Vegetable processing sorting machine

The automated conveying and intelligent identification technology of the vegetable processing and sorting machine has solved the problems of low efficiency and high misjudgment rate of traditional manual sorting, achieving efficient and accurate vegetable sorting and reducing labor costs.

CN223970422UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-06广州崧源农业科技有限公司
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520281962.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-21
Publication Date
2026-03-06
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional vegetable sorting relies on manual operation, which is inefficient, has a high error rate, and is costly in terms of labor, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production and ensure the consistency of vegetables.

Method used

The vegetable processing and sorting machine, combined with an automated conveying device and an intelligent image recognition and position detection module, identifies vegetable types through a high-resolution camera and a deep learning model, and uses guide pushers and guiding mechanisms to achieve precise sorting, ensuring that vegetables fall accurately into the corresponding collection tanks.

Benefits of technology

It enables rapid, stable, and accurate sorting of vegetables, significantly improving sorting efficiency and quality, reducing misjudgment rate, and lowering reliance on manual labor and costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a vegetable processing sorter which comprises a conveyor, a collecting box and an image recognition and position detection module, the collecting box is fixedly connected to one end of the conveyor, and the image recognition and position detection module is fixedly installed above the conveyor. Through the automatic conveying guide device and the intelligent image recognition and position detection module, vegetables are conveyed and sorted quickly, stably and accurately, and the sorting efficiency is greatly improved. The advanced image recognition technology is used for accurately judging the types and the quality of the vegetables, misjudgment is effectively avoided, and it is ensured that the sorting quality is stable and reliable. Due to high-automation operation, the dependence on manpower is reduced, and the labor cost is remarkably reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vegetable processing, and more specifically, to a vegetable processing and sorting machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the current booming vegetable processing industry, traditional vegetable sorting methods mainly rely on manual labor. Workers need to monitor vegetables for extended periods, judging their quality and type by sight and manually sorting them. This sorting model has many drawbacks. On the one hand, manual sorting is extremely inefficient. With the ever-increasing market demand for vegetables, it is difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production, resulting in lengthy vegetable processing cycles. On the other hand, long hours and high-intensity work easily lead to worker fatigue, causing frequent misjudgments during the sorting process, resulting in inconsistent vegetable quality and failing to guarantee the consistency of vegetables entering the market. In addition, the increasing labor costs year by year also place a heavy economic burden on vegetable processing enterprises.

[0003] How to invent a vegetable processing and sorting machine to improve these problems has become an urgent issue for those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides a vegetable processing and sorting machine, which aims to improve the current vegetable processing industry's problem that relying on manual identification and sorting of vegetables results in relatively low efficiency, a high sorting error rate, and correspondingly high labor costs.

[0005] This utility model is implemented as follows: A vegetable processing and sorting machine includes a conveyor, a collection box, and an image recognition and position detection module. The collection box is fixedly connected to one end of the conveyor, and the image recognition and position detection module is fixedly installed above the conveyor. The conveyor includes two opposing mounting plates and a guiding mechanism. A plurality of conveying rollers evenly distributed in a straight line are rotatably connected between the two mounting plates. The mounting shaft of each conveying roller at the same end extends through a through hole through the outside of the corresponding side mounting plate and is connected to a transmission mechanism and a drive device. The guiding mechanism includes a plurality of sets of guiding and limiting structures. Each set of guiding and limiting structures is located between every two adjacent conveying rollers. Each set of guiding and limiting structures includes two opposing guiding push blocks. One side surface of each guiding push block is fixedly connected to one end of a corresponding cylinder piston rod. Each cylinder is fixedly installed on one side surface of the corresponding side mounting plate, and each cylinder is electrically connected to the image recognition and position detection module.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, several corresponding adjustable legs are fixedly installed on the opposite surfaces of the two mounting plates.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, every two adjacent conveyor roller mounting shafts are connected by a corresponding independent sprocket and chain structure.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a driven gear is fixedly sleeved on the rightmost conveyor roller mounting shaft. The driven gear meshes with the driving gear. The driving gear is fixedly sleeved on one end of the output shaft of the drive motor. The drive motor is fixedly mounted on one side surface of the corresponding mounting plate.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a gap is provided between every two adjacent conveying rollers, and an extension portion adapted to the width and shape of the gap is integrally provided on the bottom surface of each guide push block. The side surface of each guide push block and the extension portion facing the other mounting plate is an arc structure.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, each of the guide push blocks has an installation groove on one side surface facing the other side mounting plate. Several guide rollers are rotatably installed between the top and bottom inner walls of the installation groove, and the several guide rollers are evenly distributed along the arc-shaped surface of the guide push block.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, each guide roller is fitted with a protective rubber sleeve on its outer wall.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the collection box includes a box body, and a plurality of parallel and evenly distributed partitions are integrally arranged between the inner walls of the box body. The plurality of partitions divide the interior of the box body into a plurality of independent collection slots, and the arrangement direction of the plurality of collection slots is consistent with the extension direction of the conveying roller.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, an extension plate is integrally provided on both sides of the upper surface of the box and one end of the upper surface of each partition plate, and an arc-shaped groove corresponding to the diameter of the conveyor roller is opened on the side surface of each extension plate facing the conveyor.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The vegetable processing and sorting machine designed in this utility model, through its automated conveying and guiding device and intelligent image recognition and position detection module, achieves rapid, stable, and accurate conveying and sorting of vegetables, greatly improving sorting efficiency. Utilizing advanced image recognition technology, it accurately identifies vegetable types and quality, effectively avoiding misjudgments and ensuring stable and reliable sorting quality. The highly automated operation reduces reliance on manual labor, significantly lowering labor costs. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the overall structure provided by the embodiment of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view of the overall separable structure provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 A perspective view of the overall structure of the conveyor provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 A perspective view of the overall structure of the guide pusher provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 A perspective view illustrating the overall structure of the collection box provided for an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] In the diagram: 1-Conveyor; 2-Collection box; 3-Image recognition and position detection module; 101-Mounting plate; 102-Adjustable support leg; 103-Conveying roller; 104-Drive motor; 105-Drive gear; 106-Driven gear; 107-Guide pusher block; 108-Cylinder; 109-Extension section; 110-Mounting groove; 111-Guide roller; 201-Box body; 202-Partition plate; 203-Extension plate; 204-Arc-shaped slot. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 5This utility model provides a technical solution: a vegetable processing and sorting machine, including a conveyor 1, a collection box 2, and an image recognition and position detection module 3. The collection box 2 is fixedly connected to one end of the conveyor 1, and the image recognition and position detection module 3 is fixedly installed above the conveyor 1. The conveyor 1 includes two oppositely arranged mounting plates 101 and a guiding mechanism. A plurality of conveying rollers 103 are rotatably connected between the two mounting plates 101 and are evenly distributed in a straight line. The mounting shaft of each conveying roller 103 at the same end extends through a through hole through the outside of the mounting plate 101 on the corresponding side and is connected to the transmission mechanism and the drive device. The guiding mechanism includes a plurality of sets of guiding and limiting structures. Each set of guiding and limiting structures is located between every two adjacent conveying rollers 103. Each set of guiding and limiting structures includes two oppositely arranged guiding push blocks 107. One side surface of each guiding push block 107 is fixedly connected to one end of the piston rod of a corresponding cylinder 108. Each cylinder 108 is fixedly installed on one side surface of the corresponding mounting plate 101, and each cylinder 108 is electrically connected to the image recognition and position detection module 3.

[0024] It should be noted that the image recognition and position detection module 3 includes a high-resolution camera, a high-performance image processing unit, and an intelligent control module. The high-resolution camera can flexibly capture real-time images of vegetables transported on conveyor 1, ensuring full and clear field of view. The image processing unit has built-in algorithms. On the one hand, it accurately identifies vegetable types through deep learning models, quickly distinguishing common vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and lettuce based on multi-dimensional information such as the unique shape, color distribution, and texture features of different vegetables. On the other hand, it uses image coordinate calculation and real-time tracking technology to accurately locate the relative position of vegetables on conveyor 1, obtaining key data such as center coordinates and distance from guide pushers 107. The intelligent control module sends instructions to the corresponding cylinders 108 based on the image processing results. For example, if a carrot is detected to need to be sorted to the corresponding area, it drives the corresponding guide pusher 107 to move, coordinating with the rotation of the conveyor roller 103, so that the carrot is accurately moved to the corresponding sorting area on conveyor 1. The collection box 2 is fixed to one end of conveyor 1, seamlessly connecting with the sorting process to ensure that vegetables fall accurately into the corresponding area.

[0025] After the image recognition and position detection module 3 completes the identification and positioning of the vegetables, the intelligent control module begins to function. Based on the target sorting area location information of the vegetables, it sends commands to the corresponding cylinder 108 to drive the guide pushers 107. By controlling the guide pushers 107 on both sides to form a continuous arc, a curved and extending channel is constructed. Specifically, the intelligent control module accurately calculates the required extension or contraction degree of each pair of guide pushers 107 based on the vegetable's direction of travel, size, and the location of the target sorting area. This allows the guide pushers 107 to work together to form an arc-shaped channel adapted to the vegetable's travel path. The end of this channel corresponds to the sorting area location of the identified vegetable information, ensuring that the vegetables can smoothly slide along the predetermined trajectory to the target collection trough. For example, when a broccoli is detected to need to be sorted to the left, the guide push block 107 on the left side of the broccoli will extend appropriately according to the instruction, while the guide push block 107 on the right side will retract accordingly, together forming an arc channel that bends to the left. In conjunction with the rotation of the conveyor roller 103, the broccoli is guided to be sorted accurately.

[0026] To further optimize the performance of the guiding mechanism, several mounting guide rods are fixedly connected between the two mounting plates 101. Each guide push block 107 is provided with a connecting part that can slide with the mounting guide rod. In this way, when the guide push block 107 moves under the drive of the cylinder 108, the mounting guide rod can provide stable support and guidance, and share the weight borne by each cylinder 108. This effectively reduces the load on the cylinder 108, extends its service life, and ensures that the guide push block 107 maintains a precise linear motion trajectory during frequent reciprocating motion, avoiding the impact on sorting accuracy due to uneven force or shaking, and providing a more reliable guarantee for the efficient and accurate sorting of vegetables. The collection box 2 is fixed to one end of the conveyor 1, seamlessly connecting with the sorting process to ensure that vegetables fall accurately into the corresponding area.

[0027] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 Several corresponding adjustable legs 102 are fixedly installed on the opposite side surfaces of the two mounting plates 101.

[0028] Because the ground conditions vary in different work sites, adjusting the height of the support legs 102 can ensure that the conveyor 1 is always in a horizontal and stable state, effectively preventing vegetables from rolling off or piling up unevenly due to equipment tilting, ensuring a smooth sorting process, reducing wear and tear on equipment parts caused by unstable placement, and extending service life.

[0029] Furthermore, each pair of adjacent conveyor rollers 103 mounting shafts are connected by a corresponding independent sprocket and chain structure.

[0030] Except for the two end conveyor rollers 103 mounting shafts, which each have only one sprocket fixedly mounted on them, all the middle conveyor rollers 103 mounting shafts have two sprockets fixedly mounted on them. These sprockets are connected to one or two adjacent conveyor rollers 103 mounting shafts via chains. This sprocket and chain drive layout avoids the situation where using a single chain to connect all sprockets might result in an excessively small wrap angle with the middle sprocket, affecting transmission efficiency and stability. Therefore, it ensures that all conveyor rollers 103 can rotate synchronously, in the same direction, and at the same speed while also achieving high stability.

[0031] Furthermore, a driven gear 106 is fixedly sleeved on the mounting shaft of the rightmost conveyor roller 103. The driven gear 106 meshes with the driving gear 105. The driving gear 105 is fixedly sleeved on one end of the output shaft of the drive motor 104. The drive motor 104 is fixedly mounted on one side surface of the corresponding mounting plate 101.

[0032] The driven gear 106 on the mounting shaft of the rightmost conveyor roller 103 meshes with the driving gear 105 on the output shaft of the drive motor 104. After the drive motor 104 starts, the power is precisely transmitted to the driven gear 106 via the driving gear 105, driving the rightmost conveyor roller 103 to rotate. The power is then evenly distributed to the other conveyor rollers 103 through a sprocket and chain structure. The gear transmission has a precise transmission ratio and strong load-bearing capacity, which can stably drive the conveyor rollers to overcome the resistance of vegetables and work continuously, ensuring the continuity of sorting operations. Even under long-term high-intensity operation, the conveying performance remains stable.

[0033] Furthermore, a gap is provided between every two adjacent conveyor rollers 103, and an extension 109 adapted to the width and shape of the gap is integrally provided on the bottom surface of each guide push block 107. The side surface of each guide push block 107 and the extension 109 facing the other side mounting plate 101 is an arc structure.

[0034] The width of the gap between the conveyor rollers 103 is designed to prevent vegetables from falling through. By providing an extension 109 at the bottom of the guide pusher 107, a gap between the bottom surface of the guide pusher 107 and the outer wall of the conveyor roller 103 can be avoided. This gap could cause damage to the vegetables when they are pushed, thus reducing the loss rate during processing and sorting. The guide pusher 107 and the extension 109 face the arc surface of the mounting plate 101 on the other side. If the vegetables come into contact with the pusher when the conveyor roller 103 rolls, the arc surface can buffer the collision and reduce scratch damage. This has a significant protective effect on delicate vegetables such as strawberries and leafy vegetables, further reducing losses during distribution.

[0035] Furthermore, each guide push block 107 has a mounting groove 110 on one side surface facing the mounting plate 101 on the other side. Several guide rollers 111 are rotatably mounted between the top and bottom inner walls of the mounting groove 110. The several guide rollers 111 are evenly distributed along the arc-shaped surface of the guide push block 107.

[0036] The guide rollers 111, evenly distributed inside the mounting grooves 110 on the guide push block 107, further optimize the sorting process. When vegetables come into contact with the guide push block 107, the guide rollers 111 convert sliding friction into rolling friction, greatly reducing friction and minimizing the chance of vegetable damage. Especially for vegetables with smooth surfaces, such as cucumbers and eggplants, the guide rollers 111 help them pass through the guiding area more smoothly, improving sorting smoothness and accuracy.

[0037] Furthermore, each guide roller 111 is fitted with a protective rubber sleeve on its outer wall.

[0038] The protective sleeve on the outer wall of the guide roller 111 is made of soft, wear-resistant and moderately elastic rubber material. This not only prevents the metal surface of the guide roller 111 from scratching the vegetables, but also buffers the contact pressure and adapts to the irregular surface of the vegetables. It ensures that the vegetables are intact and of excellent quality in all aspects. No matter what kind of vegetables they are, they are not subject to hard squeezing and scratches when they come into contact with the guide roller 111.

[0039] Please see Figure 5 The collection box 2 includes a box body 201. Several parallel and evenly distributed partitions 202 are integrally arranged between the inner walls of the box body 201. The partitions 202 divide the interior of the box body 201 into several independent collection slots. The arrangement direction of the collection slots is consistent with the extension direction of the conveying roller 103.

[0040] The inner partition 202 of the collection box 201 divides it into multiple independent collection slots, and the arrangement direction is consistent with the extension direction of the conveyor roller 103, matching the sorting output. Through image recognition and guiding mechanism, different types and qualities of vegetables can accurately fall into the corresponding collection slots, such as high-quality vegetables into the front slot and lower-quality vegetables into the back slot, which facilitates subsequent sorting, packaging and sales, and greatly improves the efficiency of vegetable processing. In actual use, the bottom inner wall of each collection slot is set with an inclined structure to guide the incoming vegetables to slide to the lower end, avoiding the accumulation of vegetables near the end of the conveyor 1. At the same time, the bottom inner wall of each collection slot is equipped with a cushioning pad to prevent damage caused by falling vegetables.

[0041] Furthermore, an extension plate 203 is integrally provided on both sides of the upper surface of the housing 201 and one end of the upper surface of each partition 202. Each extension plate 203 has an arc-shaped groove 204 corresponding to the diameter of the conveyor roller 103 on the side surface facing the conveyor 1.

[0042] The extension plate 203 and arc-shaped slot 204 on the box body 201 and partition 202 ensure that vegetables can be smoothly loaded into the box. As the vegetables are conveyed to the end by the conveyor roller 103, the extension plate 203 acts as a transition and support, and the arc-shaped slot 204 accurately locks the conveyor roller 103, effectively preventing the vegetables from falling out of the box due to inertia or positional deviation, ensuring accurate loading, reducing sorting losses and misoperations, and improving the overall sorting success rate and reliability.

[0043] Working principle: First, the vegetables are placed on the conveyor rollers 103 of the conveyor 1. The drive motor 104 is started, and the power is transmitted to the driven gear 106 through the drive gear 105, which drives the rightmost conveyor roller 103 to rotate. Then, the sprocket and chain structure makes all the conveyor rollers 103 rotate synchronously, in the same direction and at the same speed, so as to transport the vegetables smoothly. Meanwhile, a high-resolution camera in the image recognition and position detection module 3 installed above the conveyor 1 captures real-time images of the vegetables. The image processing unit uses a deep learning model to identify the type of vegetables and locates their position through image coordinate calculation and real-time tracking technology. Based on this information, the intelligent control module sends instructions to the corresponding cylinder 108 to drive the guide pusher 107 to move. By controlling the guide pushers 107 on both sides to be arranged into an arc channel that adapts to the vegetable's travel path, and cooperating with the rotation of the conveyor roller 103, the vegetables are guided to move precisely to the corresponding sorting area. When the vegetables reach the end of the conveyor 1, the extension plate 203 on the box 201 acts as a transition and support. The arc-shaped slot 204 located outside the conveyor roller 103 reduces the gap between the collection box 2 and the conveyor 1 to prevent the vegetables from falling. The vegetables fall precisely into the corresponding collection slots separated by the partition 202 in the collection box 2. The inclined structure and buffer pad at the bottom of the collection slot can prevent the vegetables from accumulating and falling and causing damage. This achieves efficient and precise sorting of vegetables.

[0044] It should be noted that the specific models and specifications of the drive motor 104, cylinder 108, and image recognition and position detection module 3 need to be selected and determined according to the actual specifications of the device. The specific selection calculation method adopts the existing technology in this field, so it will not be described in detail.

[0045] The power supply and operating principle of the drive motor 104, cylinder 108, and image recognition and position detection module 3 are clear to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A vegetable processing sorter, characterised in that, The utility model relates to a kind of image recognition and position detection module, including conveyor, collection box and the collection box fixed connection in conveyor one end, the image recognition and position detection module fixed installation is above conveyor, the conveyor includes two oppositely arranged mounting plate and guide mechanism, several straightly and evenly distributed conveying rollers are rotatably connected between two mounting plate, the shaft of each conveying roller located at the same end is extended through the through hole and is connected with transmission mechanism and drive device outside corresponding one side of mounting plate, the guide mechanism includes several groups of guide limit structure, each group of guide limit structure is located between every two adjacent conveying rollers, each group of guide limit structure includes two oppositely arranged guide push block, one end of corresponding cylinder piston rod is fixedly connected to the one side surface of each guide push block, each cylinder is fixedly installed on the one side surface of corresponding one side mounting plate, and each cylinder is electrically connected with image recognition and position detection module.

2. The vegetable processing sorter of claim 1, wherein: Two the one side surface of opposite mounting plate is fixedly installed with several corresponding adjustable supporting legs.

3. The vegetable processing sorter of claim 1, wherein: Every two adjacent conveying roller mounting shaft is drivenly connected by corresponding independent chain wheel and chain structure.

4. The vegetable processing sorter of claim 1, wherein: Wherein the rightmost conveying roller mounting shaft is also fixedly provided with driven gear, the driven gear is meshedly connected with driving gear, the driving gear is fixedly provided at one end of drive motor output shaft, and the drive motor is fixedly installed on the one side surface of corresponding mounting plate.

5. The vegetable processing sorter of claim 1, wherein: Gap is provided between every two adjacent conveying rollers, the bottom surface of each guide push block is integrally provided with extension part adapted to the width and shape of gap, and the one side surface of each guide push block and extension part towards the other side mounting plate is circular arc structure.

6. The vegetable processing sorter of claim 1, wherein: The one side surface of each guide push block towards the other side mounting plate is provided with mounting groove, a plurality of guide rollers are rotatably installed between the top and bottom inner walls of mounting groove, and the guide rollers are evenly distributed along the extension direction of guide push block circular arc surface.

7. The vegetable processing sorter of claim 6, wherein: The outer wall of each guide roller is provided with protective rubber sleeve.

8. The vegetable processing sorter of claim 1, wherein: The collection box includes box body, a plurality of parallel and evenly distributed partition plates are integrally arranged between the inner walls of the box body, and the box body is divided into a plurality of independent collection grooves by the partition plates, and the arrangement direction of the collection grooves is consistent with the extension direction of the conveying rollers.

9. The vegetable processing sorter of claim 8, wherein: Extension plate is integrally arranged on the both sides of upper surface of the box body and one end of the upper surface of each partition plate, and arc-shaped clamping groove corresponding to the diameter of the conveying roller is formed in the one side surface of each extension plate towards the conveyor.