A storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds

Abstract

This utility model discloses a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds, relating to the field of seed storage technology. It includes a box body with a feed pipe. An air jet pipe extending into the box body is fixedly connected between two feed hoppers. The air jet pipe has several air holes, and a filter box is fixedly connected to the end of the air jet pipe. An air inlet pipe is connected to the side of the filter box away from the air jet pipe for introducing nitrogen gas. A cooling component for cooling the nitrogen gas is installed on the air inlet pipe. A stirring component is provided on the box body to prevent seed accumulation. This utility model introduces nitrogen gas and cools and dries it, creating a low-temperature, dry nitrogen environment within the box. This solves the core problems of Melaleuca alternifolia seeds being prone to mold, inactivation, and oxidation during long-term storage. Furthermore, the stirring component accelerates heat and humidity exchange, preventing the formation of localized high-temperature or high-humidity areas and reducing the risk of seed deterioration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of seed storage technology, and in particular to a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds. Background Technology

[0002] Melaleuca alternifolia is a plant belonging to the genus Melaleuca in the family Myrtaceae. With its dense foliage, it is a beautiful garden tree, street tree, and windbreak. It is suitable for planting in the median strip of highways, on lower slopes, at interchanges, service areas, and management areas. Melaleuca alternifolia is also a highly valuable economic crop; its fresh branches and leaves can be used to extract essential oil, known as tea tree oil.

[0003] Melaleuca alternifolia seeds are highly sensitive to temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration in their storage environment due to their rich oil content (≥25%) and thin, brittle seed coat. Traditional storage methods often fail to effectively control these factors, making seeds susceptible to damage from high temperatures, high humidity, and excessive oxygen during storage. This can lead to seed inactivation, mold growth, or accelerated respiration. Furthermore, seeds tend to clump or condense during storage, resulting in poor air circulation and hindering heat and moisture dissipation. This can create localized areas of high temperature and humidity, further increasing the risk of seed deterioration. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art by proposing a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds includes a box body with two feeding hoppers connected to the bottom of the box body. The box body and the two feeding hoppers form a storage space for storing seeds. A feeding pipe is provided on the box body. An air jet pipe extending into the box body is fixedly connected between the two feeding hoppers. The air jet pipe has several air holes. A filter box is fixedly connected to the end of the air jet pipe. An air inlet pipe is connected to the side of the filter box away from the air jet pipe. The air inlet pipe is used to introduce nitrogen gas. A cooling component for cooling the nitrogen gas is installed on the air inlet pipe. A stirring component for preventing seed accumulation is provided on the box body.

[0007] Preferably, the cooling component includes a cooling pipe, one end of which is connected to an air intake pipe. A semiconductor cooling chip that blocks the cooling pipe is fixedly connected inside the cooling pipe. The cold end of the semiconductor cooling chip faces the air intake pipe. Two heat dissipation fins are fixedly connected inside the cooling pipe. The two heat dissipation fins are respectively attached to the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor cooling chip. The heat dissipation fin attached to the cold end extends into the air intake pipe.

[0008] Preferably, a microcomputer digital temperature controller electrically connected to a semiconductor cooling chip is fixedly installed on the filter box, and the microcomputer digital temperature controller has a built-in bidirectional PID algorithm.

[0009] Preferably, the filter box is filled with a moisture-absorbing layer, and a sealing cover is provided on the top of the filter box. Both sides of the sealing cover are hinged with locking plates that can fit against the outer wall of the filter box, and a locking ring is threaded between the two locking plates.

[0010] Preferably, the moisture-absorbing layer includes a molten calcium chloride layer, a silica gel layer, a molecular sieve layer, and a composite molecular sieve layer arranged sequentially from the air inlet pipe to the jet pipe, and the filter box is provided with a number of porous ceramic plates for separating the molten calcium chloride layer, silica gel layer, molecular sieve layer, and composite molecular sieve layer.

[0011] Preferably, the mixing assembly includes a frame fixedly connected to the top of the housing, two auger shafts rotatably mounted on the frame, auger blades fixedly connected to the outer walls of the two auger shafts and extending into the hopper, a motor fixedly mounted on the frame, a first gear fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor, a second gear and a third gear fixedly connected to the top ends of the two auger shafts respectively, and a fourth gear rotatably mounted on the frame, wherein the first gear meshes with the second gear and the fourth gear respectively, and the third gear meshes with the fourth gear.

[0012] Preferably, the transmission ratio between the first gear and the second gear is 1:1, and the transmission ratio between the first gear and the fourth gear is 2:3.

[0013] Preferably, a protective layer is attached to the inner wall of the jet pipe, the protective layer covers all the air holes, and the material of the protective layer is a non-woven fabric with a pore size ≤ 0.5 mm.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] 1. In this application, the nitrogen gas is cooled by a semiconductor cooling chip. The cooled nitrogen gas is then dried step by step through a molten calcium chloride layer, a silica gel layer, a molecular sieve layer, and a composite molecular sieve layer. The dried and cold nitrogen gas is injected into the storage space through the vent on the jet pipe, which can replace the original high-humidity air and cause it to be discharged from the feed pipe, forming a low-temperature, low-oxygen, and low-humidity environment. This avoids seed inactivation caused by high temperature and avoids mold growth or increased respiration caused by excessive humidity. The low-oxygen properties of nitrogen gas can reduce the consumption of organic matter in the seeds, making it suitable for the long-term storage of Melaleuca alternifolia seeds, which are high in oil.

[0016] 2. In this application, the two auger blades turn in opposite directions and rotate at different speeds, forming an asymmetric pushing force field, which disrupts the seed stacking structure, improves the uniformity of distribution, and, together with nitrogen diffusion, accelerates the efficiency of heat and humidity exchange, eliminates local high temperature and high humidity areas, avoids the formation of local high temperature or high humidity areas, and reduces the risk of seed deterioration. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds proposed in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds proposed in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the stirring assembly of a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds proposed in this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the filter box of a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds proposed in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the air inlet pipe and cooling component structure of a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds proposed in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the air jet pipe of a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds proposed in this utility model.

[0023] Legend: 100, Box body; 200, Hopper; 300, Jet pipe; 301, Air vent; 302, Protective layer; 400, Filter box; 401, Moisture-absorbing layer; 4011, Molten calcium chloride layer; 4012, Silica gel layer; 4013, Molecular sieve layer; 4014, Composite molecular sieve layer; 4015, Porous ceramic plate; 402, Sealing cover; 403, Locking plate; 404, Locking ring; 500, Air inlet pipe; 600, Cooling component; 601, Refrigeration pipe; 602, Semiconductor refrigeration chip; 603, Heat dissipation fins; 604, Microcomputer digital temperature controller; 700, Stirring component; 701, Frame; 702, Screw shaft; 703, Screw blades; 704, Motor; 705, First gear; 706, Second gear; 707, Third gear; 708, Fourth gear. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0025] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following specification.

[0026] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this utility model provides a storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds, including a box body 100. Two feeding hoppers 200 are connected and installed at the bottom of the box body 100. The box body 100 and the two feeding hoppers 200 form a storage space for storing seeds. A feeding pipe is provided on the box body 100. An air jet pipe 300 extending into the box body 100 is fixedly connected between the two feeding hoppers 200. The air jet pipe 300 has several air holes 301. A filter box 400 is fixedly connected to the end of the air jet pipe 300. The filter box 400 is located away from the air jet pipe. A gas inlet pipe 500 is connected to one side of the gas pipe 300. The gas inlet pipe 500 is used to introduce nitrogen gas. A cooling component 600 for cooling the nitrogen gas is installed on the gas inlet pipe 500. A stirring component 700 for preventing seed accumulation is provided on the box body 100. The feed pipe is open when feeding and ventilating, and closed when storing. The hopper 200 is only opened when discharging material. The specific sealing method can be achieved by using a cover or a valve body, which is existing public technology and known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0027] In this embodiment, the cooling component 600 includes a cooling pipe 601, one end of which is connected to the air inlet pipe 500. A semiconductor cooling chip 602, which isolates the cooling pipe 601, is fixedly connected inside the cooling pipe 601. The cold end of the semiconductor cooling chip 602 faces the air inlet pipe 500. Two heat dissipation fins 603 are fixedly connected inside the cooling pipe 601. The two heat dissipation fins 603 are respectively attached to the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor cooling chip 602. The heat dissipation fin 603 attached to the cold end extends into the air inlet pipe 500. A microcomputer digital temperature controller 604, which is electrically connected to the semiconductor cooling chip 602, is fixedly installed on the filter box 400. The microcomputer digital temperature controller 604 has a built-in bidirectional PID algorithm.

[0028] Specifically, the semiconductor cooling chip 602 is controlled by the PID algorithm integrated in the microcomputer digital temperature controller 604, so that the cold end temperature is adjustable from -10 to 5℃. The cold end exchanges heat with the nitrogen gas through the heat dissipation fins 603 extending into the air inlet pipe 500. The cooled nitrogen gas is evenly injected into the storage space through the jet pipe 300 and the air hole 301.

[0029] Among them, the microcomputer digital temperature controller 604 adopts the TEC103 / TEC215 series products of Opto-Electronic Measurement Future, which supports the temperature control of the semiconductor cooling chip 602. The heat of the hot end of the semiconductor cooling chip 602 is dissipated through the heat dissipation fins 603 on it. Whether to add an additional cooling fan can be determined according to the actual use. The specific circuit connection method and working principle are existing public technologies and are known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0030] In this embodiment, the filter box 400 is filled with a moisture-absorbing layer 401, and a sealing cover plate 402 is provided on the top of the filter box 400. Both sides of the sealing cover plate 402 are hinged with locking plates 403 that can fit against the outer wall of the filter box 400, and a locking ring 404 is threaded between the two locking plates 403.

[0031] Specifically, the cover plate is disassembled and assembled by locking and unlocking the locking ring 404 and locking plate 403, so as to facilitate the replacement of the moisture-absorbing layer 401. The moisture-absorbing layer 401 absorbs moisture from the cooled nitrogen gas, ensuring that the nitrogen gas remains dry. After cooling, the dry nitrogen gas can replace the original high-humidity air and be discharged from the feed pipe, so that the internal temperature of the box 100 is maintained at ≤10℃, avoiding seed inactivation due to high temperature, and the humidity is ≤9%, avoiding mold or increased respiration due to excessive humidity. In addition, the low-oxygen characteristics of the nitrogen gas can reduce the consumption of organic matter in the seeds, which is suitable for the long-term preservation of Melaleuca alternifolia seeds with high oil content.

[0032] In this embodiment, the moisture-absorbing layer 401 includes a molten calcium chloride layer 4011, a silica gel layer 4012, a molecular sieve layer 4013, and a composite molecular sieve layer 4014 arranged sequentially from the air inlet pipe 500 to the jet pipe 300. The filter box 400 is provided with a plurality of porous ceramic plates 4015 for separating the molten calcium chloride layer 4011, the silica gel layer 4012, the molecular sieve layer 4013, and the composite molecular sieve layer 4014.

[0033] Specifically, the molten calcium chloride layer 4011 rapidly absorbs most of the free moisture in the nitrogen gas, reducing the initial humidity of the airflow to a moderate level. The silica gel layer 4012 further adsorbs residual moisture. The molecular sieve layer 4013 selectively adsorbs water molecules to an ultra-low humidity level through its microporous structure for deep drying. The composite molecular sieve layer 4014 adsorbs trace amounts of residual moisture to ensure the dryness of the nitrogen gas. The porous ceramic plates 4015 set between the layers are used for support and separation to ensure uniform airflow and avoid local blockage.

[0034] In this embodiment, the stirring assembly 700 includes a frame 701 fixedly connected to the top of the housing 100. Two auger shafts 702 are rotatably mounted on the frame 701. Auger blades 703 are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the two auger shafts 702 and extend into the hopper 200. A motor 704 is fixedly mounted on the frame 701. A first gear 705 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 704. A second gear 706 and a third gear 707 are fixedly connected to the top ends of the two auger shafts 702, respectively. A fourth gear 708 is rotatably mounted on the frame 701. The first gear 705 meshes with the second gear 706 and the fourth gear 708, respectively. The third gear 707 meshes with the fourth gear 708, so that the two auger blades 703 rotate simultaneously and in opposite directions. The transmission ratio between the first gear 705 and the second gear 706 is 1:1, and the transmission ratio between the first gear 705 and the fourth gear 708 is 2:3.

[0035] Specifically, motor 704 drives first gear 705 to rotate clockwise. First gear 705 drives second gear 706 and fourth gear 708, which mesh with it, to rotate counterclockwise. The rotation of fourth gear 708 drives third gear 707 to rotate clockwise. According to the transmission ratio between each gear, the two auger shafts 702 drive auger blades 703 to rotate in opposite directions and at different speeds. The reverse spiral combined with the speed difference forms an asymmetric pushing force field, which avoids local accumulation or clumping of seeds and improves the uniformity of seed distribution in the box 100. The speed difference increases the frequency of contact and exchange of seeds in the bidirectional flow. The complex flow can accelerate the diffusion of nitrogen in the box 100, so that the cooled and dried nitrogen can fully contact the seeds, promote the rapid exchange of heat and humidity, avoid the formation of local high temperature or high humidity areas, and reduce the risk of seed deterioration.

[0036] This requires edge passivation treatment of the auger blades (703), application of food-grade silicone or polyurethane coating to the surface, and control of rotation speed and helical angle to reduce damage to the seeds.

[0037] In this embodiment, a protective layer 302 is attached to the inner wall of the jet pipe 300. The protective layer 302 covers all the air holes 301. The material of the protective layer 302 is a non-woven fabric with a pore size ≤ 0.5 mm, which prevents seeds from entering the jet pipe 300 through the air holes 301.

[0038] Specifically, the inner wall of the 300 jet pipe is covered with non-woven fabric, which allows nitrogen to diffuse but blocks seeds from entering.

[0039] How to use and how to work this device:

[0040] First, external nitrogen enters the filter box 400 through the inlet pipe 500. When passing through the inlet pipe 500, it exchanges heat with the cold generated by the semiconductor cooling chip 602. After entering the filter box 400, it passes through the molten calcium chloride layer 4011, the silica gel layer 4012, the molecular sieve layer 4013 and the composite molecular sieve layer 4014 in sequence to form dry gas.

[0041] Dry, cold nitrogen gas is injected into the storage space through the vent 301 on the jet pipe 300. This replaces the original high-humidity air, causing it to be discharged from the feed pipe, thus creating a low-temperature, low-oxygen, and low-humidity environment. This prevents the seeds from becoming inactive due to high temperatures and avoids mold growth or increased respiration caused by excessive humidity. The low-oxygen properties of nitrogen gas can reduce the consumption of organic matter in the seeds, making it suitable for the long-term storage of Melaleuca alternifolia seeds, which are high in oil.

[0042] During the above process, the motor 704 drives the two auger shafts 702 to rotate in opposite directions and at different speeds through multiple gears, which avoids local accumulation or clumping of seeds, improves the uniformity of seed distribution in the box 100, accelerates the diffusion of nitrogen in the box 100, and ensures that the cooled and dried nitrogen comes into full contact with the seeds, promotes rapid exchange of heat and humidity, avoids the formation of local high temperature or high humidity areas, and reduces the risk of seed deterioration.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the technical solution of the present utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds, characterized in that: The device includes a housing (100), with two hoppers (200) connected to the bottom of the housing (100). The housing (100) and the two hoppers (200) form a storage space for storing seeds. A feed pipe is provided on the housing (100). An air jet pipe (300) extending into the housing (100) is fixedly connected between the two hoppers (200). The air jet pipe (300) has several air holes (301). A filter box (400) is fixedly connected to the end of the air jet pipe (300). An air inlet pipe (500) is connected to the side of the filter box (400) away from the air jet pipe (300). The air inlet pipe (500) is used to introduce nitrogen gas. A cooling component (600) for cooling the nitrogen gas is installed on the air inlet pipe (500). A stirring component (700) for preventing seed accumulation is provided on the housing (100).

2. The storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling component (600) includes a cooling pipe (601), one end of which is connected to an air inlet pipe (500). A semiconductor cooling chip (602) is fixedly connected inside the cooling pipe (601) to separate the cooling pipe (601). The cold end of the semiconductor cooling chip (602) faces the air inlet pipe (500). Two heat dissipation fins (603) are fixedly connected inside the cooling pipe (601). The two heat dissipation fins (603) are respectively attached to the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor cooling chip (602). The heat dissipation fin (603) attached to the cold end extends into the air inlet pipe (500).

3. The storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds according to claim 2, characterized in that: A microcomputer digital temperature controller (604) electrically connected to the semiconductor cooling chip (602) is fixedly installed on the filter box (400). The microcomputer digital temperature controller (604) has a built-in bidirectional PID algorithm.

4. The storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter box (400) is filled with a moisture-absorbing layer (401). A sealing cover plate (402) is provided on the top of the filter box (400). Locking plates (403) that can fit against the outer wall of the filter box (400) are hinged on both sides of the sealing cover plate (402). A locking ring (404) is threaded between the two locking plates (403).

5. A storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds according to claim 4, characterized in that: The moisture-absorbing layer (401) includes a molten calcium chloride layer (4011), a silica gel layer (4012), a molecular sieve layer (4013), and a composite molecular sieve layer (4014) arranged sequentially from the air inlet pipe (500) to the jet pipe (300). The filter box (400) is provided with a plurality of porous ceramic plates (4015) for separating the molten calcium chloride layer (4011), the silica gel layer (4012), the molecular sieve layer (4013), and the composite molecular sieve layer (4014).

6. The storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mixing assembly (700) includes a frame (701) fixedly connected to the top of the housing (100). Two auger shafts (702) are rotatably mounted on the frame (701). Auger blades (703) are fixedly connected to the outer walls of the two auger shafts (702) and extend into the hopper (200). A motor (704) is fixedly mounted on the frame (701). A first gear (705) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor (704). A second gear (706) and a third gear (707) are fixedly connected to the top ends of the two auger shafts (702), respectively. A fourth gear (708) is rotatably mounted on the frame (701). The first gear (705) meshes with the second gear (706) and the fourth gear (708), respectively. The third gear (707) meshes with the fourth gear (708).

7. A storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmission ratio between the first gear (705) and the second gear (706) is 1:1, and the transmission ratio between the first gear (705) and the fourth gear (708) is 2:

3.

8. The storage box for Melaleuca alternifolia seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: A protective layer (302) is attached to the inner wall of the jet pipe (300), the protective layer (302) covers all the air holes (301), and the material of the protective layer (302) is a non-woven fabric with a pore size ≤ 0.5 mm.

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