Corn cob reversing equipment

Abstract

This utility model discloses a corn cob reversing device, belonging to the field of agricultural product processing technology. The device includes a support frame and a flipping mechanism. The flipping mechanism is mounted on the support frame and includes a drive unit and a rotating block. The drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate. A stop is provided at the distal end of the rotating block. When it is necessary to flip the corn cob, the drive unit drives the rotating block to a first position, so that the stop faces the corn cob conveying direction. After the corn cob moves onto the rotating block and is stopped by the stop, the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate in the opposite direction to a second position, completing the corn cob flipping and reversing. This utility model, through the stop provided at the distal end of the rotating block, actively stops the front end of the corn cob before flipping, effectively preventing the corn cob from slipping during the flipping process, ensuring a smooth and reliable flipping action. The rotating block can be designed with a hollow structure to reduce weight, and when flipping is not required, it can serve as a transition platform for the corn cob to slide through. The structure is simple, highly adaptable, and improves the reversing efficiency and stability of the corn cob conveying line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of agricultural product processing technology, and in particular to a corn cob reversing device. Background Technology

[0002] In corn processing production lines, processes such as head cutting and threshing have uniform requirements regarding the orientation of corn cobs. In actual production, the head and tail of corn cobs coming out of the upstream feeder are randomly oriented, requiring incorrectly oriented corn cobs to be rotated 180° to ensure their heads are facing the same direction.

[0003] Currently, the main types of flipping mechanisms used for reversing corn cobs on production lines are as follows.

[0004] One method involves using a cylinder to directly drive the rotating arm or tilting plate. This structure is simple to operate, but the cylinder's movement generates significant impact, causing the corn cobs to easily roll off or jump out during the tilting process, especially fresh corn with a smooth surface. To reduce this, it is often necessary to add clamping or blocking devices, which complicates the structure and makes it less adaptable to corn cobs of different diameters—it jams when the diameter is too large and fails to tilt properly when the diameter is too small.

[0005] Another method uses a rotary cylinder to drive a U-shaped trough or tipping bucket. The tilting angle of this type of mechanism is limited by the cylinder's stroke and is not adjustable; once installed and tested, it is fixed. When the size of the corn cob changes, the falling position after tilting will shift, causing the corn cob to fail to accurately enter the downstream conveyor line, resulting in blockages or falling off. Simultaneously, the rotary cylinder wears out quickly with frequent reversals, and after a period of operation, the clearance increases, the tilting angle accuracy decreases, and maintenance becomes frequent.

[0006] Another approach utilizes the height difference between the conveyor belts, along with a swingable guide plate, to allow the corn cobs to tumble using their own gravity as they roll down from a height. This structure is highly dependent on the shape difference between the two ends of the corn cob; if the difference in thickness between the ends is not significant, the success rate of tumbling is very low. Moreover, the corn cobs are prone to collisions during the rolling process, causing the kernels to fall out.

[0007] The common problems with the aforementioned flipping mechanisms include: unstable flipping action, easy slippage or jamming of corn cobs; fixed and non-adjustable flipping angle, unable to adapt to different specifications of corn cobs; large impact, rapid wear, and high maintenance costs; and large deviation in the drop position after flipping, making it difficult to connect with the downstream conveyor line. Therefore, a mechanical reversing mechanism with a simple structure, smooth flipping, adjustable angle, and easy maintenance is needed. Utility Model Content

[0008] The main objective of this invention is to provide a corn cob reversing device, which aims to solve the technical problem that existing corn cob reversing devices cannot quickly and smoothly achieve reversal.

[0009] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the first aspect of this utility model provides a corn cob reversing device, comprising: support; A flipping mechanism, mounted on the bracket, includes a drive unit and a rotating block, wherein the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate; The distal end of the rotating block is provided with a top abutment; When it is necessary to flip the corn cob, the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate to the first position, so that the abutment top faces the conveying direction of the corn cob. When the corn cob moves onto the rotating block and is abutted by the abutment top, the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate in the opposite direction to the second position, thereby realizing the flipping and reversing of the corn cob. The top is an arc-shaped baffle. When the rotating block flips, the opening of the arc-shaped baffle faces the conveying direction of the corn cob.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotating block has outwardly extending limiting edges on both sides.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive unit includes a motor, a coupling, a bearing housing, and a rotating shaft; The output shaft of the motor is connected to one end of the coupling, and the other end of the coupling is connected to the rotating shaft; The bearing housing is fixed to the bracket, and the rotating shaft passes through the bearing inside the bearing housing; The rotating block is fitted onto the rotating shaft.

[0012] Furthermore, the corn cob reversing equipment also includes a feeding conveyor line and a vision inspection unit; The vision detection unit is used to detect the orientation of the corn cob and is located on the feeding conveyor line; the output end of the feeding conveyor line is located at the front end of the flipping mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, the visual inspection unit includes a protective cover and an industrial camera; The protective cover is installed on the feeding conveyor line, and the industrial camera is fixed on the protective cover.

[0014] Furthermore, the corn cob reversing device also includes a lighting source, which is located inside the protective cover; the protective cover is an opaque shell.

[0015] Furthermore, an optical axis is provided inside the protective cover, and the lighting source is mounted on the optical axis via a mounting base, which is slidably sleeved on the optical axis.

[0016] Furthermore, the corn cob reversing device also includes an irregular corn rejection mechanism, which is located at the output end of the feeding conveyor line and is used to reject unqualified corn cobs.

[0017] Furthermore, the corn cob reversing device also includes a shaped corn conveyor line located below the shaped corn rejection mechanism.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: First, by setting a stop at the far end of the rotating block, when the corn cob needs to be flipped, the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate to the first position, so that the stop faces the conveying direction of the corn cob. After the corn cob moves onto the rotating block, its front end is stopped by the stop, so that the corn cob will not slip off the rotating block during the subsequent flipping process. This solves the problem of corn cob easily falling off in the existing flipping mechanism, and the flipping action is smooth and reliable.

[0019] Secondly, the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate in the opposite direction to the second position, which completes the 180° flipping and reversal of the corn cob. The entire reversal process does not require manual intervention, has high reversal efficiency, and the rotation angle of the rotating block can be precisely controlled by the drive unit as needed to adapt to corn cobs of different specifications.

[0020] Third, the rounded design of the baffle fits the curved end of the corn cob better, protecting the corn from damage; the design of the opening direction helps the corn cob slide off the rotating block after being flipped, while increasing the success rate of flipping. Fourth, the mechanism has a simple structure, consisting only of a support, a drive unit, and a rotating block with a top abutment. It has few parts, low manufacturing cost, and is easy to operate and maintain, which is conducive to its promotion and application in corn processing production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the support and flipping mechanism of a corn cob reversing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a corn cob reversing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a visual inspection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] in: 401 - Protective cover; 402 - Support frame; 403 - Optical axis; 404 - Light source; 405 - Industrial camera; 410-Base support; 411-Feeding conveyor line; 412-Vision inspection unit; 413-Irregular corn rejection mechanism; 414-Tilting mechanism; 421-Bracket; 422-Rotating block; 423-Motor; 424-Coupling; 425-Rotating shaft; 426-Top abutment; 427-Limiting edge; 428-Bearing seat.

[0023] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0024] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are 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. They 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" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between 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.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 3An embodiment of this utility model provides a corn cob reversing device, including: a support 421; a flipping mechanism 414, installed on the support 421, including a driving part and a rotating block 422, the driving part driving the rotating block 422 to rotate; the distal end of the rotating block 422 is provided with an abutment 426; when it is necessary to flip the corn cob, the driving part drives the rotating block 422 to rotate to a first position, so that the abutment 426 faces the conveying direction of the corn cob; when the corn cob moves onto the rotating block 422 and is abutted by the abutment 426, the driving part drives the rotating block 422 to rotate in the opposite direction to a second position, thereby realizing the flipping and reversing of the corn cob.

[0029] In this embodiment, the support 421 is welded from aluminum profiles or steel and fixed to both sides of the conveyor line to support the entire flipping mechanism. The flipping mechanism 414 is mounted on the support, and its core components are the rotating block 422 and the drive unit. The drive unit can be a motor, a rotary cylinder, or other device capable of outputting rotational power. The rotating block 422 is a block-shaped component with a certain thickness, and its interior can be hollow to reduce the overall weight and the load on the drive unit. The top surface of the rotating block 422 in the thickness direction is a flat plane or a slightly inclined sliding surface. The end of the rotating block 422 closest to the feeding conveyor line, i.e., the end furthest from the top, is inclined to form a guide slope. This slope lowers the threshold for the corn cob to transition from the feeding conveyor line to the top surface of the rotating block, allowing the corn cob to slide smoothly onto the rotating block and avoiding jamming or jumping. The top abutment 426 can be a stop, baffle, or arc-shaped piece, fixed to the far end of the rotating block. Its function is to hold the front end of the corn cob when flipping is required, preventing the corn cob from slipping off the rotating block during subsequent flipping.

[0030] The working principle of the rotating block 422 includes two working conditions: Scenario 1: Tilting Required. The drive unit rotates the rotating block 422 to the first position, the receiving position. At this time, the rotating block is tilted or horizontal, with its far end, the abutment 426, facing upstream. The corn cob moves along the feed conveyor line, reaching the top surface of the rotating block 422, and continues to move forward until its front end touches and is stopped by the abutment 426. Subsequently, the drive unit drives the rotating block 422 to rotate in the opposite direction, usually by more than 90°, causing the rotating block to flip along with the corn cob. When the rotating block reaches the second position, the corn cob falls off the rotating block under gravity and onto the downstream conveyor line, at which point the front and back orientation of the corn cob has been reversed.

[0031] Operating Condition 2: No Tilting Required. The drive unit rotates the rotating block 422 to an intermediate position, positioning it horizontally between the feed and discharge conveyors, with its top surface smoothly connecting to the output end of the feed conveyor. Due to the rotating block's thickness, its top surface forms a transition platform. After the corn cob moves from the feed conveyor to the top surface of the rotating block, it slides a distance on the top surface and then falls into the discharge conveyor from the far end of the rotating block, i.e., the end furthest from the feed conveyor. In this condition, the corn cob always moves on the outer surface of the rotating block's top surface (thickness direction) and does not enter the interior of the rotating block. This sliding process acts as a buffer and transition, preventing impact and damage caused by the direct fall of the corn cob. The top stop 426 does not participate in the operation in this condition; the corn cob directly passes over the rotating block and enters the downstream section.

[0032] This embodiment solves the problem of corn cobs easily slipping off in existing flipping mechanisms by setting a top abutment at the far end of the rotating block; by designing the rotating block as a hollow structure with a certain thickness, it can serve as a transition platform when flipping is not required, achieving a smooth sliding transition of the corn cobs; and by setting a guide ramp, the corn cobs can slide smoothly onto the rotating block. This structure serves two purposes, performing both the flipping function and the transition connection function, simplifying the overall line layout. The hollow structure reduces the weight of the rotating block and lowers the power consumption of the drive unit.

[0033] In one embodiment, the aforementioned abutment 426 is an arc-shaped baffle. When the rotating block 422 is flipped, the opening of the arc-shaped baffle faces the conveying direction of the corn cob.

[0034] The top abutment 426 is specifically shaped like an arc-shaped baffle, fixed to the far end of the rotating block 422, with its concave arc facing upwards. When the corn cob slides on the top surface of the rotating block and touches the top abutment, the arc-shaped surface fits against the end of the corn cob, increasing the contact area, reducing local pressure, and preventing damage to the end of the corn cob. Simultaneously, during the corn's rotation, the free end of the arc-shaped baffle can act as a turning fulcrum, improving the success rate of the rotation.

[0035] The rounded design fits the curved end of the corn cob better, protecting the corn from damage; the opening direction design helps the corn cob slide off the rotating block after flipping, while increasing the success rate of flipping.

[0036] In one embodiment, the rotating block 422 has outwardly extending limiting edges 427 on both sides.

[0037] On the left and right edges of the rotating block 422, limiting edges 427 extending outwards, i.e., away from the center of the block, are respectively provided. When the corn cob slides on the top surface of the rotating block, the limiting edges 427 can limit the lateral movement range of the corn cob and prevent it from sliding off the sides. In the flipping operation, the limiting edges also play a lateral restraint role.

[0038] The setting of the limiting edge 427 further improves the stability of the corn cob during sliding and flipping, especially suitable for corn cobs with small diameter or irregular shape, avoiding flipping failure or jamming caused by lateral offset.

[0039] In one embodiment, the drive unit includes a motor 423, a coupling 424, a bearing housing 428, and a rotating shaft 425; the output shaft of the motor 423 is connected to one end of the coupling 424, and the other end of the coupling 424 is connected to the rotating shaft 425; the bearing housing 428 is fixed to the bracket 421, and the rotating shaft 425 passes through a bearing inside the bearing housing 428; the rotating block 422 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 425.

[0040] Motor 423, either a servo motor or a stepper motor, is fixedly mounted on bracket 421. The motor output shaft is connected to the rotating shaft 425 via coupling 424, which transmits torque and compensates for coaxiality errors. The rotating shaft 425 is supported by bearing housing 428, which contains rolling bearings, allowing the rotating shaft to rotate freely. A rotating block 422 is fixedly fitted onto the rotating shaft 425, typically located in the middle of the shaft. When motor 423 rotates, it sequentially drives coupling 424, rotating shaft 425, and rotating block 422 to rotate together. By controlling the rotation angle of the motor, the rotation angle of the rotating block can be precisely controlled.

[0041] The system uses a motor drive instead of a cylinder drive, and the rotation angle can be digitally set. The flipping angle can be adjusted programmatically for corn cobs of different sizes, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments. Simultaneously, the motor drive provides smooth operation with minimal impact, reducing corn cob damage and equipment noise. Bearing support ensures the rigidity and rotational accuracy of the rotating shaft, making it suitable for high-frequency reversing operations.

[0042] In one embodiment, the corn cob reversing device further includes a feeding conveyor line 411 and a vision detection unit 412; the vision detection unit 412 is used to detect the orientation of the corn cobs and is disposed on the feeding conveyor line 411; the output end of the feeding conveyor line 411 is located at the front end of the flipping mechanism 414.

[0043] The feeding conveyor 411, a standard belt conveyor or chain conveyor, is mounted on the base bracket 410 and is used to transport corn cobs from the previous station to the turning mechanism. A vision inspection unit 412, mounted above or to the side of the feeding conveyor, includes an industrial camera and a light source, and is used to photograph passing corn cobs and determine their head and tail orientation. The control system PLC or industrial computer determines whether the current corn cob needs to be reversed based on the vision inspection unit's judgment. If reversal is required, the turning mechanism is controlled to operate as described in the above embodiment; if reversal is not required, the turning mechanism may remain stationary. The output end of the feeding conveyor 411 is adjacent to the inlet of the rotating block 422 of the turning mechanism, ensuring a smooth transition of the corn cob onto the rotating block 422.

[0044] This embodiment achieves automatic identification and on-demand reversal of corn cob orientation, eliminating the need for manual judgment and achieving a high degree of automation. Only corn cobs with incorrect orientation are flipped, while those with correct orientation pass directly through, reducing unnecessary actions and improving overall efficiency.

[0045] In one embodiment, the aforementioned visual inspection unit 412 includes a protective cover 401 and an industrial camera 405; the protective cover 401 is disposed on the feeding conveyor line 411, and the industrial camera 405 is fixed on the protective cover 401 and can be fixed by a support frame 402, which is fixed inside the protective cover 401.

[0046] The protective cover 401 is a housing that spans or is mounted above the feeding conveyor line 411 and is fixed to the frame of the conveyor line. The protective cover can be made of sheet metal or injection molded parts, and its interior is hollow. The industrial camera 405 is mounted on the inner top or side wall of the protective cover, with its lens facing the corn cobs on the conveyor line. The industrial camera can be a common CMOS camera, and the resolution is selected according to the detection accuracy requirements. The camera is connected to the control system to transmit images in real time. The protective cover 401 serves both to fix the camera and to provide protection.

[0047] The protective housing provides a stable mounting base for the industrial camera, preventing camera shake from affecting image quality. Simultaneously, the housing protects the camera from external dust and moisture contamination, extending its lifespan. The relatively fixed camera position also facilitates the stable operation of image processing algorithms.

[0048] In one embodiment, the corn cob reversing device further includes a lighting source 404 disposed within the protective cover 401; the protective cover 401 is an opaque shell.

[0049] In this embodiment, an illumination source 404 is added inside the protective cover 401, and the protective cover is made into an opaque shell, such as a painted metal plate or dark plastic. The illumination source 404 is typically an LED strip light or ring light, installed around or below the industrial camera 405 to provide uniform and stable illumination to the shooting area. The opaque shell can isolate external ambient light, reduce shadows and reflections, and prevent dust from entering.

[0050] Built-in lighting and a light-shielding housing ensure consistent lighting conditions on the corn cob surface for each shot, improving image consistency and orientation accuracy. Simultaneously, the light-shielding housing protects the camera and light source from dust contamination, reducing maintenance frequency.

[0051] In one embodiment, the protective cover 401 is provided with an optical axis 403, and the lighting source 404 is mounted on the optical axis 403 via a mounting base, which is slidably sleeved on the optical axis 403.

[0052] One or more optical axes 403 are fixed inside the protective cover 401. The optical axes are cylindrical guide rails arranged perpendicular to or parallel to the conveying direction. The lighting source 404 is fixed to a mounting base with through holes that match the optical axes, allowing it to slidably fit onto them. The mounting base also has locking screws; tightening the screws secures the light source once it is in the desired position. By adjusting the position of the mounting base on the optical axis, the distance and angle of the lighting source relative to the corn cob can be changed to accommodate different corn cob sizes and lighting requirements. This adjustment structure allows the position of the lighting source to be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as corn cob size and conveying speed, offering strong versatility. Operation is simple, requiring no tools for adjustment, reducing the difficulty of debugging.

[0053] In one embodiment, the corn cob reversing device further includes an irregular corn rejection mechanism 413, which is disposed at the output end of the feeding conveyor line 411 and is used to reject unqualified corn cobs.

[0054] The irregular corn rejection mechanism 413 can be a cylinder-driven push plate or fork. When the vision detection unit 412 determines that the current corn cob is irregularly shaped, such as bent, damaged, or exceeding the length limit, the control system sends a signal to the rejection mechanism, which then removes the corn cob from the feeding conveyor line to prevent it from entering the turning mechanism. A waste collection box or conveyor belt can be installed below the rejection mechanism.

[0055] Removing misshapen corn in advance prevents it from clogging the turning mechanism or causing turning failure, reducing equipment downtime and alleviating the burden on downstream processes such as root cutting and threshing.

[0056] The corn cob reversing device further includes a shaped corn conveyor line located below the shaped corn rejection mechanism 413. This conveyor line is independent of the main conveyor line and is used to receive rejected shaped corn and transport it to a designated collection point or processing station. The shaped corn conveyor line can be a belt conveyor or a chute structure. The dedicated conveyor line prevents rejected shaped corn from scattering on the ground or mixing with qualified corn, facilitating centralized processing and maintaining a clean production site.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A corn cob reversing apparatus characterized by, include: support; A flipping mechanism, mounted on the bracket, includes a drive unit and a rotating block, wherein the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate; The distal end of the rotating block is provided with a top abutment; When it is necessary to flip the corn cob, the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate to the first position, so that the abutment top faces the conveying direction of the corn cob. When the corn cob moves onto the rotating block and is abutted by the abutment top, the drive unit drives the rotating block to rotate in the opposite direction to the second position, thereby realizing the flipping and reversing of the corn cob. The top is an arc-shaped baffle. When the rotating block flips, the opening of the arc-shaped baffle faces the conveying direction of the corn cob.

2. The corn cob reversing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The rotating block has outwardly extending limiting edges on both sides.

3. The corn cob reversing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The drive unit includes a motor, a coupling, a bearing housing, and a rotating shaft; The output shaft of the motor is connected to one end of the coupling, and the other end of the coupling is connected to the rotating shaft; The bearing housing is fixed to the bracket, and the rotating shaft passes through the bearing inside the bearing housing; The rotating block is fitted onto the rotating shaft.

4. The corn cob reversing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a feeding conveyor line and a vision inspection unit; The vision detection unit is used to detect the orientation of the corn cob and is located on the feeding conveyor line; the output end of the feeding conveyor line is located at the front end of the flipping mechanism.

5. The corn cob reversing apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The visual inspection unit includes a protective cover and an industrial camera; The protective cover is installed on the feeding conveyor line, and the industrial camera is fixed on the protective cover.

6. The corn cob reversing apparatus of claim 5, wherein, It also includes a lighting source, which is located inside the protective cover; the protective cover is an opaque shell.

7. The corn cob reversing apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The protective cover is provided with an optical axis, and the lighting source is mounted on the optical axis via a mounting base, which is slidably sleeved on the optical axis.

8. The corn cob reversing apparatus of claim 4 wherein, It also includes an irregular corn rejection mechanism, which is set at the output end of the feeding conveyor line to reject unqualified corn cobs.

9. The corn cob reversing apparatus of claim 8, wherein, It also includes an irregular corn conveyor line, located below the irregular corn rejection mechanism.

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