FR3061041A1 - DENSIMETRIC BATH SORTING MACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a densimetric bath sorting machine comprising a tray, at least one drying support associated with the tray and separating means configured to be driven while being partially or totally in the tray, characterized in that the means of separation comprise at least one panel driven by a motor means, and configured to slide along the tray and on said drying medium. The invention further relates to an associated sorting method.

Description

Density bath sorting machine

The present invention relates to a densimetric bath sorting machine, in particular for sorting fruit, especially berries such as. Grapes. The invention further relates to a corresponding sorting process.

In the field of sorting berries, machines have been proposed using conveyor belts or suction channels.

Unfortunately, this type of device involves significant costs linked in particular to the complexity of the conveyor belts and their drive system or when using an efficient suction system. In addition, these systems are generally difficult to maintain in that cleaning, flow in the machine is not easy.

A first objective of the invention is to propose a machine and. a simplified process compared to the prior art in order to limit the manufacturing and implementation costs.

A second objective of the invention is to propose a machine whose maintenance would be facilitated in particular to maintain the efficiency of the machine and to increase its service life by maaeiBium.

To do this, the invention provides a sorting machine by densimetric bath comprising a tray, at least one drying support associated with the tray and separation means configured to be sms while being partially or totally in the tray.

The terms "drip medium" or "drying medium" can be used alternately. When the sorted elements are on these supports, the liquid of the densimetric bath is substantially removed from said elements.

According to the first aspect, the separation means comprise at least one panel driven by a motor means and configured to slide along the tank and on said drying support.

Advantageously, at least one, driven panel is. a simplified means for separating fractions from a densimetric bath,

berries in particular, in comparison with the convoy * 9® OT means with suction systems, of the prior art.

In addition, the use of at least one panel leaves "less than hard-to-reach spaces, polishing the cleaning of the macfti11®", which facilitates maintenance.

According to other aspects pria., Individually or combined according to all technically feasible combinations: - said panel is configured: to slide at several heights, along the tank, then on said drying support; and / or - said panel is configured to slide along a support. separation, in particular along the tank bottom, then on said drying support; and / or - the separation means, comprise several, panels driven by at least one belt or preferably at least one chain, more preferably made of plastic; and / or - the machine comprises at least one part of pulleys or preferably of gear wheels, associated with said belt or chain; and / or - said panel is a cleat i and / or - said drying support comprises a grid at least partially immersed in .bac-; and / or - said drying support is included in a drying arm preferably forming an enclosure, associated with the tank; and / or - the machine comprises two drying arms on either side of the tank each comprising a drying support at a level different from that of the other arm; and / or - said drying arm forming an enclosure, comprises a discharge orifice. The invention further relates to a method for sorting secure berries by densimetric bath preferably by means of one according to the invention, in which the mature berries are isolated by sliding at least one panel, preferably along a separation support, in particular along the tank bottom, then on a drying support. The invention will be further detailed by the description of nonlimiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures, in which: - Figure 1 is a view in space of a sorting machine according to a preferred variant of the invention t - ia Figure 2 is a front view of the machine of Figure 1; and - Figure 3 is a side view (left) of the machine of Figures 1 and 2; - Figure 4 is a view in space- of a cleat and a. separation grid; - Figure 5 is a view in space of chain links of a machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and - Figure 6 is a view in space of a toothed wheel configured to cooperate with the links of Figure 5. The invention relates to a sorting machine by deasinvetric bath. 1 in particular for the. sorting of fruits, more particularly berries, for example grapes.

The sorting machine according to the invention comprises a tank 2 ·. In particular, the bac. 2 has at least one. section of prismatic shape;, for example parallelepiped. Tray 2 is open on the upper side to receive items to be sorted, in particular the product of a harvest.

The container 2- preferably comprises a frame 3 surrounding the container and on which rolling means 4 can be provided, such as. move the machine 1. Preferably, the chassis 3 comprises a support base wider than the tank 2 in the width direction for a better balance. For example, tray 2 has a width of about 50 cm; and the base is about 1 meter wide.

The tank 2 preferably includes a drain orifice 5 allowing the contents of the tank 2 to be emptied.

The tank 2 further comprises upper cover elements 6 such as cover sheets at its open face. In particular, two sheets are provided at the ends of the tank.

The tank 2 is configured to produce a densimetric bath dm produced from a de-stemmed or destemmed harvest.

To do this, tray 2 is filled with a density-controlled liquid. Preferably, the density-controlled liquid comprises must or water loaded with sugar. In particular, sugar is used to increase the density of the bath.

Once the harvest is plunged into the densimetric bath, the ripe berries having a different density from the unripe berries and debris separate.

In particular, in a sweet densimetric bath, the ripe berries sink to the bottom of the bath while the unripe berries and debris float on the surface of the bath.

Of course, the calibration of the densimetric bath can be carried out by testing, for example, the flotation of a mature bay and a non-mature bay.

Once the ripe berries are isolated at the bottom of the tank, they must now be separated from the bath and set aside, for example, for storage.

To do this, the machine 1 comprises at least one drying support 7 and separation means 8 detailed below.

The drying support 7 is associated with the tank 2. In particular, the machine 1 comprises a drying support 7 configured to be in the continuity of a wall of the tank 2. In a less preferred variant, it is possible to envisage a drying support which is a side wall of the tank.

According to a variant, said drying support 7 comprises a grid at least partially immersed in the tank 2,

Advantageously, the use of a grid as a drying support 7 makes it possible to have a flow of liquid under the grid and a better drainage of the selected elements such as the berries ·. In addition, the grid of the grid can make it possible to select a minimum size in the isolated fraction, the residual debris thus escaping under the grid and then in bin 2.

In particular, the grid is removable. For example, a housing or a fixing means is provided for arranging and preferably fixing the grid. Advantageously, this arrangement allows better maintenance of the machine 1 in that these .pieces are easy to clean, for example to remove waste. A space 9 can be provided under the grid to allow residues to fall under the grid and then into the tank 2.

According to a variant, said drying support 7 is included in a drying arm 10 preferably forming an enclosure, associated with the tank 2. In particular, the drying arm 10 forms an enclosure opening into the tank 2. The drying rack is arranged in the drying arm 10.

The chassis. .3 'from the. machine 1 also surrounds the lower part of said drying arm 10.

The arms 10 also include said upper cover elements 6 such as cover sheets. In particular, three · sheets are provided at the ends and in the middle of each arm 10.

Preferably, the drying arm 10 extends longitudinally on one side of the tank 2. In particular, the drying arm. .10 extends obliquely upwards away from the tank 2. The span of the machine from one end to the other of the arms 10 is for example around 5 meters. The height of the machine is for example about 1.6 m.

The drying arm 10 defines, for example, an internal side close to the container, and an external side remote from the container.

According to a variant, said drying arm 10 forming an enclosure comprises an evacuation orifice 11. The arm 10 preferably comprises said evacuation orifice 11 at one end of the drying support 7 ", for example the external end . The sorted elements can, be slid on the drying support 7 to the said end and then fall into the orifice 11. A means for receiving the sorted elements: can be · provided under · the arm, in particular below orifice 11.

According to a variant, the machine 1 comprises two drying arms 10 on either side of the tank 2 each comprising a drying support 7. The two arms 10 can be substantially identical.

The separation means 8 are configured to separate and remove the sorted elements from the bin 2. In particular, the separation means 8 make it possible to isolate the ripe berries on the one hand and preferably, the unripe berries and the debris from 'somewhere else.

To do this, the separation means 8 are configured to be moved while being partially or completely blank in the tank 2. According to the invention, the separation means 8 comprise at least one panel 8a driven by a motor means 12, and configured for sliding along the tank 2 and on said drying support 7. Said panel 8a is preferably driven horizontally in the tank 2. A transmission means 13 detailed: below connects the motor means 12 to said panel.

In particular, said panel 8a slides, along 'the length of tank 2, then on said drying support: 7 ,,

Advantageously, said driven panel 8a is a simplified means for separating fractions of a densimetric bath, in particular · bays ·, in comparison with the., Conveying means or the suction systems, of the prior art .

In addition, the use of said panel 8a leaves less difficult to access spaces for: cleaning the machine 1, which in turn. facilitates maintenance.

In addition, said panel 8a allows the flowable fraction to pass, unlike conveyor systems, which allows a more compact Eechine.

In particular, the separation means 8 comprise a plurality of panels 8a driven by said drive means 12. The drive means. .12 is preferably a motor. It can also be a system comprising more than one motor.

According to a variant, said panel 8a is a cleat. The cleat is in particular a solid panel. Advantageously, a solid panel makes it possible to create "η. current in the 'densimetric bath facilitating the movement of the different fractions, a non-solid panel, such as a grid, can be envisaged to retain the elements · to be sorted, in particular the berries. The cleat. Measures for example 40 to 45 cm 'in length depending on the width of the tank · 2 and the arms 10.

The cleat preferably includes roughness 14 on its edge in contact with the grid. More particularly, these irregularities are present on a lower edge and an upper edge of the cleat.

According to a variant, said panel 8a is configured to slide at several heights along the tank 2, then on said drying support 7. In particular, said panel 8a can slide at the level of the densimetric bath and another or said panel 8a can slide to another level of depth in tank 2.

According to a variant, said panel 8a is configured to slide along a separation support, in particular along the bottom, tank 2, then on said drying support 7. Thus, the cleat scrapes the bottom of tank 2 to isolate the fraction which sank: in the densimetric bath. These are in particular ripe berries. A separation support, such as a grid above the bottom of the tank 2, can be envisaged.

In particular, said panel Sa -est. configured to slide at two heights of the tank to isolate a floating fraction and a sliding fraction. Each of the fractions is then directed by means of said panel 8a to one. Specific side. For example, the flowing fraction is directed to the right in Figure 2 and the floating fraction is directed to the left.

Preferably, each of said sides is provided with a drying arm 10. Panel 8a bringing a sliding fraction, then along the drying support 7, in particular the grid., From one end to the other in particular to the corresponding discharge port 11 *

In particular, the flowing fraction directed to the right in FIG. 2 includes the mature hedges and the floating fraction directed to the left comprises the unripe berries and the debris.

Preferably, the sliding supports 7 are also arranged at two levels corresponding to the flowing and floating fractions, so that the oblique drying support 7 of one arm is at a different level from that of the other arm. In particular, the grid of the arm 10 on the right in FIG. 2 is arranged at the bottom of said arm 10 and the grid of the arm 10 on the left is arranged in the middle of said arm 10.

Alternatively, the separation means 8- comprise several · panels 8a mus. By said transmission means 13 which comprises at least one belt, or preferably at least one chain 15 more, preferably made of plastic.

A chain 15 makes it possible to have a substantially rigid means of transmission. In addition, the use of plastic helps limit manufacturing costs. In addition, plastic is not subject to oxidation unlike metal chains. In addition, the links of the chain 15 make it possible to provide a simple system for fixing the panels attached to the links.

The chain 15 comprises meshes 15a, 15h parallelepiped, in particular open upwards and downwards. The meshes include a 'parallelepipedal portion divided into two cubic sub-sections · separated more particularly by a central pillar. The. .pillar central and, the mesh walls are preferably flattened. The mesh interlocking system comprises an internal cylindrical male part 15c and a female cylindrical part in two structures 15d arranged, here, horizontally on either side of the male part. A 15th pin is provided in the male and female parts for fixing the mesh interlocking system.

In particular, the chair 15 comprises two types of mesh 15a and 15b which are differentiated by the possibility of carrying or not a panel, 8a, your meshes 15b carrying a panel 8a include a pierced protuberance 15f. The pierced protuberance 15 £ is preferably in the extension of the central pillar of the meshes 15b. A fixing means, such as a screw, can be inserted into the pierced protuberance 15 £ to fix the panel 8a. Preferably, fixing boards 8b, which may be made of stainless steel, are arranged on either side of the panel 8a and fixed using a fixing means, such as a set of screws and bolts. The stainless steel boards 8b also make it possible to stiffen the assembly of the panel 8a on the chain 15.

In particular, the machine 1 comprises two chains 15 each being arranged on either side of the panels 8a. This allows a better balance of the drive of the panel 8a. The chains 15 slide along a wall of the tank 2 and along a wall of the drying arm 10.

According to a variant, the machine comprises at least one part of pulleys or preferably of toothed wheels 16, associated with said belt or with said chain 15. This arrangement allows both driving of the chain 15 by the associated motor means 12 to the toothed wheel and the possibility of having several, in particular two, chain paths 15 and panels 8a. Said portion of pulleys or toothed wheels 16 is preferably disposed at the ends of the drying arms 10. Preferably, the external end of the drying arm 10 is provided in the shape of a "U" so that a wheel axle can be easily inserted or removed. or pulley. A fixing means 17 such as a handle can be provided for fixing said axis in the arm 10.

The toothed wheel is preferably also made of plastic. In particular, at least one toothed wheel 16 associated with the chain 15 is rotated by the motor means 12, which is preferably a motor. The drive means 12 is preferably arranged at the outer end of a drying arm 10.

The chain 15 makes a first outward path below the cogwheels 16, in particular to the right of FIG. 2, and a return path above the cogwheels, in particular to the left. Preferably, additional pulleys or cogwheels 18 are provided for the change of direction of the arm 10 where the path is oblique towards the tank 2 where the path is horizontal. The invention further relates to a sorting method in particular by means of a device as described above. The steps are illustrated in the figures by the arrows a to g.

The method includes the following steps; (a) deposit a harvest product in a densimetric bath i - (b, c) scrape one or more heights of the bath by sliding at least one panel 8b, in particular at least one cleat, - (d, e) sliding said panel 8b along a drying support 7, and - (f, g) reserving the fraction thus isolated. Step (b) includes scraping in particular of the bottom of the bath to more particularly isolate the ripe berries. Step (c) includes scraping the surface of the bath to isolate in particular the non-target berries and debris. Step (d) comprises sliding said panel 8b along a low drying support 7 corresponding to the pouring fraction, in particular the ripe berries. Step Ce) comprises sliding said panel 8b along a high drying support 7 corresponding to the floating fraction, in particular the non-wearing berries and debris. Step Cf} includes reserving the pouring fraction thus isolated, comprising in particular the ripe berries. Step (g) includes reserving the floating fraction thus isolated, comprising in particular unripe berries and debris.

The process can then be repeated from step (a) and so on.

Claims (10)

1. Sorting machine by densimetric bath comprising a container, at least one drying support associated with the container and separation means configured to be moved while being partially or completely in the container, characterized in that the separation means comprise at at least one panel driven by a motor means, and configured to slide along the tank and on said drying support. 2. Sorting machine according to the preceding claim, wherein said panel is configured to slide at several heights along the tank, then on said drying support. 3. Sorting machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which said panel is configured to slide along a separation support, in particular along the tank bottom, then on said drying support, 4. Sorting machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the 'separation means comprise several panels driven by at least one belt or preferably at least one chain. more preferably plastic. 5. Sorting machine according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one part of pulleys or preferably of gear wheels, associated with said belt or with said chain. 6. Sorting machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said panel is a cleat. 7. Sorting machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which said drying support comprises a grid at least partially immersed in the tank, 8. 'Sorting machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which, said, drying support is included in a drying arm preferably forming an enclosure, associated with. tray. 9. Sorting machine according to the preceding claim, comprising two, · drying arms on either side of the tank each comprising a drying support at a different level from that of the other arm. 10, sorting machine according to. Claim 8 on 9, wherein said drying arm forming a. enclosure, includes, nn discharge opening. 11. Process for sorting ripe berries by density. RacEne according to one of the preceding claims including an year claim 3, characterized in .que. the ripe berries are isolated by the sliding of said panel along the separation support, in particular along the tank bottom, then on said drying support.