WO2012121586A1

WO2012121586A1 - An automatic tapping machine

Info

Publication number: WO2012121586A1
Application number: PCT/MY2012/000047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nazirah AHMAD; Kamarudin AB MALEK; Mohamed Helmy MAAROF; Muhammad Akbar ABDUL GHAFFAR; Jiang Jun LEE; Shamsul KAMARUDDIN; Zulkifli HARON
Original assignee: Malaysian Rubber Board
Priority date: 2011-03-08
Filing date: 2012-03-08
Publication date: 2012-09-13
Also published as: MY186619A; CN103415200A; TW201249327A; TWI498079B; HK1186061A1; CN103415200B

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic tapping machine for harvesting latex from Hevea trees, the system includes: (a) an automatic tapping machine (100), wherein the tapping machine (100) includes: (i) a longitudinal slider (110) having a rail (112) on which a slanting slider (120) is slidably engaged therewith; (ii) a cutting tool (130) slidably engaged with a rail (122) of the slanting slider (120); (iii) a rotating blade tool (132) provided at the cutting tool (130); (iv) clamp means (140) equipped at both ends of the longitudinal slider (110); (v) a controller unit (150) to control activities of the tapping machine such as bark excision and machine movements; and (b) a power source (200) for supplying power to operate the tapping machine (100).

Description

AN AUTOMATIC TAPPING MACHINE

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic tapping machine, and more particularly to an automatic tapping machine for harvesting natural latex from Hevea trees.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Research and development (R&D) activities in the upstream sector of the rubber industry in Malaysia are geared towards introducing vigorous and high yielding clones, encouraging good agronomic practices and also in adopting recommended latex harvesting technologies. However, there is urgency to focus on R&D in mechanization as the natural rubber (NR) industry is facing with unskilled labour problem and also in making workloads in rubber plantation simpler and efficient. These mechanization research activities will be widen to cover all aspects related to rubber planting industry such as nursery activities to produce quality planting material, planting in the field, maintenance of cultivated areas, and also in latex harvesting and collection. As far as latex harvesting is concerned, a combination of elite clones with stimulation practices needs to be synchronized with mechanization to make the NR industry an attractive industry. The contribution of mechanization is highly encouraged to ensure maximum productivity can be achieved. In the future, rubber planting may shift to hilly and challenging areas due to competition from other commodities and sectors. The best way to look at the future is by applying and manipulating mechanization with the objectives to increase yield and confronting the labour issues. An ideal tapping system must consist of maximum exploitation of Hevea trees and can be done by allowing the trees to be tapped entirely throughout its life span, using suitable tapping system and any possibilities in getting high yield such as by applying stimulant coupled with good agronomic practices. The health of the trees is also a priority by reducing the dryness incidence. An ideal tapping system also involves skill from tappers. The better the skill, the less chance the bark would be wounded. As a result, a good renewed bark is obtained. The main method of latex extraction commonly adopted by the NR industry that remains today are conventional tapping which consist of a half or a fraction of a spiral, tapped from left to the right either downwards or upwards of the tapping panel.

The search of mechanized tapping knife or automated tapping machine is still valid due to tappers efficiency and skills. In 1985, Motoray was introduced to overcome such problem but failed due to price constraint and technical problem in the fields.

In view of these and other shortcomings of the prior art there is a need in the art for a tapping machine for tapping to substitute skilled manpower requirement in carrying out the tapping task on the rubber trees for latex rubber harvesting purpose. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide automatic tapping machine for harvesting natural latex from Hevea trees at higher yield, and adapted to tap the trees at ease and without damaging the trees.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there is provided an automatic tapping machine for harvesting natural latex from Hevea trees. The tapping machine includes: (a) an automatic tapping machine, wherein the tapping machine includes: (i) a longitudinal slider having a rail on which a slanting slider is slidably engaged therewith; (ii) a cutting tool slidably engaged with a rail of the slanting slider; (iii) a rotating blade tool provided at the cutting tool; (iv) clamp means equipped at both ends of the longitudinal slider; (v) a controller unit to control activities of the tapping machine such as bark excision and machine movements; and (b) a power source for supplying power to operate the tapping machine.

Accordingly, the longitudinal slider allows the slanting slider to be slidably traveled along the rail. Preferably, the slanting slider is configured at an adjustable tapping angle. It will be appreciated that the tapping angle for the slanting slider is depending on the cultivation method, i.e. buddings or clonal seedlings.

In the preferred embodiment, the clamp means permits the tapping machine to be attached to the tree for tapping. Accordingly, the clamp means includes an adjustable trunk clamp and a rubber pad oppositely disposed therein. The adjustable trunk clamp and rubber pad are adapted to be adjusted to fit a cross sectional length of the trunk of the tree by adjusting the length adjustable means provided at the clamp means.

The controller unit of the tapping machine is preferably equipped with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a micro controller. Accordingly, the PLC and a micro controller are the processor for the automated tapping machine. It will be appreciated that the PLC operates with relay to control the activities of the automated tapping machine such as bark excision and machine movements. In the preferred embodiment, the power source is a solar energy from solar system. Accordingly, the solar system includes solar panels and batteries. The solar panels generate electricity from solar energy. In particular, the solar panels convert the solar energy to electricity and store in the batteries.

In another preferred of the present invention, there is provided an automatic tapping machine for harvesting natural latex from Hevea trees. The tapping machine includes: (a) an automatic tapping machine, wherein the tapping machine includes: (i) a longitudinal slider equipped with a screw drive mechanism on which a slanting slider is slidably engaged therewith; (ii) a cutting tool slidably traveled along the screw drive mechanism of the slanting slider; (iii) a rotating blade and lace cutter provided at the cutting tool; (iv) clamp means equipped at both ends of the longitudinal slider; (v) a controller unit to control activities of the tapping machine such as bark excision and machine movements; and (b) a power source for supplying power to operate the tapping machine.

Accordingly, the longitudinal slider allows the slanting slider to be slidably traveled along the screw drive mechanism. Preferably, the slanting slider is adjustably configured at predefined tapping angle. It will be appreciated that the tapping angle for the slanting slider is depending on the cultivation method, i.e. buddings or clonal seedlings.

In the preferred embodiment, the clamp means permits the tapping machine to be attached to the Hevea tree for tapping. Accordingly, the clamp means is a flexible strap adapted to be adjustably fitted a cross sectional length of trunk of the tree. S

It is to be note that the lace is securely mounted close to the surface of the rotating blade leaving a small gap, such that the lace cutter will trim off the lace tangles to the rotating blade. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller unit is equipped with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a micro controller. The PLC and a micro controller are processor for the automated tapping machine.

The power source of the preferred embodiment may be similar to that the first embodiment. Accordingly, power source is a solar energy from solar system wherein the solar system includes solar panels and batteries. The solar panels generate electricity from solar energy. In particular, the solar panels convert the solar energy to electricity and store in the batteries. The present invention consists of several novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying description and drawings. It is being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view, side view and top view of an automatic tapping machine for harvesting natural latex in accordance with preferred embodiments of present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the automatic tapping machine for harvesting natural latex and enlarged views of selectable portions of the tapping machine in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a power source of the automatic tapping machine wherein the power source is linked to a controller unit of the tapping machine;

FIG. 4 is a side view, front view and a partial front and real elevation views of an automatic tapping machine for harvesting natural latex in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged diagrammatic view of a cutting tool, wherein an additional blade is provided in adjacent to a rotating blade for trimming purpose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to an automatic tapping machine for harvesting natural latex from Hevea trees. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalents without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The tapping machine for harvesting natural latex according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in accordance to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1 to 3, both individually and in any combination thereof. Generally, the tapping machine for harvesting natural latex from Hevea trees is designed to assist tappers or substitute skilled man power requirement in carrying out the tapping task on Hevea trees. The tapping machine is to introduce mechanized and automated system in latex harvesting.

The tapping machine is preferably powered by a power source such as, but not limited to solar power which is environmental friendly. Besides, tapping machine of the present invention is programmable to control and to perform tapping task at predetermined desired time. The tapping machine can further enhance the latex harvesting wherein the tapping operation can be carried out when tugor pressure in the tree is at the highest.

Moreover, the tapping machine is capable to perform tapping activities with minimum wounding. The tapping machine uses solar power to power up the rotating blade tool for tapping wherein the tapping machine is to be attached to the tree on which its tapping head tool is moved downwards for the subsequent tapping.

Thus, the automatic tapping machine (100) is configured to be attached to the tree in order to perform tapping operation automatically at programmed time. This automated tapping machine is powered by power source (200), for example but not limited to a solar energy from solar system. Accordingly, the solar system generally includes solar panels (210) and batteries (220) which are used to store the electricity generated from the solar panel (210) for supplying power to operate the automated tapping machine (100).

In the preferred embodiment, the tapping machine (100) generally includes a longitudinal slider (1 10), slanting slider (120), cutting tool (130), clamp means (140) and controller unit (150).

The longitudinal slider (1 10) has a rail (1 12) on which the slanting slider (120) is slidably engaged therewith. The longitudinal slider ( 10) allows the slanting slider (120) to be slidably traveled along the rail (1 12) by vertical belting (1 14) which is driven by a motor (1 15). It will be appreciated that various other drive mechanism recognized by those skilled in the art may be used, such as, for example vertical chain to drive the slanting slider (120) along the rail (1 12), and therefore it should not be considered as limited to the use of vertical belting (1 14) only.

The longitudinal slider (1 10) further equipped with clamp means (140). Preferably, each clamp means (140) is equipped at both ends of the longitudinal slider (1 10). The clamp means (140) serves to permit the tapping machine (100) to be attached to the Hevea tree for tapping. Accordingly, the clamp means (140) includes an adjustable trunk clamp (142) and a rubber pad (144) oppositely disposed therein. It will be appreciated that the adjustable trunk clamp (142) and rubber pad (144) are adapted to be adjusted to fit a cross sectional length of the trunk of the tree by adjusting the length adjustable means (1 16) provided at the clamp means (140). The length adjustable means (1 16) can be of but not limited to bolt and nut. However, any other length adjustable means or mechanisms may be used.

The slanting slider (120) has a rail (122) on which the cutting tool (130) is slidably engaged therewith. Accordingly, the slanting slider (120) is preferably configured at an adjustable tapping angle from a horizontal plane as shown in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the angel of the slanting slider (120) can be adjusted to suit any tapping operation. Accordingly, the tapping angle for the slanting slider (120) is depending on the cultivation method, i.e. buddings or clonal seedlings. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting tool (130) is slidably traveled along the rail (1 12) by vertical belting (124) which is driven by a motor (126). Similarly, various other drive mechanism recognized by those skilled in the art may be used, such as, for example the use of chain to drive the cutting tool ^' (130) along the rail (1 12), and therefore it should not be considered as limited to the use of vertical belting (124) only. The cutting tool (130) generally includes a rotating blade tool (132), a motor (134) which is securely mounted to holder (136), and a guide roller (138).

The rotating blade tool (132) is specially made and can be rotated at high speed to ensure the bark and/or rubber lace produced from previous tapping is removed and disperse. This can ensure the latex collected is not contaminated. The tapping is performed by the rotating blade tool (132) that is driven by the motor (134). Preferably, the motor (134) is securely mounted to the holder (136) which is attached to a bracket of the cutting tool (130).

The controller unit (150) is provided at the tapping machine (100). Accordingly, the controller unit (150) of the automated tapping machine is equipped with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (152) and a micro controller (154). The PLC (152) and a micro controller (154) are used as the processor for the automated tapping machine. The PLC (152) operates with relay (156) to control the activities of the automated tapping machine such as bark excision and machine movements.

In the preferred embodiments, the tapping machine (100) is connected to the power source (200). Preferably, the automated tapping machine is powered by power source (200), for example but not limited to a solar energy from solar system. Accordingly, the solar system generally includes solar panels (210) and batteries (220) which are used to store the electricity generated from the solar panel (210) for supplying power to operate the tapping machine (100). The solar panels (210) generate electricity from solar energy. Particularly, the solar panels (210) convert the solar energy to electricity and store in the batteries (220). In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an automatic tapping machine (300). Said automatic tapping machine (300) generally includes a longitudinal slider (310), slanting slider (320), cutting tool (330), clamp means (140) and controller unit (150). The longitudinal slider (310) is preferably a cylindrical tube equipped with a screw drive mechanism (312) on which the slanting slider (320) is slidably engaged therewith. Accordingly, the longitudinal slider (310) allows the slanting slider (320) to be slidably traveled along screw drive mechanism (312) which is driven by a motor (315). It will be appreciated that various other drive mechanism recognized by those skilled in the art may be used, such as, tor example controllable piston to drive the slanting slider (320) along the longitudinal slider (310), and therefore it should not be considered as limited to the use of screw drive mechanism (312) only.

The longitudinal slider (310) further equipped with clamp means (340). Preferably, each clamp means (340) is equipped at both ends of the longitudinal slider (310). The clamp means (340) serves to permit the tapping machine (300) to be attached to the Hevea tree (400) for tapping. Preferably, the clamp means (340) may be any suitable flexible strap that is adapted to be adjustably fitted a cross sectional length of trunk of the tree.

The slanting slider (320) is preferably a cylindrical tube equipped with a screw drive mechanism (322) on which the cutting tool (330) slidably engaged therewith. Preferably, the slanting slider (320) is adjustably configured at predefined tapping angle. It will be appreciated that the angel of the slanting slider (320) can be adjusted to suit any tapping operation. The tapping angle for the slanting slider (320) is depending on the cultivation method, i.e. buddings or clonal seedlings. |n the preferred embodiment, the cutting tool (330) is slidably traveled along the screw drive mechanism (322) of the slanting slider (320). It will be appreciated that various other drive mechanism recognized by those skilled in the art may be used, such as, for example controllable piston and therefore it should not be considered as limited to the use of screw drive mechanism (322) only. The cutting tool (130) generally includes a rotating blade (332) and a motor (334) securely mounted to holder plates (336). It will be appreciated that the cutting tool (330) is equipped with an additional blade or lace cutter (338) disposed in adjacent to the rotating blade (332). The additional blade or lace cutter (338) serves to trim of the lace which tangles on the rotating blade (332) and to prevent the lace from covering the rotating blade (332) which may subsequently reduce the efficiency of the tapping. Accordingly, the additional blade or lace cutter (338) is securely mounted close to the surface of the rotating blade (332) leaving a small gap, such that the lace cutter (338) will trim off the lace should there be any lace tangles to the rotating blade (332). The lace cutter (338) has sharp edges along it sides near to the rotating blade for trimming operation.

The controller unit (150) is also provided at the tapping machine (300). Accordingly, the controller unit (150) of the automated tapping machine (300) may be similar to that as described above so as the tapping machine (300) can connected to the power source (200) as shown in FIG. 3.

The present invention consists of several novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying description and drawings. It is being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A tapping machine for harvesting latex from Hevea trees, the machine includes:

(a) an automatic tapping machine (100), wherein the tapping machine (100) includes:

i) a longitudinal slider (1 10) having a rail (1 12) on which a slanting slider (120) is slidably engaged therewith;

ii) a cutting tool (130) slidably engaged with a rail (122) of the slanting slider (120);

iii) a rotating blade tool (132) provided at the cutting tool (130); iv) clamp means (140) equipped at both ends of the longitudinal slider (1 10);

v) a controller unit (150) to control activities of the tapping machine such as bark excision and machine movements; and

(b) a power source (200) for supplying power to operate the tapping machine (100).

2. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal slider (1 10) allows the slanting slider (120) to be slidably traveled along the rail (1 12).

A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the slanting slider (120) configured at an adjustable tapping angle.

4. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tapping angle for the slanting slider (120) is depending on the cultivation method, i.e. buddings or clonal seedlings.

5. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the clamp means (140) permits the tapping machine (100) to be attached to the Hevea tree for tapping.

A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the clamp means (140) includes an adjustable trunk clamp (142) and a rubber pad (144) oppositely disposed therein.

A tapping machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the adjustable trunk clamp (142) and rubber pad (144) are adapted to be adjusted to fit a cross sectional length of the trunk of the tree by adjusting the length adjustable means (1 16) provided at the clamp means (140).

A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controller unit (150) is equipped with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (152) and a micro controller (154).

9. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the PLC (152) and a micro controller (154) are processor for the automated tapping machine.

10. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the PLC (152) operates with relay (156) to control the activities of the automated tapping machine such as bark excision and machine movements.

1 1 . A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the power source (200) is a solar energy from a solar system.

12. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the solar system includes solar panels (210) and batterjes (220).

13. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the solar panels (210) generate electricity from solar energy.

14. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the solar panels (210) convert the solar energy to electricity and store in the batteries (220).

15. A tapping machine for harvesting latex from Hevea trees, the machine includes:

(a) an automatic tapping machine (300), wherein the tapping machine (300) includes:

i) a longitudinal slider (310) equipped with a screw drive mechanism (312) on which a slanting slider (320) is slidably engaged therewith; ii) a cutting tool (330) slidably traveled along the screw drive mechanism (322) of the slanting slider (320);

iii) a rotating blade (332) and lace cutter (338) provided at the cutting tool (330);

iv) clamp means (340) equipped at both ends of the longitudinal slider (310);

(v) a controller unit (150) to control activities of the tapping machine such as bark excision and machine movements; and

(b) a power source (200) for supplying power to operate the tapping machine (300).

16. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the longitudinal slider (310) allows the slanting slider (320) to be slidably traveled along the screw drive mechanism (312).

17. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the slanting slider (320) is adjustably configured at predefined tapping angle.

18. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 17, wherein the tapping angle for the slanting slider (320) is depending on the cultivation method, i.e. buddings or clonal seedlings.

19. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the clamp means (340) permits the tapping machine (300) to be attached to the Hevea tree (400) for tapping.

20. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 19, wherein the clamp means (340) is a flexible strap adapted to be adjustably fitted a cross sectional length of trunk of the tree.

21 . A tapping machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the lace cutter (338) is securely mounted close to the surface of the rotating blade (332) leaving a small gap, such that the lace cutter (338) will trim off the lace tangles to the rotating blade (332).

22. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the controller unit (150) is equipped with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (152) and a micro controller (154).

23. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the PLC (152) and a micro controller (154) are processor for the automated tapping machine.

24. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the power source (200) is a solar energy from a solar system.

25. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 23, wherein the solar system includes solar panels (210) and batteries (220).

26. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 24, wherein the wherein the solar panels (210) generate electricity from solar energy.

27. A tapping machine as claimed in claim 24, wherein the solar panels (210) convert the solar energy to electricity and store in the batteries (220).