EP0842713B1 - Product sorting arrangement with water filled channels - Google Patents

Product sorting arrangement with water filled channels Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0842713B1
EP0842713B1 EP97402604A EP97402604A EP0842713B1 EP 0842713 B1 EP0842713 B1 EP 0842713B1 EP 97402604 A EP97402604 A EP 97402604A EP 97402604 A EP97402604 A EP 97402604A EP 0842713 B1 EP0842713 B1 EP 0842713B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
channels
products
channel
installation
zone
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP97402604A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0842713A1 (en
Inventor
Alberto Sardo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Xeda International SA
Original Assignee
Xeda International SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Xeda International SA filed Critical Xeda International SA
Publication of EP0842713A1 publication Critical patent/EP0842713A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0842713B1 publication Critical patent/EP0842713B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/36—Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an installation sorting floating products, such as fruit, type comprising on the one hand a device for sorting products with several outlet for the release of products and means to direct each product to one of the outputs selected according to a criterion predetermined and on the other hand multiple collection channels products leaving the sorting device, each device output being associated with a collection channel products from this outlet, which channels are filled with liquid and basically extend horizontally.
  • EP 0 729 908 discloses such product sorting installations. including calibration facilities.
  • the device product sorting system is formed by a calibration including in particular an endless conveyor on which circulate the products and a weighing device products for their calibration.
  • These facilities may have instead of the weighing device a nature or quality identification device some products.
  • the conveyor on which the products rest flows transversely over a set of rectangular channels filled with water arranged side by side. These channels have for example a width of one meter and a length of fourteen meters. They are intended for storage temporary products of the same size.
  • Each means product ejection corresponds to an output of the device sorting and is controlled by the weighing device.
  • the calibration device allows the distribution of products in channels according to product sizes.
  • the calibration devices have a large number of outputs.
  • the number of outings is currently close to thirty.
  • the canals with a clean surface of around 14 m 2 cover a large surface area.
  • the invention aims to solve this problem footprint of such sorting facilities.
  • the invention relates to an installation sorting floating products, such as fruit, of the aforementioned type, characterized in that at least two channels extend to different levels on at least part of their surface and overlap at least partially.
  • the sorting facility for floating products shown in Figure 1 is an installation of sizing of fruits such as apples.
  • This installation essentially comprises a device 10 for sorting products by calibration, overlapping a set of 12 product collection channels from the calibration device and the means 14 for loading into C containers of products temporarily accumulated in channels 12.
  • the calibration device 10 has three endless conveyors 16A, 16B, 16C arranged in parallel to each other and flowing over the channels 12. These conveyors each have for example two strands closed in a loop and running parallel to one the other between guide members arranged at each end. These conveyors are suitable for transport of products transverse to the channels 12.
  • the calibration device 10 comprises, in entrance, a unit 18 for receiving calibrated products different mixed.
  • This unit 18 is suitable for regularly arrange the products to be calibrated on the conveyors 16A to 16C.
  • a product weighing unit 20 is provided in downstream of unit 18. This includes, for each conveyor, means known per se for weighing products traveling on the conveyor. It also includes means of memorizing the weight of the products and the position of the products on the conveyor.
  • Ejection means bearing the reference general 21 are arranged above each channel the along each conveyor 16A to 16C in order to eject a conveyor product as it passes over the channel corresponding to the size of the product.
  • These means ejection can be for example suitable pushers to tip the product from the conveyor.
  • the ejection means are connected to the 20 calibration to allow triggering of means of ejection when the product is level with the channel corresponding to its caliber.
  • All product collection channels calibrated includes, in the embodiment described here, nineteen channels. These channels are distributed according to two subsets denoted 12A, 12B. As shown on Figure 2, a first subset 12A has ten channels arranged side by side at a first level N1. The second subset 12B has nine channels arranged side by side and extending essentially to a second level N2, lower than the first level N1.
  • Each channel has a zone 22 for collecting products arranged transversely under the conveyors 16A to 16B. These collection areas extend below the calibration device release outputs which are aligned along the length of the conveyors.
  • the collection areas are rectangular and are arranged side by side. For each channel, zone 22 of product collection is extended by an accumulation zone 24 products spanning a length substantially equal to 7 m and a width substantially equal to 2 m.
  • the accumulation zones 24 of the channels of the first and second subsets 12A, 12B overlap on most of their width. So each channel of the subset 12B is arranged below two adjacent channels of the first subset 12A, the latter covering practically totally the accumulation zone 24 of the channel arranged on the lower level.
  • the channels of the first and second subsets 12A, 12B substantially cover a same floor area on which the channels of the two subsets are superimposed.
  • Zones 22 for collecting products from all channels have a width less than the width of the area corresponding accumulation 24.
  • this width is substantially equal to half the width of the accumulation zone. It is thus equal to 1 m.
  • the first channel accumulation zones and second subsets of channels 12A, 12B are arranged side by side at the upper level N1. This level is located about 10 cm below the strands of the conveyors 16A to 16B.
  • product collection zones 22 are connected to accumulation zones 24 by channel sections 26 inclined from the collection zones to the accumulation zones. These inclined sections 26 flare from the collection zone of each channel to the accumulation zone from the width of collection zone 22 to the width of the accumulation zone 24.
  • the accumulation zones 24 of the channels of the same subassembly 12A or 12B open at one end into a common channel for transporting products. So two channels 30A, 30B extending respectively to the upper level N1 and at the lower level N2 are arranged transversely at the ends of the accumulation zones. Each channel is connected at one end to a loading of products into C containers. These stations are denoted respectively 32A and 32B.
  • Each channel 12 is provided, at its end with connection to channel 30A or 30B, of a screen door 33A, 33B product retention inside the channels. These doors block products in areas accumulation 24 of the channels, when they are closed, and allow the circulation of products from accumulation areas to channels 30A, 30B, when they are open. These doors allow the passage of water from collection channels 12 to transport channels 30A, 30B.
  • the installation comprises means of circulating the water contained in the channels from the product collection area to corresponding transport channel.
  • the installation includes a track 34 overlapping all the channels 12, above the zones accumulation.
  • This track 34 is intended for transport containers filled with calibrated products and delivery of empty containers.
  • a storage area 36 of containers C is built along canals 30A, 30B, opposite side to product collection channels 12 calibrated.
  • the products to be calibrated are arranged randomly on the three conveyors 16A to 16B in unit 18.
  • the weighing unit 20 provides continuous weighing of each product as it passes through the unit.
  • This same unit controls the ejection means 21 arranged above collection areas so that they eject the products above the collection area corresponding to the collection channel associated with the size of the product under consideration.
  • the product ejected from the conveyor falls into the water of the collection area arranged immediately above.
  • the products circulate from the zone 22 for collecting the products towards the accumulation zone 24 in the direction of the arrows F1.
  • the corresponding end door 33A, 33B is open, so that the products circulate in the corresponding channel 30A or 30B according to the direction of the arrows F A or F B until at the associated container loading station 32A or 32B.
  • the products are then collected in the container which, after filling, is placed on the storage area 36 by means of transport circulating on the track 34.
  • Figures 3 to 6 show a variant for making an installation according to the invention.
  • the data collection channels products are divided into three subsets 38A, 38B, 38C of adjacent channels superimposed on each other other. So the channels, designated for each level by the reference 40A, 40B, 40C, are arranged respectively at three different levels marked N1, N2 and N3 from the highest level to the highest level low.
  • each channel has an accumulation zone designated by the general reference 42 followed by a letter A, B or C, depending on the channel considered.
  • This accumulation zone extends a collection zone for products designated by the general reference 44 followed by the letter specific to the channel.
  • the respective widths of collection and accumulation areas of each channel are identical.
  • the area to collect the products of each channel has a width equal to a third of the width of the accumulation zone of the channel considered.
  • the collection zone 44A is arranged along the median axis of the channel, so that the collection zone 44A is connected to the accumulation zone 42A by a section of channel 46A flaring from side and other.
  • the collection zone 44B of the intermediate channel is deported from a first side of the canal while the area of collection 44C of the lower canal is offset from to the axis of the channel on the opposite side to that of the area of collection 44B.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show only one section of conveyors 16A to 16C. Below these conveyors, extends, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the collection zone 44A of the upper channel. Departure and on the other side of this zone are provided two tanks 50B, 50C product reception. These tanks are filled with water to a level corresponding to the water level in the canal 40A.
  • Bins 50B and 50C have a greater depth at the normal depth of a channel to allow the receipt of the products without them touching the bottom of the tank after they fall out of the device calibration.
  • Bins 50B and 50C have a width equal to that collection zones 44B, 44C. They partially overlap them.
  • Bins 50B, 50C, as well as the collection area 44A are supplied with water continuously by pumps 49A, 49B, 49C ( Figure 4).
  • the water supply is provided in a rear wall extending opposite the accumulation zones, i.e. along the conveyor 16A.
  • the same pump 49A, 49B, 49C supplies all the bins and associated collection areas to the channels of this subset.
  • the wall of the tanks 50B and 50C arranged above of the corresponding collection zone 44B, 44C present reduced height so that excess water in them tanks 50B and 50C is continuously transferred according to a waterfall designated by the reference 52B, 52C on the figures up to intermediate channel 40B and to channel lower 40C.
  • conveyors designated by the references 54B and 54C are interposed respectively between tanks 50B and 50C and the collection areas for products 44B and 44C. These conveyors are formed by a endless belt continuously flowing from one end for taking products from the bin, respectively noted 56B, 56C for tanks 50B and 50C up to one release end of the products in the channels 40B, 40C. This release end is noted 58B, 58C for conveyors 54B and 54C respectively.
  • Conveyors 54B and 54C extend over the essentials the width of the tanks 50B, 50C and the areas of collection 44B, 44C.
  • the endless belt of the conveyor is formed by a water-permeable wire mesh, of which the meshes are tight enough to allow the product support.
  • Projecting organs, in particular pins, are provided on the outer surface of the tape to ensure product retention during their descent on the conveyor towards the collection channels 40B and 40C.
  • the conveyor belt circulates between the first guide members arranged transversely to inside of tanks 50B, 50C, below the level of water and second guide members arranged transversely in the collection zones 44B, 44C of the channels immediately above the water level.
  • the second guide members are rotated by motors 55B, 55C thus ensuring the propulsion of conveyors.
  • Conveyors include release means of the endless strip above the most wall bottom of tanks 50B, 50C. So, for each conveyor, the end of product sampling is followed, according to the direction of movement of the conveyor, by a ascending section of the conveyor extended by a section descending ending at the release end of products.
  • the products ejected of the conveyor fall according to their size either in collection zone 44A, either in one or the other tanks 50B, 50C.
  • the water circulation in the tank drives the product to the conveyor.
  • the product is then transported by the conveyor to the area of collection of the corresponding channel where it is released.
  • Water circulation in channels 40B, 40C is ensured by the permanent supply of water from respective waterfalls 52B, 52C which are supplied by excess water coming from pumps 49B, 49C in the tanks 50B, 50C.
  • the three subsets of channels reduce by a factor of 3 the area required for accumulation temporary products compared to facilities known.
  • the number of levels can be multiplied according to the available floor area for the installation of the installation.
  • the installations described here are installations in which the calibration is carried out from criteria relating to the weight of the products measured by the weighing unit.
  • the invention can be applied to any other sorting facility of products with several outputs for products sorted satisfying different criteria.
  • such an installation may include means of determining the quality or nature of products.
  • These means may for example include a camera adapted to take an image of each product, which image is then analyzed to direct the product considered towards one or other of the outputs of the sorting device.
  • the ends of the product collection channels arranged on the same level are connected to a channel transport to a product loading station in containers. So a charging station is provided for each subset of channels arranged at a same level.
  • the outputs of all the installation channels are connected to means of product transfer to a single container loading station.
  • These means of product transfer include for example belt conveyors suitable for transferring the products from the end of the accumulation sections collection channels to a single level in view of their transport to the loading station of containers. Transport to the loading station for example by circulation of products in a single channel under the effect of water circulation from all of the installation's collection channels.
  • all channels are jointly supplied in closed circuit by the same pump or the same group of pumps, so they form a single water circulation circuit.

Landscapes

  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Separation Of Solids By Using Liquids Or Pneumatic Power (AREA)
  • General Preparation And Processing Of Foods (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

The equipment consists of a sorting section with a series of guides which directing the products towards a number of different outlets according to predetermined quality criteria. A number of channels (40A,40B,40C) are filled with a liquid and extend horizontally. At least two of the channels lie at different levels and partly overlap. The channels are divided into a number of sub-assemblies, with the channels in the same sub-assembly lying side by side and on the same level, and the channels in each of the sub-assemblies covering the same ground area. Each one also has recovery and accumulator zones.

Description

La présente invention concerne une installation de tri de produits flottants, tels que des fruits, du type comportant d'une part un dispositif de tri des produits muni de plusieurs sorties de libération des produits et de moyens pour diriger chaque produit vers l'une des sorties sélectionnée en fonction d'un critère prédéterminé et d'autre part plusieurs canaux de collecte des produits en sortie du dispositif de tri, chaque sortie du dispositif étant associée à un canal de collecte des produits issus de ladite sortie, lesquels canaux sont emplis de liquide et s'étendent essentiellement horizontalement.The present invention relates to an installation sorting floating products, such as fruit, type comprising on the one hand a device for sorting products with several outlet for the release of products and means to direct each product to one of the outputs selected according to a criterion predetermined and on the other hand multiple collection channels products leaving the sorting device, each device output being associated with a collection channel products from this outlet, which channels are filled with liquid and basically extend horizontally.

On connaít par EP 0 729 908 de telles installations de tri de produits et notamment des installations de calibrage.EP 0 729 908 discloses such product sorting installations. including calibration facilities.

Dans une installation de calibrage, le dispositif de tri des produits est formé par un dispositif de calibrage comportant notamment un convoyeur sans fin sur lequel circulent les produits et un dispositif de pesage des produits en vue de leur calibrage. Ces installations peuvent comporter à la place du dispositif de pesage un dispositif d'identification de la nature ou de la qualité des produits.In a calibration installation, the device product sorting system is formed by a calibration including in particular an endless conveyor on which circulate the products and a weighing device products for their calibration. These facilities may have instead of the weighing device a nature or quality identification device some products.

Le convoyeur sur lequel reposent les produits circule transversalement au-dessus d'un ensemble de canaux rectangulaires emplis d'eau disposés côte à côte. Ces canaux ont par exemple une largeur de un mètre et une longueur de quatorze mètres. Ils sont destinés au stockage temporaire des produits d'un même calibre.The conveyor on which the products rest flows transversely over a set of rectangular channels filled with water arranged side by side. These channels have for example a width of one meter and a length of fourteen meters. They are intended for storage temporary products of the same size.

Le long du convoyeur sont disposés des moyens d'éjection des produits du convoyeur afin que ceux-ci tombent dans le canal disposé au-dessous. Chaque moyen d'éjection de produits correspond à une sortie du dispositif de tri et est commandé par le dispositif de pesage.Along the conveyor are arranged means of ejection of the products from the conveyor so that these fall into the channel below. Each means product ejection corresponds to an output of the device sorting and is controlled by the weighing device.

Ainsi, le dispositif de calibrage permet la répartition des produits dans les canaux en fonction des calibres des produits.Thus, the calibration device allows the distribution of products in channels according to product sizes.

Les dispositifs de calibrage comportent un grand nombre de sorties. Le nombre de sorties est couramment voisin de trente. Aussi, les canaux d'une surface propre d'environ 14 m2 couvrent une surface au sol importante.The calibration devices have a large number of outputs. The number of outings is currently close to thirty. Also, the canals with a clean surface of around 14 m 2 cover a large surface area.

Dans ces conditions, de telles installations de calibrage sont très encombrantes et nécessitent des hangars de grande surface pour leur installation.Under these conditions, such installations of calibration are very bulky and require large area hangars for their installation.

L'invention a pour but de résoudre ce problème d'encombrement au sol de telles installations de tri.The invention aims to solve this problem footprint of such sorting facilities.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une installation de tri de produits flottants, tels que des fruits, du type précité, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins deux canaux s'étendent à des niveaux différents sur au moins une partie de leur surface et se chevauchent au moins partiellement.To this end, the invention relates to an installation sorting floating products, such as fruit, of the aforementioned type, characterized in that at least two channels extend to different levels on at least part of their surface and overlap at least partially.

Suivant des modes particuliers de réalisation, l'installation peut comporter l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • les canaux sont répartis en plusieurs sous-ensembles, les canaux d'un même sous-ensemble étant disposés côte à côte à un même niveau, les canaux de chaque sous-ensemble couvrant sensiblement une même surface au sol sur laquelle les canaux des différents sous-ensembles sont superposés ;
  • chaque canal comporte une zone de recueil des produits libérés depuis une sortie de libération du dispositif de tri, et une zone d'accumulation des produits prolongeant ladite zone de recueil, et la largeur du canal dans la zone de recueil est inférieure à la largeur du canal dans la zone d'accumulation ;
  • les zones de recueil sont disposées côte à côte, les sorties de libération du dispositif de tri étant alignées et disposées au-dessus desdites zones de recueil des canaux ;
  • la zone de recueil d'au moins un canal est disposée à un niveau supérieur au niveau de la zone d'accumulation du canal correspondant, la zone de recueil étant reliée à la zone d'accumulation par un tronçon de canal incliné de la zone de recueil vers la zone d'accumulation ;
  • un convoyeur de transfert des produits est interposé entre au moins une sortie du dispositif de tri et le canal de collecte associé ;
  • les sorties de libération du dispositif de tri sont disposées à un niveau supérieur à celui de l'ensemble de canaux et des convoyeurs de transfert des produits, adaptés pour assurer une descente des produits, sont interposés entre les canaux inférieurs disposés à des niveaux inférieurs au canal le plus haut, et les sorties associées du dispositif de tri, limitant ainsi la hauteur de chute des produits avant leur arrivée dans lesdits canaux inférieurs ;
  • pour lesdits canaux inférieurs, des bacs de réception des produits sont disposés au-dessous des sorties associées du dispositif de tri, lesquels bacs sont emplis de liquide, et les convoyeurs interposés entre lesdites sorties de libération et les canaux associés comportent chacun une extrémité de prélèvement des produits dans un bac de réception et une extrémité de libération des produits dans le canal associé ;
  • elle comporte des moyens de mise en circulation du fluide emplissant les bacs, le fluide circulant dans chaque bac vers l'extrémité de prélèvement du convoyeur associé ;
  • elle comporte des moyens de mise en mouvement du fluide emplissant les canaux ; et
  • chaque bac comporte des moyens pour son alimentation en fluide et des moyens de transfert du fluide en excès dans le canal associé.
According to particular embodiments, the installation may include one or more of the following characteristics:
  • the channels are divided into several sub-assemblies, the channels of the same sub-assembly being arranged side by side at the same level, the channels of each sub-assembly covering substantially the same ground surface on which the channels of the different sub-assemblies - sets are superimposed;
  • each channel has a zone for collecting the products released from a release outlet of the sorting device, and a zone for accumulating products extending said collection zone, and the width of the channel in the collection zone is less than the width of the channel in the accumulation zone;
  • the collection zones are arranged side by side, the release outlets of the sorting device being aligned and arranged above said channel collection zones;
  • the collection zone of at least one channel is disposed at a level higher than the level of the accumulation zone of the corresponding channel, the collection zone being connected to the accumulation zone by a section of channel inclined from the zone of collection to the accumulation zone;
  • a product transfer conveyor is interposed between at least one outlet of the sorting device and the associated collection channel;
  • the release outlets of the sorting device are disposed at a level higher than that of the set of channels and product transfer conveyors, adapted to ensure a descent of the products, are interposed between the lower channels arranged at levels below the highest channel, and the associated outlets of the sorting device, thus limiting the height of fall of the products before their arrival in said lower channels;
  • for said lower channels, product receiving bins are arranged below the associated outlets of the sorting device, which bins are filled with liquid, and the conveyors interposed between said release outlets and the associated channels each have a sampling end products in a receiving tank and a product release end in the associated channel;
  • it comprises means for circulating the fluid filling the tanks, the fluid flowing in each tank towards the sampling end of the associated conveyor;
  • it comprises means for setting in motion the fluid filling the channels; and
  • each tank comprises means for its supply of fluid and means for transferring the excess fluid into the associated channel.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'une installation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en section de l'installation de la figure 1 prise suivant la ligne II-II ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un autre mode de réalisation d'une installation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue partielle de dessus de l'installation de la figure 3 ; et
  • les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues en coupe partielle de l'installation des figures 3 et 4 prises respectivement suivant les lignes V-V et VI-VI de la figure 4.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a top view of an installation according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the installation of Figure 1 taken along line II-II;
  • Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of an installation according to the invention;
  • Figure 4 is a partial top view of the installation of Figure 3; and
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are views in partial section of the installation of FIGS. 3 and 4 taken respectively along the lines VV and VI-VI of FIG. 4.

L'installation de tri de produits flottants représentée sur la figure 1 est une installation de calibrage de fruits tels que des pommes.The sorting facility for floating products shown in Figure 1 is an installation of sizing of fruits such as apples.

Cette installation comporte essentiellement un dispositif 10 de tri des produits par calibrage, chevauchant un ensemble de canaux 12 de collecte des produits issus du dispositif de calibrage et des moyens 14 de chargement dans des conteneurs C des produits temporairement accumulés dans les canaux 12.This installation essentially comprises a device 10 for sorting products by calibration, overlapping a set of 12 product collection channels from the calibration device and the means 14 for loading into C containers of products temporarily accumulated in channels 12.

Le dispositif de calibrage 10 comporte trois convoyeurs sans fin 16A, 16B, 16C disposés parallèlement les uns aux autres et circulant au-dessus des canaux 12. Ces convoyeurs comportent par exemple chacun deux brins refermés en boucle et circulant parallèlement l'un à l'autre entre des organes de guidage disposés à chaque extrémité. Ces convoyeurs sont adaptés pour le transport de produits transversalement aux canaux 12.The calibration device 10 has three endless conveyors 16A, 16B, 16C arranged in parallel to each other and flowing over the channels 12. These conveyors each have for example two strands closed in a loop and running parallel to one the other between guide members arranged at each end. These conveyors are suitable for transport of products transverse to the channels 12.

Le dispositif de calibrage 10 comporte, en entrée, une unité 18 de réception de produits de calibres différents mélangés. Cette unité 18 est adaptée pour disposer régulièrement les produits à calibrer sur les convoyeurs 16A à 16C.The calibration device 10 comprises, in entrance, a unit 18 for receiving calibrated products different mixed. This unit 18 is suitable for regularly arrange the products to be calibrated on the conveyors 16A to 16C.

Une unité 20 de pesage des produits est prévue en aval de l'unité 18. Celle-ci comporte, pour chaque convoyeur, des moyens connus en soi de pesée des produits circulant sur le convoyeur. Elle comporte en outre des moyens de mémorisation du poids des produits et de la position des produits sur le convoyeur.A product weighing unit 20 is provided in downstream of unit 18. This includes, for each conveyor, means known per se for weighing products traveling on the conveyor. It also includes means of memorizing the weight of the products and the position of the products on the conveyor.

Des moyens d'éjection portant la référence générale 21 sont disposés au-dessus de chaque canal le long de chaque convoyeur 16A à 16C afin d'éjecter un produit du convoyeur lors de son passage au-dessus du canal correspondant au calibre du produit. Ces moyens d'éjection peuvent être par exemple des poussoirs adaptés pour faire basculer le produit du convoyeur.Ejection means bearing the reference general 21 are arranged above each channel the along each conveyor 16A to 16C in order to eject a conveyor product as it passes over the channel corresponding to the size of the product. These means ejection can be for example suitable pushers to tip the product from the conveyor.

Les moyens d'éjection sont reliés à l'unité de calibrage 20 afin de permettre le déclenchement des moyens d'éjection lorsque le produit est à l'aplomb du canal correspondant à son calibre.The ejection means are connected to the 20 calibration to allow triggering of means of ejection when the product is level with the channel corresponding to its caliber.

L'ensemble des canaux de recueil des produits calibrés comporte, dans le mode de réalisation décrit ici, dix-neuf canaux. Ces canaux sont répartis suivant deux sous-ensembles notés 12A, 12B. Comme représenté sur la figure 2, un premier sous-ensemble 12A comporte dix canaux disposés côte à côte à un premier niveau N1. Le second sous-ensemble 12B comporte neuf canaux disposés côte à côte et s'étendant essentiellement à un second niveau N2, inférieur au premier niveau N1.All product collection channels calibrated includes, in the embodiment described here, nineteen channels. These channels are distributed according to two subsets denoted 12A, 12B. As shown on Figure 2, a first subset 12A has ten channels arranged side by side at a first level N1. The second subset 12B has nine channels arranged side by side and extending essentially to a second level N2, lower than the first level N1.

Chaque canal comporte une zone 22 de recueil des produits disposée transversalement sous les convoyeurs 16A à 16B. Ces zones de recueil s'étendent au-dessous des sorties de libération du dispositif de calibrage qui sont alignées suivant la longueur des convoyeurs.Each channel has a zone 22 for collecting products arranged transversely under the conveyors 16A to 16B. These collection areas extend below the calibration device release outputs which are aligned along the length of the conveyors.

Les zones de recueil sont rectangulaires et sont disposées côte à côte. Pour chaque canal, la zone 22 de recueil des produits est prolongée par une zone 24 d'accumulation des produits s'étendant sur une longueur sensiblement égale à 7 m et une largeur sensiblement égale à 2 m.The collection areas are rectangular and are arranged side by side. For each channel, zone 22 of product collection is extended by an accumulation zone 24 products spanning a length substantially equal to 7 m and a width substantially equal to 2 m.

Les zones d'accumulation 24 des canaux des premier et second sous-ensembles 12A, 12B se chevauchent sur l'essentiel de leur largeur. Ainsi, chaque canal du sous-ensemble 12B est disposé au-dessous de deux canaux adjacent du premier sous-ensemble 12A, ces derniers recouvrant pratiquement totalement la zone d'accumulation 24 du canal disposé au niveau inférieur.The accumulation zones 24 of the channels of the first and second subsets 12A, 12B overlap on most of their width. So each channel of the subset 12B is arranged below two adjacent channels of the first subset 12A, the latter covering practically totally the accumulation zone 24 of the channel arranged on the lower level.

Dans un tel agencement les canaux des premier et second sous-ensembles 12A, 12B couvrent sensiblement une même surface au sol sur laquelle les canaux des deux sous-ensembles sont superposés.In such an arrangement the channels of the first and second subsets 12A, 12B substantially cover a same floor area on which the channels of the two subsets are superimposed.

Les zones 22 de recueil des produits de tous les canaux ont une largeur inférieure à la largeur de la zone d'accumulation 24 correspondante. En particulier, cette largeur est sensiblement égale à la moitié de la largeur de la zone d'accumulation. Elle est ainsi égale à 1 m.Zones 22 for collecting products from all channels have a width less than the width of the area corresponding accumulation 24. In particular, this width is substantially equal to half the width of the accumulation zone. It is thus equal to 1 m.

Les zones d'accumulation des canaux des premier et second sous-ensembles de canaux 12A, 12B sont disposées côte à côte au niveau supérieur N1. Ce niveau est situé environ 10 cm au-dessous des brins des convoyeurs 16A à 16B.The first channel accumulation zones and second subsets of channels 12A, 12B are arranged side by side at the upper level N1. This level is located about 10 cm below the strands of the conveyors 16A to 16B.

Pour les canaux du second sous-ensemble 12B, dont les zones d'accumulation s'étendent au niveau inférieur N2, les zones 22 de recueil des produits sont reliées aux zones d'accumulation 24 par des tronçons de canaux 26 inclinés depuis les zones de recueil vers les zones d'accumulation. Ces tronçons inclinés 26 s'évasent depuis la zone de recueil de chaque canal vers la zone d'accumulation depuis la largeur de la zone de recueil 22 jusqu'à la largeur de la zone d'accumulation 24.For the channels of the second subset 12B, of which the accumulation zones extend to the lower level N2, product collection zones 22 are connected to accumulation zones 24 by channel sections 26 inclined from the collection zones to the accumulation zones. These inclined sections 26 flare from the collection zone of each channel to the accumulation zone from the width of collection zone 22 to the width of the accumulation zone 24.

Les zones d'accumulation 24 des canaux d'un même sous-ensemble 12A ou 12B débouchent à une extrémité dans un canal commun de transport des produits. Ainsi, deux canaux 30A, 30B s'étendant respectivement au niveau supérieur N1 et au niveau inférieur N2 sont disposés transversalement aux extrémités des zones d'accumulation. Chaque canal est relié à une extrémité à une station de chargement des produits dans les conteneurs C. Ces stations sont notées respectivement 32A et 32B.The accumulation zones 24 of the channels of the same subassembly 12A or 12B open at one end into a common channel for transporting products. So two channels 30A, 30B extending respectively to the upper level N1 and at the lower level N2 are arranged transversely at the ends of the accumulation zones. Each channel is connected at one end to a loading of products into C containers. These stations are denoted respectively 32A and 32B.

Chaque canal 12 est muni, à son extrémité de liaison au canal 30A ou 30B, d'une porte grillagée 33A, 33B de retenue des produits à l'intérieur des canaux. Ces portes assurent le blocage des produits dans les zones d'accumulation 24 des canaux, lorsqu'elles sont fermées, et autorisent la circulation des produits des zones d'accumulation vers les canaux 30A, 30B, lorsqu'elles sont ouvertes. Ces portes permettent le passage de l'eau des canaux de collecte 12 aux canaux de transport 30A, 30B.Each channel 12 is provided, at its end with connection to channel 30A or 30B, of a screen door 33A, 33B product retention inside the channels. These doors block products in areas accumulation 24 of the channels, when they are closed, and allow the circulation of products from accumulation areas to channels 30A, 30B, when they are open. These doors allow the passage of water from collection channels 12 to transport channels 30A, 30B.

Comme connu en soi, l'installation comporte des moyens de mise en circulation de l'eau contenue dans les canaux depuis la zone de recueil des produits jusqu'au canal de transport correspondant.As known per se, the installation comprises means of circulating the water contained in the channels from the product collection area to corresponding transport channel.

En outre, l'installation comporte une voie 34 chevauchant l'ensemble des canaux 12, au-dessus des zones d'accumulation. Cette voie 34 est destinée au transport des conteneurs emplis de produits calibrés et l'acheminement de conteneurs vides. Une zone de stockage 36 des conteneurs C est aménagée le long des canaux 30A, 30B, du côté opposé aux canaux 12 de collecte des produits calibrés.In addition, the installation includes a track 34 overlapping all the channels 12, above the zones accumulation. This track 34 is intended for transport containers filled with calibrated products and delivery of empty containers. A storage area 36 of containers C is built along canals 30A, 30B, opposite side to product collection channels 12 calibrated.

L'installation fonctionne de la manière suivante. The installation works as follows.

Toutes les portes 33A, 33B sont initialement fermées.All doors 33A, 33B are initially closed.

Les produits à calibrer sont disposés aléatoirement sur les trois convoyeurs 16A à 16B dans l'unité 18. L'unité de pesage 20 assure un pesage en continu de chaque produit lors de son passage dans l'unité. Cette même unité commande les moyens d'éjection 21 disposés au-dessus des zones de recueil afin qu'ils éjectent les produits au-dessus de la zone de recueil correspondant au canal de collecte associé au calibre du produit considéré. Soumis à son propre poids, le produit éjecté du convoyeur tombe dans l'eau de la zone de recueil disposée immédiatement au-dessus.The products to be calibrated are arranged randomly on the three conveyors 16A to 16B in unit 18. The weighing unit 20 provides continuous weighing of each product as it passes through the unit. This same unit controls the ejection means 21 arranged above collection areas so that they eject the products above the collection area corresponding to the collection channel associated with the size of the product under consideration. Subject to its own weight, the product ejected from the conveyor falls into the water of the collection area arranged immediately above.

Sous l'effet de la circulation continue de l'eau à l'intérieur du canal, les produits circulent de la zone 22 de recueil des produits vers la zone d'accumulation 24 suivant le sens des flèches F1. Lorsqu'une zone d'accumulation 24 est emplie de produits, la porte d'extrémité 33A, 33B correspondante est ouverte, de sorte que les produits circulent dans le canal 30A ou 30B correspondant suivant le sens des flèches FA ou FB jusqu'à la station de chargement de conteneurs associée 32A ou 32B. Comme connu en soi, les produits sont alors recueillis dans le conteneur qui, après remplissage, est disposé sur la zone de stockage 36 grâce à des moyens de transport circulant sur la voie 34.Under the effect of the continuous circulation of water inside the channel, the products circulate from the zone 22 for collecting the products towards the accumulation zone 24 in the direction of the arrows F1. When an accumulation zone 24 is filled with products, the corresponding end door 33A, 33B is open, so that the products circulate in the corresponding channel 30A or 30B according to the direction of the arrows F A or F B until at the associated container loading station 32A or 32B. As known per se, the products are then collected in the container which, after filling, is placed on the storage area 36 by means of transport circulating on the track 34.

On comprend qu'avec un tel agencement, les canaux de chaque sous-ensemble 12A, 12B s'étendant sensiblement sur une même surface sur laquelle les canaux sont superposés, l'aire totale de la surface au sol occupée par les canaux de collecte des produits est réduite de moitié par rapport aux installations de l'état de la technique dans lesquelles tous les canaux s'étendent au même niveau, les uns à côté des autres. We understand that with such an arrangement, the channels of each subset 12A, 12B extending substantially on the same surface on which the channels are superimposed, the total area of the floor area occupied by product collection channels is cut in half by state of the art facilities in which all the channels extend at the same level, the next to each other.

Sur les figures 3 à 6, est représentée une variante de réalisation d'une installation selon l'invention. Dans cette variante, les canaux de collecte des produits sont répartis suivant trois sous-ensembles 38A, 38B, 38C de canaux adjacents superposés les uns aux autres. Ainsi, les canaux, désignés pour chaque niveau par la référence 40A, 40B, 40C, sont disposés respectivement à trois niveaux différents notés N1, N2 et N3 depuis le niveau le plus élevé vers le niveau le plus bas.Figures 3 to 6 show a variant for making an installation according to the invention. In this variant, the data collection channels products are divided into three subsets 38A, 38B, 38C of adjacent channels superimposed on each other other. So the channels, designated for each level by the reference 40A, 40B, 40C, are arranged respectively at three different levels marked N1, N2 and N3 from the highest level to the highest level low.

Sur les figures 3 à 6, seul un canal de chaque sous-ensemble est représenté. Ces canaux sont superposés. Ainsi, on voit sur ces figures un canal supérieur 40A, un canal intermédiaire 40B et un canal inférieur 40C. Comme précédemment, chaque canal comporte une zone d'accumulation désignée par la référence générale 42 suivie d'une lettre A, B ou C, en fonction du canal considéré. Cette zone d'accumulation prolonge une zone de recueil des produits désignée par la référence générale 44 suivie de la lettre propre au canal. Les largeurs respectives des zones de recueil et d'accumulation de chaque canal sont identiques.In Figures 3 to 6, only one channel of each subset is shown. These channels are superimposed. Thus, we see in these figures an upper channel 40A, a intermediate channel 40B and a lower channel 40C. As previously, each channel has an accumulation zone designated by the general reference 42 followed by a letter A, B or C, depending on the channel considered. This accumulation zone extends a collection zone for products designated by the general reference 44 followed by the letter specific to the channel. The respective widths of collection and accumulation areas of each channel are identical.

Comme représenté sur les figures 3 et 4, la zone de recueil des produits de chaque canal a une largeur égale au tiers de la largeur de la zone d'accumulation du canal considéré.As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the area to collect the products of each channel has a width equal to a third of the width of the accumulation zone of the channel considered.

Pour le canal supérieur 40A, la zone de recueil 44A est disposée suivant l'axe médian du canal, de sorte que la zone de recueil 44A est reliée à la zone d'accumulation 42A par un tronçon de canal 46A s'évasant de part et d'autre.For upper channel 40A, the collection zone 44A is arranged along the median axis of the channel, so that the collection zone 44A is connected to the accumulation zone 42A by a section of channel 46A flaring from side and other.

La zone de recueil 44B du canal intermédiaire est déportée d'un premier côté du canal alors que la zone de recueil 44C du canal inférieur est déportée par rapport à l'axe du canal du côté opposé à celui de la zone de recueil 44B.The collection zone 44B of the intermediate channel is deported from a first side of the canal while the area of collection 44C of the lower canal is offset from to the axis of the channel on the opposite side to that of the area of collection 44B.

On a représenté sur ces figures seulement un tronçon des convoyeurs 16A à 16C. Au-dessous de ces convoyeurs, s'étend, comme représenté sur les figures 3 et 4, la zone de recueil 44A du canal supérieur. De part et d'autre de cette zone sont prévus deux bacs 50B, 50C de réception des produits. Ces bacs sont emplis d'eau à un niveau correspondant au niveau de l'eau dans le canal 40A.These figures show only one section of conveyors 16A to 16C. Below these conveyors, extends, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the collection zone 44A of the upper channel. Departure and on the other side of this zone are provided two tanks 50B, 50C product reception. These tanks are filled with water to a level corresponding to the water level in the canal 40A.

Les bacs 50B et 50C ont une profondeur supérieure à la profondeur normale d'un canal afin de permettre la réception des produits sans que ceux-ci ne touchent le fond du bac après leur chute en sortie du dispositif de calibrage. De même, la zone de recueil 44A présente au-dessous des convoyeurs une profondeur plus importante que la profondeur courante du canal 40A.Bins 50B and 50C have a greater depth at the normal depth of a channel to allow the receipt of the products without them touching the bottom of the tank after they fall out of the device calibration. Similarly, the collection zone 44A present below conveyors a greater depth than the current depth of channel 40A.

Les bacs 50B et 50C ont une largeur égale à celle des zones de recueil 44B, 44C. Ils chevauchent partiellement celles-ci.Bins 50B and 50C have a width equal to that collection zones 44B, 44C. They partially overlap them.

Les bacs 50B, 50C, ainsi que la zone de recueil 44A sont alimentés en eau de manière continue par des pompes 49A, 49B, 49C (figure 4). L'arrivée d'eau est prévue dans une paroi arrière s'étendant à l'opposé des zones d'accumulation, c'est-à-dire le long du convoyeur 16A. Pour un même sous-ensemble 38A, 38B, 38C de canaux situés à un même niveau, une même pompe 49A, 49B, 49C alimente tous les bacs et les zones dé recueil associés aux canaux de ce sous-ensemble.Bins 50B, 50C, as well as the collection area 44A are supplied with water continuously by pumps 49A, 49B, 49C (Figure 4). The water supply is provided in a rear wall extending opposite the accumulation zones, i.e. along the conveyor 16A. For the same subset 38A, 38B, 38C of channels located on the same level, the same pump 49A, 49B, 49C supplies all the bins and associated collection areas to the channels of this subset.

La paroi des bacs 50B et 50C disposée au-dessus de la zone de recueil 44B, 44C correspondante présente une hauteur réduite de sorte que l'eau en excès dans les bacs 50B et 50C est transférée en continu suivant une chute d'eau désignée par la référence 52B, 52C sur les figures jusqu'au canal intermédiaire 40B et au canal inférieur 40C.The wall of the tanks 50B and 50C arranged above of the corresponding collection zone 44B, 44C present reduced height so that excess water in them tanks 50B and 50C is continuously transferred according to a waterfall designated by the reference 52B, 52C on the figures up to intermediate channel 40B and to channel lower 40C.

Par ailleurs, des convoyeurs désignés par les références 54B et 54C sont interposés respectivement entre les bacs 50B et 50C et les zones de recueil des produits 44B et 44C. Ces convoyeurs sont formés par une bande sans fin circulant en continu depuis une extrémité de prélèvement des produits dans le bac notée respectivement 56B, 56C pour les bacs 50B et 50C jusqu'à une extrémité de libération des produits dans les canaux 40B, 40C. Cette extrémité de libération est notée 58B, 58C pour les convoyeurs 54B et 54C respectivement.In addition, conveyors designated by the references 54B and 54C are interposed respectively between tanks 50B and 50C and the collection areas for products 44B and 44C. These conveyors are formed by a endless belt continuously flowing from one end for taking products from the bin, respectively noted 56B, 56C for tanks 50B and 50C up to one release end of the products in the channels 40B, 40C. This release end is noted 58B, 58C for conveyors 54B and 54C respectively.

Les convoyeurs 54B et 54C s'étendent sur l'essentiel de la largeur des bacs 50B, 50C et des zones de recueil 44B, 44C. La bande sans fin du convoyeur est formée par un treillis métallique perméable à l'eau, dont les mailles sont suffisamment serrées pour permettre le support des produits. Des organes en saillie, notamment des pions, sont prévus sur la surface extérieure de la bande afin d'assurer une retenue des produits lors de leur descente sur le convoyeur vers les canaux de collecte 40B et 40C.Conveyors 54B and 54C extend over the essentials the width of the tanks 50B, 50C and the areas of collection 44B, 44C. The endless belt of the conveyor is formed by a water-permeable wire mesh, of which the meshes are tight enough to allow the product support. Projecting organs, in particular pins, are provided on the outer surface of the tape to ensure product retention during their descent on the conveyor towards the collection channels 40B and 40C.

Comme représenté sur les figures, et notamment la figure 6, la bande du convoyeur circule entre des premiers organes de guidage disposés transversalement à l'intérieur des bacs 50B, 50C, au-dessous du niveau de l'eau et des seconds organes de guidage disposés transversalement dans les zones de recueil 44B, 44C des canaux immédiatement au-dessus du niveau de l'eau. Les seconds organes de guidage sont entraínés en rotation par des moteurs 55B, 55C assurant ainsi la propulsion des convoyeurs.As shown in the figures, and in particular the Figure 6, the conveyor belt circulates between the first guide members arranged transversely to inside of tanks 50B, 50C, below the level of water and second guide members arranged transversely in the collection zones 44B, 44C of the channels immediately above the water level. The second guide members are rotated by motors 55B, 55C thus ensuring the propulsion of conveyors.

Les convoyeurs comportent des moyens de dégagement de la bande sans fin au-dessus de la paroi la plus basse des bacs 50B, 50C. Ainsi, pour chaque convoyeur, l'extrémité de prélèvement des produits est suivie, suivant le sens de déplacement du convoyeur, par un tronçon ascendant du convoyeur prolongé par un tronçon descendant s'achevant à l'extrémité de libération des produits.Conveyors include release means of the endless strip above the most wall bottom of tanks 50B, 50C. So, for each conveyor, the end of product sampling is followed, according to the direction of movement of the conveyor, by a ascending section of the conveyor extended by a section descending ending at the release end of products.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, les produits éjectés du convoyeur tombent en fonction de leur calibre soit dans la zone de recueil 44A, soit dans l'un ou l'autre des bacs 50B, 50C.In this embodiment, the products ejected of the conveyor fall according to their size either in collection zone 44A, either in one or the other tanks 50B, 50C.

Lorsque le produit tombe dans la zone de recueil 44A, celui-ci est entraíné par le mouvement de l'eau jusqu'à la zone d'accumulation 42A.When the product falls into the collection zone 44A, it is driven by the movement of water up to accumulation zone 42A.

Lorsque le produit tombe dans l'un des bacs, la circulation de l'eau dans le bac, depuis la paroi arrière jusqu'à l'extrémité 56B, 56C de prélèvement du convoyeur entraíne le produit jusqu'au convoyeur. Le produit est ensuite transporté par le convoyeur jusqu'à la zone de recueil du canal correspondant où il est libéré.When the product falls into one of the tanks, the water circulation in the tank, from the rear wall up to the end 56B, 56C for picking up the conveyor drives the product to the conveyor. The product is then transported by the conveyor to the area of collection of the corresponding channel where it is released.

Sous l'effet de la circulation de l'eau dans le canal, de la zone de recueil jusqu'à la zone d'accumulation, le produit est conduit dans la zone d'accumulation.Under the effect of the circulation of water in the canal, from the collection zone to the accumulation zone, the product is led into the accumulation zone.

La circulation de l'eau dans les canaux 40B, 40C est assurée par l'arrivée permanente d'eau issue des chutes d'eau respectives 52B, 52C qui sont alimentées par l'excès d'eau arrivant des pompes 49B, 49C dans les bacs 50B, 50C.Water circulation in channels 40B, 40C is ensured by the permanent supply of water from respective waterfalls 52B, 52C which are supplied by excess water coming from pumps 49B, 49C in the tanks 50B, 50C.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, on comprend que les trois sous-ensembles de canaux permettent de diminuer d'un facteur 3 la surface nécessaire à l'accumulation temporaire des produits par rapport aux installations connues.In this embodiment, it is understood that the three subsets of channels reduce by a factor of 3 the area required for accumulation temporary products compared to facilities known.

Bien entendu, le nombre de niveaux peut être multiplié en fonction de la surface au sol disponible pour l'implantation de l'installation. Of course, the number of levels can be multiplied according to the available floor area for the installation of the installation.

Les installations décrites ici sont des installations de calibrage dans lesquelles le calibrage s'effectue à partir de critères portant sur le poids des produits mesuré par l'unité de pesage. Toutefois, l'invention peut s'appliquer à toute autre installation de tri de produits comportant plusieurs sorties pour des produits triés satisfaisant des critères différents. En particulier, une telle installation peut comporter des moyens de détermination de la qualité ou de la nature des produits.The installations described here are installations in which the calibration is carried out from criteria relating to the weight of the products measured by the weighing unit. However, the invention can be applied to any other sorting facility of products with several outputs for products sorted satisfying different criteria. In particular, such an installation may include means of determining the quality or nature of products.

Ces moyens peuvent comporter par exemple une caméra adaptée pour prendre une image de chaque produit, laquelle image est ensuite analysée en vue de diriger le produit considéré vers l'une ou l'autre des sorties du dispositif de tri.These means may for example include a camera adapted to take an image of each product, which image is then analyzed to direct the product considered towards one or other of the outputs of the sorting device.

Par ailleurs, dans les installations décrites ici, les extrémités des canaux de collecte des produits disposées à un même niveau sont reliées à un canal de transport vers une station de chargement des produits dans des conteneurs. Ainsi, une station de chargement est prévue pour chaque sous-ensemble de canaux disposé à un même niveau.Furthermore, in the installations described here the ends of the product collection channels arranged on the same level are connected to a channel transport to a product loading station in containers. So a charging station is provided for each subset of channels arranged at a same level.

Toutefois, dans une variante de réalisation non représentée, les sorties de tous les canaux de l'installation sont reliées à des moyens de transfert des produits vers une unique station de chargement de conteneurs. Ces moyens de transfert des produits comportent par exemple des convoyeurs à bande adaptés pour transférer les produits depuis l'extrémité des tronçons d'accumulation des canaux de collecte vers un niveau unique en vue de leur transport jusqu'à la station de chargement de conteneurs. Le transport jusqu'à la station de chargement s'effectue par exemple par circulation des produits dans un canal unique sous l'effet de la circulation de l'eau issue de l'ensemble des canaux de collecte de l'installation. Dans une telle installation, tous les canaux sont alimentés conjointement en circuit fermé par une même pompe ou un même groupe de pompes, de sorte qu'ils forment un unique circuit de circulation d'eau.However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the outputs of all the installation channels are connected to means of product transfer to a single container loading station. These means of product transfer include for example belt conveyors suitable for transferring the products from the end of the accumulation sections collection channels to a single level in view of their transport to the loading station of containers. Transport to the loading station for example by circulation of products in a single channel under the effect of water circulation from all of the installation's collection channels. In such an installation, all channels are jointly supplied in closed circuit by the same pump or the same group of pumps, so they form a single water circulation circuit.

Claims (11)

  1. Installation for sorting floating products, such as fruit (P), of the type having on the one hand a device (10) for sorting the products (P) equipped with a plurality of outlets for release of the products (P) and means (20) for directing each product (P) towards one of the outlets selected as a function of a predetermined criterion and on the other hand a plurality of channels (12; 40A, 40B, 40C) for collecting the products (P) leaving the sorting device (10), each outlet of the device being associated with a channel (12; 40A, 40B, 40C) for collecting the products (P) discharged from the said outlet, these channels being filled with liquid and extending essentially horizontally, characterised in that at least two channels extend at different levels over at least a part of their surface and overlap at least partially.
  2. Installation as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the channels are distributed over a plurality of sub-assemblies (12A, 12B), the channels of one and the same sub-assembly being disposed side by side at the same level, the channels of each sub-assembly covering substantially the same ground surface on which the channels of different sub-assemblies (12A, 12B) are superposed.
  3. Installation as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each channel includes a zone (22) for collecting the products released from one release outlet of the sorting device (10), and a zone (24) for accumulation of the products which extends the said collection zone (22), and in that the width of the channel in the collection zone (22) is less than the width of the channel in the accumulation zone (24).
  4. Installation as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that the collection zones (22) are disposed side by side, the release outlets of the sorting device (10) being aligned and disposed above the said collection zones (22) of the channels.
  5. Installation as claimed in Claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the collection zone of at least one channel is disposed at a level higher than the level of the accumulation zone of the corresponding channel, the collection zone being connected to the accumulation zone by a section of channel (26) which is inclined from the collection zone (22) towards the accumulation zone (24).
  6. Installation as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a conveyor (54B, 54C) for transfer of the products is interposed between at least one outlet of the sorting device and the associated collection channel (40B, 40C).
  7. Installation as claimed in Claim 6, characterised in that the release outlets of the sorting device are disposed at a level higher than that of the assembly of channels (40A, 40B, 40C) and in that conveyors (54B, 54C) for transfer of the products, adapted to ensure a descent of the products, are interposed between the lower channels (40B, 40C) disposed at levels lower than the highest channel (40A) and the associated outlets of the sorting device (10), thus limiting the height of fall of the products (P) before they arrive in the said lower channels (40B, 40C).
  8. Installation as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that, for the said lower channels (40B, 40C), tanks (50B, 50C) for receiving the products are disposed below the associated outlets of the sorting device (10), the said tanks (50B, 50C) being filled with liquid, and the conveyors (54B, 54C) interposed between the said release outlets and the associated channels each have an end for sampling the products (P) in a receiving tank (50B, 50C) and an end for release of the products in the associated channel (40B, 40C).
  9. Installation as claimed in Claim 8, characterised in that it includes means (49B, 49C) for setting the fluid filling the tanks (50B, 50C) in circulation, the fluid circulating in each tank towards the sampling end (50B, 50C) of the associated conveyor.
  10. Installation as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes means (49A, 49B, 49C) for setting the fluid filling the channels (40A, 40B, 40C) in motion.
  11. Installation as claimed in Claims 8 to 10 taken together, characterised in that each tank (50B, 50C) includes means for supplying it with fluid and means (52B, 52C) for transferring excess fluid into the associated channel (40B, 40C).
EP97402604A 1996-11-19 1997-10-31 Product sorting arrangement with water filled channels Expired - Lifetime EP0842713B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9614096A FR2755883B1 (en) 1996-11-19 1996-11-19 SORTING SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTS WITH WATER-FILLED CHANNELS
FR9614096 1996-11-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0842713A1 EP0842713A1 (en) 1998-05-20
EP0842713B1 true EP0842713B1 (en) 2002-02-06

Family

ID=9497770

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97402604A Expired - Lifetime EP0842713B1 (en) 1996-11-19 1997-10-31 Product sorting arrangement with water filled channels

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0842713B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE212880T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69710291D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2171864T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2755883B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2175630B1 (en) * 1972-03-16 1976-08-06 Gorin Pierre
DE69220670T2 (en) * 1992-11-06 1998-02-12 Felice Compagnoni Underwater system for filling containers
NL9500413A (en) * 1995-03-02 1996-10-01 Greefs Wagen Carrosserie Method and device for treating agricultural or horticultural products.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69710291D1 (en) 2002-03-21
ATE212880T1 (en) 2002-02-15
FR2755883A1 (en) 1998-05-22
EP0842713A1 (en) 1998-05-20
ES2171864T3 (en) 2002-09-16
FR2755883B1 (en) 1999-02-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0321378B1 (en) Automatic device for raising and aligning containers
EP1280722B1 (en) Chute for forced immersion of an article
EP0336897B1 (en) Apparatus for transporting rods
FR2983458A1 (en) Method for continuous packaging of e.g. objects, involves arranging buffer packing zone with cells, and continuously transferring objects by intermediate conveyor between buffer packing zone and filling zone
FR2510531A1 (en) APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND RECOVERING BULK MATERIAL
EP0993877B1 (en) Station for the visual examination of fruits
FR2999550A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GROUPING LOTS OF FLOATING OBJECTS WITH HYDRAULIC SUPERPOSITION OF OBJECTS
EP0842713B1 (en) Product sorting arrangement with water filled channels
FR3010062A1 (en) DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING A FRUIT PRESSOR
FR2802903A1 (en) Aligning conveyor for bottles has hopper with discharge belt having lateral output to ramp formed by belts with guide channels
WO1996026140A1 (en) Feed device for a sorting unit, sorting unit with a grading device, and distribution device
AU9811498A (en) Fruit feeder for squeezer machines
WO2017157881A1 (en) Passenger security control facility
BE1000799A4 (en) Installation for the implementation silo, the removal and transport of bulk.
FR2808706A1 (en) Sorting installation for floating fruit comprises grading evaluation station and conveyor to one of two pools, each pool has temporary storage for fruit in several superposed layers
EP0719717B1 (en) Kinetic energy controlling device
FR2551206A1 (en) IMPROVEMENTS IN WEIGHING AND SELECTING HORTICULTURE PRODUCTS AND THE LIKE
FR2465660A1 (en) STORAGE AND AUTOMATIC RECOVERY INSTALLATION FOR BEETS, TUBERS AND OTHER BULK PRODUCTS
FR2683214A1 (en) Device serving for dispensing specific metered amounts of a product
FR2833866A1 (en) SEPARATION AND DEPOSITION INSTALLATION IN A LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION
FR2481234A1 (en) Automatic animal feed device - has containers travelling on monorail, filled from hopper and unloaded by tipping
EP1435197A1 (en) Container for transporting small livestock comprising an unloading dock in the container
FR2722166A1 (en) System for packaging of sausages in tray
FR2686314A1 (en) Device for filling boxes with fragile loose (bulk) objects
FR2833865A1 (en) Installation for separating and placing objects comprises first parallel conveyors comprising half elements forming compartments into which objects are housed and driven one by one, then placed in second conveyor receptacle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE DE ES FR GB IT NL

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19981023

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR LI

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR LI

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AT BE DE ES FR GB IT NL

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20010323

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE DE ES FR GB IT NL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020206

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020206

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 212880

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20020215

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69710291

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020321

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020507

GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

Effective date: 20020206

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2171864

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20021107

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20040924

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20041014

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20041208

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20051031

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20051031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20051102

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060501

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20060501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20051102

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *XEDA INTERNATIONAL

Effective date: 20051031

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070731

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031