WO2021105894A1 - Line for conveying and selecting oblong fruit and vegetable products - Google Patents

Line for conveying and selecting oblong fruit and vegetable products Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021105894A1
WO2021105894A1 PCT/IB2020/061135 IB2020061135W WO2021105894A1 WO 2021105894 A1 WO2021105894 A1 WO 2021105894A1 IB 2020061135 W IB2020061135 W IB 2020061135W WO 2021105894 A1 WO2021105894 A1 WO 2021105894A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
products
supporting elements
supporting
trajectory
stretch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2020/061135
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Stefano CROCIANI
Enrico PROSAPIO
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 WO2021105894A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021105894A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
    • B07C5/342—Sorting according to other particular properties according to optical properties, e.g. colour
    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a line for conveying and selecting medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products.
  • the expression medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products in particular pears, mangos, melons, refers to fruit and vegetable products which have a weight per product variable in a range of from 100 g to 3500 g, including the limit weights.
  • a pear has a weight per product variable within a range of from 100 g to 400 g, including the limit weights.
  • a pear has a weight per product variable within a range of from 700 g to 3500 g, including the limit weights.
  • the line for conveying and selecting medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products of known type comprise a product conveyor unit comprising a plurality of pockets each of which houses a respective product.
  • the pocket has a product supporting surface having a concave shape facing upwards to favour the housing of the product conveyed.
  • the pocket which supports the product would keep hidden the surface of the product resting on the surface of the pocket, not making inspection of the entire outer surface of the product possible.
  • the outcome of the inspection would be influenced by the relative position of each product in the pocket, leading to the risk of approving products which might have undetected surface defects.
  • the need is felt for making a line for conveying and selecting medium-size oblong fruit and vegetable products, in particular pears, mangos, melons, comprising at least one stretch for detecting surface defects of the products having at least one optical inspection station.
  • the stretch for detecting surface defects of the products is configured for feeding the products along a feed direction.
  • the detection section Upstream of the optical inspection station, the detection section has a station for feeding the products at which the products are positioned with the respective longitudinal axis of extension parallel to the feed direction of the detection section.
  • the detection section Downstream of the optical inspection station, the detection section has a station for releasing the products inspected.
  • the detection stretch comprises at least a first conveyor comprising first elements for supporting the products and a second conveyor comprising second elements for supporting the products.
  • the first supporting elements and the second supporting elements are configured to feed together the products and to rotate together the products, about an axis of rotation parallel to the feed direction.
  • the presence of a pair of supporting elements, each driven by a respective conveyor allows the weight of the product to be divided on them during its movement and simultaneous rotation, preserving over time the integrity of the kinematic mechanisms of the conveyors.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a line for conveying and selecting medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the line of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a scaled-up view of a detail of Figure 2.
  • the numeral 1 denotes a line for conveying and selecting medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products according to the invention.
  • the expression medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products 3 refers to fruit and vegetable products which have a weight per product variable in a range of from 100 g to 3500 g, including the limit weights.
  • the line 1 comprises at least one stretch 2 for detecting surface defects of the products 3 having at least one optical inspection station 4.
  • the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects of the products 3 is configured for feeding the products 3 along a feed direction D.
  • the section 2 for detecting surface defects has a station 24 for releasing the products 3 inspected.
  • the detection section 2 has a station 25 for feeding the products 3 at which the products 3 are positioned with the respective longitudinal axis of extension 3a parallel to the feed direction D of the detection section 2.
  • the detection section 2 Downstream of the optical inspection station 4, the detection section 2 has a station 24 for releasing the products 3 inspected.
  • first conveyor 5 comprising a plurality of first elements 6 for supporting the products 3 and a second conveyor 7 comprising a plurality of second elements 8 for supporting the products 3.
  • the first supporting elements 6 are positioned one after the other in succession.
  • the second supporting elements 8 are positioned one after the other in succession.
  • the line 1 Upstream of the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects, the line 1 comprises at least one stretch 9 for feeding the products 3 configured for transporting the products 3 towards the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects.
  • the feed stretch 9 of the products 3 is configured for conveying the products 3 in such a way that their axis 3a of longitudinal extension is parallel to the feed direction of the feed stretch 9.
  • the section 9 for feeding the products 3 has at least one conveyor belt 10 for transporting the products 3.
  • the line 1 Downstream of the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects, the line 1 comprises at least one stretch 11 for weighing the products 3.
  • the weighing stretch 11 has at least one conveyor unit 12 comprising a plurality of pockets 13 each configured to receive a respective product 3 at the outfeed from the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects.
  • Weighing means are positioned below each pocket 13 for measuring the weight of the product 3 housed therein.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are configured for feeding the products 3 through the optical inspection station 4 and for rotating the products 3, during their feeding.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are configured for feeding the products 3 in such a way that their axis 3a of longitudinal extension is parallel to the feed direction of the feed stretch 9.
  • the first supporting elements 6 are moved by the first conveyor 5 along a first trajectory T1 and the second supporting elements 8 are moved by the second conveyor 7 along a second trajectory T2, as illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are moved along the respective first trajectory T1 and second trajectory T2 respectively by respective motion transmission means 18 actuated by a single drive unit 19.
  • the drive unit 19 is of the brushless type.
  • the drive unit 19 has a control unit 23 configured to control the operating speed of the drive unit 19.
  • first trajectory T1 With reference to the first trajectory T1 , it has at least a first rectilinear stretch and a second rectilinear stretch parallel to each other.
  • the first trajectory T1 has a first curved stretch and a second curved stretch which join respective ends of the first rectilinear stretch and of the second rectilinear stretch.
  • the first trajectory T1 is a closed-loop path.
  • the second trajectory T2 has at least a first rectilinear stretch and a second rectilinear stretch which are parallel to each other.
  • the second trajectory T2 has a first curved stretch and a second curved stretch which join respective ends of the first rectilinear stretch and of the second rectilinear stretch.
  • the second trajectory T2 is a closed-loop path.
  • the first conveyor 5 and the second conveyor 6 are positioned side by side in such a way that the first trajectory T1 and the second trajectory T2 have respective first rectilinear stretches parallel to each other.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 pass from a non-operating position, in which they are positioned spaced apart from each other, to an operating position, in which they are positioned facing each other to define a seat 14 for housing at least part of the product 3.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 define a plurality of seats 14 arranged one after the other with reference to the feed direction D.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 pass from the non-operating portion to the operating position, and vice versa, relative to their position respectively along the first trajectory T1 and along the second trajectory T2.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are positioned in the operating position along at least one rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and a rectilinear stretch of the second trajectory T2, positioned parallel to and facing each other.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are positioned in the operating position along the first rectilinear stretches of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2.
  • the passage from the operating position to the non operating position occurs during the passage from the rectilinear stretch to the curvilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2, in particular from the first rectilinear stretch to the first curvilinear stretch.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are positioned in the non operating position.
  • Each first supporting element 6 and each second supporting element 8 is configured to rotate about a relative axis of rotation 6a, 8a.
  • Each first supporting element 6 and each second supporting element 8 is in the form of an element of revolution, with reference to the respective axis of rotation 6a, 8a.
  • Said axis of rotation 6a, 8a is parallel to a rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and a rectilinear stretch of the second trajectory T2 at which the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are positioned in the operating position.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 each comprise at least a first portion 15 and a second portion 16, each rotating independently, relative to each other, with respect to the axis of rotation 6a, 8a of the first supporting element 6 and with respect to the axis of rotation 8, see Figure 3.
  • the first portion 15 and the second portion 16 each have a truncated cone shape in such a way as to define and “hourglass” shape for each first supporting element 6 and second supporting element 8.
  • the actuator means 17 is positioned along at least part of the rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2, in particular the first rectilinear stretches of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2, wherein the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are in an operating position.
  • the actuator means 17 rotate about the relative axis of rotation 17a.
  • the axis of rotation 17a is parallel to the axes of rotation 6a, 8a of the first supporting element 6 and of the second supporting element 8.
  • the actuator means 17 are in the form of a brush.
  • the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 pass from the operating position to the non operating position, mutually releasing the product 3 in the pocket 13 of the conveyor unit 12.
  • the detection device 20 is in the form of a photocell.
  • a control unit 21 receives a detection signal 22 of the product 3 from the detection device 20.
  • the command and control unit 21 after receiving the detection signal 22, determines virtually the position of the pocket 13 which will receive the product 3 detected.
  • the conveyor unit 12 is equipped with an encoder, not illustrated, connected electronically to the command and control unit 21.
  • the conveyor unit 12 is equipped with a sensor for detecting at least one pocket 14 connected electronically to the command and control unit 21.
  • the command and control unit 21 knowing the number of cups 14 of the conveyor unit 12, using the encoder signal and the detection signal of the pocket 14 is configured to determine the spacing of each pocket 14, that is, the virtual position of each pocket 14.
  • the command and control unit 21 is configured to command a variation in the speed of rotation of the motor unit 19 in such a way as to decelerate and/or accelerate the movement of the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 in such a way that the product 3 is released into the predetermined pocket 13.
  • control unit 21 is configured for calculating the distance between the spacing of each pocket 14 of the conveyor unit 12 and the spacing of the drive unit 19.
  • each pocket 13 has a size equal to three times the size of each first supporting element 6 or each second supporting element 8.

Landscapes

  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)

Abstract

A line for conveying and selecting medium-size oblong fruit and vegetable products, in particular pears, mangos, melons, comprising at least one stretch (2) for detecting surface defects of the products (3) having at least one optical inspection station (4); the stretch (2) for detecting surface defects of the products (3) is configured for feeding the products (3) along a feed direction (D); upstream of the optical inspection station (4), the detection section (2) has a station (25) for feeding the products (3) at which the products (3) are positioned with the respective longitudinal axis of extension (3a) parallel to the feed direction (D) of the detection section (2); downstream of the optical inspection station (4), the detection section (2) has a station (24) for releasing the products (3) inspected; the detection stretch (2) comprises at least a first conveyor (5) comprising first elements (6) for supporting the products (3) and a second conveyor (7) comprising second elements (8) for supporting the products (3); from the feed station (25) to the release station (24), through the optical inspection station (4), the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) are configured to feed together the products (3) and to rotate together the products (3), about an axis of rotation parallel to the feed direction (D).

Description

DESCRIPTION
LINE FOR CONVEYING AND SELECTING OBLONG FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS
Technical field This invention relates to a line for conveying and selecting medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products.
The expression medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products, in particular pears, mangos, melons, refers to fruit and vegetable products which have a weight per product variable in a range of from 100 g to 3500 g, including the limit weights.
For example, a pear has a weight per product variable within a range of from 100 g to 400 g, including the limit weights.
For example, a pear has a weight per product variable within a range of from 700 g to 3500 g, including the limit weights.
Background art
As is known, the line for conveying and selecting medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products of known type comprise a product conveyor unit comprising a plurality of pockets each of which houses a respective product.
The pocket has a product supporting surface having a concave shape facing upwards to favour the housing of the product conveyed.
If the prior art conveying line is to be integrated with an optical inspection station for assessing the surface quality of the product, detecting the presence of any defects, in order to reject defective products, the pocket which supports the product would keep hidden the surface of the product resting on the surface of the pocket, not making inspection of the entire outer surface of the product possible. In this context, the outcome of the inspection would be influenced by the relative position of each product in the pocket, leading to the risk of approving products which might have undetected surface defects.
Aim of the invention
In this scenario, the need is felt for making a line for conveying and selecting medium-size oblong fruit and vegetable products, in particular pears, mangos, melons, comprising at least one stretch for detecting surface defects of the products having at least one optical inspection station.
The stretch for detecting surface defects of the products is configured for feeding the products along a feed direction.
Upstream of the optical inspection station, the detection section has a station for feeding the products at which the products are positioned with the respective longitudinal axis of extension parallel to the feed direction of the detection section.
Downstream of the optical inspection station, the detection section has a station for releasing the products inspected.
The detection stretch comprises at least a first conveyor comprising first elements for supporting the products and a second conveyor comprising second elements for supporting the products.
From the feed station to the release station, through the optical inspection station, the first supporting elements and the second supporting elements are configured to feed together the products and to rotate together the products, about an axis of rotation parallel to the feed direction. Advantageously, the presence of a pair of supporting elements, each driven by a respective conveyor, allows the weight of the product to be divided on them during its movement and simultaneous rotation, preserving over time the integrity of the kinematic mechanisms of the conveyors. 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 front view of a line for conveying and selecting medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products according to the invention;
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of the line of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 is a scaled-up view of a detail of Figure 2.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
The numeral 1 denotes a line for conveying and selecting medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products according to the invention.
The expression medium-sized oblong fruit and vegetable products 3 refers to fruit and vegetable products which have a weight per product variable in a range of from 100 g to 3500 g, including the limit weights.
The line 1 comprises at least one stretch 2 for detecting surface defects of the products 3 having at least one optical inspection station 4.
The stretch 2 for detecting surface defects of the products 3 is configured for feeding the products 3 along a feed direction D.
Downstream of the optical inspection station 4, the section 2 for detecting surface defects has a station 24 for releasing the products 3 inspected. Upstream of the optical inspection station 4, the detection section 2 has a station 25 for feeding the products 3 at which the products 3 are positioned with the respective longitudinal axis of extension 3a parallel to the feed direction D of the detection section 2.
Downstream of the optical inspection station 4, the detection section 2 has a station 24 for releasing the products 3 inspected.
Along the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects there are at least a first conveyor 5 comprising a plurality of first elements 6 for supporting the products 3 and a second conveyor 7 comprising a plurality of second elements 8 for supporting the products 3.
With reference to the first conveyor 5, the first supporting elements 6 are positioned one after the other in succession.
With reference to the second conveyor 7, the second supporting elements 8 are positioned one after the other in succession.
Upstream of the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects, the line 1 comprises at least one stretch 9 for feeding the products 3 configured for transporting the products 3 towards the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects.
The feed stretch 9 of the products 3 is configured for conveying the products 3 in such a way that their axis 3a of longitudinal extension is parallel to the feed direction of the feed stretch 9.
The section 9 for feeding the products 3 has at least one conveyor belt 10 for transporting the products 3.
Downstream of the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects, the line 1 comprises at least one stretch 11 for weighing the products 3.
The weighing stretch 11 has at least one conveyor unit 12 comprising a plurality of pockets 13 each configured to receive a respective product 3 at the outfeed from the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects.
Weighing means, not illustrated, are positioned below each pocket 13 for measuring the weight of the product 3 housed therein.
With reference to the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects, the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are configured for feeding the products 3 through the optical inspection station 4 and for rotating the products 3, during their feeding.
The first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are configured for feeding the products 3 in such a way that their axis 3a of longitudinal extension is parallel to the feed direction of the feed stretch 9. The first supporting elements 6 are moved by the first conveyor 5 along a first trajectory T1 and the second supporting elements 8 are moved by the second conveyor 7 along a second trajectory T2, as illustrated in Figure 2. The first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are moved along the respective first trajectory T1 and second trajectory T2 respectively by respective motion transmission means 18 actuated by a single drive unit 19.
Preferably, the drive unit 19 is of the brushless type.
The drive unit 19 has a control unit 23 configured to control the operating speed of the drive unit 19.
With reference to the first trajectory T1 , it has at least a first rectilinear stretch and a second rectilinear stretch parallel to each other.
The first trajectory T1 has a first curved stretch and a second curved stretch which join respective ends of the first rectilinear stretch and of the second rectilinear stretch.
In short, the first trajectory T1 is a closed-loop path.
With reference to the second trajectory T2, it has at least a first rectilinear stretch and a second rectilinear stretch which are parallel to each other. The second trajectory T2 has a first curved stretch and a second curved stretch which join respective ends of the first rectilinear stretch and of the second rectilinear stretch.
In short, the second trajectory T2 is a closed-loop path.
The first conveyor 5 and the second conveyor 6 are positioned side by side in such a way that the first trajectory T1 and the second trajectory T2 have respective first rectilinear stretches parallel to each other.
During the movement along the first trajectory T1 and the second trajectory T2, the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 pass from a non-operating position, in which they are positioned spaced apart from each other, to an operating position, in which they are positioned facing each other to define a seat 14 for housing at least part of the product 3.
In the operating position, the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 define a plurality of seats 14 arranged one after the other with reference to the feed direction D.
The first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 pass from the non-operating portion to the operating position, and vice versa, relative to their position respectively along the first trajectory T1 and along the second trajectory T2.
The first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are positioned in the operating position along at least one rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and a rectilinear stretch of the second trajectory T2, positioned parallel to and facing each other.
The first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are positioned in the operating position along the first rectilinear stretches of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2.
It should be noted that the passage from the operating position to the non operating position occurs during the passage from the rectilinear stretch to the curvilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2, in particular from the first rectilinear stretch to the first curvilinear stretch.
It should be noted that along the second rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2, the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are positioned in the non operating position.
The passage from the operating position to the non-operating position occurs during the passage from the curvilinear stretch to the rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2. in particular from the second curvilinear stretch to the first rectilinear stretch. Each first supporting element 6 and each second supporting element 8 is configured to rotate about a relative axis of rotation 6a, 8a.
Each first supporting element 6 and each second supporting element 8 is in the form of an element of revolution, with reference to the respective axis of rotation 6a, 8a.
Said axis of rotation 6a, 8a is parallel to a rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and a rectilinear stretch of the second trajectory T2 at which the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are positioned in the operating position.
The first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 each comprise at least a first portion 15 and a second portion 16, each rotating independently, relative to each other, with respect to the axis of rotation 6a, 8a of the first supporting element 6 and with respect to the axis of rotation 8, see Figure 3.
The first portion 15 and the second portion 16 each have a truncated cone shape in such a way as to define and “hourglass” shape for each first supporting element 6 and second supporting element 8.
Along the stretch 2 for detecting surface defects is positioned means 17 for actuating the rotation of the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8.
The actuator means 17 is positioned along at least part of the rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2, in particular the first rectilinear stretches of the first trajectory T1 and of the second trajectory T2, wherein the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 are in an operating position.
The actuator means 17 rotate about the relative axis of rotation 17a.
The axis of rotation 17a is parallel to the axes of rotation 6a, 8a of the first supporting element 6 and of the second supporting element 8.
It should be noted that if the actuator means 17 rotate in a clockwise direction, the first supporting element 6 and the second supporting element 8 are rotated about the relative axes 6a, 8a in an anticlockwise direction.
Preferably, the actuator means 17 are in the form of a brush.
At the release station 24, the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 pass from the operating position to the non operating position, mutually releasing the product 3 in the pocket 13 of the conveyor unit 12.
In order to ensure the release of the product 3 from the seat 14 defined by the first supporting element 6 and by the second supporting element 8 to a respective pocket 13 of the conveyor unit 12, downstream of the optical inspection station 4, there is a device 20 for detecting the product 3 configured for detecting the presence of the product 3 transported by the first supporting element 6 and the second supporting elements 8. Preferably, the detection device 20 is in the form of a photocell.
A control unit 21 receives a detection signal 22 of the product 3 from the detection device 20.
The command and control unit 21 , after receiving the detection signal 22, determines virtually the position of the pocket 13 which will receive the product 3 detected.
In particular, the conveyor unit 12 is equipped with an encoder, not illustrated, connected electronically to the command and control unit 21. The conveyor unit 12 is equipped with a sensor for detecting at least one pocket 14 connected electronically to the command and control unit 21.
The command and control unit 21 , knowing the number of cups 14 of the conveyor unit 12, using the encoder signal and the detection signal of the pocket 14 is configured to determine the spacing of each pocket 14, that is, the virtual position of each pocket 14.
On the basis of the virtual position of the receiving pocket 13 and the position of the product 3 along the detection stretch 2, the command and control unit 21 is configured to command a variation in the speed of rotation of the motor unit 19 in such a way as to decelerate and/or accelerate the movement of the first supporting elements 6 and the second supporting elements 8 in such a way that the product 3 is released into the predetermined pocket 13.
For the control of the variation in the rotation speed, the control unit 21 is configured for calculating the distance between the spacing of each pocket 14 of the conveyor unit 12 and the spacing of the drive unit 19.
Lastly, it should be noted that each pocket 13 has a size equal to three times the size of each first supporting element 6 or each second supporting element 8.

Claims

1. A line for conveying and selecting medium-size oblong fruit and vegetable products, in particular pears, mangos, melons, comprising at least one stretch (2) for detecting surface defects of the products (3) having at least one optical inspection station (4); the stretch (2) for detecting surface defects of the products (3) is configured for feeding the products (3) along a feed direction (D); upstream of the optical inspection station (4), the detection section (2) has a station (25) for feeding the products (3) at which the products (3) are positioned with the respective longitudinal axis of extension (3a) parallel to the feed direction (D) of the detection section (2); downstream of the optical inspection station (4), the detection section (2) has a station (24) for releasing the products (3) inspected; the detection stretch (2) comprises at least a first conveyor (5) comprising a plurality of first elements (6) for supporting the products (3) and a second conveyor (7) comprising a plurality of second elements (8) for supporting the products (3); from the feed station (25) to the release station (24), through the optical inspection station (4), the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) are configured to feed together the products (3) and to rotate together the products (3), about an axis of rotation parallel to the feed direction (D).
2. The line according to claim 1 , characterised in that the first supporting elements (6) are moved by the first conveyor (5) along a first trajectory (T1) and the second supporting elements (8) are moved by the second conveyor (7) along a second trajectory (T2); during the movement along the first trajectory (T1) and the second trajectory (T2), the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) pass from a non operating position, in which they are positioned spaced apart from each other, to an operating position, in which they are positioned facing each other and alongside each other to define a seat (14) for housing at least part of a respective product (3) for feeding it and rotating it together.
3. The line according to claim 2, characterised in that the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) are positioned in an operating position at least along a respective rectilinear stretch of the first trajectory (T1) and of the second trajectory (T2) positioned parallel to each other and facing each other; the rectilinear stretches of the first trajectory (T1) and of the second trajectory (T2) wherein the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) are positioned in an operating position define the path of the stretch (2) for detecting surface defects of the products (3).
4. The line according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) move from the operating position to the non-operating position at the release station (24); the passage from the operating position to the non-operating position occurs during the passage from the rectilinear stretch to a curvilinear stretch of the first trajectory (T1) and of the second trajectory (T2).
5. The line according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each first supporting element (6) and each second supporting element (8) is configured to rotate about a relative axis of rotation (6a, 8a).
6. The line according to claim 5, characterised in that each first supporting element (6) and each second supporting element (8) is in the form of an element of revolution, with reference to the respective axis of rotation (6a, 8a).
7. The line according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) each comprise at least a first portion (15) and a second portion (16), each rotating independently, relative to each other, with respect to the axis of rotation (6a) of the first supporting element (6) and with respect to the axis of rotation (8a) of the second supporting element (8).
8. The line according to claim 7, characterised in that the first portion (15) and the second portion (16) each have a truncated cone shape in such a way as to define and “hourglass” shape for each first supporting element (6) and second supporting element (8).
9. The line according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means (17) for actuating the rotation of the first supporting elements (6) and of the second supporting elements (8) positioned along at least part of the stretch (2) for detecting surface defects of the products (3).
10. The line according to claim 9, characterised in that the actuator means (17) rotate about the relative axis of rotation (17a), parallel to the feed direction (D) of the products (3) along the detection stretch (2).
11. The line according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) are moved along the respective first trajectory (T1) and second trajectory (T2) respectively by respective motion transmission means (18) actuated by a single drive unit (19).
12. The line according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises, downstream of the station (24) for releasing the products (3), at least one section (11) for weighing the products (3) comprising at least one conveyor unit (12) for moving a plurality of pockets (13) each configured to house a respective product (3).
13. The line according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, downstream of the optical inspection station (4), there is a device (20) for detecting the product (3) configured for detecting the presence of the product (3) transported by the first supporting element (6) and the second supporting elements (8); a command and control unit (21) is configured to receive a detection signal (22) indicating the product (3) from the detection device (20) and is configured to determine the virtual position of the pocket (13) which will receive the product (3) detected at the release station (24); the command and control unit (21) is configured to command a variation in the speed of rotation of the motor unit (19) in such a way as to decelerate and/or accelerate the movement of the first supporting elements (6) and the second supporting elements (8) in such a way that the product (3) is released into the predetermined pocket (13).
PCT/IB2020/061135 2019-11-29 2020-11-25 Line for conveying and selecting oblong fruit and vegetable products WO2021105894A1 (en)

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IT102019000022575 2019-11-29
IT102019000022575A IT201900022575A1 (en) 2019-11-29 2019-11-29 CONVEYANCE AND SELECTION LINE OF OBLONG HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS.

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2921432A1 (en) * 2012-11-16 2015-09-23 Citrodiagnosis Selectiva, S.L. Machine for the inspection and detection of defects in fruit products, and associated methods

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2921432A1 (en) * 2012-11-16 2015-09-23 Citrodiagnosis Selectiva, S.L. Machine for the inspection and detection of defects in fruit products, and associated methods

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