Intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of fruit and vegetable intelligent sorting transmission mechanism, belong to fruit and vegetable sorting equipment field, including rack, conveyer belt, sorting bin, feed inlet, discharge port, transport structure.The utility model is when working, fruit and vegetable falls into the "interval unit" formed by transport structure from high-end feed inlet, when fruit and vegetable is transported to a size less than its own discharge port, it cannot pass, is continued to push forward by interval unit;Only when it runs to the first size greater than its own discharge port, it will slide from the discharge port under the action of its own gravity to the corresponding collection conveyer belt.Fruit and vegetable are stably, uninterruptedly transported in interval unit, sorting action is completed in the process of movement instantaneously, without pause and wait.In the guarantee high accuracy, extremely high sorting throughput is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fruit and vegetable sorting equipment, and in particular to an intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Post-harvest processing of fruits and vegetables is a crucial link in the modern agricultural industry chain, directly affecting the product's commercial value and economic benefits. Among these processes, automated sorting of fruits and vegetables according to preset standards is a core step in achieving commercialization, standardization, and enhancing market competitiveness. Currently, automated sorting technologies on the market mainly focus on parameters such as weight, size, color, and even internal quality.

[0003] In the prior art, patent publication number CN222358823U discloses a fruit and vegetable grading, sorting, and conveying device, including a main frame, a controller, and a feeding hopper. Multiple sets of conveying rollers are equidistantly rotatably installed inside the main frame, distributed at corresponding main discharge ports. A sorting conveyor belt assembly is also provided on the main frame, comprising two rotating shafts arranged in a front-to-back configuration on the main frame. Pulleys are fixedly sleeved on the rotating shafts, and a conveyor belt is driven onto the two corresponding sets of pulleys. Because multiple weight detection platforms with different weight ranges are provided, the device classifies fruits and vegetables according to their weight during transport on the conveyor belt, achieving a multi-level sorting effect.

[0004] The aforementioned prior art addresses some of the problems in the background technology. However, to achieve accurate sorting, the prior art requires that fruits and vegetables be weighed individually and isolated, which typically necessitates a large distance between workstations, limiting the processing throughput per unit time. To improve efficiency, multiple sorting lines must be connected in parallel, which significantly increases the equipment's footprint, mechanical complexity, and manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems mentioned in the background art by designing an intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model to achieve the above objectives is a fruit and vegetable intelligent sorting and conveying mechanism, including a frame, a conveyor belt, a sorting bin, a feeding port, a discharging port, and a transport structure, wherein the conveyor belt and the sorting bin are fixed on the frame. The sorting bin is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, with a feed inlet at the higher end and a discharge outlet at the lower end. There are multiple discharge outlets arranged in ascending order of their opening size according to the direction of travel of the transport structure. The transport structure is installed inside the sorting bin to receive fruits and vegetables entering through the inlet and transport them to the outlet. The conveyor belts are installed at the inlet and outlet of the sorting bin, respectively. The number of conveyor belts at the inlet is the same as the number of inlets, and they are used to transport the fruits and vegetables to be sorted into the sorting bin. The number of conveyor belts at the outlet is the same as the number of outlets, and they are used to transport the sorted fruits and vegetables to the next process.

[0007] Preferably, the transport structure includes a drive wheel, a track, and baffles. The drive wheel is driven by a motor and rotatably installed in the sorting bin. Each end of the track is engaged with a drive wheel, and multiple baffles are fixed on the track.

[0008] Preferably, the sorting bin is provided with an adjustment structure, which is installed at the discharge port and the number of adjustment structures is the same as that of the discharge port, and is used to change the diameter of the discharge port.

[0009] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent baffles is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the individual fruits and vegetables of the same type to be sorted, but less than three times the maximum radial dimension of that individual.

[0010] Preferably, the baffle is provided with a flexible buffer layer, which wraps around the surface of the baffle.

[0011] Preferably, the adjustment structure includes a positioning block, an adjustment plate, a limiting plate, a compression spring, a slider, and a spring. The positioning block is fixedly installed on the sorting bin. The adjustment plate is slidably inserted into the positioning block. The limiting plate is slidably inserted into the adjustment plate. The compression spring is located inside the adjustment plate and one end is fixedly connected to the adjustment plate. The other end of the compression spring is fixedly connected to the limiting plate. The slider is slidably installed inside the limiting plate. The spring is located inside the limiting plate and one end is fixedly connected to the limiting plate. The other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the slider. Under the action of the spring, the slider extends out of the limiting plate and is engaged in the positioning block. The slider is trapezoidal in shape and its inclined surface faces the direction of the compression spring.

[0012] Preferably, the sorting bin is provided with a transparent plate, which is fixed to the sorting bin.

[0013] In summary, this utility model provides an intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism with the following advantages: Through its structural design, this device utilizes a sorting bin fixed to a frame at an incline relative to the horizontal plane, and a transport structure installed within the bin. During operation, fruits and vegetables fall from the high-end inlet into the "interval unit" formed by the transport structure. When a fruit or vegetable is transported to an outlet smaller than itself, it cannot pass through and is pushed forward by a baffle. Only when it reaches the first outlet larger than itself will it slide off under its own gravity onto the corresponding collection conveyor belt. Compared to existing technologies, this utility model ensures that fruits and vegetables are smoothly and continuously conveyed within the interval unit, and the sorting action (i.e., fruits and vegetables sliding off the corresponding outlet) is completed instantaneously during the movement, without any pauses or waiting. It achieves extremely high sorting throughput while maintaining high precision. Furthermore, the entire sorting function is implemented by a single simple mechanical system, eliminating the need for independent sensors and actuators for each level, significantly reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sorting bin in the first embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting bin structure in the second embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view of the adjustment structure in the second embodiment of this utility model; In the diagram, 1 is the frame; 2 is the conveyor belt; 3 is the sorting bin; 4 is the feed inlet; 5 is the discharge outlet; 6 is the transport structure; 7 is the adjustment structure; 8 is the flexible buffer layer; 9 is the transparent plate; 61 is the drive wheel; 62 is the track; 63 is the baffle; 71 is the positioning block; 72 is the adjustment plate; 73 is the limit plate; 74 is the compression spring; 75 is the slider; and 76 is the spring. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0016] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper / lower end," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0017] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "set / set up," "sleeve," "connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] The first embodiment of this utility model: Please see Figure 1-2 This utility model provides a technical solution: a fruit and vegetable intelligent sorting and conveying mechanism, including a frame 1, a conveyor belt 2, a sorting bin 3, a feeding port 4, a discharging port 5, and a transport structure 6, wherein the conveyor belt 2 and the sorting bin 3 are fixed on the frame 1. The sorting bin 3 is fixed to the frame 1 at an incline relative to the horizontal plane. The higher end of the sorting bin 3 has a feed inlet 4, and each feed inlet 4 is aligned with the end of a conveyor belt 2. The lower end of the sorting bin 3 has an outlet 5, and each outlet 5 is aligned with the beginning of a conveyor belt 2. There are multiple outlets 5, and they are arranged in ascending order of their opening size according to the direction of travel of the transport structure 6. The transport structure 6 is installed inside the sorting bin 3 to receive the fruits and vegetables entering through the inlet 4 and transport them to the outlet 5. Conveyor belts 2, driven by motors, are multiple and installed at the inlet 4 and outlet 5 of the sorting bin 3. The number of conveyor belts 2 at the inlet 4 is the same as that at the inlet 4, and they are used to transport the fruits and vegetables to be sorted into the sorting bin 3. The number of conveyor belts 2 at the outlet 5 is the same as that at the outlet 5, and they are used to transport the sorted fruits and vegetables to the next process.

[0019] In this invention, the transport structure 6 includes a drive wheel 61, a track 62, and baffles 63. The drive wheel 61 is driven by a motor and rotatably mounted inside the sorting bin 3. Each end of the track 62 is engaged with a drive wheel 61. Multiple baffles 63 are fixedly mounted on the track 62. The drive wheel 61, driven by the motor, moves the track 62. During the movement of the track 62, it moves the baffles 63 along the direction of travel of the track 62. The movement of the baffles 63 causes the fruits and vegetables between the baffles 63 to move along the direction of travel of the track 62.

[0020] In this invention, the distance between two adjacent baffles 63 is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the individual fruits and vegetables of the same type to be sorted, but less than three times the maximum radial dimension of that individual. This prevents too many fruits and vegetables from getting stuck side by side within the gap.

[0021] In this invention, a flexible buffer layer 8 is provided on the baffle 63, and the flexible buffer layer 8 wraps around the surface of the baffle 63. Through the flexible buffer layer 8 located on the baffle 63, the impact force can be effectively absorbed, reducing damage to the skin of fruits and vegetables.

[0022] In this invention, a transparent plate 9 is provided on the sorting bin 3, and the transparent plate 9 is fixed on the sorting bin 3. Through the transparent plate 9 located on the surface of the sorting bin 3, the operator can easily observe the working status inside the sorting bin 3, promptly detect faults such as jamming and blockage, and facilitate maintenance and debugging.

[0023] Those skilled in the art should connect all electrical components and their compatible power supplies in this case via wires, and should select appropriate controllers according to actual conditions to meet control requirements. The specific connection and control sequence should refer to the working principle described below, where the electrical connections between the various electrical components are completed in sequence. The detailed connection methods are well-known technologies in the field. The following mainly introduces the working principle and process, and will not describe the electrical control further.

[0024] In the first embodiment: This utility model is specifically applicable to spherical fruits and vegetables (such as apples, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes). During sorting, the fruits and vegetables to be sorted are placed on the conveyor belt 2 aligned with the feed inlet 4. The conveyor belt 2 is driven by a motor to transport the fruits and vegetables to be sorted on the conveyor belt 2 to the sorting bin 3. The transport structure 6 in the sorting bin 3 transports the fruits and vegetables to be sorted along the direction of travel through the discharge outlets 5 arranged from small to large.

[0025] Driven by a motor, the drive wheel 61 moves the track 62. As the track 62 moves, it also moves the baffles 63 along its direction of travel. The movement of the baffles 63 causes the fruits and vegetables between them to move along the track 62's direction of travel. Adjacent baffles 63 form a spacer unit for accommodating fruits and vegetables. The distance between the baffles 63 is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the individual fruits and vegetables of the same type to be sorted, but less than three times that maximum radial dimension, preventing too many fruits and vegetables from getting stuck side-by-side within the space. The flexible buffer layer 8 located on the baffles 63 effectively absorbs impact forces, reducing damage to the fruit and vegetable skins.

[0026] When fruits and vegetables awaiting sorting move to an outlet 5 smaller than themselves, they cannot pass through because the size of the fruits and vegetables is larger than the outlet 5 at the current position. Only when they move to an outlet 5 larger than themselves will they slide down from the outlet 5 at the current position onto the corresponding conveyor belt 2 due to gravity. The conveyor belt 2 at the outlet 5 will then transport the sorted fruits and vegetables to the next process. The transparent panel 9 on the surface of the sorting bin 3 allows operators to easily observe the working status inside the sorting bin 3, promptly detect faults such as jams and blockages, and facilitate maintenance and debugging.

[0027] The second embodiment of this utility model: Please see Figure 3-4 Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment differs in that the sorting bin 3 is equipped with an adjustment structure 7, which is installed at the discharge port 5 and the number of adjustment structures 7 is the same as that of the discharge port 5, and is used to change the diameter of the discharge port 5. The sorting specifications can be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism to adapt to different precision requirements or fruit and vegetable categories.

[0028] In the second embodiment, the adjustment structure 7 includes a positioning block 71, an adjustment plate 72, a limiting plate 73, a compression spring 74, a slider 75, and a spring 76. The sorting bin 3 is fixedly mounted with the positioning block 71. The adjustment plate 72 is slidably inserted into the positioning block 71, and the limiting plate 73 is slidably inserted into the adjustment plate 72. The compression spring 74 is located within the adjustment plate 72, with one end fixedly connected to the adjustment plate 72 and the other end fixedly connected to the limiting plate 73. The slider 75 is slidably installed within the limiting plate 73, and the spring 76 is located within the limiting plate 73, with one end fixedly connected to the limiting plate 73 and the other end fixedly connected to the slider 75. Under the action of the spring 76, the slider 75 extends out of the limiting plate 73 and engages with the positioning block 71. The slider 75 is trapezoidal in shape, with its inclined surface facing the direction of the compression spring 74. During installation, the selected adjustment plate 72 with the required inner diameter is slidably inserted along the guide groove on the positioning block 71. When the adjusting plate 72 is pushed to the bottom and fully installed, the slider 75 will automatically pop out and lock into the corresponding hole on the positioning block 71 under the action of the internal spring 76. For disassembly and replacement, the operator presses the limiting plate 73 on the adjusting plate 72 towards the adjusting plate 72. This action compresses the compression spring 74, causing the inclined surface of the slider 75 to be squeezed inward, thus completely disengaging it from the hole in the positioning block 71. After unlocking, the entire adjusting plate 72 can be smoothly pulled out of the positioning block 71 and replaced with a new one.

[0029] In the second embodiment: When it is necessary to adjust the sorting specifications to adapt to different precision requirements or fruit and vegetable categories, this can be achieved by replacing the adjustment mechanism at the discharge port 5. The specific operation procedure is as follows: 1. Installation and Locking: The selected adjusting plate 72 with the required inner diameter is slidably inserted into the guide groove on the positioning block 71. When the adjusting plate 72 is pushed to the bottom and fully installed, the slider 75 will automatically pop out and lock into the corresponding hole on the positioning block 71 under the action of the internal spring 76. This prevents the sorting accuracy from becoming unstable due to displacement of the adjusting mechanism during equipment operation. 2. Disassembly and Replacement: When replacement is needed, the operator should press the limiting plate 73 on the adjusting plate 72 towards the adjusting plate 72. This action will compress the compression spring 74 and cause the inclined surface of the slider 75 to be squeezed inward, thus retracting it completely out of the hole in the positioning block 71. After unlocking, the entire adjusting plate 72 can be smoothly pulled out of the positioning block 71 and replaced with a new one.

[0030] After replacing the adjustment mechanisms of all discharge ports 5, it is essential to ensure that the effective diameter of all discharge ports 5 is still arranged in ascending order, strictly following the direction of travel of the transport structure 6.

[0031] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, the phrase "comprising an element defined as..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0032] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A smart fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism, comprising a frame (1), a conveyor belt (2), a sorting bin (3), an inlet (4), an outlet (5), and a transport structure (6), characterized in that, The conveyor belt (2) and sorting bin (3) are fixed on the frame (1); The sorting bin (3) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The sorting bin (3) has a feed inlet (4) at the higher end and a discharge outlet (5) at the lower end. There are multiple discharge outlets (5) and they are arranged in order of increasing size according to the direction of travel of the transport structure (6). The transport structure (6) is installed in the sorting bin (3) to receive the fruits and vegetables entering through the inlet (4) and transport them to the outlet (5); The conveyor belts (2) are respectively installed at the inlet (4) and outlet (5) of the sorting bin (3). The number of conveyor belts (2) at the inlet (4) is the same as that at the inlet (4), and they are used to transport the fruits and vegetables to be sorted into the sorting bin (3). The number of conveyor belts (2) at the outlet (5) is the same as that at the outlet (5), and they are used to transport the sorted fruits and vegetables to the next process.

2. The intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport structure (6) includes a drive wheel (61), a track (62), and baffles (63). The drive wheel (61) is driven by a motor and is rotatably installed in the sorting bin (3). Each end of the track (62) is engaged with a drive wheel (61). Multiple baffles (63) are fixed on the track (62).

3. The intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting bin (3) is provided with an adjustment structure (7), which is installed at the discharge port (5) and the number of adjustment structures (7) is the same as that of the discharge port (5), and is used to change the diameter of the discharge port (5).

4. The intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent baffles (63) is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the individual fruits and vegetables of the same type to be sorted, but less than three times the maximum radial dimension of that individual.

5. The intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The baffle (63) is provided with a flexible buffer layer (8), which is wrapped around the surface of the baffle (63).

6. The intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjustment structure (7) includes a positioning block (71), an adjustment plate (72), a limiting plate (73), a compression spring (74), a slider (75), and a spring (76). The sorting bin (3) is fixedly mounted with the positioning block (71). The adjustment plate (72) is slidably inserted into the positioning block (71). The limiting plate (73) is slidably inserted into the adjustment plate (72). The compression spring (74) is located inside the adjustment plate (72) and one end is fixedly connected to the adjustment plate (72). The other end is fixedly connected to the limiting plate (73). The slider (75) is slidably installed inside the limiting plate (73). The spring (76) is located inside the limiting plate (73) and one end is fixedly connected to the limiting plate (73). The other end of the spring (76) is fixedly connected to the slider (75). The slider (75) extends out of the limiting plate (73) and is inserted into the positioning block (71) under the action of the spring (76). The slider (75) is trapezoidal in shape and the inclined surface faces the compression spring (74).

7. The intelligent fruit and vegetable sorting and conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting bin (3) is provided with a transparent plate (9), which is fixed on the sorting bin (3).

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