A device for digging sweet bamboo shoots

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of crop harvesting, and particularly relates to a sweet Dendrocalamopsis oldhami digging device, which comprises a rack, a bamboo shoot digging mechanism, an energy supply device, a control device and a plurality of walking wheels. The control device controls the bamboo shoot digging mechanism to perform a digging action. The rack is provided with a handle on one side, and the energy supply device is installed on the side away from the handle. The walking wheels are all installed below the rack, and at least one walking wheel is installed on the side of the rack close to the handle. The bamboo shoot digging mechanism is installed on the rack and located between the energy supply device and the walking wheel close to the handle, and the energy supply device provides power for the digging action. The present application solves the problems of low efficiency, difficult operation and easy overturning during mechanized digging and harvesting of bamboo shoots.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of crop harvesting technology, specifically relating to a device for digging sweet bamboo shoots. Background Technology

[0002] Yunnan sweet bamboo shoots and their products are increasingly favored in the market, especially dried bamboo shoots, which have become one of the best-selling products due to their portability and ease of consumption. Sweet bamboo is a tropical bamboo species that thrives in warm and humid climates and is mainly distributed in Pu'er and Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. Sweet bamboo shoots are straight and plump, with thin, smooth shells and a bright color. Mature shoots typically weigh between 500g and 2000g, have a diameter of 80-120mm, and a length of 200-350mm. They are harvested when the shoot tip is about 30-50mm long.

[0003] Despite the high economic benefits of sweet bamboo shoots, many farmers currently harvest them manually, resulting in low efficiency and high labor costs. Existing sweet bamboo shoot digging equipment is mostly handheld, such as CN220630100U bamboo shoot digging equipment and system, CN119924067A a bamboo shoot digging device, and CN215835973U a bamboo shoot digging device. Handheld digging equipment is compact, low-cost, and can operate easily in dense bamboo forests. Its simple and clear operation effectively improves bamboo shoot digging efficiency and reduces labor and time costs. However, its automation level is relatively low, and many operations still require manual completion. Furthermore, handheld digging equipment has limited power endurance, requiring frequent recharging under normal operating conditions. For bamboo shoot harvesting operations that require a stable work rhythm, frequent charging reduces equipment efficiency and cannot meet the demands of large-scale, high-efficiency bamboo shoot harvesting. Especially in large-area bamboo shoot harvesting, the operational efficiency is difficult to match the needs of large-scale production, limiting its application to small-scale digging operations. While large-scale excavation equipment such as CN206602850U (a cutting mechanism for bamboo shoots), CN114430985A (a bamboo shoot digging tool and its usage method), and CN211509832U (an automatic bamboo shoot harvester) have overcome the aforementioned problems to some extent, these large excavation devices suffer from drawbacks including large size, inflexibility, complex operation, high cost, and high maintenance expenses. Furthermore, their operation causes significant soil disturbance, affecting soil structure stability, and they are prone to overturning. In particular, large machinery with tracked walking mechanisms cannot maneuver flexibly in complex field conditions, and their wide frames are unsuitable for the narrow, elongated spaces within bamboo forests. Moreover, the diverse growth shapes (long and short, straight and curved) and forms (upright or inclined) of bamboo shoots make it difficult for large excavation equipment to adapt, further reducing efficiency, increasing difficulty, and hindering the widespread adoption of the technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a bamboo shoot digging device to solve the problems of low efficiency, difficult operation, and easy overturning when digging and harvesting bamboo shoots by machinery.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a bamboo shoot digging device, comprising a frame, a bamboo shoot digging mechanism, a power supply device, a control device, and several wheels. The control device, at least controls the bamboo shoot digging mechanism to perform the digging action; The frame has a push handle on one side and a power supply device installed on the side away from the push handle. All the traveling wheels are installed under the frame, and at least one traveling wheel is installed on the frame on the side near the push handle; The bamboo shoot digging mechanism is mounted on a frame and located between the power supply device and the traveling wheel near the push handle. The power supply device provides power for the digging action.

[0006] The working principle and beneficial effects of this solution are as follows: Based on the characteristics of bamboo shoots and the operating habits of the operators, this solution adopts a clever structural design: 1. The entire machine is integrated into a single frame structure. With the help of wheels and a push handle, the entire digging device can be pushed to any bamboo shoot location on any ground, ensuring that the entire device can turn flexibly in the field and is suitable for the narrow space layout inside the bamboo forest.

[0007] 2. The integrated structure in this solution includes a control device, a bamboo shoot digging mechanism, and a power supply device, which can effectively improve endurance, operability, and digging efficiency, avoiding problems such as low digging efficiency, poor endurance, and low degree of automation of handheld digging equipment.

[0008] 3. More importantly, this solution adopts a linear structural layout, that is, the bamboo shoot digging mechanism, power supply device, control device, and the operator's force application position (hands and / or feet) are linearly distributed from the near end to the far end of the frame, which is particularly suitable for bamboo shoot digging operations: In bamboo shoot digging, bamboo shoots usually have a certain structural strength, requiring strong digging force to ensure sufficient digging depth and cut the bamboo shoot. The reaction force during digging is large, which is the main reason why some large digging equipment in the existing technology is prone to overturning. Although this solution also uses large excavating equipment, it has two key advantages: First, it adopts a straight-line structural layout, which lowers the center of gravity while ensuring mobility, making it less prone to tipping over. Second, the structural layout places the power supply device (such as the air compressor and battery), which typically constitutes the largest mass of the entire device, at the far end (the side furthest from the operator). The operator is positioned on the push handle side. At the beginning of excavation, the reaction rate is low. At this time, the frame forms a lever structure with the traveling wheel near the push handle as the fulcrum. The lever arm of the power supply device is longer than that of the bamboo shoot excavation mechanism. This allows the weight of the functional device combined with the lever structure to better suppress the reaction force generated by the bamboo shoot excavation mechanism when it performs the excavation action. This not only prevents the entire device from tipping over but also reduces or prevents the bamboo shoot excavation mechanism from shifting during the excavation process, thus avoiding damage to the bamboo shoots. For bamboo shoots with larger diameters or deeper excavations, the reaction force generated by the bamboo shoot digging mechanism during the digging action will increase significantly. The traveling wheels, which serve as the fulcrum, may lift off the ground. After lifting off the ground, the fulcrum of the lever structure will be at the bamboo shoot. However, at this time, the operator can still apply downward pressure to the push handle or step on the near end of the frame (the side closest to the operator) and use the functional device to balance at the far end, thereby ensuring the stability of the entire digging device, further preventing overturning, and enabling the digging of bamboo shoots with larger diameters or deeper excavations.

[0009] 4. The ingenious structure of this solution ensures that bamboo shoot digging is simple and efficient. Moreover, it can dig bamboo shoots with larger diameters and deeper depths compared to existing technologies. It can dig out more bamboo shoots that other existing technologies cannot dig out or cannot dig out, thereby improving economic benefits and making it more suitable for large-scale promotion.

[0010] Optionally, a foot switch is also included. The foot switch is connected to the control device to control the bamboo shoot digging mechanism to perform the digging action. The foot switch is located on the side of the frame near the push handle. This design allows the operator to apply downward pressure while pressing the foot switch during bamboo shoot digging, further stabilizing the entire device while initiating the digging action. Alternatively, the travel of the foot switch can be correlated with the force and / or depth of the bamboo shoot digging action; the harder the foot is pressed, the longer the travel of the foot switch, and the greater the force and / or depth of the digging action. This allows the operator to control the pressure of the foot press according to the size and depth of the bamboo shoot. Moreover, the device is more stable, or at least does not become unstable, when digging larger and deeper bamboo shoots. Conventional switches such as contact switches, rotary switches, and push-button switches that are easy to operate by hand can also be installed in parallel on the push handle. When digging relatively easy-to-dig bamboo shoots, manual control is sufficient.

[0011] Optionally, the bamboo shoot digging mechanism includes a mounting base and an actuator. A cutter holder is mounted on the mounting base, and the cutter holder is rotatably or slidably connected to the mounting base. A digging cutter is mounted on the cutter holder. The actuator drives the cutter holder to rotate or reciprocate linearly. A control device is connected to the actuator. Bamboo shoots are dug and cut using either rotary or straight cutting methods.

[0012] Optionally, the actuator includes a first cylinder mounted on a mounting base. The digging cutter is connected to the working end of the first cylinder. The power supply device includes an air compressor connected to the first cylinder via an air valve. The air compressor can be powered by an external power cord or by its own battery and inverter. The pneumatic control of the bamboo shoot digging mechanism employs a straight-cutting method for digging.

[0013] Optionally, the actuator includes a first motor, the output end of which is connected to a reducer, and the output end of the reducer is connected to a cutter holder; the power supply device includes a battery that supplies power to the first motor; and the control device includes an electric switch. The electric switch controls the start and stop of the first motor, thereby achieving rotary cutting and digging of bamboo shoots. The first motor can also cooperate with a first cylinder to combine straight cutting and rotary cutting, achieving spiral digging.

[0014] Optionally, the device also includes a tilting mechanism, which includes a support base mounted on the frame. A mounting base is rotatably connected to the support base, causing the mounting base to tilt towards the push handle side or the power supply device side. The support base is also equipped with a drive device for rotating the mounting base. For bamboo shoots growing at an angle, the tilting mechanism can tilt the entire actuator until the tilt angle matches the growth angle of the bamboo shoot, thus facilitating the harvesting of the tilted bamboo shoots.

[0015] Optionally, the drive device is a worm gear mechanism, with the worm wheel connected to the mounting base and the worm rotatably connected to the support base. The worm meshes with the worm wheel, and a handle or a second motor is connected to the worm. The rotation angle of the mounting base is quantitatively controlled by the handle or the second motor; moreover, the worm gear mechanism has a locking effect on the rotation angle of the mounting base.

[0016] Optionally, the mounting base is equipped with multiple sets of digging blades. Each set of digging blades includes a guide rod, and a second cylinder parallel to the guide rod is mounted on the guide rod. The second cylinder is connected to a power supply device, and the output end of each second cylinder is connected to a digging blade. Using multiple sets of digging blades improves digging efficiency and provides better cutting results for bamboo shoots.

[0017] Optionally, the guide rod is rotatably connected to the cutter holder, and the guide rod or cutter holder is equipped with a locking structure for the rotation angle of the guide rod and the cutter holder. The tilt angle of the digging cutter can be manually set, thereby adjusting the angle at which the bamboo shoot is cut.

[0018] Optionally, a positioning ring is also included, connected to the blade holder. An ear seat is mounted on the positioning ring, with the side of the ear seat away from the positioning ring intersecting the middle of the digging blade. A linkage rod is connected to the side of the digging blade near the support seat, and a guide part, which is a roller or a paddle, is connected to the end of the linkage rod away from the digging blade. Bamboo shoots, especially sweet bamboo shoots, sometimes grow in a curved, robust inverted V-shape. Using this solution, combined with a rotary cutting method, the bamboo shoot is placed inside the positioning ring during digging. During the rotary cutting process, when the digging blade rotates to the curved outer arch of the bamboo shoot, the guide part abuts against the outer arch, and the linkage rod drives the digging blade to retract inward. This allows for better cutting of the bamboo shoot root and more bamboo shoot to be cut, reducing waste. Furthermore, it does not affect the digging and harvesting of straight bamboo shoots. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of a sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the actuator of a sweet bamboo shoot excavation device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention when excavating curved bamboo shoots. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: The markings in the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual include: frame 1, push handle 2, traveling wheel 3, air compressor 4, mounting base 5, cutter holder 6, first cylinder 7, foot control switch 8, guide rod 9, second cylinder 10, support base 11, worm gear mechanism 12, handle 13, positioning ring 14, ear seat 15, linkage rod 16, roller 17, digging blade 18, bamboo shoot 19.

[0021] Example 1 This embodiment is basically as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown: A bamboo shoot 19 digging device includes a frame 1, a bamboo shoot 19 digging mechanism, a power supply device, a control device, and several walking wheels 3; The frame 1 is the main frame structure used to support and connect the various components of the device. Its material can be high-strength steel, aluminum alloy, or other lightweight, high-strength composite materials. In this embodiment, it is a rectangular aluminum alloy frame structure. A push handle 2 is located at the near end of the frame 1 (the side closest to the operator). The push handle 2 provides a point of leverage for the operator, facilitating the movement of the device through the bamboo forest. In this embodiment, it is a raised crossbar higher than the frame 1; in other embodiments, it could be a handle similar to a bicycle handlebar. A power supply device is installed at the far end of the frame 1 (the side furthest from the operator). In this embodiment, a pneumatic mechanism is used as the main power supply device. The traveling wheels 3 are four rubber tires with good structural strength, all mounted under the frame 1 at the four corners of the bottom surface of the frame 1. Two traveling wheels 3 are mounted on the near end side of the frame 1, and the other two are mounted on the far end side of the frame 1.

[0022] The structure performs the digging action, so in this embodiment the power supply device is more specifically an air compressor 4. The air compressor 4 is provided with power and safety management by a power circuit system consisting of a battery, a corresponding inverter circuit and a fuse device. This power circuit system is also located at the far end of the frame 1.

[0023] The bamboo shoot 19 digging mechanism includes a mounting base 5 and an actuator. A cutter holder 6 is mounted on the mounting base 5. In this embodiment, the cutter holder 6 is slidably connected to the mounting base 5. In other embodiments, the cutter holder 6 is circular and can rotate within the mounting base 5. In this embodiment, the mounting base 5 is an inverted cylindrical structure, and the cutter holder 6 is a cylindrical frame structure. The cutter holder 6 can both rotate and slide linearly within the mounting base 5. An actuator is mounted on the top outer side of the mounting base 5. In this embodiment, the actuator is a first cylinder 7. The working end of the first cylinder 7 passes through the mounting base 5 and is connected to the cutter holder 6. The extension and retraction of the working end of the first cylinder 7 is controlled by a first solenoid valve. The first cylinder 7 is pressurized by an air compressor 4. The movement of the first cylinder 7 is controlled by a foot switch 8, which is located on the side of the frame 1 near the push handle 2. The stroke of the foot switch 8 is related to the stroke of the first cylinder 7. To increase digging efficiency and improve the cutting effect on bamboo shoots 19, in this embodiment, the mounting base 5 is equipped with three sets of digging blades 18. Each set of digging blades 18 includes a guide rod 9. A second cylinder 10 parallel to the guide rod 9 is provided on the guide rod 9. The second cylinder 10 is pressurized by the air compressor 4. The output end of each set of second cylinders 10 is connected to the digging blade 18. The action of the second cylinder 10 is controlled by a second solenoid valve. The second solenoid valve is connected to a push button switch. The push button switch is located on the push handle 2. The second cylinder 10 can be started and stopped by pressing with the thumb.

[0024] In this embodiment, the control device consists of various electromagnetic valve switches and push-button switches for controlling the air valves, controlling the bamboo shoot 19 digging mechanism to perform digging actions. In other embodiments, it can also consist of a programmable controller connected to various sensors or switches to achieve higher automation and intelligence.

[0025] The system also includes a tilting mechanism, which comprises a support base 11 mounted on the frame 1. A mounting base 5 is rotatably connected to the support base 11, causing the mounting base 5 to tilt towards the push handle 2 or the power supply device. The support base 11 is also equipped with a drive device for rotating the mounting base 5. The drive device is a worm gear mechanism 12, with the worm wheel connected to the mounting base 5 and the worm rotatably connected to the support base 11. The worm meshes with the worm wheel, and a handle 13 or a second motor is connected to the worm. In this embodiment, to simplify the structure, simplify control, and reduce costs, a handle 13 is connected to the worm. The operator can tilt the entire actuator by manually rotating the handle 13 to accommodate the digging of the tilted bamboo shoot 19.

[0026] The operator pushes the entire digging device above the bamboo shoot 19 to be dug using the push handle 2, rotates the handle 13 to tilt the entire actuator and make it as coaxial as possible with the bamboo shoot 19, and starts the air compressor 4 to bring the pressure to above 0.5 MPa and maintain the pressure. The operator steps on the foot control switch 8 with one foot; the stroke of the foot determines the extension length of the first cylinder 7, allowing the digging blade 18 to gradually dig into the soil around the bamboo shoot 19. The operator uses both hands and feet to maintain the balance of the entire digging device. By utilizing leverage, the force required to maintain balance is smaller, making it more labor-saving and less prone to tipping over. Then, the operator presses the button switch on the push handle 2 to activate the second cylinder 10, causing the digging blade 18 to dig further into the soil, thereby breaking the bamboo shoot 19.

[0027] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the actuator includes a first motor (located inside the mounting base 5, not shown in the attached drawings), the output end of the first motor is connected to a reducer, the output end of the reducer is connected to the top of the cutter holder 6, the battery supplies power to the first motor, and the control device includes an electric switch, which is also mounted on the push handle 2. There are four groups of digging cutters 18, evenly distributed around the positioning ring 14. Under their own weight, the tips of each digging cutter 18 tend to converge. In other embodiments, if the self-weight cannot keep the tips converge, then the digging cutter 18 and the ear holder 15... This embodiment does not include the guide rod 9, but includes the positioning ring 14, as shown in the attached drawing... Figure 3 As shown, the positioning ring 14 is connected to the blade holder 6, and an ear seat 15 is installed on the positioning ring 14. The side of the ear seat 15 away from the positioning ring 14 intersects with the middle of the digging blade 18. A linkage rod 16 is connected to the side of the digging blade 18 near the support base 11. A guide part is connected to the end of the linkage rod 16 away from the digging blade 18. The guide part is a roller 17 or a paddle. In other embodiments, if the weight of the blades cannot keep the blade tips closed, a torsion spring is added at the hinge between the digging blade 18 and the ear seat 15 to keep the blade tips close to the root of the bamboo shoot 19.

[0028] In other embodiments, the tilt angle and / or length of the linkage are adjustable to accommodate the digging of bamboo shoots 19 with different degrees of curvature or size.

[0029] In some other embodiments, the guide is a paddle, which is arranged parallel to the positioning ring 14. When the cutter seat 6 rotates, the outer side of the arched bamboo shoot 19 abuts against the inner side of the paddle, thereby driving the digging cutter 18 to cut into the root of the bamboo shoot 19 on that side.

[0030] In this embodiment, when digging up the sweet bamboo shoots 19, which sometimes have a curved, thick, inverted V-shaped growth pattern, the first cylinder 7 extends while the first motor rotates, performing a rotary cutting motion. During rotary cutting, the bamboo shoot 19 is placed inside the positioning ring 14 during digging. When the digging blade 18 rotates to the curved outer arch of the bamboo shoot 19, the guide part abuts against the outer arch, and the linkage rod 16 drives the digging blade 18 to retract inward, thereby better cutting off the root of the bamboo shoot 19 and cutting off more of the bamboo shoot 19, reducing waste. Moreover, it does not affect the digging and harvesting of bamboo shoots 19 that grow straight.

[0031] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention. The invention is not limited to the fields covered by these embodiments. Commonly known structures and characteristics in the solutions are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are able to access all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, under the guidance of this application, improve and implement this solution in combination with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for digging sweet bamboo shoots, characterized in that: Includes a frame, bamboo shoot digging mechanism, power supply device, control device, and several wheels; The control device, at least controls the bamboo shoot digging mechanism to perform the digging action; The frame has a push handle on one side and a power supply device installed on the side away from the push handle. All the traveling wheels are installed under the frame, and at least one traveling wheel is installed on the frame on the side near the push handle; The bamboo shoot digging mechanism is mounted on a frame and located between the power supply device and the traveling wheel near the push handle. The power supply device provides power for the digging action.

2. The sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a foot switch, which is connected to the control device to control the bamboo shoot digging mechanism to perform digging actions. The foot switch is located on the side of the frame near the push handle.

3. The sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bamboo shoot digging mechanism includes a mounting base and an actuator. A cutter holder is mounted on the mounting base and is rotatably or slidably connected to the mounting base. A digging cutter is mounted on the cutter holder. The actuator drives the cutter holder to rotate or reciprocate linearly. A control device is connected to the actuator.

4. The sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actuator includes a first cylinder, which is mounted on a mounting base. The excavating cutter is connected to the working end of the first cylinder. The power supply device includes an air compressor, which is connected to the first cylinder via an air valve.

5. The sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The actuator includes a first motor, the output end of which is connected to a reducer, and the output end of the reducer is connected to a tool holder; the power supply device includes a battery, which supplies power to the first motor; and the control device includes an electric switch.

6. The sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a tilting mechanism, which includes a support base mounted on the frame. The mounting base is rotatably connected to the support base, causing the mounting base to tilt toward the push handle side or the power supply device side. The support base is also equipped with a drive device that drives the mounting base to rotate.

7. The sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The drive device is a worm gear mechanism. The worm gear is connected to the mounting base, the worm is rotatably connected to the support base, the worm meshes with the worm gear, and a handle or a second motor is connected to the worm.

8. The sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting base is equipped with multiple sets of digging cutters. Each set of digging cutters includes a guide rod, and a second cylinder parallel to the guide rod is mounted on the guide rod. The second cylinder is connected to the power supply device, and the digging cutter is connected to the output end of each set of second cylinders.

9. A bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The guide rod is rotatably connected to the tool holder, and the guide rod or the tool holder is equipped with a locking structure to lock the rotation angle of the guide rod and the tool holder.

10. A sweet bamboo shoot digging device according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a positioning ring, which is connected to the cutter holder. The positioning ring is equipped with an ear seat, and the side of the ear seat away from the positioning ring intersects with the middle of the digging cutter. The side of the digging cutter near the support is connected to a linkage rod, and the end of the linkage rod away from the digging cutter is connected to a guide part, which is a roller or a paddle.

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