WO2012104877A1

WO2012104877A1 - Device for coffee picking

Info

Publication number: WO2012104877A1
Application number: PCT/IT2011/000024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Remo Francesco Cecchi
Original assignee: Remo Francesco Cecchi
Priority date: 2011-01-31
Filing date: 2011-01-31
Publication date: 2012-08-09

Abstract

A beating device (1) for picking drupes such as coffee, berries and the like from the relevant branches, comprising a main body (2), elongated shaking elements (4, 5), projecting from the main body (2), which may be activated in rotation about respective axes of rotation (A) substantially parallel therebetween by an electric motor, and having at least one shaking portion (6) eccentric with respect to the respective axis of rotation (A); and at least one beating element (8), constrained to one shaking portion (6) so as to be movable with respect to the latter during the rotation of the shaking elements (4, 5) along the respective axes so as to strike, in use, the fruit to be picked, in order to cause the detachment thereof (Fig. 1).

Description

DEVICE FOR COFFEE PICKING

DESCRIPTION

The present invention refers to a beating device for picking berries and drupes from assurgent branches of the producing plants, in particular for coffee picking.

The coffee plant, widespread in all tropical Countries, blooms after any significant rainfall. The fruit, called "coffee cherry" because of the characteristic red color it assumes when becoming ripe, begins to form a few days after blooming.

The ripening stage ends after a variable number of months, ranging from eight to ten depending on the different coffee plant varieties; therefore, "coffee cherries", also referred to as drupes, having different ripening degrees are found on a same branch of the plant. To obtain a good coffee grade, harvesting is carried out manually, selecting only the fully ripened fruits.

As is known, there are two main harvesting methods: in the first one, the so- called "picking", drupes are carefully selected directly on the plant and therefore harvesters have to walk the rows several times per week in order to pick from the plant only the ripened fruits, of a darker red color; in the second harvesting method, the so-called "stripping", harvesters grab a branch of the coffee plant and forcedly run it through the fingers of their hand. On more extended and level-ground cultivations, the "stripping" method has been automated by means of specific large-sized machineries which tear whole bunches of drupes and leaves off the branches.

A drawback of the known-art harvesting methods and devices is that very high labor costs are to be borne in order to select ripe beans only; therefore such a selection may be reserved to excellent and most expensive blends only. On the other hand, the concomitant harvesting of drupes at a different ripening level entails a low quality of the end product.

Moreover, automation allowed by the known art and based, as mentioned above, on the harvesting of whole bunches, causes not merely the indiscriminate detachment of ripe, unripe and rotten drupes, but also the removal of significant amounts of foliage. This involves the risk of causing serious injuries to the plants, and anyhow requires a significant undertaking of manual selection downstream of the harvesting.

Finally, mechanical harvesting of drupes, due to the remarkable overall dimension of the machineries used, is limited to larger and level-ground plantations.

Hence, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a device for picking drupes apt to overcome the drawbacks hereto-mentioned with reference to the known art.

Such a problem is solved by a beating device for picking drupes from plants such as that of coffee or the like according to claim 1.

Preferred features of the invention are provided in the dependent claims thereof.

The main advantage of the present invention is that of allowing an automatic shaking action of the assurgent branches of the coffee plant causing the detachment of ripe drupes only, without damaging drupes still unripe and minimizing the effects injurious to the plant.

A further advantage is that the beating device according to the present invention allows a significant abatement of the times and labor costs associated to coffee picking, allowing an automation of the picking itself both for reduced amounts and for large plantations and maintaining the possibility of an operator-controlled selective picking action.

A still further advantage of the device according to the invention is that it integrates sturdiness, lightness and maneuverability, allowing use also on impervious grounds.

Other advantages, features and the modes of employ of the present invention will be made apparent in the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example and not for limitative purposes.

Reference will be made to the figures of the annexed drawings, wherein:

^■ Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the beating device according to the present invention, in a static configuration;

^■ Figure 2 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 ; ^■ Figure 3 shows a front view of the device of Figure 1 , in an operating condition thereof;

^■ Figure 4 shows a partially sectional side view of part of a shaking element of the device of Figure 1 ;

■ Figure 4A shows a sectional view of a detail of the shaking element of Figure 4, taken along plane A-A of this latter figure;

^■ Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 mounted on a telescopic rod and connected to a portable rechargeable power unit, in use under care of an operator;

■ Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the beating device according to the invention; and

■ Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the beating device according to the invention.

Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, a beating device for picking drupes and the like according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is generally denoted by 1.

In the present context, reference will be made in particular to coffee picking, which represents a particularly preferred application. The device of the invention is anyhow suitable for picking other types of drupes, where this latter term is to be construed in its broader sense of berries or fruits.

The beating device 1 has a main body 2, inside which, in the present example, it is housed driving means and optional relevant transmission means. Such driving means is apt to develop a rotary motion and is typically of electrical type.

Variant embodiments may provide for the driving means to be external to the device 1 , or anyhow provided separately therefrom.

The device 1 further comprises a plurality of elongated shaking elements, each substantially rod-shaped and projecting with respect to the main body 2.

In the present example four picking shaking elements 4 are provided, arranged substantially along the vertexes of a polygon - in particular a square - and apt to allow the actual picking, and an accompanying shaking element 5, centrally arranged and apt to perform an action of conveying the branches / foliage toward the picking elements 4.

The shaking elements 4 and 5 can be activated in rotation by the above- mentioned driving means. In particular, each shaking element 4, 5 is rotatable along a respective axis of rotation A, the axes of rotation of the different elements being substantially parallel thereamong.

In the present example, each shaking element 4, 5 has a respective actuating portion 51 connected to the driving means and substantially aligned to the axis of rotation A.

Each shaking element 4, 5 further comprises a plurality of portions which will be referred to as abutment portions, with specific reference to the function they perform in the picking elements 4. Such abutment portions are arranged in sequence downstream of the actuating portion 51 , are substantially staggered thereamong and are generally eccentric with respect to the respective axis of rotation A. In the present example two abutment portions are provided per each shaking element 4, 5, and in particular one proximal abutment portion 6 and one distal abutment portion 7.

In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned proximal abutment portion 6 and distal abutment portion 7 are arranged in opposition therebetween with respect to the axis of rotation A, preferably with a same eccentricity value, in particular equal to about 1. 5 cm.

A rigid connecting section 12 having a tilted development is interposed between the abutment portions 6 and 7 of each shaking element 4, 5.

Moreover, between the centered actuating portion 51 and the generally eccentric shaking portions 6, 7, a spacing section 120 is interposed, it also generally eccentric and associated on the one side to the proximal abutment portion 6, by interposition of a further tilted intermediate element 12, and on the other, by interposition of a connecting section 121 , it also tilted, to the actuating portion 51.

Therefore, in the preferred version described herein, the shaking elements 4, 5 have a so-called "elbow" or "gooseneck" configuration.

Each of the picking elements 4 has, at its own abutment portions 6 and 7, a plurality of beating elements 8, better seen in Figures 4 and 4A. Each beating element 8 is constrained to the respective shaking element 4 so as to be anyhow movable with respect thereto in use, and therefore during the rotation of the shaking element itself. In particular, in the present embodiment each beating element 8 is mounted idle on the shaking element 4, so as to be rotatable with respect to the latter.

Moreover, preferably each beating element 8 is an element apt to at least partially reversibly deform in use, following an impact with branches, foliage or drupes. In the present example, each beating element 8 is made in the form of a plurality of linked annular elements (three in the figures), i.e. in the form of an articulated section of chain.

According to the specific needs, it may be envisaged to make the beating elements 8 of a plastics or metallic material.

Preferably, each beating element 8 extends at least partially in a direction substantially perpendicular to the respective axis of rotation A and is free to rotate / deform at least partially in a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis.

Always according to a preferred embodiment, the beating elements 8 are removable for replacement or maintenance operations. In the present example, each beating element 8 may be threaded on and unthreaded from a picking element 4 at an apical end of the latter. Therefore, it is provided a distal retaining or holding element 17 for the beating elements 8, in the present example an interfering point 17 mounted on the distal abutment portion 7. Moreover, intermediate retaining or holding elements may be provided, in particular frustocone-shaped sleeve members 39 mounted by interference.

In the present embodiment the beating elements 8 are kept spaced from each other by spacing elements, preferably in the form of sleeve, tube or ring. In particular, on the abutment portions 6 and 7 the beating elements 8 are spaced apart by means of sleeves 9, in particular rectilinear cylindrical sleeves, whereas along the tilted section 12 the spacing elements are tube sleeve portions 29.

Moreover, a rotatable washer 19 is interposed at each interface of the beating elements 8, both with the spacing elements 9, 29 and the above- mentioned retaining elements 17, 39. Variant embodiments may provide, in connection to peculiar picking needs, the presence of a single beating element as described above, provided with the above-mentioned mobility with respect to the respective shaking element. The beating device 1 further provides means for adjusting the speed of rotation of the shaking elements 4, 5, so that the operator may selectively set a given speed for all or each of the shaking elements. In particular, the accompanying element 5 may be set in rotation at a speed lower than that of the picking elements 4, in a manner such as to allow a grip on the branches that may convey them toward the picking elements themselves.

Moreover, a variant embodiment provides that the shaking elements 4, 5 may be selectively activated individually or in sets by the operator, and therefore not necessarily all concomitantly set in rotation.

To the main body 2 of the beating device 1 it is associated a handgrip 90, preferably ergonomic, for the direct control of the device 1 by the operator, and optionally for carrying out a shaking from a position close to the producing plant.

To allow an optimal maneuverability by an operator even in a position not close with respect to the assurgent branches of the producing plant, to the main body 2 it is further associated connecting means 91 for the connection to an extension rod 15, the latter shown in Figure 5 and preferably of telescopic type. The above-mentioned connecting means 91 , which in the present example is integral to the handgrip 90, preferably has a variable tilt.

Reference will now be made to the operation modes of the device 1 , shown in detail in Figures 3 and 5.

In an operating configuration of rotation of the shaking elements 4, 5, the beating elements 8 rotate, induced by centrifugal force, according to a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the respective shaking element.

Thanks to the gooseneck configuration of the shaking elements 4, interaction is possible with the thinner and more flexible assurgent branches of the producing plants. The eccentricity of the distal abutment portions 7, i.e. in the apical zone of the shaking element, fosters gripping from the assurgent branch, whereas the equal and contrary eccentricity of the proximal abutment portion 6 bars the flexible branch from exiting the operating zone in which the beating elements 8 rotate, attaining drupe detachment.

The flexibility of each chain-like beating element 8 causes the latter to adjust each time the relevant gripping position to the position of the assurgent branch and succeed to cause drupe detachment by localized beating.

Greener and more firmly constrained drupes remain constrained to the relevant branch.

It will now be better understood that the configuration described, with the combined effect of the gooseneck configuration of the shaking elements 4 and the rotatability and flexibility of the elements 8, is particularly suitable for collecting drupes with a very small petiole from assurgent branches.

The present invention is susceptible of several embodiments alternative to the hereto-described one, some of which will briefly be illustrated hereinafter with reference to the sole aspects differentiating them from the first embodiment.

With reference to Figure 6, a beating device according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is generally denoted by 10.

The device 10 is different from that of the first embodiment by the configuration of the picking and accompanying shaking elements, herein denoted by 40 and 50, respectively. In particular, the latter provide a single eccentric abutment portion 70, directly associated to the actuating portion 51 by a connecting section 121.

The configuration of the shaking elements with respect to the main body 2 is the same of the above-described quadrilateral one, causing the shaking element 50 to act as conveying element, i.e. to convey by its rotary motion the branches toward the actual picking elements 40 equipped with beating elements 8. Instead, it will be appreciated an increased distance between the beating elements 8 mounted on different picking elements 40, making such a configuration typology more suitable with less flexible branches.

A further variant embodiment is shown in Figure 7, and provides a beating device 100 comprising shaking elements 400 of configuration analogous to that of the first embodiment, but mounted substantially aligned on the main body 2 to make a substantially comb-like configuration.

This arrangement is particularly suitable for longer assurgent branches on which an operator may act with substantially vertical sliding motions of the device on the plant.

Finally, it is noted that a picking device with beating elements characterized by the gooseneck configuration of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 7 and with all of the other features set forth hereto, save the presence of the beating elements, might be subject to separate protection, it being particularly suitable for picking fruits and/or berries with overall dimensions such as not to require the use of the above-mentioned beating elements.

The present invention has hereto been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments might exist, all referable to the same inventive kernel, and all comprised within the protective scope of the claims hereinafter.

Claims

1. A beating device (1 ; 10; 100) for picking drupes such as coffee, berries and the like, comprising:

- a main body (2);

- a plurality of elongated shaking elements (4, 5) projecting from said main body (2), which shaking elements (4, 5) can be activated in rotation about respective axes of rotation (A) substantially parallel therebetween, and wherein each of said shaking elements (4, 5) has at least one abutment portion (6), substantially eccentric with respect to the respective axis of rotation (A); and

- at least one beating element (8), constrained to one of said abutment portions (6) so as to be movable with respect to the latter during the rotation of said shaking elements (4, 5) so as to strike, in use, the fruits to be picked in order to cause the detachment thereof.

2. The device (1 ; 100) according to claim 1 , wherein each or at least one of said shaking elements (4) comprises a plurality of abutment portions (6, 7) arranged substantially staggered therebetween and eccentric with respect to the respective axis of rotation (A).

3. The device (1 ; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each or at least one of said shaking elements (4, 5) has a substantially "elbow" or "gooseneck" configuration.

4. The device (1 ;100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, for at least one or for each of said shaking elements (4, 5), a plurality of beating elements (8), each constrained to one of said abutment portions (6) so as to be movable with respect to the latter during the rotation of said shaking elements.

5. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a plurality of spacing elements (9, 19) arranged along at least one or each of said shaking elements (4, 5) and each interposed between a respective pair of adjacent beating elements (8).

6. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said spacing elements (9) are substantially shaped like a sleeve or ring.

7. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said or each beating element (8) is rotatably constrained to the respective abutment portion (6, 7).

8. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said or each beating element (8) is mounted idle on the respective abutment portion (6, 7).

9. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said or each beating element (8) extends, in use, at least partially in a direction substantially perpendicular to said axes of rotation (A).

10. The device (1 ; 10; 00) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said or each beating element (8) is, in use, at least partially reversibly deformable, preferably along a plane substantially orthogonal to said axes of rotation (A).

11. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said or each beating element (8) is a flexible element.

12. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said or each beating element (8) is of linked rings or chain type.

13. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the overall arrangement is such that said shaking elements (4, 5) are apt to rotate in a concordant sense.

14. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the overall arrangement is such that said shaking elements (4, 5) are apt to rotate in a mutually discordant sense.

15. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of said shaking elements (4, 5) may be selectively activated by an operator.

16. The device (1 ; 10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for adjusting the speed of rotation of said shaking elements (4, 5).

17. The device (1 ; 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of shaking elements comprises at least one conveying element (5) and at least one picking element (4), the former having a speed of rotation lower than the latter, so that said conveying element (5) be apt to convey the assurgent branches bearing the drupes toward said picking element (4).

18. The device (1 ; 10) according to the preceding claim, comprising a plurality of picking elements (4) circumscribed to said at least one conveying element (5).

19. The device (1 ; 0; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising connecting means (91) for the connection with an extension rod (15), arranged at said main body (2) and preferably having a variable tilt.

20. The device (1 , 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said subsets or one subset of shaking elements (4) are arranged substantially along the vertexes of a polygon.

21. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said subsets or . one subset of shaking elements (4.) are arranged substantially aligned according to a comb-like configuration.