Automatic fish feeding device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic fish feeding device. The automatic fish feeding device is composed of an inclined fish feeding device, a transverse moving distribution device and a classified fish collecting box. The inclined fish feeding device comprises an inclined fish feeding track and a concentric-square-shaped conveying crawler belt, and fish containing frames are installed on the crawler belt at equal intervals, can drain water and are detachable. The transverse moving distribution device is provided with a classification controller, a horizontal rail and a transfer frame, and the transfer frame can identify the fish collecting box and slide on the rail; the classified fish collecting boxes are located below the track, and the multiple fish collecting boxes are provided with identity devices and weighing systems. Fish is transferred to the transfer frame through the inclined fish feeding device. And the transferring frame throws the fishes into the corresponding fish collecting box. According to the automatic fish sorting and collecting device, efficient, low-loss and automatic fish sorting and collecting are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to aquaculture, specifically to an automated fish loading device. Background Technology

[0002] In aquaculture, the processes of catching, loading, and transporting fish are crucial to farming efficiency and fish survival rates. Currently, common fish loading devices and weighing systems on the market can be broadly categorized as follows:

[0003] (1) Water pump delivery system

[0004] Water pump-type fish loading devices use water flow to suck fish out of the aquaculture water and transport them through pipes to transport containers or sorting systems. While this method can reduce manual labor and improve loading efficiency to some extent, it has the following problems:

[0005] Fish are susceptible to water flow, which can cause injury or stress, affecting their survival rate.

[0006] The inner wall of the pipe may cause friction damage to the fish, especially for species with fragile scales;

[0007] This system typically does not integrate weighing functionality, requiring additional metering equipment, which impacts overall operational efficiency.

[0008] (2) Screw Conveyor System

[0009] This system uses spiral blades to propel fish upwards and is widely used in seafood processing plants and some fish farms. Its main drawbacks include:

[0010] The mechanical structure is complex and the equipment cost is high, making it difficult to meet the needs of small and medium-sized farms.

[0011] The mechanical blades come into frequent contact with the fish's body, which can easily cause damage.

[0012] There is a contradiction between the speed of the spiral conveyor and the fish's tolerance, making it difficult to balance high efficiency and low loss.

[0013] (3) Netting and manual operation

[0014] In small and medium-sized fish farms, manual labor remains the primary method of catching and transporting fish, typically using nets or hanging nets. The limitations of this method include:

[0015] It requires a large workforce, involves high labor intensity, and has low efficiency.

[0016] During handling, fish are easily squeezed and abraded, leading to a decline in quality;

[0017] The lack of automation and accurate weighing capabilities makes it difficult to meet the needs of modern aquaculture and logistics.

[0018] 2. Shortcomings of existing technologies

[0019] While the aforementioned existing technologies have certain applicability in specific scenarios, overall, they still have the following shortcomings in terms of efficiency, low loss, automation, and intelligent management:

[0020] Fish injury issues: Most existing transport methods (such as water pump transport and spiral transport) cause mechanical damage or stress to the fish, affecting survival rate and market value.

[0021] Separation of conveying and weighing: Existing systems usually require an additional weighing step, which leads to complex processes, reduced efficiency, and increased risk of fish damage due to multiple handling.

[0022] Poor adaptability: Some equipment (such as screw conveyors) are mainly used in processing plants, are bulky, and are not suitable for the flexible and ever-changing breeding environment, making it difficult to meet diverse operational needs.

[0023] Low level of automation: Traditional methods still rely on manual operation, especially in small and medium-sized farms, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, and does not conform to the development trend of modern intelligent aquaculture. Utility Model Content

[0024] This utility model provides an automated fish loading device, which is used to transfer fish in a fishpond to a fish transport vehicle parked on the shore. The automated fish loading device includes an inclined fish loading device, a lateral distribution device, and a fish sorting and collection box.

[0025] The inclined fish-loading device includes an inclined fish-loading track installed between the fishpond and the bank. The lower side of the inclined fish-loading track is located inside the fishpond, while the higher side is suspended and fixed to the bank. The inclined fish-loading track is equipped with a U-shaped conveyor belt that rotates in a vertical circular direction, and a first drive device for driving the U-shaped conveyor belt to rotate.

[0026] Fish loading frames are fixedly installed at equal intervals on the U-shaped conveyor belt. The fish loading frames have drainage holes on both sides and a water-permeable plate is installed on the side.

[0027] The lateral distribution device includes a classification controller, a horizontal track, and a transfer frame. The starting end of the horizontal track is located directly below the high side of the inclined fish-raising track. The transfer frame is slidably installed on the horizontal track. A second drive device for driving the transfer frame to move laterally is installed on the transfer frame. The transfer frame is equipped with a fish collection box identification device. A fish release valve is provided at the bottom of the transfer frame. The second drive device, the fish collection box identification device, and the fish release valve are all connected to the classification controller.

[0028] The fish collection bins are located directly below the horizontal track. There are four fish collection bins distributed along the sliding direction of the transfer frame. Each fish collection bin is equipped with an identification device that communicates with the fish collection bin identification device in the near field. The fish collection bins are also equipped with a weighing system.

[0029] Furthermore, the permeable plate is provided with a groove, and the fastening bolts pass through the groove and are threaded to the side plate of the fish frame to install the permeable plate on both sides of the fish frame.

[0030] The permeable plate has permeable holes that are aligned with the drainage holes. By sliding the permeable plate, the overlap between the permeable holes and the drainage holes can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the drainage speed of the fish basket during its ascent.

[0031] Furthermore, the fish loading frame is triangular, with its bottom surface fitting into the inclined fish-loading track. As the "U"-shaped conveyor belt and the fish loading frame climb upwards, the upper surface of the fish loading frame remains parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0032] Furthermore, the classification controller also includes a control switch installed on the inclined upper fish track. The control switch is connected to the classification controller and has four control buttons.

[0033] Furthermore, a cover plate is rotatably installed on the top rear side of the fish basket.

[0034] Furthermore, the fish collection box identification device is an RFID reader, and the identification device is an RFID chip. During the sliding process of the transfer frame on the horizontal track, the RFID identification device and the RFID chip form a near-field communication connection.

[0035] Furthermore, it also includes an image recording system and pressure sensors connected to the classification controller.

[0036] The image recording system is equipped with an industrial camera near the starting end of the horizontal track. The industrial camera is used to capture images of the transfer frame as it slides to the starting end of the horizontal track.

[0037] The pressure sensor is located inside the transfer frame.

[0038] Furthermore, the fish loading frame can be detachably installed on the U-shaped conveyor track. Both ends of the fish loading frame are provided with axle seats, and pins pass through the axle seats and are threadedly connected to the U-shaped conveyor track to fix the fish loading frame on the U-shaped conveyor track.

[0039] The technical advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0040] 1. Reduced fish injury: The inclined fish loading device keeps the upper surface of the fish basket level during the ascent, reducing fish movement and collisions. Compared to pump-type and screw conveyor systems, this avoids water flow impact, pipe friction, and mechanical blade damage, effectively reducing fish stress response and improving survival rate and market value.

[0041] 2. Integrated conveying and weighing functions: The fish collection box of the classification fish collection box is equipped with a weighing system, which can complete the weighing simultaneously during the fish collection process, reduce additional weighing steps, simplify the process, reduce the risk of damage to fish caused by multiple handling, and improve the overall operation efficiency.

[0042] 3. High adaptability: The system has a reasonable structural design, and the tilted fish-loading track can be adjusted by changing the height of the support frame to adapt to different fishpond bank terrain conditions. The equipment as a whole is relatively flexible and suitable for farms of various sizes, especially small and medium-sized farms, solving the problem of poor adaptability of traditional large-scale equipment.

[0043] 4. High level of automation: From loading fish into baskets, transferring fish, to sorting and releasing them, the entire process is automatically completed by the sorting controller in coordination with various devices. This reduces manual operation, lowers labor intensity, and aligns with the trend of intelligent development in modern aquaculture. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automated fish-loading device installed in and on the bank of a fishpond.

[0046] Figure 2 A side view of an automated fish-loading device;

[0047] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0048] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional image;

[0049] Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the tilted fish-loading device;

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a triangular fish container with a permeable plate;

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the transverse distribution device and the fish collection box at its bottom;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a classification system used to classify and collect fish. Detailed Implementation

[0053] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.

[0054] To fully understand this utility model, detailed steps and structures will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model. Preferred embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this utility model may have other embodiments.

[0055] This utility model provides an automated fish loading device for transferring fish in a fishpond to a fish transport vehicle parked on the shore. The automated fish loading device includes an inclined fish loading device 100, a transverse distribution device 200, and a sorting and collecting fish box 300.

[0056] Inclined fish-loading device 100

[0057] The inclined fish loading device 100 includes an inclined fish loading track 110 disposed between the fishpond 1 and the bank 2. The lower side of the inclined fish loading track 110 is located in the fishpond, and the higher side of the inclined fish loading track 110 is suspended and fixed to the bank. The inclined fish loading track 110 is provided with a U-shaped conveyor belt 111 that rotates in a circular motion in the vertical direction, and a first drive device for driving the U-shaped conveyor belt 111 to rotate.

[0058] In practical applications, the selection of the length and inclination angle of the inclined fish-loading track 110 is crucial for fishponds of different sizes. In large fishponds, to improve fish-collecting efficiency, the track length can be appropriately increased, while the inclination angle is controlled within a range that ensures the stable climbing of the fish-loading frame 120 while meeting the needs of rapid transport, generally between 30° and 45°. In small fishponds, considering space limitations, the track length will be shortened accordingly, and the inclination angle can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual terrain to ensure the applicability of the equipment.

[0059] In an optional embodiment, a cover plate 140 is rotatably mounted on the top rear side of the fish basket 120. During the ascent of the fish basket 120, the cover plate 140 is manually fastened to the top of the fish basket 120 to prevent fish from escaping. In actual operation, to facilitate manual operation, an easy-to-grip handle can be provided on the cover plate 140, and a smooth hinge structure can be used at the connection between the cover plate and the fish basket to make opening and closing the cover plate easier. Furthermore, a rubber sealing strip can be provided on the edge of the cover plate to enhance the sealing effect and further prevent fish from jumping out.

[0060] Fish frames 120 are fixedly installed at equal intervals on the U-shaped conveyor belt 111. The fish frames 120 are triangular, with an inclined bottom surface that fits against the inclined fish-raising track 110. As the U-shaped conveyor belt 111 and the fish frames 120 climb upwards, the upper surface of the fish frames 120 remains parallel to the horizontal plane to prevent fish from escaping from the fish frames 120. After the U-shaped conveyor belt 111 rotates the fish frames 120 to below the inclined fish-raising track 110, the cover plate 140 automatically opens under the action of gravity.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the fish-holding frame 120 is made of a flexible material to reduce damage to the fish. Both sides of the fish-holding frame 120 are provided with several drainage holes 121, and permeable plates 130 are slidably installed on both sides of the fish-holding frame 120. The permeable plates 130 have grooves 132, and fastening bolts pass through the grooves 132 and are threadedly connected to the side plates of the fish-holding frame 120 to install the permeable plates 130 on both sides of the fish-holding frame 120. The permeable plates 130 have permeable holes 131 aligned with the positions of the drainage holes 121. By sliding the permeable plates 130, the overlap between the permeable holes 131 and the drainage holes 121 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the drainage speed of the fish-holding frame 120 during its ascent. In actual use, the position of the permeable plates 130 can be adjusted in advance according to the type and water content of the fish.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the inclined fish-loading track 110 is fixed by a support frame. The inclination of the inclined fish-loading track 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the support frame to adapt to different site requirements. Furthermore, the fish-loading frame 120 is detachably mounted on the U-shaped conveyor belt 111. Both ends of the fish-loading frame 120 are equipped with axle seats, and pins pass through the axle seats and are threadedly connected to the U-shaped conveyor belt 111 to fix the fish-loading frame 120 to the U-shaped conveyor belt 111. To facilitate the disassembly and installation of the fish-loading frame 120, a quick-connect pin structure, such as pins with threaded knobs, can be used, allowing for quick replacement of the fish-loading frame without the need for additional tools, improving equipment maintenance efficiency. Simultaneously, the support frame can adopt a foldable structure design for easy storage when the equipment is not in use, saving space.

[0063] Horizontal distribution device 200

[0064] The horizontal distribution device 200 includes a classification controller 230, a horizontal track 210, and a transfer frame 220. The starting end of the horizontal track 210 is located directly below the high side of the inclined fish-raising track. The transfer frame 220 is slidably mounted on the horizontal track 210. The transfer frame 220 has no top plate and is used to temporarily store fish that have been tilted from the fish-holding frame 120. A fish-releasing valve 260 is provided at the bottom of the transfer frame 220. By opening the fish-releasing valve 260, the fish in the transfer frame 220 are released into the fish-collecting box 310 directly below.

[0065] A second drive device 250 for driving the transverse movement of the transfer frame 220 is installed on the transfer frame 220. The transfer frame 220 is equipped with a fish collection box identification device 240. The second drive device 250, the fish collection box identification device 240, and the fish release valve 260 are all connected to the classification controller 230.

[0066] Once the transfer frame 220 receives fish, the classification controller 230 first controls the second drive device 250 to start according to the pre-set matching rules between fish species and fish collection boxes. During the sliding process of the transfer frame 220, the fish collection box identification device 240 continuously acquires the identification code of the fish collection box 310 below and feeds the information back to the classification controller 230 in real time. The classification controller 230 analyzes and matches the identification code; once a match is successful, it immediately sends a stop command to the second drive device 250 and simultaneously controls the fish release valve 260 to open.

[0067] 300 fish collection boxes

[0068] The fish collection box 300 is located directly below the horizontal track 210. The fish collection box 300 has four fish collection boxes 310 distributed along the sliding direction of the transfer frame 220. Each fish collection box 310 is equipped with a weighing system.

[0069] In an optional embodiment, the classification controller 230 further includes a control switch 231 mounted on the inclined fish-collecting track 110. The control switch 231 is connected to the classification controller 230 and has the same number of control buttons as the fish collection box 310. Fishermen in the pond press the corresponding control button to mark the currently caught fish, and the classification controller 230 will then classify and collect the fish based on this information. To facilitate operation by fishermen, the buttons of the control switch 231 can be large, waterproof, and clearly marked, allowing for quick and accurate operation in humid working environments. Furthermore, the control switch 231 and the classification controller 230 can be wirelessly connected, avoiding the inconvenience and safety hazards associated with wiring.

[0070] In an optional embodiment, the fish collection box identification device 240 includes an RFID identification device 241 mounted on the transfer frame 220 and an RFID chip 242 fixed on each fish collection box 310. During the sliding of the transfer frame 220 on the horizontal track 210, the RFID identification device 241 and the RFID chip 242 form a near-field communication connection, thereby enabling the fish collection box identification device 240 to read the identification code of the fish collection box 310 below.

[0071] The principle behind this invention for classifying and collecting fish is as follows:

[0072] 1) Fishermen in the fishpond place a single species of fish (e.g., carp) into the fish-loading frame 120 and cover it with a cover plate 140. When placing the fish, the fishermen can control the number of fish in the frame 120 based on experience and the actual situation to avoid too many or too few fish affecting harvesting efficiency and fish survival rate. Simultaneously, during the loading process, the fish can be preliminarily screened, removing obviously injured or poor-quality fish. Before harvesting, the fish species are entered into the classification controller 230, or the species are entered into the classification controller 230 via the control button of the control switch, facilitating subsequent classification by the classification controller 230 controlling the transfer frame 220.

[0073] 2) The first drive unit of the inclined fish-loading device 100 drives the U-shaped conveyor belt 111 to rotate, which in turn drives the fish-loading frame 120 to climb upwards from the fishpond. During the climbing process, water in the fish-loading frame 120 flows out through the drain hole 121. When the fish-loading frame 120 moves to the top of the inclined fish-loading track 110, the water in the fish-loading frame 120 is almost completely discharged. The drainage speed of the fish-loading frame 120 is changed by sliding the permeable plate 130.

[0074] 3) The U-shaped conveyor belt 111 drives the fish loading frame 120 to rotate at the top of the inclined fish track 110 so that the opening faces downward, causing the fish in the fish loading frame 120 to be poured into the transfer frame 220 located at the beginning of the horizontal track 210.

[0075] 4) After fish are received in the transfer frame 220, the classification controller 230 controls the second drive device 250 to slide the transfer frame 220 along the horizontal track 210 according to the pre-set fish type. During the sliding process, the transfer frame 220 identifies the fish collection box 310 located directly below the transfer frame 220 in real time through the fish collection box identification device 240. Specifically, as the transfer frame 220 slides on the horizontal track 210, the RFID identification device 241 and the RFID chip 242 establish a near-field communication connection, identifying the fish collection box 310 located directly below the transfer frame 220. The classification controller 230 matches the RFID chip 24 information obtained by the RFID identification device 241 with the pre-set fish type. If the RFID chip 24 information indicates a carp box, the match is successful and the second drive device 250 stops immediately; otherwise, the transfer frame 220 continues to slide until a match is successful. To ensure successful matching, the pre-entered fish information must correspond to at least one fish collection box information.

[0076] 5) The classification controller 230 controls the fish release valve 260 to open, pouring the fish in the transfer frame 220 into the corresponding fish collection box 310. Then the transfer frame 220 slides to the beginning of the horizontal track 210 and closes the fish release valve 260, waiting to transfer the next fish in the fish loading frame 120.

[0077] 6) The weight of the fish collection box 310 is weighed in real time by the built-in weighing system.

[0078] It should be noted that the time interval between two adjacent fish loading frames 120 passing the higher side of the inclined fish loading track is T1, and the time required for the transfer frame 220 to slide from the starting end of the horizontal track 210 to the farthest end, open the fish release valve 260 to complete the fish unloading work, and return to the starting end is T2; T1 must be greater than T2. ​​This avoids the transfer frame 220 unloading fish at too short an interval, causing the transfer frame 220 to not have completed unloading the fish into the designated fish collection box 310 and return to the starting end of the horizontal track 210. In actual operation, the time difference between T1 and T2 can be reasonably controlled by adjusting the operating speed of the first and second drive devices, as well as the number of fish loading frames 120 being transferred, to ensure the efficient and stable operation of the system.

[0079] While the transfer frame 220 waits at the starting end of the horizontal track 210, an industrial camera captures images of the transfer frame 220 in real time. When the fish container 120 pours fish into the transfer frame 220, the industrial camera's backend algorithm system processes the image and determines whether the transfer frame 220 has received the fish. After the fish pouring is complete, a signal is sent to the classification controller 230 to execute the next step, namely, the second drive device 250 drives the transfer frame 220 to slide along the horizontal track 210. In another embodiment, a pressure sensor inside the transfer frame 220 can also be used to determine whether fish have entered. When an increase in weight is sensed, a signal is sent to the classification controller 230, and the second drive device 250 is activated after a few seconds. To improve the accuracy and stability of detection, the industrial camera and pressure sensor should be high-precision, high-reliability products, and should be calibrated and maintained regularly. Simultaneously, the camera's shooting angle and the pressure sensor's installation position can be optimized to ensure accurate detection of fish entry and the state of the fish within the transfer frame.

[0080] Whether it is using an industrial camera to determine whether there is a fish in the transfer frame 220, or using a pressure sensor to determine whether there is a fish in the transfer frame 220, these are all technical means commonly used by those skilled in the art, and will not be elaborated here.

[0081] The preferred embodiments of this utility model have been described above. It should be understood that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Devices and structures not described in detail herein should be understood as being implemented in a conventional manner within the art. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of this utility model using the disclosed methods and techniques, or modify them into equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model. This does not affect the essential content of this utility model. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model, without departing from the content of the technical solution of this utility model, still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automated fish loading device, wherein the automated fish loading device is used to transfer fish in a fishpond to a fish transport vehicle parked on the shore, characterized in that, The automated fish loading device includes a tilting fish loading device, a lateral distribution device, and a fish sorting and collection box; The inclined fish-loading device includes an inclined fish-loading track installed between the fishpond and the bank. The lower side of the inclined fish-loading track is located inside the fishpond, while the higher side is suspended and fixed to the bank. The inclined fish-loading track is equipped with a U-shaped conveyor belt that rotates in a circular motion in the vertical direction. Fish loading frames are fixedly installed at equal intervals on the "U"-shaped conveyor belt. The fish loading frames have drainage holes on both sides and a permeable plate is installed on the side. The lateral distribution device includes a classification controller, a horizontal track, and a transfer frame. The starting end of the horizontal track is located directly below the high side of the inclined fish-raising track. The transfer frame is slidably installed on the horizontal track. A second drive device for driving the transfer frame to move laterally is installed on the transfer frame. The transfer frame is equipped with a fish collection box identification device. A fish release valve is provided at the bottom of the transfer frame. The second drive device, the fish collection box identification device, and the fish release valve are all connected to the classification controller. The fish collection bins are located directly below the horizontal track. There are four fish collection bins distributed along the sliding direction of the transfer frame. Each fish collection bin is equipped with an identification device that communicates with the fish collection bin identification device in the near field. The fish collection bins are also equipped with a weighing system.

2. An automated fish loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein, The permeable panel has a groove, and the fastening bolts pass through the groove and are threaded to the side plate of the fish frame to install the permeable panel on both sides of the fish frame. The permeable plate has permeable holes that are aligned with the drainage holes. By sliding the permeable plate, the overlap between the permeable holes and the drainage holes can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the drainage speed of the fish basket during its ascent.

3. An automated fish loading apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein, The fish loading frame is triangular, with its bottom surface fitting into the inclined fish-loading track. As the "U"-shaped conveyor belt and the fish loading frame climb upwards, the upper surface of the fish loading frame remains parallel to the horizontal plane.

4. An automated fish loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The classification controller also includes a control switch installed on the inclined upper fish track. The control switch is connected to the classification controller and has four control buttons.

5. An apparatus for automatically loading fish as defined in claim 3 wherein, A cover plate is rotatably installed on the top rear side of the fish basket.

6. An apparatus for automatically loading fish as defined in claim 4 wherein, The fish collection box identification device is an RFID reader, and the identification device is an RFID chip. During the sliding of the transfer frame on the horizontal track, the RFID reader and the RFID chip form a near-field communication connection.

7. An apparatus for automatically loading fish as defined in claim 1, wherein It also includes an image recording system and a pressure sensor connected to the classification controller. The image recording system is equipped with an industrial camera near the starting end of the horizontal track. The industrial camera is used to capture images of the transfer frame as it slides to the starting end of the horizontal track. The pressure sensor is located inside the transfer frame.

8. An automated fish-loading device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The fish loading frame can be detachably installed on the U-shaped conveyor track. Both ends of the fish loading frame are equipped with axle seats. Pins pass through the axle seats and are threadedly connected to the U-shaped conveyor track to fix the fish loading frame on the U-shaped conveyor track.

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