A crab larvae sex sorting machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a crab seed female male sorting machine, including frame, feeding system, conveying system, image identification system, sorting execution system, discharge system and control system, feeding system sets up on the frame for receiving and even dispersing crab seed, conveying system is used for receiving and conveying crab seed, including speed regulation motor, the conveying belt of speed regulation motor drive and the baffle of setting in the both sides of conveying belt, image identification system sets up in the vicinity of the throwing material end of conveying belt for gathering its abdomen image in the moment of crab seed separation conveying belt, in parabolic trajectory, sorting execution system corresponds to the parabolic trajectory area setting of crab seed, is used for according to the discrimination result of image identification system to execute sorting action, discharge system sets up in the downstream of sorting execution system for collecting after sorting crab seed, control system and speed regulation motor, high definition camera, high -speed pneumatic solenoid valve etc. electric connection, coordinates each component work, the utility model discloses can efficient, accurate realization crab seed female male sorting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aquaculture equipment technology, specifically to a device for separating male and female crab larvae. Background Technology

[0002] In the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) farming industry, separating male and female crab larvae for rearing is of great significance. For example, male and female crabs reach sexual maturity at different times, with females maturing earlier and males later. The period before the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day is the peak season for crab prices, during which only female crabs are available for market. Mixed rearing can lead to damage to immature individuals during harvesting. Furthermore, their nutritional needs and behavioral patterns differ at different growth stages. Separate rearing helps improve farming efficiency and economic benefits.

[0003] The price of one-year-old female crabs is more than three times that of male crabs, and the price of juvenile female crabs is more than eight times that of male crabs. If male crabs can be removed during the juvenile stage (300-500 crabs per pound) and only female crabs are raised, the benefits will be even more significant.

[0004] Currently, the sexing of crab larvae relies entirely on manual labor. Sorters visually distinguish between males and females by observing the shape of the larvae's abdomen (navel). This method has the following significant drawbacks: low efficiency: skilled workers can only sort 1000-2000 larvae per hour, resulting in high labor intensity; prone to fatigue and errors: manual sorting easily leads to visual fatigue, causing the sorting accuracy to decrease as working hours increase; size limitations: manual sorting can only handle larger larvae (e.g., less than 50 larvae per pound). For smaller larvae (70 or even more than 100 larvae per pound), manual identification is difficult, making effective sorting virtually impossible; impact on survival rate: slow manual sorting results in larvae being out of water for too long, affecting their survival rate; high costs: reliance on a large amount of manual labor increases farming costs.

[0005] While existing technologies exist for sorting finished crabs, they mostly rely on robotic arms for grasping, resulting in low efficiency and unsuitability for sorting large quantities of small crab larvae. Therefore, there is an urgent need for specialized equipment capable of efficiently and accurately separating male and female crab larvae. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sorting machine that is highly efficient and precise, especially capable of effectively sorting small-sized crab seedlings.

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is achieved as follows: a crab seedling sex separation machine, including a frame, a feeding system, a conveying system, an image recognition system, a sorting execution system, a discharge system and a control system.

[0008] The feeding system, mounted on a frame, is used to receive and evenly distribute crab larvae. It includes a feeding hopper and a vibrating feeder. The feeding hopper is funnel-shaped with a smooth metal inner wall to utilize the crab larvae's movement on smooth surfaces. An adjustable baffle plate at the bottom controls the feeding speed. The vibrating feeder, located below the feeding hopper, vibrates to evenly distribute the crab larvae into the conveying system.

[0009] The conveying system, used to receive and transport crab larvae, includes a speed-regulating motor, a conveyor belt driven by the motor, and baffles on both sides of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt provides the crab larvae with a stable speed, causing them to form a relatively uniform parabolic trajectory when they are thrown out at the end.

[0010] The image recognition system employs two or more high-definition cameras positioned at different angles near the feeding end of the conveyor belt. These cameras capture images of the crab larvae's abdomens at the moment they leave the conveyor belt and begin their parabolic trajectory. The system includes at least two high-definition cameras and an auxiliary light source to ensure image clarity.

[0011] The sorting execution system is set up corresponding to the parabolic trajectory area of ​​the crab larvae and is used to perform sorting actions based on the judgment results of the image recognition system. Its core components are a high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve and an air nozzle connected to it. When the system identifies crab larvae that need to be removed (such as male crabs), the control system immediately sends a command to the corresponding high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve. The solenoid valve opens instantly, driving the air nozzle to spray out a fine, umbrella-shaped airflow, which precisely acts on the target crab larvae in flight, changing its flight trajectory.

[0012] The discharge system is located downstream of the sorting execution system and is used to collect the sorted crab larvae. It includes two discharge bins (such as a front discharge bin and a rear discharge bin) and an adjustable isolation baffle. Crab larvae (male crabs) whose trajectories are altered by airflow fall into one discharge bin (such as the front discharge bin), while crab larvae (female crabs) that are undisturbed and move along their original parabolic trajectory pass over the baffle and fall into the other discharge bin (such as the rear discharge bin).

[0013] The control system is electrically connected to the speed-regulating motor, high-definition camera, high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve, etc., and coordinates the operation of each component.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This method achieves high efficiency in separating male and female crab larvae, with a sorting efficiency of 100,000 to 200,000 larvae per hour, which is dozens to hundreds of times that of manual sorting, greatly liberating labor.

[0015] Based on image recognition technology, this invention can accurately identify the abdominal features of crab larvae, achieving a high sorting accuracy (according to actual measurements, the sorting accuracy for both male and female crabs can reach over 87%). In particular, this invention can effectively sort small-sized crab larvae, approximately 200 per pound, overcoming the size limitations of manual sorting.

[0016] The sorting process uses high-speed airflow jets, which avoids physical contact with the crab larvae and prevents mechanical damage, making it particularly suitable for live crab larvae.

[0017] All systems are integrated on the frame, resulting in a rational structure. The system allows for unified control and is easy to operate. Operating parameters (such as conveyor speed and airflow pressure) are adjustable to accommodate crab seedlings of different sizes. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the technical description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the crab larvae sex separation machine of this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the crab larvae sex separation machine of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side view structural diagram.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission system.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated sorting and execution system structure.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the sorting system and the discharge system.

[0025] Among them, 1-frame, 2-feed hopper, 3-vibrating feeder, 4-speed regulating motor, 5-conveyor belt, 6-baffle, 7-air pipe, 8-protective cover, 9-air nozzle, 11-discharge bin: 1101 front discharge bin, 1102 rear discharge bin, 12-upper sorting box, 13-lower sorting box, 14-insertion plate, 15-adjusting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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 skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Example

[0027] During operation, crab larvae to be sorted are poured into the feed hopper 2. By adjusting the opening of the baffle plate at the bottom of the feed hopper 2 and the vibration frequency of the vibrating feeder 3, the crab larvae are controlled to fall evenly and in a single layer onto the conveyor belt 5. Driven by the speed-regulating motor 4, the conveyor belt 5 transports the crab larvae at a set speed. The crab larvae move forward under the constraint of the baffles 6 on both sides of the conveyor belt 5, and are thrown out at the throwing end, entering a parabolic motion trajectory.

[0028] The moment the crab larvae are released, high-definition cameras installed in the upper and lower sorting boxes quickly capture images of the larvae's abdomens under auxiliary lighting. The image data is transmitted in real time to the control system for processing and recognition (the control system can integrate an AI recognition model).

[0029] If a crab larvae that need to be removed are identified (e.g., set to remove male crabs), the control system immediately sends a command to the high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve at the corresponding location. The high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve (which operates 500 times per second) opens instantaneously, driving one or more corresponding air nozzles 9 to spray out a fine, umbrella-shaped airflow regulated by a pressure control valve. This airflow is precisely directed at the target male crab, causing it to deviate from its original parabolic trajectory.

[0030] Male crabs blown by the airflow fall into the front discharge bin 1101. Female crabs, which are not affected by the airflow, continue to move along their original parabolic trajectory, fly over the adjustable isolation baffle, and fall into the rear discharge bin 1102, thus achieving the separation of male and female crab larvae.

[0031] The lower sorting box is equipped with a glass cover and a cleaning device that can periodically spray air or water to keep the mirror clean.

[0032] The air supply system (including air compressor, air tank, oil-water separator, etc., not fully shown in the figure) provides a stable and clean air source for the sorting execution system.

[0033] This invention, through the combination and coordinated operation of the aforementioned hardware structures, successfully achieves efficient and accurate sorting of male and female crab larvae. Example

[0034] How to ensure that crab larvae fall evenly onto the conveyor belt: Crab larvae are living organisms and are quite agile after being removed from the water. They usually crawl with their bellies down. However, they have great difficulty moving when they encounter a smooth surface with low friction. Therefore, the feeding hopper is made of smooth metal. But when a group of crab larvae are piled together, they tend to stack up. When they encounter appropriate external interference during the climbing process, they are not easy to climb.

[0035] Taking advantage of the above-mentioned habits of crab seedlings, the feeding hopper is made into a funnel shape, with a discharge port with a baffle plate on one side of the bottom to control the feeding speed of crab seedlings; Below the feed hopper is a vibrating screen. Crab larvae entering the vibrating screen from the hopper can be dispersed onto the conveyor belt at a suitable vibration frequency, preventing the larvae from clumping together. The frequency of the vibrating screen can be adjusted appropriately according to the size of the crab larvae, and the adjustment control is completed on the main control panel of the control system. Example

[0036] How can we ensure that the location captured in the photo is a location with gender characteristics? Crab larvae can be distinguished by the shape of their pelvic fins located on their abdomen; all photos must be of the pelvic fins for identification. Because the conveyor belt operates at high speed and has smooth baffles on both sides, the crab larvae are thrown out before they have a chance to make large movements. The high-definition camera captures the moment the larvae leave the conveyor belt and move along a parabolic trajectory. The difference between male and female crab larvae is located on their abdomen, specifically their pelvic fins. As the larvae move along the parabola in the air, they will move in different postures. Two or more high-definition cameras will capture images from different angles above and below. The images obtained by the cameras are immediately compared with a pre-stored database in the system. When the characteristics of a male crab are matched, the signal is immediately transmitted to a high-frequency solenoid valve, which opens one or more air nozzle switches aimed at the selected larvae (the solenoid valve frequency can reach 0.04 milliseconds). The number of air nozzle switches opened depends on the number of air nozzles directly facing the larvae's projection surface. Air is blown from the air nozzles, and the fine airflow blows in an umbrella shape towards the selected larvae, thereby changing their trajectory (the air pressure is controlled and adjusted by the pressure valve of the air supply system, and the parameters are adjusted during equipment debugging).

[0037] The speed of the transmission belt is controlled by a speed-regulating motor, and the operation is all completed in the settings of the control system's main control panel. This parameter, together with the crab seedling size, resolution parameters, similarity parameters, etc., constitutes the operating parameter system, which is used to control the sorting accuracy.

[0038] High-definition cameras are installed in the upper and lower sorting boxes respectively. The glass cover of the lower sorting box is equipped with both air and water cleaning devices to keep the glass surface clean.

[0039] The database used by the control system for comparison consists of a large number of photos of crab larvae taken from different angles, labeled, and then loaded into the control system after computer training. Example

[0040] When selecting (removing) male crabs, how exactly is the high-frequency pneumatic valve opened? When male crabs are selected for removal, their trajectory changes as they move along the parabola after leaving the conveyor belt due to the external force in the same direction, causing them to fall into a roughly consistent position range. It consists of two adjacent discharge bins and a baffle. The baffle intercepts the male crabs after their trajectory is altered, causing them to fall into the front discharge bin. The vertical and horizontal positions of the baffle are adjustable, and adjustments are made according to the size of the crab larvae, the speed of the conveyor belt, and the height and speed at which the crab larvae land to find the optimal position.

[0041] The female crab's trajectory is undisturbed by external forces, continuing along its original parabolic path. After flying over the isolation baffle, it is blocked by the soft baffle of the rear discharge bin and falls into the rear discharge bin.

[0042] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of the utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A machine for separating male and female crab larvae, characterized in that, include: Rack (1); The feeding system is set on the frame (1) for receiving and conveying crab seedlings. It includes a feeding hopper (2) and a vibrating feeder (3). The bottom of the feeding hopper (2) is provided with an adjustable opening plate (14), and the vibrating feeder (3) is located below the feeding hopper (2). The conveying system, set on the frame (1), is used to receive and convey crab seedlings from the vibrating feeder (3). It includes a speed-regulating motor (4), a conveyor belt (5) driven by the speed-regulating motor (4), and baffles (6) set on both sides of the conveyor belt (5). An image recognition system is set near the feeding end of the conveyor belt (5) to collect images of crab seedlings. It includes at least two high-definition cameras and an auxiliary light source. The sorting execution system is used to change the parabolic motion trajectory of the crab seedlings to be sorted according to the signal of the image recognition system. It includes a high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve and an air nozzle (9) connected to the high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve. The discharge system, located downstream of the sorting execution system, is used to collect the sorted crab seedlings. It includes two discharge bins (11) and an isolation baffle for adjusting the landing area of ​​the crab seedlings. The control system is electrically connected to the speed-regulating motor (4), the high-definition camera, and the high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve.

2. The crab larvae sex separation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed hopper (2) is funnel-shaped, and its inner wall is a smooth metal surface.

3. The crab larvae sex separation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the conveyor belt (5) has friction, and its running speed is controlled by the speed regulating motor (4).

4. The crab larvae sex separation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-definition camera and the auxiliary light source are a set. The high-definition camera and the auxiliary light source are set in both the upper sorting box (12) and the lower sorting box (13). The upper sorting box (12) and the lower sorting box (13) correspond to the parabolic trajectory area of ​​the crab seedlings being thrown.

5. The crab larvae sex separation machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower sorting box is covered with a transparent glass cover and is equipped with a cleaning device for air blowing and / or water washing.

6. The crab larvae sex separation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve opens and closes 500 times per second, and controls the start and stop of the nozzle (9); the airflow ejected from the nozzle (9) is umbrella-shaped.

7. The crab larvae sex separation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge hopper (11) includes a front discharge hopper (1101) and a rear discharge hopper (1102) arranged in front and behind each other. The isolation baffle is arranged between the front discharge hopper (1101) and the rear discharge hopper (1102), and its position is adjustable.

8. The crab larvae sex separation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air supply system, which comprises an air compressor, an air tank, an oil-water separator, and a pressure control valve, connected to the high-speed pneumatic solenoid valve via an air pipe.

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