A device for sorting asparagus into length classes
By using optical measurement and tray flipping mechanism in the asparagus length sorting device, the problem of difficult asparagus sorting in the existing technology has been solved, and efficient asparagus length sorting has been achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANDONG JUANFENGYIN BIG DATA SERVICE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing asparagus sorting machines suffer from difficulties in sorting asparagus due to mismatched asparagus postures within the sieve cylinder, and the lack of a conveyor belt makes it difficult for asparagus to move forward, making it hard to effectively sort asparagus of different lengths.
An asparagus length-based sorting device is used, which includes a circulating conveyor chain, a non-contact optical measuring device, and a sorting execution mechanism. The length of the asparagus is determined by optical measurement, and the asparagus tray is flipped to an inclined position so that the asparagus falls into the corresponding collection basket.
It enables efficient sorting of asparagus of different lengths, avoids the problem of mismatched asparagus postures, and improves sorting efficiency and accuracy.
Smart Images
Figure CN224309028U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of asparagus sorting equipment, specifically relating to an asparagus length grade sorting device. Background Technology
[0002] In existing technologies, asparagus sorting is mostly done manually, with a few using asparagus sorting machines. The sorting mechanism of an existing asparagus sorting machine includes a motor, with a rotating shaft fixedly connected to the motor's drive end. Multiple connecting plates are fixedly connected to the outer diameter of the rotating shaft. The ends of the connecting plates away from the rotating shaft are respectively fixedly connected to the inner walls of a first, second, and third sorting sieve cylinder. The first sorting sieve cylinder has multiple first sieve holes, the second sorting sieve cylinder has multiple second sieve holes, and the third sorting sieve cylinder has multiple third sieve holes. Asparagus of different sizes is sorted through these first, second, and third sieve holes, causing the sorted asparagus to fall into corresponding collection boxes, thus achieving the sorting function. A conveyor belt transports the asparagus into the first sorting sieve cylinder. The motor drives the rotating shaft and connecting plates to rotate, which in turn drives the first, second, and third sorting sieve cylinders to rotate. During this rotation, the incoming asparagus is rotated, thereby improving the sorting efficiency.
[0003] When using existing asparagus sorting machines, it is difficult for asparagus to move from the first sorting sieve to the third sorting sieve because there is no conveyor belt inside the sieve. At the same time, asparagus may cross or tilt inside the sieve, the posture of the asparagus may not match the sieve holes, causing sorting difficulties.
[0004] In response to the technical problems existing in the use of existing asparagus sorting machines, those skilled in the art have developed a method to sort asparagus of different lengths by flipping the asparagus tray (flipping the asparagus tray from horizontal to inclined). Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention addresses the technical problems existing in the sorting of asparagus using a flat conveyor belt in the prior art by providing an asparagus length-grade sorting device.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: an asparagus length-grade sorting device, the sorting device includes a frame, a circulating conveyor chain and a controller, the sorting device is divided into a feeding area, a length detection area and a sorting area along the length direction; the length detection area is equipped with a non-contact optical measuring device, the output end of the non-contact optical measuring device is communicatively connected to the controller;
[0007] The circulating conveyor chain is equipped with multiple asparagus brackets; the circulating conveyor chain includes a chain shaft and two parallel chains, each of which is equipped with multiple support brackets, and the ends of the asparagus brackets along the length direction are hinged to the ends of the support brackets away from the chains; the circulating conveyor chain is driven by a servo motor, and the encoder of the servo motor is communicatively connected to the controller.
[0008] The sorting area is equipped with multiple sorting execution mechanisms. When the sorting execution mechanisms are activated, they can cause the asparagus trays to flip. The lower part of the sorting area is equipped with multiple collection baskets.
[0009] Preferably, the asparagus support includes a slider, a connecting part, and a tray; there are multiple trays with gaps between adjacent trays; the trays have bent portions; the connecting part is hinged to the end of the support frame away from the chain, and the connecting part is located on the side of the asparagus support away from the bent portion of the tray; the slider is installed at the end of the asparagus support along its length, and the horizontal projection of the slider partially exceeds the horizontal projection of the tray.
[0010] Preferably, the frame includes slide rails distributed along the length direction; the lower surface of the sliding member of the asparagus bracket is slidably connected to the upper surface of the slide rail in the feeding area and the length detection area.
[0011] Preferably, the non-contact optical measurement device includes a linear array camera or multiple through-beam photoelectric sensors.
[0012] Preferably, the through-beam photoelectric sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver used in conjunction, with the transmitter positioned above the asparagus holder and the receiver positioned below the asparagus holder; the light beam emitted by the transmitter can pass through the gap between the holders; and multiple through-beam photoelectric sensors correspond to different gaps on the asparagus holder.
[0013] Preferably, the slide rail has a movable section in the sorting area, and the sorting execution mechanism is drivenly connected to the movable section.
[0014] Preferably, the sorting actuator is a cylinder, an electric telescopic rod, or a cam linear reciprocating motion mechanism.
[0015] Preferably, the cam linear reciprocating motion mechanism includes a cam, a follower, and a motor. The motor is driven and connected to the cam. The lower end of the follower contacts the outer periphery of the cam, and the upper end of the follower is fixedly connected to a movable section. The motor is communicatively connected to a controller.
[0016] Preferably, a lifter is installed on the chain shaft; the lifter includes a lifting part and an annular part that are fixedly connected, and the annular part is installed on the outer periphery of the chain shaft; during the operation of the circulating conveyor chain, the lifting part of the lifter can make the asparagus bracket rotate upward around the end of the support frame to achieve lifting.
[0017] Preferably, the spacing between adjacent support frames on the chain is equal to the distance the chain moves when the first chain shaft rotates once; the circulating conveyor chain also includes a second chain shaft, and the first chain shaft and the second chain shaft are located at opposite ends of the length direction of the sorting device.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0019] (1) The asparagus length grade sorting device of this application can sort asparagus of different lengths by flipping the asparagus rack (the asparagus rack is flipped from horizontal to inclined).
[0020] (2) The length of the asparagus is measured by a non-contact optical measuring device. Then, when the asparagus tray moves to the corresponding active section of the slide rail, the sorting execution mechanism drives the asparagus tray to flip, and the asparagus on the asparagus tray falls into the corresponding collection basket.
[0021] (3) When the sliding part of the asparagus bracket is slidably connected to the slide rail, the asparagus bracket is horizontal; after the sliding part of the asparagus bracket is disengaged from the slide rail, the asparagus bracket flips over and the asparagus on the asparagus bracket falls into the collection basket.
[0022] (4) There is a gap between the adjacent trays of the asparagus bracket, and the beam emitted by the transmitter of the through-beam photoelectric sensor can pass through the gap between the trays.
[0023] (5) During the operation of the circulating conveyor chain, the lifting part of the lifter can make the asparagus bracket rotate upward around the end of the support frame to achieve lifting, thereby making the asparagus bracket in the feeding area horizontal. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below:
[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an asparagus length-grade sorting device;
[0026] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the asparagus rack in the sorting device;
[0027] Figure 3 Diagram showing the state of the asparagus support when the sliding component is slidably connected to the slide rail;
[0028] Figure 4This is a diagram showing the state of the asparagus support after the sliding component has disengaged from the slide rail.
[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of Area A in the middle;
[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of Zone B;
[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a non-contact optical measuring device in the length detection area of a sorting device.
[0032] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing how the lifting section of the lifter in the sorting device raises the asparagus tray;
[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the linear reciprocating motion mechanism of the cam in the sorting device.
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] 1. Feeding area; 2. Length detection area; 3. Sorting area;
[0036] 4. Asparagus support; 41. Sliding component; 42. Connecting part; 43. Support plate;
[0037] 5. Chain; 6. Support frame;
[0038] 7. Slide rail; 71. Moving section;
[0039] 8. Lifter, 9. Chain shaft 1, 10. Transmitter, 11. Receiver, 12. Cam, 13. Follower. Detailed Implementation
[0040] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0041] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following specification.
[0042] Example 1
[0043] The following is combined with Figures 1-9 The asparagus length-grade sorting device in Example 1 is further described below, such as... Figure 1As shown, the sorting device includes a frame, a circulating conveyor chain, and a controller. The sorting device is divided into a feeding area 1, a length detection area 2, and a sorting area 3 along the length direction. The length detection area 2 is equipped with a non-contact optical measuring device, and the output end of the non-contact optical measuring device is connected to the controller in communication.
[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, multiple asparagus brackets 4 are installed on the circulating conveyor chain; the circulating conveyor chain includes a chain shaft 9 and two parallel chains 5, each chain 5 is equipped with multiple support frames 6, and the ends of the asparagus brackets 4 in the longitudinal direction are hinged to the ends of the support frames 6 away from the chain 5. The circulating conveyor chain is driven by a servo motor, and the encoder of the servo motor is communicatively connected to the controller.
[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, sorting area 3 is equipped with multiple sorting execution mechanisms. When the sorting execution mechanism is activated, it can drive the asparagus bracket 4 to flip. Multiple collection baskets are provided at the bottom of sorting area 3.
[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the asparagus support 4 includes a slider 41, a connecting part 42, and a support plate 43; there are multiple support plates 43, and there are gaps between adjacent support plates 43; the support plate 43 has a bent part; the connecting part 42 is hinged to the end of the support frame 6 away from the chain 5, and the connecting part 42 is located on the side of the asparagus support 4 away from the bent part of the support plate 43; the slider 41 is installed at the end of the asparagus support 4 in the length direction, and the horizontal projection of the slider 41 partially exceeds the horizontal projection of the support plate 43.
[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the frame includes slide rails 7 distributed along the length direction; the lower surface of the sliding member 41 of the asparagus bracket 4 is slidably connected to the upper surface of the slide rails 7 in the feeding area 1 and the length detection area 2.
[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, the non-contact optical measurement device includes multiple through-beam photoelectric sensors. Each through-beam photoelectric sensor includes a transmitter 10 and a receiver 11 used in conjunction. The transmitter 10 is positioned above the asparagus bracket 4, and the receiver 11 is positioned below the asparagus bracket 4. The light beam emitted by the transmitter 10 can pass through the gap between the brackets 43. The multiple through-beam photoelectric sensors correspond to different gaps on the asparagus bracket 4.
[0049] During the length detection process, the asparagus on the asparagus holder 4 has different lengths, so the degree of obstruction of the beams emitted by multiple transmitters 10 is different. The more obstruction, the longer the asparagus. Based on this principle, the length range of different asparagus lengths is measured.
[0050] In this application, the length of asparagus is divided into five length ranges: 15cm to 18cm (excluding), 18cm to 21cm (excluding), 21cm to 24cm (excluding), 24cm to 27cm (excluding), and 27cm to 30cm.
[0051] like Figure 9 As shown, the slide rail 7 has a movable section 71 in the sorting area 3, and the sorting execution mechanism is connected to the movable section 71 for transmission.
[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, the sorting execution mechanism is a cam linear reciprocating motion mechanism. The cam linear reciprocating motion mechanism includes a cam 12, a follower 13, and a motor 1. The motor 1 is driven and connected to the cam 12. The lower end of the follower 13 contacts the outer periphery of the cam 12, and the upper end of the follower 13 is fixedly connected to the movable section 71. The motor 1 is communicatively connected to the controller.
[0053] Figure 9 In the current state, the movable section 71 is at the same elevation as the main body of the slide rail 7. When the sorting execution mechanism receives a signal from the controller, the motor drives the cam 12 to rotate a certain angle (e.g., 90 degrees), and the movable section 71 descends.
[0054] like Figure 8 As shown, a lifter 8 is installed on the chain shaft 9; the lifter 8 includes a lifting part and an annular part that are fixedly connected, and the annular part is installed on the outer periphery of the chain shaft 9.
[0055] During the operation of the circulating conveyor chain, the lifting part of the lifter 8 can make the asparagus bracket 4 rotate upward around the end of the support frame 6 to achieve lifting.
[0056] The spacing between adjacent support frames 6 on chain 5 is equal to the distance chain 5 moves when chain shaft 9 rotates one revolution, ensuring that the lifter 8 can lift the asparagus bracket 4. The circulating conveyor chain also includes chain shaft 2. Chain shaft 9 and chain shaft 2 are located at opposite ends of the length direction of the sorting device. Chain shaft 9 is the driven chain shaft, and chain shaft 2 is the driving chain shaft.
[0057] Example 2
[0058] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the non-contact optical measurement device includes a line scan camera, which sends the captured images to the controller, and the controller obtains the asparagus length through image analysis (image analysis is a prior art technology).
[0059] Example 3
[0060] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the sorting execution mechanism is a cylinder, which is vertically mounted on the frame, and the piston rod of the cylinder is fixedly connected to the movable section 71.
[0061] Working principle of the asparagus length-grade sorting device in Examples 1 to 3:
[0062] In the feeding area 1, the operator or the feeding device places the asparagus one by one on the bent part of the tray 43 of the different asparagus holders 4 (the asparagus faces the same direction), and the end of the asparagus in the length direction is flush with the end of the tray 43 of the asparagus holder 4.
[0063] During the operation of the circulating conveyor chain, the non-contact optical measuring device in the length detection zone 2 measures the length range of the asparagus and feeds it back to the controller. The controller determines which active segment 71 the asparagus carrier 4 will be in before flipping it, and determines the action time of the sorting execution mechanism corresponding to the corresponding active segment 71.
[0064] The controller records the time that the asparagus is currently in the length range of the length detection zone 2 based on the non-contact optical measurement feedback, determines which collection basket the asparagus should fall into in the sorting zone 3, and then calculates the action time of the sorting execution mechanism corresponding to the corresponding active segment 71 based on the distance from the collection basket to the length detection zone 2 and the running speed of the chain 5 (via the servo motor encoder).
[0065] When the asparagus holder 4 moves along the slide rail 7 to the corresponding movable section 71, the corresponding sorting execution mechanism actuates, the movable section 71 descends, and the sliding member 41 of the asparagus holder 4 descends accordingly. When the sliding member 41 slides out of the movable section 71, the asparagus holder 4 flips downward around the connecting part 42, and the asparagus on the asparagus holder 4 falls into the collection basket below. The sorting execution mechanism drives the movable section 71 to reset.
[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, during the operation of the circulating conveyor chain, the lifter 8 enables the asparagus bracket 4 to rotate upward around the end of the support frame 6 away from the support frame 6 to achieve lifting; while the lifter 8 lifts the asparagus bracket 4, since the asparagus bracket 4 also moves with the chain 5, the sliding member 41 can fall onto the slide rail 7 after the asparagus bracket 4 descends; then the sliding member 41 and the slide rail 7 are slidably connected, and the asparagus bracket 4 changes from an inclined state to a horizontal state.
[0067] exist Figure 8 At the moment before the state shown, the lower end of the bent portion of the asparagus support 43 is in contact with the lifting portion of the lifter 8, and the contact area between the bent portion of the support 43 and the lifting portion has the same curvilinear motion speed. Figure 8 At the next moment of the state shown, the bending part of the tray 43 and the lifting part can no longer move synchronously (the lifting device 8 will continue to rotate around the chain shaft 9, while the bending part of the tray 43 will rotate around the end of the support frame 6). Under the action of inertia, the asparagus bracket 4 rotates upward around the end of the support frame 6 to achieve lifting.
[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the technical solution of the present utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A length-grade sorting device for asparagus, characterized in that, The sorting device includes a frame, a circulating conveyor chain and a controller. The sorting device is divided into a feeding area (1), a length detection area (2) and a sorting area (3) along the length direction. The length detection area (2) is equipped with a non-contact optical measuring device, and the output end of the non-contact optical measuring device is communicatively connected to the controller. The circulating conveyor chain is equipped with multiple asparagus brackets (4); the circulating conveyor chain includes a chain shaft (9) and two parallel chains (5), and multiple support frames (6) are installed on each chain (5). The ends of the asparagus brackets (4) in the length direction are hinged to the ends of the support frames (6) away from the chains (5); the circulating conveyor chain is driven by a servo motor, and the encoder of the servo motor is connected to the controller. The sorting area (3) is equipped with multiple sorting execution mechanisms. When the sorting execution mechanism is activated, it can drive the asparagus tray (4) to flip. The lower part of the sorting area (3) is provided with multiple collection baskets.
2. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The asparagus bracket (4) includes a sliding member (41), a connecting part (42), and a tray (43); there are multiple trays (43), and there are gaps between adjacent trays (43); the tray (43) has a bent part; the connecting part (42) is hinged to the end of the support frame (6) away from the chain (5), and the connecting part (42) is located on the side of the asparagus bracket (4) away from the bent part of the tray (43); the sliding member (41) is installed at the end of the asparagus bracket (4) in the length direction, and the horizontal projection of the sliding member (41) partially exceeds the horizontal projection of the tray (43).
3. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame includes slide rails (7) distributed along the length direction; the lower surface of the sliding member (41) of the asparagus bracket (4) is slidably connected to the upper surface of the slide rails (7) in the feeding area (1) and the length detection area (2).
4. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The non-contact optical measurement device includes a linear array camera or multiple through-beam photoelectric sensors.
5. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The through-beam photoelectric sensor includes a transmitter (10) and a receiver (11) used in conjunction. The transmitter (10) is located above the asparagus holder (4), and the receiver (11) is located below the asparagus holder (4). The light beam emitted by the transmitter (10) can pass through the gap between the trays (43). The multiple through-beam photoelectric sensors correspond to different gaps on the asparagus bracket (4).
6. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The slide rail (7) has a movable section (71) in the sorting area (3), and the sorting execution mechanism is connected to the movable section (71) in a transmission.
7. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sorting actuator is a cylinder, an electric telescopic rod, or a cam linear reciprocating motion mechanism.
8. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cam linear reciprocating motion mechanism includes a cam (12), a follower (13) and a motor. The motor is driven and connected to the cam (12). The lower end of the follower (13) contacts the outer periphery of the cam (12). The upper end of the follower (13) is fixedly connected to a movable section (71). The motor is communicatively connected to the controller.
9. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A lifter (8) is installed on the chain shaft (9); the lifter (8) includes a lifting part and an annular part that are fixedly connected, and the annular part is installed on the outer periphery of the chain shaft (9); During the operation of the circulating conveyor chain, the lifting part of the lifter (8) can make the asparagus bracket (4) rotate upward around the end of the support frame (6) to achieve lifting.
10. The asparagus length-grade sorting device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The distance between adjacent support frames (6) on the chain (5) is equal to the distance the chain (5) moves when the chain shaft (9) rotates one revolution; the circulating conveyor chain also includes a chain shaft (2), and the chain shaft (9) and the chain shaft (2) are located at opposite ends of the length direction of the sorting device.