segments with single or double buds for planting. With the expansion of sugarcane cultivation and the development of agricultural modernization, manual cutting methods have gradually been replaced by automated cutting equipment, and the processing of sugarcane stalks is also moving towards standardization and factory production. The production of virus-free, healthy sugarcane stalks mainly includes: cutting sugarcane stalks, soaking and disinfecting (or budding), sorting and packaging, etc., to form standardized stalk segments with uniform specifications and high activity, which are then stored or directly used for mechanized planting. To ensure that the packaged stalk segments meet planting standards (such as consistent length and intact buds), quality inspection is usually required after cutting or before packaging. For example, in the production of double-bud sugarcane stalk segments, if shorter sugarcane stalks (such as the tops and bottoms cut from the original stalk) are mixed in, it will affect the number of buds and the uniformity of the sugarcane, thus affecting yield.

[0003] Current quality inspection methods mainly rely on manual visual inspection or complex machine vision inspection systems. Manual screening is labor-intensive, inefficient, and prone to missed or false detections, affecting the uniformity and germination rate of subsequent planting. Although some production lines have attempted to use complex equipment to achieve automated screening—for example, some studies have proposed using image collectors to identify and screen damaged buds—such equipment is cumbersome, costly, and difficult to maintain, making it difficult to promote and apply in actual production. In actual production, especially after cutting, a large number of short stem segments that do not meet the length requirements (i.e., "waste" or "unqualified seed stems") are generated. Existing conveying devices have the following shortcomings in handling these unqualified short stems: 1. Complex structure and high cost; 2. Delayed screening process; 3. Inadequate handling of disorderly conveyed sugarcane stems. In addition, existing conveying devices lack effective control over the arrangement of sugarcane seed stem segments, which are easily disordered and oriented inconsistently during transport, causing difficulties for subsequent automated counting, grading, and packaging.

[0004] Therefore, the current lack of a device that can simultaneously perform simple and effective quality inspection during transportation and ensure the orderly arrangement of seed stalks limits the improvement of automation level in the production of virus-free healthy sugarcane seed stalks and is not conducive to the development needs of large-scale and standardized agricultural operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the above shortcomings, this invention provides an automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks, overcoming the problems of existing sugarcane seed stalk production lines requiring manual screening or complex equipment to screen sugarcane seed stalks that do not meet length requirements, and the need for messy seed stalk transportation, thereby improving the automation and standardization level of sugarcane detoxified healthy seed stalk production.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks, comprising: The device includes a first belt conveyor and a second belt conveyor fixed on a frame. The conveyor belts of the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor are both inclined to one side (the inclination direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor) and are inclined in the same direction. The lower ends of the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor are provided with baffles. There is a gap between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor to discharge substandard sugarcane seed stalks that are not long enough from the gap.

[0007] When sugarcane stalks are fed into the first belt conveyor, the stalks naturally lean towards one side of the baffle and maintain their orientation due to the inclined design of the belt. Stalks of the appropriate length can cross the gap between the two conveyors and enter the second belt conveyor for further transport; while shorter stalks cannot completely cross the gap and fall from the gap under their own weight, thus being automatically rejected.

[0008] Preferably, the angle of inclination of the conveyor belts of the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor is 20°-30°.

[0009] Preferably, the interval between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor is adjustable to accommodate the requirements of stem segment screening for different length standards.

[0010] Preferably, an adjusting screw is provided on the frame on at least one side of the interval between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor. The adjusting screw allows for precise control of the gap width that can be used to eliminate short stems.

[0011] Preferably, a collection frame is provided below the interval between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor. This frame is used to collect the rejected defective short stems for subsequent processing.

[0012] Preferably, a guide plate is provided on one side of the first belt conveyor to guide the stem segments at an angle into the belt conveyor. The guide plate is inclined in the same direction as the conveyor belt of the first belt conveyor, and the angle of inclination of the guide plate is 5°-10° larger than that of the conveyor belt. Preferably, there is a height difference of 1-3 cm between the output end of the guide plate and the conveyor belt. By setting the guide plate and the belt conveyor to different inclination angles, and by having a height difference and a speed difference between the output end of the guide plate and the conveyor belt, the stem segments, when falling from the guide plate to the conveyor belt, undergo positional shift and attitude adjustment under the action of gravity and friction, thus achieving automatic steering.

[0013] Preferably, the angle of inclination of the guide plate is 25°-35°; the angle of inclination of the conveyor belt is 20°-30°.

[0014] Preferably, the guide plate is a smooth metal plate; the guide plate has baffles on both sides. The guide plate is made of a smooth metal plate, and the smooth surface helps to reduce frictional resistance and improve the smoothness of feeding. At the same time, the baffles on both sides of the guide plate prevent the seed stalks from slipping laterally during the feeding process.

[0015] Preferably, a brush is also provided above the first belt conveyor, with the vertical distance between the brush near the input end of the first belt conveyor and the lower end of the first belt conveyor being greater than the vertical distance between the other end of the brush and the lower end of the first belt conveyor. This arrangement allows the brush to apply slight pressure to the incoming seed stems within a certain range, playing a role in sorting and straightening, and preventing the seed stems from rolling or piling up, which could affect subsequent arrangement and inspection.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second belt conveyors share a single motor, which is equipped with a speed reducer, meaning the transmission speeds of the first and second belt conveyors are adjustable. Sharing a motor for both simplifies the power system structure, reduces energy consumption and manufacturing costs, and ensures speed consistency between the two conveying processes, preventing seed stalks from piling up or being pulled in the transition area due to speed differences.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention utilizes gravity to automatically remove short sugarcane stalks by tilting the first and second belt conveyor devices with an adjustable gap between them. This eliminates the need for additional sensors or complex actuators, simplifying the equipment structure. Compared to existing methods relying on manual screening or high-cost automated equipment, this solution significantly reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining the screening function.

[0018] 2. This invention utilizes an inclined conveyor belt to naturally guide sugarcane stalk segments towards one side of the baffle during transport, creating a directional arrangement and avoiding the problems of disordered and inconsistent orientation of the stalk segments. This self-guiding effect improves the accuracy and efficiency of subsequent processes such as counting, grading, and packaging, providing a foundation for continuous and standardized production.

[0019] 3. This invention utilizes a matching guide plate with an inclination angle greater than that of the conveyor belt. Made of smooth metal and featuring side guards, the guide plate effectively guides the stem segments smoothly into the conveyor belt, preventing jamming, rebound, or side slippage. This structure optimizes the feeding process and enables automatic batch turning of the stem segments, ensuring stable entry into the conveying system, reducing the risk of blockages and downtime, and improving overall operational smoothness.

[0020] 4. In this invention, the two conveying devices share a single motor, and the speed is uniformly controlled by a reducer. This not only reduces the number of power components and saves energy consumption, but also ensures that the two conveying sections have the same speed. Speed ​​synchronization avoids the squeezing or breaking of the seed stalks in the transition zone due to speed differences, thus improving the stability and safety of the conveying process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the present invention.

[0023] 1. Frame; 2. First belt conveyor; 3. Second belt conveyor; 4. Baffle; 5. Spacing; 6. Adjustable screw; 7. Collection frame; 8. Sugarcane guide plate; 9. Motor; 10. Reducer. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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 this invention.

[0026] 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. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0027] Example 1 like Figure 1-2 As shown, an automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks includes a first belt conveyor 2 and a second belt conveyor 3 fixed on a frame 1. The conveyor belts of both belt conveyors are inclined to the right side of the conveying direction at an angle of 25°, and are arranged in the same inclined direction. Vertical baffles 4 are installed at the lower end (i.e., the right side) of both the first belt conveyor 2 and the second belt conveyor 3 to prevent the seed stalk segments from slipping during conveying and to promote their directional alignment along the sides of the baffles 4.

[0028] A gap 5 is left between the first belt conveyor 2 and the second belt conveyor 3. The width of this gap 5 can be adjusted according to the required stalk length standard. Specifically, adjustable screws 6 are provided on the left and right sides of the frame 1, respectively. By synchronously rotating the adjustable screws 6 on both sides, the gap between the two devices can be precisely adjusted to meet the screening requirements of sugarcane stalks of different lengths.

[0029] A collection box 7 is installed directly below the gap 5 to receive defective short stems that fall into the gap due to insufficient length. The collection box 7 is a long, rectangular box with its opening facing upwards and covering the entire gap area, ensuring that all fallen short stems can be collected and recycled for subsequent unified processing or use as raw materials for reprocessing.

[0030] Furthermore, a guide plate 8 is provided on the left side of the first belt conveyor 2. This guide plate 8 is inclined in the same direction as the conveyor belt at an angle of 30°, which is 5° greater than the inclination angle of the conveyor belt. There is a 2cm height difference between the output end of the guide plate 8 and the conveyor belt. When the sugarcane stalk slides down the guide plate 8 to its end, it falls onto the conveyor belt due to the height difference, causing a lateral positional shift. Combined with the difference in inclination angle and speed, it naturally rotates under the action of gravity and contact reaction force, gradually adjusting its posture and ultimately achieving directional alignment. The guide plate 8 is made of stainless steel with a polished surface, providing good smoothness to reduce frictional resistance during the introduction of the sugarcane stalk. 5cm high guardrails are welded to both sides of the guide plate 8 to prevent lateral slippage of the stalk during the sliding process.

[0031] The first belt conveyor 2 and the second belt conveyor 3 are driven by the same motor 9. For example, the motor 9 is mounted on the frame 1 on one side of the first belt conveyor 2, and the power is transmitted to the drive rollers of the first belt conveyor 2 and the second belt conveyor 3 through the belt conveyor. The motor 9 is connected to a planetary reducer 10, and the output shaft drives the drive rollers of the two conveyors to rotate through chain drive. By adjusting the speed of the motor 9, the operating speed of the two conveyors can be uniformly controlled to ensure that the transmission speeds are consistent and to avoid seed stalk accumulation or pulling in the transition area.

[0032] When the sugarcane stalks enter the guide plate 8, the lower end of the stalk contacts the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor device under the action of gravity and moves forward under the drive of the conveyor belt, while the upper end of the stalk remains on the guide plate 8. Due to the speed difference, it naturally rotates, thus completing the turning of the stalk. The inclined conveyor belt setting is more conducive to the automatic turning and sorting of sugarcane stalks, forming a directional arrangement. Stalks of qualified length can cross the interval 5 between the two conveyor devices and smoothly enter the second belt conveyor device 3 for continued transport; while shorter stalks cannot be fully supported on the belts at both ends and fall from the middle interval 5 under the action of their own gravity, falling into the collection box 7 below, thus achieving automatic rejection.

[0033] In other embodiments, a row of brushes is installed above the first belt conveyor 2 near the input end. In this embodiment, the brushes are roller-shaped, with nylon bristles. One end of the brush is near the input end, and the other end is near the lower end. The brushes are arranged at an angle, so that the portion near the input end is at a greater vertical distance from the conveyor belt, approximately 8 cm; while the portion near the lower end is at a smaller vertical distance from the conveyor belt, approximately 3 cm. This gradual height structure can apply slight pressure during the initial entry of the stem segments, helping to organize and straighten the stacked and rolled stems, promoting their smooth adherence to the conveyor belt.

[0034] In summary, this online quality inspection conveyor system utilizes gravity to automatically remove short stalks by tilting the first belt conveyor 2 and the second belt conveyor 3 with an adjustable gap 5 between them. This eliminates the need for additional detection sensors or complex actuators, simplifying the equipment structure. Compared to existing methods relying on manual screening or high-cost automated equipment, this solution significantly reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining the screening function. This invention is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with a sugarcane virus-free healthy seed stalk production line.

[0035] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks, comprising a first belt conveyor and a second belt conveyor fixed on a frame, characterized in that, The conveyor belts of the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor are both inclined to one side and in the same direction. The lower ends of the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor are provided with baffles. There is a gap between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor to discharge substandard sugarcane seed stalks that are not long enough from the gap.

2. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inclination angle of the conveyor belts of the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor is 20°-30°.

3. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interval between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor is adjustable.

4. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 3, characterized in that, An adjusting screw is provided on the frame on one side of the interval between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor.

5. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 1, characterized in that, A collection frame is provided below the interval between the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor.

6. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide plate is provided on one side of the first belt conveyor to guide the sugarcane stalks at an angle into the belt conveyor; the guide plate is inclined in the same direction as the conveyor belt of the first belt conveyor, and the angle of inclination of the guide plate is 5°-10° greater than the angle of inclination of the conveyor belt.

7. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 6, characterized in that, The angle of inclination of the guide plate is 25°-35°; the angle of inclination of the conveyor belt is 20°-30°.

8. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide plate is a smooth metal plate; the guide plate has guards on both sides.

9. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 1, characterized in that, A brush is also provided above the first belt conveyor. The vertical distance between the brush near the input end of the first belt conveyor and the lower end of the first belt conveyor is greater than the vertical distance between the other end of the brush and the lower end of the first belt conveyor.

10. The automatic sorting and impurity removal device for sugarcane seed stalks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor share a single motor, which is equipped with a speed reducer, meaning that the transmission speeds of the first belt conveyor and the second belt conveyor are adjustable.

Images