EP1118392B1 - Device for sorting pear-shaped articles according to size - Google Patents

Device for sorting pear-shaped articles according to size Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1118392B1
EP1118392B1 EP01400067A EP01400067A EP1118392B1 EP 1118392 B1 EP1118392 B1 EP 1118392B1 EP 01400067 A EP01400067 A EP 01400067A EP 01400067 A EP01400067 A EP 01400067A EP 1118392 B1 EP1118392 B1 EP 1118392B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rollers
conveyor
primary
articles
sorting
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
EP01400067A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1118392A1 (en
Inventor
Stefano 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 EP1118392A1 publication Critical patent/EP1118392A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1118392B1 publication Critical patent/EP1118392B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07BSEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS BY SIEVING, SCREENING, SIFTING OR BY USING GAS CURRENTS; SEPARATING BY OTHER DRY METHODS APPLICABLE TO BULK MATERIAL, e.g. LOOSE ARTICLES FIT TO BE HANDLED LIKE BULK MATERIAL
    • B07B13/00Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided for; Sorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices
    • B07B13/04Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided for; Sorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices according to size
    • B07B13/075Apparatus comprising moving article - receiving openings, the size of which varies as they move
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S209/00Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
    • Y10S209/911Feed means supporting or guiding item moving under influence of gravity

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a machine for sorting by size of articles.
  • pear-shaped of the type comprising a mobile mounted conveyor substantially horizontally and having a first alignment of rollers equidistant and parallel primaries separated two by two by an interval allowing the passage of an article, the transporter also comprising a second alignment of secondary rollers each arranged at right of an interval, which secondary rollers are movable perpendicularly in the plane of movement of the primary rollers, the machine comprising means for guiding the secondary rollers along a path of sorting of the conveyor, the guide means being adapted to gradually spread the secondary rollers of the primary rollers following the length of the sorting path.
  • FR 1105584 also describes a sorting machine comprising two sets of rollers.
  • Machines of the aforementioned type are used, in particular to ensure sorting by size of substantially spherical fruits or vegetables such as apples or oranges.
  • this machine is not suitable for fruit or vegetables in pear shape, that is to say with fruits or vegetables having an overall oval shape more or less thinned at one end.
  • Fruits with such form are for example pears, avocados and zucchini.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a machine for sorting by size of pear shaped articles, not having the disadvantages mentioned above and which, in particular, prevents any transverse displacement of the articles during their sorting.
  • the invention relates to a machine for sorting by size of pear-shaped articles of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the rollers primary and secondary are fixed in rotation around their next axis most of said sorting path.
  • the machine has a roller conveyor 10 closed in a loop and mounted movably between two turning drums 12 one of which is motorized. According to an upper strand, the transporter 10 defines a sorting path noted 14. According to its other strand, the transporter defines a return journey.
  • each conveyor 20 is associated with a specific fruit size. These conveyors extend horizontally and perpendicular to the conveyor 10. Between the conveyors 20 and the upper strand of the conveyor 10 are provided with means 22 for receiving the sorted fruit, ensuring amortization of the fruit fall when released from carrier 10.
  • the machine further comprises an auxiliary conveyor 24 for feeding fruits to sort.
  • This conveyor is advantageously a roller conveyor allowing the fruit to be brought to the entry of sorting path 14, the fruit being spaced by a predetermined constant step.
  • the conveyor 24 comprises rollers turning on themselves at low speed, for example at high speed 100 rpm for a conveyor with a linear speed of 20 m / min.
  • the auxiliary conveyor 24 is in particular adapted to ensure a arrival of the fruits on the sorting path 14 with their longitudinal axis parallel to the movement plane of the conveyor 10 on the sorting path and perpendicular to the forward direction of the transporter. So the fruits are brought on the sorting path with their axis parallel to the rollers of the conveyor 10.
  • the machine comprises, between the auxiliary conveyor 24 and the sorting path 14, a ramp 26 and a pressure roller 28 accompanying the lowering of the fruits of the transporter 16 to the entry of the sorting path 14, without changing the orientation of the fruit axis.
  • the conveyor 10 is equipped with a alignment of primary rollers 30 extending parallel to each other other. These rollers are arranged substantially horizontally and perpendicularly to the forward direction of the transporter on the journey from sort 14. They are equidistant and define intervals allowing the passage a fruit to be sorted of maximum size.
  • the primary rollers 30 are carried from their ends by chains 32 closed in a loop between the turning drums 12.
  • rollers 30 At their ends, the rollers 30 have skids on their axes 33 having at least one flat.
  • the pads 33 are based on horizontal sliding paths 34 carried on both sides and on the other side of the conveyor 10 by a chassis 36 of the machine.
  • the rollers 30 are preferably coated with an elastic material and flexible and have at their ends annular beads which exert an action to retain the fruit to be sorted.
  • a plate 40 is fixed to the chain. This one extends perpendicular to the plane of the rollers, i.e. vertically on the sorting path 14.
  • This plate 40 has a slot 42 extending perpendicular to the plane of the rollers. These slots provide guidance a second alignment of rollers 44, said secondary, driven by the chains 32. This guidance is provided in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the primary rollers 30.
  • the slots 42 are crossed by the ends of the axes of the rollers 44, the latter being identical to the rollers 30. Thus, the rollers 44 extend and move parallel to the rollers 30.
  • the guide ramps 48 are carried by a mobile gantry 50 whose inclination is adjustable relative to the chassis 36 by means of screw-nut adjustment 52.
  • the ramps 48 are inclined relative to the horizontal, and in particular with respect to the sorting path 14 defined by the sliding surfaces.
  • the surface on which the pads 46 rest gradually rises according to the sorting route.
  • the rollers 30 and 42 are fixed in rotation around of their axis relative to the chains 32. Thus, they are only animated a translational movement printed by the chains.
  • the fixity of the rollers is obtained by the pads 33 and 46 provided with a flat which rests on paths 34 and 46.
  • the fixity of the rollers 30 and 42 means in the particular context that the rollers are not intentionally rotated by a mechanism of the machine. However, these can be mounted crazy. They are then mechanically independent of the motor elements of the machine.
  • the means 22 for receiving the fruits are formed by rotary brushes 62 aligned below the sorting path and extending parallel to the to each other.
  • the brushes 62 are tangent to each other and are rotated in the same direction.
  • the sulperial strand of the conveyor has two successive sections.
  • the primary and secondary rollers On the first section forming a fruit receiving section, the primary and secondary rollers have a slow rotating movement to allow positioning correct fruit with their axis parallel to the rollers.
  • means for rotating the rollers of any suitable type are implemented.
  • the rotation speed of the rollers is approximately 100 rpm for a linear forward speed of the conveyor appreciably equal to 20 m / min.
  • the gap between the primary and secondary rollers is minimal and constant.
  • the receiving section is followed by a sorting section similar to the sorting path described above.
  • the primary rollers and secondary are fixed in rotation around their axis and the rollers gradually move away from the primary rollers as measure of their progress.

Landscapes

  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Combined Means For Separation Of Solids (AREA)
  • Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une machine à trier par taille des articles en forme de poire, du type comportant un transporteur monté mobile sensiblement horizontalement et comportant un premier alignement de rouleaux primaires équidistants et parallèles séparés deux à deux d'un intervalle permettant le passage d'un article, le transporteur comportant en outre un second alignement de rouleaux secondaires disposés chacun au droit d'un intervalle, lesquels rouleaux secondaires sont mobiles perpendiculairement au plan de déplacement des rouleaux primaires, la machine comportant des moyens de guidage des rouleaux secondaires, le long d'un trajet de tri du transporteur, les moyens de guidage étant adaptés pour écarter progressivement les rouleaux secondaires des rouleaux primaires suivant la longueur du trajet de tri.The present invention relates to a machine for sorting by size of articles. pear-shaped, of the type comprising a mobile mounted conveyor substantially horizontally and having a first alignment of rollers equidistant and parallel primaries separated two by two by an interval allowing the passage of an article, the transporter also comprising a second alignment of secondary rollers each arranged at right of an interval, which secondary rollers are movable perpendicularly in the plane of movement of the primary rollers, the machine comprising means for guiding the secondary rollers along a path of sorting of the conveyor, the guide means being adapted to gradually spread the secondary rollers of the primary rollers following the length of the sorting path.

Une telle machine est décrite par exemple dans la demande de brevet FR-A-2.473.364. Dans cette machine, les rouleaux primaire et secondaire sont tous animés d'un mouvement de rotation autour de leurs axes s'étendant parallèlement.Such a machine is described for example in the patent application FR-A-2473364. In this machine, the primary and secondary rollers are all rotated around their axes extending parallel.

FR 1105584 décrit également une machine à trier comprenant deux séries de rouleaux.FR 1105584 also describes a sorting machine comprising two sets of rollers.

Les machines du type précité sont utilisées, notamment afin d'assurer un tri par taille de fruits ou de légumes sensiblement sphériques tels que des pommes ou des oranges.Machines of the aforementioned type are used, in particular to ensure sorting by size of substantially spherical fruits or vegetables such as apples or oranges.

Toutefois, cette machine ne convient pas aux fruits ou légumes en forme de poire, c'est-à-dire aux fruits ou légumes ayant globalement une forme ovale plus ou moins amincie à un bout. Des fruits présentant une telle forme sont par exemple les poires, les avocats et les courgettes.However, this machine is not suitable for fruit or vegetables in pear shape, that is to say with fruits or vegetables having an overall oval shape more or less thinned at one end. Fruits with such form are for example pears, avocados and zucchini.

En effet, on constate que le mouvement de rotation des rouleaux produit une mise en rotation des articles à trier. Cet effet de rotation appliqué à des articles de forme ovale amincie à un bout conduit à un déplacement des articles vers l'une ou l'autre des extrémités des rouleaux. Cette migration des articles suivant la longueur des rouleaux provoque des détériorations de ceux-ci, ainsi que leur coincement, ce qui nuit au fonctionnement normal de la machine.Indeed, we see that the rotational movement of the rollers produces a rotation of the articles to be sorted. This rotation effect applied to oval shaped articles thinned at one end leads to displacement of the items to either end of the rollers. This migration items along the length of the rollers causes damage to these, as well as their jamming, which affects the normal functioning of the machine.

L'invention a pour but de proposer une machine à trier par taille des articles en forme de poire, ne présentant pas les inconvénients mentionnés ci-dessus et qui, en particulier, évite tout déplacement transversal des articles lors de leur tri.The object of the invention is to propose a machine for sorting by size of pear shaped articles, not having the disadvantages mentioned above and which, in particular, prevents any transverse displacement of the articles during their sorting.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une machine à trier par taille des articles en forme de poire, du type précité, caractérisée en ce que les rouleaux primaires et secondaires sont fixes en rotation autour de leur axe suivant l'essentiel dudit trajet de tri.To this end, the invention relates to a machine for sorting by size of pear-shaped articles of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the rollers primary and secondary are fixed in rotation around their next axis most of said sorting path.

Suivant des modes particuliers de réalisation, la machine comporte l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • elle comporte des moyens de positionnement des articles avec leur axe longitudinal sensiblement parallèle aux rouleaux primaires et secondaires ;
  • lesdits moyens de positionnement comportent un convoyeur auxiliaire à rouleaux dont les rouleaux sont animés d'un mouvement lent de rotation sur eux-mêmes et des moyens de transfert dudit convoyeur auxiliaire au transporteur sensiblement sans modification de l'orientation des articles ;
  • lesdits moyens de positionnement sont intégrés au transporteur, le transporteur comportant, en amont du trajet de tri, un tronçon de réception des articles sur la longueur duquel les rouleaux primaires et secondaires sont animés d'une rotation lente sur eux-mêmes pour assurer le positionnement des articles ; et
  • elle comporte un ensemble de rouleaux rotatifs adjacents déformables élastiquement disposés immédiatement au-dessous du trajet de tri pour assurer un amortissement de la chute des articles.
According to particular embodiments, the machine includes one or more of the following characteristics:
  • it comprises means for positioning the articles with their longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the primary and secondary rollers;
  • said positioning means comprise an auxiliary roller conveyor, the rollers of which are driven in a slow movement of rotation on themselves and means for transferring said auxiliary conveyor to the conveyor without substantially modifying the orientation of the articles;
  • said positioning means are integrated into the conveyor, the conveyor comprising, upstream of the sorting path, a section for receiving the articles along the length of which the primary and secondary rollers are slowly rotated on themselves to ensure positioning articles ; and
  • it comprises a set of adjacent elastically deformable rotary rollers disposed immediately below the sorting path to ensure damping of the fall of the articles.

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 en élévation de la machine de tri selon l'invention.
  • - la figure 2 est une vue partielle et en coupe transversale de la machine de tri selon l'invention ; et
  • - les figures 3 et 4 sont des-vues partielles et en coupe dans le sens de la longueur du brin supérieur et du brin inférieur du transporteur composite de la machine.
  • 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 an elevational view of the sorting machine according to the invention.
  • - Figure 2 is a partial view in cross section of the sorting machine according to the invention; and
  • - Figures 3 and 4 are partial views in section along the length of the upper strand and the lower strand of the composite conveyor of the machine.
  • La machine selon l'invention est représentée sur la figure 1. Elle est destinée à trier des poires en fonction de leur taille.The machine according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. It is intended for sorting pears according to their size.

    La machine comporte un transporteur à rouleaux 10 refermé en boucle et monté mobile entre deux tambours de retournement 12 dont l'un est motorisé. Suivant un brin supérieur, le transporteur 10 définit un trajet de tri noté 14. Suivant son autre brin, le transporteur définit un trajet de retour.The machine has a roller conveyor 10 closed in a loop and mounted movably between two turning drums 12 one of which is motorized. According to an upper strand, the transporter 10 defines a sorting path noted 14. According to its other strand, the transporter defines a return journey.

    Entre les deux brins du transporteur sont disposés quatre convoyeurs 20 de transport des fruits vers des centres de conditionnement. Chaque convoyeur 20 est associé à une taille de fruit spécifique. Ces convoyeurs s'étendent horizontalement et perpendiculairement au transporteur 10. Entre les convoyeurs 20 et le brin supérieur du transporteur 10 sont prévus des moyens 22 de réception des fruits triés, assurant un amortissement de la chute des fruits lors de leur libération du transporteur 10.Between the two strands of the conveyor are four conveyors 20 for transporting fruit to packaging centers. Each conveyor 20 is associated with a specific fruit size. These conveyors extend horizontally and perpendicular to the conveyor 10. Between the conveyors 20 and the upper strand of the conveyor 10 are provided with means 22 for receiving the sorted fruit, ensuring amortization of the fruit fall when released from carrier 10.

    La machine comporte en outre un convoyeur auxiliaire 24 d'amenée des fruits à trier. Ce convoyeur est avantageusement un convoyeur à rouleaux permettant d'amener les fruits à l'entrée du trajet de tri 14, les fruits étant espacés d'un pas constant prédéterminé. Le convoyeur 24 comporte des rouleaux tournant sur eux-mêmes à faible vitesse, par exemple à la vitesse de 100 tr/mn pour un transporteur ayant une vitesse linéaire de 20 m/mn.The machine further comprises an auxiliary conveyor 24 for feeding fruits to sort. This conveyor is advantageously a roller conveyor allowing the fruit to be brought to the entry of sorting path 14, the fruit being spaced by a predetermined constant step. The conveyor 24 comprises rollers turning on themselves at low speed, for example at high speed 100 rpm for a conveyor with a linear speed of 20 m / min.

    Le convoyeur auxiliaire 24 est en particulier adapté pour assurer une arrivée des fruits sur le trajet de tri 14 avec leur axe longitudinal parallèle au plan de déplacement du convoyeur 10 sur le trajet de tri et perpendiculaire à la direction d'avancement du transporteur. Ainsi, les fruits sont amenés sur le trajet de tri avec leur axe parallèle aux rouleaux du transporteur 10.The auxiliary conveyor 24 is in particular adapted to ensure a arrival of the fruits on the sorting path 14 with their longitudinal axis parallel to the movement plane of the conveyor 10 on the sorting path and perpendicular to the forward direction of the transporter. So the fruits are brought on the sorting path with their axis parallel to the rollers of the conveyor 10.

    En outre, la machine comporte, entre le convoyeur auxiliaire 24 et le trajet de tri 14, une rampe 26 et un rouleau presseur 28 accompagnant la descente des fruits du transporteur 16 jusqu'à l'entrée du trajet de tri 14, sans que l'orientation de l'axe des fruits ne soit modifiée.In addition, the machine comprises, between the auxiliary conveyor 24 and the sorting path 14, a ramp 26 and a pressure roller 28 accompanying the lowering of the fruits of the transporter 16 to the entry of the sorting path 14, without changing the orientation of the fruit axis.

    Comme illustré aux figures 2 et 3, le transporteur 10 est équipé d'un alignement de rouleaux primaires 30 s'étendant parallèlement les uns aux autres. Ces rouleaux sont disposés sensiblement horizontalement et perpendiculairement à la direction d'avancement du transporteur sur le trajet de tri 14. Ils sont équidistants et définissent des intervalles permettant le passage d'un fruit à trier de taille maximale. Les rouleaux primaires 30 sont portés depuis leurs extrémités par des chaínes 32 refermées en boucle entre les tambours de retournement 12.As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the conveyor 10 is equipped with a alignment of primary rollers 30 extending parallel to each other other. These rollers are arranged substantially horizontally and perpendicularly to the forward direction of the transporter on the journey from sort 14. They are equidistant and define intervals allowing the passage a fruit to be sorted of maximum size. The primary rollers 30 are carried from their ends by chains 32 closed in a loop between the turning drums 12.

    A leurs extrémités, les rouleaux 30 comportent sur leurs axes des patins 33 présentant au moins un méplat.At their ends, the rollers 30 have skids on their axes 33 having at least one flat.

    Suivant le trajet horizontal constituant le trajet de tri 14, les patins 33 reposent sur des chemins de glissement horizontaux 34 portés de part et d'autre du transporteur 10 par un châssis 36 de la machine.Following the horizontal path constituting the sorting path 14, the pads 33 are based on horizontal sliding paths 34 carried on both sides and on the other side of the conveyor 10 by a chassis 36 of the machine.

    Les rouleaux 30 sont de préférence revêtus d'un matériau élastique et souple et comportent à leurs extrémités des bourrelets annulaires qui exercent une action de retenue des fruits à trier.The rollers 30 are preferably coated with an elastic material and flexible and have at their ends annular beads which exert an action to retain the fruit to be sorted.

    Dans la partie intermédiaire de chaque segment de la chaíne 32, qui est compris entre deux rouleaux 30 consécutifs, c'est-à-dire au droit des intervalles séparant deux rouleaux, une plaque 40 est fixée à la chaíne. Celle-ci s'étend perpendiculairement au plan des rouleaux, c'est-à-dire verticalement sur le trajet de tri 14. Cette plaque 40 comporte une fente 42 s'étendant perpendiculairement au plan des rouleaux. Ces fentes assurent le guidage d'un second alignement de rouleaux 44, dit secondaires, entraínés par les chaínes 32. Ce guidage est assuré suivant une direction transversale au sens de déplacement des rouleaux primaires 30.In the intermediate part of each segment of chain 32, which is between two consecutive rollers 30, that is to say at the intervals separating two rollers, a plate 40 is fixed to the chain. This one extends perpendicular to the plane of the rollers, i.e. vertically on the sorting path 14. This plate 40 has a slot 42 extending perpendicular to the plane of the rollers. These slots provide guidance a second alignment of rollers 44, said secondary, driven by the chains 32. This guidance is provided in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the primary rollers 30.

    Les fentes 42 sont traversées par les extrémités des axes des rouleaux 44, ces derniers étant identiques aux rouleaux 30. Ainsi, les rouleaux 44 s'étendent et se déplacent parallèlement aux rouleaux 30.The slots 42 are crossed by the ends of the axes of the rollers 44, the latter being identical to the rollers 30. Thus, the rollers 44 extend and move parallel to the rollers 30.

    Sur les extrémités des axes des rouleaux 44, au-delà des plaques 40 sont disposés des patins 46 prenant appui sur des rampes de guidage 48. Ces patins 46 comportent au moins un méplat.On the ends of the axes of the rollers 44, beyond the plates 40 shoes 46 are arranged bearing on guide rails 48. These pads 46 have at least one flat.

    Les rampes de guidage 48 sont portées par un portique mobile 50 dont l'inclinaison est réglable par rapport au châssis 36 par des moyens de réglage à vis-écrou 52.The guide ramps 48 are carried by a mobile gantry 50 whose inclination is adjustable relative to the chassis 36 by means of screw-nut adjustment 52.

    Les rampes 48 sont inclinées par rapport à l'horizontale, et notamment par rapport au trajet de tri 14 défini par les surfaces de glissement. La surface sur laquelle s'appuient les patins 46 s'élève progressivement suivant le trajet de tri.The ramps 48 are inclined relative to the horizontal, and in particular with respect to the sorting path 14 defined by the sliding surfaces. The surface on which the pads 46 rest gradually rises according to the sorting route.

    Sur le trajet de tri 14, les rouleaux 30 et 42 sont fixes en rotation autour de leur axe par rapport aux chaínes 32. Ainsi, ils ne sont animés que d'un mouvement de translation imprimé par les chaínes. La fixité des rouleaux est obtenue par les patins 33 et 46 munis d'un méplat qui repose sur les chemins 34 et 46.On the sorting path 14, the rollers 30 and 42 are fixed in rotation around of their axis relative to the chains 32. Thus, they are only animated a translational movement printed by the chains. The fixity of the rollers is obtained by the pads 33 and 46 provided with a flat which rests on paths 34 and 46.

    La fixité des rouleaux 30 et 42 signifie dans le contexte particulier que les rouleaux ne sont pas volontairement entraínés en rotation par un mécanisme de la machine. Toutefois, ceux-ci peuvent être montés fous. Ils sont alors indépendants mécaniquement des éléments moteurs de la machine.The fixity of the rollers 30 and 42 means in the particular context that the rollers are not intentionally rotated by a mechanism of the machine. However, these can be mounted crazy. They are then mechanically independent of the motor elements of the machine.

    Les moyens 22 de réception des fruits sont formés de brosses rotatives 62 alignées au-dessous du trajet de tri et s'étendant parallèlement les unes aux autres. Les brosses 62 sont tangentes les unes aux autres et sont animées d'un mouvement de rotation dans le même sens.The means 22 for receiving the fruits are formed by rotary brushes 62 aligned below the sorting path and extending parallel to the to each other. The brushes 62 are tangent to each other and are rotated in the same direction.

    On comprend que, pendant le déplacement des rouleaux primaires 30 et secondaires 44 sur le brin supérieur du transporteur définissant le trajet de tri 14, les rouleaux secondaires, initialement disposés sensiblement au niveau des rouleaux primaires, s'écartent progressivement de ces derniers. Ainsi, chaque fruit introduit depuis le convoyeur 24 repose initialement en appui sur un cylindre primaire et sur un cylindre secondaire. Au cours -du déplacement suivant le trajet de tri 14, lorsque l'écart entre les rouleaux primaire et secondaire est suffisant pour que le fruit s'échappe, celui-ci tombe entre deux rouleaux primaires et est reçu sur les brosses 62 situées au-dessous. Ces brosses accompagnent alors la chute du fruit jusque sur le convoyeur 20 où sont reçus tous les fruits d'une même taille.It is understood that, during the movement of the primary rollers 30 and secondary 44 on the upper strand of the transporter defining the path sorting 14, the secondary rollers, initially arranged substantially at level of the primary rollers, gradually move away from them. Thus, each fruit introduced from the conveyor 24 initially rests in support on a primary cylinder and on a secondary cylinder. During displacement along the sorting path 14, when the distance between the primary rollers and secondary is sufficient for the fruit to escape, it falls between two primary rollers and is received on the brushes 62 located below. These brushes then accompany the fall of the fruit as far as the conveyor 20 where all the fruits of the same size are received.

    On constate que les rouleaux primaires et secondaires n'étant pas animés d'un mouvement de rotation, les fruits en forme de poire peuvent être triés de manière satisfaisante et sans risque de coincement.It can be seen that the primary and secondary rollers are not rotated, the pear-shaped fruits can be sorted satisfactorily and without risk of jamming.

    De plus, la présence des brosses rotatives 62 formant des rouleaux rotatifs adjacents déformables élastiquement assure un amortissement de la chute des fruits, évitant ainsi leur dégradation sous l'effet d'un choc brutal. En particulier, dans le cas des poires, les perforations résultant de la pénétration d'une poire par le pédoncule d'une autre poire sont évitées.In addition, the presence of the rotary brushes 62 forming rollers elastically deformable adjacent rotary dampers the fruit fall, thus avoiding their degradation under the effect of a brutal shock. In particular, in the case of pears, the perforations resulting from the penetration of a pear by the peduncle of another pear are avoided.

    Suivant un mode particulier de réalisation, le brin sulpérielur du convoyeur comporte deux tronçons successifs. Sur le premier tronçon formant un tronçon de réception des fruits, les rouleaux primaires et secondaires sont animés d'un mouvement de rotation lent pour permettre un positionnement correct des fruits avec leur axe parallèle aux rouleaux. Sur ce tronçon, des moyens d'entraínement en rotation des rouleaux de tout type adapté sont mis en oeuvre. La vitesse de rotation des rouleaux est d'environ 100 tr/mn pour une vitesse linéaire d'avancement du transporteur sensiblement égale à 20 m/mn.According to a particular embodiment, the sulperial strand of the conveyor has two successive sections. On the first section forming a fruit receiving section, the primary and secondary rollers have a slow rotating movement to allow positioning correct fruit with their axis parallel to the rollers. On this stretch, means for rotating the rollers of any suitable type are implemented. The rotation speed of the rollers is approximately 100 rpm for a linear forward speed of the conveyor appreciably equal to 20 m / min.

    Sur le tronçon de réception, l'écart entre les rouleaux primaires et secondaires est minimal et constant.On the receiving section, the gap between the primary and secondary rollers is minimal and constant.

    Le tronçon de réception est suivi par un tronçon de tri analogue au trajet de tri décrit précédemment. Sur ce tronçon de tri, les rouleaux primaires et secondaires sont fixes en rotation autour de leur axe et les rouleaux secondaires s'écartent progressivement des rouleaux primaires au fur et à mesure de leur avancement.The receiving section is followed by a sorting section similar to the sorting path described above. On this sorting section, the primary rollers and secondary are fixed in rotation around their axis and the rollers gradually move away from the primary rollers as measure of their progress.

    En se reportant à la figure 4, on remarque qu'en prévoyant des guides également sur le brin inférieur du transporteur pour soutenir les patins 33 et 46 dont les rouleaux 30 et 44 sont respectivement équipés et en réalisant tout le reste comme décrit ci-dessus à propos du brin supérieur du transporteur, il est possible d'utiliser également le brin inférieur du transporteur pour le calibrage des fruits. En ajoutant un petit nombre d'autres organes, il est donc possible de doubler la productivité déjà élevée de la machine, en apportant les avantages évidents qui résultent de cette possibilité.Referring to Figure 4, we note that by providing guides also on the lower strand of the conveyor to support the pads 33 and 46 with which the rollers 30 and 44 are respectively equipped and making everything else as described above about the top strand of the carrier, it is also possible to use the lower strand of the conveyor for fruit grading. By adding a small number of other organs, it it is therefore possible to double the already high productivity of the machine, by bringing the obvious benefits that result from this possibility.

    Claims (8)

    1. Device for sorting according to size pear-shaped articles which are overall oval-shaped and thinning out more or less at one end, this device being of the type consisting of a conveyor (10) assembled so at it can move more or less horizontally and with a first alignment of equidistant and parallel primary rollers (30) separated in pairs by a gap allowing one article to pass through, the conveyor (10) having in addition a second alignment of secondary rollers (44) each arranged at right angles to a gap, these secondary rollers (44) being capable of moving perpendicular to the plane of movement of the primary rollers (30), the device having means (42) of guiding the secondary rollers (44) along a sorting path (14) of the conveyor, the guiding means (42) being adapted to separate the secondary rollers progressively from the primary rollers along the length of the sorting path (14), characterised in that the primary and secondary rollers are fixed to rotate around their axis in keeping with the essential nature of the said sorting path (14), and in that it has means (24) of positioning the articles with their longitudinal axis more or less parallel to the primary (30) and secondary (44) rollers, these article positioning means (24) with their longitudinal axis more or less parallel with the primary (30) and secondary (44) rollers being arranged upstream of the sorting path (14).
    2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the said positioning means have an auxiliary conveyor with rollers (24), the rollers of which are driven round slowly on themselves, and means (26, 28) of transferring from the said auxiliary conveyor (24) to the conveyor (10) more or less without changing the orientation of the articles.
    3. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the said positioning means are incorporated in the conveyor, the conveyor (10) having, upstream of the sorting path (14), a stretch which takes the articles, over the length of which the primary and secondary rollers are driven slowly round on themselves to ensure positioning of the articles.
    4. Device according to any one of the above claims, characterised in that it has a number of adjacent rotating rollers (62) which can be flexibly deformed and are arranged immediately beneath the sorting path (14) to provide shock absorption if the articles were to fall.
    5. Application of a device for sorting according to size pear-shaped articles which are overall oval-shaped and more or less thinning out at one end, this device consisting of a conveyor (10) assembled to-move more or less horizontally and with a first alignment of equidistant and parallel primary rollers (30) separated in pairs by a gap allowing an article to pass through, the conveyor (10) having in addition a second alignment of secondary rollers (44) each arranged at right angles to a gap, and these secondary rollers (44) can move perpendicular to the plane of movement of the primary rollers (30), the device having means (42) for guiding the secondary rollers (44) along a sorting path (14) of the conveyor, the guiding means (42) being adapted to separate the secondary rollers from the primary rollers progressively in keeping with the length of the sorting path (14), in which the primary and secondary rollers are fixed when moving around their axis in keeping with the essential nature of the said sorting path (14).
    6. Application according to Claim 5 of a device which also has means (24) for positioning the primary (30) and secondary (44) rollers.
    7. Application according to Claim 6 of a device in which the said positioning means have an auxiliary roller type conveyor (24), the rollers of which are driven slowly around on themselves, and means (26, 28) for transferring from the said auxiliary conveyor (24) to the conveyor (10) more or less without changing the orientation of the articles.
    8. Application according to Claim 6 of a device in which the said positioning means are incorporated in the conveyor, the conveyor (10) having, upstream of the sorting path (14), a stretch to take the articles, over the length of which the primary and secondary rollers are driven slowly round on themselves to ensure positioning of the articles.
    EP01400067A 2000-01-14 2001-01-11 Device for sorting pear-shaped articles according to size Expired - Lifetime EP1118392B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR0000481 2000-01-14
    FR0000481A FR2803777B1 (en) 2000-01-14 2000-01-14 SIZING MACHINE FOR PEAR-SHAPED ARTICLES

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1118392A1 EP1118392A1 (en) 2001-07-25
    EP1118392B1 true EP1118392B1 (en) 2003-04-09

    Family

    ID=8845936

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP01400067A Expired - Lifetime EP1118392B1 (en) 2000-01-14 2001-01-11 Device for sorting pear-shaped articles according to size

    Country Status (7)

    Country Link
    US (1) US6547079B2 (en)
    EP (1) EP1118392B1 (en)
    AR (1) AR027207A1 (en)
    AU (1) AU1498301A (en)
    ES (1) ES2195980T3 (en)
    FR (1) FR2803777B1 (en)
    ZA (1) ZA200100362B (en)

    Families Citing this family (7)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    NL2002761C2 (en) * 2009-04-17 2010-10-19 Vitech B V SORTING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BULBS AND BULBS.
    CA2839335C (en) * 2013-01-16 2016-11-01 Crary Industries, Inc. Agricultural article sizer
    US9120130B2 (en) * 2013-07-29 2015-09-01 Lakewood Process Machinery Sorting apparatus
    CN109502307B (en) * 2018-12-05 2024-02-23 武汉智能装备工业技术研究院有限公司 Intelligent sorting and conveying system for multiple commodities
    CN111495730B (en) * 2019-08-30 2021-04-30 杭州富阳飞尚装饰工程有限公司 Small-size laborsaving screening sand mechanism that interior decoration used
    CN113083726B (en) * 2021-03-31 2022-09-09 重庆品正食品有限公司 Detection system for sealed soda water bottle
    CN115488041B (en) * 2022-09-28 2024-01-23 重庆市武隆区林政执法监察支队(重庆市武隆区木材检查站) Red fruit ginseng fruit sorting facilities

    Family Cites Families (8)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US1242573A (en) * 1915-04-14 1917-10-09 Isaac V Matson Grading-machine.
    US1337257A (en) * 1919-11-17 1920-04-20 O'quinn Arthur Moreland Sizer and grader
    US1846327A (en) * 1927-11-15 1932-02-23 Corning Glass Works Gauging and sorting machine
    FR1105584A (en) * 1954-05-28 1955-12-05 Machine for sorting and grading fruit, vegetables or other bulk products
    FR1480308A (en) * 1966-03-29 1967-05-12 Fruit grader, monobloc, automatic, high output
    FR2323460A1 (en) * 1975-09-09 1977-04-08 Lamartine Antoine Fruit and vegetable grading machine - has travelling rollers in pairs each with one pivoting about spindle of other
    IT1124408B (en) * 1979-12-21 1986-05-07 Xeda International AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR THE CALIBRATION OF ROUND OVAL OR FLAT FRUITS
    FR2730711B1 (en) * 1995-02-21 1997-05-09 Materiel Arboriculture DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING A SORTING UNIT OF LONGIFORM PRODUCTS, SUCH AS CARROTS, SORTING UNIT COMPRISING SAME, AND DISPENSING AND CALIBRATING DEVICE FOR THIS SORTING UNIT.

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    US20010037961A1 (en) 2001-11-08
    US6547079B2 (en) 2003-04-15
    AU1498301A (en) 2001-07-19
    AR027207A1 (en) 2003-03-19
    FR2803777B1 (en) 2002-07-26
    ZA200100362B (en) 2001-09-05
    EP1118392A1 (en) 2001-07-25
    ES2195980T3 (en) 2003-12-16
    FR2803777A1 (en) 2001-07-20

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    CA2312038C (en) Conveyor device for products, in particular fruits, for feeding a unit sorting said products
    EP2559638B1 (en) Device for separating pieces of fruit
    EP3055236A1 (en) Baggage sorting method and device, said device being capable of handling unstable or irregularly shaped materials
    EP1560772B1 (en) Machine for transferring objects aligned in rows
    EP0995681B1 (en) Unit for manufacturing and packaging roll-shaped articles
    EP1118392B1 (en) Device for sorting pear-shaped articles according to size
    EP3137399A1 (en) Device for unilateral analysis of products by turning and automatic sorting and conveying device incorporating same
    EP2222579B1 (en) Receiving and conveying device
    US7228958B2 (en) Supporting body, conveyor comprising a number of supporting bodies and method for transversally aligning objects
    FR2614879A1 (en) DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING OBJECTS, IN PARTICULAR RECTANGULAR SHAPE PACKAGES
    EP0810963B1 (en) Feed device for a sorting unit, sorting unit with such a feed device, a grading device and distribution device
    FR2976195A1 (en) Device for conveying objects e.g. vegetables, has conveyor for forming pair of conveying lines, and carpet receiving and recycling objects falling laterally, where upper part of each conveying line includes inner zone placed at loading ends
    FR2775270A1 (en) Transfer feed for passing articles between conveyors
    FR2473364A1 (en) AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR SORTING ROUND, OVAL OR FLAT FRUITS ACCORDING TO THEIR DIAMETER
    FR2678529A1 (en) AUTOMATIC SORTING INSTALLATION.
    FR2637877A1 (en) Roller conveyor
    FR2755679A1 (en) DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING PRODUCTS WITH CONVEYORS
    FR2560535A1 (en) Fruit sorting machine
    FR2738561A1 (en) DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING BETWEEN TWO TRANSPORT ELEMENTS
    EP1129748B1 (en) Ski treatment machine with lateral driving device
    FR2537903A1 (en) Device for presenting workpieces for machining.
    FR2696660A1 (en) Automatic high speed grading appts. for fruit and vegetables - has roller conveyor driven by drive belt and by endless belt travelling at different speeds
    FR2531405A1 (en) MACHINE FOR PLACING A STRIP AROUND A SET OF CONTAINERS TO FORM A PACKAGING
    NL1003370C2 (en) Tobacco-preparation equipment
    FR2639194A1 (en) Machine for separating the offsets (cloves) of bulbs

    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): BE ES FR IT

    AX Request for extension of the european patent

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

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 20020109

    AKX Designation fees paid

    Free format text: BE ES FR IT

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DE

    Ref legal event code: 8566

    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

    AK Designated contracting states

    Designated state(s): BE ES FR IT

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2195980

    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: 20040112

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

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 20050118

    Year of fee payment: 5

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

    Ref country code: BE

    Payment date: 20050217

    Year of fee payment: 5

    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: 20060112

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

    Ref country code: BE

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

    Effective date: 20060131

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

    Ref country code: IT

    Payment date: 20060131

    Year of fee payment: 6

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20060112

    BERE Be: lapsed

    Owner name: *XEDA INTERNATIONAL

    Effective date: 20060131

    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: 20070111

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

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20121214

    Year of fee payment: 13

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    Effective date: 20140930

    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: 20140131