Active lifting and pushing basket mechanism suitable for edible mushroom basket

Abstract

The utility model relates to edible mushroom production equipment technical field, concretely is a kind of initiative lifting and pushing basket mechanism suitable for edible mushroom basket, including base support unit, transmission unit, initiative lifting and pushing unit, sensing positioning unit and single power source, motor drives transmission shaft through universal joint, drives sprocket chain system operation, pushes basket mobile seat along linear slide rail horizontal movement, basket lifting axle plate one end connects basket pushing part, other end is hinged with chain connecting plate through flange bearing, and cooperate with the bevel slide groove of basket mobile seat, realize when advancing: first lift, then push;When retreating: first drop, then retreat. Basket lifting axle plate high strength, corrosion resistance. Chain tensioning piece and basket idler ensure transmission stability, proximity sensor is symmetrically arranged through mounting plate, real-time detects basket position, realizes accurate positioning, whole set of mechanism only needs a single power source drive, can complete lifting, basket, falling, back-off full-automatic cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of edible fungi production equipment, specifically to an active lifting and pushing mechanism suitable for edible fungi bag baskets. Background Technology

[0002] In the edible mushroom production industry, mushroom bags are typically placed in plastic crates and circulated between various processes. Traditional conveying methods include roller conveyors, chain conveyors, and belt conveyors. However, in actual operation, the plastic crates may deform after high-temperature sterilization, reducing the contact area with the conveying equipment and making them prone to slippage. Additionally, if the transition gaps between equipment are large, the plastic crates may get stuck, affecting the smoothness of the production process. Furthermore, in some areas, due to equipment limitations or insufficient space, powered conveying systems such as rollers, chains, or belts cannot be installed, requiring manual or semi-automatic methods to move the plastic crates.

[0003] Existing pushing and moving mechanisms mainly include chute-guided lifting and pushing mechanisms, spring-lifting and pushing mechanisms, and power lifting and pushing mechanisms, commonly using cylinders as the power source. These existing mechanisms each have their own limitations:

[0004] Slide guide lifting mechanism: This mechanism achieves upward and downward movement via an inclined guide sluice. When moving forward, it rises while advancing, maintaining a horizontal position after reaching the highest point of the guide sluice; the reverse is true when moving backward. The main disadvantage of this type of mechanism is:

[0005] It requires a large lead-up margin, wasting equipment space;

[0006] It is inefficient because each cycle requires waiting for the basket to be back in position before it can be put back into the basket again.

[0007] Spring-lifting and pushing mechanism: This mechanism relies on spring force to lift the material, while lowering it depends on the material's own weight. The limitations of this mechanism are:

[0008] It is only applicable to materials whose weight is greater than the spring force; it is not applicable to lighter materials.

[0009] When materials get stuck or encounter an inclined plane, the spring may be compressed and cause it to malfunction.

[0010] Power-driven lifting mechanism: This mechanism uses cylinders or other power sources to achieve active lifting, overcoming some of the shortcomings of the previous two mechanisms. However, it also has its own problems:

[0011] It requires a high installation height and occupies a lot of space.

[0012] The cost is relatively high, increasing the overall cost of the equipment;

[0013] The increased number of potential failure points in power components increases maintenance complexity. Utility Model Content

[0014] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0015] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides an active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible mushroom cultivation baskets.

[0016] (II) Technical Solution

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: An active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible fungus cultivation baskets, comprising a basic support unit, a transmission unit, an active lifting and pushing unit, a sensing and positioning unit, and a single power source; the basic support unit includes a stepping basket pushing seat and a linear slide rail; the transmission unit includes a stepping basket pushing drive shaft, a sprocket, a chain, and a universal joint; the active lifting and pushing unit includes a basket pushing moving seat, a basket pushing rotating shaft, a basket pushing lifting shaft plate, and basket pushing components; the sensing and positioning unit includes a proximity sensor and a mounting plate; the single power source is connected to the stepping basket pushing drive shaft.

[0018] Preferably, the basket pusher is rotatably connected to the basket pusher seat via a basket pusher shaft. The basket pusher shaft plate of the active lifting and pushing unit is made of stainless steel, with one end fixedly connected to the basket pusher via a flat-head screw. The other end of the basket pusher shaft plate is provided with a chain connecting plate, and the basket pusher shaft plate is connected to the chain connecting plate via a flange bearing. The basket pusher seat is provided with a beveled slide groove, and the flange bearing is adapted to the beveled slide groove via a composite flange bushing.

[0019] More preferably, the stepping basket seat of the basic support unit is made of stainless steel, the linear slide rail is symmetrically installed on both sides of the stepping basket seat, and a slider is fixedly installed at the bottom of the basket moving seat. The basket moving seat is slidably installed on the linear slide rail via the slider.

[0020] Preferably, one end of the stepping basket pusher is symmetrically provided with a chain tensioner, the chain tensioner is provided with a basket pusher idler wheel, the other end of the stepping basket pusher is symmetrically provided with a seated bearing, the stepping basket pusher drive shaft passes through the seated bearing, the stepping basket pusher drive shaft is symmetrically provided with sprockets, and the two ends of the chain are respectively sleeved on the basket pusher idler wheel and the sprocket.

[0021] Preferably, the sensing and positioning unit includes at least two proximity sensors, which are distributed on the stepping pusher basket seat. Each proximity sensor is provided with a mounting plate, which is installed on both sides of the stepping pusher basket seat by screws and is located outside the linear slide rail.

[0022] More preferably, the single power source is a stepper motor, the stepper motor is provided with a motor mounting base, and the output end of the stepper motor is connected to the stepper push basket drive shaft through a universal joint.

[0023] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0024] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides an active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible fungus bag baskets, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] This technical solution achieves integrated and automated control of the basket-pushing action by setting up a basic support unit, a transmission unit, an active lifting and pushing unit, a sensing and positioning unit, and a single power source. A motor is used as the single power source, connected via a universal joint to drive the stepping basket-pushing drive shaft, which in turn drives the sprocket and chain system to operate synchronously, ensuring smooth and reliable power transmission.

[0026] The push basket moving seat is precisely guided on the linear slide rail by a slider. With the cooperation of the inclined slide groove and the composite flange bushing of the flange bearing, the push basket lifting shaft plate can automatically lift and lower during horizontal movement, completing the cycle of lifting, pushing, lowering and retracting, effectively avoiding interference with the mushroom bag basket.

[0027] The stainless steel lifting shaft plate for pushing the basket is high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and has a long service life. The chain tensioner and the basket-pushing idler wheel work together to ensure constant chain tension and prevent skipping or misalignment. Proximity sensors are symmetrically arranged at key points of the stroke via mounting plates to locate the position of the basket-pushing components, achieving precise positioning and interlocking control.

[0028] The entire mechanism requires only one power source to complete both pushing and lifting functions. It is energy-efficient, easy to maintain, and significantly improves the continuity and automation level of mushroom bag conveying in edible mushroom production lines. It is suitable for small-space, high-humidity, and high-frequency operating environments and has good industrial application value. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the waiting position for pushing the basket according to this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the basket being pushed into position according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission unit structure of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the active lifting and pushing unit structure of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the active lifting and pushing unit and chain assembly structure of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the proximity sensor and mounting plate structure of this utility model;

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Stepper pusher basket seat; 2. Linear slide rail; 3. Pusher basket moving seat; 4. Pusher basket component; 5. Pusher basket lifting shaft plate; 6. Beveled slide groove; 7. Chain connecting plate; 8. Stepper pusher basket drive shaft; 9. Bearing with seat; 10. Sprocket; 11. Chain tensioner; 12. Pusher basket idler wheel; 13. Chain; 14. Stepper motor; 15. Motor mounting base; 16. Proximity sensor; 17. Mounting plate; 18. Universal joint. Detailed Implementation

[0036] 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.

[0037] Please see Figure 1-6 This utility model discloses an active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible fungus bagging, comprising a basic support unit, a transmission unit, an active lifting and pushing unit, a sensing and positioning unit, and a single power source. The basic support unit includes a stepping pushing seat 1 and a linear slide rail 2. The transmission unit includes a stepping pushing drive shaft 8, a sprocket 10, a chain 13, and a universal joint 18. The active lifting and pushing unit includes a pushing moving seat 3, a pushing rotating shaft, a pushing lifting shaft plate 5, and a pushing component 4. The sensing and positioning unit includes a proximity sensor 16 and a mounting plate 17. The single power source is connected to the stepping pushing drive shaft 8.

[0038] This technical solution addresses the pain points of mushroom bag lifting and lowering during circulation, such as lack of additional power, adaptability to confined spaces, and pushing sluggishness, through the synergistic action of a basic support unit, transmission unit, active lifting and pushing unit, and sensing and positioning unit. The overall principle is as follows: A single power source drives the stepping pusher shaft 8 of the transmission unit to rotate via a universal joint 18, which in turn drives the sprocket 10 and chain 13. The chain 13 pulls the chain 13 connecting plate 7 of the active lifting and pushing unit, causing the flange bearing to slide along the inclined groove 6 of the pusher moving seat 3, thereby driving the pusher lifting shaft plate 5 to rotate, achieving the active lifting and lowering of the pusher component 4. The pusher moving seat 3 slides on the linear slide rail 2 via a slider, cooperating with the pusher component 4 to complete the stable pushing of the mushroom bag. The proximity sensor 16 of the sensing and positioning unit detects the position of the mushroom bag in real time, linking with the single power source to achieve an automated cycle of waiting, lifting, pushing, lowering, and reversing, requiring no additional power source and adapting to transfer in confined spaces and areas without power.

[0039] The basic support unit is the load-bearing skeleton of the mechanism, including the stainless steel stepping pusher seat 1 and the linear slide rail 2. The working principle is as follows:

[0040] The stepper basket holder 1 is primarily made of 304 stainless steel, and its core function is:

[0041] The load-bearing transmission unit and active lifting and pushing unit are made of stainless steel with a tensile strength of ≥515MPa, and will not deform after long-term use;

[0042] The stepper pusher basket seat 1 has pre-set mounting holes for fixing the linear slide rail 2, chain 13, tensioner 11, and mounting plate 17.

[0043] Linear guide rails 2 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the stepping basket pusher 1, such as model HGW15, with a stroke of 200-500mm. The bottom fixed slider of the basket pusher 3 is adapted to the linear guide rails 2.

[0044] The linear slide rail 2 preferably adopts a ball bearing structure to ensure that the push basket moving seat 3 moves in a straight line and avoids the mushroom bag basket from shifting and getting stuck during pushing;

[0045] A single slide rail has a rated dynamic load of ≥120N, and two symmetrically arranged slide rails can support mushroom bag baskets weighing over 20kg, with no risk of slide rail deformation.

[0046] The transmission unit is the power conversion hub, including the stepping basket pusher drive shaft 8, sprocket 10, chain 13, universal joint 18, and tensioning assembly. Its working principle is as follows:

[0047] The power transmission shaft between the stepper pusher basket drive shaft 8 and the sprocket 10 is made of 304 stainless steel and passes through the bearing 9 and the sprocket 10.

[0048] The output torque of motor 14 is transmitted to stepper push basket drive shaft 8 through universal joint 18, which drives sprocket 10 to rotate. Sprocket 10 meshes with chain 13 to drive the rotational motion into linear motion of chain 13.

[0049] The bearing 9 is symmetrically fixed to one end of the stepping basket seat 1 to ensure that the stepping basket drive shaft 8 rotates smoothly and that the chain 13 does not de-tooth due to radial wobbling.

[0050] The two sprockets 10 on both sides are mounted on the stepping basket pusher drive shaft 8 to ensure that the two symmetrically arranged chains 13 move synchronously and avoid uneven force on the pusher moving seat 3 and tilting.

[0051] The chain 13 tensioner 11 and the basket pusher idler wheel 12 are symmetrically provided at one end of the stable stepping basket pusher seat 1. The chain 13 tensioner 11 is spring pre-tensioned and matched with the basket pusher idler wheel 12. The chain 13 tensioner 11 drives the idler wheel through bolts to keep the chain 13 tension ≤ 2mm of sag and avoid transmission slippage.

[0052] The push basket idler wheel 12 changes the direction of movement of the chain 13 from horizontal rotation to horizontal straight line, so that the two ends of the chain 13 are respectively connected to the chain 13 connecting plate 7 of the active lifting and pushing unit, realizing the forward and reverse rotation of the motor and the reciprocating motion of the chain 13.

[0053] There may be a slight coaxiality deviation between the motor mounting base 15 and the stepper pusher drive shaft 8. The universal joint 18 can compensate for the deviation by rotating the cross shaft to avoid bending of the motor shaft or drive shaft caused by hard connection.

[0054] The active lifting and pushing unit is the core actuator of the mechanism, including the basket moving seat 3, the basket pushing shaft, the stainless steel basket pushing lifting shaft plate 5, the basket pushing component 4, the flange bearing, and the inclined slide groove 6. Its working principle is as follows:

[0055] The basket moving base 3 is made of PP and fiberglass, and has an internal beveled sliding groove 6.

[0056] The inclined slide 6 is adapted to the flange bearing through a composite flange bushing. When the bearing slides along the slide, the linear motion of the chain 13 is converted into the rotational motion of the basket lifting shaft plate 5.

[0057] The lifting shaft plate 5 for pushing the basket is made of 304 stainless steel. One end is fixed to the basket pushing component 4 with flat-head screws, and the other end is connected to the connecting plate 7 of the chain 13 through a flange bearing.

[0058] When the motor 14 rotates forward, the chain 13 pulls the chain 13 connecting plate 7 forward, and the flange bearing slides upward along the inclined slide groove 6, driving the lifting shaft plate to rotate around the push basket shaft. For example, when it rises from 45° to 95°, the push basket part 4 rises synchronously. For example, when the height rises from 20mm to 60mm.

[0059] When the lifting shaft plate rotates to 95°, a mechanical dead angle is formed. The lifting shaft plate tends to continue rotating around the shaft, but the right-angled edge at the top of the inclined slide 6 blocks the flange bearing from sliding, achieving self-locking and eliminating the risk of falling back.

[0060] When the motor 14 reverses, the chain 13 pulls the chain 13 connecting plate 7 to move backward, the flange bearing slides downward along the inclined slide groove 6, the lifting shaft plate rotates back 45°, and the pusher 4 descends and disengages from the mushroom bag basket, so as to avoid the pusher 4 affecting the forward movement of the rear basket when it moves backward.

[0061] The basket pusher 4 is rotatably connected to the basket pusher moving seat 3 via the basket pusher pivot.

[0062] The sensing and positioning unit is the core of intelligent control, including at least two proximity sensors 16 and a mounting plate 17. Its working principle is as follows:

[0063] The proximity sensor 16 is used for position detection and is divided into a waiting position sensor and a position sensor.

[0064] Waiting position detection: Installed in front of the initial position of the pusher 4, when the mushroom bag basket enters the waiting position, the sensor detects the metal basket or the metal mark on the basket, sends a ready push signal to the stepper motor 14 controller, and starts the push process;

[0065] Position detection: Installed at the end of the travel of linear slide rail 2, when the push basket moving seat 3 reaches the end, the sensor sends a push position signal, the controller instructs the motor to stop rotating forward, and after a 1-second delay, reverses to ensure that the mushroom bag basket is placed stably;

[0066] The proximity sensor 16 is powered by DC24V and outputs an NPN normally open signal, which has strong anti-electromagnetic interference capability.

[0067] Positioning and Protection of Mounting Plate 17: Mounting plate 17 is made of 304 stainless steel and is fixed to both sides of the stepper pusher basket base 1 with screws.

[0068] Mounting plate 17 has a pre-set elongated hole, which allows for fine-tuning of the sensor position to ensure accurate detection distance;

[0069] The mounting plate 17 is located outside the linear slide rail 2 to prevent the mushroom bag basket or the push basket moving seat 3 from colliding with the sensor during the pushing process, thus extending the service life of the sensor.

[0070] The single power source is a motor 14 and a motor mounting base 15.

[0071] Detailed workflow:

[0072] Waiting for feeding and inspection

[0073] Feeding: The mushroom bag basket is manually or by conveyor belt sent into the waiting position, and the front of the basket triggers the proximity sensor 16 of the waiting position;

[0074] Signal linkage: The proximity sensor 16 sends a signal to the controller. The controller delays for 0.5 seconds to ensure the basket is stable before instructing the motor 14 to start rotating forward.

[0075] Active Ascent Phase

[0076] Power transmission: The motor 14 rotates forward, driving the drive shaft and sprocket 10 to rotate through the universal joint 18, and the chain 13 pulls the chain 13 connecting plate 7 to move forward;

[0077] The lifting shaft plate rotates: the flange bearing slides upward along the inclined slide groove 6 of the push basket moving seat 3, driving the push basket lifting shaft plate 5 to rotate from 45° to 95°, and the push basket part 4 rises 60mm synchronously.

[0078] Self-locking confirmation: When the lifting shaft plate reaches 95°, the flange bearing slides to the right-angle groove at the top of the slide, forming a mechanical self-lock, and the push basket part 4 does not sink.

[0079] Stable push phase

[0080] Straight push: Chain 13 continues to pull the push basket moving seat 3 forward along the linear slide rail 2, and push basket component 4 pushes the mushroom bag basket to the non-powered area;

[0081] Adaptive deformation: When the deformed part of the mushroom bag basket comes into contact with the pusher 4, the pusher 4 is slightly adjusted by 3° around the axis of rotation to avoid localized force jamming;

[0082] Position detection: When the push basket moving seat 3 reaches the end of its stroke, it triggers the position proximity sensor 16, which sends a signal to the controller, and the motor stops rotating forward.

[0083] Active descent phase

[0084] Reverse start: After the controller delays for 1 second to ensure that the mushroom bag basket is placed stably, it commands the motor 14 to reverse, and the chain 13 pulls the chain 13 connecting plate 7 to move backward;

[0085] Lifting shaft plate reset: The flange bearing slides down along the inclined slide groove 6, the lifting shaft plate 5 of the push basket rotates from 95° back to 45°, the push basket part 4 drops 60mm, detaches from the mushroom bag basket, and avoids scraping when moving backward.

[0086] Reset back-off phase

[0087] Reverse reset: Chain 13 continues to pull the push basket moving seat 3 backward along the linear slide rail 2, returning to the initial position;

[0088] Cycle complete: The push basket moving seat 3 triggers the proximity sensor 16, the motor 14 stops reversing, and a single push basket cycle is completed;

[0089] Continuous cycle: Repeat steps 2-6 to enter the next basket pushing cycle, which is suitable for large-scale production. It can complete 248 cycles per hour and push 248 mushroom bag baskets.

[0090] 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. An active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible mushroom bagging baskets, characterized in that, It includes a basic support unit, a transmission unit, an active lifting and pushing unit, a sensing and positioning unit, and a single power source; the basic support unit includes a stepping basket pusher seat (1) and a linear slide rail (2); the transmission unit includes a stepping basket pusher drive shaft (8), a sprocket (10), a chain (13), and a universal joint (18); the active lifting and pushing unit includes a basket pusher moving seat (3), a basket pusher rotating shaft, a basket pusher lifting shaft plate (5), and a basket pusher component (4); the sensing and positioning unit includes a proximity sensor (16) and a mounting plate (17); the single power source is connected to the stepping basket pusher drive shaft (8).

2. The active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible mushroom bagging as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The basket pusher (4) is rotatably connected to the basket pusher seat (3) via a basket pusher shaft. The basket pusher shaft plate (5) of the active lifting and pushing unit is made of stainless steel. One end of the shaft plate is fixedly connected to the basket pusher (4) via a flat-head screw. The other end of the basket pusher shaft plate (5) is provided with a chain (13) connecting plate (7). The basket pusher shaft plate (5) is connected to the chain (13) connecting plate (7) via a flange bearing. The basket pusher seat (3) is provided with a slanted sliding groove (6). The flange bearing is adapted to the slanted sliding groove (6) via a composite flange bushing.

3. The active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible mushroom bagging as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stepping basket seat (1) of the basic support unit is made of stainless steel. The linear slide rail (2) is symmetrically installed on both sides of the stepping basket seat (1). The bottom of the basket moving seat (3) is fixedly installed with a slider. The basket moving seat (3) is slidably installed on the linear slide rail (2) through the slider.

4. The active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible mushroom bagging as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the stepping basket pusher (1) is symmetrically provided with a chain (13) tensioner (11), and a basket pusher idler wheel (12) is provided on the chain (13) tensioner (11). The other end of the stepping basket pusher (1) is symmetrically provided with a seated bearing (9). The stepping basket pusher drive shaft (8) passes through the seated bearing (9). A sprocket (10) is symmetrically provided on the stepping basket pusher drive shaft (8). The two ends of the chain (13) are respectively sleeved on the basket pusher idler wheel (12) and the sprocket (10).

5. The active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible mushroom bagging as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing and positioning unit includes at least two proximity sensors (16), and the two proximity sensors (16) are distributed on the stepping push basket seat (1). The proximity sensors (16) are provided with mounting plates (17), which are installed on both sides of the stepping push basket seat (1) by screws and are located outside the linear slide rail (2).

6. The active lifting and pushing mechanism for edible mushroom bagging as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The single power source is a motor (14), and the motor (14) is provided with a motor mounting base (15). The output end of the motor (14) is connected to the stepping basket drive shaft (8) through a universal joint (18).

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