EP1691596A1

EP1691596A1 - Fruit harvesting device

Info

Publication number: EP1691596A1
Application number: EP03751121A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Valentino Meini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-10-15
Filing date: 2003-10-15
Publication date: 2006-08-23
Also published as: AU2003269340A1; WO2005036947A1

Abstract

A tool (1) for collecting small pieces of fruit (30) from branches (31) of a tree, comprises two shafts (2) having axes (12) about which they are capable of rotating in opposite directions. The tool (1) comprises, furthermore, a plurality of small rollers (4) arranged peripherally to the shaft (2) between two radial supports (9) and mounted free to rotate about the respective lines (14) on flexible elements. The tool (1) can switch from a spread apart configuration, for arranging the shafts (2) at opposite sides with respect to a branch (31) to a configuration closed on the branch (31) corresponding to an operative condition where the shafts (2) are substantially parallel and close to each other. The passage from a configuration to the other is effected by an operator (50) that grips sleeves (6), within which shafts (2) freely rotate, causing shafts (2) to swivel about the axis of a hinge (25) arranged at an end thereof. In operative conditions the small rollers (4) are free of rotating about the respective lines (14) and of making a revolution about axis (12) of shaft (2) to which they are integral (figure (2)). More in detail, the shafts (2) in the closed configuration are arranged at a distance that leaves a predetermined minimum gap between the small rollers (4) of two shafts (2).

Description

TITLE FRUIT HARVESTING DEVICE DESCRIPTION Field of the invention The present invention relates to the field of agriculture, and precisely it relates to a tool for collecting small pieces of fruit, for example olives, directly from the branches of a tree. Description of the prior art As known, olives are collected from branches of trees manually from operators who, by a pole beat down the olives from the branches that are then collected on nets arranged under the branches same. Where the ground so allows, alternatively, the trees are gripped by mechanical arms and vigorously shaked, causing mature olives to fall. The step must be repeated many times for causing the olives to fall down as they ripen. Tools also exist that are commonly called "combs", single or double. Among the main drawbacks of beating down and shaking, as well as using combs, the following are observed:

- the beaten olives are damaged with subsequent becoming mouldy in the damaged part and then negatively affecting the quality of the olive oil;

- the leaves of the trees are also damaged, as well as the branches, the latter being increasingly damaged every year;

- the olives are thrown in all directions and many of them fall even out of the ground covered by the foliage of the tree. Furthermore, the system of shaking the trees causes high energy consumption, owing to its action not precisely directed on the fruit, and also requires an expensive and cumbersome machine, and then not easily transportable, with impossibility of use in areas that cannot be easily reached. Energy consumption is increased because the shaking step must be repeated many times where olives do not get ripe all together. Summary of the invention It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a device for collecting small pieces of fruit, for example olives, from the branches of a tree that is handy, light, and not much cumbersome and that then makes easier the step of fruit collection by an operator. It is another a feature of the present invention to provide such a device for a high productivity and that has low energy consumption since it can be operated only at the moment of use. It is a further feature of the present invention to provide such a device that allows olives collection without damaging the olives, the branches the foliage. It is also a feature of the present invention to provide such a device for minimizing efforts of an operator to pull off pieces of fruit from branches. These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary tool for collecting small pieces of fruit from the branches of a tree, in particular olives, comprising: -a first and a second counter-rotating shafts, each shaft having an axis and at least one plurality of small rollers arranged peripherally along a line substantially parallel to said axis, whereby said small rollers are free of rotating about said line, but brought into revolution about said axis integrally to each shaft, -means for approaching/moving away said first and second shaft with respect to each other, between - a spread apart position for engaging/ disengaging a branch of a tree, and - a closed position where said shafts are parallel and close to each other at a distance such that the small rollers of two opposite shafts in said revolution do not approach each other less than a predetermined gap. Actually, the user moves the tool toward a branch with the two shafts spread apart, engages the branch and I brings the two shafts to a parallel closed position. The user then, keeping the two shafts in closed position causes the tool to "sweep" the branch to come across the pieces of fruit to pull off, and then the counter rotating movement of the shafts against the sweeping movement. The small rollers roll on the branch and on the foliage, but the minimum gap between the small rollers of the two shafts prevents the pieces of fruit from passing and causes them to be pulled off the branches. The rotation of the shafts is carried out in a counter rotating way and preferably in a way that the speed of revolution of the small rollers at the moment of coming across the pieces of fruit is summed to the sweeping speed. As small rollers a skilled person would understand any rolling elements of cylindrical, toroidal, rounded shape that can rotate about said line substantially parallel to a respective axis. The small rollers can be very short, whereby along said line a large number thereof is present, or rather long, whereby along said line a small number thereof is present, at least one. Each shaft has preferably at least two radial supports between which each line of small rollers extends, each line being sustained by a flexible element selected from the group: a cable stretched between said radial supports; a rod suspended between said radial supports. In particular, in use the flexible elements fit to the shape of the branch in order to allow an easy longitudinal sliding for coming across the olives. This is obtained by a mechanical action owing to their counter rotating movement that allows a gentle disengagement of the olives from the branches without damaging the branches, since they roll on the branch. Alternatively, each small roller of a line can be supported by an own support extending from said shaft. Advantageously, the first shaft is brought into rotation about its own axis by actuating means operatively connected to it and is integral to a driving gear that operates a driven gear integral to the second shaft a direction contrary to the former. Alternatively, each shaft is brought into rotation about its own axis by independent actuating means. Advantageously, said actuating means are operated when closing the first and the second shaft by said means for approaching/moving away said first and second shaft with respect to each other. The actuating means can be selected from the group: direct drive means on at least one shaft; motor means connected to said at least one shaft by a flexible transmission. In particular, the first and the second shaft are pivotally connected by a connection selected from the grou : - a hinge suitable for causing the respective ends thereof to approach/move away from each other; - a sliding coupling suitable for causing them to approach/move away from each other in a parallel condition . Preferably, each shaft has a portion within a support sleeve, each said sleeve being a handgrip for manoeuvring said tool. Advantageously, the device according to the invention is equipped with a casing that in a branch sweeping motion collects pieces of fruit downstream of said shafts, said casing being suitable for guiding the olives already pulled off the branch towards an outlet and a collecting container associated to the casing. This avoids the need of nets or pieces of cloth arranged below the branches of the tree. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for collecting small pieces of fruit from the branches of a tree, in particular olives by the tool as above described comprises the steps of: bringing the tool with the two shafts spread apart to a position close to a branch, said shafts being arranged at opposite sides with respect to the branch same, — closing the two shafts on the branch in an engagement position in which they are parallel and close to each other, - counter rotating the two shafts and sweeping the branch to come across the pieces of fruit to pull off, said small rollers freely rolling on the branch and on the foliage, whereby the minimum gap between the small rollers of the two shafts prevents the pieces of fruit from passing and causes them to be pulled off the branches. Advantageously, the small rollers are capable of adjusting to the shape of the branch in order to allow an easy longitudinal sliding for coming across the pieces of fruit . Brief description of the drawings Further characteristics and advantages of the device for collecting small pieces of fruit, for example olives, from the branches of a tree, according to the present invention will be made clearer with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - figure 1 shows a perspective top plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of a device for collecting small pieces of fruit, for example olives, from branches of a tree, according to the present invention in a resting position; — figure 2 shows a perspective top plan view of the device of figure 1 in an operative configuration;

- figure 3 shows a perspective view from below of the device of figure 1;

- figure 4 shows an elevational front view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the device of figure 1;

- figure 5 shows in an elevational front view the device of figure 4 located at a branch to treat;

- figure 6 shows a perspective elevational side view of the device of figure 5 in use; - figure 7 shows diagrammatically a perspective view of a possible mechanism to drive the device of figure 4;

- figure 8 shows diagrammatically a perspective view of a mechanism alternative to that of figure 7 to drive the device of figure 4; - figures from 9 to 13 show diagrammatically . in a partially cross sectioned views the succession of steps for collecting olives from a branch by the device of figure 1; - figures from 14 to 17 show a cross sectional view of some possible exemplary embodiments of the device of figure 1, with different numbers of lines of small rollers; - figure 18 shows in an elevational front view a further exemplary embodiment of the device of figure 1. Description of a preferred exemplary embodiment With reference to figure 1, a tool 1 for collecting small pieces of fruit 30 (figure 5), in particular olives, from branches 31 of a tree, comprises two shafts 2 having axes 12 about which they are capable of rotating in opposite directions. The device 1 comprises, furthermore, a plurality of small rollers 4 arranged peripherally to shaft 2 between two radial supports 9. In particular, the small rollers 4 are mounted free to rotate about the respective lines 14 on flexible elements, for example a cable or a rod arranged between radial supports 9. The device 1 can switch from a spread apart configuration, for arranging the shafts 2 at opposite sides with respect to a branch 31 to treat (figure 5), to a closed configuration on the branch 31 corresponding to an operative condition where the shafts 2 are substantially parallel and close to each other (figure 6) . The passage from a configuration to the other is effected by an operator 50 that grips sleeves 6, within which shafts 2 freely rotate, causing shafts 2 to swivel about the axis of a hinge 25 arranged at an end thereof. The free rotation of the shafts 2 about the axis of hinge 25 is biased by a spring 7 arranged between shafts 2. In operative conditions the small rollers 4 are free of rotating about the respective lines 14 and of making a revolution about axis 12 of shaft 2 to which they are integral (figure 2) . More in detail, the shafts 2 in the closed configuration are arranged at a distance that leaves a predetermined minimum gap between the small rollers 4 of two shafts 2. This avoids that during the revolution of the small rollers 4 about shafts 2 the correct operation of the device 1 is affected and the apparatus can be damaged or can damage the products. This gap can be obtained, for example, positioning two spacing abutments 8 between the axes 12 of shafts 2 (figure 1) . In figures from 14 to 17 cross sectional views are shown of some possible embodiments of the device 1 of the invention. In particular, between the different embodiments shown in figures from 14 to 17 the number changes of flexible elements 3 on which arranged the small rollers 4 are arranged. In all the cases the small rollers 4 have the rotational axes arranged on a circumference 40 (dashed line) co-axial to the axis 12 of shaft 2. In use an operator 50 grips the device 1 with shafts 2 initially spread apart and arranges them at opposite sides with respect to a branch 31. Once in position, the operator 50 closes the shafts 2, which are biased by spring 7 that is arranged between them. At this point shafts 2 are driven with opposite speed either by a single motor 25 and of a couple of gears 15 (figure 7) , or, alternatively, using two independent synchronised motors 25 (figure 8) . The transmission of the movement from a motor to the shaft can be carried out either with direct drive or by a torsion cable. The rotation of the shafts 2 can switched on by an electrical circuit comprising one or two motors and a switch 14. The latter can be operated either directly by the operator 50 in a desired instant, or, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of figure 3, by a finger 13 that acts on it when closing the shafts 2. In the exemplary embodiment of figure 1 the device 1 is equipped with a casing 10 made of metal sheet for conveying the olives 30 towards a collecting zone 60 after having pulled them off the branch 31 (figure 18) . In particular, casing 10 is essentially made of two parts hinged at an end. Each part surrounds one shaft 2 and the small rollers 4 to it integral except from the outer ends thereof, where the device 1 interacts with the branch 31, and along an edge between shafts 2. More in detail, on the edge between shafts 2 the casing 10 has "brushes" 5 having inclined bristles that allow device 1 to proceed along the working direction indicated by arrows 100 and at the same time to contain olives 30, which have been pulled off branch 31, within the walls of casing 10 (figure 9) . In particular, in use brushes 5 bend flexibly to allow branch 31 (figure 9) , foliage 32 and olives 31 to enter casing 10 (figure from 10 to 12) . In other words, brushes 5 cause device 1 to adapt to the size of bodies met across the working direction indicated by arrows 100. Similarly, the small rollers 4 arranged on the flexible elements fit to the shape of the branch 31 in order to allow an easy longitudinal sliding for coming across the olives 30 present on it. Once pulled olives 30 from branch 31 they are collected on the bottom of casing 10 (figure 13) . From here olives 30 roll down to opening 11 through which they pass into a containing hose 65 and then to a collecting zone 60 (figure 18) . This arrangement avoids to lay nets or pieces of cloth below the branches of the tree thus making the harvesting process easier. In the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 5 and 6 the device 1 is not equipped with the casing. In this case, the olives 30 are pulled off the branch 31 and let to fall down on nets or pieces of cloth arranged below. The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Tool for collecting small pieces of fruit from the branches of a tree, in particular olives, comprising: a first and a second counter-rotating shafts, each shaft having an axis and at least one plurality of small rollers arranged peripherally along a line substantially parallel to said axis, whereby said small rollers are free of rotating about said line, but brought into revolution about said axis integrally to each shaft, means for approaching/moving away said first and second shaft with respect to each other, between a spread apart position for engaging/ disengaging a branch of said tree, and - a closed position where said shafts are parallel and close to each other at a distance such that the small rollers of two opposite shafts in said revolution do not approach each other less than a predetermined gap.

2. Tool according to claim 1, wherein said small rollers are rolling elements having shape selected from the group: cylindrical, toroidal, rounded shape.

3. Tool according to claim 1, wherein each shaft has at least two radial supports between which said or each line of small rollers extends, said or each line being sustained by a flexible element selected from the group: a cable stretched between said radial supports; a rod suspended between said radial supports.

4. Tool according to claim 1, wherein said first shaft is brought into rotation about its own axis by actuating means operatively connected to it and is integral to a driving gear that operates a driven gear integral to the second shaft in a direction contrary to the former.

5. Tool according to claim 1, wherein each shaft is brought into rotation about its own axis by independent actuating means .

6. Tool according to claims 4 or 5, wherein said actuating means are operated when closing the first and the second shaft by said means for approaching/moving away said first and second shaft with respect to each other.

7. Tool according to claim 1, wherein the first and second shaft are pivotally connected by a connection selected from the group: a hinge suitable for causing the respective ends thereof to approach/move away from each other. a sliding coupling suitable for causing them to approach/move away from each other in a parallel condition.

8. Tool according to claim 1, wherein a casing is provided that in a branch sweeping motion collects pieces of fruit downstream of said shafts, said casing being suitable for guiding the olives already pulled off the branch towards an outlet and a collecting container associated to the casing.

9. Tool according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of small rollers along said line are formed by a single small roller for all the length of said line.

10. Method for collecting small pieces of fruit from the branches of a tree, in particular olives, by the tool of the claim 1, comprising the steps of: - bringing the tool with the two shafts spread apart to a position close to a branch, said shafts being arranged at opposite sides with respect to the branch same, - closing the two shafts on the branch in an engagement position in which they are parallel and close to each other, - driving the two shafts in a counter rotating way and sweeping the branch to come across pieces of fruit to pull off, said small rollers freely rolling on the branch and on the foliage, whereby the minimum gap between the small rollers of the two shafts prevents the pieces of fruit from passing and causes them to be pulled off the branches.

11. Method for collecting small pieces of fruit from the branches of a tree, according to claim 10, wherein said small rollers fit to the shape of the branch in order to allow an easy longitudinal sliding for coming across the pieces of fruit present.