WO2022053939A1

WO2022053939A1 - System for the screening of fruit and vegetable products

Info

Publication number: WO2022053939A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/058151
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ruggero RICCI; Andrea Bolognesi
Original assignee: Bulltec Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata Semplificata
Priority date: 2020-09-11
Filing date: 2021-09-08
Publication date: 2022-03-17
Also published as: IT202000021607A1

Abstract

The system (1) for the screening of fruit and vegetable products comprising: at least one loading station (2) of a plurality of fruit and vegetable products (P) having various sizes and weights, the loading station (2) comprising at least one loading line (3) adapted to move the fruit and vegetable products (P) along a direction of transport (T); at least one pre-selection station (5) located downstream of the loading station (2) with respect to the direction of transport (T) and comprising at least one pre-selection line (6) adapted to receive the fruit and vegetable products (P) from the loading line (3) and to move them along a direction of forward movement (A); and at least one selection station (7) located downstream of the pre-selection station (5) with respect to the direction of forward movement (A) and adapted to receive the fruit and vegetable products (P) from the pre-selection line (6) to divide them according to their size and/or weight; load detection means (13) configured to detect the load of the fruit and vegetable products (P) on the pre-selection line (6) and to generate at least one corresponding load signal; and at least one electronic processing and control unit (16) operationally connected to the load detection means (13) and to at least the loading line (3), configured to adjust the speed of movement of the loading line (3) along the direction of transport (T) depending on the load signal.

Description

SYSTEM FOR THE SCREENING OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE

PRODUCTS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products.

Background Art

In the preparation and distribution sector of fruit and vegetable products, systems are known for the screening of the same in order to discard damaged and/or spoilt products and to optimize the subsequent packaging phases.

In these systems, the fruit and vegetable products are first selected manually to remove damaged and/or spoilt products, and then sorted according to their size and/or weight to produce homogeneous packages.

These systems are generally provided with a loading line on which the fruit and vegetable products are initially placed, which line is adapted to move the latter along a direction of transport.

The fruit and vegetable products are then transferred to a pre-selection station, where one or more operators carry out a qualitative selection by discarding damaged and/or spoilt products.

The pre-selection station comprises a pre-selection line adapted to receive the fruit and vegetable products from the loading line and to move the selected products along a direction of forward movement.

Finally, the products which comply with the pre-selection operations arrive at a selection station wherein they are sorted according to their size and/or weight and placed in corresponding packaging containers.

The systems of known type do however have some drawbacks.

In the known type of systems, in fact, the speed of movement of the fruit and vegetable products is basically constant. It follows that the loading line may transport a variable number of products depending on the size of the products themselves. For example, in the case of large-size fruit and vegetable products, the loading line may only accommodate a small number of them, whereas in the case of small-size fruit and vegetable products, the loading line may accommodate a large number of them.

It is easy to appreciate that the time required for an operator to carry out a visual check is also dependent on the above-mentioned size.

In the case of large-size fruit and vegetable products and in small numbers, the pre-selection line is unloaded and the pre-selection phase can lead to longer working times.

In this case, therefore, the operator increases the speed of movement of the fruit and vegetable products on the loading line.

On the other hand, in the case of small-size products and in large numbers, the pre-selection line is overloaded and the operator may not be able to carry out an effective quality control, with the risk of not rejecting damaged products that could compromise the quality of the others.

In this case, therefore, the operator reduces the speed of movement of the products on the loading line.

This continuous need to adjust the speed of the loading line is impractical and reduces the efficiency of the system and of the working steps.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products which enables practical and efficient selection of fruit and vegetable products.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products which allows for a reduction in time related to the selection and packaging of fruit and vegetable products.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products which allows freeing from manual intervention by operators on the loading line.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products, which enables the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the system according to the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are axonometric views of stations of the system according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the operation of the system according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products.

The system 1 comprises at least one loading station 2 of a plurality of fruit and vegetable products P having various sizes and weights.

In the context of the present disclosure, the expression “sizes” referred to a fruit and vegetable product means the metric dimension of the same, for example length, diameter, or any metric dimension that differentiates one fruit and vegetable product from another.

The loading station 2 comprises at least one loading line 3 adapted to move the fruit and vegetable products P along a direction of transport T.

More in detail, the fruit and vegetable products P are manually brought to the loading station 2 and arranged at the point where the loading line 3 is located.

It cannot however be ruled out that the fruit and vegetable products P may be brought to the loading station 2 using automated means.

In the embodiment shown in the illustrations, the loading line 3 is of the type of a roller conveyor. It cannot however be ruled out that the loading line may be of a different type, e.g., of the type of a conveyor belt, a notched belt or the like.

The loading station 2 also comprises a collection tank 4 for the fruit and vegetable products P arranged upstream of the loading line 3 with respect to the direction of transport T.

The collection tank 4 is adapted to contain water and/or a detergent liquid for cleaning the fruit and vegetable products P contained therein.

The fruit and vegetable products P are moved from the collection tank 4 along the direction of transport T.

The loading line 3 is at least partially housed inside the collection tank 4 and is arranged at an angle to the ground. The direction of transport T is inclined and turned upwards, by which expression we refer to a situation in which the system 1 is arranged resting on the ground.

This conformation allows the loading line 3 to pick up the fruit and vegetable products P from the loading line 3 and move them along the direction of transport T.

The system 1 also comprises at least one pre-selection station 5 in which a preselection is carried out of the fruit and vegetable products P by quality control.

In the pre-selection station 5, the fruit and vegetable products P are manually selected by one or more operators in order to remove damaged and/or spoilt products.

The pre-selection station 5 is located downstream of the loading station 2 with respect to said direction of transport T and comprises at least one pre-selection line 6 adapted to receive the fruit and vegetable products P from the loading line 3.

The pre-selection line 6 is also adapted to move the fruit and vegetable products P along a direction of forward movement A.

In the embodiment shown in the illustrations, the pre-selection line 6 is itself of the type of a roller conveyor. It cannot however be ruled out that the preselection line 6 may be of a different type.

The direction of forward movement A is substantially horizontal and concordant with the direction of transport T.

In the embodiment shown in the illustrations, the pre-selection station 5 comprises a plurality of pre-selection lines 6, each adapted to receive the fruit and vegetable products P from the loading line 3; such solution allows the preselection operations to be carried out by a corresponding number of operators.

In the present case, the pre-selection station 5 comprises two pre-selection lines 6 arranged side by side and substantially parallel to each other.

The system 1 further comprises at least one selection station 7 located downstream of the pre-selection station 5 and adapted to receive the fruit and vegetable products P from the pre-selection line 6.

At the point where the selection station 7 is located, the fruit and vegetable products P are divided depending on their size and/or weight into corresponding packaging workstations 8.

The selection station 7 comprises a selection line 9 adapted to move the fruit and vegetable products P along a direction of movement M.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the selection line 9 is in turn of the type of a conveyor belt. It cannot however be ruled out that the selection line 9 may be of a different type.

Conveniently, the selection station 7 comprises automatic sorting means 10 configured to detect the size and/or weight of a fruit and vegetable product P and to direct the latter towards a relevant packaging workstation 8.

The automatic sorting means 10 comprise sensor means configured to detect at least one size and/or weight value of the fruit and vegetable product P and displacement means 11, operationally connected to the sensor means and adapted to direct the fruit and vegetable product towards a corresponding packaging station 8 according to the aforementioned value.

It cannot however be ruled out that the selection and sorting of the fruit and vegetable products P be carried out manually by an operator.

The system 1 also comprises at least one transfer line 12 of the fruit and vegetable products P, positioned between the pre-selection station 5 and the selection station 7 and movable along at least one direction of transfer B.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the transfer line 12 is of the type of a conveyor belt. It cannot however be ruled out that the transfer line 12 may be of a different type. The transfer line 12 receives the fruit and vegetable products P from the preselection line 6 and conveys them to the selection line 9.

Again with reference to the embodiment shown in the illustrations, the system 1 comprises a plurality of transfer lines 12.

More in detail, the number of transfer lines 12 corresponds to the number of pre-selection lines 6. Similarly, the number of selection lines 9 corresponds to the number of transfer lines 12.

Preferably, the transfer line 12 is arranged at a lower level than the pre-selection line 6 and is adapted to receive the relevant fruit and vegetable products P by gravity.

The direction of transfer B is substantially horizontal and transverse to the direction of forward movement A.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the direction of transfer B coincides with the direction of movement M.

The transfer line 12 has the function of aligning the fruit and vegetable products and preparing them for selection and packaging.

Embodiments of the present invention cannot be ruled out wherein the transfer lines 12 are not present.

According to the invention, the system 1 comprises load detection means 13 configured to detect the load of the fruit and vegetable products P on the preselection line 6 and to generate at least one corresponding load signal.

The system 1 also comprises at least one electronic processing and control unit 16 operationally connected to the load detection means 13 and to at least the loading line 3, configured to adjust the speed of movement of the loading line 3 along the direction of transport T depending on the load signal.

More in detail, the loading line 3 comprises a motorized actuator 3a provided with an inverter able to vary the aforementioned speed.

Advantageously, the load detection means 13 comprise at least one weight sensor configured to detect the weight of the fruit and vegetable products P on the pre-selection line 6.

Consequently, the load signal represents a weight value of the fruit and vegetable products P.

Preferably, the weight sensor is of the type of a load cell.

In particular, the load cell is associated with each pre-selection line 6.

Still with reference to the embodiment shown in the illustrations, the load detection means 13 comprise a pair of load cells associated with each preselection line 6, each arranged at a relevant end of the pre-selection line itself. Such solution makes it possible to detect the weight in an extremely homogeneous and effective manner.

In a possible embodiment not shown in the illustrations, the load detection means 13 comprise at least one vision sensor configured to acquire at least one image of the fruit and vegetable products P on the pre-selection line 6.

More in detail, the load detection means 13 are configured to detect at least one of the area occupied by the fruit and vegetable products P, the size and the number of the fruit and vegetable products P depending on the image.

Preferably, the vision sensor is of the type of a camera.

The load detection means 13 are configured to continuously send a corresponding load signal to the electronic processing and control unit 16.

Conveniently, the system 1 comprises dimensional detection means 14 operationally connected to the electronic processing and control unit 16, configured to detect at least one dimension value of the fruit and vegetable products P and to generate a corresponding dimension signal.

The dimensional detection means 14 are arranged on the transfer line 12, at the point where the selection station 7 is located.

In other words, the dimensional detection means 14 are adapted to determine the dimensions of the fruit and vegetable products P as they transit along the transfer line 12, just before they reach the selection station 7.

Preferably, the dimensional detection means 14 comprise one or more vision sensors.

Preferably, the vision sensors are of the type of a camera.

The electronic processing and control unit 16 is further configured to adjust the speed of movement of the loading line 3 depending on the dimension signal. Advantageously, the system 1 also comprises frequency detection means 15 operationally connected to the electronic processing and control unit 16, configured to detect the frequency of movement of the fruit and vegetable products P in at least one of the stations 2, 5, 7 and to generate a corresponding frequency signal.

More specifically, the frequency detection means 15 are associated with the transfer line 12, at the point where the selection station 7 is located.

The frequency detection means 15 are configured to determine the number of fruit and vegetable products P transiting on the transfer line 12 in the unit of time. This value is related to the number of fruit and vegetable products which reach the pre-selection line 6 from the loading line 3.

The electronic processing and control unit 16 is further configured to adjust the speed of movement of the loading line 3 depending on the frequency signal.

The frequency detection means 15 are selected from the list comprising photocell sensors, weight sensors, or the like.

Preferably, the frequency detection means 15 are of the type of one or more trigger photocells.

The electronic processing and control unit 16 is, moreover, operationally connected to the sensor means and to the displacement means 11 and is configured to operate the displacement means 11 according to the signal sent by the sensor means themselves.

In the embodiment shown in the illustrations, the sensor means coincide with the dimensional detection means 14 and with the frequency detection means 15. Conveniently, the electronic processing and control unit 16 is configured to combine the signals generated by the load detection means 13, by the dimensional detection means 14 and by the frequency detection means 15 to adjust the speed of movement of the loading line 3.

More in detail, the electronic processing and control unit 16 is configured to associate the weight of the products on the pre-selection line 6 with the relevant dimensions and the frequency with which the same arrive at the frequency detection means 15 and, according to these signals, it intervenes on the loading line 3 in order to increase or decrease the flow rate of the fruit and vegetable products P to the pre-selection line 6.

This way, the detection means 13, 14, 15 carry out a constant control of the fruit and vegetable products P and allow the speed of the loading line 3 to be continuously adjusted.

In point of fact, if the electronic processing and control unit 16 determines that the load is excessive, it sends a command to the loading line 3 aimed at reducing the relevant speed of movement thereof along the direction of transport T so that the fruit and vegetable products P arrive more slowly at the pre-selection line 6 and the operators can effectively check each fruit and vegetable product P.

If, on the other hand, the electronic processing and control unit 16 determines that the load is insufficient, it sends a command to the loading line 3 aimed at increasing the relevant speed of movement thereof along the direction of transport T so that the fruit and vegetable products P arrive more quickly at the pre-selection line 6, thus optimizing the processing time.

Conveniently, the system 1 comprises at least one calibration station 17 arranged at the point where the transfer line 12 is located and adapted to house the dimensional detection means 14 and the frequency detection means 15.

More in detail, the calibration station 17 is arranged at the point where the selection station 7 is located.

This solution envisages that the dimensional detection means 14 are enslaved to the frequency detection means 15 and can be activated only in the presence of the fruit and vegetable product P.

In other words, when the frequency detection means 15 detect the presence of a fruit and vegetable product P on the transfer line 12 they activate the dimensional detection means 14 which detect the dimensions of the fruit and vegetable product itself.

Further embodiments of the present invention cannot be ruled out wherein the detection means 13, 14, 15 are made up of a single device configured to detect load, dimensions and number of the fruit and vegetable products present on the pre-selection line 6.

The operation of the system 1 according to the present invention is as follows.

The fruit and vegetable products P are loaded into the collection tank 4. By means of the loading line 3, the fruit and vegetable products P are spaced apart from the collection tank 4, along the direction of transport T, and reach the preselection station 5.

At the point where the pre-selection station 5 is located, the fruit and vegetable products P are visually inspected by one or more operators to discard any damaged and/or spoilt products.

At the same time, the load detection means 13 determine the weight of the fruit and vegetable products P on the pre-selection line 6 and send a corresponding load signal to the electronic processing and control unit 16.

The fruit and vegetable products P drop down to the transfer line 12 where they are aligned and moved towards the calibration station 17.

At the point where the calibration station 17 is located, the frequency detection means 15 detect the transit of each fruit and vegetable product P and activate the dimensional detection means 14 to determine the dimensions of the fruit and vegetable product itself.

The dimensional detection means 14 send a corresponding dimension signal to the electronic processing and control unit 16.

At the same time, the frequency detection means 15 send a signal relating to the transit frequency of the fruit and vegetable products P to the electronic processing and control unit 16.

Depending on the aforementioned signals, the electronic processing and control unit 16 starts the inverter of the motorized actuator 3 a in order to increase or decrease the speed of the loading line 3.

Furthermore, the electronic processing and control unit 16 starts the displacement means 11 depending on the frequency detected by the frequency detection means 15 and of the signal detected by the sensor means.

It has in practice been ascertained how the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular the fact is underlined that the system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products according to the invention allows a practical and efficient selection of the fruit and vegetable products.

This result is achieved thanks to the presence of detection means able to determine the actual load of fruit and vegetable products on the pre-selection line and send a corresponding signal to the electronic processing and control unit, which acts on the loading line to adjust the speed thereof.

Furthermore, these characteristics make it possible to increase the efficiency of the system and to reduce the time required to select and pack the fruit and vegetable products. Finally, the present system for the screening of fruit and vegetable products makes it possible to do without with the manual intervention of the operators on the loading line and allows the continuous and timely adjustment of the latter.

Claims

1) System (1) for the screening of fruit and vegetable products comprising: at least one loading station (2) of a plurality of fruit and vegetable products (P) having various sizes and weights, said loading station (2) comprising at least one loading line (3) adapted to move said fruit and vegetable products (P) along a direction of transport (T); at least one pre-selection station (5) located downstream of said loading station (2) with respect to said direction of transport (T) and comprising at least one pre-selection line (6) adapted to receive said fruit and vegetable products (P) from said loading line (3) and to move them along a direction of forward movement (A); and at least one selection station (7) located downstream of said pre-selection station (5) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A) and adapted to receive said fruit and vegetable products (P) from said preselection line (6) to divide them according to their size and/or weight; characterized by the fact that it comprises: load detection means (13) configured to detect the load of said fruit and vegetable products (P) on said pre-selection line (6) and to generate at least one corresponding load signal; and at least one electronic processing and control unit (16) operationally connected to said load detection means (13) and to at least said loading line (3), configured to adjust the speed of movement of said loading line (3) along said direction of transport (T) depending on said load signal.

2) System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said load detection means (13) comprise at least one weight sensor configured to detect the weight of said fruit and vegetable products (P) on said pre-selection line (6).

3) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said load detection means (13) comprise at least one vision sensor configured to acquire at least one image of said fruit and vegetable products (P) on said pre-selection line (6).

4) System (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that said load detection means (13) are configured to detect at least one of the area occupied by said fruit and vegetable products (P), the size and the number of said fruit and vegetable products (P).

5) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises dimensional detection means (14) operationally connected to said electronic processing and control unit (16), configured to detect at least one dimension value of said fruit and vegetable products (P) and to generate a corresponding dimension signal, said electronic processing and control unit (16) being configured to adjust the speed of movement of said loading line (3) depending on said at least one dimension signal.

6) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said dimensional detection means (14) are of the type of vision sensors.

7) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises frequency detection means (15) operationally connected to said electronic processing and control unit (16), configured to detect the frequency of movement of said fruit and vegetable products (P) in at least one of said stations (2, 5, 7) and to generate a corresponding frequency signal, said electronic processing and control unit (16) being configured to adjust the speed of movement of said loading line (3) depending on said at least one frequency signal.

8) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said frequency detection means (15) are selected from the list comprising photocell sensors, weight sensors, or the like.

9) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one transfer line (12) of said fruit and vegetable products (P), positioned between said pre-selection station (5) and said selection station (7) and movable along at least one direction of transfer (B), at least one of either said dimensional detection means (14) or said frequency detection means (15) being arranged at the point where said transfer line (12) is located. 14

10) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one calibration station (17) arranged at the point where said transfer line (12) is located and adapted to house said dimensional detection means (14) and said frequency detection means (15), wherein said dimensional detection means (14) are enslaved to said frequency detection means (15) and can be activated only in the presence of said fruit and vegetable product (P).

11) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said electronic processing and control unit (16) is configured to combine the signals generated by said load detection means (13), said dimensional detection means (14) and said frequency detection means (15) to adjust said speed of movement of the loading line (3).