BR202016022426Y1 - fruit and vegetable sorting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present patent relates to an automated fruit and vegetable sorting machine which classifies products by weight and color range by using scales and other electronic sensors controlled through a processing plant.

Description

“FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CLASSIFICATION MACHINE” [0001] This patent refers to a fruit and vegetable classifying machine with automated operation that performs the classification of products by weight range, through the use of load cells and other sensors / electronic actuators controlled through a central processing.

[0002] With the increasing sanitary requirements for handling fruit and vegetables for commercialization, the market is increasingly looking for machines capable of performing tasks quickly, effectively and capable of maintaining a strict selection standard. In the case of fruits and some vegetables, the main selection criterion is the size range.

[0003] The size usually starts from a minimum standard and is classified in some ranges, depending on the product. Normally, they are classified by unit weight, since for a single product, the greater the weight, the greater its physical size; or through physical templates that remove the product from the line whenever it is smaller than the template.

[0004] In the state of the art there are some records on this subject, such as the document MU 8600459 deposited on March 17, 2006 which refers to a device for classifying fruits with a mechanical scale system that classifies fruits by different weights . Despite presenting a good concept, the use of scales with mechanical components compromises their reliability, since they can wear out, in addition to limiting the speed of operation, since it is necessary a minimum time of the product on the scale so that the spring compresses enough to stabilize.

[0005] In order to solve the aforementioned problem, the present fruit and vegetable sorting machine was developed, which aims to classify products individually by size ranges (determined

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2/3 through its weight) in an automated way through previously registered parameters, aided by load cells and other sensors necessary for its correct functioning.

Description of the drawing.

[0006] The description that follows, and the associated figure, all given by way of example, without limitation, will make the fruit and vegetable sorting machine well understood.

[0007] Figure 1 represents an isometric perspective of the fruit and vegetable sorting machine with three classification lines and ten product outputs per weight range.

[0008] The present fruit and vegetable sorting machine is basically composed of the singulator (4), electronic classifier and the electronic control system.

[0009] The function of the singulator (4) is to align the fruits one by one and distribute them correctly on the classifier's cup (bowl), its traction is made by a set of gears with the classifier, manufactured with a plate bent in a conical shape , uses a chain system coupled with tubes and special flexible cone, pulled by gears and synchronized with the classifier, has upper guides in rigid material, responsible for keeping the fruits on the cones.

[0010] The classifier performs the weighing of the fruits through the load cells (1) monitored by a weight management software, thus analyzing each weight range and distributing it in the output corresponding to the configuration made in the system. This distribution is done through actuators fixed to a guide, which activate the drop of the product from each glass (bowl), distributing the fruit in the desired place. The movement of the bowls is through a chain where the rods are coupled with the cups (bowls from which the fruits are to be weighed), pulled by an electric gearmotor with

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3/3 speed variator. The classifier can be manufactured with the number of lines required according to the application, and for each line added there will be a load cell (1) and an actuator to direct the products to their respective output.

[0011] Every product outlet has a spout with a special lining to prevent damage to the products, right after that there is a transverse conveyor (2) of the type with belt that removes the product to the side stand (3), where they are deposited products for manual packaging.

[0012] The electronic control system is responsible for receiving the load cell weight information (1); evaluation of the exit position according to the weight range table previously established and actuation of the actuator that will remove the product from the line considering the travel time of the product from weighing to the correct exit.

List of references (01) Load cell;

(02) Cross conveyor;

(03) Side stand;

(04) Singulator.

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Claims (1)

1) Fruit and vegetable sorting machine, characterized by comprising: - Singulator (4) manufactured with bent plate in conical shape, its traction is made by a set of gears and uses a chain system coupled with tubes and special flexible cone, pulled by gears and synchronized with the classifier, with upper guides in rigid material , responsible for keeping the fruits on the cones; - classifier comprising for each line a load cell (1) monitored by a weight management software, thus analyzing each weight range and distributing it to the output corresponding to the configuration made in the system through actuators fixed on a guide, which activate the dropped from the product of each glass (bowl); the movement of the bowls is through a chain where the rods are coupled with the cups (bowls), pulled by an electric motor with speed variator; - electronic control system that receives weight information from the load cell (1); and determines the output position according to the weight range table previously established and activates the actuator to remove the product from the line considering the product travel time from weighing to the correct output