Modular fruit peeling system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a modularization fruit peeling processing system, including host computer and with host computer's slave computer, wherein, the host computer includes host computer rack and sets up the peeling module on host computer rack, the slave computer includes slave computer rack and sets up the function extension module on slave computer rack, wherein, the host computer rack with quick connecting structure is connected between slave computer rack, the function extension module includes automatic feeding module, core removing device, cutting petal device, cutting end device one or more. The utility model discloses a modularization fruit peeling processing system can complete the efficient peeling core operation, and can according to fruit kind and final product requirement, quick, flexible other processing function is expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fruit processing, specifically relating to a modular fruit peeling and processing system. Background Technology

[0002] In the food processing sector, the reliance on automated equipment in the fruit processing industry is increasing year by year. Processes such as peeling, trimming, segmenting, and core removal are crucial for ensuring fruit product quality and production efficiency. However, current mainstream fruit processing equipment still suffers from significant technical deficiencies, making it difficult to meet the actual needs of large-scale, multi-variety fruit processing. Specific problems include:

[0003] Firstly, most existing equipment consists of single-function, stand-alone machines that cannot achieve continuous processing of multiple steps. For example, for fruits like pineapples that require multiple processing steps, the peel must first be removed using a specialized peeling machine, then the peeled pineapple must be manually transferred to an end-cutting machine to cut off both ends, and finally manually transferred to a segmenting machine or a core-removing machine to separate the segments or remove the core. This "single machine + manual transfer" processing model has three core problems: First, low production efficiency. Significant downtime occurs during manual transfer, preventing an increase in the overall processing pace. This inefficiency is particularly pronounced in large-scale production scenarios with a daily processing capacity exceeding 10,000 kilograms. Second, high labor costs. Each process requires dedicated operators to handle fruit transfer and equipment loading / unloading, and these operators need to be trained in proper equipment operation, increasing the company's recruitment, management, and training costs. Third, difficulty in uniformly controlling hygiene standards. During manual transfer, the fruit comes into direct contact with the operators' hands and transfer tools, increasing the risk of microbial contamination. Furthermore, differences in operating procedures among different operators can lead to fluctuations in fruit damage rates, affecting product quality stability.

[0004] Secondly, although a small number of integrated fruit processing machines with multiple processes have appeared on the market, these machines generally adopt a rigid, dedicated structure with fixed functional configurations that cannot be flexibly adjusted. For example, a certain pineapple-specific integrated machine can only perform a fixed combination of "peeling-cutting-segmentation." If a company needs to add a core removal process or switch to processing other types of fruits such as mangoes or papayas (requiring adaptation to different peeling depths, cut lengths, and segmentation numbers), it must purchase a completely new dedicated integrated machine. Functional expansion cannot be achieved through modifications or module upgrades to existing equipment. This rigid design not only leads to poor equipment versatility, increasing equipment procurement costs and idle risks for companies, but also makes it difficult to adapt to the changing product demands of the fruit processing industry—characterized by "multiple categories, small batches, and rapid iterations"—thus limiting the company's production flexibility and market responsiveness.

[0005] In summary, the current technical deficiencies in the functional integration and flexibility of fruit processing equipment have become key bottlenecks restricting efficiency improvement, cost control, and quality assurance in the deep processing of fruit. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field to develop a new type of fruit processing system. This system must not only ensure the efficient and stable operation of core processes such as peeling, but also be able to quickly and flexibly expand or adjust processing functions according to the processing needs of different fruit varieties (such as pineapple, mango, papaya, etc.) and the technological requirements of the final product (such as whether it needs to be trimmed, segmented, or cored). This would enable modular combination and continuous operation of multiple processes, thereby solving the problems of low efficiency, high cost, difficulty in hygiene control, and poor versatility of traditional equipment. Utility Model Content

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a modular fruit peeling and processing system. This modular fruit peeling and processing system can not only complete the core peeling operation efficiently, but also quickly and flexibly expand other processing functions according to the type of fruit and the requirements of the final product.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is:

[0008] A modular fruit peeling and processing system includes a main unit and a slave unit connected to the main unit. The main unit includes a main unit frame and a peeling module disposed on the main unit frame. The slave unit includes a slave unit frame and a functional expansion module disposed on the slave unit frame. The main unit frame and the slave unit frame are connected by a quick-connect structure. The functional expansion module includes one or more of an automatic feeding module, a core removal device, a segment cutting device, and a tip cutting device.

[0009] Preferably, the function expansion module in the slave device is an automatic feeding module.

[0010] Preferably, the functional expansion module in the slave device is any two or three of the following: core removal module, petal splitting module, and end cutting module.

[0011] Preferably, the slave device consists of two sets, namely a first slave device and a second slave device, wherein the functional expansion module of the first slave device is an automatic feeding module; and the functional expansion module of the second slave device is any two or three of the following: a core removal module, a segmentation module, and a cutting end module.

[0012] Preferably, the automatic feeding module includes a fruit conveying module and an automatic handling robot mounted on the slave machine frame, wherein the fruit conveying module is used to convey the fruit to the handling station; and the automatic handling robot is used to handle the fruit in the handling station to the peeling station of the peeling device.

[0013] Preferably, the automatic feeding module further includes a vision recognition module disposed on the slave frame, the vision recognition module including a camera, the camera being located above the handling station.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a transport module; the transport module is used to transfer the peeled fruit from the peeling module to the core removal module / end cutting module / segmentation module.

[0015] Preferably, the quick-connect structure includes a locking structure disposed on the host rack / slave rack and a locking seat disposed on the slave rack / host rack, wherein,

[0016] The locking structure includes a mounting base and locking components disposed on the mounting base. Multiple sets of locking components are rotatably connected to the mounting base via pins. Each set of locking components includes a locking rod, a locking block, and a locking nut disposed on the locking rod. One end of the locking rod has a pin hole that mates with the pin. The locking block is slidably connected to the locking rod, and the other end of the locking rod has a threaded section that mates with the locking nut.

[0017] The locking seat is provided with a locking groove that cooperates with the locking block. The locking seat is provided with a locking cover, and the locking cover is provided with a first mounting hole. The locking seat is provided with a second mounting hole at a position corresponding to the first mounting hole. The locking cover is installed on the locking seat by passing a bolt through the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0018] Preferably, the locking block is a wedge-shaped block, and correspondingly, the locking groove is a wedge-shaped groove.

[0019] Preferably, the main frame is provided with a feed inlet and a discharge outlet on both sides; a manual feeding platform is provided at the feed inlet of the main frame.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. The modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model uses a highly universal core host (double-blade peeler) and different functional expansion modules to achieve rapid combination, meet the different processing requirements of various fruits, and ultimately reduce equipment investment costs and improve the flexibility and automation of the production line.

[0022] 2. The modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model has extremely high flexibility and versatility. By matching the main unit with different types of slave units, it can realize multiple process combinations such as feeding, peeling, cutting and segmenting, thus making one machine multi-purpose and greatly improving the utilization rate of the equipment.

[0023] 3. The modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model helps to reduce the cost and complexity of the equipment. Users do not need to purchase multiple large-scale equipment with single functions. They only need to invest in one core host and the required slave machines, which greatly reduces the initial purchase cost and the complexity of subsequent maintenance.

[0024] 4. The modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model is easy to upgrade to automation. The main unit can reserve a standardized interface, which can be seamlessly connected to the automated feeding module, easily upgrading the semi-automatic production line to a fully automatic production line, and adapting to the needs of future capacity and technology upgrades.

[0025] 5. The modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model maintains the continuity and hygiene of the processing. The modules can be tightly connected through standardized interfaces. The fruit completes all processing operations within a closed system, thereby reducing manual intervention and exposure, and improving production efficiency and hygiene standards. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram from the first perspective of the second specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram from a second perspective of the second specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram from the first perspective of the fourth specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram from the second perspective of the fourth specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram from the first perspective of the fourth specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram from the second perspective of the fifth specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram from the third perspective of the fifth specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the sixth specific embodiment of the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a fast connection structure.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the locking structure and locking seat. Detailed Implementation

[0037] 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.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] See Figure 1 The modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model includes a main unit 1; the main unit 1 includes a main unit frame 5 and a peeling module disposed on the main unit frame 5; in this embodiment, the main unit 1 can be an existing double-blade peeling machine, for example, the "peeling mechanism" in the invention patent application with publication number CN109732690 A, which discloses "an electromechanical integrated fruit and vegetable double-blade peeling and cutting machine and processing method";

[0040] In addition, the main frame 5 is provided with a feed inlet and a discharge outlet on both sides; a manual feeding platform 2 is provided at the feed inlet of the main frame 5, that is, manual feeding is adopted.

[0041] During operation, the operator places the fruit on the manual feeding platform 2, which is then transported to the positioning and rotating mechanism by the transport module (e.g., grippers). Subsequently, the main unit 1 is started, and the drive motor drives the positioning and rotating mechanism to rotate, thereby rotating the fruit. Then, a pair of arc-shaped blades in the peeling module move to complete the peeling operation. After the peeling operation is completed, the peel is collected by the collection device, and the unpeeled fruit can be sent out through the transport module. This mode only completes the peeling function.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0044] The modular fruit peeling and processing system of this utility model also includes a slave unit, which includes a slave unit frame 6 and a functional expansion module mounted on the slave unit frame 6. The main unit frame 5 and the slave unit frame 6 are connected via a quick-connect structure; the quick-connect structure is a bolt connection structure. The functional expansion module is connected to the main unit 1 via a standardized docking interface; this functional expansion module is an automatic feeding module. The automatic feeding module includes a fruit conveying module 402 and an automatic handling robot 403 mounted on the slave unit frame 6. The fruit conveying module 402 is used to convey fruit to a handling station; the automatic handling robot 403 is used to handle the fruit in the handling station to the peeling station of the peeling device. The material module also includes a vision recognition module 401 mounted on the slave frame 6. The vision recognition module 401 includes a camera located above the transport station. It identifies whether the fruit to be processed has arrived at the transport station through visual positioning. When the fruit arrives at the transport station, the automatic transport robot 403 transports the fruit from the transport station to the positioning and rotating mechanism in the host machine 1. Subsequently, the host machine 1 starts, and the drive motor drives the positioning and rotating mechanism to rotate, thereby rotating the fruit. Then, a pair of arc-shaped blades in the peeling module operate to complete the peeling operation. After the peeling operation is completed, the peel is collected by the collection device, and the smooth fruit can be sent out through the transport module. This mode can complete the automatic feeding and peeling functions.

[0045] In this embodiment, the automated handling robot 403 includes a six-axis industrial robot. In addition to using the fruit conveying module 402 to transport the fruit to the handling station, a basket containing the fruit can also be placed at the handling station. The vision recognition module 401 captures images of the fruit scattered in the basket, locates and identifies the optimal gripping point. After processing the visual information, the main control system controls the six-axis industrial robot to grip the fruit and accurately place it on the fruit positioning and rotating mechanism in the host 1 to complete the fruit peeling operation.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0048] The functional expansion modules in the slave unit can be any two or three of the following: a core removal module, a segmentation module, and a cutting-end module. For example, a core removal module and a segmentation module, a core removal module and a cutting-end module, a segmentation module and a cutting-end module, or a core removal module, a segmentation module, and a cutting-end module. With the above settings, after the host 1 completes the peeling of the fruit, the peeled fruit is transferred to the core removal module / cutting-end module / segmentation module by a conveying device. For example, the fruit first passes through the cutting-end device to cut off both ends, then is segmented by the segmentation device, and finally the segmented fruit pulp is sent out from the discharge port at the end of the module. The entire process is uniformly controlled by the main control system of the host 1, realizing continuous automated operation of peeling, cutting-end, and segmentation.

[0049] In this embodiment, the core removal module, the segmentation module, and the cutting end module can be implemented with reference to the corresponding mechanisms in the invention patent application with publication number CN109732690 A, which discloses "An electromechanical integrated fruit and vegetable double-blade peeling and cutting machine and processing method".

[0050] Example 4

[0051] See Figures 4-6 This embodiment is a combination of Embodiments 2 and 3. Specifically, the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this invention comprises two sets of slave machines: a first slave machine 4 and a second slave machine 3. The first slave machine 4 has an automatic feeding module as its functional expansion module; the second slave machine 3 has any two or three of the following functional expansion modules: a core removal module, a segmentation module, and an end-cutting module. Through this configuration, the modular fruit peeling and processing system of this invention can automatically feed and peel fruit, as well as perform core removal / end-cutting / segmentation processes on the peeled fruit, thereby achieving fully unmanned and automated processing from bulk fruit to the final product.

[0052] In the above process, the main control system acts as the "brain," receiving readiness signals from each functional expansion module via a control interface and sending instructions. For example, after the automatic feeding module completes feeding, the main control system starts the host machine 1; after the host machine 1 completes peeling, its discharge mechanism activates and simultaneously sends a "workpiece delivered" signal to the cutting module and the splitting module; the cutting module and the splitting module then begin working upon receiving the signal. This cycle repeats, with each functional expansion module cooperating under the unified scheduling of the main control system to form a complete and coherent processing system.

[0053] Example 5

[0054] See Figure 7 and Figure 8This embodiment is a combination of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 3. That is, based on Embodiment 1, a slave device is added. The functional expansion module in the slave device is any two or three of the core removal module, the petal splitting module and the end cutting module. For example, the core removal module and the petal splitting module, the core removal module and the end cutting module, the petal splitting module and the end cutting module, and the core removal module, the petal splitting module and the end cutting module.

[0055] Example 6

[0056] See Figures 9-11 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that:

[0057] The quick-connect structure 7 includes a locking structure disposed on the host frame 5 / slave frame 6 and a locking seat 701 disposed on the slave frame 6 / host frame 5. The locking structure includes a mounting base 703 and locking components disposed on the mounting base 703. Multiple sets of locking components are rotatably connected to the mounting base 703 via pins 704. Each set of locking components includes a locking rod 705 and a locking block 706 and a locking nut 707 disposed on the locking rod 705. One end of the locking rod 705 is provided with a pin hole that mates with the pin 704. The locking block 706 is slidably connected to the locking rod 705, and the other end of the locking rod 705 is provided with a threaded section that mates with the locking nut 707; the locking seat 701 is provided with a locking groove that mates with the locking block 706, and the locking seat 701 is provided with a locking cover 702, and the locking cover 702 is provided with a first mounting hole 708; the locking seat 701 is provided with a second mounting hole at a position corresponding to the first mounting hole 708; the locking cover 702 is installed on the locking seat 701 by passing a bolt through the first mounting hole 708 and the second mounting hole.

[0058] With the above settings, the connection between the host rack 5 and the slave rack 6 can be quickly achieved. When a quick connection is required, open the locking cover 702, rotate the locking member so that the locking rod 705 in the locking member enters the locking groove of the locking seat 701, then move the locking block 706 so that the locking block 706 engages with the locking groove, and then tighten the locking nut 707 to prevent the locking block 706 from axial displacement; finally, install the locking cover 702 on the locking seat 701 to limit the vertical displacement of the locking block 706, thereby completing the quick connection between the host rack 5 and the slave rack 6.

[0059] In this embodiment, the locking block 706 is a wedge-shaped block, and correspondingly, the locking groove is a wedge-shaped groove; this enables the locking block 706 to be quickly guided and positioned, so that it can smoothly cooperate with the locking groove.

[0060] 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. A modular fruit peeling system, characterized in that, The device includes a host and a slave device connected to the host. The host includes a host frame and a peeling module disposed on the host frame. The slave includes a slave frame and a function expansion module disposed on the slave frame. The host frame and the slave frame are connected by a quick-connect structure. The function expansion module includes one or more of an automatic feeding module, a core removal device, a petal cutting device, and a cutting end device.

2. The modular fruit peeling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional expansion module in the slave device is an automatic feeding module.

3. The modular fruit peeling system of claim 1, wherein, The functional expansion modules in the slave device are any two or three of the following: core removal module, petal splitting module, and end cutting module.

4. The modular fruit peeling system of claim 1, wherein, The slave unit consists of two groups, namely a first slave unit and a second slave unit. The first slave unit has an automatic feeding module as its functional expansion module. The second slave unit has any two or three of the following functional expansion modules: a core removal module, a segmentation module, and a cutting end module.

5. Modular fruit peeling system according to any of the claims 1-4, characterized in that, The automatic feeding module includes a fruit conveying module and an automatic handling robot mounted on the slave machine frame. The fruit conveying module is used to transport the fruit to the handling station; the automatic handling robot is used to transport the fruit from the handling station to the peeling station of the peeling device.

6. The modular fruit peeling system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The automatic feeding module also includes a vision recognition module mounted on the slave machine frame. The vision recognition module includes a camera located above the handling station.

7. Modular fruit peeling system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that It also includes a transport module; the transport module is used to transfer the peeled fruit from the peeling module to the core removal module / end cutting module / segmentation module.

8. The modular fruit peeling system of claim 1, wherein, The quick-connect structure includes a locking structure disposed on the host rack / slave rack and a locking seat disposed on the slave rack / host rack, wherein, The locking structure includes a mounting base and locking components disposed on the mounting base. Multiple sets of locking components are rotatably connected to the mounting base via pins. Each set of locking components includes a locking rod, a locking block, and a locking nut disposed on the locking rod. One end of the locking rod has a pin hole that mates with the pin. The locking block is slidably connected to the locking rod, and the other end of the locking rod has a threaded section that mates with the locking nut. The locking seat is provided with a locking groove that cooperates with the locking block. The locking seat is provided with a locking cover, and the locking cover is provided with a first mounting hole. The locking seat is provided with a second mounting hole at a position corresponding to the first mounting hole. The locking cover is installed on the locking seat by passing a bolt through the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

9. The modular fruit peeling system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking block is a wedge-shaped block, and correspondingly, the locking groove is a wedge-shaped groove.

10. The modular fruit peeling system of claim 1, wherein, The main frame has a feed inlet and a discharge outlet on both sides; a manual feeding platform is provided at the feed inlet of the main frame.

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