WO2020104984A2 - Unit for transporting a single fruit and vegetable product - Google Patents

Unit for transporting a single fruit and vegetable product

Info

Publication number
WO2020104984A2
WO2020104984A2 PCT/IB2019/060023 IB2019060023W WO2020104984A2 WO 2020104984 A2 WO2020104984 A2 WO 2020104984A2 IB 2019060023 W IB2019060023 W IB 2019060023W WO 2020104984 A2 WO2020104984 A2 WO 2020104984A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
roller
product
rotation
axis
stretch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2019/060023
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2020104984A3 (en
Inventor
Enrico PROSAPIO
Stefano CROCIANI
Roberto PROSAPIO
Original Assignee
Ser.Mac S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ser.Mac S.R.L. filed Critical Ser.Mac S.R.L.
Publication of WO2020104984A2 publication Critical patent/WO2020104984A2/en
Publication of WO2020104984A3 publication Critical patent/WO2020104984A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/74—Feeding, transfer, or discharging devices of particular kinds or types
    • B65G47/94—Devices for flexing or tilting travelling structures; Throw-off carriages
    • B65G47/96—Devices for tilting links or platform
    • B65G47/962—Devices for tilting links or platform tilting about an axis substantially parallel to the conveying direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/16—Sorting according to weight
    • B07C5/18—Sorting according to weight using a single stationary weighing mechanism
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/36—Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C2501/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material to be sorted
    • B07C2501/009—Sorting of fruit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02—Articles
    • B65G2201/0202—Agricultural and processed food products
    • B65G2201/0211—Fruits and vegetables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2203/00—Indexing code relating to control or detection of the articles or the load carriers during conveying
    • B65G2203/02—Control or detection
    • B65G2203/0208—Control or detection relating to the transported articles
    • B65G2203/0258—Weight of the article

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a unit for transporting a single fruit and vegetable product.
  • the transport unit according to the present invention is particularly suitable for transporting dates, or similar fruit and vegetable products in the shape of the date, such as, for example, Stanley plums and apricots.
  • the parameters of greatest significance are the weight and the presence of surface defects.
  • the most important surface defect in the date is the detachment of the outer skin of the fruit, known in the jargon of the trade as“loose skin”.
  • the top quality category of dates requires that the detachment of the outer skin of the fruit is lower than 5% of the whole.
  • Each unit comprises a first roller, rotating about its own axis of rotation, and a second roller, rotating about its own axis of rotation.
  • the first roller and the second roller are positioned adjacent to each other to define an oblong seat for housing a single product.
  • the axis of rotation of the first roller and the axis of rotation of the second roller are parallel to each other and are also positioned parallel to the feed direction of the unit along the processing line.
  • the first and the second roller since they define the housing seat of a single date, impart a rotational movement of the product about its axis, so as to be able to perform the visual inspection along the processing line.
  • the arrangement of the axes of rotation of the first roller and of the second roller parallel to the feed direction of the unit along the processing line facilitates the filling of the units with a respective product.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a line for processing fruit and vegetable products, such as dates, comprising a plurality of transport units for conveying a single product according to the present invention
  • figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of figure 1 ;
  • figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a further detail of figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the transport unit for a single product, such as the date, according to the present invention.
  • figure 5 is a side schematic view of the unit of figure 4.
  • - figure 6 is a schematic front view of the unit of figure 4 in a flat configuration
  • - figure 7 is a schematic front view of the unit of figure 4 in an inclined configuration for unloading the product
  • figure 8 and figure 9 are schematic perspective views of a detail from figure 1 respectively in a non-operating position and in an operating position.
  • Reference numeral 1 denotes a unit for transporting a single fruit and vegetable product according to the present invention.
  • fruit and vegetable product preferably relates to a date.
  • Figure 2 schematically illustrates the date 1 a housed in a respective transport unit 1.
  • Each transport unit 1 is configured to be moved along a processing line 2 of the product, defining a path P for feeding units 1 along a feed direction D.
  • the processing line 2 comprises a plurality of transport units 1 , see figure 2, moved along the feed path P.
  • the processing line 2 comprises movement means 3 for moving the units 1 along the path P.
  • the movement means 3 comprise a transmission chain 4 for transmitting the motion to which the transport units 1 are engaged.
  • the chain 4 is wound about a motor 6, in the form of a pulley rotating about its own axis 6a, and an idle element 5, in the form of a pulleyrotating about its own axis 5a, defining a looped path P.
  • the path P of the processing line has an upper stretch and a lower stretch along which the units 1 move upside down in relation to the configuration adopted on the upper stretch.
  • the line 2 comprises a support 13 of the units 1 , see figure 3; in this way, the transport units 1 are not negatively affected by the force of gravity while advancing.
  • the support 13 of the units 1 has a first runner 14 and a second runner 15, each supporting a respective side or lateral edge 22, 23 of each unit 1.
  • the processing line 2 comprises a feeding station 43 for feeding each of the products into a respective transport unit 1.
  • the processing line 2 has at least one optical inspection stretch T1 for inspecting the product transported by the respective transport unit 1.
  • the optical inspection section T1 is positioned downstream of the feeding station 43 of the products, with reference to the feed direction D.
  • the processing line 2 has at least one stretch T2 for weighing the product transported by the respective transport unit 1.
  • the weighing stretch T2 is present, it is positioned preferably downstream of the stretch T1 , with reference to the feed direction D of the units 1.
  • the processing line 2 has at least one unloading stretch T3 of the product transported from the respective transport unit (1 ).
  • the stretch T3 is located downstream of the section T 1 , with reference to the feed direction D of the units 1.
  • the stretch T3 is located downstream of the stretch T2, with reference to the feed direction D of the units 1.
  • processing line 2 comprises the optical inspection stretch T1 and the weighing stretch T2, which is considered optional.
  • the stretch T3 for unloading the line 1 includes a plurality of unloading stations 7, 8 of the product in relation at least to data measured along the optical inspection stretch T1.
  • the unloading stretch T3 of the line 1 includes a plurality of unloading stations 7, 8 of the product in relation at least to data measured along the optical inspection stretch T1 and data measured along the weighing stretch T2.
  • the stretch T3 includes at least one unloading station 7 of defective products, that is to say, products not intended for packaging, and one or more unloading stations 8 each dedicated to a category of the product defined by the data measured at least along the optical inspection stretch T 1.
  • the processing line 2 comprises a command and control unit 9 configured for processing at least the data measured along the optical inspection stretch T1.
  • command and control unit 9 is configured to process the data measured along the optical inspection stretch T1 and along the weighing stretch T2.
  • the command and control unit 9 is configured to activate expulsion means 10 of the product from the respective transport unit 1 at an unloading station 7, 8 on the basis of the processing of the data received at least along the optical inspection stretch T1.
  • command and control unit 9 is configured to selectively activate the expulsion means 10 in relation to the position of each transport unit 1 relative to the unloading station 7, 8 of the transported product.
  • command and control unit 9 determines that a product is defective, it commands the unloading thereof from the respective unit 1 at the unloading station 7 of defective products.
  • command and control unit 9 If the command and control unit 9 establishes that the product has been used for a certain category, it commands unloading thereof from the respective unit 1 at the unloading station 8 dedicated to the category detected.
  • the command and control unit 9 is configured to command activation of the expulsion means 10 of the product from the respective unit 1.
  • the expulsion means 10 are activated by the command and control unit 9 relative to each unit 1 relative to the unloading station 7, 8 for unloading the product transported by the respective unit 1.
  • the expulsion means 10 can be in the form of pneumatic means for emitting a pressurised fluid.
  • the command and control unit 9 activates the expulsion means 10 in such a way that the product is expelled from the respective transport unit 1 by means of a jet of pressurised air.
  • the expulsion means 10 comprise an electromagnetic element 1 1 configured for commanding the raising of a contact element 12, which on passing from a rest position to a raised position, see figures 8 and 9, intercepts the transport unit 1 so as to move it from a flat configuration, for housing the product, to an inclined configuration, for unloading the product, see figures 6 and 7.
  • command and control unit 9 is configured to energise the electromagnetic element 1 1 of the expulsion means 10.
  • the electromagnetic element 1 1 is in the form of a solenoid.
  • each one comprises a first roller 16, rotating about its own axis of rotation 16a, and a second roller 17, rotating about its own axis of rotation 17a.
  • the axis of rotation 16a of the first roller 16 and the axis of rotation 17a of the second roller 17 are parallel to one another.
  • the axes of rotation 16a and 17a respectively of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 are positioned parallel to each other according to the feed direction D of the transport unit 1 along the path P of the processing line 2.
  • first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are rotated about the respective axes 16a, 17a in the same direction of rotation.
  • the product positioned on the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 is rotated in a direction different to the rotation of the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 so that the product can be inspected along the processing line 2.
  • the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are positioned one adjacent to the other in such a way as to define an oblong seat 21 for housing a single product.
  • oblong seat 21 means a seat 21 which extends more in length, along the direction of the axes of rotation 16a, 17a of the first and second roller 16, 17.
  • the oblong seat 21 for housing the product is formed by at least part of the outer surface of the first roller 16 and by at least part of the outer surface of the second roller 17.
  • the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 have a main extension along the direction of the respective axis of rotation 16a, 17a.
  • the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 have a respective outer surface having curvilinear profiles with a parabolic shape.
  • the shape of the outer surface of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 define the conformation of the seat 21.
  • the curvilinear profiles of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 define a through opening 26 positioned between the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 with an elliptical conformation, elongate relative to the direction of extension of the axes 16a, 17a of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17.
  • the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 have respective first ends and second ends.
  • the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 comprise activating means 27 of the rotation about the respective axis 16a, 17a of rotation.
  • the actuator means 27 comprise a plurality of blades 28 forming a turbine for each first roller 16 and second roller 17.
  • the blades 28 rotate about the axis of rotation 16a, 17a of the respective roller. More specifically, the blades 28 are located at one of the ends of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17, i.e. the first ends or the second ends.
  • the processing line 2 comprises activation means, not illustrated, of the rotation of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 about the respective axes of rotation 16a, 17a.
  • the activation means are preferably pneumatic means for emitting a pressurised fluid to set the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 in rotation by means of the blades 28.
  • Each unit 1 comprises a supporting element 18 of the first roller 16 and the second roller 17, in which the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are rotatably mounted.
  • the supporting element 18 has a first panel 19 and a second panel 20 configured to contain the product positioned on the first roller 16 and on the second roller 17.
  • the first panel 19 and the second panel 20 have a greater height than the outer surface of the first roller 16 and the outer surface of the second roller 17.
  • the first panel 19 and the second panel 20 are positioned facing one another in a transversal direction, in particular perpendicular, to the direction of the axes of rotation 16a, 17a of the first roller and of the second roller 16 and 17.
  • the first panel 19 is positioned at the first ends of the first and second roller 16, 17.
  • the second panel 20 is positioned at the second ends of the first and second roller 16, 17.
  • the supporting element 18 of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 has at least one first lateral edge 22 and one second lateral edge 23 configured for allowing the lateral escape of the product from the supporting element 18.
  • first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 each have a respective inclined face 22a, 23a.
  • the first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 are positioned at a level lower than the outer surface of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 defining the seat 21 for housing the product.
  • the first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 extend parallel to the direction of the axes of rotation 16a, 17a of the first and second roller 16, 17.
  • the first lateral edge 22 is positioned alongside the first roller 16, extending parallel to the axis of rotation 16a of the first roller 16.
  • the second lateral edge 23 is alongside the second roller 17, extending parallel to the axis of rotation 17a of the second roller 17.
  • the first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 connect the first panel 19 and the second panel 20 to one another.
  • the first lateral edge 22, the second lateral edge 23, the first panel 19 and the second panel 20 define a pocket 25 for housing the first roller 16 and the second roller 17.
  • the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are rotatably connected to the first panel 19 and to the second panel 20.
  • the first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 are configured in such a way as to make contact with a support 13 of the feed line 2 along the lower stretch.
  • the supporting element 18 is configured to pass from the flat configuration, for housing the product, to the inclined configuration, for unloading the product, rolling about an axis 18a of oscillation. In the inclined position, the product is unloaded through the first lateral edge 22 or the second lateral edge 23 of the supporting element 18.
  • the axis of oscillation 18a of the supporting element 18 is an axis parallel to the axis of rotation 16a, 17a of the first and second roller 16, 17.
  • the axis of oscillation 18a of the supporting element 18 is positioned at the median line of the supporting element 18, more precisely below the seat 21 for housing the product.
  • each transport unit 1 comprises retaining means 30 of the supporting element 18 in the flat configuration, for housing the product.
  • the retaining means 30 comprise a male element 31 and a female element 32 which are coupled in the flat configuration and uncoupled in the inclined configuration.
  • the male element 31 is rotatably connected to the axis of oscillation 18a of the supporting element 18 in such a way as to uncouple with the female element 32 during the rotation of the supporting element 18 about the axis of oscillation 18a.
  • the processing line 2 comprises, downstream of the product unloading stretch T3, in the feed direction D, means, not illustrated, for restoring the supporting element 18 from the inclined configuration to the flat configuration in order to newly receive a product in the feeding station 43.
  • the expulsion means 10 are in the form of pneumatic means emitting a pressurised fluid
  • the supporting element 18 maintains the flat configuration during the ejection of the product from the unit 1 by means of the jet of pressurised air.
  • each unit 1 comprises a base element 33 configured to support the supporting element 18.
  • the base element 33 of each unit 1 comprises connecting means 34 to the processing line 2.
  • Each unit 1 comprises movement means 35 of the supporting element 18 relative to the base element 33.
  • the movement means 35 are configured to allow a vertical movement of the supporting element 18 relative to the base element 33.
  • the movement means 35 comprise at least one articulated system comprising at least a first articulated element 36 and a second articulated element 37.
  • the articulated system comprises a pair of first articulated elements 36 and a pair of second articulated elements 37.
  • the first articulated element 36 and the second articulated element 37 have respective first ends 36a, 37a rotatably connected to the same base member 38.
  • the first ends 36a, 37a of the first articulated element 36 and of the second articulated element 37 are connected to the base member 38 by respective pins 39 rotating about a respective axis 39a of rotation.
  • the base member 38 is connected to the base member 33.
  • the axes of rotation 39a of the connecting pins 39 of the first ends 36a, 37a of the first articulated element 36 and of the second articulated element 37 to the base member 38 are parallel to each other.
  • the first articulated element 36 and the second articulated element 37 have respective second ends 36b, 37b rotatably connected to the same connecting member 40.
  • the second ends 36b, 37b of the first articulated element 36 and of the second articulated element 37 are connected to the connecting member 40 by means of pins 41 rotating about the axis 41 a of rotation thereof.
  • the axes of rotation 41 a of the pins 41 connecting the second ends 36b, 37b of the first articulated element 36 and of the second articulated element 37 to the connecting member 40 are parallel to each other.
  • the supporting element 18 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 40 by a pin 42 rotating about the axis thereof defining the axis of oscillation 18a.
  • the male element 31 of the retaining means 30 is connected to the pin 42 for connecting the supporting element 18 to the connecting member 40.
  • the movement means 35 allow the lifting of the supporting element 18 from a rest position to a raised position with respect to the base element 33.
  • the supporting element 18 passes from the rest position to the raised position along the stretch T2 of the processing line 2 for weighing the product.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a unit for transporting a single fruit and vegetable product, preferably a date or a like product, configured to be moved along a processing line (2) of the product, which defines a path (P) for feeding units (1) along a feed direction (D); each transport unit (1), comprises a first roller (16), rotating about its own axis of rotation (16a), and a second roller 17, rotating about its own axis of rotation (17a); the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are positioned one adjacent to the other in such a way as to define an oblong seat 21 for housing a single product; the axis of rotation (16a) of the first roller (16) and the axis of rotation (17a) of the second roller (17) are parallel to each other and positioned parallel along the feed direction (D) of the transport unit (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION
UNIT FOR TRANSPORTING A SINGLE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCT.
Technical field
The present invention relates to a unit for transporting a single fruit and vegetable product.
Background art
More specifically, the transport unit according to the present invention is particularly suitable for transporting dates, or similar fruit and vegetable products in the shape of the date, such as, for example, Stanley plums and apricots.
In order to classify the date in a certain category, the parameters of greatest significance are the weight and the presence of surface defects. The most important surface defect in the date is the detachment of the outer skin of the fruit, known in the jargon of the trade as“loose skin”.
The top quality category of dates requires that the detachment of the outer skin of the fruit is lower than 5% of the whole.
In order to define the date category it is therefore of fundamental importance not only to detect the weight but also to detect any surface defects, including a verification of any detachment of the outer skin.
Disclosure of the invention
The need has been expressed in the above context for a transport unit of a single fruit and vegetable product, such as the date or similarly-shaped product that is configured to be moved along a product processing line defining a feed path of the units along a feed direction.
Each unit comprises a first roller, rotating about its own axis of rotation, and a second roller, rotating about its own axis of rotation. The first roller and the second roller are positioned adjacent to each other to define an oblong seat for housing a single product.
The axis of rotation of the first roller and the axis of rotation of the second roller are parallel to each other and are also positioned parallel to the feed direction of the unit along the processing line.
Advantageously, the first and the second roller, since they define the housing seat of a single date, impart a rotational movement of the product about its axis, so as to be able to perform the visual inspection along the processing line.
Advantageously, the arrangement of the axes of rotation of the first roller and of the second roller parallel to the feed direction of the unit along the processing line facilitates the filling of the units with a respective product.
Brief description of the drawings
These and other innovative aspects of the invention, or specific advantageous features, are set out in the appended claims and its technical features and advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows of a preferred, advantageous embodiment of it, which must be considered purely as a non-limiting example; the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a line for processing fruit and vegetable products, such as dates, comprising a plurality of transport units for conveying a single product according to the present invention;
- figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of figure 1 ;
- figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a further detail of figure 1 ;
- figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the transport unit for a single product, such as the date, according to the present invention;
- figure 5 is a side schematic view of the unit of figure 4;
- figure 6 is a schematic front view of the unit of figure 4 in a flat configuration; - figure 7 is a schematic front view of the unit of figure 4 in an inclined configuration for unloading the product;
- figure 8 and figure 9 are schematic perspective views of a detail from figure 1 respectively in a non-operating position and in an operating position.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
Reference numeral 1 denotes a unit for transporting a single fruit and vegetable product according to the present invention.
As mentioned above, the term fruit and vegetable product preferably relates to a date.
Figure 2 schematically illustrates the date 1 a housed in a respective transport unit 1.
Each transport unit 1 is configured to be moved along a processing line 2 of the product, defining a path P for feeding units 1 along a feed direction D.
The processing line 2 comprises a plurality of transport units 1 , see figure 2, moved along the feed path P.
The processing line 2 comprises movement means 3 for moving the units 1 along the path P.
In the illustrated embodiment, the movement means 3 comprise a transmission chain 4 for transmitting the motion to which the transport units 1 are engaged.
The chain 4 is wound about a motor 6, in the form of a pulley rotating about its own axis 6a, and an idle element 5, in the form of a pulleyrotating about its own axis 5a, defining a looped path P.
The path P of the processing line has an upper stretch and a lower stretch along which the units 1 move upside down in relation to the configuration adopted on the upper stretch. Along the lower stretch of the path P, the line 2 comprises a support 13 of the units 1 , see figure 3; in this way, the transport units 1 are not negatively affected by the force of gravity while advancing.
The support 13 of the units 1 has a first runner 14 and a second runner 15, each supporting a respective side or lateral edge 22, 23 of each unit 1.
The processing line 2 comprises a feeding station 43 for feeding each of the products into a respective transport unit 1.
The processing line 2 according to the present description has at least one optical inspection stretch T1 for inspecting the product transported by the respective transport unit 1.
The optical inspection section T1 is positioned downstream of the feeding station 43 of the products, with reference to the feed direction D.
The processing line 2 has at least one stretch T2 for weighing the product transported by the respective transport unit 1.
If the weighing stretch T2 is present, it is positioned preferably downstream of the stretch T1 , with reference to the feed direction D of the units 1.
The processing line 2 has at least one unloading stretch T3 of the product transported from the respective transport unit (1 ).
The stretch T3 is located downstream of the section T 1 , with reference to the feed direction D of the units 1.
If the weighing stretch T2 is present, the stretch T3 is located downstream of the stretch T2, with reference to the feed direction D of the units 1.
Reference is made to the fact that the embodiment illustrated the processing line 2 comprises the optical inspection stretch T1 and the weighing stretch T2, which is considered optional.
The stretch T3 for unloading the line 1 includes a plurality of unloading stations 7, 8 of the product in relation at least to data measured along the optical inspection stretch T1.
In the embodiment illustrated, the unloading stretch T3 of the line 1 includes a plurality of unloading stations 7, 8 of the product in relation at least to data measured along the optical inspection stretch T1 and data measured along the weighing stretch T2.
For example, the stretch T3 includes at least one unloading station 7 of defective products, that is to say, products not intended for packaging, and one or more unloading stations 8 each dedicated to a category of the product defined by the data measured at least along the optical inspection stretch T 1.
According to this description, the processing line 2 comprises a command and control unit 9 configured for processing at least the data measured along the optical inspection stretch T1.
In the illustrated embodiment, the command and control unit 9 is configured to process the data measured along the optical inspection stretch T1 and along the weighing stretch T2.
The command and control unit 9 is configured to activate expulsion means 10 of the product from the respective transport unit 1 at an unloading station 7, 8 on the basis of the processing of the data received at least along the optical inspection stretch T1.
In other words, the command and control unit 9 is configured to selectively activate the expulsion means 10 in relation to the position of each transport unit 1 relative to the unloading station 7, 8 of the transported product.
In this sense, when the command and control unit 9 determines that a product is defective, it commands the unloading thereof from the respective unit 1 at the unloading station 7 of defective products.
If the command and control unit 9 establishes that the product has been used for a certain category, it commands unloading thereof from the respective unit 1 at the unloading station 8 dedicated to the category detected.
In this sense, the command and control unit 9 is configured to command activation of the expulsion means 10 of the product from the respective unit 1. The expulsion means 10 are activated by the command and control unit 9 relative to each unit 1 relative to the unloading station 7, 8 for unloading the product transported by the respective unit 1.
The expulsion means 10 can be in the form of pneumatic means for emitting a pressurised fluid.
According to this embodiment, the command and control unit 9 activates the expulsion means 10 in such a way that the product is expelled from the respective transport unit 1 by means of a jet of pressurised air.
Alternatively, the expulsion means 10 comprise an electromagnetic element 1 1 configured for commanding the raising of a contact element 12, which on passing from a rest position to a raised position, see figures 8 and 9, intercepts the transport unit 1 so as to move it from a flat configuration, for housing the product, to an inclined configuration, for unloading the product, see figures 6 and 7.
In this embodiment, the command and control unit 9 is configured to energise the electromagnetic element 1 1 of the expulsion means 10.
The electromagnetic element 1 1 is in the form of a solenoid.
With reference to each transport unit 1 , each one comprises a first roller 16, rotating about its own axis of rotation 16a, and a second roller 17, rotating about its own axis of rotation 17a.
The axis of rotation 16a of the first roller 16 and the axis of rotation 17a of the second roller 17 are parallel to one another.
The axes of rotation 16a and 17a respectively of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 are positioned parallel to each other according to the feed direction D of the transport unit 1 along the path P of the processing line 2.
In particular, the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are rotated about the respective axes 16a, 17a in the same direction of rotation.
In this way, the product positioned on the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 is rotated in a direction different to the rotation of the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 so that the product can be inspected along the processing line 2.
The first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are positioned one adjacent to the other in such a way as to define an oblong seat 21 for housing a single product.
The term oblong seat 21 means a seat 21 which extends more in length, along the direction of the axes of rotation 16a, 17a of the first and second roller 16, 17.
The oblong seat 21 for housing the product is formed by at least part of the outer surface of the first roller 16 and by at least part of the outer surface of the second roller 17.
The first roller 16 and the second roller 17 have a main extension along the direction of the respective axis of rotation 16a, 17a.
The first roller 16 and the second roller 17 have a respective outer surface having curvilinear profiles with a parabolic shape.
In this sense, the shape of the outer surface of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 define the conformation of the seat 21.
The curvilinear profiles of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 define a through opening 26 positioned between the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 with an elliptical conformation, elongate relative to the direction of extension of the axes 16a, 17a of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17.
The first roller 16 and the second roller 17 have respective first ends and second ends.
The first roller 16 and the second roller 17 comprise activating means 27 of the rotation about the respective axis 16a, 17a of rotation.
The actuator means 27 comprise a plurality of blades 28 forming a turbine for each first roller 16 and second roller 17.
With reference to each first roller 16 and second roller 17, the blades 28 rotate about the axis of rotation 16a, 17a of the respective roller. More specifically, the blades 28 are located at one of the ends of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17, i.e. the first ends or the second ends. In order to rotate the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 along the first stretch T1 , the processing line 2 comprises activation means, not illustrated, of the rotation of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 about the respective axes of rotation 16a, 17a.
The activation means are preferably pneumatic means for emitting a pressurised fluid to set the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 in rotation by means of the blades 28.
Each unit 1 comprises a supporting element 18 of the first roller 16 and the second roller 17, in which the first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are rotatably mounted.
The supporting element 18 has a first panel 19 and a second panel 20 configured to contain the product positioned on the first roller 16 and on the second roller 17.
The first panel 19 and the second panel 20 have a greater height than the outer surface of the first roller 16 and the outer surface of the second roller 17.
The first panel 19 and the second panel 20 are positioned facing one another in a transversal direction, in particular perpendicular, to the direction of the axes of rotation 16a, 17a of the first roller and of the second roller 16 and 17.
The first panel 19 is positioned at the first ends of the first and second roller 16, 17.
The second panel 20 is positioned at the second ends of the first and second roller 16, 17.
With reference to the blades 28 of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17, they are interposed between the first panel 19 and the first ends of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 or between the second panel 20 and the second ends of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17. The supporting element 18 of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 has at least one first lateral edge 22 and one second lateral edge 23 configured for allowing the lateral escape of the product from the supporting element 18.
To facilitate product unloading, the first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 each have a respective inclined face 22a, 23a.
Relative to the first roller 16 and to the second roller 17, the first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 are positioned at a level lower than the outer surface of the first roller 16 and of the second roller 17 defining the seat 21 for housing the product.
The first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 extend parallel to the direction of the axes of rotation 16a, 17a of the first and second roller 16, 17.
The first lateral edge 22 is positioned alongside the first roller 16, extending parallel to the axis of rotation 16a of the first roller 16.
The second lateral edge 23 is alongside the second roller 17, extending parallel to the axis of rotation 17a of the second roller 17.
The first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 connect the first panel 19 and the second panel 20 to one another.
The first lateral edge 22, the second lateral edge 23, the first panel 19 and the second panel 20 define a pocket 25 for housing the first roller 16 and the second roller 17.
The first roller 16 and the second roller 17 are rotatably connected to the first panel 19 and to the second panel 20.
The first lateral edge 22 and the second lateral edge 23 are configured in such a way as to make contact with a support 13 of the feed line 2 along the lower stretch.
If the expulsion means 10 act on the supporting element 18 of each unit 1 , the supporting element 18 is configured to pass from the flat configuration, for housing the product, to the inclined configuration, for unloading the product, rolling about an axis 18a of oscillation. In the inclined position, the product is unloaded through the first lateral edge 22 or the second lateral edge 23 of the supporting element 18.
The axis of oscillation 18a of the supporting element 18 is an axis parallel to the axis of rotation 16a, 17a of the first and second roller 16, 17.
The axis of oscillation 18a of the supporting element 18 is positioned at the median line of the supporting element 18, more precisely below the seat 21 for housing the product.
In order to guarantee that each unit 1 does not accidentally pass from the flat configuration to the inclined configuration, each transport unit 1 comprises retaining means 30 of the supporting element 18 in the flat configuration, for housing the product.
The retaining means 30 comprise a male element 31 and a female element 32 which are coupled in the flat configuration and uncoupled in the inclined configuration.
The male element 31 is rotatably connected to the axis of oscillation 18a of the supporting element 18 in such a way as to uncouple with the female element 32 during the rotation of the supporting element 18 about the axis of oscillation 18a.
The processing line 2 comprises, downstream of the product unloading stretch T3, in the feed direction D, means, not illustrated, for restoring the supporting element 18 from the inclined configuration to the flat configuration in order to newly receive a product in the feeding station 43. Note that if the expulsion means 10 are in the form of pneumatic means emitting a pressurised fluid, the supporting element 18 maintains the flat configuration during the ejection of the product from the unit 1 by means of the jet of pressurised air.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the retaining means 30 of the supporting element 18 in the housing configuration of the product are not necessary and if provided, the male element 31 and the female element 32 maintain their coupling during the ejection of the product from the unit 1. Each unit 1 comprises a base element 33 configured to support the supporting element 18.
The base element 33 of each unit 1 comprises connecting means 34 to the processing line 2.
Each unit 1 comprises movement means 35 of the supporting element 18 relative to the base element 33.
The movement means 35 are configured to allow a vertical movement of the supporting element 18 relative to the base element 33.
The movement means 35 comprise at least one articulated system comprising at least a first articulated element 36 and a second articulated element 37.
In order to guarantee greater stability of the articulated system, the articulated system comprises a pair of first articulated elements 36 and a pair of second articulated elements 37.
The first articulated element 36 and the second articulated element 37 have respective first ends 36a, 37a rotatably connected to the same base member 38.
The first ends 36a, 37a of the first articulated element 36 and of the second articulated element 37 are connected to the base member 38 by respective pins 39 rotating about a respective axis 39a of rotation.
The base member 38 is connected to the base member 33.
The axes of rotation 39a of the connecting pins 39 of the first ends 36a, 37a of the first articulated element 36 and of the second articulated element 37 to the base member 38 are parallel to each other.
The first articulated element 36 and the second articulated element 37 have respective second ends 36b, 37b rotatably connected to the same connecting member 40.
The second ends 36b, 37b of the first articulated element 36 and of the second articulated element 37 are connected to the connecting member 40 by means of pins 41 rotating about the axis 41 a of rotation thereof. The axes of rotation 41 a of the pins 41 connecting the second ends 36b, 37b of the first articulated element 36 and of the second articulated element 37 to the connecting member 40 are parallel to each other.
The supporting element 18 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 40 by a pin 42 rotating about the axis thereof defining the axis of oscillation 18a.
To prevent accidental rotation of the supporting element 18 about the axis of oscillation 18a, the male element 31 of the retaining means 30 is connected to the pin 42 for connecting the supporting element 18 to the connecting member 40.
The movement means 35 allow the lifting of the supporting element 18 from a rest position to a raised position with respect to the base element 33.
The supporting element 18 passes from the rest position to the raised position along the stretch T2 of the processing line 2 for weighing the product.

Claims

1. A unit for transporting a single fruit or vegetable product, preferably a date or a similar product, configured for being moved along a line (2) for processing the product, defining a path (P) for feeding units (1 ) along a feed direction (D);
each transport unit (1 ), comprises a first roller (16), rotating about its own axis of rotation (16a), and a second roller 17, rotating about its own axis of rotation (17a);
the first roller (16) and the second roller (17) being positioned one adjacent to the other in such a way as to define an oblong seat (21 ) for housing a single product;
the axis of rotation (16a) of the first roller (16) and the axis of rotation (17a) of the second roller (17) are parallel to each other and positioned parallel along the feed direction (D) of the transport unit (1 ).
2. The unit according to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises an element (18) for supporting the first roller (16) and the second roller (17), to which the first roller (16) and the second roller (17) are rotatably mounted, which has a first panel (19) and a second panel (20) configured to contain the product positioned on the first roller (16) and on the second roller (17); the first panel (19) and the second panel (20) have a height greater than the outer surface of the first roller (16) and the outer surface of the second roller (17).
3. The unit according to claim 2, characterised in that the supporting element (18) of the first roller (16) and of the second roller (17) has at least a first lateral edge (22) and a second lateral edge (23) each configured for allowing the lateral escape of the product from the supporting element (18); more specifically, the first lateral edge (22) and the second lateral edge (23) having a respective inclined face (22a, 23a).
4. The unit according to claim 3, characterised in that the first lateral edge (22), the second lateral edge (23), the first panel (19) and the second panel (20) define a pocket (25) for housing the first roller (16) and the second roller (17); the first roller (16) and the second roller (17) are rotatably connected to the first panel (19) and to the second panel (20).
5. The unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the supporting element (18) of each unit (1 ) is configured to pass from a flat configuration, for housing the product, to an inclined configuration, for unloading the product, and vice versa, rotating about an axis (18a) of oscillation, parallel to the axis of rotation (16a, 17a) of the first and the second roller (16, 17).
6. The unit according to claim 5, characterised in that each transport unit (1 ) comprises means (30) for retaining the supporting element (18) in the flat configuration; preferably, the retaining means (30) comprise a male element (31 ) and a female element (32) configured for being coupled in the flat configuration and uncoupled in the inclined configuration.
7. The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each unit (1 ) comprises a base element (33) configured for supporting the supporting element (18) and means (35) for moving the supporting element (18) relative to the base member (33) designed for allowing a translation of the supporting element (18) from a rest position to a raised position relative to the base member (33).
8. The unit according to claim 7, characterised in that the movement means (35) comprise at least one articulated system comprising at least one first articulated element (36) and a second articulated element (37) whose first ends (36a, 37a) are rotatably connected to a same base member (38) connected to the base element (33) and whose second ends (36b, 37b) are rotatably connected to a same connecting member (40) connected to the supporting element (18).
9. The unit according to claim 8, characterised in that the first ends (36a, 37a) of the first articulated element (36) and of the second articulated element (37) are connected to the base member (38) by respective pins (39) rotating about a relative axis (39a) of rotation; the axes (39a) of rotation of the pins (39) being parallel to each other; the second ends (36b, 37b) of the first articulated element (36) and of the second articulated element (37) are connected to the connecting member (40) by respective pins (41 ) rotating about a relative axis (41 a) of rotation; the axes (41 a) of rotation of the pins (41 ) being parallel to each other.
10. The unit according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the supporting element (18) is rotatably connected to the connecting member (40) by a pin (42) which rotates about its axis defining the axis of oscillation (18a) of the supporting element (18); the male element (31 ) of the retaining means (30) being connected to the pin (42) for connecting the supporting element (18) to the connecting member (40).
11. The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first roller (16) and the second roller (17) comprise means (27) for actuating the rotation about the respective axis (16a, 17a) of rotation; the actuator means (27) comprise a plurality of blades (28), rotating about the axis (16a, 17a) of rotation of the respective first roller (16) and of the second roller (17) to which it belongs, defining a turbine for each first roller (16) and second roller (17).
12. The unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first roller (16) and the second roller (17) have a main extension along the direction of the respective axis of rotation (16a, 17a); the first roller (16) and the second roller (17) have an outer surface having respective curvilinear profiles extending in a parabolic fashion.
13. A line for processing fruit and vegetable products, preferably dates or similar products, comprising a plurality of transport units (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 12;
the processing line (2) having at least one stretch (T1 ) for optical inspection of the product transported by the respective transport unit (1 ); the first stretch (T1 ) of the processing line (2) comprises means (29) for activating the rotation of the first roller (16) and of the second roller (17); the first roller (16) and the second roller (17) being rotated about the respective axes (16a, 17a) in a same direction of rotation.
14. The processing line according to claim 13, characterised in that the activation means (29) are pneumatic means for emitting a pressurised fluid for rotating the first roller (16) and the second roller (17) by means of the blades (28) of the respective turbine.
15. The processing line according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that it has at least one stretch (T2) for weighing the product transported by the respective transport unit (1 ); preferably, the stretch (T2) is positioned downstream of the stretch (T1 ) with reference to the feed direction (D) of the units (1 ); the supporting element (18) passes from the rest position raised relative to the base member (33) along the stretch (T2) of the processing line (2) for weighing the product.
16. The processing line according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterised in that the processing line (2) has at least one stretch (T3) for unloading the product from the respective transport unit (1 ); the stretch (T3) comprises a plurality of stations for unloading the product in relation to the data measured along the optical inspection stretch (T1 ) and along the weighing stretch (T2); the processing line (2) comprising a command and control unit (9) configured for processing data measured at least along the optical inspection stretch (T1 ) and configured for activating expulsion means (10) for unloading the product from the respective transport unit (1 ) at an unloading station (7, 8) on the basis of the processing of the data received.
17. The processing line according to claim 16, characterised in that the command and control unit (9) is configured to selectively activate the expulsion means (10) in relation of the position of each transport unit (1 ) relative to the station (7, 8) for unloading the product.
18. The processing line according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the expulsion means (10) comprise an electromagnetic element (1 1 ) configured to control the raising of a contact element (12), which, passing from a rest position to a raised position, intercepts the supporting element (18) for moving it from the flat configuration to the inclined configuration.
19. The processing line according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the expulsion means (10) are in the form of pneumatic means for emitting a pressurised fluid.
PCT/IB2019/060023 2018-11-23 2019-11-21 Unit for transporting a single fruit and vegetable product WO2020104984A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102018000010531 2018-11-23
IT201800010531A IT201800010531A1 (en) 2018-11-23 2018-11-23 Transport unit of a single fruit and fruit product

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WO2020104984A2 true WO2020104984A2 (en) 2020-05-28
WO2020104984A3 WO2020104984A3 (en) 2020-07-02

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Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DK130914B (en) * 1972-04-05 1975-05-05 J T Klint Conveyor for conveying and orienting eggs and transferring the eggs to gripper units in an egg crusher.
NL9101821A (en) * 1991-10-30 1993-05-17 Tas Adrianus Wilhelmus METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING BY WEIGHT OF MAIN ROUND PRODUCTS
AU701354B2 (en) * 1996-09-13 1999-01-28 Geoffrey William Payne Conveying cup assembly for a fruit handling equipment
AUPS319602A0 (en) * 2002-06-26 2002-07-18 Colour Vision Systems Pty Ltd Fruit handling equipment
ITMO20050154A1 (en) * 2005-06-17 2006-12-18 Bastoni Danilo MODULAR DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS ON CALIBRATION MACHINES OR SIMILAR.
FR2953495B1 (en) * 2009-12-09 2012-06-08 Jean Fachaux MODULE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TRANSPORT OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
ITUB20155343A1 (en) * 2015-10-23 2017-04-23 Ser Mac S R L AN EQUIPMENT FOR THE CONVEYANCE AND SELECTION OF PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS.

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