An automated pomegranate berry removal and processing line with no damage
The automated pomegranate berry processing line solves the problems of high berry breakage rate and incomplete impurity separation in pomegranate berry processing, achieving efficient and low-cost berry processing and meeting the market's demand for large-scale, high-quality pomegranate berry processing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU DAQIAO FOOD EQUIP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing pomegranate granule processing equipment is insufficient to meet the demands of industrialized, high-quality production. Problems include high granule breakage rate, incomplete impurity separation, and low production efficiency, resulting in high processing costs and a decline in product appearance and taste.
An automated pomegranate berry processing line with non-destructive berry separation was designed, including pomegranate cleaning and disinfection equipment, berry non-destructive separation equipment, purification equipment, quick-freezing equipment, and packaging equipment. It adopts flexible conveying, non-destructive separation technology, and fine separation methods, combined with water flow design and modified atmosphere packaging, to ensure the integrity and purity of the berries in each processing stage.
It has achieved fully automated processing of pomegranate berries, reduced processing costs, improved production efficiency, met market demand for large-scale, high-quality processing of pomegranate berries, and reduced berry damage and impurity residue.
Smart Images
Figure CN224572191U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fruit processing, specifically relating to an automated pomegranate granule removal and processing line that removes granules without damage. Background Technology
[0002] Pomegranate arils (especially soft-seeded pomegranate arils) present numerous technical challenges during processing due to their fragile structure and easily damaged flesh. Existing processing methods and equipment are insufficient to meet the demands of industrialized, high-quality production.
[0003] Traditional pomegranate berries are obtained by hand-peeling, which not only has low per capita processing efficiency (the average daily processing volume per person is usually less than 50kg), resulting in labor costs accounting for more than 40% of the total cost, but also easily causes berries to be squeezed and broken due to uneven manual operation, with a damage rate generally higher than 15%, thus failing to meet the requirements of efficiency and berry integrity for large-scale production.
[0004] Existing mechanized pomegranate threshing equipment mostly employs extrusion, impact, or drum-kneading principles, failing to adapt to the fragile characteristics of soft-seeded pomegranate berries. Extrusion threshing easily leads to cell wall rupture and juice loss; impact threshing easily damages the berry skin and causes pulp to scatter; and drum-kneading threshing easily causes excessive friction between the berries and the shell and diaphragm, resulting in berry deformation. The breakage rate of these threshing devices generally exceeds 20%, severely damaging the appearance and taste of the berries and significantly reducing the product's commercial value. Furthermore, existing equipment lacks targeted optimization in subsequent processing stages such as washing, conveying, and lifting. The washing process often uses high-pressure spraying or agitation, where high-pressure water flow easily disperses the berries... The mixing process damages the fruit pulp structure, and the mixing process easily leads to the fruit berries colliding and breaking. The conveying and lifting processes mostly use scraper conveyors or bucket elevators. The hard contact between the inner wall of the equipment and the fruit berries, as well as the free fall of the fruit berries during the conveying process, further cause secondary damage to the fruit berries, with the secondary damage rate reaching 10%-15%. In addition, in the existing processing flow, the separation of fruit berries from impurities such as broken skin and membranes mostly relies on vibrating screens or air separation. Vibrating screen separation is prone to the problem of poor screen mesh size adaptability, resulting in broken skin being mixed in with the fruit berries (the impurity residue rate exceeds 8%). Air separation is prone to the problem of fruit berries being blown away along with impurities due to improper wind speed control (the fruit berry loss rate exceeds 5%), which cannot achieve complete removal of impurities, thus affecting product quality.
[0005] In addition, pomegranate fruit processing is still in a segmented operation. From raw material cleaning, threshing, and impurity separation to final quick-freezing or modified atmosphere packaging for fresh consumption, manual transfer is required between each stage. This not only increases the risk of human-caused damage to the fruit (damage rate increases by 5%-8%), but also leads to low production efficiency (the entire processing cycle exceeds 8 hours per batch).
[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a complete production line that can automate the processing of pomegranates to meet the market demand for large-scale, high-quality processing of pomegranate berries. Utility Model Content
[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an automated pomegranate granule removal processing line that can automate the processing of pomegranates with higher efficiency and lower processing cost.
[0008] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is:
[0009] An automated pomegranate sac processing line with non-destructive sac separation includes pomegranate washing and disinfection equipment, pomegranate sac separation equipment with non-destructive separation, pomegranate sac purification equipment, pomegranate sac quick-freezing equipment, and pomegranate sac packaging equipment.
[0010] The pomegranate cleaning and disinfection equipment includes a pomegranate anti-damage cleaning machine for cleaning pomegranates and a pomegranate anti-damage and latent fruit disinfection machine for disinfecting the cleaned pomegranates.
[0011] The pomegranate granule non-destructive separation equipment includes a pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal machine for separating pomegranate granules and peel from pomegranates, and a pomegranate anti-damage automatic positioning feeder for conveying disinfected pomegranates one by one into the pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal machine.
[0012] The pomegranate granule purification equipment is used to purify the separated pomegranate granules in order to remove impurities from the pomegranate granules;
[0013] The pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment is used to quick-freeze purified pomegranate granules.
[0014] The pomegranate granule packaging equipment is used to package pomegranate granules / frozen pomegranate granules.
[0015] Preferably, the pomegranate granule purification equipment includes a pomegranate granule / peel separator and a pomegranate granule / membrane separator arranged sequentially, wherein,
[0016] The pomegranate granule / peel separator is used to separate the peel fragments from the pomegranate granules after separation.
[0017] The pomegranate granule / diaphragm separator is used to separate the diaphragm from the separated pomegranate granules.
[0018] Preferably, the pomegranate granule purification equipment further includes a pomegranate granule sorting conveyor located downstream of the pomegranate granule / diaphragm separator.
[0019] Preferably, the pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment includes a pomegranate granule anti-damage elevator and a pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine, wherein the pomegranate granule anti-damage elevator is used to transport the pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the pomegranate granule sorting conveyor to the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine; and the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine is used to quick-freeze the pomegranate granules.
[0020] Preferably, the pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment further includes a quick-freezing pomegranate granule sorting machine located downstream of the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine.
[0021] Preferably, the pomegranate granule packaging equipment includes a quick-freezing pomegranate granule packaging machine and a fresh pomegranate granule modified atmosphere packaging machine, wherein,
[0022] The quick-frozen pomegranate granule packaging machine is used to package the quick-frozen pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the quick-frozen pomegranate granule sorting machine.
[0023] The modified atmosphere packaging machine for fresh pomegranate granules is used to package pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the pomegranate granule sorting conveyor.
[0024] Preferably, the pomegranate anti-damage automatic positioning and feeding machine includes a pomegranate cleaning device for cleaning the pomegranates and a pomegranate feeding and conveying device for conveying the cleaned pomegranates one by one into the pomegranate granule removal machine.
[0025] Preferably, the pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal machine includes a pomegranate petal opening and turning orientation device for opening the pomegranate petals and a pomegranate granule shape-preserving separation device for non-destructively separating the pomegranate granules from the pomegranate after opening the petals.
[0026] Preferably, the pomegranate petal opening and turning orientation device includes a first support, a pressing mechanism disposed on the first support, and a petal opening mechanism, wherein the petal opening mechanism includes two sets of petal opening clamps and a petal opening drive mechanism for driving the two sets of petal opening clamps to move in opposite directions and in reverse; the petal opening clamps are provided with blades; the blades in the two sets of petal opening clamps constitute a cutter for cutting the pomegranate; the pressing mechanism is used to press the pomegranate tightly in the cutter.
[0027] Preferably, the pomegranate granule shape-preserving separation device includes a conveying device for conveying pomegranates that have already been split open, a beating device for beating the pomegranates on the conveying line, and a collecting device for collecting the pomegranate granules that fall off after being beaten. The conveying device includes a conveyor chain and a conveying drive mechanism for driving the conveyor chain in a cyclical motion. The beating device includes a second bracket mounted on a frame, a beating plate mounted on the second bracket, and a beating drive mechanism for driving the beating plate to beat the pomegranates on the conveyor chain. The beating plate is rotatably connected to the second bracket. The beating drive mechanism drives the beating plate to swing up and down. The collecting device is located below the conveyor chain and is used to collect pomegranate granules that fall from the mesh of the conveyor chain.
[0028] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:
[0029] 1. The automated pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal processing line of this utility model can realize the cleaning, disinfection, non-destructive separation of pomegranate granules, purification, quick freezing and packaging of pomegranate granules, thereby realizing the fully automated processing of pomegranates, improving the processing efficiency of pomegranates and reducing the processing cost of pomegranates.
[0030] 2. The automated pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal processing line of this utility model can realize the fully automated processing of pomegranates to meet the market demand for large-scale and high-quality processing of pomegranate granules, and is especially suitable for the non-destructive separation of pomegranate granules in soft-seeded pomegranates. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automated pomegranate granule removal and processing line of this utility model.
[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are structural schematic diagrams from two different perspectives of the automatic positioning and feeding machine for preventing damage to pomegranates.
[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are structural schematic diagrams from two different perspectives of the automatic positioning and feeding machine for preventing damage to pomegranates.
[0034] Figures 6-8 Three-dimensional views of the pomegranate petal flipping orientation device from three different perspectives.
[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the flap clamp structure.
[0036] Figures 10-13 The diagram shows the three-dimensional structure of the pomegranate granule shape-preserving separation device from four different perspectives.
[0037] Figure 14 This is a magnified view of a portion of the collecting device.
[0038] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the striking device from two different perspectives.
[0039] Figure 17 This is a magnified view of a portion of the eccentric wheel mechanism.
[0040] Figure 18 and Figure 19 These are schematic diagrams of the pomegranate pulp / peel separator from two different perspectives. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0042] See Figure 1 The automated pomegranate granule non-destructive granule processing line of this utility model includes pomegranate cleaning and disinfection equipment, pomegranate granule non-destructive separation equipment, pomegranate granule purification equipment, pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment, and pomegranate granule packaging equipment.
[0043] See Figure 1 The pomegranate cleaning and disinfection equipment includes a pomegranate anti-damage cleaning machine A for cleaning pomegranates and a pomegranate anti-damage and latent fruit disinfection machine B for disinfecting the cleaned pomegranates.
[0044] The pomegranate anti-damage cleaning machine A is used to perform preliminary cleaning of pomegranates to remove surface contaminants such as dust and mud attached to the pomegranate peel. The pomegranate anti-damage cleaning machine A uses existing equipment and adopts a water flow controlled cleaning mechanism to ensure that there is no mechanical damage during the cleaning process, keep the pomegranate peel intact, and provide clean raw materials for subsequent processes.
[0045] The pomegranate anti-damage and latent fruit disinfection machine B is used to soak and disinfect pomegranates after cleaning, and to deeply clean them. That is, ozone is used to kill microorganisms and pesticide residues on the surface of pomegranates, so as to achieve a more thorough cleaning of pomegranates. The pomegranate anti-damage and latent fruit disinfection machine B can be implemented with reference to the "Mechatronics-integrated latent fruit cleaning, disinfection and flotation machine" disclosed in the utility model patent with patent number ZL202323080825.2.
[0046] See Figure 1 The pomegranate granule non-destructive separation equipment includes a pomegranate granule non-destructive granule-removing machine D for separating pomegranate granules and peel from pomegranates, and a pomegranate anti-damage automatic positioning feeder C for conveying disinfected pomegranates one by one into the pomegranate granule non-destructive granule-removing machine.
[0047] See Figure 1The pomegranate granule purification equipment is used to purify the separated pomegranate granules to remove impurities. It includes a pomegranate granule / peel separator E and a pomegranate granule / membrane separator F arranged sequentially.
[0048] The pomegranate granule / peel separator E is used to separate the peel fragments from the pomegranate granules. It utilizes the differences in size, density, or shape between the pomegranate granules and the peel fragments to perform preliminary separation of the mixture (pomegranate granules and large pieces of peel) after threshing using a vibrating screen. This removes large pieces of pomegranate peel fragments generated during the threshing process and has the advantages of high efficiency and reducing the burden on subsequent fine separation.
[0049] The pomegranate granule / diaphragm separator F is used to separate the diaphragms from the pomegranate granules. For example, based on the principle of density difference flotation, the pomegranate granules sink to the bottom, while the diaphragms, small fragments, and other impurities float on the surface. Through specific water flow design, overflow device, or scraper mechanism, the impurities floating on the surface are effectively removed, while the intact granules that sink to the bottom are collected and transported to the next process. This efficiently removes light impurities, achieving a secondary fine separation of the pomegranate granules to remove residual diaphragms, small fragments, and other light impurities, thereby further improving the purity of the granules.
[0050] In this embodiment, both the pomegranate granule / peel separator E and the pomegranate granule / diaphragm separator F are implemented using existing equipment.
[0051] See Figure 1 The pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment is used to quick-freeze purified pomegranate granules, and includes a pomegranate granule anti-damage elevator H and a pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine I arranged in sequence.
[0052] The pomegranate granule anti-damage elevator H is used to transport pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the pomegranate granule sorting conveyor G to the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine I, so as to realize the automated transfer of materials in the height direction. In this embodiment, the pomegranate granule anti-damage elevator H is implemented with reference to existing equipment, such as adopting a low drop design, a flexible bucket elevator design for the conveyor belt inlet, and a food-grade conveyor belt, to ensure that the pomegranate granules are not squeezed, collided, or damaged by falling impact during vertical or inclined lifting.
[0053] The pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine I is used to quickly freeze clean pomegranate granules. By rapidly cooling (usually below -35°C), the color, flavor, nutrition, and texture of the granules are preserved to the greatest extent (small ice crystals, less cell damage), thus extending the shelf life. In this embodiment, the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine I is implemented using existing equipment, and the feed inlet of the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine I needs to be seamlessly connected with the pomegranate granule anti-damage elevator H. By adopting efficient quick-freezing technology, rapid and uniform freezing is ensured, which is the key equipment for achieving high-quality quick-frozen pomegranate granules.
[0054] See Figure 1 The pomegranate granule packaging equipment is used for packaging pomegranate granules / frozen pomegranate granules, and includes a frozen pomegranate granule packaging machine K and a fresh pomegranate granule modified atmosphere packaging machine L, wherein...
[0055] The quick-frozen pomegranate granule packaging machine K is used to package the quick-frozen pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the quick-frozen pomegranate granule sorting machine. Specifically, it is used to automatically weigh the quick-frozen pomegranate granules according to a set weight, put them into packaging bags / boxes suitable for frozen storage and transportation, and then seal them.
[0056] The modified atmosphere packaging machine L for fresh pomegranate granules is used to package the pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the pomegranate granule sorting conveyor G. Specifically, it is used to automatically weigh the clean fresh pomegranate granules, fill them with a specific mixed gas (by precisely controlling and filling the optimal ratio of the gas mixture to effectively inhibit respiration and microbial growth), and seal the packaging to extend the shelf life of the fresh pomegranate granules and maintain their fresh taste, color, and nutrition.
[0057] In this embodiment, both the quick-frozen pomegranate granule packaging machine K and the fresh pomegranate granule modified atmosphere packaging machine L are implemented using existing equipment.
[0058] See Figure 1 The pomegranate granule purification equipment also includes a pomegranate granule sorting conveyor G located downstream of the pomegranate granule / diaphragm separator F. This pomegranate granule sorting conveyor G provides a platform for manual inspection and rejection for final quality control. Operators visually inspect and manually remove any defective pomegranate granules (such as discoloration or breakage) or trace amounts of residual impurities that may have been missed in the previous separation process. In this embodiment, the pomegranate granule sorting conveyor G uses a conveyor belt to facilitate manual operation (e.g., controllable speed, suitable width, and good lighting). This is a crucial manual guarantee for ensuring the high quality of the final product.
[0059] See Figure 1The pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment also includes a quick-freezing pomegranate granule sorting machine J located downstream of the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine I; the quick-freezing pomegranate granule sorting machine J can be used by the operator to perform low-temperature sampling or remove individual clumped / adhered pomegranate granules after quick-freezing, or to perform weight grading.
[0060] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pomegranate anti-damage automatic positioning and feeding machine C includes a first frame, a pomegranate cleaning device mounted on the first frame for cleaning the pomegranates, and a pomegranate feeding and conveying device 20 for conveying the cleaned pomegranates one by one to a pomegranate granule removal machine without damage.
[0061] The pomegranate cleaning device includes a cleaning tank 18 mounted on a first frame and a spray pipe 19 mounted inside the cleaning tank. The spray pipe 19 is installed on the side wall of the cleaning tank 18, and the spray nozzle of the spray pipe 19 faces the pomegranate feeding and conveying device 20. The cleaning water sprayed by the spray pipe 19 cleans the pomegranates in the cleaning tank 18. At the same time, the cleaned pomegranates move to the pomegranate feeding and conveying device 20 under the action of the water flow, so that the pomegranate feeding and conveying device 20 can transport the pomegranates one by one to the pomegranate granule removal machine D.
[0062] The pomegranate feeding and conveying device 20 includes an automatic sorting and feeding device and a power drive device for driving the automatic sorting and feeding device to operate; wherein, there are two sets of automatic sorting and feeding devices, which are arranged side by side and share a power drive device; in this embodiment, the structure of the automatic sorting and feeding device can be implemented with reference to existing devices, such as a stepped feeding machine.
[0063] See Figures 4-9 The pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal machine D includes a second frame 11, a pomegranate petal opening and turning orientation device set on the second frame 11 for opening the pomegranate petals, and a pomegranate granule shape-preserving separation device for non-destructively separating the pomegranate granules in the opened pomegranate.
[0064] See Figures 4-9The pomegranate petal opening and turning orientation device includes a first support 1 and a pressing mechanism and a petal opening mechanism disposed on the first support 1, wherein the first support 1 spans across the pomegranate conveying line; the petal opening mechanism includes two sets of petal opening clamps 4 and a petal opening drive mechanism 8 for driving the two sets of petal opening clamps 4 to move in opposite directions; the petal opening clamps 4 are provided with blades 7; the blades 7 in the two sets of petal opening clamps 4 constitute a cutter for cutting the pomegranate; the pressing mechanism is used to press the pomegranate into the cutter, the pressing mechanism includes a pressure plate 9 disposed on the first support 1 and a lifting drive mechanism 2 (e.g., a lifting motor or a lifting cylinder) for driving the pressure plate 9 to rise and fall, wherein the pressure plate 9 is located above the blades 7 in the two sets of petal opening clamps 4.
[0065] See Figures 4-9 Two sets of lifting drive mechanisms 3 are symmetrically arranged between the pressure plate 9 and the first bracket 1. Each set of lifting drive mechanisms 3 includes a guide sleeve arranged on the first bracket 1 and a guide rod arranged in the guide sleeve. The lower end of the guide rod is connected to the pressure plate 9. By setting the lifting drive mechanism 3, it can be used to vertically guide the lifting movement of the pressure plate 9.
[0066] See Figures 4-9 The petal-opening clamp 4 includes a vertical petal-opening plate and a horizontal petal-opening plate. One end of the horizontal petal-opening plate is connected to the lower end of the vertical petal-opening plate, and the other end is provided with the blade 7. When the two sets of petal-opening clamps 4 come into contact, the horizontal petal-opening plates in the two sets of petal-opening clamps 4 will come into contact, so that the blades 7 in the two sets of petal-opening clamps 4 form the cutting blade. With the cooperation of the clamping mechanism, the cutting blade is inserted into the pomegranate so that the pomegranate can be opened under the drive of the petal-opening driving mechanism 8.
[0067] See Figures 4-9 A baffle plate 6 is provided on the petal opening clamp 4, and the baffle plate 6 is vertically installed on the petal opening clamp 4; by providing the baffle plate 6, the pomegranate that has entered the "petal opening chamber" formed by the two sets of petal opening clamps 4 is prevented from falling out of the "petal opening chamber".
[0068] See Figures 4-9 The inner side of the opening clamp 4 is provided with receiving springs 5. The receiving springs 5 in the two sets of opening clamps 4 work together to receive the pomegranates entering the "opening compartment". When the pressing mechanism causes the pomegranate to move downward, the two sets of receiving springs 5 will swing in opposite directions to expose the cutter located at its lower part, thereby causing the cutter to be inserted into the pomegranate. In this embodiment, the lower side of the receiving springs 5 extends at an angle, so that a guide opening with a larger upper part and a smaller lower part is formed between the two sets of receiving springs 5 to guide the pomegranate and make the pomegranate in a central position, so as to facilitate the pressing plate 9 in the pressing mechanism to press the pomegranate.
[0069] See Figures 4-9 The pomegranate-opening drive mechanism 8 includes a pomegranate-opening motor and a lead screw transmission mechanism. The lead screw transmission mechanism includes a lead screw and two sets of lead screw nuts that cooperate with the lead screw. The threaded holes in the two sets of lead screw nuts have opposite rotation directions and are respectively installed on two sets of pomegranate-opening clamps 4. The pomegranate-opening motor is mounted on the first bracket 1, and its main shaft is connected to the lead screw. When the cutter is inserted into the pomegranate, the pomegranate-opening motor drives the lead screw to rotate, thereby causing the two sets of pomegranate-opening clamps 4 to move in opposite directions to tear the pomegranate. The torn pomegranate then falls onto the pomegranate conveyor belt below. In this embodiment, the pomegranate-opening drive mechanism 8 also includes a sliding guide mechanism symmetrically arranged on the first bracket 1. The sliding guide mechanism includes a guide post and a guide hole on the lead screw nut that cooperates with the guide post. The guide post is mounted on the first bracket 1 and extends along a direction perpendicular to the pomegranate's conveying direction. The sliding guide mechanism guides the movement of the two sets of pomegranate-opening clamps 4.
[0070] See Figures 4-9 The flap opening mechanism consists of two sets arranged in parallel. Correspondingly, the clamping mechanism also consists of two sets arranged in parallel. The lead screw transmission mechanisms in the two sets of flap opening drive mechanisms share the same power; that is, the flap opening motor is connected to the lead screws in the two sets of lead screw transmission mechanisms through a reduction gearbox.
[0071] See Figures 11-17 The pomegranate fruit shape-preserving and separating device includes a second frame 11, a conveying device mounted on the second frame 11 for conveying pomegranates that have already been split open, a beating device 14 for beating the pomegranates on the conveying line, and a collecting device for collecting the pomegranate fruit that falls off after being beaten.
[0072] The conveying device includes a conveying mesh chain 13 and a conveying drive mechanism for driving the conveying mesh chain 13 to circulate.
[0073] The patting device 14 includes a first bracket 12 mounted on a second frame 11, a patting plate 1401 mounted on the first bracket 12, and a patting drive mechanism for driving the patting plate 1401 to pat the pomegranates on the conveyor chain 13. The patting plate 1401 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 12. The patting drive mechanism is used to drive the patting plate 1401 to swing up and down.
[0074] The collecting device is located below the conveyor chain 13 and is used to collect pomegranate seeds that fall from the mesh of the conveyor chain 13. The collecting device includes a collecting trough 17 located on the second frame 11. The collecting trough 17 extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 13, and inclined upward guide plates 16 are provided on both sides of the collecting trough 17. The guide plates 16 extend to the bottom of the conveyor chain 13 and are used to guide the pomegranate seeds that fall below the conveyor chain 13 into the collecting trough 17.
[0075] In this embodiment, the collection device further includes a collection and conveying mechanism for transporting pomegranate seeds in the collection trough 17 to the corresponding collection module. The collection and conveying mechanism can be a conveyor belt or a spray pipe that sprays water into the collection trough 17, so that the pomegranate seeds in the collection trough 17 move into the collection module under the action of the water flow. In this scheme, the collection trough 17 can extend downward at an angle along the conveying direction of the conveying mesh chain 13.
[0076] See Figures 11-17 The second frame 11 is provided with a water collection tank 10 below the conveyor chain 13.
[0077] See Figures 11-17 The clapping plate 1401 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 12 via a rotating shaft 1402; the clapping drive mechanism includes a clapping motor 1403, a transmission shaft 1404, and an eccentric wheel mechanism, wherein the clapping motor 1403 is mounted on the first bracket 12; the transmission shaft 1404 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 12; the main shaft of the clapping motor 1403 is connected to the transmission shaft 1404 via a transmission mechanism; the eccentric wheel mechanism includes an eccentric wheel 1405 disposed on the transmission shaft 1404 and a connecting member 1406 for connecting the eccentric wheel 1405 and the clapping plate 1401; the upper end of the connecting member 1406 is rotatably connected to the eccentric wheel 1405 via a first pin. The axis of the first pin is parallel to the axis of the eccentric wheel 1405; the lower end of the connector 1406 is rotatably connected to the clapper 1401 via the second pin; the axis of the second pin is parallel to the axis of the first pin; the clapping motor 1403 drives the transmission shaft 1404 to rotate, thereby driving the eccentric wheel 1405 on the transmission shaft 1404 to rotate, and while the eccentric wheel 1405 rotates, it will drive the clapper 1401 to swing up and down, thereby clapping the pomegranates on the conveyor chain 13, so as to cause the pomegranate seeds in the pomegranates to fall and pass through the mesh of the conveyor chain 13 into the collection device, so as to achieve non-destructive separation and collection of the pomegranate seeds in the pomegranates.
[0078] See Figures 11-17 The conveying device consists of two sets, which are arranged side-by-side on the second frame 11. The conveying mesh chains 13 in the two sets of conveying devices share a set of conveying drive mechanisms. Correspondingly, the tapping device 14 consists of two sets, with multiple tapping devices 14 in each set. The multiple tapping devices 14 are arranged at equal intervals along the conveying direction of the conveying mesh chains 13 in the conveying device. The corresponding two tapping plates 1401 in the two sets of conveying devices share a set of tapping drive mechanisms. Through the above arrangement, not only can the processing efficiency be improved, but the processing cost can also be reduced.
[0079] See Figures 11-17 The conveying drive mechanism includes a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a conveying motor. The drive sprocket is mounted on a drive conveying shaft, and the driven sprocket is mounted on a driven conveying shaft. Both the drive conveying shaft and the driven drive shaft 1404 are rotatably connected to both sides of the second frame 11. The conveying motor is connected to the drive conveying shaft. The conveying motor drives the drive conveying shaft to rotate, thereby driving the conveying mesh chains 13 in the two sets of conveying devices to move synchronously.
[0080] In this embodiment, the second frame 11 is provided with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the installation position of the driven transmission shaft; the adjustment mechanism includes mounting seats on both sides of the driven transmission shaft; the two ends of the driven transmission shaft are rotatably connected to the corresponding mounting seats; the second frame 11 is provided with an adjustment groove for avoiding the driven transmission shaft; the mounting seats are installed on the corresponding threaded holes in the second frame 11 by screws, thereby adjusting the tension of the conveyor chain 13 in the two sets of conveying devices.
[0081] See Figures 11-17 Both sides of the conveyor chain 13 are provided with baffles 15, which are vertically mounted on the first support 12 and extend along the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 13. By providing the baffles 15, pomegranates or pomegranate seeds that have been pounded can be prevented from falling from both sides of the conveyor chain 13.
[0082] See Figure 18 and Figure 19 The pomegranate granule / peel separator E is used to screen out impurities from the separated pomegranate granules. The pomegranate granule / peel separator includes a third frame, a vibrating separator 21 mounted on the third frame, and a collection module 22 for separately collecting the separated pomegranate granules and impurities. In this embodiment, the pomegranate granule / peel separator E can be implemented with reference to existing equipment.
[0083] See Figures 1-19 The working principle of the automated unit for shaping pomegranate berries according to the present invention is as follows:
[0084] During operation, the pomegranates are fed into the pomegranate anti-damage cleaning machine A, which performs a preliminary cleaning of the pomegranates to remove surface contaminants such as dust and mud attached to the pomegranate skin.
[0085] After cleaning, the pomegranates are transferred to the pomegranate anti-damage and anti-potential fruit disinfection machine B. The pomegranates are then soaked and disinfected and deeply cleaned by the pomegranate anti-damage and anti-potential fruit disinfection machine B. This is achieved by using ozone to kill microorganisms and pesticide residues on the surface of the pomegranates, so as to achieve a more thorough cleaning of the pomegranates.
[0086] After disinfection, the pomegranates are transferred to the pomegranate anti-damage automatic positioning and feeding machine C. The pomegranate cleaning device automatically and orderly conveys the pomegranates to the pomegranate fruit separation machine D through the pomegranate feeding and conveying device 20. The machine adopts flexible conveying and stepped feeding to ensure that the pomegranates do not roll, collide or squeeze during the conveying and positioning process. The precise positioning facilitates the subsequent separation of pomegranate fruit pieces by the pomegranate fruit separation machine D.
[0087] In the pomegranate granule-removing machine D, the pomegranate feeding and conveying device 20 conveys the pomegranates into the "segmentation chamber" formed by two sets of segment-opening clamps 4. Under the obstruction of the baffle plate 6, the pomegranates remain in the "segmentation chamber." Guided by the receiving spring 5, the pomegranates in the "segmentation chamber" gradually move to a centered position. Then, the pressure plate 9 in the pressing mechanism moves downwards and presses against the pomegranate, causing it to move downwards. Meanwhile, the elastic receiving piece rotates outwards, exposing the cutter and inserting it into the pomegranate. Next, the segment-opening drive mechanism 8 drives the two sets of segment-opening clamps 4 to move in opposite directions, thus tearing the pomegranate apart. During this process, the pressing mechanism continuously outputs pressure onto the pomegranate. When the torn pomegranate... The pomegranates fall onto the pomegranate conveyor line below. Pomegranates that are about to open are transferred to the conveyor chain 13, with the peel facing upwards and the opening facing downwards. Then, the conveyor chain 13 transports them to the patting station. The patting drive mechanism drives the patting plate 1401 to swing up and down, thereby patting the pomegranate peel. The patting action causes the pomegranate seeds to fall from the peel and pass through the mesh of the conveyor chain 13 into the collection device. The guide plates 16 on both sides of the collection trough 17 in the collection device guide the pomegranate seeds to slide into the collection trough 17, so as to achieve non-destructive separation and collection of the pomegranate seeds. The pomegranate peel after separating the pomegranate seeds is then transported to the peel collection device 8.
[0088] Since the separated pomegranate berries still contain impurities such as peel and diaphragms, they need to be first transported to a pomegranate berry / peel separator E to separate the peel fragments. This separation utilizes the differences in size, density, or shape between the berries and peel fragments, employing a vibrating screen to initially separate the mixture (berries and large peel fragments) and remove large peel pieces generated during the threshing process. The berries are then fed into a pomegranate berry / diaphragm separator F, where the diaphragms are separated. For example, based on the density difference flotation principle, the berries sink to the bottom, while the diaphragms and small peel fragments float. Through specific water flow design, overflow devices, or scraper mechanisms, the floating impurities are effectively removed, while the intact berries that sink to the bottom are collected and transported to a pomegranate berry sorting conveyor G.
[0089] After the pomegranate berries are separated from the peel and membrane, they are fed into the pomegranate berry sorting conveyor G. The pomegranate berry sorting conveyor G provides a platform for manual inspection and rejection for final quality control. Operators visually inspect and manually remove any defective pomegranate berries (such as discoloration or breakage) or very small amounts of residual impurities that may have been missed in the previous separation.
[0090] After manual sorting, a portion of the pomegranate berries are conveyed via a branch line to a modified atmosphere packaging machine L for fresh pomegranate berries. The modified atmosphere packaging machine L packages the pomegranate berries that have been manually sorted in the pomegranate berry sorting conveyor G. This process involves automatically weighing the clean, fresh pomegranate berries, filling them with a specific mixed gas (by precisely controlling and filling with an optimal gas mixture to effectively inhibit respiration and microbial growth), and sealing the packaging to extend the shelf life of the fresh pomegranate berries and maintain their fresh taste, color, and nutrients. The remaining portion is conveyed via a pomegranate berry anti-damage elevator H to a pomegranate berry quick-freezing machine I. The quick-freezing machine I rapidly cools the pomegranate berries (usually below -35°C) to maximize the preservation of the berries' color, flavor, nutrients, and texture (small ice crystals, minimal cell damage), thus extending the shelf life.
[0091] The quick-frozen pomegranate berries are fed into a quick-frozen pomegranate berry sorting machine, where they are manually sorted again. Finally, the quick-frozen pomegranate berry packaging machine K packages the manually sorted berries. This machine automatically weighs the quick-frozen pomegranate berries according to a set weight and places them into packaging bags / boxes suitable for frozen storage and transportation, which are then sealed.
[0092] The above are preferred embodiments of the present utility model, but the embodiments of the present utility model are not limited to the above content. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An automated non-destructive pomegranate aril pitting processing line, characterized in that, This includes pomegranate cleaning and disinfection equipment, pomegranate granule non-destructive separation equipment, pomegranate granule purification equipment, pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment, and pomegranate granule packaging equipment. The pomegranate cleaning and disinfection equipment includes a pomegranate anti-damage cleaning machine for cleaning pomegranates and a pomegranate anti-damage and latent fruit disinfection machine for disinfecting the cleaned pomegranates. The pomegranate granule non-destructive separation equipment includes a pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal machine for separating pomegranate granules and peel from pomegranates, and a pomegranate anti-damage automatic positioning feeder for conveying disinfected pomegranates one by one into the pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal machine. The pomegranate granule purification equipment is used to purify the separated pomegranate granules in order to remove impurities from the pomegranate granules; The pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment is used to quick-freeze purified pomegranate granules. The pomegranate granule packaging equipment is used to package pomegranate granules / frozen pomegranate granules.
2. The automated pomegranate aril non-destructive aril extraction processing line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pomegranate granule purification equipment includes a pomegranate granule / peel separator and a pomegranate granule / membrane separator arranged sequentially. The pomegranate granule / peel separator is used to separate the peel fragments from the pomegranate granules after separation. The pomegranate granule / diaphragm separator is used to separate the diaphragm from the separated pomegranate granules.
3. The automated pomegranate aril non-destructive aril removal processing line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pomegranate granule purification equipment also includes a pomegranate granule sorting conveyor located downstream of the pomegranate granule / diaphragm separator.
4. The automated pomegranate aril non-destructive aril removal processing line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment includes a pomegranate granule anti-damage elevator and a pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine. The pomegranate granule anti-damage elevator is used to transport pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the pomegranate granule sorting conveyor to the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine. The pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine is used to quick-freeze the pomegranate granules.
5. The automated non-destructive pomegranate aril pitting processing line according to claim 4, wherein, The pomegranate granule quick-freezing equipment also includes a quick-freezing pomegranate granule sorting machine located downstream of the pomegranate granule quick-freezing machine.
6. The automated pomegranate aril non-destructive aril removal processing line according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pomegranate granule packaging equipment includes a quick-freezing pomegranate granule packaging machine and a modified atmosphere packaging machine for fresh pomegranate granules. The quick-frozen pomegranate granule packaging machine is used to package the quick-frozen pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the quick-frozen pomegranate granule sorting machine. The modified atmosphere packaging machine for fresh pomegranate granules is used to package pomegranate granules that have been manually sorted in the pomegranate granule sorting conveyor.
7. The automated pomegranate berry-removing and non-destructive processing line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pomegranate anti-damage automatic positioning and feeding machine includes a pomegranate cleaning device for cleaning pomegranates and a pomegranate feeding and conveying device for conveying the cleaned pomegranates one by one into the pomegranate granule removal machine.
8. The automated pomegranate aril non-destructive aril removal processing line according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pomegranate granule non-destructive granule removal machine includes a pomegranate petal opening and turning orientation device for opening pomegranate petals and a pomegranate granule shape-preserving separation device for non-destructively separating pomegranate granules from the pomegranate after opening petals.
9. The automated pomegranate aril non-destructive aril removal processing line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pomegranate petal opening and turning orientation device includes a first bracket, a pressing mechanism and a petal opening mechanism disposed on the first bracket. The petal opening mechanism includes two sets of petal opening clamps and a petal opening drive mechanism for driving the two sets of petal opening clamps to move in opposite directions and in reverse. The petal opening clamps are provided with blades. The blades in the two sets of petal opening clamps constitute a cutter for cutting the pomegranate. The pressing mechanism is used to press the pomegranate tightly in the cutter.
10. The automated pomegranate aril non-destructive aril removal processing line according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pomegranate granule shape-preserving separation device includes a conveying device for transporting pomegranates that have already been split open, a beating device for beating the pomegranates on the conveying line, and a collecting device for collecting the pomegranate granules that fall off after being beaten. The conveying device includes a conveyor chain and a conveying drive mechanism for driving the conveyor chain in a cyclical motion. The beating device includes a second bracket mounted on a frame, a beating plate mounted on the second bracket, and a beating drive mechanism for driving the beating plate to beat the pomegranates on the conveyor chain. The beating plate is rotatably connected to the second bracket. The beating drive mechanism drives the beating plate to swing up and down. The collecting device is located below the conveyor chain and is used to collect pomegranate granules that fall through the mesh of the conveyor chain.