Towed multifunctional licorice harvesting machine

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of traction licorice harvester, belong to traditional Chinese medicine harvest machinery technical field, including cutting device, rack, ditching and root cutting device, conveying device and soil screening device.Cutting device is located in the front end of rack, and blade cutting leaves while fan blade generates airflow and blows leaves off.Ditching and root cutting device is hinged with rack through rotary hinge seat, and angle adjusting executive component drives it to rotate and swing relative to rack, to adjustable inclination angle, and it is deeply into soil layer, and it realizes ditching and soil breaking by chain knife structure, and root cutting blade rotates to complete root cutting.Transmitting device is obliquely assembled in rack, and inlet end is connected with outlet end of ditching and root cutting device, and it supports licorice and conveys it upward to soil screening device.Soil screening device is driven by vibration motor to vibrate screen frame, and spring is used to assist shock absorption, to realize separation of licorice and soil.The present application integrates stem and leaf cutting, ditching and root cutting, conveying and lifting, and vibrating soil screening, and each mechanism is flexible and adjustable, to effectively improve licorice harvesting efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of mechanized harvesting equipment for Chinese medicinal materials, and in particular relates to a tractor-driven multi-functional licorice harvester, which is suitable for field harvesting operations in large-scale licorice cultivation. Background Technology

[0002] Licorice, a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal herb, possesses both medicinal and edible value and is an important component of my country's medicinal herb industry. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, and chemical industries, and its large-scale cultivation area is expanding year by year. It plays a vital role in ensuring the supply of medicinal herbs, increasing farmers' income, and promoting the development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry. However, the current licorice harvesting process still faces a serious bottleneck in mechanization. Traditional harvesting methods mainly rely on manual digging and sorting, which is not only labor-intensive and extremely inefficient (each person can only harvest an average of 0.1-0.2 acres per day), but also easily causes root breakage and tuber damage, significantly reducing the commercial quality and economic value of licorice.

[0003] With the migration of rural labor to cities, the problems of labor shortage and rising labor costs are becoming increasingly prominent. Traditional manual harvesting methods are no longer suitable for the needs of large-scale licorice cultivation, making the development of efficient and automated licorice harvesting equipment an urgent need for industrial development. Although existing licorice harvesting machinery has achieved mechanization of some processes, it still has many technical pain points: First, the stems and leaves are not completely cut. Some models use a single fixed cutter, which easily leads to stem and leaf residue and entanglement with the cutter. Second, the trenching and root cutting effect is not good. The digging components of most equipment are rigid and fixed structures, which cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the depth of the licorice root system, easily resulting in incomplete root cutting and missed digging. Third, the integration of conveying and screening is poor. Some equipment lacks a targeted impurity screening structure, and the harvested licorice is covered with a large amount of soil, requiring additional manual cleaning. Fourth, the overall adaptability of the equipment is weak. The various mechanisms cannot be flexibly adjusted, making it difficult to adapt to the licorice harvesting needs of different regions and planting densities.

[0004] Existing related patent technologies have made some improvements to licorice harvesting equipment. For example, the utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN209830789U discloses a licorice harvester that achieves licorice digging and conveying by setting up a digging shovel and a conveying device. However, this equipment does not have a dedicated stem and leaf cutting mechanism, and the digging angle is fixed, which cannot adapt to licorice root systems of different depths. Another utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN211210876U discloses a licorice vibrating screening device. Although it solves the problem of soil separation, it does not integrate stem and leaf cutting, trenching and root cutting functions, and cannot achieve integrated operation of the entire harvesting process, resulting in limited operation efficiency.

[0005] In general, while existing patented technologies optimize individual stages of licorice harvesting, they fail to integrate the entire process of stem and leaf cutting, root pruning, conveying, and screening. Furthermore, the adjustability of each mechanism is insufficient, making it impossible to simultaneously address core issues such as the thoroughness of stem and leaf cutting, the effectiveness of root severance, and the efficiency of impurity screening. Consequently, the overall operational efficiency and practicality of the equipment are insufficient to meet the harvesting needs of large-scale licorice cultivation. Therefore, developing a multifunctional, flexibly adjustable, and highly adaptable licorice harvesting device to overcome current technological bottlenecks is crucial for promoting large-scale licorice cultivation, improving harvesting efficiency, and ensuring licorice quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a tractor-mounted multi-functional licorice harvester. This integrated harvester combines cutting, ditching and root pruning, conveying, and soil sieving, with key actuators that are rotatably adjustable. It overcomes the technical shortcomings of existing licorice harvesting equipment, such as incomplete stem and leaf cutting, poor root pruning effectiveness due to non-adjustable ditching and root pruning angles, poor coordination of conveying and sieving, and the inability of various mechanisms to flexibly adapt to different planting conditions. This invention achieves mechanized operation of the entire licorice harvesting process, reduces labor costs, and improves harvesting efficiency and licorice quality.

[0007] The present invention achieves the above-mentioned technical objectives through the following technical means.

[0008] A towed licorice multi-functional harvester includes a cutting device, a frame, a ditching and root-cutting device, a conveying device, and a soil-screening device.

[0009] The frame serves as the mounting base for the entire machine, and the cutting device, trenching and root cutting device, conveying device, and soil screening device are respectively assembled on the frame.

[0010] The cutting device is located at the front end of the frame and is used to cut the stems and leaves of licorice.

[0011] The trenching and root-cutting device is hinged to the frame via a rotary hinge seat and connected to the frame via an angle adjustment actuator. The extension and retraction of the angle adjustment actuator drives the trenching and root-cutting device to rotate and swing relative to the frame. The trenching and root-cutting device is located behind the cutting device and can rotate and swing relative to the frame to penetrate the soil layer for trenching and licorice root cutting operations.

[0012] The conveying device is mounted at an angle on the frame. The feed end of the conveying device is connected to the discharge end of the trenching and root-cutting device, and is used to receive the licorice dug out by the trenching and root-cutting device and convey it upward. The discharge end of the conveying device extends backward and upward to the top of the soil screening device.

[0013] The soil screening device is mounted at the rear end of the frame. The feed end of the soil screening device is located below the discharge end of the conveying device. It is used to receive the licorice that falls into the conveying device and to perform vibration screening and soil separation. The screened licorice is discharged through the discharge end of the soil screening device.

[0014] In the above scheme, the cutting device includes a power shaft, a protective cover, a fan protective cover, a connecting frame, a cutter, a reduction gearbox, a cutter connecting shaft, a dustproof net, fan blades, a drive shaft, and a gearbox. The power shaft is used to connect to a tractor to obtain power, and the power shaft is connected to the reduction gearbox to transmit power. The reduction gearbox transmits power to the drive shaft, and the drive shaft transmits power to the gearbox. The gearbox is connected to the cutter connecting shaft, and the cutter connecting shaft is coaxially connected to the cutter and drives the cutter to rotate and cut the licorice stems and leaves. The connecting frame is connected to the protective cover, and the fan protective cover is placed on the outside of the fan blades and connected to the drive shaft. The fan blades rotate synchronously with the drive shaft to generate airflow, which blows off the cut stems and leaves.

[0015] In the above scheme, the trenching and root-cutting device includes a connecting frame; the connecting frame is hinged to the frame via a rotary hinge seat, the fixed end of the angle adjustment actuator is connected to the frame, and the telescopic end of the angle adjustment actuator is connected to the connecting frame. The telescopic drive of the angle adjustment actuator drives the connecting frame to rotate and swing relative to the frame.

[0016] Furthermore, the rotary hinge seat is located below the front end of the frame and behind the cutting device. The rotary hinge seat includes a fixed lug fixed to the front end of the frame, a movable lug disposed at the front end of the connecting frame, and a hinge pin that passes through the fixed lug and the movable lug along the transverse direction of the whole machine. The angle adjustment actuator is inclinedly disposed between the frame and the connecting frame. The fixed end of the angle adjustment actuator is hinged to the frame, and the telescopic end of the angle adjustment actuator is hinged to the rear of the connecting frame. The angle adjustment actuator can adjust the angle of the connecting frame relative to the frame around the hinge pin by extending or shortening. It can also achieve self-locking when the angle adjustment actuator stops moving.

[0017] In the above scheme, the trenching and root-cutting device has a trenching component and a root-cutting component; the trenching component is used to break the soil and open trenches, and the root-cutting component is used to cut the licorice root system; the trenching component is located behind the cutting device, and the root-cutting component is located behind the trenching component.

[0018] Furthermore, the trenching assembly includes trenching blades, a trenching chain, and a sixth motor; the trenching blades are disposed on the trenching chain, which has a closed-loop structure and is located at the front end of the connecting frame; the sixth motor is mounted on the connecting frame and is connected to the trenching chain for driving the trenching chain and trenching blades to rotate in a cycle to complete the trenching operation.

[0019] In the above scheme, the root cutting component includes a root cutting blade and a first motor; the root cutting blade is located at the rear end of the connecting frame; the first motor is mounted on the connecting frame and is connected to the root cutting blade for driving the root cutting blade to rotate to complete the root cutting operation.

[0020] In the above scheme, the trenching and root-cutting device further includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a chain connecting gear, a chain connecting rod, a first chain, a first shaft, a second chain, a second motor, a second shaft, and a rotating wheel; the trenching chain is wound around the chain connecting rod and the chain connecting gear; the rotating wheel is assembled at the ends of the first and second connecting rods to assist the trenching chain in operating smoothly; the root-cutting blades are in multiple sets, arranged laterally between the first and second connecting rods along the rear end of the connecting frame; the first motor is mounted on the connecting frame and is drivenly connected to the second connecting rod; the second motor is connected to the connecting frame, and the second motor is connected to the first shaft through a chain drive mechanism formed by the first chain, the second shaft, and the second chain, to provide independently adjustable power to the root-cutting execution part formed by the first connecting rod, the root-cutting blades, and the second connecting rod; the root-cutting execution part can rotate freely around the first shaft to adapt to the working position of the trenching assembly and the conveying device.

[0021] In the above scheme, the conveying device includes a connecting wheel, a third shaft, a conveyor belt frame, a third motor, a conveyor belt, and a fourth motor. The third shaft is fixedly mounted on the frame. The conveyor belt frame is hinged to the frame via the connecting wheel and the third shaft. The connecting wheel is fitted onto both ends of the third shaft to axially limit the conveyor belt frame to the frame. The fourth motor is mounted on the frame and driven by the third shaft to drive the third shaft to rotate, thereby causing the entire conveying device to swing relative to the frame. Two conveyor belts are mounted on the conveyor belt frame and are arranged in parallel. The third motor is mounted on the conveyor belt frame and driven by a drive shaft. The drive shaft is simultaneously driven by both conveyor belts to synchronously drive the two conveyor belts.

[0022] In the above scheme, the soil screening device includes a fifth motor, a support, a spring, a screen, a screen frame, and a guide plate; the support is connected to the machine frame, the spring is disposed between the support and the screen frame, the screen is installed inside the screen frame, the fifth motor is installed on the screen frame and drives the screen frame to vibrate; the guide plate is installed at the discharge end of the screen frame and vibrates synchronously with the screen frame to guide the screened licorice to the field.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0024] 1. This harvester integrates the entire process of licorice harvesting. Through the cooperation of the cutting device, the ditching and root cutting device, the conveying device, and the soil screening device, it can complete the entire process of licorice stem and leaf cutting, deep ditching, root cutting, material conveying, and soil screening. It can complete the harvesting of two rows of licorice in one go, greatly reducing the number of operation steps. Compared with traditional single-row harvesting equipment, it significantly reduces the labor and mechanical operation costs.

[0025] 2. Both the trenching and root-cutting device and the conveying device are rotatably adjustable. The trenching and root-cutting device can flexibly adjust the working angle and soil penetration depth through the extension and retraction drive of the angle adjustment actuator. It can be adjusted by the operator to a suitable working angle according to the burial depth of licorice roots and field terrain conditions. When operating, it can effectively sink to the licorice root soil layer of 20~50cm, which is conducive to achieving trenching and root cutting without omission. When not in operation and moving to another location, it can be raised and folded up at the same time, which can effectively reduce the wear and tear of the parts and reduce the overall height of the machine, making it suitable for road transportation and field relocation needs. The adaptability and flexibility of the equipment are greatly improved.

[0026] 3. The cutting device adopts a multi-stage stable transmission structure, which ensures smooth power transmission and low loss, enabling high-speed and effective cutting of double rows of licorice stems and leaves; the synchronously configured fan blade airflow structure can immediately blow the cut stems and leaves away from the working area, avoiding the accumulation of stems and leaves that may affect subsequent trenching and root cutting operations; the multiple dustproof protection structure can effectively block field dust and debris from entering the transmission components, significantly reducing the equipment failure rate and extending the service life of the entire machine.

[0027] 4. The trenching and root pruning device adopts a dual-path independent transmission structure for trenching and root pruning. The trenching operation and the root cutting operation can be controlled and operated independently. The root pruning blade is conducive to effectively cutting off the main root and fibrous roots of licorice, effectively reducing the problem of missed digging and root damage, and ensuring the quality of licorice harvest. The closed-loop chain transmission structure has stable transmission and strong load-bearing capacity, and is suitable for high-intensity working conditions in deep soil in the field. The equipment has high reliability.

[0028] 5. The soil screening device adopts elastic support high-frequency vibrating screening. The spring can play a role in shock absorption and buffering, effectively reducing resonance problems. It has low operating noise, high screening efficiency, and significantly reduces subsequent manual cleaning costs. The inclined screen and guide plate structure can realize continuous screening and material discharge of licorice materials, ensuring the smooth continuous operation of the whole machine.

[0029] 6. The whole machine adopts a traction frame structure, and the frame is welded from high-strength steel, which has strong load-bearing capacity and good structural stability. It can effectively resist vibration and reaction force during operation, and is compatible with general tractor towing operations. No special power equipment is required, and it has strong versatility. The functional components adopt a reasonable assembly structure, and the vulnerable parts are easy to replace, further reducing the operation and maintenance costs and the threshold for use of the equipment.

[0030] 7. Compared with traditional single-row harvesting equipment, the double-row operation design can complete the harvesting of two rows of licorice simultaneously, greatly increasing the operating area per unit time. Combined with the coordinated operation of various devices, it effectively reduces the number of field operations, reduces soil compaction, protects the soil structure of licorice planting plots, and provides a good foundation for subsequent licorice replanting, balancing operational efficiency and soil protection.

[0031] 8. Each device is equipped with a targeted protective structure. The dustproof net of the cutting device can prevent field soil and straw debris from entering the transmission components, reducing component wear and failure, reducing equipment maintenance frequency, extending the service life of each component, and further improving the overall machine's operational stability and economy. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tractor-driven multi-functional licorice harvester according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the cutting device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0034] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of the cutting device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the trenching and root-cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the trenching and root-cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a soil screening device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the trenching and root-cutting device and the conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a side view of a tractor-mounted licorice multi-functional harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] In the diagram: 1-cutting device, 101-power shaft, 102-protective cover, 103-fan protective cover, 104-connecting frame, 105-cutter, 106-reduction gearbox, 107-cutter connecting shaft, 108-dustproof net, 109-fan blade, 1010-drive shaft, 1011-gearbox;

[0043] 2-Frame, 201-Wheels, 202-Chassis;

[0044] 3-Tredging and root-cutting device; 301-Tredging blade; 302-Tredging chain; 303-Rotating wheel; 304-First connecting rod; 305-Root-cutting blade; 306-First motor; 307-Second connecting rod; 308-Chain connecting gear; 309-Chain connecting rod; 3010-First chain; 3011-First shaft; 3012-Second chain; 3013-Second motor; 3014-Second shaft; 3015-Connecting frame; 3016-Sixth motor;

[0045] 4-Conveying device, 401-Connecting wheel, 402-Third shaft, 403-Conveyor belt frame, 404-Third motor, 405-Conveyor belt, 406-Fourth motor;

[0046] 5-Soil screening device, 501-Fifth motor, 502-Support, 503-Spring, 504-Screen, 505-Screen frame, 506-Guide plate. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "axial," "radial," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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 according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 10 The diagram shows a preferred embodiment of the towed licorice harvester, which includes a cutting device 1, a frame 2, a ditching and root-cutting device 3, a conveying device 4, and a soil-screening device 5. The frame 2 serves as the mounting base for the entire machine and is located in the middle of the machine. The cutting device 1, the ditching and root-cutting device 3, the conveying device 4, and the soil-screening device 5 are respectively mounted on the frame 2.

[0051] The cutting device 1 is located at the front end of the frame 2 and is used to cut the stems and leaves of licorice.

[0052] The trenching and root-cutting device 3 is located behind the cutting device 1. The trenching and root-cutting device 3 is hinged to the frame 2 through a rotary hinge seat and connected to the frame 2 through an angle adjustment actuator. The extension and retraction of the angle adjustment actuator drives the trenching and root-cutting device 3 to rotate and swing relative to the frame 2, so as to penetrate the soil layer to perform trenching and licorice root cutting operations.

[0053] The conveying device 4 is mounted at an incline on the frame 2. The feed end of the conveying device 4 is connected to the discharge end of the trenching and root-cutting device 3. It is used to receive the licorice root dug out by the trenching and root-cutting device 3 and convey it upward. The discharge end of the conveying device 4 extends backward and upward to the top of the soil screening device 5.

[0054] The soil screening device 5 is mounted at the rear end of the frame 2. The feed end of the soil screening device 5 is located below the discharge end of the conveying device 4. It is used to receive the licorice that falls into the conveying device 4 and to perform vibration screening and soil separation. The screened licorice is discharged through the discharge end of the soil screening device 5.

[0055] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the cutting device 1 includes a power shaft 101, a protective cover 102, a fan protective cover 103, a connecting frame 104, a cutter 105, a reduction gearbox 106, a cutter connecting shaft 107, a dustproof net 108, a fan blade 109, a transmission shaft 1010, and a gearbox 1011.

[0056] The power shaft 101 is used to connect to the tractor to obtain power, and is connected to the reduction gearbox 106 to transmit power. The reduction gearbox 106 transmits power to the drive shaft 1010, which in turn transmits power to the gearbox 1011. The gearbox 1011 is connected to the cutter connecting shaft 107, which is coaxially connected to the cutter 105 and drives the cutter 105 to rotate and cut the licorice stems and leaves. The connecting frame 104 is connected to the protective cover 102, and the fan protective cover 103 covers the outside of the fan blades 109 and is connected to the drive shaft 1010. The fan blades 109 rotate synchronously with the drive shaft 1010 to generate airflow, blowing off the cut stems and leaves.

[0057] The cutting device utilizes a multi-stage stable transmission structure consisting of a power shaft 101, a reduction gearbox 106, a drive shaft 1010, a gearbox 1011, and a cutter connecting shaft 107. This structure effectively transmits tractor power to the cutter 105, resulting in smooth transmission, low power loss, and suitability for continuous operation under complex field conditions. Two sets of cutters 105 are symmetrically arranged and rotate synchronously with the cutter connecting shaft 107. With a rated operating speed of 800-1200 r / min, they can achieve complete shearing of the stems and leaves of double rows of licorice. The drive shaft 1010 synchronously drives the fan blades 109 to rotate at high speed, generating a directional airflow that immediately blows the cut licorice stems and leaves to both sides of the field, preventing accumulation and interference with subsequent ditching operations. A protective cover 102, a fan protective cover 103, and a dustproof net 108 form a multi-layered protective structure, preventing field dust and straw debris from entering the transmission components and effectively extending the device's service life.

[0058] like Figure 4As shown, the frame 2 includes wheels 201 and a chassis 202. The chassis 202 is a frame structure welded from high-strength rectangular steel pipes, serving as the mounting base for the entire machine. A traction hook-up structure is provided at the front end for tractor traction. Multiple sets of mounting holes are pre-drilled at the top for corresponding assembly with the cutting device 1, ditching and root-cutting device 3, conveying device 4, and soil-screening device 5. A reinforced crossbeam is welded in the middle to enhance load-bearing capacity and resist reaction forces during operation. Four sets of wheels 201 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the bottom of the chassis 202, using high-tread wear-resistant tires suitable for muddy field conditions. The wheel axles are connected to the chassis through bearing seats, ensuring smooth movement and steering of the entire machine and providing stable support for the operation of each device.

[0059] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the trenching and root-cutting device 3 includes a connecting frame 3015. The connecting frame 3015 serves as the mounting base for the device, constructed from thickened steel plates and welded together. It is hinged to the frame 202 of the machine frame 2 via a rotary hinge seat, allowing the entire device to rotate freely within a circumferential radius of 0° to 120° relative to the machine frame 2, adapting to field operations and transport conditions. The rotary hinge seat is located below the front end of the machine frame 2 and behind the cutting device 1. The rotary hinge seat includes a fixed lug fixed to the front end of the machine frame 2, a movable lug located at the front end of the connecting frame 3015, and a hinge pin that passes laterally between the fixed lug and the movable lug. An angle adjustment actuator (preferably a hydraulic cylinder or electric push rod) is inclined between the machine frame 2 and the connecting frame 3015. The fixed end of the angle adjustment actuator is hinged to the machine frame 2, and the telescopic end of the angle adjustment actuator is hinged to the rear of the connecting frame 3015. The angle adjustment mechanism extends or shortens to drive the connecting frame 3015 to adjust its angle relative to the frame 2 around the hinge pin, and achieves self-locking fixation when the angle adjustment mechanism stops moving.

[0060] The trenching and root-cutting device 3 has a trenching component and a root-cutting component. The trenching component is used to break the soil and create trenches, and the root-cutting component is used to cut the licorice root system. The trenching component is located behind the cutting device 1, and the root-cutting component is located behind the trenching component.

[0061] The trenching assembly includes trenching blades 301, trenching chains 302, and a sixth motor 3016. The trenching blades 301 are mounted on the trenching chain 302, which has a closed-loop structure and is located at the front end of the connecting frame 3015. The sixth motor 3016 is fixed to the side wall of the connecting frame 3015, and its output end is connected to the connecting gears 308 of each chain. Three sets of trenching chains 302 are arranged symmetrically along the transverse direction of the machine, with the middle set located at the longitudinal axis of symmetry. This symmetrical arrangement of three sets of trenching chains, with the middle chain positioned along the machine's axis of symmetry, ensures that the soil cutting resistance is evenly distributed transversely during trenching, preventing frame torsional vibration caused by uneven loading. Simultaneously, the synchronous operation of the three sets of chains creates a continuous, uniformly wide trenching trajectory, effectively covering the root distribution area of ​​two rows of licorice, further improving the uniformity and stability of the trenching operation. Each set of trenching chains 302 is enclosedly wound between the chain connecting gear 308 and the chain connecting roller 309, and multiple sets of trenching blades 301 are evenly spaced and fixed on the outer surface of the trenching chain 302. Rotating wheels 303 are coaxially mounted at both ends of the first connecting roller 304 and the second connecting roller 307 to assist the trenching chain 302 in smooth operation and reduce operational shaking and wear. A sixth motor 3016 is mounted on the connecting frame 3015 and is connected to the trenching chain 302 for transmission, driving the trenching chain 302 and the trenching blades 301 to circulate and complete the trenching operation.

[0062] The root-cutting assembly includes a root-cutting blade 305 and a first motor 306. The root-cutting blade 305 is located at the rear end of the connecting frame 3015; the first motor 306 is mounted on the connecting frame 3015 and is driven by the root-cutting blade 305 to drive the root-cutting blade 305 to rotate and complete the root-cutting operation. The first motor 306 is coaxially connected to the second connecting roller 307, and multiple sets of root-cutting blades 305 are arranged between the first connecting roller 304 and the second connecting roller 307. The second motor 3013 is driven by the first chain 3010 and the second chain 3012, respectively, meshing with the second shaft 3014 and the first shaft 3011 to form an independent transmission link for the root-cutting mechanism, allowing for individual adjustment of the blade speed.

[0063] The trenching and root-cutting device 3 also includes a first connecting roller 304, a second connecting roller 307, a chain connecting gear 308, a chain connecting roller 309, a first chain 3010, a first shaft 3011, a second chain 3012, a second motor 3013, a second shaft 3014, and a rotating wheel 303. The rotating wheel 303 is mounted at the ends of the first connecting roller 304 and the second connecting roller 307 to assist the trenching chain 302 in operating smoothly. Multiple sets of root-cutting blades 305 are arranged transversely along the connecting frame 3015 between the first connecting roller 304 and the second connecting roller 307. The first motor 306 is mounted on the connecting frame 3015 and is connected to the second connecting roller 307 via a drive mechanism formed by the first chain 3010, the second shaft 3014, and the second chain 3012. The first connecting roller 304, the root-cutting blade 305, and the second connecting roller 307 form a root-cutting execution part. The root-cutting execution part can rotate freely around the first axis 3011 to adapt to the working position of the trenching assembly and the conveying device 4.

[0064] During operation, the device is lowered into the soil layer containing licorice roots. The trenching blade 301 rotates continuously to open trenches, while the root-cutting blade 305 rotates synchronously to effectively cut the roots. The trenching and root-cutting processes are driven independently, without interference, and work in coordination. The symmetrical double-row structure allows for the simultaneous processing of two rows of licorice, ensuring smooth subsequent harvesting procedures.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the conveying device 4 includes a connecting wheel 401, a third shaft 402, a conveyor belt frame 403, a third motor 404, a conveyor belt 405, and a fourth motor 406.

[0066] The third shaft 402 is fixedly mounted on the frame 2. The conveyor belt frame 403 is hinged to the third shaft 402 via connecting wheels 401. The connecting wheels 401 are fitted onto both ends of the third shaft 402 to axially limit the conveyor belt frame 403 to the frame 2. The fourth motor 406 is mounted on the frame 2 and is connected to the third shaft 402 for driving the third shaft 402 to rotate, thereby causing the entire conveyor device 4 to swing relative to the frame 2.

[0067] Two conveyor belts 405 are installed on the conveyor belt frame 403, and the two conveyor belts 405 are arranged in parallel. A third motor 404 is installed on the conveyor belt frame 403 and is connected to a drive shaft. The drive shaft is also connected to both conveyor belts 405 for synchronously driving the two conveyor belts 405.

[0068] The conveyor belt frame 403 is made of welded steel and is hinged to the frame 202 of the machine frame 2 via the third shaft 402, allowing for free adjustment of the angle from 0° to 75° to adapt to switching between operation and transfer conditions. During operation, the third shaft 402 is driven to rotate by the fourth motor 406, rotating the conveyor device 4 to an inclination angle of 15° to 45°, so that the feed end of the conveyor device 4 aligns with the discharge position of the trenching and root-cutting device 3, receiving and conveying the excavated licorice upwards. In non-operational mode, the conveyor device 4 is rotated to a horizontal retractable angle of 0° to 10°, reducing the overall height of the machine for easy relocation, transportation, and storage.

[0069] The surface of conveyor belt 405 is equipped with anti-slip raised structures to effectively prevent licorice from slipping during transportation. During operation, conveyor belt 405 tilts to connect with the discharge port of the trenching and root cutting device 3, receiving the cut licorice and smoothly conveying it to the soil screening device 5, ensuring smooth and continuous material transfer throughout the machine.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the soil screening device 5 includes a fifth motor 501, a support 502, a spring 503, a screen 504, a screen frame 505, and a guide plate 506.

[0071] The support 502 is connected to the frame 2. The spring 503 is located between the support 502 and the screen frame 505. The screen 504 is installed inside the screen frame 505. The fifth motor 501 is installed on the screen frame 505 and drives the screen frame 505 to vibrate. The guide plate 506 is installed at the discharge end of the screen frame 505 and vibrates synchronously with the screen frame 505 to guide the screened licorice to the field.

[0072] The support frame 502 is welded from high-strength steel and rigidly connected to the rear end of the frame 202 of the machine frame 2, providing a stable support foundation for the device. Four sets of springs 503 are symmetrically arranged at the four corners of the connection between the support frame 502 and the screen frame 505. Through elastic deformation, they adapt to the vibration of the screen body, effectively reducing operational resonance and operating noise.

[0073] The screen 504 adopts a stainless steel mesh structure suitable for licorice screening. The fifth motor 501 is a vibrating motor, which is fixedly installed on the side wall of the screen frame 505. The centrifugal excitation force generated during its operation is directly transmitted to the screen frame 505 through the mounting base, driving the screen frame 505 to generate high-frequency reciprocating vibration under the elastic support of the spring 503, providing continuous power for soil screening operations.

[0074] The guide plate 506 is installed at the discharge end of the screen frame 505, and is integrated with the screen frame 505 and vibrates synchronously with the screen body. Since there is no relative displacement between the two, there is no problem of material jamming. The screened licorice material directly transitions from the surface of the screen 504 to the guide plate 506, and slides continuously and smoothly down the inclined surface of the guide plate 506 into the field with the help of vibration inertia, achieving smooth discharge.

[0075] The 504 screen adopts an inclined arrangement structure, which, combined with high-frequency vibration, allows the licorice material to move at a uniform speed along the screen surface towards the discharge end. Soil particles are immediately removed through the mesh, resulting in high screening cleanliness.

[0076] This invention achieves full mechanization of licorice harvesting through the coordinated operation of a cutting device 1, a ditching and root-cutting device 3, a conveying device 4, and a soil-screening device 5.

[0077] During operation, the tractor pulls the entire machine forward, and the power is transmitted to the power shaft 101 of the cutting device 1 via the power take-off shaft. The cutting blade 105 rotates at high speed to cut the licorice stems and leaves, while the fan blades 109 rotate synchronously to generate airflow that blows the stems and leaves off. The trenching and root-cutting device 3 drives the connecting frame 3015 to rotate relative to the frame 2 through the angle adjustment actuator, swinging downwards into the soil layer at a working angle of 25°~70°, so that the trenching blade 301 penetrates 20~50cm into the soil layer to complete the trenching, and the root-cutting blade 305 then cuts the licorice root system along the trenching trajectory. The conveying device 4 drives the third shaft 402 to rotate through the fourth motor 406, swinging it to the position to connect with the discharge end of the trenching and root-cutting device 3, receiving the excavated licorice and conveying it upwards to the soil screening device 5. The fifth motor 501 of the soil screening device 5 drives the screen frame 505 to vibrate at high frequency, completing the separation of licorice from the soil, and the screened licorice is guided to the ground by the guide plate 506.

[0078] The machine is compatible with different soil types such as sandy loam, loam, and light clay with soil moisture of 15%~35%. Its operating efficiency is significantly higher than that of manual harvesting, which can greatly reduce labor intensity and overall operating costs. It is suitable for large-scale licorice planting and harvesting scenarios.

[0079] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0080] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific illustrations of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A towed, multi-functional licorice harvester, characterized in that, It includes a cutting device (1), a frame (2), a trenching and root cutting device (3), a conveying device (4), and a soil screening device (5). The frame (2) serves as the mounting base for the entire machine, and the cutting device (1), trenching and root cutting device (3), conveying device (4) and soil screening device (5) are respectively mounted on the frame (2). The cutting device (1) is located at the front end of the frame (2) and is used to cut the stems and leaves of licorice. The trenching and root-cutting device (3) is hinged to the frame (2) via a rotary hinge seat and connected to the frame (2) via an angle adjustment actuator. The trenching and root-cutting device (3) rotates and swings relative to the frame (2) via the extension and retraction of the angle adjustment actuator. The trenching and root-cutting device (3) is located behind the cutting device (1) and can rotate and swing relative to the frame (2) to penetrate the soil layer for trenching and licorice root cutting operations. The conveying device (4) is mounted at an incline on the frame (2). The feed end of the conveying device (4) is connected to the discharge end of the trenching and root-cutting device (3) to receive the licorice root dug out by the trenching and root-cutting device (3) and convey it upward. The discharge end of the conveying device (4) extends backward and upward to the top of the soil screening device (5). The soil screening device (5) is mounted at the rear end of the frame (2). The feed end of the soil screening device (5) is located below the discharge end of the conveying device (4). It is used to receive the licorice that falls into the conveying device (4) and to perform vibration screening and soil separation. The screened licorice is discharged through the discharge end of the soil screening device (5).

2. The towed licorice multi-functional harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting device (1) includes a power shaft (101), a protective cover (102), a fan protective cover (103), a connecting frame (104), a cutter (105), a reduction gearbox (106), a cutter connecting shaft (107), a dustproof net (108), a fan blade (109), a transmission shaft (1010), and a gearbox (1011). The power shaft (101) is used to connect to the tractor to obtain power. The power shaft (101) is connected to the reduction gearbox (106) to transmit power. The reduction gearbox (106) transmits power to the drive shaft (1010). The drive shaft (1010) transmits power to the gearbox (1011). The gearbox (1011) is connected to the cutter connecting shaft (107). The cutter connecting shaft (107) is coaxially connected to the cutter (105) and drives the cutter (105) to rotate and cut the licorice stems and leaves. The connecting frame (104) is connected to the protective cover (102). The fan protective cover (103) is placed on the outside of the fan blade (109) and connected to the drive shaft (1010). The fan blade (109) rotates synchronously with the drive shaft (1010) to generate airflow, which blows the cut stems and leaves off.

3. The towed licorice multi-functional harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trenching and root cutting device (3) includes a connecting frame (3015); The connecting frame (3015) is hinged to the frame (2) via a rotary hinge seat. The fixed end of the angle adjustment actuator is connected to the frame (2), and the telescopic end of the angle adjustment actuator is connected to the connecting frame (3015). The telescopic drive of the angle adjustment actuator drives the connecting frame (3015) to rotate and swing the entire trenching and root cutting device (3) relative to the frame (2).

4. The towed licorice multi-functional harvester according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotary hinge seat is located below the front end of the frame (2) and behind the cutting device (1). The rotary hinge seat includes a fixed ear seat fixed to the front end of the frame (2), a movable ear plate located at the front end of the connecting frame (3015), and a hinge pin that passes through the fixed ear seat and the movable ear plate along the transverse direction of the whole machine. The angle adjustment actuator is inclinedly disposed between the frame (2) and the connecting frame (3015). The fixed end of the angle adjustment actuator is hinged to the frame (2), and the telescopic end of the angle adjustment actuator is hinged to the rear of the connecting frame (3015). The angle adjustment actuator can be extended or shortened to drive the connecting frame (3015) to adjust the angle relative to the frame (2) around the hinge pin. The angle adjustment actuator can also be self-locked when it stops moving.

5. The towed licorice multi-functional harvester according to claim 3, characterized in that, The trenching and root-cutting device (3) has a trenching component and a root-cutting component; the trenching component is used to break the soil and open a trench, and the root-cutting component is used to cut the licorice root system; the trenching component is located behind the cutting device (1), and the root-cutting component is located behind the trenching component.

6. The towed licorice multi-functional harvester according to claim 5, characterized in that, The trenching assembly includes a trenching blade (301), a trenching chain (302), and a sixth motor (3016). The trenching blade (301) is mounted on the trenching chain (302), which has a closed-loop structure and is located at the front end of the connecting frame (3015). The sixth motor (3016) is mounted on the connecting frame (3015) and is connected to the trenching chain (302) for driving the trenching chain (302) and the trenching blade (301) to rotate in a cycle to complete the trenching operation.

7. A towed licorice multi-functional harvester according to claim 5, characterized in that, The root-cutting assembly includes a root-cutting blade (305) and a first motor (306). The root cutting blade (305) is located at the rear end of the connecting frame (3015); the first motor (306) is mounted on the connecting frame (3015) and is connected to the root cutting blade (305) for driving the root cutting blade (305) to rotate to complete the root cutting operation.

8. The towed licorice multi-functional harvester according to claim 3, characterized in that, The trenching and root cutting device (3) also includes a first connecting rod (304), a second connecting rod (307), a chain connecting gear (308), a chain connecting rod (309), a first chain (3010), a first shaft (3011), a second chain (3012), a second motor (3013), a second shaft (3014), and a rotating wheel (303). The grooving chain (302) is wound around the chain connecting rod (309) and the chain connecting gear (308); the rotating wheel (303) is assembled at the ends of the first connecting rod (304) and the second connecting rod (307) to assist the grooving chain (302) in running smoothly; the root-cutting blades (305) are in multiple sets and are arranged laterally between the first connecting rod (304) and the second connecting rod (307) along the rear end of the connecting frame (3015); the first motor (306) is installed in the connecting frame (3015). The second motor (3013) is connected to the connecting frame (3015) and is connected to the first shaft (3011) through a chain drive mechanism formed by the first chain (3010), the second shaft (3014) and the second chain (3012); the first connecting rod (304), the root-breaking blade (305) and the second connecting rod (307) form a root-breaking execution part, which can rotate freely around the first shaft (3011).

9. The towed licorice multi-functional harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying device (4) includes a connecting wheel (401), a third shaft (402), a conveyor belt frame (403), a third motor (404), a conveyor belt (405), and a fourth motor (406). The third shaft (402) is fixedly mounted on the frame (2). The conveyor belt frame (403) is hinged to the third shaft (402) via the connecting wheel (401). The connecting wheel (401) is fitted onto both ends of the third shaft (402) to axially limit the conveyor belt frame (403) on the frame (2). The fourth motor (406) is mounted on the frame (2) and is connected to the third shaft (402) for driving the third shaft (402) to rotate. The rotation drives the entire conveyor device (4) to swing relative to the frame (2); the conveyor belt (405) is installed on the conveyor belt frame (403), and there are two conveyor belts (405) arranged in parallel; the third motor (404) is installed on the conveyor belt frame (403), and the third motor (404) is connected to the drive shaft. The drive shaft is simultaneously connected to both conveyor belts (405) to drive the two conveyor belts (405) to rotate synchronously.

10. The tractor-mounted multi-functional licorice harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soil screening device (5) includes a fifth motor (501), a bracket (502), a spring (503), a screen (504), a screen frame (505), and a guide plate (506). The bracket (502) is connected to the frame (2), the spring (503) is located between the bracket (502) and the screen frame (505), the screen (504) is installed inside the screen frame (505), the fifth motor (501) is installed on the screen frame (505) and drives the screen frame (505) to vibrate; the guide plate (506) is installed at the discharge end of the screen frame (505) and vibrates synchronously with the screen frame (505) to guide the sifted licorice to the field.

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