WO2017068534A1

WO2017068534A1 - An apparatus for conveying and sorting products, in particular fruit and vegetable products

Info

Publication number: WO2017068534A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/056329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano CROCIANI; Enrico PROSAPIO; Roberto PROSAPIO
Original assignee: Ser.Mac S.R.L.
Priority date: 2015-10-23
Filing date: 2016-10-21
Publication date: 2017-04-27
Also published as: ITUB20155343A1

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for conveying and sorting products, in particular fruit and vegetable products, comprising product supporting elements (12) and means (14) for feeding the product supporting elements (12) along a respective feed path, in particular having a plurality of stations for receiving products respectively sorted; wherein the product supporting elements comprise a plurality of elements (12) each designed to support a respective product and which have respective means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product and having means (210) for connecting to the feed means (14). The means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the product extend alongside the means (210) for connecting to the feed means and are in the form of respective means which rotate about a corresponding axis extending or directed along the feed direction of the corresponding product supporting element (12).

Description

DESCRIPTION

AN APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING AND SORTING PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS.

Technical field

This invention relates to an apparatus for conveying and sorting products, in particular fruit and vegetable products.

Background art

Known in the prior art are apparatuses for conveying and sorting fruit and vegetable products, comprising product supporting means and means for feeding the product supporting means along a respective feed path, in particular having a plurality of stations for receiving products respectively sorted; where the product supporting means comprise a plurality of elements designed to support a respective product and having respective means for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product.

More specifically, the prior art apparatuses are provided with product supporting means which comprise an element for supporting and connecting to the feed means and above which there is mounted an element which supports a pair of rollers used to rotate the product in order to allow the outside surface of the product to be inspected in order to detect surface colour and any defects and to measure product diameter or size. The axes of these rollers are transverse to the feed direction.

In these prior art means for supporting fruit and vegetable products, the product and a non-negligible part of the supporting element are located above the means for feeding and driving the respective means.

This generates stresses on the product which make the position of the product unstable and cause troublesome vibrations which in turn not only adversely affect product weight measurement and produce unwanted noise but also give rise to a certain amount of risk of the product falling from the respective supporting element. Further, in these prior art means for supporting fruit and vegetable products, when the product is unloaded, the upper part of the supporting element is tipped about a pivot situated on the outer side of the supporting element, propelling the product into the air and creating the risk of bruising it when it impacts the respective receiving means.

Moreover, these apparatuses for conveying and sorting fruit and vegetable products are unable to satisfactorily handle elongate products such as courgettes, mangos and the like, which, as they rotate, extend too far in the direction transverse to the conveying direction, with the risk of easily falling off the respective supporting means.

Further, in prior art apparatuses for conveying and sorting fruit and vegetable products, different product supporting elements are used because a single element is unable to optimally perform all the operations necessary for weighing and rotating the fruit in order to check its colour and measure its diameter. In practice, a plurality of successive conveying lines are used, making the apparatuses excessively long and overly complex.

Also, prior art apparatuses use only a single load cell to measure the weight of the product. There is thus a high probability of error in measuring the weight of the product.

Further, in order to ensure that the product remains on the rotation and supporting rollers, the product supporting means used in prior art conveying and sorting apparatuses configured with rotation rollers directed transversely to the feed direction must be provided with containment side panels to prevent the product from falling off and therefore have a complex structure with an undulating outer profile.

With such a structure, it is not unusual for a supporting element in prior art product supporting means to be found carrying a pair of products instead of a single product, with the obvious result of making the sorting operation totally incorrect for the product thus transported.

In addition, the product supporting elements used in prior art conveying and sorting apparatuses tend to have a rather closed structure in which dirt and other residues easily collect and which is difficult, if not impossible, to clean.

Whatever the case, it is desirable for the trade to be able to have apparatuses which are at once as simple as possible in construction and relatively inexpensive.

Disclosure of the invention

This invention therefore proposes a new solution as an alternative to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks and/or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the trade or inferable from the above.

Accordingly provided is an apparatus for conveying and sorting products, in particular fruit and vegetable products, comprising product supporting means and means for feeding the product supporting means along a respective feed path, in particular having a plurality of stations for receiving products respectively sorted; wherein the product supporting means comprise a plurality of elements designed to support a respective product and having respective means for connecting to the feed means and having respective means for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product; characterized in that the means for supporting and/or rotating the product extend alongside the means for connecting to the feed means.

It is thus possible to place the moving mass in an advantageously lowered position, preventing vibrations and/or product falling, and avoiding all the problems arising therefrom.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other innovative aspects, or specific advantageous embodiments of the apparatus are set out in the appended claims and the technical features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed description which follows of preferred embodiments of it, to be considered, however, purely as non-limiting examples; the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1A is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for conveying and sorting products according to this invention;

- Figure 1 B is a side view of the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus for conveying and sorting products according to this invention;

- Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the product supporting means used in the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 2A is a perspective view of a detail of this preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of only one product supporting element according to the invention;

- Figure 4 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the product supporting element according to the invention;

- Figure 5 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the product supporting element according to the invention;

- Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the product supporting element according to the invention;

- Figure 7 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the product supporting element according to the invention;

- Figure 8 is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the product supporting element according to the invention;

- Figures 9 and 10 are side views of the two different product weight measuring configurations of the product supporting element according to this invention;

- Figure 1 1 is a side view of a product unloading condition of the preferred embodiment of the product supporting element according to the invention;

- Figure 12 is a detail of the zone which is marked in Figure 9 and which, in particular, shows the product unloading step;

- Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus for conveying and sorting products according to the invention;

- Figure 14 is a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of the means for rotating the rollers of the supporting element according to the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 1A to 12 illustrate a preferred embodiment 10 of an apparatus for conveying and sorting products, in particular fruit and vegetable products. More specifically, this apparatus is designed to sort the products, in particular, fruit and vegetable products according to their weight, size (or diameter) colour or other characteristic, prior to being fed to corresponding use points or packaging zones.

In particular, the sorting or grading apparatus comprises a respective station for weighing the respective product and at least one station for detecting the size and/or colour by means of respective product inspection cameras.

To measure the size and/or detect the colour, the product is made to rotate in order to capture an overall image of it.

Further, to weigh the product, transducers or load cells are used, as will become clearer as this description continues.

More in detail, the apparatus 10 comprises product supporting elements 12 and means 14 for feeding the product supporting elements 12 along a respective feed path, in particular extending in a straight line and having a plurality of stations for receiving products respectively sorted.

As illustrated, the product supporting means comprise a plurality of elements 12 each designed to support a respective product, for this purpose, having respective means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the product.

As illustrated, the elements 12 are, in particular, aligned and moved together along the longitudinal direction L of the apparatus, that is, along the feed path defined by the feed means 14.

Advantageously, as illustrated, each product supporting element 12 extends transversely to the feed direction L of the element 12 and of the related product.

In particular, advantageously, as may be well inferred with reference to Figure 2, the means 14 for feeding the product supporting elements 12 comprise a respective elongate element 141 for connecting and operating the product supporting elements 12, the elongate element extending according to the feed path of the product supporting elements 12.

Advantageously, the elongate element 141 for connecting and operating the product supporting elements 12 is thus in the form of a corresponding articulated element, more specifically, a respective chain with articulated links, fed on respective guide means 18.

More specifically, each link of the chain for connecting and operating the product supporting elements 12 comprises a first and a second longitudinal plate 142 connected to the respectively adjacent links through corresponding transverse articulation pins 143.

More specifically, the elongate element or articulated chain extends along an endless or closed loop path whose positive or upper section defines the feed path of the product supporting elements 12.

More specifically, the guide means are advantageously in the form of a bar 18 for engagement and sliding of the elongate element 141 for driving and feeding the product supporting elements 12.

More specifically, the elongate element or articulated chain is advantageously slidable on the upper edge of the guide means 18, in particular through the respective links 141 of the elongate element, that is to say, in particular, as illustrated, through the chain articulation pins 143 which extend transversely and rest on the upper guide means, or base, 18.

More specifically, as illustrated, the product supporting elements 12 comprise respective means 210 for connecting to the feed means 14. Advantageously, the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the product extend alongside the means 210 for connecting to the feed means 14. It is thus possible to place the moving mass in an advantageously lowered position, preventing vibrations and/or the risk of the product unwantedly falling, and all the problems arising therefrom.

More specifically, as will become clearer as this description, the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the product extend alongside the means 210 for connecting to the feed means and protrude perpendicularly or upwardly beyond the upper edge of the connecting means 210 themselves.

According to another advantageous aspect, the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the respective product are in the form of respective means which rotate about a corresponding axis L extending or directed along the feed direction of the corresponding product supporting element 12.

Advantageously, the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the product define a recessed, or sunken, seat 17 for supporting and retaining the product, in particular the lower end of the product.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the product are in the form of corresponding roller means.

More specifically, the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the product advantageously define a product receiving seat 17 which comprises a lower product supporting surface 43 positioned alongside, or substantially alongside, the means 210 for connecting to the feed means 14.

Further advantageously, as will become clearer as this description continues, the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the product define means for containing the product according to the feed direction of the product and/or according to the direction transverse to the feed direction of the same product. That way, it is no longer necessary to use containment elements other than the roller means 160 which support the product.

Thus, in the embodiment described here, it is advantageously the product supporting roller means 16 which define a recessed, or sunken, housing 17 for supporting and retaining the lower part of the product.

What is more, that means it is possible to transport and sort elongate products, such as courgettes, mangos and the like, which can be advantageously disposed lengthwise of the longitudinal direction.

More specifically, under normal conditions of use, these roller means are such that the product rests solely on the roller means 16. That way, the product is prevented from sliding as it turns, thereby preventing it from being damaged by unwanted scraping. Furthermore, the support obtained is well centred relative to the product.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the roller means 16 comprise first and second roller means 160, 160, which are, in particular, placed transversely side by side relative to the longitudinal direction and define means for containing the product according to the direction transverse to the product feed direction.

Advantageously, the roller means 16 comprise at least a first and a second roller 161 , 162 which are longitudinally aligned with each other and which define means for containing the product according to the feed direction of the product or of the supporting element 12, that is, according to the longitudinal direction L.

Advantageously, the first and second roller means 160, 160 which are mounted transversely side by side each comprise a first and a second roller 161 , 162 which are longitudinally aligned with each other, that is, which are mutually aligned according to the feed direction of the product or of the supporting element.

In practice, the roller means 16 advantageously comprise a first and a second pair 160, 160 of longitudinally aligned rollers 161 , 162, the pairs 160, 160 of rollers being mounted transversely side by side. Means for centring the product on the supporting element 12 are thus advantageously defined.

Advantageously, as illustrated, each roller 161 , 162 has a respective product supporting outer surface 163 which has a respective tapered shape.

Further, each roller 161 , 162 has a respective product supporting outer surface 163 which is elastically compliant and which is, in particular, advantageously made of rubber.

Advantageously, each roller 161 , 162 is preferably made entirely of rubber and/or in particular, is made by moulding a corresponding material.

Furthermore, as illustrated, the respective axis of each roller 161 , 162 extends according to the longitudinal direction L or along the feed direction of the product or of the corresponding product supporting element 12. Advantageously, each roller 161 , 162 has a taper converging towards the central or median part of the product supporting element 12.

In practice, the taper of each longitudinally aligned pair of rollers converges towards the other roller, that is, towards the corresponding intermediate zone of the supporting element 12.

More specifically, as illustrated, all the rollers 161 , 162 mounted on a respective supporting element 2 have the same taper.

As illustrated, advantageously, each product supporting element 12 comprises corresponding means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, that is for supporting the roller means 160 or 161 and 162.

Advantageously, the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product comprise corresponding beam means 121 , in particular extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L of feeding the corresponding element 12, the beam means 121 being preferably positioned in a median position of the respective supporting element 12.

Advantageously, as illustrated, each roller 161 and/or 162 is supported by the beam means 121 and/ preferably extends in cantilever fashion from the corresponding side wall of the beam means 121 .

As illustrated, the means which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product advantageously comprise corresponding pin means 126 for supporting and rotating the respective roller 161 , 162, in particular extending in cantilever fashion from the corresponding side wall of the beam means 121 , preferably defined by a respective elongate pin 126 extending from both of the opposite side walls of the beam means 121 to rotatably support corresponding and opposite first and second rollers 161 , 162.

More specifically, as illustrated, the pin means comprise a first and a second pin 126, 126 transversely spaced from each other, that is, spaced in the direction of the beam means 121 , the pins 126, 126 being respectively designed to rotatably support respective rollers 161 , 162 defining corresponding first and second roller means 160, 160 transversely spaced from each other and each comprising, as described above, respective longitudinally opposite rollers 161 , 162.

More specifically, as illustrated, each roller 161 , 162 has a corresponding central hole for insertion of the corresponding pin 126 protruding from the side of the respective beam means 121 .

In practice, each roller 161 , 162 has opposite ends having different diameters from each other, in particular a smaller diameter, which is positioned at the supporting beam means 121 and a larger diameter, at the free end of the roller.

Advantageously, each roller 161 , 162 has a respective cylindrical outer portion 164, in particular provided at the end with larger diameter, or free end, of the roller. More specifically, this cylindrical portion 164 advantageously allows engaging corresponding means for rotationally driving the roller.

Further, as illustrated, the outside surface of the roller means 160, that is, of each roller 161 , 162, is smooth or substantially smooth.

In practice, as illustrated, each roller 161 , 162 has a circumferential outer portion 163, preferably tapered, and a cylindrical inner portion 165 for receiving the supporting pin, and, between them, circumferentially distributed radial connecting panels 166. More specifically, as may be advantageously inferred, the beam means 121 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product have a respective central sunken portion 121 a, the sunken portion being shaped in such a way as to define a recessed seat for housing the product, engaging only the corresponding means for supporting and rotating the corresponding product.

Advantageously, the beam means 121 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, have a respective end portion, in particular opposite end portions 121 b, 121 b, preferably respectively raised relative to the sunken central portion 121 a, each end portion 121 b, 121 b defining receiving means, especially defined by a respective hole 121f, for receiving a corresponding pin 126 which rotatably supports the corresponding roller 161 , 162.

As illustrated, the beam means 121 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product also have a respective end part 121t, provided downstream and on the extension of the respective end portion 121 b, which is provided on the opposite side to the one for connecting to the feed means, the end portion 1211 being sunken relative to the respective end portion 121 b.

Advantageously, the means which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, have an undulating curvilinear upper edge 121 o, in particular so as to define an upper sunken surface at the central zone of the supporting element, preferably at a height below that of extension of the corresponding underside surface of the product supported by the respective product supporting means 16, and/or an upper raised surface at the respective end portion defining the means for receiving the pin for rotatably fixing the corresponding rollers 161 , 162. Further, the undulated shape of the upper edge of the beam means 121 also defines the sunken, inclined end portion 1211.

As illustrated, the upper edge of the supporting beam means 121 extends at the respective end portion 121 b, 121 b to a height less than that of the corresponding end of the roller 161 , 162, thus allowing the product to be engaged by the means for supporting and rotating the product.

Advantageously, each product supporting element 12 can be driven into a product unloading condition.

In practice, the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, and/or the product supporting and/or rotating means 16 themselves can be driven into a product unloading condition.

More specifically, the product supporting element 12 advantageously comprises means 210 for connecting to the feed means 14 and corresponding means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, the supporting means 120 being movable relative to the connecting means 210 between a normal position for supporting and feeding the product and a position for unloading the product.

More specifically, the position for unloading the product is advantageously defined by a position which is lowered relative to the position for supporting the product, as may be well inferred from Figure 1 .

More specifically, advantageously, in the normal position for supporting and feeding the product, the product supporting elements 12, or the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, and/or the product supporting and/or rotating means 16 themselves extend in a generally horizontal direction.

Also, advantageously, in the position for unloading the product, the product supporting elements 12, or the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, and/or the product supporting and/or rotating means 16 themselves are downwardly inclined.

Advantageously, the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, are movable in rotation relative to the means 210 for connecting the product supporting element 12 to the feed means 14.

More specifically, advantageously, each product supporting element 12, that is to say, the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product and/or the product supporting and/or rotating means 16 themselves, release the product resting thereon in order to unload it onto the underlying receiving means, which are not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings.

Advantageously, during unloading, the product slides on the respective supporting element 12, that is, on the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product and/or on the product body supporting and/or rotating means 16 themselves, towards underlying means for receiving the product.

Advantageously, means are provided for weighing the product.

More specifically, the means for weighing the product advantageously operate on the product supporting element 12, that is, on the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product and/or on the product supporting and/or rotating means 16 themselves, in a respective condition of suspension in height. Advantageously, in particular, to allow weighing the corresponding product, the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, comprise a portion, in particular the beam means 121 , which is designed to support the product and which is movable, in particular perpendicularly, relative to a corresponding portion 125 for supporting and connecting to the means 210 for connecting to the feed means 14.

More specifically, to allow weighing the corresponding product, in the condition of normal supporting and/or feeding of the product, the movable portion 121 of the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, is raised relative to the portion 125 for supporting and connecting to the means 210 for connecting to the feed means 14. Advantageously, the means for weighing the product comprise, on the product supporting element 12, that is, on the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, in particular on the movable portion 125 of these, a first and a second surface, or zone, 20, 22 for engaging the corresponding weight measuring sensor means.

Further advantageously, the first and second surfaces, or zones, 20, 22 for engaging the corresponding weight measuring sensor means are provided on opposite zones of the supporting element 12, that is, of the means 120 which support the means 16 for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, in particular in the direction of extension of the self-same element 12 or means 120, that is, according to the direction transverse to the product feed direction.

Further, advantageously, the first and second surfaces, or zones, 20, 22 for engaging the corresponding weight measuring sensor means are provided at perpendicular positions at different heights from each other. Further advantageously, the weight of the product is determined by combining the signals detected by the weight measuring sensor means which are provided at the first and second engaging surfaces, or zones, 20, 22.

Advantageously, as may be well inferred from Figures 9 and 10, the portion 121 which supports the product supporting means 16 are movable relative to the respective portion 125, for supporting and connecting to the means 2 0 for connecting to the feed means 14, respectively, between a lowered position, in particular resting and supporting on the supporting portion 125 (illustrated in Figure 9) and a raised position for weighing (illustrated in Figure 10).

More specifically, in the lowered supporting position, the rotatable pin means 126, 126 for supporting the roller means 161 , 162 rest on the upper edge 125o of the supporting portion 125.

More specifically, as illustrated, the portion 125 for supporting the movable portion 121 which supports the product supporting means 16 comprises a corresponding beam portion 125 on which the movable portion 121 is fitted.

More specifically, as illustrated, the beam portion 125 is in the form of an elongate element which, in use, extends transversely to the feed direction and which is smaller in width than in height.

The movable portion 121 is in turn in the form of an elongate element which, in use, extends transversely to the feed direction and which is smaller in width than in height.

More specifically, the supporting beam portion 125 has opposite lateral faces defining guiding and sliding means for the movable portion 121 , only one of these lateral faces, labelled 125f, being illustrated in Figure 2.

More specifically, as illustrated, the supporting beam portion 125 is greater in height than in width and has a generally full section.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the upper edge 125o of the supporting beam portion 125 defines a central sunken portion 125a and a corresponding raised end portion, in particular, a first and a second raised end portion 125b, 125b. Further, as illustrated, the supporting beam portion 125 has a lower edge 125i which is flat and substantially horizontal.

The upper edge 125o of the supporting beam portion 125 also has a respective oblique portion 125c, 125c connecting the central flat sunken portion 125a and the corresponding flat raised portion 125b., 125b.

The movable portion 121 is in turn hollow inside and open below, with opposite side flaps 121f, 121f whose inner surface engages, preferably by sliding during lifting and lowering, against the sides 125f, 125f of the supporting beam portion 125.

Advantageously, means are provided for retaining the movable portion 121 which supports the product supporting means 16 on the corresponding supporting portion 125.

The means for retaining the movable portion 121 on the supporting portion 125 are in the form of means which apply a slidable retaining action, that is, which allow movement, in particular a movement perpendicular to the movable portion 121 .

Advantageously, the means for retaining the movable portion 121 on the supporting portion 125 comprise pin means 2125, in particular in the form of a single pin, preferably cylindrical, which fits into corresponding hole means 121 h of the movable portion, in particular provided in the side flaps 125f, 125f thereof, and preferably in the form of circular holes for inserting the pin 2125, and in corresponding hole means, in particular in the form of a corresponding oblong hole 125', in particular oblong perpendicularly, preferably located at the central portion 125a of the supporting portion 125.

Also, in order to weigh the product, the movable portion 121 which supports the product supporting means 16 is raised and kept in a suspended condition by respective supporting slide guides which, however are not illustrated and are schematically indicated by corresponding arrows in Figure 10.

Advantageously, means 215 are provided for covering the product feed means 14, in particular for covering the means 210 for connecting to the product feeding means and which, in particular, allow preventing the products from getting trapped in the connecting means and between these and the feed means.

The covering means are located and extend from the product supporting element 12, in particular from the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16.

Advantageously, the covering means 215 extend from a corresponding end of the product supporting element 12, in particular of the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16, especially the end positioned at the feed means 14.

Advantageously, the covering means 215 extend above, or at a height greater than, the means 210 for connecting to the product feed means and, in particular, at a height greater than that of the feed means 14. Advantageously, according to another aspect, on the supporting element 12, in particular on the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16, there is a corresponding wide flap 215 defining a surface for engaging the product, especially during the steps of singulating or housing the respective product on a corresponding supporting element 12.

Advantageously the wide flap 215 extends from a corresponding end of the supporting element 12, in particular from the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16.

In practice, advantageously, on the supporting element 12, in particular on the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16, there is a corresponding wide flap 215 defining a respective surface, in particular, an upper surface for engaging the product, especially during the steps of singulating or housing the respective product on a corresponding supporting element 12.

Advantageously, therefore, the covering means are defined by the wide flap 215.

In practice, the wide flap 215 advantageously extends from the supporting element 12, protruding from the supporting element 12 and being disposed above the feed means 14, in particular above the means for connecting to the feed means 14.

Further, as illustrated, the wide flap 215 for engaging the product advantageously extends in height to a level higher than that reached by the roller means 161 , 162.

As illustrated, a respective, and in particular a further, wide flap 216 is provided at the free end of the supporting element 12, in particular extending from the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16, the flap 216 being preferably designed to define means for sliding the product towards the underlying means for receiving the product, in particular when the product is unloaded from the supporting element 2. In practice, means 216 are provided for sliding the product towards the underlying means for receiving the product, in particular when the product is unloaded from the supporting element 12.

In practice, the means for sliding the product towards the underlying means for receiving the product are provided at the free end, that is to say, on the side opposite that for connecting to the feeding means, of the supporting element 12, in particular extending from the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16.

The means for sliding the product towards the underlying means for receiving the product extend in cantilever fashion from the supporting element 12, in particular from the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16.

Advantageously, the wide flap 216 for engaging the product extend in height to a level below the level at which the product is engaged by the roller means 161 , 162.

Advantageously, the respective wide end part 215a, 216a, in particular substantially horizontal of each wide flap 215, 216 for engaging the product is connected to the beam means 121 through a corresponding connecting portion 215b, 216b whose sides taper towards the beam means or element 121 , the connecting portion 215b, 216b being advantageously inclined, upwardly or downwardly, respectively.

Advantageously, the surface or zone for engaging and measuring the weight is located at the respective flap 215, 216 of the supporting element 12, in particular the means 121 which support the product supporting means 16, preferably at the wide horizontal end part 215a, 216a of the flap.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the means for connecting the product supporting element 12 to the feed means 14 comprise corresponding bracket means 210.

More specifically, as illustrated, each bracket 210 supports a supporting element 12.

More specifically, the bracket means comprise a respective stand portion 210 which fits between the side plates 142 of the link of the chain 14 and the lateral edges or faces of the guide means 18.

More specifically, the stand portion 210 comprises a first and a second bar 210a, 210a which protrude downwardly and the respective inner surface of each of which engages the outer face of the corresponding guide means 18.

More specifically, as illustrated, the first and second bars 210a and 210a of the guide means 18 are parallel and transversely spaced from each other.

Also, advantageously, as illustrated, the bracket means 210 comprise a respective fixing portion 210b, 210b for fixing a respective product supporting element 12.

Advantageously, the fixing portion of each supporting element 12 comprises a first and a second bar 210b, 210b which are spaced from each other and designed to receive a corresponding end head 125t of the respective supporting element 12, in particular the supporting portion 125 thereof.

More specifically, as illustrated, the lateral guide bars 210b, 210b extend downwardly from the fixing bars 210a, 210a.

Advantageously, means 212a, 212b are provided for connection between the connecting means 2 0 and the respective product supporting element 12, in particular for articulated connection to the supporting portion 125 thereof.

Advantageously, the articulated connecting means comprise a respective pin 212a for rotating the respective product supporting element, in particular, the supporting portion 125 thereof, relative to the connecting means 210.

Advantageously, the pin 212a for rotating the respective product supporting element, in particular for articulating the supporting portion 125 thereof, relative to the means 210 for connection to the feed means 14, fits into corresponding holes 212' provided in the connecting means 210, in particular in the horizontal fixing bars 210b, 210b of these, and into a corresponding hole, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, provided in the respective product supporting element 12, in particular in the end head 125t of the supporting portion 125 thereof.

Advantageously, the articulated connecting means comprise means 212b for retaining the product supporting element 12 in the respective conveying position, in particular in the horizontal position.

Advantageously, the means 212b for retaining the product supporting element 12 in the respective conveying position can be disengaged from the respective supporting element 12, to allow the movement thereof towards the position for releasing or unloading the product.

Advantageously, the disengageable means for retaining the product supporting element 12, in the respective conveying position, comprise a corresponding pin 212b which is inserted into corresponding holes 213' provided in the connecting means 210, in particular in the fixing bars 210b, 210b of these, and into a corresponding inner cavity 213 provided in the respective product supporting element 12, in particular in the end head 125t of the supporting portion 125 thereof.

The inner cavity 213 advantageously defines means for locking and guiding the rotation of the product supporting element 12 relative to the means 210 for connecting to the feed means 14, and is not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings.

Means 2130 are advantageously provided for actuating the retaining means in the condition of disengagement of rotation of the supporting elements 12.

Advantageously, the means 2130 for actuating the retaining means in the condition of disengagement of rotation of the supporting elements 12 lift the product supporting elements 12, in particular the supporting means 125 thereof, relative to the retaining pin 212b, in order to control the disengagement of the retaining pin 212b.

Lifting is obtained using a corresponding actuator 2130 which pushes upwardly a lower protrusion 215s provided in the product supporting element 12, that is, in the supporting portion 125 thereof.

Figure 13 shows a second preferred embodiment 100 of an apparatus for conveying and sorting products, in particular fruit and vegetable products, this second preferred embodiment having the same components as the first preferred embodiment from which it differs solely in that it comprises a first and a second plurality of respective product supporting elements 12, 12, which extend on opposite sides of the feed means 14 and are, in particular, fixed to shared bracket means 210.

In effect, as illustrated, the bracket means 210 advantageously comprise a first and a second fixing portion 210b, 210b, which are transversely opposite each other and which extend at the sides of the feed means or chain 14, the fixing portions 210b, 210b being designed to support corresponding first and second product supporting elements 12, 12 extending on opposite sides of the feed means 14.

As may be inferred from Figure 14, driving the roller means 160 in rotation is obtained using rotary means "S" which externally engage the roller means, that is, the individual rollers, and which, in particular, are provided underneath the product supporting element 12.

The rotary means "S" are preferably provided at the respective product inspection station and, in particular, are in the form of a corresponding cylindrical brush whose bristles S' extend radially from a respective shaft S" which runs parallel to the axis of the roller means and can preferably be driven in opposite angular directions for better controlling the viewability of the fruit or vegetable product to be inspected.

The supporting element described herein has a particularly stable configuration and prevents the formation of undesirable vibrations which would upset product weight measurement and would produce unwanted noises.

According to another advantageous aspect, the supporting element described herein greatly reduces the risk of products falling.

According to a further advantageous aspect, the supporting element described herein is rested on the underlying receiving means and prevents the risk of damaging the product.

According to yet another advantageous aspect, the supporting element described herein can satisfactorily handle elongate products such as courgettes, mangos and the like.

According to another advantageous aspect, the supporting element described herein can perform all the operations necessary for weighing and rotating the fruit in order to check its colour and measure its diameter, in particular providing an apparatus which uses a single product conveying line, and one of reduced width at that.

With the apparatus described herein, the probability of error in measuring product weight is particularly reduced.

According to a further advantageous aspect, the supporting element described herein makes it unnecessary to provide containment side panels to prevent the product from falling, which makes the configuration of the support simple and open, with obvious advantages in terms of cost and ease of cleaning.

According to another advantageous aspect the supporting element described herein makes it possible to overcome the problem of more than one product being transported on a single supporting element.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. Also, further preferred embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein can easily be imagined. It will also be understood that all the details of the invention may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for conveying and sorting products, in particular fruit and vegetable products, comprising product supporting elements (12) and means (14) for feeding the product supporting elements (12) along a respective feed path, in particular having a plurality of stations for receiving products respectively sorted; wherein the product supporting elements comprise a plurality of elements (12) designed to support a respective product and having respective means (210) for connecting to the feed means (14) and having respective means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product; characterized in that the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the product extend alongside the means (210) for connecting to the feed means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the respective product are in the form of respective means which rotate about a corresponding axis (L) extending or directed along the feed direction of the corresponding product supporting element (12).

3. The apparatus according to either of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the product define a recessed, or sunken, seat (17) for supporting and retaining the product, in particular the lower end of the product.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the product define a product receiving seat (17) which comprises a lower product supporting surface (43) positioned alongside, or substantially alongside, the means (210) for connecting to the feed means (14).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the product define means for containing the product according to the feed direction of the product and/or according to the direction transverse to the feed direction of the same product.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the product are in the form of corresponding roller means.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, in normal use, the product rests solely on the roller means (16).

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the roller means (16) comprise first and second roller means (160, 160), in particular transversely side by side and defining means for containing the product according to the direction transverse to the feed direction of the product.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the roller means (16) comprise at least a first and a second roller

(161 , 162) longitudinally aligned with each other and defining means for containing the product according to the product feed direction.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the first and second roller means (160, 160) which are positioned transversely side by side comprise respectively a first and a second longitudinally aligned roller (161 , 162).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that each roller (161 , 162) has a respective product supporting outer surface (163) which has a respective tapered shape.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11 , characterized in that each roller (161 , 162) has a respective product supporting and rotating outer surface (163) which is elastically compliant.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that each roller (161 , 162) is made of rubber.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the respective axis of each roller (161 , 162) extends according to the longitudinal direction (L) or along the feed direction of the corresponding product supporting element (12).

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that each roller (161 , 162) has a taper converging towards the median part of the product supporting element (12).

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 15, characterized in that the rollers of the support (161 , 162) have the same taper.

17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that each product supporting element (12) comprises corresponding means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the means

(120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product comprise corresponding beam means (121 ), in particular extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) of feeding the corresponding element (12), the beam means (121 ) being preferably positioned in a median position of the respective supporting element (12).

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that each roller (161 , 162) is supported by the beam means (121 ) and/or extends in cantilever fashion from the corresponding side wall of the beam means

(121 ) .

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the means which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product comprise corresponding pin means (126) for supporting and rotating the respective roller (161 , 162), in particular extending in cantilever fashion from the corresponding side wall of the beam means (121 ), preferably defined by a respective elongate pin (126) extending from opposite side walls of the beam means (121 ) to rotatably support corresponding and opposite first and second rollers (161 , 162).

21 . The apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the pin means comprise a first and a second pin (126, 126) transversely spaced from each other and designed to rotatably support respective rollers (161 , 162) defining corresponding first and second roller means (160, 160) transversely spaced from each other.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 21 , characterized in that each roller (161 , 162) has opposite ends having different diameters from each other, in particular a smaller diameter, which is positioned at the supporting beam means (121 ) and a larger diameter, at the free end of the roller.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 22, characterized in that each roller (161 , 162) has a cylindrical end portion (164), in particular provided at the end with larger diameter.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 23 characterized in that the beam means (121 ) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, comprise a lowered central portion (121 a).

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the beam means (121 ) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, have a respective end portion, in particular opposite end portions (121 b, 121 b), preferably respectively raised from the lowered central portion (121 a), each end portion (121 b, 121 b) defining receiving means, especially defined by a respective hole (121f), for receiving a corresponding pin (126) which rotatably supports the corresponding roller (161 , 162).

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that the beam means (121 ) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product have a respective end part (121t), provided downstream and on the extension of the respective end portion (121 b), which is provided on the opposite side of the feed means and which is sunken relative to the respective end portion (121 b).

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 26, characterized in that the means (121 b) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, have an undulating curvilinear upper edge (121 o), in particular so as to define an upper sunken surface at the central zone of the supporting element, preferably at a height below that of extension of the corresponding surface of the product supported by the respective product supporting means (16), and/or an upper raised surface at the respective end portion (121 b, 121 b), especially defining the means for receiving the pin for rotatably fixing the corresponding rollers (161 , 162).

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the upper edge (121 ) of the supporting beam means (121 ) extends at the respective end portion (121 b, 12 b) to a height less than that of the corresponding end of the roller (161 , 162).

29. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that each supporting element (12), that is to say, the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, can be driven into a product unloading condition.

30. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the product supporting element (12) comprises means (210) for connecting to the feed means (14) and corresponding means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, the supporting means (120) being movable relative to the connecting means (210) between a normal position for supporting and feeding the product and a position for unloading the product.

31 . The apparatus according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the position for unloading the product is defined by a position which is lowered relative to the position for supporting the product.

32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 31 , characterized in that, in the normal position for supporting and feeding the product, the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, are generally horizontal.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that, in the product unloading position, the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, are inclined downwards.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, are movable in rotation relative to the means (210) for connecting the product supporting element (12) to the feed means (14).

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 34, characterized in that each supporting element (12), that is to say, the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, release the product resting thereon in order to unload it onto the underlying receiving means.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that, during unloading, the product slides on the respective supporting element (12), that is, on the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, towards underlying means for receiving the product.

37. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means for weighing the products.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that the means for weighing the product operate on the product supporting element (12), that is, on the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, in a respective condition of suspension in height.

39. The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 38, characterized in that the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, comprise a product supporting portion (121 ) which is movable, in particular perpendicularly, relative to a corresponding portion (125) for supporting and connecting to the means (210) for connecting to the feed means (14).

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, to allow weighing the corresponding product, in the condition of normal supporting and/or feeding of the product, the movable portion (121 ) of the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, is raised relative to the portion (125) for supporting and connecting to the means (210) for connecting to the feed means (14).

41. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 40, characterized in that the means for weighing the product comprise, on the product supporting element (12), that is, on the means (120) which support the means (16) for supporting and/or rotating the corresponding product, in particular on the movable portion (125) of these, a first and a second surface, or zone, (20, 22) for engaging the corresponding weight measuring sensor means.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41 , characterized in that the first and second surfaces, or zones, (20, 22) for engaging the corresponding weight measuring sensor means are provided on opposite zones of the product supporting element (12), in the direction of extension of the product supporting element, that is, according to the direction transverse to the product feeding direction.

43. The apparatus according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the first and second surfaces, or zones, (20, 22) for engaging the corresponding weight measuring sensor means are provided at positions at different heights from each other.

44. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the weight of the product is determined by combining the signals detected by the weight measuring sensor means which are provided at the first and second engaging surfaces, or zones, (20, 22).

45. The apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 44, characterized in that the portion (121 ) which supports the product supporting means (16) are movable relative to the respective portion (125), for supporting and connecting to the means (210) for connecting to the feed means (14), between a lowered position, in particular resting and supporting on the supporting portion (125) and a raised position for weighing.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, characterized in that, in the sunken supporting portion, the rotatable pin means (126, 126) for supporting the roller means (161 , 162) rest on the upper edge (125o) of the supporting portion (125).

47. The apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 46, characterized in that the portion (125) for supporting the movable portion (121 ) which supports the product supporting means (16) comprises a corresponding beam portion (125) on which the movable portion (121 ) is fitted.

48. The apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 47, characterized in that the supporting beam portion (125) has opposite lateral faces defining guiding and sliding means for the movable portion (121 ).

49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 48, characterized in that the supporting beam portion (125) is greater in height than in width and preferably has a generally full section.

50. The apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 49, characterized in that the upper edge (125o) of the supporting beam portion (125) defines a central sunken portion (125a) and opposite raised end portions (125b, 125b) and a lower edge (125i) which is flat and substantially horizontal.

51 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 50, characterized in that the upper edge (125o) of the supporting beam portion (125) defines a flat sunken central portion (125a) and opposite flat raised end portions (125b, 125b) joined to the flat sunken central portion (125a) by respective oblique portions (125c, 125c).

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 51 , characterized in that the movable portion (121 ) is hollow inside and open below, with opposite side flaps (121f), the inner surface of which engages, preferably by sliding, against the flanks of the supporting beam portion (125).

53. The apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 52, characterized in that it comprises means for retaining the movable portion (121 ) which supports the product supporting means (16) on the corresponding supporting portion (125).

54. The apparatus according to claim 53, characterized in that the means for retaining the movable portion (121 ) on the supporting portion (125) are in the form of slidable retaining means.

55. The apparatus according to claim 53 or 54, characterized in that the means for retaining the movable portion (121 ) on the supporting portion (125) comprise pin means (2125), in particular in the form of a single pin, preferably cylindrical, which fits into corresponding hole means (121 h) of the movable portion, in particular provided in the side flaps (125f, 125f) thereof, and preferably in the form of circular holes for inserting the pin (2125), and in corresponding hole means, in particular in the form of a corresponding oblong hole (125'), in particular oblong perpendicularly, preferably located at the central portion (125a) of the supporting portion (125).

56. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (215) for covering the product feeding means (14), in particular for covering the means (210) for connecting to the product feeding means.

57. The apparatus according to claim 56, characterized in that the covering means (215) are located and extend from the product supporting element (12), in particular from the means (121 ) which support the product supporting means (16).

58. The apparatus according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that the covering means (215) extend from a corresponding end of the product supporting element, in particular of the means (121 ) which support the product supporting means (16), especially the end positioned at the feed means (14).

59. The apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 58, characterized in that the covering means (215) extend above, or at a height greater than, the means for connecting to the means 210 for feeding the product and, in particular, at a height greater than that of the feed means (14).

60. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that, on the supporting element (12), in particular on the means (121 ) which support the product supporting means (16), there is a corresponding wide flap (215) defining a surface for engaging the product, especially during the steps of singulating or housing the respective product on a corresponding supporting element (12).

61 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 60, characterized in that the covering means are in the form of a corresponding wide flap (215) defining a surface for engaging the product.

62. The apparatus according to claim 60 or 61 , characterized in that the wide flap (215) for engaging the product extends in height to a level higher than that reached by the roller means (161 , 162).

63. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (216) for sliding the product towards the underlying means for receiving the product, in particular when the product is unloaded from the supporting element (12).

64. The apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the means for sliding the product towards the underlying means for receiving the product are provided at the free end, that is to say, on the side opposite that for connecting to the feeding means, of the supporting element (12), in particular extending from the means (121 ) which support the product supporting means (16).

65. The apparatus according to claim 63 or 64, characterized in that the means for sliding the product towards the underlying means for receiving the product extend in cantilever fashion from the supporting element (12), in particular from the means (121 ) which support the product supporting means (16).

66. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that a respective wide flap (216) is provided at the free end of the supporting element (12), in particular extending from the means (121 ) which support the product supporting means (16), and being preferably designed to define means for sliding the product towards the underlying means for receiving the product, in particular when the product is unloaded from the supporting element (12).

67. The apparatus according to any one of claims 62 to 66, characterized in that the means for sliding the product or the wide flap (216) for engaging the product extend in height to a level below the level at which the product is engaged by the roller means (161 , 162).

68. The apparatus according to any one of claims 60 to 67, characterized in that each wide flap (215, 216) for engaging the product has a respective wide end part (215a, 216a), in particular substantially horizontal, which is connected to the beam means (121 ) through a corresponding connecting portion (215b, 216b) whose sides taper towards the beam means or element (121 ), the connecting portion (215b, 216b) being inclined.

69. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 68, characterized in that the surface or zone for engaging and measuring the weight is located at the respective flap (215, 216) of the product supporting element, in particular the means (121 ) which support the product supporting means (16), preferably at the wide horizontal end part (215a, 216a) of the flap.

70. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means (14) for feeding the product supporting means comprise a respective elongate element (141 ) for connecting and operating the product supporting elements (12), the elongate element (141 ) extending according to the feed path of the product supporting elements ( 2).

71. The apparatus according to claim 70, characterized in that the elongate element (141 ) for connecting and operating the product supporting elements (12) is in the form of a corresponding articulated element, more specifically, a respective chain with articulated links, fed on respective guide means (18).

72. The apparatus according to claim 70 or 71 , characterized in that the guide means are in the form of a bar (18) for engagement and sliding of the elongate element (141 ) for driving and feeding the product supporting elements (12).

73. The apparatus according to any one of claims 70 to 72, characterized in that the elongate element or articulated chain (141 ) for connecting and operating the product supporting elements (12) is slidable on the upper edge of the guide means (18).

74. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means for connecting the product supporting element (12) to the feed means (14) comprise corresponding bracket means (210).

75. The apparatus according to claim 74, characterized in that the bracket means comprise a stand portion (210) which fits between the side plates (142) of the link of the chain and the lateral edges of the guide means (18), in particular the stand portion (210) comprising a first and a second bar (210a, 210a) which protrude downwardly and the respective inner surface of each of which engages the outer face of the corresponding guide means (18).

76. The apparatus according to claim 74 or 75, characterized in that the bracket means (210) comprise a fixing portion (210b, 210b) for fixing a respective product supporting element (12), in particular from which the lateral guide bars (210a, 210a) extend downwardly, and, in particular, which is designed for connecting a first and a second product supporting element (12, 12) protruding on opposite sides of the guiding and operating means.

77. The apparatus according to claim 76, characterized in that the fixing portion comprises a first and a second bar (210b, 210b) which are spaced from each other and designed to receive a corresponding end head (125t) of the respective product supporting element, in particular the supporting portion (125) thereof.

78. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (212a, 212b) for articulated connection between the connecting means (210) and the respective product supporting element, in particular the supporting portion (125) thereof.

79. The apparatus according to claim 78, characterized in that the articulated connecting means comprise a respective pin (212a) for rotating the respective product supporting element, in particular, the supporting portion (125) thereof, relative to the connecting means (210).

80. The apparatus according to claim 79, characterized in that the pin (212a) for rotating the respective product supporting element, in particular for articulating the supporting portion (125) thereof, relative to the connecting means (210), fits into corresponding holes (212') provided in the connecting means (210), in particular in the fixing bars (210b, 210b) of these, and into a corresponding hole (212") provided in the respective product supporting element (12), in particular in the end head (125t) of the supporting portion (125) thereof.

81 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 78 to 80, characterized in that the articulated connecting means comprise means (212b) for retaining the product supporting element (12) in the respective conveying position, in particular in the horizontal position.

82. The apparatus according to claim 8 , characterized in that the means (212b) for retaining the product supporting element (12) in the respective conveying position can be disengaged from the respective supporting element, to allow the movement thereof towards the position for releasing or unloading the product.

83. The apparatus according to claim 81 or 82, characterized in that the disengageable means (212b) for retaining the product supporting element

(12), in the respective conveying position, comprise a corresponding pin which is inserted into corresponding holes (213') provided in the connecting means (210), in particular in the fixing bars (210b, 210b) of these, and into a corresponding cavity (213) provided in the respective product supporting element (12), in particular in the end head (125t) of the supporting portion (125) thereof, which defines means for locking and guiding the rotation of the product supporting element (12) relative to the means (210) for connecting to the feed means.

84. The apparatus according to any one of claims 81 to 83, characterized in that it comprises means (2130) for actuating the retaining means in the condition of disengagement of rotation of the supporting elements (12).

85. The apparatus according to claim 84, characterized in that the means (2130) for actuating the retaining means in the condition of disengagement of rotation of the supporting elements (12) lift the product supporting elements (12), in particular the supporting means ( 25) thereof, in order to control the disengagement of the retaining pin (212b).

86. The apparatus according to claim 85, characterized in that lifting is obtained using a corresponding actuator (2130) which acts on a lower protrusion (215s) provided in the product supporting element (12), that is, in the supporting portion (125) thereof.

87. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that each feed chain supports a first and a second plurality of respective product supporting elements (12, 12), which extend on opposite sides of the feed means (14) and are, in particular, fixed to shared bracket means (210).

88. The apparatus according to claim 87, characterized in that the bracket means (210) comprise a first and a second fixing portion (210b, 210b), which are transversely opposite each other and which are designed to support corresponding first and second product supporting elements (12, 12) extending on opposite sides of the feed means (14).

89. An element (12) for supporting a product, in particular a fruit or vegetable product, characterized in that it is made according to any one of the corresponding preceding claims.

90. An apparatus and means characterized in that they are made as described in any one of the preceding claims and/or as described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.