Fruit picking device and fruit and vegetable water transportation and sorting system

Abstract

This application relates to the field of fruit and vegetable sorting technology, and more particularly to a fruit-driving device and a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system. The fruit-driving device includes a support assembly, a fruit-driving mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a controller. The movable frame of the support assembly can move along the top of the output channel. The baffle of the fruit-driving mechanism is used to push the fruits and vegetables in the output channel forward, and the drive mechanism is used to drive the movable frame to move. The controller first controls the drive mechanism to make the movable frame move at a higher first speed without load, so that the baffle quickly reaches the vicinity of the target fruits and vegetables, shortening the non-working stroke time and improving the overall efficiency. Subsequently, the controller switches to a lower second speed, driving the baffle to slowly and gently push the fruits and vegetables forward. The controller coordinates the speed switching and baffle lifting and lowering throughout the process. Through the above settings, this application enables the baffle to advance gently at a low speed, effectively avoiding collisions between fruits and vegetables caused by excessive speed, as well as friction damage to the fruit and vegetable skins, and effectively ensuring the quality of the fruits and vegetables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fruit and vegetable sorting technology, and in particular to a fruit-driving device and a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of post-harvest processing of fruits and vegetables, especially for easily bruised fruits such as apples and pears, water-based sorting lines are typically used for washing, grading, and packaging. In existing technologies, fruits and vegetables are primarily transported by floating water flow provided by pumps within a trough-type output channel.

[0003] However, in long output channels, uneven or attenuated water flow velocity can cause fruits and vegetables to move slowly or even stagnate, affecting the overall sorting efficiency of the line. If the water flow impact force is increased to improve speed, it can easily cause collision damage between fruits and vegetables or between fruits and vegetables and the tank walls, reducing product quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this application is to provide a fruit-driving device and a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system to solve the technical problem that in existing fruit and vegetable water transport sorting lines, the slow conveying speed leads to low efficiency, while increasing the speed easily causes collision damage to fruits and vegetables, making it difficult to balance conveying efficiency and fruit and vegetable quality.

[0005] This application provides a fruit-driving device for use in a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system. The fruit-driving device includes: The support assembly includes a movable frame, which is disposed above the output channel of the fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system and is movable relative to the output channel in the length direction of the output channel; A fruit-driving mechanism is installed on the mobile frame. The fruit-driving mechanism includes a liftable baffle, which is used to push the fruits and vegetables in the output channel forward when it descends into the output channel. A drive mechanism, mounted on the movable frame, is used to drive the movable frame to move. The drive mechanism is capable of driving the movable frame to move at at least two speeds, so that the baffle approaches the fruits and vegetables at a first speed and pushes the fruits and vegetables at a second speed, the second speed being less than the first speed. The controller is electrically connected to both the fruit-driving mechanism and the drive mechanism, and is used to control the drive mechanism to drive the moving frame to move, while controlling the baffle to descend to push the fruits and vegetables, or to control the baffle to rise when the moving frame is reset.

[0006] Through the aforementioned structure, the fruit-pulling device employs at least two different moving speeds, switched by a controller. Specifically, a higher first speed is used for unloaded movement, significantly shortening the non-working stroke time and improving overall operational efficiency. The lower second speed gently pushes the fruits and vegetables, effectively preventing collisions and damage to their skins caused by excessive speed, thus ensuring the quality of the produce.

[0007] Optionally, the support assembly further includes a fruit and vegetable detection sensor, which is mounted on the movable frame and is used to detect fruits and vegetables in front of the movable frame. The fruit and vegetable detection sensor is electrically connected to the controller. Based on the detection result of the fruit and vegetable detection sensor, the controller controls the drive mechanism to drive the movable frame to move at the first speed when no fruits and vegetables are detected in front of the movable frame, or controls the drive mechanism to drive the movable frame to move at the second speed when fruits and vegetables are detected.

[0008] With the above structure, a fruit and vegetable detection sensor is installed on the mobile rack, which monitors the fruits and vegetables in front of the rack in real time. Based on the signals from the sensor, the controller determines whether fruits and vegetables are present and switches between a first speed and a second speed accordingly. This ensures precise timing of the speed switch, avoiding inefficiency caused by excessively slow speeds during idle periods and preventing impacts caused by the baffle not slowing down in time before contacting the fruits and vegetables. This further improves the reliability of the device and the protection of the fruits and vegetables.

[0009] Optionally, a first position sensor and a second position sensor are provided at each end of the moving path of the moving frame. The first position sensor is closer to the midpoint of the moving path of the moving frame than the second position sensor. The controller is electrically connected to the first position sensor and the second position sensor respectively. The controller is also used to control the drive mechanism to drive the moving frame to move at a third speed after receiving the signal from the first position sensor, or to control the drive mechanism to stop the movement of the moving frame after receiving the signal from the second position sensor. The third speed is less than the second speed.

[0010] With the above structure, when the moving frame approaches the end of its travel and triggers the first position sensor, the controller will control the drive mechanism to reduce the moving frame to a third speed, which is slower than the second speed, for buffer deceleration; then when the moving frame touches the second position sensor at its limit position, the controller will control the drive mechanism to stop the movement completely, thus completing a smooth and precise positioning and stopping process.

[0011] Optionally, when the baffle descends into the output channel, the pushing surface of the baffle facing the fruits and vegetables forms a preset angle with the water surface, the preset angle being greater than 90° and less than 180°.

[0012] With the above structure, the push surface of the baffle in this embodiment is set to form an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees with the water surface. When the baffle descends to push floating fruits and vegetables in the water, the inclined push surface can generate an upward component force on the fruits and vegetables, allowing them to maintain a stable posture on the water surface while moving forward. The buoyancy of the water is used for cushioning, forming a guided, gentle pushing method, rather than a vertical, impact-like pushing method. The use of an inclined baffle push surface greatly reduces the direct impact force on the fruits and vegetables.

[0013] Optionally, the support assembly further includes: A support beam is arranged parallel to the output channel above it and extends along the length of the output channel. The support beam includes a top surface. A drive wheel is installed at the bottom of the movable frame and rolls against the top surface of the support beam. The drive wheel is connected to the drive mechanism, which drives the drive wheel to roll on the support beam so that the movable frame moves relative to the output channel in the length direction of the output channel.

[0014] With the above structure, a fixed support beam is erected above the output channel as a track, and drive wheels are installed at the bottom of the moving frame. Driven by the drive mechanism, the drive wheels roll on the top surface of the support beam. The moving frame of the fruit-collecting device adopts a stable and low-friction movement method, that is, using the support beam as a track and the drive wheels rolling on it, which ensures the smoothness and reliability of the moving frame in reciprocating motion and avoids shaking or jamming during the movement.

[0015] Optionally, there are two support beams, which are spaced apart. Each drive wheel rolls against the top surface of a corresponding support beam. Each support beam includes a guide side adjacent to the top surface of the support beam, and the guide sides of the two support beams are arranged facing each other. The support assembly also includes guide wheels, each of which is mounted on the bottom of the movable frame and rolls against the guide side of a corresponding support beam.

[0016] With the above structure, the fruit-carrying device uses two support beams as the main track, and adds guide wheels that cooperate with the guide sides of the support beams. During movement, the guide wheels roll close to the inner or outer side of the support beams, thereby constraining the movement trajectory of the mobile frame in the horizontal direction, preventing lateral swaying, and significantly improving the stability of the mobile frame during long-distance movement.

[0017] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes: The first sprocket is rotatably mounted on the movable frame; The second sprocket is rotatably mounted on the movable frame. The second sprocket is coaxially arranged with the drive wheel, and the second sprocket can drive the drive wheel to rotate synchronously. A drive chain belt is respectively fitted onto the first sprocket and the second sprocket, and is connected to the first sprocket and the second sprocket in cooperation; A drive motor is mounted on the movable frame and connected to the first sprocket. The drive motor is connected to the controller and is controlled by the controller to drive the first sprocket to rotate.

[0018] With the above structure, the drive motor controlled by the controller drives the first sprocket to rotate, and the power is transmitted to the second sprocket, which is fixed coaxially with the drive wheel, through the transmission chain belt, so that the drive wheel rotates. Compared with friction transmission such as belts, it will not produce slippage, and the transmission ratio is precise and the response is fast.

[0019] Optionally, the fruit-driving mechanism further includes: A rotating shaft is hinged to the movable frame. The rotating shaft is arranged parallel to the width direction of the output channel. One side edge of the baffle is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. A connecting rod, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft; A linear drive component is hinged to the other end of the movable frame and the connecting rod, respectively. The linear drive component can drive the connecting rod to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft, so that the rotating shaft follows the connecting rod and drives the baffle to rotate.

[0020] With the above structure, the fruit-driving device drives the connecting rod, which is hinged to it, to swing around the rotating shaft through the extension and retraction of the linear drive component. Since the baffle is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, the baffle will rise or fall smoothly as the rotating shaft rotates, completing the switching between its working position and avoidance position.

[0021] In another aspect, embodiments of this application provide a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system, comprising: A water transport sorting device includes a sorting channel and an output channel, each sorting channel being connected to the output channel, and the output channel receiving and outputting fruits and vegetables from one of the sorting channels at a time. The fruit-driving device as described in any of the above claims is located above the output channel; Optionally, the fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system also includes a channel sensor and a gate installed at the outlet of the sorting channel. The controller is electrically connected to the channel sensor and the gate. The controller is used to trigger the fruit-driving device to operate when the channel sensor does not detect fruits and vegetables for a preset time, and to control the gate to open after the fruit-driving device returns to its initial position.

[0022] With the above structure, a channel sensor and a gate are installed at the exit of each sorting channel, and connected to the controller of the fruit-collecting device. The controller monitors the channel sensors; when it detects that no fruits or vegetables are output from a channel within a preset time, it automatically closes the gate of that channel and starts the fruit-collecting device to clear the output channel. After the fruit-collecting device completes its task and returns to its position, the gate is reopened. This effectively prevents conflicts between the open gate and newly arriving fruits and vegetables from upstream and the returning fruit-collecting device, avoiding system congestion and ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the entire sorting process.

[0023] The embodiments of this application achieve the following technical effects: This application provides a fruit-driving device to provide thrust to fruits and vegetables that are stagnant or moving slowly in the output channel, thereby enabling the fruits and vegetables to be output as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the fruit-driving device sets at least two different moving speeds, which are switched by a controller. Specifically, a higher first speed is used for unloaded movement, significantly shortening the time of non-working strokes and improving overall operational efficiency. The lower second speed gently pushes the fruits and vegetables, effectively avoiding collisions between fruits and vegetables and damage to their skin due to excessive speed, thus ensuring the quality of the fruits and vegetables. Attached Figure Description

[0024] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute a limitation on scale.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fruit-driving device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is another structural schematic diagram of a fruit-driving device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of detail A in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of detail section B; Figure 6This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a fruit-driving device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of detail C in the middle; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another part of the structure of a fruit-driving device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 for Figure 2 A magnified view of detail section D.

[0026] Label Explanation: 1000. Fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system; 100. Fruit driving device; 10. Support assembly; 11. Moving frame; 12. Fruit and vegetable detection sensor; 13. Support beam; 131. Top surface; 132. Guide side; 133. Travel limit block; 14. Drive wheel; 15. Guide wheel; 16. Auxiliary wheel; 20. Fruit driving mechanism; 21. Baffle; 211. Push surface; 22. Rotating shaft; 23. Connecting rod; 24. Linear drive component; 30. Drive mechanism; 31. First sprocket; 32. Second sprocket; 33. Transmission chain belt; 34. Drive motor; 40. First position sensor; 50. Second position sensor; 200. Water transport sorting device; 201. Sorting channel; 202. Output channel. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements can exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "upper end," "lower end," "top," and "bottom," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0029] In related technologies, fruits and vegetables are mainly transported by floating using water provided by a water pump within a trough-type output channel.

[0030] However, in long output channels, uneven or attenuated water flow velocity can cause fruits and vegetables to move slowly or even stagnate, affecting the overall sorting efficiency of the line. If the water flow impact force is increased to improve speed, it can easily cause collision damage between fruits and vegetables or between fruits and vegetables and the tank walls, reducing product quality.

[0031] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 3 In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a fruit-driving device 100, which is applied to a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system 1000. The fruit-driving device 100 includes a support assembly 10, a fruit-driving mechanism 20, a drive mechanism 30, and a controller (not shown in the figure).

[0032] The support assembly 10 includes a movable frame 11, which is positioned above the output channel 202 of the fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system 1000 and is movable relative to the output channel 202 along its length. A fruit-driving mechanism 20 is mounted on the movable frame 11 and includes a liftable baffle 21. The baffle 21 is used to push the fruits and vegetables within the output channel 202 forward when it descends into the output channel 202. A drive mechanism 30 is mounted on the movable frame 11 and is used to drive the movable frame 11 to move. The drive mechanism 30 can drive the movable frame 11 to move at at least two speeds, such that the baffle 21 approaches the fruits and vegetables at a first speed and pushes the fruits and vegetables at a second speed, where the second speed is less than the first speed.

[0033] The controller is electrically connected to the fruit-driving mechanism 20 and the drive mechanism 30 respectively. It is used to control the drive mechanism 30 to drive the moving frame 11 to move, and at the same time control the baffle 21 to descend to push the fruits and vegetables, or control the baffle 21 to rise when the moving frame 11 is reset.

[0034] The working principle of the fruit-carrying device 100 in this embodiment is as follows: The fruit-carrying device 100 is equipped with a liftable baffle 21 mounted on a movable frame 11 that can move along the length of the output channel 202. The controller coordinates the actions of the drive mechanism 30 and the fruit-carrying mechanism 20. When it is necessary to push the fruits and vegetables, the controller controls the baffle 21 of the fruit-carrying mechanism 20 to descend into the water, and controls the drive mechanism 30 to smoothly push the fruits and vegetables forward at a lower second speed; when there are no fruits and vegetables in front of the movable frame 11 or it needs to be quickly returned to its original position, it moves at a higher first speed, thereby achieving efficient and gentle assistance in transporting fruits and vegetables by water. In addition, when the movable frame 11 needs to be reset, the baffle 21 of the fruit-carrying mechanism 20 is controlled to rise to avoid water flow resistance and prevent interference with and disturbance of the water flow in the output channel 202.

[0035] Understandably, this application provides a fruit-driving device 100 to provide thrust to fruits and vegetables that are lingering or moving slowly in the output channel 202, so that the fruits and vegetables can be output as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the fruit-driving device 100 sets at least two different moving speeds, which are switched by a controller. Specifically, it uses a higher first speed for unloaded movement, significantly shortening the time of non-working strokes and improving overall operational efficiency. Using a lower second speed to gently push the fruits and vegetables effectively avoids collisions between fruits and vegetables and damage to their skins due to excessive speed, thus ensuring the quality of the fruits and vegetables.

[0036] For example, the baffle 21 can be a mesh baffle 21 or a fence to reduce water resistance during movement and avoid disturbing the normal flow of water, thus preventing backflow of fruits and vegetables. Also for example, in the initial state, the controller can control the baffle 21 to remain in a lowered state. After completing one fruit-driving operation, the moving frame 11 resets, and the controller simultaneously controls the baffle 21 to rise. After the moving frame 11 returns to its initial position, the controller then controls the baffle 21 to remain in a lowered state again.

[0037] Please refer to the following: Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the support assembly 10 further includes a fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12, which is mounted on the movable frame 11. The fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12 is used to detect fruits and vegetables in front of the movable frame 11. The fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12 is electrically connected to the controller. Based on the detection result of the fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12, the controller controls the drive mechanism 30 to drive the movable frame 11 to move at a first speed when no fruits and vegetables are detected in front of the movable frame 11, or controls the drive mechanism 30 to drive the movable frame 11 to move at a second speed when fruits and vegetables are detected.

[0038] Understandably, in this embodiment, a fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12 is installed on the mobile frame 11. The fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12 monitors the fruits and vegetables in front of the mobile frame 11 in real time. The controller determines whether there are fruits and vegetables in front based on the signal fed back by the fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12, and switches between a first speed and a second speed based on the determination result. This ensures that the timing of the speed switch is accurate, which avoids the waste of efficiency due to the slow speed when the device is unloaded, and also prevents the impact caused by the baffle 21 failing to decelerate in time before contacting the fruits and vegetables. This further improves the reliability of the device operation and the protection effect on the fruits and vegetables.

[0039] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 5In some embodiments, a first position sensor 40 and a second position sensor 50 are provided at each end of the movement path of the movable frame 11. The first position sensor 40 is closer to the midpoint of the movement path of the movable frame 11 than the second position sensor 50. The controller is electrically connected to the first position sensor 40 and the second position sensor 50 respectively. The controller is also used to control the drive mechanism 30 to drive the movable frame 11 to move at a third speed after receiving a signal from the first position sensor 40, or to control the drive mechanism 30 to stop the movement of the movable frame 11 after receiving a signal from the second position sensor 50. The third speed is less than the second speed.

[0040] Understandably, first and second position sensors 50 with different functions are set at both ends of the movement path. When the moving frame 11 approaches the end of the stroke and triggers the first position sensor 40, the controller controls the drive mechanism 30 to reduce the moving frame 11 to a third speed, which is slower than the second speed, for buffer deceleration. Then, when the moving frame 11 touches the second position sensor 50 at its extreme position, the controller controls the drive mechanism 30 to stop the movement completely, thereby completing a smooth and precise positioning and stopping process.

[0041] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 and Figure 6 For example, each end of the support beam 13 is provided with a travel limit block 133. Based on the above configuration, not only is the rigid impact of the moving frame 11 on the travel limit block 133 effectively avoided, but mechanical wear and vibration are also reduced, and the service life of the equipment is extended.

[0042] For example, the first position sensor 40 is a proximity switch and the second position sensor 50 is a limit switch. In other embodiments, the specific types of the first position sensor 40 and the second position sensor 50 can be selected and set accordingly according to actual needs.

[0043] Please review Figure 6 In some embodiments, when the baffle 21 descends into the output channel 202, the pushing surface 211 of the baffle 21 facing the fruits and vegetables forms a preset angle α with the water surface, the preset angle α being greater than 90° and less than 180°.

[0044] Understandably, in this embodiment, the pushing surface 211 of the baffle 21 is set to form an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees with the water surface. When the baffle 21 descends to push floating fruits and vegetables in the water, the inclined pushing surface 211 can generate an upward component force on the fruits and vegetables, allowing them to maintain a stable posture on the water surface while moving forward, and using the buoyancy of the water for cushioning, forming a guided and gentle pushing method, rather than a vertical impact-type pushing method. By using the inclined pushing surface 211 of the baffle 21, the direct impact force on the fruits and vegetables is greatly reduced.

[0045] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 In some embodiments, the support assembly 10 further includes a support beam 13 and a drive wheel 14. The support beam 13 is arranged parallel to the output channel 202 above and extends along the length of the output channel 202, and includes a top surface 131. The drive wheel 14 is mounted on the bottom of the movable frame 11 and rolls against the top surface 131 of the support beam 13. The drive wheel 14 is connected to a drive mechanism 30, which drives the drive wheel 14 to roll on the support beam 13, so that the movable frame 11 moves relative to the output channel 202 along the length of the output channel 202.

[0046] Understandably, a fixed support beam 13 is erected above the output channel 202 as a track, and a drive wheel 14 is installed at the bottom of the moving frame 11. Driven by the drive mechanism 30, the drive wheel 14 rolls on the top surface 131 of the support beam 13. The moving frame 11 of the fruit-collecting device 100 adopts a stable and low-friction movement method, that is, using the support beam 13 as a track and the drive wheel 14 rolling on it, which ensures the smoothness and reliability of the moving frame 11 in reciprocating motion and avoids shaking or jamming during the movement.

[0047] Please review Figure 5 For example, each end of the support beam 13 is provided with a first position sensor 40 and a second position sensor 50 as described in the above embodiment to detect whether the moving frame 11 is close to the limit position of the moving path.

[0048] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In some embodiments, there are two support beams 13, which are spaced apart. Each drive wheel 14 rolls against the top surface 131 of the corresponding support beam 13. The support beam 13 includes a guide side surface 132 adjacent to the top surface 131 of the support beam 13, and the guide side surfaces 132 of the two support beams 13 are arranged facing each other.

[0049] The support assembly 10 also includes guide wheels 15, each guide wheel 15 being mounted on the bottom of the movable frame 11 and rolling against the guide side 132 of a corresponding support beam 13.

[0050] Understandably, the fruit-carrying device 100 of this application embodiment uses two support beams 13 as the main track, and adds guide wheels 15 that cooperate with the guide sides 132 of the support beams 13. The guide wheels 15 roll close to the inner or outer side of the support beams 13 during movement, thereby constraining the movement trajectory of the moving frame 11 in the horizontal direction, preventing it from lateral swaying, and significantly improving the stability of the moving frame 11 during long-distance movement.

[0051] Please see Figure 8 In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 30 includes a first sprocket 31, a second sprocket 32, a transmission chain 33, and a drive motor 34. The first sprocket 31 is rotatably mounted on the movable frame 11. The second sprocket 32 ​​is rotatably mounted on the movable frame 11, and is coaxially arranged with the drive wheel 14, enabling the second sprocket 32 ​​to drive the drive wheel 14 to rotate synchronously. The transmission chain 33 is respectively sleeved on the first sprocket 31 and the second sprocket 32, and is connected to and cooperates with the first sprocket 31 and the second sprocket 32. The drive motor 34 is mounted on the movable frame 11 and connected to the first sprocket 31. The drive motor 34 is connected to a controller and is controlled by the controller to drive the first sprocket 31 to rotate.

[0052] Understandably, in the fruit-driving device 100 of this application embodiment, the first sprocket 31 is driven to rotate by the drive motor 34 controlled by the controller, and the power is transmitted to the second sprocket 32, which is coaxially fixed with the drive wheel 14, through the transmission chain belt 33, so that the drive wheel 14 rotates. Compared with friction transmission such as belts, it does not produce slippage, has a precise transmission ratio, and responds quickly.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second sprocket 32 ​​and the drive wheel 14 are fixedly connected via a connecting shaft to achieve coaxial fixation of the second sprocket 32 ​​and the drive wheel 14. For example, the drive motor 34 can be a servo motor or a stepper motor.

[0054] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 9 For example, the support assembly 10 further includes auxiliary wheels 16, which are mounted on the bottom of the movable frame 11 and roll against the top surface 131 of the support beam 13. The auxiliary wheels 16 are not driven by the drive mechanism 30 and are used to roll and support the movable frame 11, assisting the movable frame 11 in stable movement. Also for example, the bottom of the movable frame 11 is supported by four wheels. In the output direction of the output channel 202, the two wheels located at the front of the bottom of the movable frame 11 are drive wheels 14, and the two wheels located at the rear of the bottom are auxiliary wheels 16.

[0055] Please review Figure 6In some embodiments, the fruit-driving mechanism 20 further includes a rotating shaft 22, a connecting rod 23, and a linear drive 24. The rotating shaft 22 is hinged to the movable frame 11 and is arranged parallel to the width direction of the output channel 202. One side edge of the baffle 21 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 22. One end of the connecting rod 23 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 22. The linear drive 24 is hinged to both the movable frame 11 and the other end of the connecting rod 23. The linear drive 24 can drive the connecting rod 23 to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft 22, so that the rotating shaft 22 follows the connecting rod 23 and drives the baffle 21 to rotate.

[0056] Understandably, the fruit-driving device 100 drives the connecting rod 23, which is hinged to it, to swing around the rotating shaft 22 via the extension and retraction of the linear drive component 24. Since the baffle 21 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 22, the baffle 21 will smoothly rise or fall as the rotating shaft 22 rotates, completing the switching between its working position and its avoidance position. The linear drive component 24 can be, for example, a cylinder or an electric push rod, which can provide stable and sufficiently large thrust to ensure that the baffle 21 can quickly and accurately complete the lifting and lowering action, and precisely coordinate with the forward and backward movements of the moving frame 11, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire fruit-driving process.

[0057] In some embodiments, the controller can be a commonly used programmable logic controller (PLC) or a microcontroller with a preset program. The controller is electrically connected to the drive motor 34 of the drive mechanism 30 and the linear drive 24 of the fruit-picking mechanism 20, and receives signals from the fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12, the first position sensor 40, and the second position sensor 50.

[0058] Specifically, when the fruit-driving device 100 starts and moves forward, the controller first controls the drive mechanism 30 to run at a higher first speed to quickly approach the target fruit and vegetable area. When the fruit and vegetable detection sensor 12 on the moving frame 11 detects fruits and vegetables in the water ahead, the controller immediately issues a command to switch the running speed of the drive mechanism 30 to a lower second speed to achieve smooth pushing of the fruits and vegetables and avoid impact damage.

[0059] At the end of the travel of the moving frame 11, when the moving frame 11 triggers the first position sensor 40, the controller further reduces the speed to a third speed for buffer positioning; then, when the second position sensor 50 is triggered, the control drive mechanism 30 is completely stopped, completing one fruit-catching operation.

[0060] During the return stroke, the controller first controls the linear drive 24 of the fruit-catching mechanism 20 to lift the baffle 21 above the water surface. Then, it controls the drive mechanism 30 to run in reverse at a higher first speed to achieve rapid return to position, thereby shortening the operation cycle and improving overall efficiency.

[0061] For example, the controller can be set in a control box, which can be installed on the mobile frame 11 or be an independent control box. The connecting cables between the controller and the fruit-carrying mechanism 20 and the drive mechanism 30 can be housed in a cable chain, which can be laid on the support assembly 10.

[0062] In another aspect, this application provides a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system 1000, including a water transport sorting device 200 and a fruit-driving device 100 as described in the above embodiment. The water transport sorting device 200 includes a sorting channel 201 and an output channel 202, each sorting channel 201 being connected to the output channel 202, and the output channel 202 receiving and outputting fruits and vegetables from one of the sorting channels 201 at a time. The fruit-driving device 100 is disposed above the output channel 202.

[0063] It is understood that this application applies the fruit-driving device 100 of the above embodiments to a water transport sorting system having multiple sorting channels 201 and a common output channel 202. The fruit-driving device 100 is installed on the common output channel 202 after all the sorting channels 201 converge, solving the problems of fruit and vegetable accumulation and flow rate bottleneck that may occur in the common output channel 202.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system 1000 further includes a channel sensor and a gate disposed at the outlet of the sorting channel 201. The controller is electrically connected to the channel sensor and the gate. The controller is used to trigger the fruit-driving device 100 to run when the channel sensor does not detect fruits and vegetables for a preset duration, and to control the gate to open after the fruit-driving device 100 returns to its initial position.

[0065] Understandably, a channel sensor and a gate are installed at the exit of each sorting channel 201, and connected to the controller of the fruit-driving device 100. The controller monitors the channel sensors; when it detects no fruit or vegetables output from a channel within a preset time, it actively closes the gate of that channel and activates the fruit-driving device 100 to clear the output channel 202. After the fruit-driving device 100 completes its task and returns to its position, the gate is reopened. This effectively prevents conflicts between the open gate and newly arriving fruits and vegetables from upstream and the returning fruit-driving device 100, avoiding system congestion and ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the entire sorting process. In the entire water transport sorting system, the controller can also receive signals from the channel sensors of the upstream sorting channels to determine the start-up timing, and after the fruit-driving device returns to its position, it sends an opening signal to the gate, achieving automated collaborative operation of the entire system.

[0066] In other embodiments, the water transport sorting device is equipped with a sorting channel controller specifically for controlling the gate and receiving channel sensor signals. The sorting channel can be a commonly used programmable logic controller (PLC) or a microcontroller with a preset program. The sorting channel controller and the controller of the fruit-collecting device can communicate with each other. The control systems of the water transport sorting device and the fruit-collecting device are independent of each other, but can work together through communication connection.

[0067] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it; under the concept of this utility model, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of this utility model as described above. For the sake of brevity, they are not provided in detail; although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fruit-driving device, characterized in that, The fruit-driving device, used in a fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system, includes: The support assembly includes a movable frame, which is disposed above the output channel of the fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system and is movable relative to the output channel in the length direction of the output channel; A fruit-driving mechanism is installed on the mobile frame. The fruit-driving mechanism includes a liftable baffle, which is used to push the fruits and vegetables in the output channel forward when it descends into the output channel. A drive mechanism, mounted on the movable frame, is used to drive the movable frame to move. The drive mechanism is capable of driving the movable frame to move at at least two speeds, so that the baffle approaches the fruits and vegetables at a first speed and pushes the fruits and vegetables at a second speed, wherein the second speed is less than the first speed. The controller is electrically connected to both the fruit-driving mechanism and the drive mechanism, and is used to control the drive mechanism to drive the moving frame to move, while controlling the baffle to descend to push the fruits and vegetables, or to control the baffle to rise when the moving frame is reset.

2. The fruit-driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support assembly also includes a fruit and vegetable detection sensor, which is mounted on the movable frame. The fruit and vegetable detection sensor is used to detect fruits and vegetables in front of the movable frame. The fruit and vegetable detection sensor is electrically connected to the controller. Based on the detection result of the fruit and vegetable detection sensor, the controller controls the drive mechanism to drive the movable frame to move at the first speed when no fruits and vegetables are detected in front of the movable frame, or controls the drive mechanism to drive the movable frame to move at the second speed when fruits and vegetables are detected.

3. The fruit-driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each end of the moving path of the mobile frame is provided with a first position sensor and a second position sensor. The first position sensor is closer to the midpoint of the moving path of the mobile frame than the second position sensor. The controller is electrically connected to the first position sensor and the second position sensor respectively. The controller is also used to control the drive mechanism to drive the mobile frame to move at a third speed after receiving the signal from the first position sensor, or to control the drive mechanism to stop the movement of the mobile frame after receiving the signal from the second position sensor. The third speed is less than the second speed.

4. The fruit-driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the baffle descends into the output channel, the pushing surface of the baffle facing the fruits and vegetables forms a preset angle with the water surface, the preset angle being greater than 90° and less than 180°.

5. The fruit-driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support assembly also includes: A support beam is arranged parallel to the output channel above it and extends along the length of the output channel. The support beam includes a top surface. A drive wheel is mounted on the bottom of the movable frame and rolls against the top surface of the support beam. The drive wheel is connected to the drive mechanism, which drives the drive wheel to roll on the support beam so that the movable frame moves relative to the output channel in the length direction of the output channel.

6. The fruit-driving device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of support beams is two, and the two support beams are arranged at intervals. Each drive wheel rolls and abuts against the top surface of a corresponding support beam. Each support beam includes a guide side adjacent to the top surface of the support beam, and the guide sides of the two support beams are arranged facing each other. The support assembly also includes guide wheels, each of which is mounted on the bottom of the movable frame and rolls against the guide side of a corresponding support beam.

7. The fruit-driving device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes: The first sprocket is rotatably mounted on the movable frame; The second sprocket is rotatably mounted on the movable frame. The second sprocket is coaxially arranged with the drive wheel, and the second sprocket can drive the drive wheel to rotate synchronously. A drive chain belt is respectively fitted onto the first sprocket and the second sprocket, and is connected to the first sprocket and the second sprocket in cooperation; A drive motor is mounted on the movable frame and connected to the first sprocket. The drive motor is connected to the controller and is controlled by the controller to drive the first sprocket to rotate.

8. The fruit-driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fruit-collecting mechanism also includes: A rotating shaft is hinged to the movable frame. The rotating shaft is arranged parallel to the width direction of the output channel. One side edge of the baffle is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. A connecting rod, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft; A linear drive component is hinged to the other end of the movable frame and the connecting rod, respectively. The linear drive component can drive the connecting rod to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft, so that the rotating shaft follows the connecting rod and drives the baffle to rotate.

9. A fruit and vegetable water transport and sorting system, characterized in that, include: A water transport sorting device includes a sorting channel and an output channel, each sorting channel being connected to the output channel, and the output channel receiving and outputting fruits and vegetables from one of the sorting channels at a time. The fruit-driving device as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the fruit-driving device is disposed above the output channel.

10. The fruit and vegetable water transport sorting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a channel sensor and a gate installed at the outlet of the sorting channel. The controller is electrically connected to the channel sensor and the gate. The controller is used to trigger the fruit-driving device to run when the channel sensor does not detect fruits and vegetables for a preset time, and to control the gate to open after the fruit-driving device returns to its initial position.

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