Fruit diameter sensor

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fruit measurement, concretely is fruit diameter sensor, including base body and diameter measurement subassembly, diameter measurement subassembly is installed in the base body, diameter measurement subassembly includes synchronous rotation's rotator, the rotator coaxial fixed mounting has the synchronous swing's left clamping arm, left clamping arm other side installs right clamping arm, the rotator coaxial fixed has detection piece, has solved the problem that the present fruit diameter sensor detects precision is insufficient and is easy to produce error.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fruit measurement technology, specifically a fruit diameter sensor. Background Technology

[0002] A fruit diameter sensor is a smart agricultural device installed on fruit trees to measure the diameter of the fruit and record changes in fruit growth.

[0003] To avoid damaging the fruit during long-term measurements, existing fruit diameter sensors typically employ a flexible clamping and bonding method. For example, Chinese utility model patent application number "201910896332.5," entitled "A Fruit Diameter Measuring Device," uses multiple first and second elastic bands to measure the outer diameter of the fruit at different locations. This reduces the mechanical damage to the fruit surface caused by direct contact between calipers and the fruit skin, and the display shows the detection value of each tension sensor's outer diameter simultaneously. However, with prolonged use, the elasticity of the elastic bands deteriorates, causing changes in the pulling force on the tension sensor and consequently affecting the accuracy of fruit diameter detection.

[0004] Therefore, this invention provides a fruit diameter sensor to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is that the existing fruit diameter sensors have insufficient detection accuracy and are prone to errors.

[0006] This utility model provides the following technical solution: a fruit diameter sensor, including a base and a diameter measuring component. The diameter measuring component is installed in the base. The diameter measuring component includes a synchronously rotating rotating component. A synchronously swinging left clamping arm is coaxially fixedly installed on the rotating component. A right clamping arm is installed on the other side of the left clamping arm. A detection component is coaxially fixed on the rotating component.

[0007] The rotating component includes a first rotating body and a second rotating body that rotate synchronously. The first rotating body and the second rotating body are rotatably mounted in the base. The first rotating body 211 is coaxially fixedly mounted with a detection component, and the second rotating body is coaxially fixedly mounted with a left clamping arm.

[0008] The left clamping arm includes an L-shaped arm portion, a half-tooth portion, and a claw portion. The second rotating body is coaxially fixed with the arm portion. A half-tooth portion is fixedly installed at one end of the arm portion, and a claw portion is installed at the other end of the arm portion.

[0009] The left clamping arm also includes an elastic element. The elastic element is fixedly installed on one end surface of the arm near the half tooth, and the other end of the elastic element is fixedly installed on the surface of the base.

[0010] The surface of the semi-tooth portion is provided with teeth that are not complete toroidal surfaces.

[0011] The left and right clamping arms are symmetrically structured.

[0012] The half-tooth portions of the left and right clamping arms engage.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention uses a left and right clamping arm in conjunction with an elastic element to fit against the two sides of the fruit, thereby allowing the fruit to swing synchronously during growth and drive the rotating and detection components, i.e., the input shaft of the angle encoder, to rotate. This allows for accurate determination of the fruit diameter and facilitates stable and accurate real-time detection of the fruit diameter during long-term use. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a rear cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0016] In the figure: 1. Base; 2. Diameter measuring component; 21. Rotating component; 211. First rotating body; 212. Second rotating body; 22. Left clamping arm; 221. Arm part; 222. Claw part; 223. Elastic component; 224. Half tooth part; 23. Right clamping arm; 24. Detection component. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely represents some embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0018] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and "back side," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this utility model is conventionally placed during use. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for 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; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0020] It should also be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] In view of the problem that existing fruit diameter sensors are not accurate enough and are prone to errors, this disclosure provides a fruit diameter sensor. Example

[0022] The fruit diameter sensor includes a base 1 and a diameter measuring component 2. The diameter measuring component 2 is installed inside the base 1. The diameter measuring component 2 includes a synchronously rotating rotating part 21. A left clamping arm 22 and a right clamping arm 23 are installed inside the base 1. At least one left clamping arm 22 or right clamping arm 23 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the rotating part 21 and swings synchronously. A detection element 24 is coaxially fixed on the rotating part 21.

[0023] In use, the diameter measuring component 2 of this embodiment is placed on the surface of the fruit, thereby continuously detecting the diameter during the fruit's growth. The base 1 can be fixed to any support, such as by existing clamps to the fruit tree or wall, or by existing supports such as a tripod to the ground. The specific fixing method is prior art, and any method that can achieve a fixed installation is sufficient, and will not be described in detail here.

[0024] During the detection of fruit diameter, the left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 are located on both sides of the fruit. During fruit growth, the fruit causes the left clamping arm 22 and / or the right clamping arm 23 to swing, thereby causing the rotating component 21 to rotate. The rotating component 21 then drives the detection component 24 to measure the rotation angle, and the rotation angle is used to provide feedback on the fruit diameter.

[0025] It should be noted that the detection element 24 adopts an angle encoder in the prior art. In addition, it can also adopt any other structure or device in the prior art that can detect angles, such as an angle sensor or inclinometer.

[0026] The angle encoder is coaxially and fixedly connected to the rotating component 21, thus rotating synchronously. It can convert mechanical angles into electrical signals through photoelectric and magnetoelectric principles, thereby determining the rotation angle, and then using the rotation angle to provide feedback on the diameter of the fruit. The encoder's ability to determine the rotation angle through photoelectric and magnetoelectric principles is a very mature technology in existing encoders. The specific calculation and conversion methods will not be elaborated here.

[0027] The rotating component 21 includes a first rotating body 211 and a second rotating body 212 that rotate synchronously. The first rotating body 211 and the second rotating body 212 are rotatably installed inside the base 1. The first rotating body 211 is coaxially fixedly installed with a detection component 24, and the second rotating body 212 is coaxially fixedly installed with a left clamping arm 22.

[0028] It should be noted that the first rotating body 211 and the second rotating body 212 can be any component capable of synchronous rotation in the prior art, such as pulleys or sprockets, friction wheels, or gears connected by belts or chains. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first rotating body 211 and the second rotating body 212 are meshing gears.

[0029] The swing of the left clamping arm 22 caused by the growth of the fruit drives the second rotating body 212 to rotate. The rotation of the second rotating body 212 drives the first rotating body 211 to rotate synchronously. Thus, the first rotating body 211 drives the input shaft of the detection element 24, i.e. the angle encoder, to rotate synchronously. The rotation angle and the diameter of the fruit are then known through the detection element 24, i.e. the angle encoder.

[0030] The left clamping arm 22 includes an L-shaped arm portion 221 and a claw portion 222. The second rotating body 212 is coaxially fixed with the arm portion 221, and the claw portion 222 is hinged to one end of the arm portion 221.

[0031] The claw 222 fits into the fruit and swings during the fruit's growth, thereby causing the arm 221 to rotate. The rotation of the arm 221 then causes the second gear to rotate, which in turn causes the first gear and the input shaft of the detection element 24 (i.e., the angle encoder) to rotate, thus determining the rotation angle and the fruit diameter.

[0032] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the structures of the left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 are mirror-symmetrical. Furthermore, either the left clamping arm 22 or the right clamping arm 23 is coaxially fixed with the second rotating body 212. The left clamping arm 22 or the right clamping arm 23, which is coaxially fixed with the second rotating body 212, is rotatably installed to adapt to the growth of the fruit. The other left clamping arm 22 or the right clamping arm 23, which is not connected to the second rotating body 212, can be fixedly installed or rotatably installed. The second rotating body 212 and the first rotating body 211 can be rotated by the swing of one of the left clamping arms 22 or the right clamping arm 23.

[0033] The left clamping arm 22 also includes an elastic element 223. The elastic element 223 is fixedly installed on one end surface of the arm portion 221 near the half tooth portion 224, and the other end of the elastic element 223 is fixedly installed on the surface of the base 1.

[0034] It should be noted that the elastic element 223 in this embodiment uses a tension spring from the prior art. Besides this, any other structure providing elasticity can be used, such as a compression spring or air bladder mounted at a mirror position to the elastic element 223 in this embodiment. It should also be specifically noted that the tension spring in this embodiment uses a spring with a low elastic coefficient that will not damage the fruit. The specific elastic coefficient can be selected according to the type of fruit, which can be determined through a limited number of experiments or calculations, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0035] During the measurement of fruit diameter, the elastic element 223 can pull the arm 221 closer to the fruit, so that the arm 221 can drive the claw 222 to continuously adhere to the fruit, thereby enabling stable detection of fruit diameter and improving detection accuracy.

[0036] Example 2: Based on Example 1 above, Example 2 of this disclosure only describes the differences, and the similarities will not be repeated.

[0037] In Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, the left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 are both rotatably mounted and symmetrically arranged.

[0038] The left clamping arm 22 also includes a half-tooth portion 224. The half-tooth portion 224 is fixedly installed at the end of the arm portion 221 away from the claw portion 222. The left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 are symmetrical in structure and the half-tooth portions 224 mesh with each other.

[0039] During fruit growth, the fruit simultaneously causes the claws 222 of the left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 to swing. When the left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 swing at the same time, the interlocking half-tooth parts 224 ensure that the left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 can swing synchronously, thereby ensuring the stability of the diameter measurement during fruit growth and improving the accuracy of fruit diameter measurement.

[0040] The semi-toothed portions 224 of the left and right clamping arms 22 and 23 mesh with each other, ensuring synchronous swinging of the two arms. This synchronous swinging of the left and right clamping arms 22 and 23 during fruit growth ensures accurate detection of the fruit diameter; that is, rotating either arm will cause both to rotate synchronously, ultimately providing feedback on the rotation angle. Furthermore, the symmetrical swinging of the fruit on both sides facilitates detection and improves accuracy.

[0041] The swing of the left gripping arm 22 and the right gripping arm 23 is transmitted to the detection element 24, i.e., the angle encoder, through the rotation angles of the second rotating body 212 and the first rotating body 211. Then, through the transmission ratio (tooth count) between the second rotating body 212 and the first rotating body 211, and the geometric relationship with the rotating shaft, the relationship between the rotation angle of the angle encoder shaft and the horizontal displacement of the front claw of the right arm is obtained. The specific relationship is as follows: If the length of arm 221 is 'a', and the distance 'b' is the distance from the pivot of the left gripping arm 22 or the right gripping arm 23 to the end of arm 221, then the distance from the pivot of arm 221 to the pivot of claw 222 is... mm. Without a test object, the angle γ between the line connecting the axes of arm 221 and claw 222 and the horizontal direction is measured. The number of teeth on the first rotating body 211 is m, and the number of teeth on the second rotating body 212 is n. Since the linear velocities at the meshing point of the first rotating body 211 and the second rotating body 212 are equal, the ratio of the angles rotated by the first rotating body 211 and the second rotating body 212 is... When an object to be measured is present, let the angle through which the second rotating body 212 drives the arm 221 to rotate be δ. Then the angle θ through which the first rotating body 211 drives the angle encoder shaft to rotate is θ = δ. Therefore, the horizontal distance between the centers of the left and right claw shafts can be calculated as l = 2z cos(γ-). θ). The distance from the pivot point of the claw 222 to the gripping surface of the claw is c. Therefore, the diameter of the object to be measured is d = l - 2c = 2z cos(γ-). θ)-2c.

[0042] Therefore, the diameter change of the fruit can be obtained through an angle encoder.

[0043] The surface of the semi-tooth portion is provided with teeth that are not complete toroidal surfaces.

[0044] The process for detecting the fruit diameter in this embodiment of the disclosure is as follows: During fruit growth, the left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 are located on both sides of the fruit. Simultaneously, the elastic element 223 pulls the arm 221 closer to the fruit, allowing the arm 221 to continuously adhere to the claw 222. As the fruit grows, it causes the left clamping arm 22 and the right clamping arm 23 to swing synchronously. This synchronous swinging of the left and right clamping arms 22 and 23 drives the second rotating body 212 to rotate. The rotation of the second rotating body 212 then drives the first rotating body 211 to rotate synchronously. This first rotating body 211 then drives the input shaft of the detection element 24 (angle encoder) to rotate synchronously, allowing the detection element 24 (angle encoder) to determine the rotation angle and the fruit diameter.

[0045] Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fruit diameter sensor, comprising a substrate (1) and a diameter measuring component (2), wherein the diameter measuring component (2) is installed within the substrate (1), characterized in that: The diameter measuring component (2) includes a synchronously rotating rotating part (21), a left clamping arm (22) and a right clamping arm (23) are installed in the base (1), the rotating part (21) is coaxially fixedly mounted with at least one synchronously swinging left clamping arm (22) or right clamping arm (23), and the rotating part (21) is coaxially fixed with a detection part (24).

2. The fruit diameter sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating component (21) includes a first rotating body (211) and a second rotating body (212) that rotate synchronously. The first rotating body (211) and the second rotating body (212) are rotatably installed inside the base (1). The first rotating body (211) is coaxially fixedly installed with a detection component (24), and the second rotating body (212) is coaxially fixedly installed with a left clamping arm (22).

3. The fruit diameter sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left clamping arm (22) includes an L-shaped arm (221) and a claw (222). The second rotating body (212) is coaxially fixed with the arm (221), and the claw (222) is hinged to one end of the arm (221).

4. The fruit diameter sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The left clamping arm (22) also includes a half tooth (224). The half tooth (224) is fixedly installed at the end of the arm (221) away from the claw (222). The left clamping arm (22) and the right clamping arm (23) are symmetrical in structure and the half teeth (224) mesh with each other. The left clamping arm (22) also includes an elastic element (223). The elastic element (223) is fixedly installed on one end surface of the arm (221) near the half tooth (224), and the other end of the elastic element (223) is fixedly installed on the surface of the base (1).

5. The fruit diameter sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The surface of the semi-tooth portion (224) is provided with teeth on a non-complete toroidal surface.

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