Automatic tea-leaf picker

Abstract

The utility model provides an automatic tea picking machine which comprises a picking action mechanism, the picking action mechanism comprises a shell and a bionic mouth clamp arranged on the front side of the shell, the bionic mouth clamp is composed of an upper clamp body and a lower clamp body which are vertically symmetrical, the upper clamp body and the lower clamp body are rotationally connected with the front side of the shell respectively, and an upper blade and a lower blade are arranged on the front sides of the opposite sides of the upper clamp body and the lower clamp body respectively. When the bionic mouth clamp is closed, the upper blade and the lower blade perform cutting action; the picking driving mechanism is arranged in the shell and used for driving the bionic mouth clamp to be closed or opened; the collecting mechanism comprises a backpack, a suction mechanism is arranged in the backpack, the backpack is communicated with the interior of the shell through a pipeline, and when the bionic mouth clamp is closed, a cavity formed in the bionic mouth clamp is communicated with the interior of the shell. The tea leaf picking machine is light and easy to operate, the backpack and the suction mechanism can automatically collect tea leaves, physical labor is relieved, the duckbilled scissors complete the pruning and temporary storage process, the size of the duckbilled scissors is suitable for the tea leaves with the average size, and the accurate picking precision and quality are guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of tea picking equipment, specifically to an automatic tea picking machine. Background Technology

[0002] With social progress and the development of the times, tea has become an indispensable part of life. Tea leaves are generally obtained through cultivation, and then undergo a series of processing steps such as picking and fixing to produce tea leaves that can be brewed directly. During the tea picking process, since tea is mostly grown by farmers, the picking method is still relatively traditional—manual harvesting. However, manual tea picking is labor-intensive, inefficient, and causes significant inconvenience to farmers.

[0003] Currently, some automated tea-picking machines have emerged in existing designs that can replace manual tea picking. However, our research shows that most tea pickers are over 50 years old, with 44% over 60 and 29% between 51 and 60. Therefore, the design of tea-picking machines should primarily focus on meeting the needs of older workers, who have a strong demand for lightweight, easy-to-operate machines that reduce physical labor. Furthermore, the size of the picking components significantly impacts picking efficiency, tea quality, and machine adaptability. While large machines are highly efficient, their bulky picking components are unsuitable for navigating complex terrain. Additionally, small machines with serrated structures may lead to inconsistent tea quality and damage to the tea bushes. Therefore, designing an optimal picking size is crucial for improving efficiency and minimizing damage.

[0004] In conclusion, there is an urgent need to design an automatic tea-picking machine that overcomes the aforementioned problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic tea-picking machine that is lightweight, easy to operate, reduces physical labor, and has suitable picking size.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: an automatic tea-picking machine, comprising:

[0007] The harvesting mechanism includes a housing and a bionic mouth clamp located on the front side of the housing. The bionic mouth clamp consists of an upper clamp body and a lower clamp body that are symmetrically arranged, and the two are rotatably connected to the front side of the housing. The front sides of the upper clamp body and the lower clamp body are respectively provided with an upper blade and a lower blade. When the bionic mouth clamp is closed, the upper blade and the lower blade perform a cutting action.

[0008] A picking drive mechanism is located inside the housing and is used to drive the bionic mouth clamp to close or open.

[0009] The collection mechanism includes a backpack with a suction mechanism inside. The backpack is connected to the interior of the shell through a pipe. When the bionic mouth clamp is closed, the cavity formed inside it is connected to the interior of the shell.

[0010] The purpose of this utility model and the technical problems to be solved can be further achieved by the following technical measures.

[0011] Furthermore, the picking drive mechanism includes a sliding rod slidably disposed within the housing, a U-shaped frame disposed at the front end of the housing, and symmetrical irregular sliding grooves respectively opened on the same side wall of the upper clamp and the lower clamp. A sliding column is slidably disposed within the irregular sliding groove. One end of the sliding column extending out of the irregular sliding groove is fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the crossbar of the U-shaped frame. A sliding hole for the sliding rod to slide is opened at the front end of the housing. The front end of the sliding rod is fixedly connected to the middle of the side of the vertical bar of the U-shaped frame away from its crossbar.

[0012] The housing is also provided with a driving component for driving the slide rod to slide. When the driving component drives the slide rod to slide back and forth in the sliding hole, the upper clamp and the lower clamp open or close.

[0013] Furthermore, the driving component includes a motor disposed within the housing, a turntable fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor, a pin eccentrically disposed on one side of the surface of the turntable, and a slotted push rod fixed to the side of the slide rod away from the mortise frame, wherein the pin passes through the long slot of the slotted push rod.

[0014] Furthermore, a limiting sleeve is provided inside the housing near the sliding hole. The limiting sleeve is fixed to the inner wall of the housing, and the sliding rod is slidably connected to the limiting sleeve.

[0015] Furthermore, a mounting groove is provided in the middle of the front side of the housing, and the rear ends of the upper clamp and the lower clamp are provided with U-shaped blocks with opposite openings. The two sides of the U-shaped blocks are respectively rotatably connected to the side wall of the mounting groove by pins. Holes are provided in the middle of the rear side wall of the mounting groove and the middle of the rear side wall of the upper clamp and the lower clamp. The holes and the middle cavity after the two U-shaped blocks are closed connect the bionic mouth clamp to the inside of the housing.

[0016] Furthermore, a handle is provided at the lower end of the housing on the side away from the bionic mouth clip, and a finger grip ring is provided between the front side of the handle and the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, the bionic beak clip is duckbill shaped.

[0018] Furthermore, the backpack is made of nylon.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] 1. This utility model discloses an automatic tea-picking machine. It features a housing and a bionic mouth clamp located on the front of the housing. Upper and lower blades are positioned on the front side of the bionic mouth clamp, and a picking drive mechanism is installed inside the housing to open and close the clamp. In use, the operator holds the housing and presses a button on the picking drive mechanism to close the scissors and cut the tea leaves. When closed, the cavity formed inside the bionic mouth clamp is connected to the inside of the housing. Once the tea leaves are cut, they are temporarily held in a semi-circular storage area, creating a closed space for easy collection. Subsequently, a suction mechanism in the backpack, similar in operation to a vacuum cleaner, transports the tea leaves from the holes on the back of the scissors into the backpack via a delivery pipe. The tea leaves are automatically collected in the backpack, relieving some strain on the wrist and arm. Finally, opening the clasp or lid on the backpack allows the tea leaves to be poured out from the opening. The scissors in this invention draw inspiration from biomimicry. The duckbill scissors innovatively complete the trimming and temporary storage process. Their size (9 cm long, 6 cm wide) is suitable for average-sized tea leaves, ensuring precise harvesting accuracy and quality. This device is lightweight and easy to operate, reducing the physical labor of harvesters. Furthermore, this indirect contact harvesting method perfectly avoids finger discoloration, improving comfort.

[0021] 2. The automatic tea-picking machine of this utility model provides hand stability by setting a handle and finger grip ring at the lower end of the housing and the overall pistol-shaped design, preventing the device from slipping from the hands of the picker.

[0022] 3. The automatic tea-picking machine of this utility model uses a backpack made of nylon material, which is not only lightweight but also sturdy and durable. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic tea-picking machine provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the left cross-sectional structure of the bionic mouth clamp in the first closed state of this utility model (the slide bar is slid to the leftmost end);

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the left cross-sectional structure of the bionic mouth clamp in the open state of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the left cross-sectional structure of the bionic mouth clamp in the second closed state of this utility model (the slide bar is slid to the rightmost end);

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the right cross-sectional structure of the bionic mouth clamp in the second closed state of this utility model (the slide bar is slid to the rightmost end);

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the bionic mouth clip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1. Harvesting mechanism; 11. Housing; 111. Sliding hole; 112. Mounting groove; 12. Bionic mouth clamp; 121. Upper clamp body; 122. Lower clamp body; 123. Upper blade; 124. Lower blade; 125. U-shaped block;

[0031] 2. Harvesting drive mechanism; 21. Slide rod; 22. C-shaped frame; 23. Irregular slide groove; 24. Slide column; 25. Drive component; 251. Motor; 252. Turntable; 253. Pin; 254. Slotted push rod; 26. Limiting sleeve;

[0032] 3. Collection mechanism; 31. Backpack; 32. Suction mechanism; 33. Pipeline;

[0033] 4. Handle; 41. Finger grip ring. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 6 An automatic tea-picking machine, comprising:

[0036] The picking mechanism 1 includes a housing 11 and a bionic mouth clamp 12 located on the front side of the housing 11. The bionic mouth clamp 12 is composed of an upper clamping body 121 and a lower clamping body 122, which are symmetrically connected to the front side of the housing 11. Upper blades 123 and lower blades 124 are respectively provided on the front sides of opposite sides of the upper clamping body 121 and the lower clamping body 122. When the bionic mouth clamp 12 is closed, the upper blades 123 and lower blades 124 perform a cutting action. The scissor blades composed of the upper blades 123 and lower blades 124 are made of tool steel, possessing unique hardness and the ability to maintain their cutting edge at high temperatures. These characteristics ensure high sharpness, allowing for rapid tea leaf picking.

[0037] The picking drive mechanism 2 is located inside the housing 11 and is used to drive the bionic mouth clamp 12 to close or open.

[0038] The collection mechanism 3 includes a backpack 31, which is equipped with a suction mechanism 32. The backpack 31 is connected to the interior of the shell 11 through a pipe 33. When the bionic mouth clamp 12 is closed, the cavity formed inside it is connected to the interior of the shell 11.

[0039] In use, the harvester wears the backpack 31 on their back via the shoulder straps, then holds the handle 4 on the housing 11. By pressing the button on the harvesting drive mechanism 2, the upper blade 123 and lower blade 124 of the bionic mouth clamp 12 close and cut the tea leaves. When the bionic mouth clamp 12 is closed, the cavity formed inside it connects with the inside of the housing. Once the tea leaves are cut, they are temporarily held in a semi-circular storage area, creating a closed space for easy collection. Subsequently, the suction mechanism 32 in the backpack 31, which works similarly to a vacuum cleaner, transports the tea leaves through the delivery pipe 33 from the hole on the back of the bionic mouth clamp 12 into the backpack. The tea leaves are automatically collected in the backpack, relieving some of the tension in the wrists and arms. Finally, by opening the clasp or lid (not shown in the figure) on the backpack 31 for sealing, the tea leaves can be poured out from the opening (not shown in the figure).

[0040] Preferably, the picking drive mechanism 2 includes a sliding rod 21 slidably disposed in the housing 11, a U-shaped frame 22 disposed at the front end of the housing 11, and symmetrical irregular sliding grooves 23 respectively opened on the same side wall of the upper clamping body 121 and the lower clamping body 122. A sliding column 24 is slidably disposed in the irregular sliding groove 23. One end of the sliding column 24 extending out of the irregular sliding groove 23 is fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the crossbar of the U-shaped frame 22. A sliding hole 111 is opened at the front end of the housing 11 for the sliding rod 21 to slide. The front end of the sliding rod 21 is fixedly connected to the middle of the side of the vertical bar of the U-shaped frame 22 away from its crossbar.

[0041] The housing 11 is also provided with a driving member 25 for driving the slide rod 21 to slide. When the driving member 25 drives the slide rod 21 to slide back and forth in the sliding hole 111, the upper clamp 121 and the lower clamp 122 open or close.

[0042] Preferably, the driving component 25 includes a motor 251 disposed within the housing 11, a turntable 252 fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 251, a pin 253 eccentrically disposed on one side of the surface of the turntable 252, and a slotted push rod 254 fixed to the side of the slide rod 21 away from the C-shaped frame 22. The pin 253 passes through the long slot of the slotted push rod 254. The switches for the motor 251 and the suction mechanism 32 are located on the handle 4 of the housing 11 for convenient control of their opening and closing.

[0043] In this embodiment, each time the user presses the button on the handle 4, the motor 251 operates, causing the turntable 252 to rotate half a turn clockwise. The pin 253 on the turntable 252 drives the slotted push rod 254 to move forward or backward once. Taking the forward movement of the slotted push rod 254 as an example, the slotted push rod 254 moves forward, driving the slide rod 21 and the C-shaped frame 22 forward. The front part of the C-shaped frame 22 has two symmetrically distributed sliding pillars 24, which are respectively embedded in the irregular sliding grooves 23 of the upper clamping body 121 and the lower clamping body 122. Based on this design, the upper clamping body 121 and the lower clamping body 122, which are hinged to the housing 11, can open and close once with the movement of the C-shaped frame 22 and the slide rod 21. When they are closed, the embedded blades in front of them will act as scissors to pick tea leaves. The working principle of the C-shaped frame 22 and the slide rod 21 moving backward is the same.

[0044] Preferably, in order to improve the stability of the slide rod 21 when it moves, a limiting sleeve 26 is provided on the side of the housing 11 near the sliding hole 111. The limiting sleeve 26 is fixed on the inner wall of the housing 11, and the slide rod 21 is slidably connected to the limiting sleeve 26.

[0045] Preferably, the front side of the housing 11 has a mounting groove 112 in the middle, and the rear ends of the upper clamp 121 and the lower clamp 122 are provided with U-shaped blocks 125 with opposite openings. The two sides of the U-shaped blocks 125 are respectively rotatably connected to the side wall of the mounting groove 112 by pins. The middle of the rear side wall of the mounting groove 112 and the middle of the rear side wall of the upper clamp 121 and the lower clamp 122 are respectively provided with holes. The holes and the middle cavity after the two U-shaped blocks 125 are closed connect the bionic mouth clamp 12 to the interior of the housing 11.

[0046] Preferably, a handle 4 is provided at the lower end of the housing 11 on the side away from the bionic mouth clip 12, and a finger grip ring 41 is also provided between the front side of the handle 4 and the housing 11. The overall pistol-shaped design provides hand stability and prevents the device from slipping from the harvester's hand.

[0047] Preferably, the bionic beak clip 12 is duckbill-shaped. This utility model utilizes biomimicry in its scissor design; the duckbill scissors innovatively complete the pruning and temporary storage process. Its dimensions (9 cm long, 6 cm wide) are suitable for average-sized tea leaves, ensuring precise harvesting accuracy and quality. Its bionic duckbill design adapts to various tea tree shapes, enabling precise and efficient harvesting. Simultaneously, it reduces damage to tea trees, promotes sustainable development, and meets the needs of most tea farmers.

[0048] Preferably, the backpack 31 is made of nylon. The backpack should possess a certain tear strength. Nylon is a crystalline polymer with high modulus, strength, low coefficient of friction, and abrasion resistance. The amide bonds in nylon are very strong, enabling it to resist breakage under tension, which contributes to its high tensile strength. Therefore, backpacks made of nylon are both sturdy and durable. The tea-carrying tube 33 is a flexible tube that can safely transport tea without damage; the suction mechanism 32 can be an existing exhaust fan or vacuum cleaner, with its motor located in the center of the backpack to reduce shoulder load. Furthermore, it is encased in sound-absorbing foam to minimize noise and support environmental goals.

[0049] The present invention has been further described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic tea-picking machine, characterized in that, It includes: The picking mechanism (1) includes a housing (11) and a bionic mouth clamp (12) located on the front side of the housing (11). The bionic mouth clamp (12) is composed of an upper clamp body (121) and a lower clamp body (122) that are symmetrically arranged, and the two are rotatably connected to the front side of the housing (11). The front sides of the upper clamp body (121) and the lower clamp body (122) are respectively provided with an upper blade (123) and a lower blade (124). When the bionic mouth clamp (12) is closed, the upper blade (123) and the lower blade (124) perform a cutting action. The picking drive mechanism (2) is located inside the housing (11) and is used to drive the bionic mouth clamp (12) to close or open; The collection mechanism (3) includes a backpack (31) with a suction mechanism (32) inside. The backpack (31) is connected to the interior of the shell (11) through a pipe (33). When the bionic mouth clamp (12) is closed, the cavity formed inside it is connected to the interior of the shell (11).

2. The automatic tea-picking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The picking drive mechanism (2) includes a sliding rod (21) slidably disposed in the housing (11), a U-shaped frame (22) disposed at the front end of the housing (11), and symmetrical irregular sliding grooves (23) respectively opened on the same side wall of the upper clamping body (121) and the lower clamping body (122). A sliding column (24) is slidably disposed in the irregular sliding groove (23). One end of the sliding column (24) extending out of the irregular sliding groove (23) is fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the crossbar of the U-shaped frame (22). A sliding hole (111) for sliding the sliding rod (21) is opened at the front end of the housing (11). The front end of the sliding rod (21) is fixedly connected to the middle of the side of the vertical bar of the U-shaped frame (22) away from its crossbar. The housing (11) is also provided with a driving member (25) for driving the slide rod (21) to slide. When the driving member (25) drives the slide rod (21) to slide back and forth in the sliding hole (111), the upper clamp (121) and the lower clamp (122) open or close.

3. The automatic tea-picking machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (25) includes a motor (251) disposed in the housing (11), a turntable (252) fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor (251), a pin (253) eccentrically disposed on one side of the surface of the turntable (252), and a slotted push rod (254) fixed on the side of the slide rod (21) away from the mortise frame (22). The pin (253) passes through the long slot of the slotted push rod (254).

4. The automatic tea-picking machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, A limiting sleeve (26) is also provided on the side of the housing (11) near the sliding hole (111). The limiting sleeve (26) is fixed on the inner wall of the housing (11), and the sliding rod (21) is slidably connected to the limiting sleeve (26).

5. The automatic tea-picking machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The front side of the housing (11) is provided with a mounting groove (112). The rear ends of the upper clamp (121) and the lower clamp (122) are provided with U-shaped blocks (125) with opposite openings. The two sides of the U-shaped blocks (125) are rotatably connected to the side wall of the mounting groove (112) by pins. The middle of the rear side wall of the mounting groove (112) and the middle of the rear side wall of the upper clamp (121) and the lower clamp (122) are respectively provided with holes. The holes and the middle cavity after the two U-shaped blocks (125) are closed connect the bionic mouth clamp (12) to the interior of the housing (11).

6. The automatic tea-picking machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower end of the housing (11) away from the bionic mouth clip (12) is provided with a handle (4), and a finger grip ring (41) is provided between the front side of the handle (4) and the housing (11).

7. The automatic tea-picking machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bionic beak clip (12) is duckbill shaped.

8. The automatic tea-picking machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The backpack (31) is made of nylon.

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