A pulse air flow blueberry picking machine

Abstract

This invention relates to a pulse airflow blueberry harvester, belonging to the field of agricultural machinery technology. The invention includes a harvester housing, an air source device, air pressure control, and pulse control. An electromagnetic pulse valve is fixed to the housing, and a pulse nozzle is connected to the electromagnetic pulse valve via a threaded connection and directly fixed to the housing. The electromagnetic pulse valve controls the opening and closing of a diaphragm through a pulse controller to form a pulse airflow. Air pressure control is mainly achieved through an SMC electro-proportional valve, which regulates the input current signal through a current-voltage controller, thereby controlling the output air pressure of the electro-proportional valve. A compressor air tank is added to ensure stable air pressure. When the air pressure in the compressor air tank is insufficient, an air pump will start working to input sufficient air pressure into the compressor air tank. This invention has good adaptability to mountainous terrain, a long service life, easily shakes blueberries off branches, has high work efficiency, and is comfortable to hold and convenient for users to apply force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pulse airflow type blueberry harvester, belonging to the field of agricultural machinery technology. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the level of mechanization and automation in my country's blueberry harvesting process remains low, which has become a key bottleneck restricting the large-scale expansion, quality improvement, efficiency enhancement, and sustainable development of my country's blueberry industry. Furthermore, the ripening period of blueberries is relatively concentrated, and fruit quality is highly sensitive to harvesting timing and environmental temperature. Improper control of harvesting timing can lead to a decrease in the marketability of fresh fruit, resulting in significant economic losses.

[0003] Currently, blueberry harvesting is still mainly done manually, which suffers from low efficiency, high labor intensity, seasonal labor shortages, and high labor costs. This is especially true during the peak ripening period, when it is difficult to meet the demands of large-scale, intensive production. Meanwhile, fresh blueberries require high standards for bloom retention, skin integrity, firmness, and post-harvest quality stability. Blueberries are also susceptible to mechanical damage, softening, and browning. Therefore, harvesting machinery must not only be highly efficient but also minimize damage and ensure high quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the background technology, this invention proposes a pulse airflow blueberry harvester, which achieves selective harvesting of ripe blueberries by adjusting different air pressures and pulse frequencies.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is: a pulse airflow blueberry harvester, comprising a harvester housing 1, an air source device, an air pressure control device, and a pulse control device; The harvester housing is used to fix the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 and pulse nozzle 3 of the pulse control device; The air source device is used to provide clean and stable compressed air for the pulsed airflow; The air pressure control device is used to adjust the input voltage to achieve continuous and precise control of the output airflow pressure; The pulse control device is used to control the opening and closing of the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 to achieve periodic pulse output of airflow.

[0006] Furthermore, the harvester housing 1 is a two-part housing, which is fixed together by screws. The harvester housing 1 covers the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 and pulse nozzle 3 of the pulse control device. The electromagnetic pulse valve 2 is directly fixed to the harvester housing 1, and the pulse nozzle 3 is connected to the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 by a threaded connection and is directly fixed to the harvester housing 1.

[0007] Furthermore, the pulse control device includes an electromagnetic pulse valve 2, a pulse nozzle 3, a pulse controller 4, a wire 5, a 6-point double external thread connector 6, a 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7, a quick-connect air hose 8, and an air hose 9. The electromagnetic pulse valve 2 controls the opening and closing of the diaphragm through the pulse controller 4 to form a pulsed airflow. The frequency and duty cycle of the pulsed airflow are adjusted by controlling the opening and closing of the diaphragm. The electromagnetic pulse valve 2 and the pulse controller 4 are connected by wire 5. The inlet of the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 is connected to the 6-point double external thread connector 6 and the 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7 through the 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7. The 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7 is connected to the air pipe 9 through the air pipe quick connector 8.

[0008] Furthermore, the air source device includes a quick-connect air hose 8, an air hose 9, an air pump 10, an air compressor storage tank 11, an ASIIF speed control valve with a limited-entry type regulating connector 12, and a plug 13; The air pump 10 is connected to the air pipe 9 via the quick-connect fitting 8. The air pipe 9 is connected to the air compressor storage tank 11 via the speed control valve ASIIF limited-entry type regulating fitting 12. The unused air outlets on the air compressor storage tank are blocked by the plug 13.

[0009] Furthermore, the pneumatic control device includes a quick-connect tubing connector 8, an ASIIF speed control valve with restricted access type adjustment connector 12, an SMC electro-proportional valve 14, a 2-point double external thread connector 15, and a current and voltage controller 16. The SMC electro-proportional valve 14 is connected to the speed control valve ASIIF restricted-entry type regulating connector 12 via a 2-point double male threaded connector 15. The speed control valve ASIIF restricted-entry type regulating connector 12 is connected to the air compressor storage tank 11 of the air source device. The output port of the SMC electro-proportional valve 14 is connected to the air pipe quick connector 8 via a 2-point double male threaded connector 15. The air pipe quick connector 8 is then connected to the air pipe 9 of the air source device. The SMC electro-proportional valve 14 is connected to the current and voltage controller 16 via a wire.

[0010] Furthermore, a handle is added to the harvester housing 1.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the power is provided by an air pump, and since the energy source is electrical energy, the energy density is high, the battery life is long, the noise of the whole machine is low, the maintenance is simple and convenient, the environmental pollution is small, the whole machine is mostly made of aluminum alloy, engineering plastics, etc., the weight is low, which greatly improves the safety during use, facilitates emergency repair, the whole machine has a simple structure, the parts are highly standardized, it is easy to maintain daily, and a large number of safety measures are designed to reduce the risk of personnel injury.

[0012] This invention employs a single-handed operation method, and the overall machine design conforms to ergonomics, which can greatly increase the efficiency of blueberry harvesting. The machine has a simple structure, highly standardized parts, and is easy to maintain. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front view of a pulse airflow type blueberry harvester according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partial view of a pulse airflow type blueberry harvester according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a pulse airflow type blueberry harvester according to the present invention.

[0014] The labels in the diagram are as follows: 1-Harvester housing, 2-Solenoid pulse valve, 3-Pulse nozzle, 4-Pulse controller, 5-Wire, 6-6-point double male thread connector, 7-6-point to 2-point reducing female thread, 8-Quick air hose connector, 9-Air hose, 10-Air pump, 11-Air compressor tank, 12-Speed ​​control valve ASIIF restricted-entry type adjusting connector, 13-Plug, 14-SMC electro-proportional valve, 15-2-point double male thread connector, 16-Current and voltage controller. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0016] Example 1: As Figures 1-3 As shown, a pulse airflow blueberry harvester includes a harvester housing 1, an air source device, an air pressure control device, and a pulse control device; The harvester housing is used to fix the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 and pulse nozzle 3 of the pulse control device; The air source device is used to provide clean and stable compressed air for the pulsed airflow; The air pressure control device is used to adjust the input voltage to achieve continuous and precise control of the output airflow pressure; The pulse control device is used to control the opening and closing of the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 to achieve periodic pulse output of airflow.

[0017] Furthermore, the harvester housing 1 is a two-part housing, which is fixed together by screws. The harvester housing 1 covers the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 and pulse nozzle 3 of the pulse control device. The electromagnetic pulse valve 2 is directly fixed to the harvester housing 1, and the pulse nozzle 3 is connected to the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 by a threaded connection and is directly fixed to the harvester housing 1.

[0018] Furthermore, the pulse control device includes an electromagnetic pulse valve 2, a pulse nozzle 3, a pulse controller 4, a wire 5, a 6-point double external thread connector 6, a 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7, a quick-connect air hose 8, and an air hose 9. The electromagnetic pulse valve 2 controls the opening and closing of the diaphragm through the pulse controller 4 to form a pulsed airflow. The frequency and duty cycle of the pulsed airflow are adjusted by controlling the opening and closing of the diaphragm. The electromagnetic pulse valve 2 and the pulse controller 4 are connected by wire 5. The inlet of the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 is connected to the 6-point double external thread connector 6 and the 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7 through the 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7. The 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7 is connected to the air pipe 9 through the air pipe quick connector 8.

[0019] Furthermore, the air source device includes a quick-connect air hose 8, an air hose 9, an air pump 10, an air compressor storage tank 11, an ASIIF speed control valve with a limited-entry type regulating connector 12, and a plug 13; The air pump 10 is connected to the air pipe 9 via the quick-connect fitting 8. The air pipe 9 is connected to the air compressor storage tank 11 via the speed control valve ASIIF limited-entry type regulating fitting 12. The unused air outlets on the air compressor storage tank are blocked by the plug 13.

[0020] Furthermore, the pneumatic control device includes a quick-connect tubing connector 8, an ASIIF speed control valve with restricted access type adjustment connector 12, an SMC electro-proportional valve 14, a 2-point double external thread connector 15, and a current and voltage controller 16. The SMC electro-proportional valve 14 is connected to the speed control valve ASIIF restricted-entry type regulating connector 12 via a 2-point double male threaded connector 15. The speed control valve ASIIF restricted-entry type regulating connector 12 is connected to the air compressor storage tank 11 of the air source device. The output port of the SMC electro-proportional valve 14 is connected to the air pipe quick connector 8 via a 2-point double male threaded connector 15. The air pipe quick connector 8 is then connected to the air pipe 9 of the air source device. The SMC electro-proportional valve 14 is connected to the current and voltage controller 16 via a wire.

[0021] Furthermore, a handle is added to the harvester housing 1. The air source device designed in this invention can be placed directly on the ground, and by lengthening the air pipe and power cord, it makes it easier for farmers to work.

[0022] The working principle of this invention is: The aforementioned pulse airflow blueberry harvester includes a harvester housing 1, an air source device, an air pressure control device, and a pulse control device. An air pump 10 serves as the power source, continuously compressing outside air into high-pressure gas and delivering it to an air compressor storage tank 11. The air compressor storage tank 11 acts as a pressure stabilizer and buffer, eliminating air source pressure fluctuations and providing a stable and continuous high-pressure air source for the system, ensuring pressure stability for subsequent operations.

[0023] The high-pressure gas output from the air compressor's air tank 11 enters the SMC electro-proportional valve 14. The current and voltage controller 16 inputs the target control signal to the SMC electro-proportional valve 14. Through a closed-loop feedback mechanism, the valve automatically adjusts the gas supply and exhaust states based on the real-time feedback from the internal pressure sensor, precisely stabilizing the high-pressure gas within the set working pressure range. This achieves stepless adjustment of the harvesting airflow pressure, preventing damage to blueberry fruits due to excessive pressure or failure to harvest due to insufficient pressure. The pressure-adjusted gas undergoes secondary flow fine-tuning via the ASIIF speed control valve and the limited-entry regulating connector 12, and is then delivered to the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 inside the harvester housing 1 through the air pipe 9. Pipeline connections such as the quick-connect fitting 8, the 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread 7, and the 6-point double external thread connector 6 ensure a leak-free and airtight airflow delivery process.

[0024] During the pulse control phase, the pulse controller 4 outputs a preset periodic electrical pulse signal to the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 via the wire 5. When no signal is received, the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 is closed, the pressure inside the valve is balanced, and high-pressure gas cannot pass through. When an electrical signal is received, the electromagnetic coil is instantly energized to generate magnetic force, opening the pressure relief channel inside the valve. A pressure difference is quickly formed between the front and rear chambers of the diaphragm, and the high-pressure gas breaks through the valve port at an extremely high speed, forming a short and strong pulse airflow. After the electrical signal disappears, the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 quickly resets and blocks the airflow, thereby realizing periodic pulse jet control. The pulse frequency, pulse width, and interval time can be flexibly adjusted by the pulse controller 4 to adapt to the needs of different blueberry picking scenarios.

[0025] The high-pressure pulsed airflow generated by the electromagnetic pulse valve 2 is ejected in a directional and high-speed manner through the pulse nozzle 3, acting on the blueberry fruit to be harvested. The pulse nozzle 3 is designed with a coarser front and a thinner rear structure to further increase the impact force of the pulsed airflow. The instantaneous impact force of the airflow is used to achieve non-contact separation of the blueberry fruit from the branch, completing the harvesting operation. The entire system can adjust the airflow pressure and pulse timing parameters according to the mechanical characteristics of blueberries at different ripeness levels through the current and voltage controller 16 and the pulse controller 4, respectively, to achieve efficient, low-damage, selective, and precise harvesting. At the same time, the plugs 13 and the two-point double-threaded connectors 15 in the pipeline can seal off excess branches and seal pipeline connections, ensuring the stable and normal operation of the entire machine's air circuit.

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pulse airflow type blueberry harvester, characterized in that: Includes the harvester housing (1), air source device, air pressure control device and pulse control device; The harvester housing is used to fix the electromagnetic pulse valve (2) and pulse nozzle (3) of the pulse control device. The air source device is used to provide clean and stable compressed air for the pulsed airflow; The air pressure control device is used to adjust the input voltage to achieve continuous and precise control of the output airflow pressure; The pulse control device is used to control the opening and closing of the electromagnetic pulse valve (2) to achieve periodic pulse output of airflow.

2. The pulse airflow blueberry harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that: The harvester housing (1) is a two-part housing, which is fixed together by screws. The harvester housing (1) covers the electromagnetic pulse valve (2) and pulse nozzle (3) of the pulse control device. The electromagnetic pulse valve (2) is directly fixed on the harvester housing (1), and the pulse nozzle (3) is connected to the electromagnetic pulse valve (2) by a threaded connection and is directly fixed on the harvester housing (1).

3. The pulse airflow blueberry harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pulse control device includes an electromagnetic pulse valve (2), a pulse nozzle (3), a pulse controller (4), a wire (5), a 6-point double external thread connector (6), a 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread connector (7), a quick-connect tracheal connector (8), and a tracheal tube (9). The electromagnetic pulse valve (2) controls the opening and closing of the diaphragm through the pulse controller (4) to form a pulse airflow. The frequency and duty cycle of the pulse airflow are adjusted by controlling the opening and closing of the diaphragm. The electromagnetic pulse valve (2) is connected to the pulse controller (4) through the wire (5). The inlet of the electromagnetic pulse valve (2) is connected to the 6-point double external thread connector (6) and the 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread connector (7). The 6-point to 2-point reducing internal thread connector (7) is connected to the air pipe (9) through the air pipe quick connector (8).

4. The pulse airflow blueberry harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air source device includes a quick-connect air pipe (8), an air pipe (9), an air pump (10), an air compressor storage tank (11), an ASIIF speed control valve with a limited-entry type adjustment connector (12), and a plug (13). The air pump (10) is connected to the air pipe (9) via the quick-connect fitting (8), and the air pipe (9) is connected to the air compressor storage tank (11) via the speed control valve ASIIF limited-entry type regulating fitting (12). The unused air outlet on the air compressor storage tank is blocked by the plug (13).

5. The pulse airflow blueberry harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air pressure control device includes a quick-connect tubing connector (8), an ASIIF speed control valve with a restricted access type (12), an SMC electric proportional valve (14), a 2-point double external thread connector (15), and a current and voltage controller (16). The SMC electro-proportional valve (14) is connected to the speed control valve ASIIF restricted-entry type regulating connector (12) via a 2-point double male threaded connector (15). The speed control valve ASIIF restricted-entry type regulating connector (12) is connected to the air compressor storage tank (11) of the air source device. The output port of the SMC electro-proportional valve (14) is connected to the air pipe quick connector (8) via a 2-point double male threaded connector (15). The air pipe quick connector (8) is then connected to the air pipe (9) of the air source device. The SMC electro-proportional valve (14) is connected to the current and voltage controller (16) via a wire.

6. The pulse airflow blueberry harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that: The harvester housing (1) is fitted with a handle.

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