OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM, INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATION COMPRISING AN OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM, METHOD FOR MAINTAINING AN OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING AN OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM

Abstract

An object handling system (100) for handling objects (111) transported by a conveyor belt (110) in a transportation direction (T) comprises an inspection unit assembly (120) of one inspection units (121, 122) and a frame (160) arranged across the conveyor belt. The frame comprises a maintenance bridge (161), extending across a width of the conveyor belt. The inspection unit assembly is positioned above the conveyor belt and rotatably attached to the frame by an inspection unit connector (140). The inspection unit connector is configured to allow a rotation of the inspection unit assembly around an axis of rotation. Thereby an inspection opening (123) of the inspection units are rotatable from an inspection operation position facing the conveyor belt to a first maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge. An industrial facility, a method for maintaining and a method for assembling an object handling system is also disclosed.

Description

1 / 19 “OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM, INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATION COMPRISING AN OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM, METHOD "TO MAINTAIN AN OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING AN OBJECT HANDLING SYSTEM" TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present technology relates generally to methods and devices for transporting objects and, in particular, to methods and devices for handling objects transported on a conveyor belt. BACKGROUND

[0002] In many modern industries, large volumes of different types of materials are handled in an automated or semi-automated manner, including various types of internal transport. In many technical applications, objects of various types are transported on conveyor belts. Objects may, for example, be transported from one processing station to another during production, or for other types of object handling. During this transport, different object handling actions are frequently performed, such as object analysis and / or object classification. Typically, objects are transported on a conveyor belt, and different types of handling equipment are arranged near the conveyor belt. This handling equipment may include different types of inspection, analysis, or classification equipment.

[0003] Regardless of the type of objects to be transported, these automated systems are typically built as heavy-duty facilities, capable of processing large quantities of objects or materials, to increase cost benefits. The material in such industrial plants may be, for example, bulk material or large quantities of smaller objects. Thousands and thousands of kilograms of materials or objects may be processed every day, which requires equipment that can handle Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 121 2 / 19 extensive wear and contamination. Therefore, industrial facilities need to be built with a focus on robustness and resistance to heavy wear. This typically results in industrial installations where the different treatment or handling stations are installed all at once, for example, using large overhead cranes. Maintenance or replacement of parts in these installations often requires the entire facility to be shut down and disassembled to some extent.

[0004] A typical example of such industrial plant systems is the industrial sorting of waste materials. Inspection units are provided to identify each item from the enormous quantity of transported items, and sorting arrangements can be controlled according to the type of item identified. These industrial systems typically involve large quantities of transported items, which inevitably introduce large amounts of contamination that can subsequently impair the operation of the various handling equipment. Shutting down the entire plant, or at least a significant part of it, and dismantling its parts using, for example, overhead cranes, causes significant economic losses and presents non-negligible risks of injury.Therefore, there is a need for frequent maintenance work on handling equipment, such as cleaning and / or replacing worn parts, which can be carried out quickly and safely.

[0005] As most heavy handling equipment is located above or at least near conveyor belts, maintenance needs often require operators to climb onto the conveyor belts to reach the handling equipment and possibly also crawl underneath the handling equipment. This type of work requires sophisticated safety precautions to avoid high risks of injury or involves awkward working positions.

[0006] In Japanese patent application JP 2011-122837 A, a color sorting machine for handling objects is disclosed. Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 121 3 / 19 transported by a conveyor belt. The color sorting machine comprises an inspection unit assembly arranged along the conveyor by a frame. The inspection unit assembly is fixed in a rotating manner to allow for maintenance. SUMMARY

[0007] A general objective of the present technology is to improve the maintenance possibilities of equipment used in connection with the transport of objects on conveyor belts.

[0008] The above objective is achieved by methods and devices according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in dependent claims.

[0009] In general terms, in a first aspect, an object handling system for handling objects transported by a conveyor belt in a transport direction comprises an inspection unit assembly and a structure. The inspection unit assembly comprises at least one inspection unit connected by a structural member. The inspection unit or each of the inspection units has a respective inspection opening. The structure is configured to be disposed along the conveyor belt. The structure includes a maintenance bridge that extends across the width of the conveyor belt. The maintenance bridge is configured to support the weight of a human operator. The inspection unit assembly is positioned above the conveyor belt and rotatably fixed to the structure by an inspection unit connector.The inspection unit connector is configured to allow rotation of the inspection unit assembly around a geometric axis of rotation. In this way, the inspection openings of the inspection units rotate from an inspection operating position facing the conveyor belt to a first maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge.

[0010] In a third aspect, an industrial facility for the Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 11 / 121 4 / 19 Processing large quantities of material or objects comprises a conveyor belt and an object handling system according to the first aspect arranged along the conveyor belt.

[0011] In a third aspect, a method for maintaining an object handling system according to the first aspect comprises rotating the inspection unit assembly to the first maintenance position. Maintenance of the interior of the inspection unit is performed by means of opening the inspection. The inspection unit assembly is then rotated back to the inspection operating position.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, a method for assembling an object handling system according to the first aspect comprises supplying the structure via a conveyor belt. A sorting unit assembly with sorting units is assembled, supported on the conveyor belt. A sorting unit connector is fixed to the structure. The sorting units are moved to the sorting operation position by means of the sorting unit connector. The maintenance bridge is mounted on the structure. A structural member of the inspection unit assembly is mounted on the inspection unit connector. The inspection units are finally mounted on the structural member.

[0013] One advantage of the proposed technology is that maintenance of the object handling system is performed easily and safely. Other advantages will be observed upon reading the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention, together with its additional advantages and objectives, can be better understood by referring to the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of an object handling system with the inspection units in an inspection operating position; Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 121 5 / 19 Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of an object handling system with the inspection units in a first maintenance position and with a set of classification units in a third maintenance position; Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of one embodiment of an object handling system with the inspection units in a secondary maintenance position; Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the steps in one embodiment of a method for maintaining an object handling system; Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of another embodiment of an object handling system in an early stage of assembly; Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of another embodiment of an object handling system at a subsequent assembly stage; Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of another embodiment of an object handling system in a subsequent assembly stage; Figure 8 is a schematic drawing of another embodiment of an object handling system in a final assembly stage; Figures 9A-B illustrate a sliding mechanism of an embodiment of a method for a system of object handling; and Figure 10 is a flow diagram of the steps of an embodiment of a method for assembling a system of object handling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numbers are used for similar or corresponding elements.

[0016] When performing maintenance or assembly of equipment around a conveyor belt, and particularly in heavy industrial plants, it is necessary to minimize the risk of injury. The surrounding equipment is typically heavy, and heavy lifting operations may be required during assembly or overhaul. Having, as in the previous technique, only a conveyor belt as a supporting surface is more... Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 121 6 / 19 nearby, not always stable enough to stand on, this work can be dangerous. Heavy lifting operations and difficult work positions are frequently encountered, and it may be necessary to use overhead cranes, which requires additional safety precautions. Providing any stable surface between the different equipment stations and the conveyor belt is not easy, as operating the equipment requires a direct view of the conveyor belt and often with a very small distance between them.

[0017] Instead, a principle of providing a stable surface for an operator next to the equipment to be handled is adopted, along with solutions for displacing, moving or rotating the equipment whose maintenance is requested, so that it can be easily reached from the side.

[0018] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an object handling system 100 for handling objects 111 transported by a conveyor belt 110 in a transport direction T. In a typical case, the width of the conveyor belt can vary from a few decimeters to several meters, depending on the application. The object handling system can, for example, be a sorting system or an object analysis system. An inspection unit assembly 120 comprises at least one inspection unit 121, 122 connected by a structural member 128. In large systems, several inspection units 121, 122 are generally used to cover the entire width of the conveyor belt. In such systems, preferably, the inspection unit assembly 120 comprises at least two inspection units 121, 122. In the present illustration, there are four inspection units 121, 122.Each of the inspection units 121, 122 has a corresponding inspection opening 123. In the present illustration, the inspection units 121, 122 are rotated with the inspection openings 123 facing downwards, towards the conveyor belt 110. In other words, the inspection units 121, 122 are positioned in an inspection operating position facing the conveyor belt 110. When a. Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 121 7 / 19 conveyor belt 110 is activated, objects 111 will pass in front of inspection openings 123 and can be inspected by inspection units 121, 122.

[0019] Inspection units 121, 122 can be of different types. Non-exclusive examples are that they can measure, for example, size and / or color and / or texture and / or type, or they can analyze chemical content or different types of responses to applications of different fields, such as electric fields, magnetic fields or, for example, electromagnetic radiation. In a classification system, inspection units 121 and 122 typically analyze the chemical composition of objects 111 on the conveyor belt 110. It is common for these inspection units, and in particular the inspection units used in industrial facilities for processing large quantities of materials or objects and with large conveyor belts, to be heavy equipment.

[0020] A structure 160 is configured to be arranged along the conveyor belt 110. Thus, the structure 160 extends on one side over at least most of the conveyor belt 110 in a direction transverse to the direction of transport. The structure 160 comprises a maintenance bridge 161, which extends over a width of the conveyor belt 110. The maintenance bridge 161 is configured to support the weight of a human operator and meet all necessary safety requirements. In this way, a position located above the conveyor belt 110 is provided, which is safe for a human operator to stand in. Standing on the maintenance bridge 161 will eliminate the risks of being supported by a non-rigid conveyor belt 110 and will also ensure that the operator is safe if the conveyor belt 110 is accidentally activated during maintenance work.Preferably, the maintenance bridge 161 has a width, in the transport direction T, that allows a maintenance operator to move easily on the maintenance bridge 161. A width of at least 50 cm is preferred. The length of the maintenance bridge 161, i.e., a. Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 15 / 121 8 / 19 dimension perpendicular to the transport direction T, is preferably at least equal to the width of the conveyor belt 110. The length of the bridge 161 is therefore typically from a few decimeters to several meters, depending on the application, the width of the conveyor belt and the space available around the conveyor belt 110.

[0021] The inspection unit assembly 120 is, as mentioned above, positioned above the conveyor belt 110. The inspection unit assembly 120 is rotatably fixed to the frame 160 by an inspection unit connector 140. The inspection unit connector 140 is configured to allow rotation of the inspection unit assembly 120 around a geometric axis of rotation X. In this way, the inspection openings 123 of the inspection units 121, 122 are rotatable from an inspection operating position facing the conveyor belt 110 to other positions.

[0022] The object handling system 100 is typically part of an industrial plant for processing large quantities of materials or objects. The industrial plant therefore comprises at least one conveyor belt 110. The object handling system 100 is therefore arranged along the conveyor belt 110.

[0023] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the same arrangement as Figure 1, when the inspection unit assembly 120 has been rotated. In this specific illustration, the inspection unit assembly 120 has been rotated so that the inspection openings 123 of the inspection units 121, 122 are moved to a first maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge 161. Therefore, a maintenance operator has easy access to the inspection opening 123 without needing to climb onto the conveyor belt 110. Furthermore, the maintenance operator can perform maintenance on the inspection opening 123 in an ergonomically advantageous position.

[0024] The inspection opening 123 comprises, in the present embodiment, an optical window 126. The first maintenance position, facing the space above the maintenance bridge 161, allows the cleaning of the optical window 126 of Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 121 9 / 19 easy way.

[0025] Returning to the embodiment of Figure 1, each of the inspection units 121, 122 has one or more interior access openings 124. These interior access openings 124 allow access to the interior of the respective inspection unit 121, 122. A cover 125 typically covers the interior access opening 124 to prevent unnecessary contamination. Preferably, the connector of the inspection unit 140 is configured so that the interior access openings 124 of the inspection units 121, 122 are rotatable to a second maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge 161. This situation is illustrated in Figure 3. In Figure 3, it can be seen that an operator located on the maintenance bridge 161 also has easy access to the interior access opening 124.The second maintenance position, facing a space above maintenance bridge 161, thus allows for the easy replacement of worn and deteriorated parts, for example, lighting fixtures.

[0026] Therefore, there are two or three positions that are advantageous for performing either an operation of the inspection units 121, 122 or the maintenance of the inspection units 121, 122. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, means are provided that help to find and maintain the inspection unit assembly 120 in the required positions. For this purpose, the inspection unit connector 140 comprises a latch configured to releasably secure the inspection unit assembly 120 in the inspection operation position and in the first maintenance position. If maintenance of the interior of the inspection units 121, 122 is also required, it is preferable that the latch be configured to releasably secure the inspection unit assembly 120 also in the second maintenance position. The latch may be electrically released or controlled.

[0027] In one embodiment, the inspection unit 120 assembly may additionally comprise a control unit. Preferably, the control unit includes at least one locking sensor for the unit. Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 121 The 10 / 19 inspection is configured to determine if the 120 inspection unit assembly is locked in the inspection operating position. In other words, the locking sensor checks if the latch that secures the 120 inspection unit assembly in the inspection operating position is correctly positioned to secure the 120 inspection unit assembly. The control unit is then configured to provide an output signal representing this locking status.

[0028] The industrial installation in which the object handling system 100 is inserted may include a supervisory control. This supervisory control is preferably configured to communicate with the control unit of the inspection unit assembly 120. In this way, the industrial installation can obtain information about the blocking status of the inspection unit assembly 120.

[0029] Inspection units 121, 122 can, as mentioned above, be relatively large and heavy. Even a rotation of the inspection unit assembly 120, where the main weight is carried by the means of rotation, can be relatively heavy. It is a requirement that the forces that maintenance personnel must apply to the system parts be limited, and that the loads from the system parts on the maintenance personnel also be kept reduced and at least below the restrictions provided for by applicable safety standards. To minimize or at least reduce the effort required to move the inspection unit assembly 120 between the inspection operating position and the first and possibly the second maintenance position, the geometric axis of rotation X can be extended in a direction that substantially coincides with the respective center of gravity of inspection units 121, 122.In this way, almost all the weight of inspection units 121, 122 is carried by the connector of inspection unit 140, and the operator only needs to provide forces that exceed rotational friction. This rotation can be performed manually or by any arrangement of auxiliary actuator. The center of gravity can be adjusted to the geometric axis mechanically by means of the unit connector. Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 121 11 / 19 inspection 140.

[0030] In cases where the inspection unit 120 assembly includes a control unit, it is preferable that the control unit also be arranged with the same geometric axis of rotation X as the inspection units 121, 122 to avoid cable loading. See also Figure 8 below.

[0031] The object handling system illustrated in Figure 1 is a sorting system. Inspection units 121 and 122 inspect objects 111, for example, analyzing their chemical composition, and based on this knowledge, a sorting arrangement can be controlled. In one embodiment, the object handling system further comprises a sorting unit assembly 130 of at least one, preferably at least two, sorting units 131, 132. The sorting unit assembly 130 is positioned in a sorting operation position near the conveyor belt 110, downstream of the inspection operation position of the inspection unit assembly 120. The sorting unit assembly 130 is fixed to the structure 160 by a sorting unit connector 134.

[0032] The sorting units 131, 132 can be of different types, as known in the prior art. One example is that the sorting units 131, 132 comprise means for providing a short air current pulse, whereby an object 111 arriving at the conveyor belt 110 can be moved in a certain selectable direction. The sorting units 131, 132 are then preferably provided just below the conveyor belt 110, at the end of the conveyor belt 110.

[0033] Another example of a classification unit 131, 132 could be a mechanical unit, which provides a mechanical action of pushing the different objects 111 to move them in the requested directions.

[0034] The operation of classification units 131, 132 depends, preferably, on the result of the analysis carried out by inspection units 121, Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 121 12 / 19 122, and the classification units 131, 132 are therefore provided after the inspection units 121, 122. In other words, preferably, the inspection unit assembly 120 is positioned before the maintenance bridge 161.

[0035] What is common in most sorting units is the fact that they are exposed to large amounts of contamination and, therefore, the cleaning and maintenance requirements are typically high. To facilitate cleaning and maintenance, the connector of sorting unit 134 is configured to allow displacement of the sorting unit assembly 130. Sorting units 131, 132 are moved from a sorting operation position to a third maintenance position accessible from the maintenance bridge 161. This situation is illustrated in Figure 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, the classification unit connector comprises a bar 135. The classification unit assembly 130 is fixed to the structure 160 by means of the bar 135. The bar 135 is rotatably connected to the structure 160. By rotating the bar 135 in the classification unit connector 134, the classification unit assembly 130 will be moved from its classification operating position. By means of a suitable design of the bar 135 and the classification unit connector 134, the classification unit assembly 130 can be moved so that the classification units 131, 132 appear in an easily accessible location from the maintenance bridge 161. In other words, the bar 135 is configured to provide, totally or partially, the displacement of the classification unit assembly 130 from the classification operating position to the third maintenance position after the rotation of the bar 135.

[0037] In a sorting system, such as that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the sorting unit assembly 130 is typically provided in the vicinity of the end of the conveyor belt 110. The space beyond and below the conveyor belt 110 typically comprises different Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 121 13 / 19 provisions for the additional transport of classified objects. When an operator is present on maintenance bridge 161, performing maintenance work, he typically needs tools and spare parts. There is a risk of these objects falling or even the operator himself falling from maintenance bridge 161. This is disadvantageous in all cases, but is typically more serious if the fall or detachment occurs beyond conveyor belt 110.

[0038] To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the structure 160 further comprises a protective screen 144, which is fixed to the structure 160. This protective screen 144 can be positioned in a protective position, as illustrated in Figure 1, wherein the protective screen 144 extends upwards from the downstream edge of the maintenance bridge 161. In this way, the protective screen 144 at least partially closes off an area 190 next to the maintenance bridge 161. This prevents people or objects from falling from the maintenance bridge 161 into the object handling system through area 190. As illustrated in Figure 2, the protective screen 144 can be moved from the protective position to an offset position that provides access to the classification unit assembly 130 when the classification unit assembly 130 is arranged in the third maintenance position.During maintenance, the assembly of classification unit 130 fills area 190, at least for the most part, and prevents objects from falling from maintenance bridge 161.

[0039] In other embodiments, for example, if the object handling system 100 does not include the sorting unit assembly, the structure 160 may be positioned before the inspection unit assembly 120.

[0040] Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the steps in one embodiment of a method for maintaining an object handling system. In particular, the method is adapted to an object handling system as described above. In step S10, the inspection unit assembly is rotated to the first maintenance position. In step S12, maintenance is performed on Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 121 14 / 19 interior of the inspection unit through the inspection opening. In step S30, the inspection unit assembly is rotated to the inspection operating position.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, when access openings to the interior are available, the method comprises additional steps. In step S20, the inspection unit assembly is rotated to the second maintenance position. In step S22, the cover is opened. In step S24, maintenance of the interior of the inspection unit is performed. In step S26, the cover is closed.

[0042] In Figure 4, steps S10 and S12 are illustrated to be performed before steps S20, S22, S24, and S26. However, the opposite relationship is also possible, starting with maintenance through the interior access openings covered by the lid before maintenance through the inspection openings. Both alternatives are followed by step S30.

[0043] When a sorting system is available, maintenance of the sorting units can also be performed. Thus, in one embodiment, the method of maintaining an object handling system includes the additional step S40, in which the sorting units are moved to the third maintenance position. In step S42, maintenance is performed on at least one sorting unit. In step S44, the sorting units are moved to the sorting operation position.

[0044] In Figure 4, steps S40, S42, and S44 are illustrated to be performed after maintenance of the inspection unit. However, in other modalities, steps S40, S42, and S44 may occur before and / or at least partially simultaneously or in parallel with steps S10 to S30, since the different maintenance operations are basically independent of each other.

[0045] Steps S10 to S26 can be performed with the conveyor belt still in operation, allowing maintenance without interrupting the flow of the entire industrial installation, for example, a plant of Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 121 15 / 19 rating. This can be beneficial in making the maintenance of inspection units less disruptive to the operation of the entire industrial facility.

[0046] As mentioned above, it is preferable to have a lock configured to releaseably secure the inspection unit assembly at least in the inspection operating position. In this case, the method preferably also includes step S8, in which the inspection unit assembly positioned in the inspection operating position is unlocked. In other words, the lock is released. In this way, rotation in step S10 becomes possible. Similarly, the method preferably also includes step S32, in which the inspection unit assembly is locked again in the inspection operating position, for example, by the lock.

[0047] Easy access to different parts of the inspection units and the sorting system from the bridge allows for quick maintenance work, which significantly reduces the time the industrial plant needs to be shut down. This, in turn, leads to major economic advantages.

[0048] The object handling system presented above also has advantages during system assembly. The conveyor belt can, for example, be used as an assembly table, and the sorting unit connector can be used to move the assembly into the sorting operation position. With the inspection unit assembly possibly comprising multiple inspection units, the weight of each part to be assembled can be reduced. Typically, a maximum recommended weight for components to be assembled or repaired is 40 kg for men and 20 kg for women. By dividing the inspection arrangements into part units, typically identical part units, it is possible to cover the entire width of a wide conveyor belt. By using identical part units, spare part units can be used to replace any of the part units, thus reducing the need Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 121 16 / 19 spare parts storage. The inspection units can then be assembled into an inspection unit assembly, typically connected by a structural member. The inspection unit assembly can then be assembled directly on-site using the maintenance bridge. Any need for overhead crane installations can be reduced to actual transport to the assembly location. An analogous division into parts units of the sorting unit assembly can also be applied to reduce loads during assembly and maintenance.

[0049] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a situation at the beginning of the assembly procedure. Structure 160, except for the maintenance bridge, is supplied via conveyor belt 110. Sorting units 131, 132 are supported on conveyor belt 110 and are assembled into a sorting unit assembly 130. The sorting unit connector 135, which is connected to the sorting unit assembly 130, is also attached to structure 160 via the sorting unit connector 134.

[0050] Figure 6 illustrates the situation in which the sorting units 131, 132 are moved to the sorting operation position by means of the sorting unit connector 135. The sorting unit connector 135 is, in this embodiment, rotated about the geometric axis R. Preferably, the object handling system 100 includes a lifting arrangement 145 attached to the structure 160. The lifting arrangement 145 is configured to assist in the movement of the sorting units 131, 132.

[0051] This lifting arrangement 145 can also be useful for maintenance purposes. The classification unit assembly 130 can be heavy, and the lifting arrangement 145 can therefore be useful in reducing the load on maintenance personnel. For this purpose, the lifting arrangement 145 is configured to assist in moving classification units 131, 132 from the classification operating position to the third position of Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 121 17 / 19 maintenance. Preferably, the lifting arrangement 145 is an automatic lifting arrangement for the classification unit assembly 130.

[0052] In Figure 7, the maintenance bridge 161 is mounted on the structure 160. A structural member 128 of the inspection unit assembly is mounted on the inspection unit connector. This work can be performed from the newly assembled maintenance bridge 161.

[0053] Finally, in Figure 8, inspection units 121 and 122 are mounted on structural member 128. Furthermore, this work is advantageously performed from the maintenance bridge 161. Because structural member 128 of the inspection unit assembly 120 is in place before the mounting of inspection units 121, 122, inspection units 121, 122 can be put in place one at a time, thus reducing the weight of the lifting operations required. A control unit 170, connected by electrical and signaling cables 172, is provided to control the operation of inspection units 121, 122.

[0054] In some systems, items may roll on the conveyor belt. In such situations, small vibrations or acceleration / deceleration can cause the item to change position. An inspection unit may detect a particular item in a specific position. However, when the item has been subsequently transported to a later stage of the process, the item's position may have changed. In this type of application, it may be advantageous to minimize the transport distance between an inspection unit and any downstream process mechanism.

[0055] To this end, as illustrated in Figure 9B, in one embodiment, the maintenance bridge 161 and the first pieces 162 of the structure 160 supporting the maintenance bridge 161 are movable. Furthermore, other pieces 165 spanning the width of the maintenance bridge 161 may be movable. The movable feature can be achieved by bending and / or rotating the maintenance bridge 161 and the first pieces 162 of the structure 160 in an orientation. Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 121 18 / 19 substantially vertical perpendicular to the transport direction, thus occupying a smaller volume in the transport direction. The maintenance bridge 161 and the first parts 162 of the structure 160 can alternatively or additionally be slid in the transport direction. Furthermore, the second parts 163 of the structure 160 that support the inspection unit assembly 120 are slidable in the transport direction T. In Figure 9B, this is illustrated by the sliding mechanism 164 following a track on the floor of the structure 160. With these arrangements, a positioning of the inspection unit assembly 120 can be changed or displaced in the transport direction T. During maintenance, the position of the inspection unit assembly 120 can be provided as illustrated in Figure 9B, giving space for the maintenance bridge to be folded and used to support the maintenance team. Figure 9A illustrates the situation during operation.The folding and sliding capability allows the inspection unit assembly 120 to be positioned further downstream during operating mode than during maintenance mode. The first parts 162 and the maintenance bridge 161 are then folded, as shown in the figure behind the structure 160, and the second part 163 is slid down.

[0056] Figure 10 is a flow diagram of the steps in an embodiment of a method for assembling an object handling system that has sorting units and an assembly of inspection units possibly comprising several inspection units. In step S50, the structure is placed on the conveyor belt. In step S52, the sorting unit assembly is assembled with the sorting units supported on the conveyor belt. In step S54, the sorting unit connector is attached to the structure. In step S56, the sorting units are moved to the sorting operation position using the sorting unit connector. In step S58, the maintenance bridge is mounted on the structure. In step S60, a structural member of the inspection unit assembly is mounted on the inspection unit connector. In step S62, the units of Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 121 19 / 19 controls are mounted on the structural member.

[0057] Preferably, if necessary, an S61 step can be performed, in which a center of gravity for the inspection unit assembly is adjusted relative to a geometric axis of rotation of the inspection unit assembly. This can, for example, be done by means of an inspection unit connector.

[0058] The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, and alterations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, solutions from different parts in the different embodiments can be combined in other configurations where technically feasible. The scope of the present invention is, however, defined by the appended claims. Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 121

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Object handling system (100) for handling objects (111) transported by a conveyor belt (110) in a transport direction (T), characterized in that said object handling system comprises: - an inspection unit assembly (120) comprising at least one inspection unit (121, 122) connected by a structural member (128), each having a respective inspection opening (123); - a structure (160) configured to be disposed along the conveyor belt (110); said structure (160) comprising a maintenance bridge (161), which extends along a width of the conveyor belt (110) and is configured to support the weight of a human operator; wherein the inspection unit assembly (120) is positioned above the conveyor belt (110) and rotatably fixed to the structure (160) by an inspection unit connector (140);and wherein the inspection unit connector (140) is configured to permit rotation of the inspection unit assembly (120) around a geometric axis of rotation (X), whereby the inspection openings (123) of the inspection units (121, 122) are rotatable from an inspection operating position facing the conveyor belt (110) to a first maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge (161).

2. Object handling system according to claim 1, characterized in that said inspection unit assembly (120) comprises at least two inspection units (121, 122).

3. Object handling system, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said inspection opening (123) comprises Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 121 2 / 6 an optical window (126), wherein said first maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge (161) allows cleaning of said optical window (126).

4. Object handling system, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the inspection units (121, 122) has one or more interior access openings (124) that allow access to the interior of the inspection unit and a cover (125) that covers the interior access openings (124), and wherein the inspection unit connector (140) is configured so that the interior access openings (124) of the inspection units (121, 122) are rotatable to a second maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge (161).

5. Object handling system, according to claim 4, characterized in that said second maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge (161) allows the replacement of worn and deteriorated parts.

6. Object handling system, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inspection unit connector (140) comprises a latch configured to releaseably secure the inspection unit assembly (120) in the inspection operating position and in the first holding position and, if dependent on claim 4 or 5, also in the second holding position.

7. Object handling system, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by further comprising: - a sorting unit assembly (130) of at least one sorting unit (131, 132); wherein the sorting unit assembly (130) is positioned in a sorting operation position in the vicinity of the conveyor belt (110) downstream of the inspection operation position of the inspection unit assembly (120) and fixed to the structure (160) by a connector of Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p.29 / 121 3 / 6 classification unit (134); wherein the classification unit connector (134) is configured to allow displacement of the classification unit assembly (130), whereby the classification units (131, 132) are moved from a classification operating position to a third maintenance position accessible from the maintenance bridge (161); and wherein the inspection unit assembly (120) is positioned upstream of the maintenance bridge (161).

8. Object handling system, according to claim 7, characterized in that the sorting unit connector comprises a bar (135), and said sorting unit assembly (130) is fixed to said structure by means of said bar (135), which bar is rotationally connected to said structure (160), and wherein said bar is configured to provide total or partial displacement of said sorting unit assembly (130) from the sorting operating position to the third holding position in one rotation of the bar (135).

9. Object handling system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the structure (160) further comprises a protective screen (144) fixed to the structure, which protective screen can be positioned in a protective position in which the protective screen (144) extends upwards from the downstream edge of the maintenance bridge (161), thus at least partially closing an area (190) next to the maintenance bridge and thus preventing people from falling or objects from falling from the maintenance bridge to the object handling system through the area (190), and in which the protective screen (144) is movable from the protective position to an offset position, providing access to the sorting unit assembly (130) when the sorting unit assembly (130) is disposed in the third maintenance position.

10. Object handling system, according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises an elevation arrangement (145) fixed to the structure (160) and configured to assist in moving the classification units (131,132) from the classification operation position to the third maintenance position.

11. Object handling system according to claim 10, characterized in that the lifting arrangement (145) is an automatic lifting arrangement for the sorting unit assembly (130).

12. Object handling system, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the structure (160) is positioned upstream of the inspection unit assembly (120).

13. Object handling system, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said geometric axis of rotation (X) extends in a direction substantially coincident with the respective center of gravity of the inspection units (121, 122).

14. Object handling system, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the inspection unit assembly (120) additionally comprises a control unit (170), thus being arranged with the same geometric axis of rotation (X) as the inspection units (121, 122).

15. Object handling system according to claim 14, characterized in that the control unit (170) comprises at least one inspection unit locking sensor configured to determine whether the inspection unit assembly (120) is locked in the inspection operating position, wherein the control unit (170) is configured to provide an output signal representing a locking status.

16. Object handling system, according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the maintenance bridge (161) and the first parts (162) of the structure (160) supporting the maintenance bridge (161) are movable, and the second parts (163) of the structure (160) supporting the inspection unit assembly (120) are sliding in the transport direction (T), allowing the inspection unit assembly (120) to be positioned further downstream during an operating mode than during a maintenance mode.

17. Industrial installation for processing large quantities of materials or objects, characterized by comprising a conveyor belt and an object handling system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16 arranged along the conveyor belt.

18. Industrial installation according to claim 17, characterized in that the object handling system is an object handling system as defined in claim 15, wherein the industrial installation further comprises a supervisory control configured to communicate with the control unit (170) of the inspection unit assembly (120).

19. Method for maintaining an object handling system, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 16, or an industrial installation, as defined in claim 17 or 18, characterized by comprising the steps of: - rotating (S10) the inspection unit assembly (120) to the first maintenance position; - performing (S12) maintenance on the interior of the inspection unit through the inspection opening (123); and - rotating (S30) the inspection unit assembly (120) to the inspection operating position.

20. Method for maintaining an object handling system according to claim 19, when applied to an object handling system as defined in claim 4, characterized by the additional steps of: - rotating (S20) the inspection unit assembly (120) to the second maintenance position; Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 32 / 121 6 / 6 - opening (S22) the cover (125); - performing (S24) maintenance on the interior of the inspection unit (121, 122); and - closing (S26) the cover (125).

21. Method for maintaining an object handling system, as defined in claim 19 or 20, when applied to an object handling system, as defined in claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized by the additional steps of: - moving (S40) the sorting units (131, 132) to the third maintenance position; - performing (S42) maintenance on at least one sorting unit (131, 132); and - moving (S44) the sorting units (131, 132) to the sorting operation position.

22. Method for assembling an object handling system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by comprising the steps of: - supplying (S50) the structure (160) via the conveyor belt (110); - assembling (S52) the sorting unit assembly (130) with said sorting units (131, 132) supported on the conveyor belt (110); - attaching (S54) the sorting unit connector (134) to the structure (160); - moving (S56) the sorting units (131, 132) to the sorting operation position using the sorting unit connector (134); - assembling (S58) the maintenance bridge (161) on the structure (160); and - assembling (S60) a structural member (128) of the inspection unit assembly (120) on the inspection unit connector (140); - mount (S62) the inspection units (121, 122) on the structural member (128). Petition 870250080918, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 33 / 121

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