GB2572787A

GB2572787A - A chute and a conveyor system

Info

Publication number: GB2572787A
Application number: GB1805940.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Haith Nigel
Original assignee: Tickhill Engineering Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tickhill Engineering Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-04-10
Filing date: 2018-04-10
Publication date: 2019-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-10
Also published as: GB2608280B; GB2608280A; GB202209028D0; GB201805940D0; GB2572787B

Abstract

A chute for transporting objects between two conveyors 2, 3 comprises a chute frame 1 mounted relative to both conveyors, and a chute member 13 with a suspended chute surface 131 that extends downwardly from first conveyor 2 to second conveyor 3. Objects such as vegetables from the first conveyor 2 fall over the suspended chute surface 131 towards the second conveyor 3 and the damage to them is reduced. Frame arrangement 1 has 112, 112a, 113 and two curtains 12, 14 to slow objects down. Chute 13 may have adjustable rollers 133a, 133b that are held against rotation. Chute frame 1 comprises components 112, 112a, 113. Other components shown include first end roller 231 with core members 231a, b, roller 23 and second conveyor surface 32.

Description

Title: A Chute and a Conveyor System

Description of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a chute and a conveyor system.

The movement of objects on conveyors is common in many industries. It is also common for relatively fragile objects to be transported on conveyors. These objects are subject to damage if they suffer significant impacts during transportation by a conveyor system. This damage may reduce the value of the objects, for example, or make the objects unusable.

One such instance in which relatively fragile objects are transported by conveyors relates to the processing of agricultural crops - such as root vegetables (e.g. potatoes, carrots, and the like).

In such conveyor systems it is often necessary to move the objects being conveyed (i.e. transported) from one conveyor to another (each conveyor may, for example, be configured to convey the objects in different directions). This may be achieved, for example, with the assistance of gravity by allowing the objects to fall from an end of one conveyor onto another conveyor.

As will be appreciated, however, this fall may cause damage to the objects.

Chutes may be provided to attempt to reduce the potentially damaging effects on the objects. However, these chutes may, themselves cause damage to the objects, may be complex and so difficult to maintain (and expensive to manufacture), and/or make operation of the conveyors more difficult (particularly belt conveyors).

There is a need, therefore, to alleviate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a chute for transporting one or more objects between a first and a second conveyor, the chute including: a chute frame configured to be mounted with respect to the first conveyor and the second conveyor; and a chute member having a suspended chute surface, wherein the suspended chute surface is configured to extend downwardly from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, such that one or more objects conveyed by the first conveyor may fall over the suspended chute surface towards the second conveyor.

The chute member may include a chute belt supported by a first chute roller and a second chute roller.

The first and second chute rollers may be held against rotation.

The chute belt may be a continuous belt.

A distance between the first and second chute rollers may be adjustable.

The chute frame may include side walls separated across a width of the chute member.

The chute frame may include an adjustable mounting arrangement which is configured to mount the chute frame to the first conveyor such that a distance between a roller of the first conveyor and the chute member is adjustable using the adjustable mounting arrangement.

A chute may further include a curtain positioned to slow one or more objects passing over the chute surface.

The location of the curtain with respect to the chute member may be adjustable.

The chute frame may include a mounting member which defines a slot configured to receive at least part of a roller or mechanical transmission associated with a roller of the first conveyor.

Another aspect may provide a conveyor system for conveying one or more objects, the conveyor system including: a first conveyor; a second conveyor; and a chute as above positioned to transport the one or more objects from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

The one or more objects may be one or more vegetables.

Embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a part of a conveyor system and a chute in accordance with some embodiments;

Figure 2 shows a partially cut-away view of a conveyor system and a chute in accordance with some embodiments;

Figure 3 shows a part of a conveyor system and chute of some embodiments;

Figure 4 shows a part of a conveyor system and chute of some embodiments;

Figure 5 shows a cut-away view of a part of a chute of some embodiments;

Figure 6 shows a part of a chute of some embodiments; and

Figure 7 shows a part of a chute of some embodiments.

With reference to all of the figures, some embodiments include a chute 1. The chute 1 is configured to direct the transfer of one or more objects from a first conveyor 2 to a second conveyor 3. Collectively, the chute 1 and at least one of the first and second conveyors 2,3 form a conveyor system 100. In some embodiments, the conveyor system 100 includes the chute 1 and both the first and second conveyors 2,3. Some embodiments, therefore, include the conveyor system 100.

In some embodiments, the first conveyor 2 is located above the second conveyor 3 (with respect to gravity but may be horizontally offset from the second conveyor 3), such that one or more objects to be conveyed may move from the first conveyor 2 to the second conveyor 3 at least partially under gravity.

The first and second conveyors 2,3 may be associated with respective conveyor directions - i.e. the direction in which each conveyor 2,3 is configured to convey the one or more objects. In some embodiments, the conveyor direction of the first conveyor 2 (the first conveyor direction) is generally perpendicular to the conveyor direction of the second conveyor 3 (the second conveyor direction). In some embodiments, different relative orientations of the first and second conveyor directions are possible and the two directions may even be aligned in some embodiments.

The first conveyor 2 may be a belt-type conveyor. The first conveyor 2 may, therefore, include a first conveyor frame 21 which is configured to support a first conveyor surface 22 of the first conveyor 2. The first conveyor surface 22 is the surface of the first conveyor 2 on or over which the one or more objects to be conveyed are conveyed. In the case of a belt-type conveyor, the first conveyor surface 22 is a surface of a belt of the first conveyor 2 (hereinafter, the first conveyor belt). As will be appreciated, the first conveyor belt has an outer surface and rotates with respect to the first conveyor frame 21. This outer surface includes, at any given time, a first portion which acts as the first conveyor surface 22 and a second portion which is inoperative (e.g. underneath the first portion). As the first conveyor belt rotates with respect to the first conveyor frame 21, second portion rotates to become the first portion and the first portion rotates to become the second portion, on a generally continuous basis. Therefore, the first conveyor surface 22 is effectively a generally continuously changing part of the first conveyor belt (when the first conveyor 2 is operating). The first conveyor surface 22 may, therefore, be referred to as an operative part of the first conveyor belt (or, more generally, of the first conveyor 2).

The first conveyor frame 21 has a first end adjacent the second conveyor 3 and an opposing second end remote from the second conveyor 3 (relative to the first end of the first conveyor frame 21). The first and second ends of the first conveyor frame 21 correspond with first and second ends of the first conveyor 2.

The first conveyor frame 21 is configured to support one or more first conveyor rollers 23 which are configured to drive and/or guide movement of the first conveyor belt with respect to the first conveyor frame 21. The first conveyor rollers 23 may include a first end roller 231 which is located at or towards the first end of the first conveyor 2 (and/or the first end of the first conveyor frame 21). This first end roller 231 may be a driven roller whose rotation is driven with respect to the first roller frame 21 by a first drive mechanism 24. The first drive mechanism is configured to drive rotation of the first end roller 231 substantially independently of whether the first conveyor belt is in place (i.e.

the first drive mechanism 24 is something other than that the movement of the first conveyor belt over a surface of the first end roller 231).

In some embodiments, the first end roller 231 is not a driven roller but is, instead, rotated with respect to the first conveyor frame 21 by virtue of the movement of the first conveyor belt (whose rotation is driven by the drive mechanism 24 via one or more other rollers and not the first end roller 231, for example).

In some embodiments, the first end roller 231 includes an outer surface over which the first conveyor belt is configured to pass - by virtue of rotation of the first end roller 231 or otherwise.

In some embodiments, the first drive mechanism 24 includes a motor 241 which may be mounted to the first conveyor frame 21 (e.g. to an outer part thereof). In some embodiments, the first drive mechanism 24 may include a motor (not shown) which may be mounted within a roller (such as the first end roller 231) with a mechanism (such as a slip-ring) to provide electrical power to that motor.

The first drive mechanism 24 may include a mechanical transmission 242 which is mechanically coupled between an output shaft of the motor 241 and the first end roller 231 (or any other roller the rotation of which the motor 241 is to drive). The mechanical transmission 242 may include one or more of a pulley system and a gearbox. The mechanical transmission 242 is configured to transmit rotation movement from the motor 241 to the first end roller 231 (or any other roller as required) and may be configured to adjust the speed of rotation of the first end roller 231 (or other roller) compared to the speed of rotation of the output shaft of the motor 241.

The first end roller 231 may include a core member 231a and circumferential part 231b supported with respect to the core member 231a by one or more end walls of the first end roller 231. The first end roller 231 may be configured for rotation about a central longitudinal axis of the core member 231a (for example). Therefore, the first end roller 231 has a rotational axis and rotation about that axis may, at least in some embodiments, be driven by the drive mechanism 24.

The first conveyor frame 21 may include a main frame 21a and an extension frame 21b. The extension frame 21b may be mounted to the main frame 21a at or towards the first end of the first conveyor frame 21. In some embodiments, the extension frame 21 b is moveable between an extended and a retracted position with respect to the main frame 21a. The extension frame 21b and the main frame 21a may share a generally common longitudinal axis. Movement between the extended and retracted positions may be linear movement, for example.

The first end roller 231 may be mounted to the extension frame 21b and moveable therewith with respect to the main frame 21a. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 24 (e.g. the motor 241 thereof) may be mounted to the extension frame 21b and moveable therewith with respect to the main frame 21a.

Accordingly an operative length of the first conveyor 2 may be adjustable by movement of the extension frame 21b with respect to the main frame 21a. This mechanism may be used to allow adjustment of a tension of the first conveyor belt in some embodiments. Accordingly, an arrangement may be provided for locking the extension frame 21b in place with respect to the main frame 21a between the extended and retracted positions.

As will be appreciated, therefore, an end (e.g. a first end) of the first conveyor surface 22 (at a first end of the first conveyor 2) may have its position adjustable with respect to the first conveyor frame 21.

The second conveyor 3 may be a belt-type conveyor. The second conveyor 3 may, therefore, include a second conveyor frame 31 which is configured to support a second conveyor surface 32 of the second conveyor 3. The second conveyor surface 32 is the surface of the second conveyor 3 on or over which the one or more objects to be conveyed are conveyed. In the case of a belttype conveyor, the second conveyor surface 32 is a surface of a belt of the second conveyor 3 (hereinafter, the second conveyor belt). As will be appreciated, the second conveyor belt has an outer surface and rotates with respect to the second conveyor frame 31. This outer surface includes, at any given time, a first portion which acts as the second conveyor surface 32 and a second portion which is inoperative (e.g. underneath the first portion). As the second conveyor belt rotates with respect to the second conveyor frame 31, second portion rotates to become the first portion and the first portion rotates to become the second portion, on a generally continuous basis. Therefore, the second conveyor surface 32 is effectively a generally continuously changing part of the second conveyor belt (when the second conveyor 3 is operating). The second conveyor surface 32 may, therefore, be referred to as an operative part of the second conveyor belt (or, more generally, of the second conveyor 3).

The second conveyor frame 31 has a first portion (which may be a first end or a portion along its length) adjacent the first conveyor 2 and another portion (which may be a second end) which is remote from the first conveyor 2 (relative to the first portion of the second conveyor frame 31). The first and second ends of the second conveyor frame 31 correspond with first and second ends of the second conveyor 3.

The second conveyor frame 31 is configured to support one or more second conveyor rollers which are configured to drive and/or guide movement of the second conveyor belt with respect to the second conveyor frame 31. A second drive mechanism (not shown) may be configured to drive rotation of one or more of the second conveyor rollers.

In some embodiments, the second drive mechanism includes a motor which may be mounted to the second conveyor frame 31 (e.g. to an outer part thereof). In some embodiments, second drive mechanism may include a motor (not shown) which may be mounted within a second conveyor roller with a mechanism (such as a slip-ring) to provide electrical power to that motor (e.g. via a mechanical transmission - in relation to which the above described aspects of the transmission 242 may apply equally to this mechanical transmission.

As will be appreciated, the first conveyor surface 22 may be located generally above the second conveyor surface 32 (with respect to gravity). One or more objects, therefore, conveyed by the first conveyor 2 to the second conveyor 3 must travel from the first conveyor surface 22 to the second conveyor surface 32.

Embodiments of the present invention include the chute 1 which may be configured to direct, guide, or support movement of the one or more objects during a movement thereof between the first and second conveyor surfaces 21,32.

The chute 1 may include a chute frame 11 which is configure to be mounted at or adjacent the first end of the first conveyor 2 and at or adjacent the first portion of the second conveyor 3.

The chute frame 11 may be mounted to the first conveyor frame 21 and may or may not be mounted to the second conveyor frame 31.

In some embodiments, the mounting of the chute frame 11 to the first conveyor frame 21 is such that substantially all of a weight of the chute 1 is carried by the first conveyor 2 (e.g. by the first conveyor frame 21).

In some embodiments, the chute frame 11 is, therefore, mounted with respect to the first conveyor frame 21 (whether or not the chute frame 11 is directly mounted to the first frame 2 or first conveyor frame 21).

The mounting of the chute frame 11 with respect to the first conveyor frame 21 may be such that the position of the chute frame 11 can be adjusted with respect to the first conveyor frame 21. This adjustability may be in a direction parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first conveyor 2 (e.g. parallel to the first conveyor direction).

Accordingly, the chute frame 11 may include a first part which is for mounting the chute frame 11 to the first conveyor frame 21. This first part may include a mounting member 111 which includes at least a part which is configured overlap with at least part of the first conveyor frame 21. The mounting member 111 may define a first slot 111a which is configured to align with an attachment point on the first conveyor frame 21. An attachment member (such as a bolt and nut) may be passed through the first slot 111a and secured to the attachment point on the first conveyor frame 21 (the attachment point may be an aperture, for example). The first slot 111a may extend in a direction which is parallel with a direction of the adjustability of the position of the chute frame 11 with respect to the first conveyor frame 21. Accordingly, the position of the chute frame 11 with respect to the first conveyor frame 21 may be set at least in part - by the position of the first slot 111a with respect to the attachment point (and the use of the attachment member).

The mounting member 111 may define more than one first slot 111a as described herein - associated with its own attachment point and secured with an attachment member as described above. The direction of extension of the first slots 111a may be parallel with each other. The first slots 111a may include two slots arranged on opposing sides of the chute frame 11.

As will be appreciated, therefore, the mounting member 111 is a variable position mounting member.

In some embodiments the mounting member 111 may be configured to fit within the volume defined between two opposing parts of the first conveyor frame 21 - e.g. between parts of the extension frame 21 b.

In some embodiments, at least a part of the mounting member 111 may be configured such that it extends past the first end roller 231 of the first conveyor 2. In some embodiments, this part of the mounting member 111 is configured to engage a part of the first conveyor frame 21. For example, the mounting member 111 may include a part which is slidingly received by or adjacent a part of the first conveyor frame 21 (which may be a part of the extension frame 21b).

In some embodiments, therefore, the mounting member 111 may include a part which is configured to receive at least part of the first end roller 231 (such as a part of the core member 231a thereof which may extend past one of the end walls of the first end roller 231) or at least part of the first drive mechanism 24 (such as a part of the mechanical transmission 241 such as a shaft which is coupled to the first end roller 231 to drive its rotation).

This part of the mounting member 111 may be generally c-shaped - with the open side of the c-shaped member generally facing the first conveyor 2 and the recess defined thereby being generally parallel to the first slot or slots 111a if provide. The mounting member 111 may, therefore, define a second slot 111b. There may be more than one second slot 111b defined by the mounting member 111.

Like the first slot 111a, the mounting member 111 may define two second slots

111 b on opposing sides of the mounting member 111 and chute frame 11.

Whilst the above described embodiments include one or more first slots 111a defined in the mounting member 111, in some embodiments the one or more first slots 111a are defined by the first conveyor frame 21 and the mounting member 111 defined the corresponding attachment point(s).

The chute frame 11 may be configured to carry a curtain 12 of the chute 1. The curtain 12 may be mounted to a curtain mounting member 112 and may hang substantially freely therefrom. The curtain 12 may have a width which is substantially equal to a width of the first conveyor 2 and, in particular, to a width of the first conveyor surface 22. The curtain 12 may hang under gravity. The curtain 12 may extend across an internal width of the chute frame 11. The curtain 12 may be positioned (and so the chute frame 11 configured to support the curtain mounting member 112) beyond a first end of the first conveyor 2. In particular, the curtain 12 may be positioned adjacent the first end roller 231. The curtain 12 may extend from the curtain mounting member

112 down to a position adjacent a chute member 13 of the chute 1. In some embodiments, the curtain 12 may extend to a position above an upper surface of the chute member 13 beneath the curtain mounting member 112.

The curtain mounting member 112 may be arranged generally perpendicular to the first conveyor direction as described above. The curtain mounting member 112 may be located generally towards an upper part of the chute frame 11 as depicted, for example.

In some embodiments, the curtain mounting member 112 is secured to the chute frame 11 by an adjustable mounting arrangement 112a. The adjustable mounting arrangement 112a may include one or more mounting slots defined in either of the chute frame 11 or the curtain mounting member 112, and one or more corresponding attachment points in the other of the chute frame 11 and the curtain mounting member 112. The adjustable mounting arrangement 112a may be configured, therefore, to allow the position of the curtain mounting member 112 to be altered and the curtain mounting member 112 then secured in that position. Using the adjustable mounting arrangement 112a, therefore, the position of the curtain 112 with respect to the first conveyor 2 (e.g. the first end roller 231) may be adjusted - whilst the orientation of the curtain 112 with respect to the first conveyor 2 may be maintained in some embodiments.

Other forms of adjustable mounting arrangement 112a may be used - see figures 1 and 2 for example - in which the chute frame 11 defines one or more discrete mounting points to which the curtain mounting member 112 may be mounted.

The curtain mounting member 112 may secure a top edge of the curtain 112 and may secure the curtain 112 by sandwiching a portion of the curtain 112 between two parts of the curtain mounting member 112.

In some embodiments, as depicted in figures 1 and 2 for example, the chute frame 11 may support a further curtain 14 of the chute 1. The chute frame 11 may, in particular, include a further curtain mounting member 113. The further curtain mounting member 113 may be mounted parallel to the curtain mounting member 112. The further curtain 14 may be positioned between the curtain 12 and a far edge of the second conveyor surface 32 in the region of the chute 1. The further curtain 14 may have a width which is generally equal to or less than a width of the curtain 12.

The chute frame 11 may include, therefore, at least one beam 114 which extends from towards the first conveyor 2 towards the far edge of the second conveyor surface 32 (in other words away from the mounting member 111).

The at least one beam 114 may support the further curtain mounting member 113 and may do so in a cantilevered manner. In some embodiments, there are two beams 114, one for each end of the further curtain mounting member 113. In some embodiments, the curtain mounting member 111 is also mountable to the at least one beam 114 (e.g. as shown in figures 1 and 2). Again, the further curtain 14 may be secured by being sandwiched between two parts of the further curtain mounting member 113. In some embodiments, the further curtain mounting member 113 is not adjustably located with respect to the chute frame 11. In some embodiments, the further curtain mounting member 113 is adjustably mounted in the same manner as the curtain mounting member 111. The further curtain 14 may hang from the further curtain mounting member 113 towards the second conveyor surface 32. In some embodiments, the further curtain 14 does not contact the second conveyor surface 32 but may end immediately adjacent the second conveyor surface 32.

In some embodiments, as depicted for example, the second conveyor 3 has a second conveyor frame 31 which includes at least one side wall. The or each side wall is configured to inhibit the movement of one or more objects being conveyed off an associated side of the second conveyor surface 32. In some embodiments, the curtain 12 and/or further curtain 14 extend to respective levels below the top of the or each side wall.

The chute frame 11 may be configured to support the chute member 13. The chute member 13 may be located generally between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 13. The chute member 13 may extend from a surface of the first conveyor 2 to (or towards) a surface of the second conveyor 3.

The chute member 13 is configured to provide a chute for the one or more objects being conveyed by the first conveyor 2 as they pass from the first conveyor 2 to the second conveyor 3. Accordingly, the chute member 13 may have a chute surface 131 over which the one or more objects pass as they travel from the first conveyor 2 to the second conveyor 3.

The chute surface 131 may be flexible so as to provide a cushioning effect for the one or more objects.

The chute surface 131 is, in some embodiments, a surface of the chute member 13 and in particular a surface of a chute belt or loop 132 of the chute member 13. The chute belt or loop 132 may be a belt (i.e. a loop) of material which extends around one or more chute rollers 133 of the chute member 13.

In some embodiments, the chute belt 132 extends around two chute rollers 133 - one positioned at either end of the chute member 13. The chute belt 132 may, therefore, be a continuous (i.e. endless) belt which passes around first and second chute rollers 133. The distance between the first and second chute rollers 133, along with the length of the chute belt 132 may determine the tension of the chute belt 132.

The or each chute roller 133 may be mountable to the chute frame 11 and this mounting may be a removable or selective mounting - such that the or each chute roller 133 may be removed from engagement with the chute frame 11 (e.g. for repair, inspection, and/or replacement) without substantive damage to the chute roller 133 or the chute frame 11.

The first chute roller 133a may be located proximal to the first conveyor 2 (relative to the second conveyor 3) and the second chute roller 133b may be located proximal to the second conveyor 3 (relative to the first conveyor 2).

As the one or more objected pass over the chute member 13 by virtue, in part, of the effect of gravity, the first chute roller 133a is generally located above the second chute roller 133b but laterally offset - such that the chute surface 131 forms a downwardly extending surface from towards the first conveyor 2 towards the second conveyor 3. Accordingly, the chute belt 132 extends downwardly from proximal to or adjacent the first conveyor 2 to a position proximal to or adjacent the second conveyor 3.

In some embodiments, the second chute roller 133b is located such that it is generally in horizontal alignment with the curtain 12 and so with the curtain mounting member 112.

The first chute roller 133a may be located at least partially beneath the first end roller 231 when the chute frame 11 is mounted to the first conveyor 2. In this respect, the first chute roller 131 may be located below a horizontal plane which intersects the rotational axis of the first end roller 231. In some embodiments, the first chute roller 133a may be relatively close to the first end roller 231. Accordingly, the first chute roller 133a may be at least partially located beneath the first end roller 231 - i.e. at least partially within a volume defined between vertical tangents of the first end roller 231. In some embodiments a central longitudinal axis of the first chute roller 133a is located within this volume (or at least partially within this volume).

A diameter of the first chute roller 133a may be substantially the same as a diameter of the second chute roller 133b (and may be substantially the same as any other chute rollers 133 which are provided).

In some embodiments the diameter of the first chute roller 133a is smaller than a diameter of the first end roller 231.

The arrangement of the first end roller 231 and the first chute roller 133a may be such that one or more objects passing from the first conveyor 2 will tend to contact the chute member 13 (and the chute surface 131 in particular) at a point between the first chute roller 133a and the second chute roller 133b. This may mean, for example, a point of the chute belt 132 which is not directly supported by the first chute roller 133a (i.e. not in contact with the first chute roller 133a).

In some embodiments, the first chute roller 133a is, however, above the lowest part of the first end roller 231 (i.e. above a lower horizontal tangent of the first end roller 231).

The second chute roller 133b may be positioned to provide a chute surface 131 which declines at at least 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal although other angles are envisaged.

As will be appreciated, therefore, the chute surface 131 is located lower than the first conveyor surface 22 at its highest point and higher than the second conveyor surface 32 at its lowest point.

Like the conveyor surfaces 22,32, the chute surface 131 has a counterpart surface in some embodiments which is an outer surface of a lower part of the chute belt 132.

The chute surface 131 (and so the chute belt 132) may have a width which is generally equal to a width of the first conveyor surface 22. Accordingly, the chute belt 132 may have a width which is substantially equal to the width of the belt of the first conveyor 2 in some embodiments (e.g. equal to a width of the first conveyor surface 22).

The or each chute roller 133 is mounted to the chute frame 11. This mounting may be such that rotation movement of the or each chute roller 133 with respect to the chute frame 11 is permitted. The mounting may, therefore, include one or more bearings. In some embodiments, the mounting inhibits or substantially prevents rotational movement of the chute roller 133 with respect to the chute frame 11 during normal use. The or each chute roller 133 may not be driven (i.e. there may be no drive mechanism to drive rotation of the chute roller 133.

In some embodiments, the or each chute roller 133 is mounted at both (opposing) ends to the chute frame 11. This mounting may be such that a portion (such as a roller shaft) of each chute roller 133 is at least partially received by a corresponding aperture 115 defined by the chute frame 11. Therefore, such apertures 115 may be termed roller mounting apertures 115 and may be provided in pairs across a width of the chute frame 11 - such that each roller mounting aperture 115 of a pair may be configured to receive a respective end of part of a single chute roller 133. In some embodiments, at least one of the roller mounting apertures 115 may be in the form of a slot to allow movement of the chute roller 133 within the slot. The chute roller 133 may be securable in a position along the slot. Thus, this arrangement may be used to adjust (increase or decrease) tension in the chute belt 132 - which may allow adjustment of the cushioning effect (see below) and/or may allow the or each chute roller 133 to be removed for replacement, inspection, or repair. The or each slot may, therefore, extend in a direction of parallel to the chute belt 132 - and so also the chute surface 131.

Accordingly, one or more objects conveyed by the first conveyor 2 may pass along the first conveyor surface 22 towards the first end of the first conveyor 2.

The one or more objects my reach the end of the first conveyor surface 22 and may fall towards the chute member 13.

The or each object may contact (or tend to contact) the chute member 13 (at least initially) a portion of the chute surface 131 which does not directly overlie the first chute roller 133a. This may provide for a relatively cushioned landing.

The or each object may then pass down the chute surface 131 toward the second conveyor 3. Movement from the chute member 13 to the second conveyor 2 may be slowed by the curtain 12 - through/under which the or each object must pass.

If a further curtain 14 is provided then this may serve to slow the or each object and reduce the risk of the or each object from either hitting the side wall of the second conveyor 3 at a relatively fast speed or bouncing over the side wall, for example.

The chute frame 11 may include side walls 116 which may inhibit or substantially prevent movement of the or each object off the chute member 13 to the sides thereof. Accordingly, the side walls 116 may oppose each other across a width of the chute frame 11.

The material of the chute belt 132 may be selected to be sufficiently strong to support the one or more objects and sufficiently flexible to provide a cushioning effect as the or each object contacts the chute belt 132. In some embodiments, adjustment of the tension of the chute belt 132 may allow the cushioning effect to be adjusted accordingly.

In some embodiments, the chute belt 132 is formed from a material which includes a plastics material (such as nylon). In some embodiments, the chute belt 132 may be formed from a foamed material - which may be a foamed plastics material. The chute belt 132 may have a number of different layers and so may include a reinforced or substrate layer which, in use, is adjacent the chute rollers 133 relative to another material (such as a foamed material as mentioned above, for example). The chute belt 132 may be a polyvinylchloride belt, or a nylon belt, or a belt formed from another polymer material, for example.

As will be appreciated, the chute 1 may be a universal chute 1 which is configured to be attached to a plurality of different configurations of conveyor (e.g. a number of different forms of first conveyor 2 and/or second conveyor 3).

The position of the chute 1 with respect to the first conveyor 2 (and/or the second conveyor 3) may be adjusted to take into account different configurations of conveyor and, in particular, different first end roller 231 diameters. The position of the curtain 12 (and even the presence of the further curtain 14) may be adjusted to ensure an ideal flow of objects.

The curtain and further curtain 12,14 may be formed from a relatively heavy material and may be a nylon, polyvinylchloride, a rubber nitrile, or foamed material, for example.

The chute 1 may, therefore, be removable from a conveyor system 100 - in that the chute 1 may be removed from the conveyor system 100 and replaced (with the same or a different chute 1) without substantive damage to the conveyor system 100 or chute 1.

The chute surface 131 is, as will be appreciated, a suspended chute surface 131 which is supported by, for example, two chute rollers 133 which are examples of support members. This chute surface 131 is suspended in that the majority of the surface 131 is not directly supported by the support members. A central part of the suspended cute surface 131 may, therefore, be indirectly supported without direct support from the support members. The chute surface 131 may, therefore, be configured to flex with respect to the support members.

A chute 1 is distinct from a conveyor in that movement of the chute surface 131 is not driven and, in some embodiments, the chute surface 131 may be immobile.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms comprises and 10 comprising and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or 15 the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A chute for transporting one or more objects between a first and a second conveyor, the chute including:

a chute frame configured to be mounted with respect to the first conveyor and the second conveyor; and a chute member having a suspended chute surface, wherein the suspended chute surface is configured to extend downwardly from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, such that one or more objects conveyed by the first conveyor may fall over the suspended chute surface towards the second conveyor.

2. A chute according to claim 1, wherein the chute member includes a chute belt supported by a first chute roller and a second chute roller.

3. A chute according to claim 2, wherein the first and second chute rollers are held against rotation.

4. A chute according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the chute belt is a continuous belt.

5. A chute according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein a distance between the first and second chute rollers is adjustable.

6. A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein the chute frame includes side walls separated across a width of the chute member.

7. A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein the chute frame includes an adjustable mounting arrangement which is configured to mount the chute frame to the first conveyor such that a distance between a roller of the first conveyor and the chute member is adjustable using the adjustable mounting arrangement.

8. A chute according to any preceding claim, further including a curtain positioned to slow one or more objects passing over the chute surface.

9. A chute according to claim 8, wherein the location of the curtain with respect to the chute member is adjustable.

10. A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein the chute frame includes a mounting member which defines a slot configured to receive at least part of a roller or mechanical transmission associated with a roller of the first conveyor.

11. A conveyor system for conveying one or more objects, the conveyor system including:

a first conveyor;

a second conveyor; and a chute according to any preceding claim positioned to transport the one or more objects from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

12. A chute or conveyor according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more objects are one or more vegetables.