Plant for the processing and selection of fruit and vegetable products.

Description

DESCRIPTION of the invention entitled: “Fruit and vegetable processing and selection plant” 5 of ARPITEL SRL in Rome filed on July 16, 2024 at the Italian Patent and Trademark Office. * * * * * * * FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 10 The present invention relates to a plant for the treatment and selection of fruit and vegetable products, in particular for the purpose of dividing the products fruit and vegetables in two or more groups, for example based on their size and / or shape and / or the possible presence of surface defects. In a possible and preferred embodiment, the system according to the present invention is 15 usable for the treatment and selection of asparagus. STATE OF THE ART In the fruit and vegetable sector there is a need to divide the products fruit and vegetables into various groups on the basis of standardized parameters, in particular in terms of size and / or shape, in order to thus associate each group 20 a corresponding price range. Furthermore, the product division fruit and vegetables by shape and / or size allows us to offer products that are uniform among themselves, at least visually, thus improving the quality perceived by consumers / buyers. Again, the division of products fruit and vegetables by size makes packing them easier, improving 25 thus both warehouse and transport logistics. To date, this division of products is done manually. or by automatic classification systems, which however They are generally quite complex and expensive. In particular, the well-known systems 801.1234 automatic systems for the classification of fruit and vegetable products occupy large operational surfaces and require significant initial investments, thus making them mainly suitable for large producers. PURPOSES OF THE INVENTION 5 The purpose of the invention is to propose a system for the treatment and the selection of fruit and vegetable products that allows us to resolve, at least in part, the drawbacks of the known solutions. Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that is highly versatile and efficient. 10 Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that allows sort fruit and vegetable products precisely, reliably and accurately. Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that is compact and, in particular, compact. Another aim of the invention is to create a system that facilitates the 15 quality control of fruit and vegetable products. Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that is easily and highly scalable. Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that is highly automated. 20 Another aim of the invention is to propose a system which is usable for the treatment and division of various types of products fruit and vegetables. Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that can be built in a simple, fast and low-cost way. 25 Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that can be installed in a simple, fast and cost-effective way. Another aim of the invention is to propose a simple, rapid system and economical maintenance. 801.1234 Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that is easy and practical to use. Another aim of the invention is to propose a system which is at the same time low production costs, compact and with a small footprint, and 5 as well as highly versatile and scalable, making it suitable to be used for various fruit and vegetable products without the need for modifications substantial. Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that is safe for operators and that it is in line with the regulations in force in the sector. 10 Another aim of the invention is to propose a system that can operate for a long time without requiring intervention by the operator. Another aim of the invention is to create a system that can be mass-produced quickly and efficiently. Another aim of the invention is to propose a system which is 15 improved and / or alternative to traditional ones. Another aim of the invention is to create a system which has a alternative characterization, both in constructive and functional terms, compared to the traditional ones. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 20 All these purposes, considered individually or in any of them combination, and others that will result from the following description are achieved, according to the invention, with a system as defined in the claim 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 25 The present invention is further clarified hereinafter in some of his favorite forms of practical realization reported for purely exemplary and non-limiting with reference to the attached tables of drawings, in which: 801.1234 Figure 1 shows the system according to the invention in a plan view, Figure 2 shows the system of Fig. 1 in a side view, Figure 3A shows a plan view of the loading station of the system in fig. 1, 5 Figure 3B shows the loading station of Fig. 3A in a view side, Figure 3C shows the loading station of Fig. 3A in a side view front, Figure 4A shows a plan view of the treatment station 10 of the system in fig. 1, Figure 4B shows the treatment station of Fig. 4A in a view side, Figure 5A shows a plan view of the selection station of the system in fig. 1, and 15 Figure 5B shows the selection station of Fig. 5A in a side view side, Figure 6 shows a photographic survey of the system according to the invention for the treatment and selection of asparagus, Figure 7 shows a photographic survey of the system in Fig. 6 in 20 correspondence of the first conveyor belt of the station of treatment, Figure 8 shows a photographic survey of the system in Fig. 6 in correspondence of the passage by fall, from the first tape conveyor to the second conveyor belt, of a 25 asparagus at a time, Figure 9 shows a photographic survey of the system in Fig. 6 in image sensor matching, 801.1234 Figure 10A shows a photographic survey of the system in Fig. 6 in correspondence of a first exit zone of the section of selection, Figure 10B shows a photographic survey of the system in Fig. 6 in 5 correspondence of the selection section, and in which the second ejection device was activated to cause thus the asparagus exits from the second exit area of the said selection section, Figure 11 shows a photographic survey of the system in Fig. 6 in 10 correspondence of the sterilization section, Figure 12 shows a photographic survey of the system in Fig. 6 in which it is the tunnel covering the image sensor is also foreseen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND SOME OF ITS PREFERRED FORMS OF REALIZATION 15 The present invention relates to a system – indicated overall with the reference number “1” - for the treatment and selection of fruit and vegetable products, in particular for the purpose of dividing the products fruit and vegetables based on their size and / or shape. In a possible and preferred embodiment, the 1 second system 20 The present invention is usable for the treatment and selection of asparagus (see fig. 6 – 12), however it is understood that the system according to the present invention can be used for the processing and selection of other fruit and vegetable products in general, such as artichokes, cucumbers, courgettes, apples, oranges, avocado, etc. 25 PLANT Plant 1 comprises, in sequence, a treatment station 10 and a selection station 20. In particular, the selection station 20 is a downstream of treatment station 10. 801.1234 The treatment station 10 comprises at least one section for the treatment of fruit and vegetable products. In particular, the treatment station 10 may comprise a cutting section 11 and / or a washing section and / or a sterilization section 12. Therefore, at least one section is said for the 5 treatment of fruit and vegetable products includes at least one of a section of cutting 11, a washing section and a sterilization section 12. Selection station 20 includes: − at least one image sensor 45 capable of acquiring at least one image of each fruit and vegetable product that passes through said 10 sensor, − a subdivision section 50, positioned downstream from the sensor images 45, which is configured to automatically split products fruit and vegetables on the basis of said at least one image acquired from said 45 image sensor, in particular on the basis of the processing carried out 15 on said at least one image. Conveniently, the system 1 comprises (at least) one tape conveyor 2 configured to advance through the plant itself fruit and vegetable products received from outside and, in particular, by passing through to the said fruit and vegetable products to be treated and to divide the treatment station 20 10 and the selection station 20. Preferably, system 1 comprises: − a first conveyor belt 2' planned in the treatment station 10 for advance the fruit and vegetable products through processing station 10, And 25 − a second 2'' conveyor belt provided in the selection station 20 to advance the fruit and vegetable products through the sorting station 20. 801.1234 Preferably, the second 2'' conveyor belt is arranged at an angle, more preferably it is arranged orthogonally, with respect to the first tape conveyor 2'. Preferably, the direction of development longitudinal / advance of the second conveyor belt 2'' is 5 substantially angled, more preferably it is substantially orthogonal, with respect to the longitudinal development / advancement direction of the first tape transporter 2'. Appropriately, said (at least) one conveyor belt 2 is motorized and, in particular, traditionally, is wrapped around (at least) 10 a motorized roller. Preferably, said first conveyor belt 2' and said second 2'' conveyor belt are motorized. Preferably, said at least one conveyor belt 2 may be a carpet (i.e. with a substantially larger surface area for supporting the products) continuous, without openings or interruptions) and / or can be networked (for example 15 with a plurality of interconnected meshes forming a surface of support of products with openings). More preferably, the first tape conveyor 2' can be of the mesh type, while the second belt 2'' conveyor can be carpeted. RECEPTION AREA 20 The system 1 also comprises (at least) one reception area 30 which It is configured to receive the fruit and vegetable products to be treated from outside and divide. In particular, the reception zone 30 can be defined in entrance or upstream of the treatment station 10. In more detail, the area of reception 30 is defined at the entrance to plant 1 and at least 25 a conveyor belt 2 that passes through the plant itself. Conveniently, the positioning / loading of products on the receiving area 30 can be performed manually by one or more operators, or – in a possible form of construction not illustrated – traditional means may be foreseen for 801.1234 automatic loading. Preferably, loading the products onto the conveyor belt conveyor 2 is made in such a way as to separate the products, in particular in so as to arrange them spaced next to each other along the direction of development longitudinal / advancement of the corresponding tape. 5 In a possible and preferred embodiment, the system 1 can comprise a loading station 31 which is positioned upstream of the treatment station 10. The loading station 31 can be provided of an additional / own 2''' conveyor belt which is separate and independent with respect to the first conveyor belt 2' of the treatment station 10. 10 Appropriately, in this case, the reception zone 30 is defined in correspondence of said additional conveyor belt 2''' of the station loading 31. Preferably, the additional conveyor belt 2''', which is positioned upstream of the first conveyor belt 2', it can be aligned with the latter. Preferably, the loading station 31 may comprise 15 one or more brushes to distribute the products more evenly on the said additional 2''' conveyor belt. Preferably, at the downstream terminal end of the first conveyor belt 2' can be provided with a food sponge rotary 59 which intercepts the products advancing on the said first belt 20 conveyor 2' to allow a more gradual fall of the products from the first conveyor belt 2' to second conveyor belt 2'', as it will be described in more detail below. Preferably, in a possible embodiment illustrated in the figures, the reception zone 30 can be defined from / in the station 25 loading 31. Preferably, in one possible embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the reception zone 30 could be defined / expected in treatment station 10 and, in particular, at the first conveyor belt 2'. 801.1234 Preferably, the receiving area 30 may comprise a template for place neatly – and in particular appropriately spaced and singled out - fruit and vegetable products on the corresponding conveyor belt 2''' or 2'. 5 Appropriately, in a possible embodiment where the products fruit and vegetables to be treated and divided have a substantially elongated shape (such as asparagus for example), it turns out that: − fruit and vegetable products are arranged, preferably side by side, on the first conveyor belt 2' of the treatment station 10, and advance with 10 said first tape, so that the elongated development direction of each product is substantially angled or orthogonal to the direction of longitudinal development / advancement of the first conveyor belt 2', − the fruit and vegetable products are arranged on the second 2'' conveyor belt of the selection station 20, and advance with said second belt, so 15 that the elongated development direction of each product is substantially aligned or parallel to the direction of development longitudinal / advance of the second conveyor belt 2''. MEANS OF TRANSFER 60 Plant 1 also includes means of transfer 60 of the products 20 treated from treatment station 10 to selection station 20. Preferably, said transfer means 60 are positioned between the first conveyor belt 2' and the second conveyor belt 2'' and, in particular, are arranged between the downstream terminal area of ​​the first conveyor belt 2' and the upstream terminal area of ​​the second 2'' conveyor belt. 25 Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the surface of upper transport of the second 2'' conveyor belt of the station selection 20 is located at a lower height than the transport surface top of the first conveyor belt 2'. 801.1234 Preferably, the first conveyor belt 2' and the second belt 2'' conveyor are configured so that the products pass by gravity from the first to second tape, in particular they fall from the first tape 2' on the second 2'' tape. 5 Preferably, the transfer means 60 are configured to cause a passage by fall, of one product at a time, from the first belt 2' to the second tape 2''. Ideally, this drop pass is also guided so that the product arriving from the first 2' belt falls substantially in a certain area (for example substantially in 10 center), along the width development of the second 2'' tape. In particular, a for this purpose, said transfer means 60 comprise a conveyor. More in detail, on the sides of the second 2'' tape two walls 61' and 61'' are mounted, parallel and inclined internally towards the upper transport surface of the second 2'' tape, which define a passage section of 62 between them 15 vertically facing the central area (in width) of the second ribbon same. In essence, the product coming from the first 2' tape falls on a of the walls 61' or 61'', which guides him to cross the passage section 62, left / defined between the walls themselves, thus making it arrive on the second tape 2'' conveyor and thus allowing it to position itself substantially at the 20 center, in width, on said second conveyor belt 2''. Preferably, the transfer means 60 may be positioned at the transition from treatment station 10 to station of subdivision 20. Preferably, the transfer means 60 are positioned upstream, more preferably immediately upstream, from the 45 image sensor. 25 Ideally, the transfer means 60 are configured to pass a produced at a time from the first 2' tape to the second 2'' tape and so that the product is positioned in a certain area along the width of the second 2'' tape, to facilitate and optimize the acquisition of at least 801.1234 an image of each product by the image sensor 45. Preferably, the transfer means 60 is configured to pass a produced at a time from the first 2' tape to the second 2'' tape and so that are positioned on the second 2'' tape in correspondence with an area which is 5 substantially aligned – along the longitudinal development of the said second 2'' tape – or which could also correspond to the framing area of ​​the 45 image sensor TREATMENT STATION Preferably, the treatment station 10 may comprise a 10 sterilization section 12, which is configured for sterilization of products fruit and vegetables by UV light radiation, preferably radiation UV-C light (i.e. in the wavelength 280-100 nm). Suitably, the treatment station 10 may comprise a cutting section 11 configured to cut fruit and vegetable products to separate 15 so any unwanted or excess parts from the remaining part of the body of the products themselves. Preferably, the treatment station 10 may comprise a washing section (not shown in the figures), which is configured to wash the fruit and vegetable products that may have been previously cut. 20 More preferably, the washing section may comprise a plurality of nozzles for the release of water at an adjustable pressure from 0 to 4 bar, for thus eliminating any dirt found on fruit and vegetables following their collection. Preferably, the treatment station 10 may comprise a 25 cutting section 11 upstream of the sterilization section 12. Preferably, if the washing section is provided, it can be positioned at upstream of sterilization section 12. 801.1234 Preferably, the cutting section 11 comprises a rotating blade 14 (e.g. circular) for cutting off any unwanted / excess parts of the fruit and vegetable product. More preferably, cutting section 11 includes also a wheel 17 (which for example can be pushed by an adjustable spring) 5 configured to press the product to hold / stop it during the cut. For example, in the case of asparagus, cutting section 11 is configured and intended to cut a part of each asparagus at the its base end (i.e. the one opposite the tip). Advantageously, the 10 removed parts can be recovered for reuse, for example for the production of by-products. Preferably, the cutting section 11 can include a protective casing that covers the operating area of ​​the blade rotating 14; more preferably, the protective casing is movable and is associated to an electric lock to be unlocked in order to allow movement 15 of the said crankcase. Preferably, the first conveyor belt 2' may comprise two portions, placed side by side, and in particular includes a longer portion connecting / connecting with the selection station 20, to advance as follows the products up to this last one, and a shorter portion that stops after 20 the cutting section 11, to thus unload the parts removed / cut as a result of the passage of the products through said cutting section. Suitably, the treatment station 10 may comprise means 13 to vary the positioning and / or orientation of fruit and vegetable products on the corresponding conveyor belt, and in particular on the first belt 25 conveyor 2', which passes through said station. Appropriately, said means 13 they are located upstream – preferably immediately upstream – of the cutting section 11, to correct the positioning and / or orientation of the products fruit and vegetables before cutting them and thus allow the rotating blade 14 of the 801.1234 cutting section 11 to act in sequence on one product at a time so as to separate the unwanted or excess part of the product itself from the remainder body of the latter. Preferably, said means 13 may comprise at least one 5 centralizing device 13' or 13''. More preferably, said means 13 They include two centralizing devices, 13' and 13'' respectively, each of which it is positioned and acts in correspondence with a respective side of the first conveyor belt 2'. More preferably, the two centralizing devices 13' and 13'' positioned on the respective sides of the first conveyor belt 2' are 10 slightly shifted from each other, and in particular they are among themselves positioned staggered, along the longitudinal development / advancement direction of the first conveyor belt 2'. Preferably, in a possible form of realization, each 13' or 13'' centralizing device includes a belt that is wrapped around two parallel rollers, one of which is motorized, 15 arranged so that their axis of rotation is orthogonal to the upper surface of the first conveyor belt 2'; appropriately, the belt is driven so as to move at substantially the same speed as advancement of the first conveyor belt 2'. In one possible embodiment, each centralizing device 20 13' or 13'' includes a side, a paddle or other guiding element – preferably adjustable and associated with an actuator – which rotates around a axis perpendicular to the development plane of the first conveyor belt 2'. STERILIZATION SECTION Preferably, the sterilization section 12 comprises LEDs 18 (i.e. 25 LED diodes) and / or lamps configured to emit UV light radiation, preferably UV-C (i.e. in the wavelength 280-100 nm). Preferably, the sterilization section 12 may comprise at least one 801.1234 strip with 18 LED diodes configured to emit only or mainly UV light radiation, preferably UV-C. Preferably, the sterilization section 12 may comprise a tunnel cover 17, which is crossed by the first conveyor belt 2' and at the 5 inside which the 18 LEDs and / or lamps configured for are housed and mounted emit UV light radiation, preferably UV-C. Preferably, Indicator lights can be installed around the tunnel cover 17 and / or sound configured to send corresponding alerts when someone is get closer. 10 Preferably, the LEDs 18 and / or lamps of the sterilization section 12 emit UV light radiation (rays), preferably UV-C, towards the products fruit and vegetables arranged on the first 2' conveyor belt which moves them forward through the said section. Advantageously, therefore, the UV light radiation, preferably UV-C, allow you to sterilize, sanitize and / or break down 15 bacterial colonies, viruses or, in general, other pathogenic agents present on the products fruit and vegetables passing through the sterilization section. Advantageously, This also allows the products treated in this way to be preserved for longer. Advantageously, treatment by UV-C light radiation increases the nutraceutical characteristics of the products, in particular making the latter 20 richest in antioxidant compounds. Preferably, the sterilization section 12 is configured so that that fruit and vegetable products receive UV light radiation, preferably UV- C, for a predefined time interval, for example about 10 – 30 seconds. SELECTION STATION 25 As mentioned, the selection station 20 comprises: − an image sensor 45 capable of acquiring at least one image of each fruit and vegetable product that individually passes through a framing area of ​​said sensor, 801.1234 − a subdivision section 50 which is configured to subdivide the products fruit and vegetables in two or more groups based on at least one image acquired by said image sensor 45, in particular on the basis of the processing performed on said at least one image. 5 The image sensor 45 is arranged – and in particular is mounted on the above the second conveyor belt 2'' - so as to frame a certain area of ​​the second conveyor belt 2''. In particular, the area sensor framing 45 is defined on the second conveyor belt 2'' and, preferably, is substantially aligned along the longitudinal development 10 of said second 2'' conveyor belt with the drop zone of each produced on said second conveyor belt. Conveniently, the 45 image sensor can be substantially of a known type and, for example, can use CCD or CMOS technology. The 45 image sensor can be controlled – and in particular can 15 be activated - to acquire (at least) one image of the single product fruit and vegetables only when it crosses the area framed by the sensor same. Preferably, upstream and / or in any case at the entrance to the area of framing from the image sensor 45 a device can be provided optical – for example a laser or other radiation emitter-receiver pair 20 light, preferably by fiber optics – which is electronically connected with the 45 image sensor for triggering / controlling correspondingly the acquisition by the image sensor 45 of a single image per product. Advantageously, this allows you to lighten the computational burden compared to a substantially continuous acquisition 25 (e.g. at 50Hz) of images / frames. Preferably, a tunnel 47 can be envisaged, which is crossed from the second 2'' conveyor belt and inside which the sensor is mounted images 45, thus covering the image acquisition area by 801.1234 said sensor. Ideally, said tunnel 47 is made of photo-metallic material reflective (e.g. aluminium) or polymeric (e.g. expanded PVC which Forex®). Advantageously, this allows you to maintain the trading zone 45 image sensor frame appropriately covered, resulting 5 thus protected - or at least less reachable - from external agents, such as the atmospheric dust, and from light sources, such as ambient light. The subdivision section 50 includes at least two exit zones 51 and at least one ejector device 52 that is operatively associated with a of said exit zones 51. 10 Appropriately, the exit zones 51 are defined / positioned in respective areas, spaced apart, of the second 2'' conveyor belt. In In particular, one or more exit zones 51 can be defined laterally along the longitudinal development of the second conveyor belt 2''; for example, the exit area 51 may include a corresponding through slot 15 obtained on a side edge of the second 2'' conveyor belt. In a possible embodiment, an exit area 51 can also be defined at the downstream terminal end of the second tape 2'' conveyor. Suitably, each ejector device 52 is configured to 20 operate within a corresponding area of ​​action which is defined along the second conveyor belt 2'', is distinct / separated from that of the others devices and is operationally associated with a respective exit zone 51. Conveniently, in correspondence with the exit zones 51, the products they come out and / or are made to come out – one at a time – from the second belt 25 conveyor 2''. Advantageously, in correspondence / proximity of each A respective collector can be positioned in the exit area 51. Preferably, in one possible embodiment, each exit zone 51 is operationally associated with a corresponding device 801.1234 ejector 52. Preferably, in one possible embodiment, it can an exit zone 51 is foreseen which is not operationally associated with an ejector device 52 and which is defined at the end downstream terminal of the second 2'' conveyor belt. Conveniently, in 5 substance, the number of exit zones 51 can be equal to the number of ejector devices 52 or may be greater than one unit, where there may be be an exit zone 51 without an ejection device 52 defined at the downstream terminal end of the second 2'' conveyor belt. Preferably, each ejector device 52 is of the pneumatic type. 10 and, more preferably, is compressed air and is equipped with a respective solenoid valve (and in particular of a pneumatic valve with actuation electric) for its activation. In particular, each ejector device 52 it is configured to emit, on command, a jet of compressed air (or other gas) which thus pushes / moves the product towards the corresponding exit area 51 which 15 is operationally associated with that ejector device 52. Preferably, each ejector device 52 is arranged on one side of the second belt 2'' conveyor and is substantially facing or aligned (along substantially the width development of said second conveyor belt 2'') to a respective exit zone 51 which is defined in correspondence with the other 20 opposite side of the second conveyor belt 2''. Conveniently, in a possible embodiment not shown, each device ejector 52 may include a corresponding pusher, tilting bulkhead hinged or a paddle or other equivalent mechanical organ that is movable command (for example it can be pneumatically or electrically actuated) and that 25 moves / pushes, coming into direct contact, the product towards the corresponding exit zone 51 operationally associated with that ejector device 52. System 1 comprises at least one electronic unit which is electronically connected to the image sensor 45, to thus receive the 801.1234 images acquired by the said sensor, and is also electronically connected to each ejector device 52, to thus send corresponding signals of command to each ejector device 52. Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the following is provided: 5 − a (first) electronic image processing unit which is electronically connected to (or may be structurally incorporated into) with the 45 image sensor, and − a (second) electronic control unit which is electronically connected with each ejector device 52 and which is also electronically 10 connected with said processing unit to receive corresponding signals data and signals processed by the latter. Suitably, the electronic processing unit may comprise a control unit with a processor, while the electronic control unit can understand a PLC. 15 Said at least one electronic unit of the system 1 is configured to: − determine on the basis of (at least) one image of each product, image that has been acquired by the image sensor 45, (at least) one default feature of the respective product, − command accordingly, on the basis of said characteristic as follows 20 determined for each product, at least one ejector device 52. In particular, the electronic unit is configured to control at least an ejector device 52 so as to cause its commanded activation when a corresponding product passes through the device's action area ejector 52, thus causing the said product to escape from the area of 25 outlet 51 which is operationally associated with said ejector device 52. Conveniently, in one possible embodiment, the unit processing electronics is configured to determine on the basis of (at least) a product image(at least) a predefined feature of the respective 801.1234 product, while the electronic control unit is configured to control correspondingly, on the basis of the said characteristic thus determined for each product, at least one ejector device 52. Conveniently, for each product that advances on the belt 5 conveyor 2'' activation is commanded, based on this characteristic thus determined, of a single ejector device 52 (or even of no ejector device 52) and, therefore, the products that advance in sequence on the 2'' conveyor belt are made to come out from respective and distinct areas of output 51 based on the characteristic determined by the image (acquired 10 from the image sensor 45) of each product. Advantageously, this allows you to sort and divide the products between the various exit areas 51 in based on one or more predefined characteristics (e.g. size / s) that are determined, for each product, on the basis of the image acquired by the 45 image sensors for each product. In essence, at the exit of the plant 15 1, the fruit and vegetable products are divided between the various exit zones 51 on the basis of to one or more predefined characteristics (for example size / s). Preferably, said at least one electronic unit of the system 1 is also configured so that: − the activation of each ejector device 52 is pre-associated / matched to 20 respective ranges of values ​​different from each other, and is also configured so that, for each fruit and vegetable product that enters at selection station 20: − determines on the basis of (at least) one image of the product, an image which was acquired by the image sensor 45, the value of (at least) one 25 default feature of said product, − compares the value of the default characteristic, which has been determined from the image acquired for said product, with said ranges of values ​​pre- paired / associated with each ejector device 52, thus identifying the 801.1234 ejector device 52 which is pre-associated / matched to the range of values ​​within which the value of the said characteristic falls determined for that product, − sends a command signal to cause the device to activate 5 ejector 52 so identified when that particular product passes through the area of ​​action of that ejector device 52. Conveniently, a module can be loaded into the electronic unit software that, when executed, is configured to perform one or more of the following: the aforementioned operations. 10 Conveniently, in one possible embodiment, we have that: − the electronic processing unit is configured to determine on the basis of of (at least) one image of the product, an image that has been acquired by the image sensor 45, the value of (at least) one default feature of said product, 15 − the electronic control unit is configured so that the activation of each ejector device 52 is pre-associated / matched to respective ranges of values ​​different from each other, and furthermore said electronic control unit is configured so that, for each fruit and vegetable product entering sorting station 20: 20 − compare the value of the default feature - which was determined by said processing unit starting from the image acquired for said product - with said value ranges pre-matched / associated with each ejector device 52, to thus identify the ejector device 52 which is pre-associated / matched to the range of values ​​within which 25 includes the value of the said characteristic thus determined for that product, − sends a command signal to cause the device to activate ejector 52 thus identified when that particular product passes through the area of ​​action of that ejector device 52. 801.1234 Conveniently, the activation of the ejector device 52 is synchronized (e.g. based on the pre-set speed of advancement of the second conveyor belt 2'') with the crossing of the area of ​​action of the corresponding ejection device by that 5 specific product. In essence, the ejector device 52 is activated only when that particular product enters and / or passes through its area of action. Conveniently, in one possible embodiment, the signal of command sent by the electronic unit (preferably by the electronic unit of 10 command) causes the opening of the solenoid valve associated with the device compressed air ejector 52 thus identified, with the consequent release of a jet of air / gas at high pressure that moves / pushes the corresponding product that is passing by the action area of that ejector device 52 towards the exit area 51 operationally 15 associated with said ejector device 52. Conveniently, the default feature of the product that is determined on the basis of the image of each product may include a or more dimensions (e.g. length and / or width) of the product itself, and / or may include its surface extension, its shape, and / or any 20 presence of superficially defective parts of the product, and / or in general any other aesthetic or superficial characteristic of the product. Appropriately, the electronic unit (and preferably the electronic unit processing) can be configured to perform a pre- processing (so-called “pre-processing”) of the image or images 25 acquired by the image sensor 45 for each product. In particular, this pre-processing can be done using traditional techniques which are notes to the industry expert, for example to reduce noise and / or improve the contrast and / or to change the size and / or orientation and / or for the 801.1234 correction of any geometric or perspective distortions. Preferably, This image pre-processing can be done using algorithms of filtering. Conveniently, to determine the value of (at least) one 5 default feature of said product, the electronic unit (and preferably the electronic processing unit) can be configured to perform a processing using artificial vision techniques and algorithms (the so-called “computer vision”) of the image or images acquired for that determined by the image sensor 45. In particular, this 10 processing can be done using traditional algorithms and techniques notes to the industry expert for data extraction and segmentation of images, such as those for detecting within the image or imagine the edges of a corresponding product. Preferably, called image pre-processing and / or processing 15 or images acquired by the image sensor 45 may be also carried out using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms learning. In a possible embodiment illustrated in figures 6 – 12, in where the sorting station 20 is configured to sort the asparagus according to 20 to their length and width (diameter), the characteristic that is determined - based on the image of each asparagus acquired by the image sensor 45 - is the length and width (diameter) of each asparagus. More specifically, the electronic unit (and preferably the unit electronic processing) can be configured to perform - after a 25 pre-processing of the image or images by filtering and / or following corrections in the positioning of the asparagus with respect to the sensor images 45 - a processing of the selected image in order to detect, inside this, the edges of the asparagus and, in particular, the upper edge and 801.1234 the lower edge, then used to calculate the length of the asparagus, and the two side edges, then used to calculate the width (diameter) of asparagus. As illustrated for example in figure 6, four options can be foreseen 5 exit zones 51 defined by respective through slots made on one side side of the second 2'' conveyor belt and facing corresponding ejector devices 52 mounted at the other side wall opposite of said second conveyor belt. Appropriately, to each ejector device 52, and then to each exit zone 51 operationally 10 associated with the corresponding ejector device, a pre-paired / associated corresponding – and different from the others – size range of asparagus, to make an appropriate subdivision of these on the basis of the size ranges as set. Conveniently, in one possible embodiment to be used 15 for quality control, the default characteristic to be determined on the basis of (at least) one image of each product can concern the presence or absence of superficially defective parts. In particular, in this case, at least an electronic unit of the system 1 can be configured to: − determine on the basis of (at least) one image of each product, 20 image that was acquired by the image sensor 45, the presence or less than one superficially defective part in the respective product, − command accordingly, if the presence of a defective part in a product, activation of the ejector device 52 when the said product with the defective part passes through the area of 25 action of said ejector device 52, thus causing the release of said product with the defective part through the corresponding area of output 51 which is operationally associated with said ejector device 52 while the remaining products which are free of defective parts come out of a 801.1234 different exit zone 51, preferably defined at the downstream end of the second conveyor belt 2'' (or vice versa). Advantageously, the system 1 according to the invention is highly scalable as the number of exit zones is 51 – and therefore the number of 5 possible product subdivisions – can be easily modified (both increasing it than decreasing it). Furthermore, advantageously, the system 1 according to the invention it is highly versatile since, by acting on the software configuration of said at least electronic unit (and in particular of the electronic processing unit), the system can be easily 10 adapted to various types of products and / or it is possible to easily modify the or the characteristics to be used to divide the products. Conveniently, plant 1 may comprise at least one unit of control (not shown), such as a PLC. Conveniently, the control unit control is appropriately programmed to control and coordinate the 15 operation of the various components of the system 1 and thus allow the correct operation of the plant itself. Appropriately, said at least one unit of control is electrically connected with the various electrical components or electromechanical systems of the system itself, as well as with any sensors mounted on on board of the system itself. More specifically, said at least one control unit is 20 electronically connected, to thus control their coordinated operation operation, (at least) with 2', 2'' conveyor belt motors (and possibly 2'''), with the drive motor of the rotating blade 14 of the cutting section 11, with the washing section drive motor, with the LEDs 18 and / or lamps of the sterilization section 12, with the electronic unit 25 image sensor processing 45 and with ejector devices 52. Preferably, said electronic control unit of the devices ejectors 52 is defined by said plant control unit 1 and, appropriately, an additional electronic unit can be provided 801.1234 processing of images acquired by the image sensor 45 which is electronically connected to the said electronic control unit of the system 1. Conveniently, in another possible embodiment, the unit also processing electronics that receives and processes the images acquired by the 5 image sensor 45 can be defined by the same control unit of plant 1 and, correspondingly, the operations – as described above – of image processing to then control the corresponding ejector devices 52 can be made in / from a single / same unit electronics which corresponds to the control unit of the entire system 1. 10 Suitably, said at least one control unit may be configured to control and command the operational functioning of at least a component of the various stations and sections (as mentioned above) of the system. Preferably, said at least one control unit can be configured to control and command the operational functioning of all or 15 of most of the components and / or stations of the plant itself. Conveniently, a single general control unit can be provided which It is electronically connected to all the various components of the system for control them directly, or a control unit can be provided general / central who supervises the operation of the system and who is 20 electronically to specific and dedicated control units of individual components and / or sections and / or stations. Preferably, said at least one control unit is electronically connected to at least one operator interface (not shown) through which an operator can give start / stop or other operational commands 25 commands (emergency, etc.), and / or set / change work settings (e.g. for example by setting the working speed, the type of product and / or the characteristics of the products to be determined in the images acquired by the sensor of images 45 and to be used for the division of the products, or by varying the 801.1234 minimum and / or maximum limit value for the characteristic ranges to be use for product division) and / or check / display the correct system operation. Conveniently, system 1 also includes an electrical system 5 power supply, preferably connected to the mains, which is configured to supply the various components of the system itself with electrical energy diet. As is clear from what has been said, the system according to the invention is quite advantageous as it allows to reach everyone 10 the stated purposes, and in particular: - it has small dimensions, − it is highly scalable and versatile, − allows for precise and efficient sorting of fruit and vegetable products, − it is simple and inexpensive to make. 15 The present invention has been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variants may be possible to be applied to them in practice, without however going beyond the scope of protection of the this patent for industrial invention. 801.1234

Claims

1. Plant (1) for the treatment and selection of fruit and vegetable products, characterised by the fact that it comprises: - a receiving area (30) which is configured to receive from the outside the fruit and vegetable products to be treated and divided, - a treatment station (10) which comprises at least one section for the treatment of received fruit and vegetable products, and in which said at least one section for the treatment of fruit and vegetable products comprises at least one cutting section (11) and / or a washing section and / or a sterilisation section (12), - a selection station (20) which is downstream of said treatment station (10) and which comprises: - at least one image sensor (45) capable of acquiring at least one image of each fruit and vegetable product which passes in correspondence with said sensor, and - a subdivision section (50), positioned downstream with respect to the image sensor (45),which is configured to automatically sort the fruit and vegetable products on the basis of said at least one image acquired by said image sensor (45), - at least one conveyor belt (2) configured to advance the fruit and vegetable products to be treated and sorted through the treatment station (10) and through the sorting station (20), and wherein the sorting section (50) comprises at least two exit zones (51) and at least one ejector device (52) which is operatively associated with one of said exit zones (51)., 2. Plant according to claim 1, wherein said at least one conveyor belt (2) comprises: 801.1234 - a first conveyor belt (2') provided in the processing station (10) to advance the fruit and vegetable products through the processing station (10), and - a second conveyor belt (2'') provided in the selection station (20) to advance the fruit and vegetable products through the selection station (20).

3. Plant according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: - the second conveyor belt (2'') is arranged at an angle, preferably orthogonally, with respect to the first conveyor belt (2'), - said plant comprises means for transferring the treated products (60) from the treatment station (10) to the selection station (20), - said transfer means (60) are configured to cause a passage by fall, of one product at a time, from the first belt (2') to the second belt (2'').

4. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said treatment station (10) comprises a sterilization section (12) and wherein said sterilization section (12) comprises LEDs (18) and / or lamps configured to emit UV light radiation, preferably UV-C.

5. Plant according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the treatment station (10) comprises means (13) for varying the positioning and / or orientation of the fruit and vegetable products on the corresponding conveyor belt (2) which passes through said treatment station (10), preferably said means (13) being positioned upstream with respect to a cutting section (11) provided in said treatment station (10).

6. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said image sensor (45) is controlled to acquire at least one image of the single fruit and vegetable product only when it passes through said area framed by the sensor itself. 801.1234 7. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least two exit zones (51) comprise respective zones, spaced apart from each other, defined laterally along the longitudinal development of the second conveyor belt (2'') and wherein, preferably, an exit zone (51) is defined in correspondence with the downstream terminal end of the second conveyor belt (2'').

8. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each ejector device (52) is configured to emit, upon command, a jet of compressed air, or other gas, which thus pushes / moves the product towards the corresponding outlet zone (51) which is operationally associated with that ejector device (52).

9. A system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said system comprises at least one electronic unit which is electronically connected to the image sensor (45), to thereby receive the images acquired by said sensor, and is also electronically connected to each ejector device (52), to thereby send corresponding control signals to each ejector device (52), and wherein said at least one electronic unit of the system (1) is configured to: - determine on the basis of at least one image of each product, which image has been acquired by the image sensor (45), at least one predefined characteristic of the respective product, - correspondingly control, on the basis of said characteristic thus determined for each product, at least one ejector device (52).

10. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said system comprises at least one electronic unit which is electronically connected to the image sensor (45), to thereby receive the images acquired by said sensor, and is also electronically connected to each ejector device (52), to thereby send corresponding control signals to each ejector device (52), and wherein said at least one electronic unit of the system (1) is also configured so that: - the activation of each ejector device (52) is pre-associated / matched to respective ranges of values ​​different from each other, 5 and also so that, for each fruit and vegetable product entering the selection station (20): - determines on the basis of at least one image of the product, which image has been acquired by the image sensor (45), the value of at least one predefined characteristic of said product,10 - compares the value of the predefined characteristic, which has been determined from the image acquired for said product, with said ranges of values ​​pre-matched / associated to each ejector device (52), to thus identify the ejector device (52) which is pre-matched / associated to the range of values ​​within which the value of said characteristic thus determined for that product falls, - sends a command signal to cause the activation of the ejector device (52) thus identified when that particular product passes through the action area of ​​that ejector device (52).,