Sorting system for apple grading
By combining the detection and conveying components of the apple grading sorting system with image processing and microcontroller control, the accuracy and efficiency problems of existing apple grading methods have been solved, and intelligent grading and conveying has been achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520302345.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing apple grading methods rely on manual experience, resulting in low accuracy and efficiency, and fail to achieve intelligent grading and transportation based on apple size, sugar content, and degree of internal decay.
An apple grading and sorting system is adopted, which includes detection components, discharge components and conveying components. It uses camera photography combined with image processing and microcontroller control to achieve intelligent grading of apples. The system judges the size, sugar content and degree of decay of apples through image processing, and then conveys the graded apples through the conveying components.
It has enabled intelligent apple grading, improving the accuracy and efficiency of grading, and can accurately sort apples according to their size, sugar content, and degree of internal spoilage.
Smart Images

Figure CN223642319U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of apple grading and conveying technology, and in particular to a sorting system for apple grading. Background Technology
[0002] Apple weight prediction is a crucial aspect of fruit tree cultivation management, directly impacting the market value of the fruit and the profitability of the planting. Traditional prediction methods rely primarily on human experience and simple measuring tools such as rulers and balances. However, these methods have numerous limitations, including high subjectivity, low accuracy, and inefficiency. In recent years, the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies has provided new solutions for apple weight prediction. Non-invasive measurement methods based on sensor technology have gradually become a research hotspot, enabling real-time monitoring of key parameters during fruit growth, such as volume, shape, and weight. Image processing technology is also playing an increasingly important role in apple weight prediction. By capturing fruit images with high-resolution cameras and combining them with deep learning algorithms, accurate estimation of fruit size and weight can be achieved. This method not only improves prediction accuracy but also significantly saves manpower and time costs. While existing technologies have made some progress, challenges remain, such as improving sensor accuracy and stability, and optimizing image processing algorithms to adapt to different lighting and background conditions. Future research will require interdisciplinary collaboration, combining the latest advancements in materials science, computer science, and agricultural engineering to develop a more efficient and accurate apple weight prediction system. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sorting system for apple grading, which solves the problem of intelligent grading and conveying of apples based on their size, sugar content, and degree of internal spoilage.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a sorting system for apple grading, including a detection component, a discharge component, and a conveying component. The detection component includes a dark box, a lighting lamp, a camera, and indicator lights. The lighting lamp is fixedly connected to the dark box and located inside the dark box. The camera is fixedly connected to the dark box and located in the middle of the lighting lamp. There are multiple indicator lights, each fixedly connected to the dark box and located outside the dark box. The discharge component is connected to the dark box, and the conveying component is located on both sides of the dark box.
[0005] The discharge assembly includes a push rod, a push frame, a conveying shaft, and conveying rollers. The push rod is fixedly connected to the dark box and located inside the dark box. The push frame is fixedly connected to the push rod and located at the top of the push rod. There are multiple conveying shafts, each fixedly connected to the push frame and passing through the push frame. There are also multiple conveying rollers, each fixedly connected to the conveying shaft and located in the middle of the push frame.
[0006] The conveying assembly includes a feeding conveyor, a discharging conveyor, and a grading conveyor. The feeding conveyor is located in front of the dark box, the discharging conveyor is located behind the dark box, and there are two grading conveyors, which are located on either side of the discharging conveyor.
[0007] The conveying assembly further includes a base, a support column, a rotating shaft, and sorting plates. The base is located at the tail of the discharge conveyor. The support column is fixedly connected to the base and located on top of the base. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the support column and located on top of the support column. There are multiple sorting plates, each of which is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft and located on the outside of the rotating shaft.
[0008] The conveying assembly further includes a discharge cylinder and an air outlet pipe. The discharge cylinder is located outside the discharge conveyor, and the air outlet pipe is fixedly connected to the discharge cylinder and located at the top of the discharge cylinder.
[0009] The conveying assembly also includes a spoiled fruit cylinder, which is located on the side of the discharge conveyor away from the discharge cylinder.
[0010] This utility model discloses an apple grading and sorting system. A dark box is used to inspect apples, a light source is used to illuminate the apples, a camera is used to photograph the apples, and an indicator light is used to detect apple grading. During inspection, the apples are conveyed to the dark box via a conveyor assembly. A microcontroller in the dark box controls a servo motor to rotate the apple, ensuring each side of the apple is aligned with the camera. The camera in the dark box photographs the entire apple and sends the data to the microcontroller for processing. Image processing yields the apple's minimum bounding rectangle and calculates relevant data. The apple's weight is predicted based on a model and compared with the actual weight to determine internal rot. Image processing also determines the apple's size, color, shape, and other relevant information. Finally, the apples are ejected from the inspection assembly via a discharge assembly and then conveyed for grading via the conveyor assembly. This system solves the problem of intelligent grading and conveying of apples based on size, sugar content, and degree of internal rot in apple grading devices. Attached Figure Description
[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.
[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the apple grading and sorting system according to the first embodiment of this utility model.
[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection component of the first embodiment of this utility model.
[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material discharge component according to the first embodiment of this utility model.
[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] In the diagram: 101-Dark box, 102-Lighting lamp, 103-Camera, 104-Indicator light, 105-Push rod, 106-Push frame, 107-Conveyor shaft, 108-Conveyor roller, 109-Feeding conveyor, 110-Discharge conveyor, 111-Grading conveyor, 112-Base, 113-Support column, 114-Rotating shaft, 115-Classification plate, 116-Discharge cylinder, 117-Air outlet pipe, 118-Damaged fruit cylinder. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0018] The first embodiment of this application is as follows:
[0019] Please see Figures 1 to 3 ,in, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the apple grading and sorting system according to the first embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection component according to the first embodiment of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material discharge assembly according to the first embodiment of this utility model. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the conveying assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a sorting system for apple grading, including a detection assembly, a discharge assembly, and a conveying assembly. The detection assembly includes a dark box 101, a lighting lamp 102, a camera 103, and an indicator light 104. The discharge assembly includes a push rod 105, a push frame 106, a conveying shaft 107, and a conveying roller 108. The conveying assembly includes a feeding conveyor 109, a discharge conveyor 110, a grading conveyor 111, a base 112, a support column 113, a rotating shaft 114, a sorting plate 115, a discharge cylinder 116, an air outlet pipe 117, and a spoiled fruit cylinder 118. The aforementioned solution solves the problem of intelligent grading and conveying of apples based on their size, sugar content, and degree of internal decay in apple grading devices.
[0020] In this specific embodiment, the lighting lamp 102 is fixedly connected to the dark box 101 and located inside the dark box 101; the camera 103 is fixedly connected to the dark box 101 and located in the middle of the lighting lamp 102; there are multiple indicator lights 104, each fixedly connected to the dark box 101 and located on the outside of the dark box 101; the discharge assembly is connected to the dark box 101; the conveying assembly is located on both sides of the dark box 101; the dark box 101 is used to inspect apples; the lighting lamp 102 is used to illuminate the apples; the camera 103 is used to photograph the apples; and the indicator lights 104 are used for grading the apples. During inspection, the apples are conveyed to the dark box 101 via the conveying assembly. The microcontroller in the dark box 101 controls the servo motor to rotate the apples so that each side of the apples is aligned with the camera 103. The camera 103 in the dark box 101 takes a picture of the entire apple and sends the data to the microcontroller for processing. The minimum bounding rectangle of the apple is obtained through image processing, and relevant data is calculated. Then, the apple weight is predicted based on the model. Finally, the weight is compared with the actual weight of the apple to determine whether it is rotten inside. Image processing is used to determine the apple's size, color, shape, and other related information. Finally, the apples are pushed out of the inspection assembly via the discharge assembly and then transported in a graded manner by the conveying assembly.
[0021] The push rod 105 is fixedly connected to the dark box 101 and located inside the dark box 101. The push frame 106 is fixedly connected to the push rod 105 and located at the top of the push rod 105. There are multiple conveying shafts 107, each fixedly connected to the push frame 106 and passing through the push frame 106. There are multiple conveying rollers 108, each fixedly connected to the conveying shaft 107 and located in the middle of the push frame 106. The push rod 105 provides power to the discharge assembly. The push frame 106 is used to fix the apples. The conveying shafts 107 provide support and rotation for the conveying rollers 108. The conveying rollers 108 provide support and rotation for the apples. During discharge, the air blowing device located outside the dark box 101 pushes the apples on top of the conveying rollers 108 toward the discharge conveyor 110, facilitating the discharge of the apples.
[0022] Secondly, the feeding conveyor 109 is located in front of the dark box 101, the discharging conveyor 110 is located behind the dark box 101, and there are two grading conveyors 111, which are located on both sides of the discharging conveyor 110. The feeding conveyor 109 is used to transport apples, and the discharging conveyor 110 is used to discharge apples. The grading conveyor 111 cooperates with the sorting plate 115 to facilitate the grading and transport of apples.
[0023] Furthermore, the base 112 is located at the tail of the discharge conveyor 110. The support column 113 is fixedly connected to the base 112 and located on top of the base 112. The rotating shaft 114 is rotatably connected to the support column 113 and located on top of the support column 113. There are multiple sorting plates 115, each fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 114 and located on the outer side of the rotating shaft 114. The base 112 and the support column 113 provide support for the rotating shaft 114 and the sorting plates 115. The rotating shaft 114 provides rotation for the sorting plates 115. The sorting plates 115 are used to sort apples. When the apples are graded and conveyed, the rotating shaft 114 rotates, causing the sorting plates 115 to rotate and move the apples to the surface of the grading conveyor 111, facilitating the grading and conveying of the apples.
[0024] Secondly, the discharge cylinder 116 is located outside the discharge conveyor 110, and the air outlet pipe 117 is fixedly connected to the discharge cylinder 116 and located at the top of the discharge cylinder 116. The discharge cylinder 116 is used to provide support for the air outlet pipe 117. After detecting an internally rotten apple, the apple is pushed out of the dark box 101 through the discharge assembly. When it is transported to the discharge conveyor 110, the air outlet pipe 117 pushes the apple from the surface of the discharge conveyor 110 into the rotten fruit cylinder 118, which facilitates the collection of rotten fruit.
[0025] Finally, the spoiled fruit cylinder 118 is located on the side of the discharge conveyor 110 away from the discharge cylinder 116, and the spoiled fruit cylinder 118 is used to collect spoiled fruit and carry out subsequent processing.
[0026] Using the apple grading and sorting system of this embodiment, the dark box 101 is used to detect apples, the lighting lamp 102 is used to illuminate the apples, the camera 103 is used to take pictures of the apples, and the indicator light 104 is used to detect apple grading. During detection, the apples are conveyed to the dark box 101 by the conveying component. The microcontroller in the dark box 101 controls the servo motor to rotate the apples so that each side of the apple is aligned with the camera 103. The camera 103 in the dark box 101 takes pictures of the entire apple and sends the data to the microcontroller for processing. The minimum bounding rectangle of the apple is obtained through image processing, and relevant data is calculated. Then, the apple weight is predicted based on the model. Finally, the weight is compared with the actual weight of the apple to determine whether the inside is rotten. Image processing is used to determine the apple's size, color, shape, and other related information. Finally, the apples are pushed out of the detection component by the discharge component and graded and conveyed by the conveying component. This solves the problem of intelligent grading and conveying of apples based on their size, sugar content, and degree of internal rot.
[0027] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely one or more preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes for implementing the above embodiments and equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application are still within the scope of this application.
Claims
1. A sorting system for apple grading, characterized in that, Includes detection components, discharge components, and conveying components; The detection component includes a dark box, a lighting lamp, a camera, and indicator lights. The lighting lamp is fixedly connected to the dark box and located inside the dark box. The camera is fixedly connected to the dark box and located in the middle of the lighting lamp. There are multiple indicator lights, each fixedly connected to the dark box and located on the outside of the dark box. The discharge component is connected to the dark box, and the conveying component is located on both sides of the dark box.
2. The apple grading and sorting system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge assembly includes a push rod, a push frame, a conveying shaft, and conveying rollers. The push rod is fixedly connected to the dark box and located inside the dark box. The push frame is fixedly connected to the push rod and located at the top of the push rod. There are multiple conveying shafts, each fixedly connected to the push frame and passing through the push frame. There are also multiple conveying rollers, each fixedly connected to the conveying shaft and located in the middle of the push frame.
3. The sorting system for apple grading as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying assembly includes a feeding conveyor, a discharging conveyor, and a grading conveyor. The feeding conveyor is located in front of the dark box, the discharging conveyor is located behind the dark box, and there are two grading conveyors, which are located on either side of the discharging conveyor.
4. The apple grading and sorting system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying assembly also includes a base, a support column, a rotating shaft, and sorting plates. The base is located at the tail of the discharge conveyor. The support column is fixedly connected to the base and located on top of the base. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the support column and located on top of the support column. There are multiple sorting plates, each of which is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft and located on the outside of the rotating shaft.
5. The sorting system for apple grading as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The conveying assembly also includes a discharge cylinder and an air outlet pipe. The discharge cylinder is located outside the discharge conveyor, and the air outlet pipe is fixedly connected to the discharge cylinder and located at the top of the discharge cylinder.
6. The sorting system for apple grading as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The conveying assembly also includes a spoiled fruit cylinder, which is located on the side of the discharge conveyor away from the discharge cylinder.