A chestnut posture adjusting and shape sorting integrated device and a chestnut sorting method

Abstract

This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing chestnut sorting equipment, which cannot complete chestnut sorting and posture adjustment / turning operations in one step. It provides an integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device and method. This integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device includes a chestnut turning device and a chestnut sorting device. The chestnut turning device includes a first belt conveyor, a first chestnut transfer channel, and an inclined baffle. The chestnut sorting device includes a second belt conveyor and a chestnut collection channel. Belt 1 of the first belt conveyor and belt 2 of the second belt conveyor are arranged parallel to each other, with belt 1 being higher than belt 2. The integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device and method using the structure of this invention have a particularly simple structure, relying on mechanical components to complete the sorting without the need for electronic equipment. The overall operation of the equipment is reliable and highly automated. When a small baffle is set, even more thorough and accurate sorting is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of chestnut processing equipment and methods, specifically to an integrated equipment for chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting, and a chestnut sorting method. Background Technology

[0002] During the deep processing of chestnuts, it is often necessary to make incisions on their surface to facilitate peeling and consumption by consumers. To ensure accurate incision placement and an aesthetically pleasing appearance, chestnuts must be positioned with the flat side down and the curved side up before entering the cutting machine. However, chestnuts come in various shapes, including round chestnuts, semi-round chestnuts, and double-sided flat chestnuts. Round chestnuts have curved sides on both sides, semi-round chestnuts have one flat side and one curved side, and double-sided flat chestnuts have flat sides on both sides. Semi-round chestnuts account for the largest proportion. Because round chestnuts have curved sides, it is difficult to make a stable incision when cutting them. Therefore, round chestnuts need to be sorted out to facilitate the cutting operation of the chestnut surface using the flat side as a reference.

[0003] Existing chestnut sorting equipment mostly relies on size screening and visual recognition methods. These equipment are complex in structure, expensive, and difficult to simultaneously complete shape sorting and posture adjustment flipping operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing chestnut sorting equipment, which cannot complete chestnut sorting and posture adjustment / turning operations in one go, by providing an integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting equipment and chestnut sorting method to solve the problem that existing technologies cannot simultaneously complete chestnut turning and sorting.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solutions: An integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device includes a chestnut turning device and a chestnut sorting device. The chestnut turning device includes a first belt conveyor, a first chestnut transfer channel, and an inclined baffle. The chestnut sorting device includes a second belt conveyor and a chestnut collection channel. Belt 1 of the first belt conveyor and belt 2 of the second belt conveyor are arranged parallel to each other, with belt 1 being higher than belt 2. The chestnut transfer channel is located between the inner sides of the first and second belt conveyors, connecting belt 1 and belt 2, and is inclined downwards from one side of belt 1 to the other side of belt 2. The inclined baffle is inclinedly disposed on the upper surface of belt 1, with one end connected to the outer frame of the first belt conveyor and the other end connected to the inner side of the first belt conveyor. The frame and / or chestnut transfer channel are fixedly connected. The connection position of the inclined baffle to the outer frame of belt conveyor one is located behind the connection position to the inner frame of belt conveyor one. The connection position of the inclined baffle to the inner frame of belt conveyor one is located at the chestnut transfer inlet or connected to the rear side wall of chestnut transfer channel one. This allows the chestnuts transported on belt conveyor one to enter chestnut transfer channel one under the action of the inclined baffle and belt one. The chestnut collection channel is used to collect round chestnuts. It is located on the outer side of belt conveyor two, opposite to chestnut transfer channel one or in front of chestnut transfer channel one. The discharge end of belt two is chestnut transfer channel two, used to transfer semi-circular chestnuts and double-plane chestnuts. The chestnut collecting channel is inclined downward from one side of the belt two, and the chestnut collecting channel is opposite to the chestnut transfer channel one. The inclination angle of the chestnut collecting channel relative to the horizontal plane is 5°-20°. An opening is provided inside the belt conveyor. The inlet end of the chestnut transfer channel is located at the opening. The outlet end of the chestnut transfer channel is flush with the upper surface of the belt. One end of the inclined baffle is provided with a corner. The corner angle is less than or equal to 150 degrees. The inclined baffle at the corner end is fixedly connected to the chestnut transfer channel. The inclined baffle at the corner end is perpendicular to the running direction of the belt. The inclination angle of the chestnut transfer channel relative to the horizontal plane is 5°-20°. A vibration device is installed below the chestnut transfer channel 1. The vibration device is a vibration motor or a pneumatic vibrator. A small baffle is installed at the entrance of the chestnut collection channel, with its left and right sides connected to the sides of the chestnut collection channel respectively. The height of the small baffle is lower than the rolling height of the round chestnuts, so that the round chestnuts can roll over the small baffle and enter the chestnut collection channel. The surfaces of the inclined baffle and the small baffle that are in contact with the chestnut are smooth surfaces, and the width of the second belt is greater than the length of one chestnut but less than the width of two chestnuts. The inclined baffle is hinged to the outer frame of the belt conveyor, and the chestnut transfer channel and the chestnut collection channel are components with a U-shaped or rectangular cross-section, respectively.

[0006] A method for sorting chestnuts, using the aforementioned integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting equipment, performs chestnut sorting as follows: 1) Chestnut posture adjustment: The chestnut is conveyed forward by the belt and is blocked at the inclined baffle. The round chestnut rolls forward along the inclined baffle under the combined action of inertia and its unstable center of gravity. The semi-circular chestnut with its arc surface facing down rolls under the combined action of inertia and center of gravity, so that its plane faces down and is in contact with the belt. The double-plane chestnut keeps its plane facing down and in contact with the belt, thus realizing the posture adjustment of the semi-circular chestnut. 2) Chestnut sorting: Round chestnuts are guided by the inclined baffle into chestnut transfer channel one and onto belt two. Due to their unstable center of gravity, they tumble and, under the action of inertia, enter chestnut collection channel one and are removed from belt two. Semi-circular chestnuts and double-plane chestnuts, because their planes are in contact with belt one, enter chestnut transfer channel one under the action of the inclined baffle and slide down along chestnut transfer channel one onto belt two. They continue to maintain a plane-down posture, and their planes are in contact with belt two. Under the action of belt two, they are conveyed forward into chestnut transfer channel two, thus separating the round chestnuts. Semi-circular chestnuts and double-plane chestnuts slide down the inclined chestnut transfer channel one onto the belt two; Round chestnuts that roll onto belt 2 will roll over the small baffle at the entrance of the chestnut collection channel and enter the chestnut collection channel. Meanwhile, double-plane chestnuts and semi-circular chestnuts that fall near the entrance of the chestnut collection channel will be blocked by the small baffle and transported by belt 2 to chestnut transfer channel 2.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting integrated equipment and chestnut sorting method of this invention consists of a chestnut turning device composed of a belt conveyor and an inclined baffle, and a chestnut sorting device composed of a belt conveyor and a chestnut collection channel. The belt conveyor and the chestnut collection channel connect the belt conveyor and the chestnut collection channel. Utilizing the inertia of the chestnuts moving forward, combined with the different center-of-gravity stability of chestnuts of different shapes, the semi-circular chestnuts change posture under the action of inertia when encountering the inclined baffle, thus turning over and achieving the goal of making the chestnut plane face downwards. The chestnuts are then transferred through a chestnut transfer channel... After adjusting its posture, the semi-circular chestnut, with its flat surface facing downwards, enters the second belt conveyor. Utilizing the instability of the round chestnut's center of gravity, it rolls into the chestnut collection channel. Then, leveraging the combined stability of the double-plane chestnut and the downward-facing semi-circular chestnut, along with friction, they enter the second belt conveyor and are moved forward to the second chestnut transfer channel, where they separate from the round chestnut, completing the chestnut sorting process. The design is ingenious, the structure exceptionally simple, and the sorting is accomplished by mechanical components without the need for electronic equipment. The equipment operates reliably and is highly automated.

[0008] When a small baffle is set, the rolling height of round chestnuts and the high friction between double-plane chestnuts and semi-circular chestnuts make them less prone to rolling are utilized. This mechanism allows the small baffle to block double-plane chestnuts and semi-circular chestnuts but not round chestnuts, thus achieving more thorough and accurate sorting. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 The left view; Figure 3 A schematic front view of an embodiment of an integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device; Figure 4 Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device of the present invention.

[0010] Figure label: Belt conveyor 1, feed inlet 101, drive motor 102, attitude adjustment mechanism 2, inclined baffle 201, chestnut transfer channel 1 202, chestnut transfer feed inlet 203, vibration device 204; Belt conveyor 2 3, drive motor 2 301, chestnut collection channel 302, small sidewall 303, chestnut transfer outlet 304, chestnut transfer channel 2 305. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments. The following embodiments are merely descriptive and not limiting, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0012] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides an integrated device for chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting, as well as a chestnut sorting method.

[0013] The chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting integrated device of the present invention is referred to as the integrated device. It includes a chestnut turning device, a chestnut transfer channel one, and a chestnut sorting device. The chestnut turning device turns the semi-circular chestnuts so that their flat surfaces face down. All chestnuts are transferred to the chestnut sorting device through the chestnut transfer channel one, separating the round chestnuts from the double-flat chestnuts and the semi-circular chestnuts.

[0014] The chestnut turning device of this invention includes a belt conveyor and an inclined baffle. The belt conveyor includes a frame, a belt, and a belt drive device. The belt drive device includes a front-to-back transmission roller and a drive motor. The belt is wound around the two transmission rollers. The drive motor is connected to the active transmission roller. The transmission roller is mounted on the frame. The inclined baffle spans over the belt. The chestnut sorting device includes a belt conveyor and a chestnut collection channel. The belt conveyor includes a frame, two front-to-back transmission rollers, a belt wound around the transmission rollers, and a drive motor connected to the active transmission roller. The transmission roller is fixedly mounted on the frame. The belt conveyor is parallel to the belt conveyor, preferably parallel to it. The chestnut transfer channel is located between the belt conveyor and the belt conveyor. The chestnut transfer channel is fixedly located between the inner sides of the belt conveyor and the belt conveyor, and connects the belt and the belt. Preferably, an opening is provided on the inner frame of the first belt conveyor. The inlet end of the chestnut transfer channel is fixedly located at the opening. The outlet end of the chestnut transfer channel can be connected to the second belt by overlapping, or overlapped or fixedly connected to the inner frame of the second belt conveyor with the same height and clearance as the second belt. The inclined baffle slopes from back to front from the outer frame of the first belt conveyor towards the inner frame of the first belt conveyor. The position where the inclined baffle connects to the inner frame of the first conveyor is located in front of the outlet of the first chestnut transfer channel or adjacent to the first chestnut transfer channel. The rear sidewall is connected so that when chestnuts are transported by belt conveyor one to the inclined baffle, the original balance of the chestnuts is disrupted by the inclined baffle. The semi-circular chestnuts with their curved surfaces facing downwards, being "top-heavy" with their center of gravity at the top, tumble, causing the flat surface of the semi-circular chestnut to fit against the belt, with the curved surface facing upwards. Under the action of the inclined baffle, the forward direction is changed, and they enter belt conveyor two from chestnut transfer channel one. Double-flat chestnuts and circular chestnuts also change direction under the action of the inclined baffle and enter belt conveyor two from chestnut transfer channel one. An opening two is provided on the outer side of belt conveyor two, opposite to or in front of the outlet of chestnut transfer channel one. The inlet end of chestnut collection channel one is fixed at opening two and slopes downwards. The front end of belt conveyor two is chestnut transfer channel two, from which double-flat chestnuts and semi-circular chestnuts are transferred to the next process. Preferably, belt conveyor two is lower than belt conveyor one, and chestnut transfer channel one slopes downwards from belt conveyor one toward chestnut conveyor two. At least the surfaces of the inclined baffle and the small sidewall that contact the chestnuts are smooth. To facilitate the chestnuts' entry into the chestnut transfer channel, a corner is provided at one end of the inclined baffle, located within the chestnut transfer channel, with an angle less than or equal to 150 degrees. Thus, chestnuts blocked by the inclined baffle enter the chestnut transfer channel one along the corner.To prevent round chestnuts from being carried away by the second conveyor belt, the width of the second conveyor belt should be moderate, ideally less than or equal to the width of two chestnuts but greater than the width of one chestnut. This ensures that round chestnuts rolling onto the second conveyor belt immediately enter the chestnut collection channel one, preventing them from tumbling again on the second conveyor belt and being pushed forward. The width of the first conveyor belt should be as wide as possible to allow sufficient time for the baffle to process the chestnuts, increasing the number of chestnuts flipped per unit time. Furthermore, the angle between the inclined baffle and the running direction of the first conveyor belt should be less than or equal to 60 degrees and greater than or equal to 30 degrees to help the chestnuts slide smoothly into the chestnut transfer channel one. There should be a gap between the lower end of the inclined baffle and the first conveyor belt, smaller than the height of the chestnut, to prevent chestnuts from passing through. The inclined baffle can be a rigid baffle or a flexible baffle, such as a suspended rubber curtain, made of a smooth material that will not damage the chestnuts.

[0015] In a more preferred embodiment, a vibration device is installed below the belt conveyor second to assist in turning the chestnuts over, ensuring that the flat surfaces of both the semi-circular chestnuts and the double-plane chestnuts are in contact with the inclined surface of the chestnut transfer channel first as they slide onto the belt conveyor second. This prevents the chestnuts from accumulating in one area of ​​the chestnut transfer channel and causing them to roll over, thus preventing the already flat-down semi-circular chestnuts from maintaining their flat-down position. Preferably, the vibration device is a vibration motor or a pneumatic vibrator.

[0016] Preferably, a small baffle is installed at the entrance of the chestnut collection channel to close the entrance. The baffle is lower than the tumbling height of the round chestnuts. In this way, the flat chestnuts and semi-circular chestnuts that fall on the belt conveyor are not tumbling because their flat surfaces are in contact with the belt conveyor. When they pass through the small baffle, they are blocked by the small baffle and change direction to move forward. The round chestnuts, due to their unstable posture, tumble. Therefore, they roll past the small baffle and enter the chestnut collection channel, thus better achieving chestnut sorting.

[0017] Preferably, both the chestnut transfer channel one and the chestnut collection channel one are components with a U-shaped cross-section or a rectangular cross-section. The inclination angle of both is 5°-20°, preferably 10°.

[0018] Chestnut turning and sorting are performed as follows: First, belt conveyor one, driven by its drive motor one, runs belt one, uniformly conveying chestnuts of different shapes forward from the feed inlet. When the conveyed chestnuts come into contact with and collide with the inclined baffle on belt conveyor one, the original motion balance of the chestnuts is broken. Semi-circular chestnuts, due to their "top-heavy" center of gravity, lose balance and roll, causing the flat surface of the curved chestnuts to fit against belt one, with the curved surface facing upwards, and smoothly conveyed forward along the guide direction of the inclined baffle to a chestnut transfer channel. The vibrating device located at the bottom of chestnut transfer channel one vibrates to assist the chestnuts in turning; at this time, the semi-circular chestnuts and the double... The flat chestnuts, with their surfaces aligned with the inclined surface of chestnut transfer channel one, slide onto belt conveyor two. Due to the greater sliding friction between the semi-circular and double-flat chestnuts, and with the assistance of the small baffle on belt conveyor two, both are conveyed forward into chestnut transfer channel two as their surfaces adhere to the conveyor. Simultaneously, the circular chestnuts, with their lower rolling friction and inertia, roll from chestnut transfer channel one onto belt conveyor two, unimpeded by the small baffle, tumble past it, and then roll along the chestnut collection channel to the circular chestnut collection area. This process achieves chestnut sorting and posture adjustment.

[0019] The integrated device of the present invention has the following advantages: Integrated operation with high functional integration: It simultaneously realizes multiple functions such as round chestnut sorting, semi-round chestnut flipping, and double-plane chestnut separation, without the need for multiple machines to cooperate, simplifying the chestnut processing process and reducing the equipment footprint and processing steps.

[0020] The mechanical structure is simple and the cost is low: the entire equipment is composed of only conventional mechanical devices and components such as belt conveyors, inclined baffles, and small sidewalls. There is no need for complex systems such as visual recognition and electronic control sensors. The equipment has low manufacturing and maintenance costs and a low failure rate.

[0021] Precise sorting and strong adaptability: Based on the differences in chestnut shape, size and posture, the system achieves efficient separation of round chestnuts, semi-round chestnuts and double-plane chestnuts by precisely matching the height of the baffle. The small baffle parameters can be flexibly adjusted for chestnuts of different sizes, making it highly adaptable.

[0022] Non-destructive sorting ensures chestnut quality: Flexible conveying and smooth inclined baffles are used. The entire process relies on inertia and gravity to achieve tumbling and sorting, without strong squeezing or bumping, avoiding damage to the chestnut shell and flesh, and improving the qualified rate of finished chestnuts.

[0023] Stable flipping and efficient discharge: The semi-circular chestnuts achieve precise flipping under the combined action of mechanical limiting and external force, with high consistency in posture; the belt conveyor pulls out the semi-circular / double-plane chestnuts at a steady speed, avoiding material accumulation and blockage, and ensuring continuous production operation.

[0024] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated device for chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting, characterized in that: The system includes a chestnut turning device and a chestnut sorting device. The chestnut turning device includes a belt conveyor, a chestnut transfer channel, and an inclined baffle. The chestnut sorting device includes a belt conveyor and a chestnut collection channel. Belt 1 of belt conveyor 1 and belt 2 of belt conveyor 2 are arranged parallel to each other, with belt 1 being higher than belt 2. The chestnut transfer channel is located between the inner sides of belt conveyor 1 and belt conveyor 2, connecting belt 1 and belt 2. It is inclined downwards from one side of belt 1 to the other side of belt 2. The inclined baffle is inclinedly arranged on the upper surface of belt 1, with one end connected to the outer frame of belt conveyor 1 and the other end connected to the inner frame of belt conveyor 1 and / or the chestnut transfer channel. The inclined baffle is fixedly connected to the outer frame of the belt conveyor 1, and the connection position between the inclined baffle and the inner frame of the belt conveyor 1 is located at the chestnut transfer inlet or connected to the rear side wall of the chestnut transfer channel 1. This allows the chestnuts transported on the belt conveyor 1 to enter the chestnut transfer channel 1 under the action of the inclined baffle and the belt 1. The chestnut collection channel is used to collect round chestnuts. It is located on the outer side of the belt conveyor 2, opposite to the chestnut transfer channel 1 or in front of the chestnut transfer channel 1. The discharge end of the belt 2 is the chestnut transfer channel 2, which is used to transfer semi-circular chestnuts and double-plane chestnuts.

2. The integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chestnut collecting channel is inclined downwards from one side of the belt two, and the chestnut collecting channel is opposite to the chestnut transfer channel one. The inclination angle of the chestnut collecting channel relative to the horizontal plane is 5°-20°.

3. The integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An opening is provided on the inner side of belt conveyor one. The inlet end of the chestnut transfer channel is located at the opening. The outlet end of the chestnut transfer channel is flush with the upper surface of belt two. One end of the inclined baffle is provided with a corner, the corner angle is less than or equal to 150 degrees. The inclined baffle at the corner end is fixedly connected to chestnut transfer channel one. The inclined baffle at the corner end is perpendicular to the running direction of belt one. The inclination angle of the chestnut transfer channel relative to the horizontal plane is 5°-20°.

4. The integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vibration device is installed below the chestnut transfer channel one. The vibration device is a vibration motor or a pneumatic vibrator.

5. The integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A small baffle is installed at the entrance of the chestnut collection channel, with its left and right sides connected to the sides of the chestnut collection channel respectively. The height of the small baffle is lower than the rolling height of the round chestnuts, allowing the round chestnuts to roll over the small baffle and enter the chestnut collection channel.

6. The integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The surfaces of the inclined baffle and the small baffle that are in contact with the chestnut are smooth, and the width of the second belt is greater than the length of one chestnut but less than the width of two chestnuts.

7. The integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclined baffle is hinged to the outer frame of the belt conveyor, and the chestnut transfer channel and the chestnut collection channel are components with a U-shaped or rectangular cross-section, respectively.

8. A method for sorting chestnuts, characterized in that, Using the integrated chestnut posture adjustment and shape sorting equipment as described in any one of claims 1-7, chestnuts are sorted according to the following method: 1) Chestnut posture adjustment: The chestnut is conveyed forward by the belt and is blocked at the inclined baffle. The round chestnut rolls forward along the inclined baffle under the combined action of inertia and its unstable center of gravity. The semi-circular chestnut with its arc surface facing down rolls under the combined action of inertia and center of gravity, so that its plane faces down and is in contact with the belt. The double-plane chestnut keeps its plane facing down and in contact with the belt, thus realizing the posture adjustment of the semi-circular chestnut. 2) Chestnut sorting: Round chestnuts are guided by the inclined baffle into chestnut transfer channel one and onto belt two. Due to their unstable center of gravity, they tumble and, under the action of inertia, enter chestnut collection channel one and are removed from belt two. Semi-circular chestnuts and double-plane chestnuts, because their planes are in contact with belt one, enter chestnut transfer channel one under the action of the inclined baffle and slide down along chestnut transfer channel one onto belt two. They continue to maintain a plane-down posture, and their planes are in contact with belt two. Under the action of belt two, they are conveyed forward into chestnut transfer channel two, thus separating the round chestnuts.

9. A chestnut sorting method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Semi-circular chestnuts and double-flat chestnuts slide down the inclined chestnut transfer channel one onto belt two.

10. A chestnut sorting method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Round chestnuts that roll onto belt 2 will roll over the small baffle at the entrance of the chestnut collection channel and enter the chestnut collection channel. Meanwhile, double-plane chestnuts and semi-circular chestnuts that fall near the entrance of the chestnut collection channel will be blocked by the small baffle and transported by belt 2 to chestnut transfer channel 2.

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