Receiving bins for sorters

Abstract

A receiving box for a sorting machine is disclosed. The receiving box is movable to change between an operational configuration and a non-operational configuration. In the operational configuration, the receiving box can be configured to receive rejected products from the sorting machine. In the non-operational configuration, the receiving box can be configured for maintenance and repair. The receiving box comprises an entry chute and a delivery chute. Advantageously, the receiving box for the sorting machine further comprises a configuration change mechanism, which connects the entry chute and the delivery chute. In the proposed arrangement, during the cleaning process, the entry chute and the delivery chute are fully exposed to the water jet, which is essential for maintaining sterile conditions and a hygienic environment, especially when the sorting machine is put into production in a production project for processing and packaging food products such as meat, fish or dairy products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting machine, and more particularly to a receiving box for a sorting machine used to receive rejected products from a batch of conveyed products. The receiving box of the present invention is movable between an operational configuration and a non-operational configuration. Background Art

[0002] Sorting machines of the type known in the art automatically check the conformity of multiple products and separate defective products that do not meet a predetermined set of specifications or standards. Sorting machines are used in various environments to perform sorting operations. Sorting operations are generally an integral part of the food processing industry. Meat and fish products, dairy products such as cheese, and agricultural products such as nuts are sorted. The sensitive nature of the products handled by the machines requires frequent cleaning of components that may come into contact with the processed products, such as conveyor belts, reject containers, receiving bins, etc. Cross-contact with allergens can increase the risk of contamination many times, thus posing a serious health risk to the end consumer of the product.

[0003] A major problem associated with cleaning sorting machines is the difficulty in obtaining optimal access to the conveyor belts, reject containers and receiving bins. This problem seriously undermines the operator's cleaning work and leads to increasing infestations. In a typical sorting machine layout, the receiving bin is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outfeed conveyor belt to ensure that rejected products are successfully transferred directly from the outfeed conveyor belt to the receiving bin. For washing, the conveyor belt is loosened before it is tilted upward from the sorting machine's frame. However, in addition to loosening the belt, the receiving bin must also be spatially distanced from the conveyor belt. In particular, the receiving bin should be moved out of the path of the outfeed conveyor belt because the receiving bin directly interferes with the outfeed conveyor belt in its working position. One currently known way to address the above-mentioned need is to physically separate the receiving bin from the rest of the sorting machine (usually the frame) and keep it aside when the conveyor belt is moved to the required position, so that accessibility can be increased for cleaning operations. In another known way, the receiving bin is arranged to rotate around a vertical axis, thereby moving the receiving bin out of the path of the conveyor belt.

[0004] With increasing regulatory requirements and the obligation to meet global food safety standards, cleaning and sanitation in processing environments have evolved from an afterthought to a central consideration. Existing arrangements present significant challenges for processing plant owners. Dedicated storage space must be allocated within the processing plant to house the existing receiving bins removed from the sorting machine frame until cleaning operations are performed and the equipment is fully dried. Furthermore, typical receiving bins are heavy, requiring proper human-machine coordination to move and reposition them, making cleaning operations time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. A problem associated with another known solution is that the bins rotate around the frame, requiring additional space in the station layout to accommodate them. Furthermore, using high-pressure washdown technology to sanitize the machine often results in water accumulating in the rotating joints between the bin and frame, which are used to achieve the desired rotational effect. Water intrusion into the joints can cause rust. In processing environments, the use of lubricants in these joints is prohibited due to the potential for contamination. Existing receiving bin designs also present significant challenges in providing the much-needed exposure to high-pressure washdown operations. The integrally formed, closed box design of today's receiver tanks makes interior surfaces difficult for operators to access and permanently keeps inaccessible surfaces out of the reach of the jet stream, making the receiver tank a breeding ground for pathogens and a sink for dirt, residue, and debris.

[0005] In view of the aforementioned drawbacks associated with prior art receiving bins, the applicant sought a new solution that would equip a sorting machine with a receiving bin that would provide easy access for operators to clean the various components of the sorting machine that come into contact with the products to be processed. The inventors discovered that, with an improved receiving bin, strict adherence to regulatory guidelines and a high degree of compliance with global food standards could be achieved in processing plants. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a receiving bin for a sorting machine, in particular a receiving bin that is movable so as to be convertible between an operational configuration and a non-operational configuration, wherein the receiving bin is configured to receive rejected products from the sorting machine in the operational configuration and the receiving bin is configured for maintenance and repair in the non-operational configuration. The receiving bin comprises an entrance chute and a conveyor chute. Advantageously, the receiving bin for a sorting machine according to the present invention further comprises a configuration conversion mechanism connecting the entrance chute and the conveyor chute. The configuration conversion mechanism comprises: at least one first guide member having a receiving position and a separating position; at least one first guided member receivable within the first guide member; at least one second guide member having a front position and a rear position positioned opposite the front position; and at least one second guided member receivable within the second guide member and configured to be continuously movable between the front position and the rear position. The receiving bin is in the operational configuration when the first guided member is in the receiving position of the first guide member and the second guided member is in the front position of the second guide member. When the second guided member is in the rear end position of the second guide member and the first guided member is outside the first guide member, the receiving bin is in the non-operating configuration. The arrangement of the present invention offers several advantages, the most significant of which is easy access to the conveyor belt for cleaning when the receiving bin is moved to the non-operating configuration. Furthermore, it is not necessary to detach the receiving bin from the sorting machine frame for maintenance and repair purposes. Furthermore, during the cleaning process, the inlet chute and the delivery chute are fully exposed to the water jets, which is crucial for maintaining sterile conditions and a hygienic environment, especially when the sorting machine is in production in a production plant that processes and packages food products such as meat, fish, cheese, or nuts.

[0007] In the arrangement of the present invention, the configuration change mechanism is located on the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the receiving box when the receiving box is set in the operational configuration. In this context, the terms left-hand side and right-hand side relate to the presentation of the sorting machine itself as presented to the operator of the sorting machine when the sorting machine is in operation. Therefore, the spatial directions and dimensions are defined as the width, height and depth as seen by a person standing in front of such a presentation. The configuration change mechanism enables the operator to move the receiving box between the operational configuration and the non-operational configuration. By arranging the configuration change mechanism on both sides of the receiving box, the load acting on the receiving box during operation of the sorting machine, in particular the load on the entry chute, is evenly distributed, thereby reducing the incidence of malfunctions. In addition, when the configuration change mechanism supports the entry chute from two opposite sides, the movement of the receiving box between the operational configuration and the non-operational configuration is smoothed.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the configuration change mechanism further includes at least a third guide member, which is positioned in common with the at least one second guide member. This common position provides access to the second guided member, such that when the second guided member passes through the third guide member and moves completely outside the third guide member, the entry chute separates from the delivery chute. This feature of separating the entry chute from the delivery chute is advantageous during maintenance, repair, or replacement.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving box includes a reinforcement member disposed in the area surrounding the second and third guide members. This reinforcement member advantageously increases the overall structural strength of the receiving box and minimizes the incidence of structural failure. In one advantageous embodiment, the first, second, and third guide members are formed as slots in the receiving box by removing material. Adding the reinforcement member to the receiving box compensates for the material removal, thereby contributing to the structural integrity and durability of the receiving box.

[0010] In one advantageous embodiment, the first guide member includes a disengaged position and a receiving position, such that when the first guided member is in the receiving position of the first guide member, the receiving bin is in an operative configuration. In a particular embodiment, the receiving position is arched in configuration and shaped to match the surface contour of the first guided member. In the same embodiment, the disengaged position is configured as an open end through which the first guided member exits the first guide member. Exiting the disengaged position initiates the transition of the receiving bin from the operative configuration to the non-operative configuration.

[0011] In the arrangement of the present invention, the third guide member is connected transversely to the second guide member, so that the second guided member can be moved from the second guide member to the third guide member and then further along the third guide member to the outside to separate the entry chute from the delivery chute. This feature of separating the entry chute from the delivery chute is advantageous in the event of maintenance, repair, or replacement.

[0012] Advantageously, the third guide member includes an inner end position and an outer end position, such that the third guide member is connected to the second guide member at the inner end position. This arrangement of connecting the third guide member to the second guide member facilitates movement of the second guided member from the second guide member to the third guide member. When the second guided member reaches the outer end position, the inlet chute separates from the delivery chute.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the entrance chute further comprises a first handle for applying a force in a direction away from the receiving box to move the first guided member to an outer side of the first guide member. The entrance chute further comprises a second handle for applying a force to the entrance chute to move the second guided member along the second guide member to a rear end position of the second guide member, and then rotating the entrance chute about an axis formed by the second guided member to transform the receiving box into a non-operating configuration.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the receiving box, the entry chute and the delivery chute are connected by a second guided member. The second guided member is continuously movable within the second guide member. The second guided member is movable between a front position and a rear position of the second guide member. As long as the second guided member remains positioned within the second guide member, the entry chute and the delivery chute remain connected.

[0015] Advantageously, the first and second guided members are located on the entry chute. Correspondingly, the first, second, and third guide members are located on the delivery chute. Alternatively, the first and second guided members are located on the delivery chute, and the first, second, and third guide members are located on the entry chute. The first guided member and the first guide member are mutually compatible. Similarly, the second guided member and the second guide member are mutually compatible.

[0016] Preferably, the reinforcement element is located on the conveying chute or the entry chute in the region surrounding the second guide element and the third guide element.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the first guide member, the second guide member and the third guide member are configured as slots. Correspondingly, the first guided member and the second guided member are configured as pins.

[0018] Preferably, a sorting machine is provided with a receiving box comprising the above-mentioned features, functions and advantages.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, a method for changing the configuration of a receiving bin is disclosed. In the method of the present invention, the configuration of the receiving bin is changed from an operational configuration, in which the receiving bin is configured to receive rejected products from a sorting machine, to a non-operational configuration, in which the receiving bin is configured for maintenance and repair. The method comprises the following steps: moving an entry chute in a direction away from a conveyor chute so as to move a first guided member to an outer side of the first guide member; then moving the entry chute further in a direction away from the conveyor chute so as to move a second guided member within the second guide member until the second guided member reaches a rear end position of the second guide member; and finally, rotating the entry chute about an axis formed by the second guided member so as to finally move the receiving bin to the non-operational configuration.

[0020] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of changing the configuration of the receiving bin from an operational configuration to a disassembled configuration. In the operational configuration, the receiving bin is configured to receive rejected products from the sorting machine. Conversely, when the receiving bin is in the disassembled configuration, the entry chute of the receiving bin is removed from the conveyor chute for maintenance, repair, or replacement. In particular, the method comprises the steps of moving the entry chute away from the conveyor chute so as to move the first guided member to the outside of the first guide member; and subsequently, separating the entry chute from the conveyor chute by passing the second guided member through the third guide member and completely moving the second guided member to the outside of the third guide member.

[0021] Advantageously, the method comprises the step of moving the entrance chute in a direction away from the sorter by exerting a force on the first handle to pull the entrance chute.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the following step: in the step, the entrance chute is rotated around an axis formed by the second guided member by applying a force on the second handle to rotate the entrance chute. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 A sorter having a receiving bin for receiving products rejected by the sorter is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the receiving box when the receiving box is in an operational configuration;

[0025] Figure 3A An exploded side view of an inlet chute of a receiving bin is shown;

[0026] Figure 3B An exploded side view of the delivery chute of the receiving bin is shown;

[0027] Figure 4A shows a side view of the receiving box when the receiving box is in an operational configuration;

[0028] Figure 4B A side view of the receiving box is shown when the receiving box is in a non-operational configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A sorting machine 10 according to the present invention is shown in a three-dimensional view. The high-level components of the sorting machine 10 are an infeed conveyor 12, a weighing conveyor 14, an outfeed conveyor 16, a detector 17, a display 18, a frame 19, and a receiving bin 20. The infeed conveyor 12, the weighing conveyor 14, and the outfeed conveyor 16 are supported on and extend along the length of the frame 19. The infeed conveyor 12, the weighing conveyor 14, and the outfeed conveyor 16 are arranged in a straight line to seamlessly move products from the infeed end on the left-hand side (LHS) of the sorting machine 10 to the outfeed end on the right-hand side (RHS). The detector 17 is a metal detector capable of detecting any contaminants in the products, particularly contaminants such as very small metal fragments. The detector 17 can also be a scanner equipped with a state-of-the-art optical system, such as a camera, that can be used to check the quality and consistency of each product dropped into the infeed end. In one exemplary embodiment, the detector 17 is positioned above and around the infeed conveyor 12, allowing the infeed conveyor 12 to pass through it. A weighing conveyor 14 positioned in line with the infeed conveyor 12 is mechanically connected to a weighing system 15 disposed below the weighing conveyor 14. The weighing system 15, acting in conjunction with the weighing conveyor 14, determines the weight of the product and processes and analyzes the resulting information immediately before the product is moved to the outfeed conveyor 16. The analyzed data is displayed to the operator using a display 18. Products that meet predetermined criteria (e.g., weight) will continue to pass along the outfeed conveyor 16 and will ultimately be transported for packaging or containerization. Products that do not meet the predetermined criteria are removed or diverted from the outfeed conveyor 16 and moved into a receiving bin 20 to be collected later by an operator for re-inspection or quality control.

[0030] Figure 2The receiving box 20 is shown in its operational configuration, wherein the entry chute 30, the delivery chute 40 and the holding box 50 are connected together. A mounting member 71 provided on the delivery chute 40 helps to attach the receiving box 20 to the frame 19. A narrow slot 65 is provided on the entry chute 30 to allow relevant optical signals to pass through, such as light beams, laser beams or infrared radiation for sensing, counting or detection. The receiving box 20 also includes a configuration transformation mechanism 60, which mainly connects the entry chute 30 and the delivery chute 40. In this embodiment, a reinforcement member R is added to the delivery chute 40, preferably adjacent to the configuration transformation mechanism 60, for strengthening the body of the delivery chute 40.

[0031] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Shown in its disassembled configuration Figure 2 The receiving box 20, wherein Figure 3A The entrance chute 30 in Figure 3B The conveying chute 40 in the transmission unit is separated. Figure 3A and Figure 3BFurther details of the configuration change mechanism 60 are shown. The configuration change mechanism 60 of this embodiment includes first and second guided members 32, 35 disposed on the inlet chute 30, and first and second guide members 42, 45 disposed on the delivery chute 40. In this embodiment, the first and second guided members 32, 35 are conceived as pins. The first and second guide members 42, 45 are conceived as slots that cooperate with the first and second guided members 32, 35, each configured as a pin. The first and second guide members 42, 45 are uniquely configured to facilitate smooth operation of the configuration change mechanism 60. The first guide member 42 includes a receiving position 43 and a disengaging position 44, which, in part, represent the positions of the first guided member 32, which is a pin, within the first guide member 42, which is configured as a slot. Accordingly, the receiving position 43 represents the closed end of the first guide member 42, while the disengaging position 44 represents the open end of the first guide member 42. The second guide member 45, on the other hand, includes a front position 46 and a rear position 47, located opposite the front position 46. In this embodiment, the front end position 46 and the rear end position 47 represent the two ends of the second guide member 45, and the second guided member 35 moves between the two ends. The figure also shows a third guide member 48 that is laterally connected to the second guide member 45. The third guide member 48 is conceived as a narrow slot provided on the conveying chute 40 and includes an inner end position P1 and an outer end position P2. The third guide member 48 is laterally connected to the second guide member 45 at its inner end position P1. The outer end position P2 is positioned opposite to the inner end position P1. The third guide member 48 that is laterally connected to the second guide member 45 at its inner end position P1 enables the second guided member 35 to move from the second guide member 45 into the third guide member 48, and then move further along the third guide member 48 toward its outer end position P2 until the second guided member 35 leaves the third guide member 48, thereby separating the entrance chute 30 from the conveying chute 40, thereby transforming the receiving box 20 from the operating configuration to the disassembly configuration. In order to provide more visibility of the third guide member 48 and its relationship to the second guide member 45, it is not shown in FIG. Figure 3B The reinforcing member R is shown in FIG. Figure 2 It is apparent that when the second guided member 35 is guided through the third guide member 48, the reinforcing member R can maintain its position on the conveying chute 40. The inlet chute 30 is provided with a first handle 36 for pulling the inlet chute 30 and a second handle 37 for rotating the inlet chute 30. These handles improve the ergonomics of moving the receiving box 20 from the operating configuration to the non-operating configuration and vice versa.

[0032] In the following, Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe method for changing the configuration of the receiving box 20, in particular from the operational configuration to the non-operational configuration, will be used to illustrate. Figure 4A As shown, the receiving box 20 is provided to receive the sorting machine 10 ( Figure 1 When in non-operational configuration, such as Figure 4B As shown, the receiving box 20 is provided for maintenance and repair. Figure 4A The inlet chute 30 of the illustrated operational configuration moves in a direction away from the delivery chute 40, which in turn causes the first guided member 32 to move outside the first guide member 42. Thereafter, the inlet chute 30 moves further away from the delivery chute 40, which causes the second guided member 35 to move within the second guide member 45 until the second guided member 35 reaches the rear end position 47 of the second guide member 45. Finally, the inlet chute 30 is rotated about the axis formed by the second guided member 35. After the inlet chute 30 is fully rotated about the available angular span, the receiving box 20 is fully moved into the receiving box 20. Figure 4B In addition to the operational and non-operational configurations, the configuration of the receiving box 20 can be transformed from the operational configuration to the non-operational configuration by first moving the inlet chute 30 in a direction away from the delivery chute 40 to move the first guided member 32 to the outside of the first guide member 42. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Then, the inlet chute 30 is separated from the delivery chute 40 by passing the second guided member 35 through the third guide member 48 and completely moving the second guided member 35 to the outside of the third guide member 48 .

[0033] Although the present invention has been described by way of a specific embodiment of a receiving box, it is self-evident that the teachings of the present invention encompass many other variations. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be used and that predictable modifications may be made without changing the underlying functionality. One such modification is to arrange the first and second guided members on the conveyor chute, and to arrange the first and second guide members on the entrance chute. It is also contemplated that the pulling and rotating actions of the entrance chute may be partially or fully motorized by using elastic members or servo motors, respectively. Such variations of the inventive concepts described and claimed herein are without exception considered to fall within the scope of protection sought by the present invention.

[0034] Reference Signs List

[0035] 10 Sorting Machine

[0036] 12 Feed conveyor

[0037] 14 Weighing conveyor

[0038] 15 Weighing system

[0039] 16 Outgoing conveyor

[0040] 17 Detector

[0041] 18 Display

[0042] 19 Framework

[0043] 20 receiving boxes

[0044] 30 Entrance chute

[0045] 32 first guided member

[0046] 35 Second guided member

[0047] 36 First handle for pulling the entrance chute 30

[0048] 37 Second handle for rotating the entry chute 30

[0049] 40 conveyor chute

[0050] 42 first guide member

[0051] 43 Receiving Location

[0052] 44 Separation position

[0053] 45 Second guide member

[0054] 46 front end position

[0055] 47 rear end position

[0056] 48 third guide member

[0057] 50 Holding Box

[0058] 60 Configuration Transformation Mechanism

[0059] 65 slots

[0060] 71 Mounting member for frame 19

[0061] P1 Inner end position; common position for the second guide member 45 and the third guide member 48

[0062] P2 outer end position

[0063] R reinforcement member

Claims

1. A receiving bin (20) for a sorting machine (10), the receiving bin (20) being movable to change between an operational configuration and a non-operational configuration, wherein the receiving bin (20) is configured to receive rejected products from the sorting machine (10), and the receiving bin (20) is configured for maintenance and repair in the non-operational configuration; The receiving box (20) includes an inlet chute (30) and a delivery chute (40); It is characterized by: The receiving box (20) further includes a connecting slot (30) and a a configuration conversion mechanism (60) for the conveying chute (40); The configuration transformation mechanism (60) comprises: at least one first guide member (42) having a receiving position (43) and a disengaging position (44), at least one first guided member (32) capable of being received within the first guide member (42), It is characterized by: The configuration transformation mechanism (60) further comprises: at least one second guide member (45) having a front end position (46) and a rear end position (47) located opposite the front end position (46), at least one second guided member (35) receivable within the second guide member (45) and configured to be continuously movable between a front position (46) and a rear position (47); wherein the receiving box (20) is in an operational configuration when the first guided member (32) is in a receiving position (43) of the first guide member (42) and the second guided member (35) is in a front position (46) of the second guide member (45); and Wherein, when the second guided member (35) is located in the rear end position (47) of the second guide member (45) and the first guided member (32) is located outside the first guide member (42), the receiving box (20) is in a non-operating configuration.

2. The receiving box (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that When the receiving bin (20) is arranged in an operational configuration, the configuration change mechanism (60) is located on a left hand side (LHS) and a right hand side (RHS) of the receiving bin (20).

3. The receiving box (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that The configuration change mechanism (60) further includes at least a third guide member (48), the third guide member (48) having a common position (P1) with the at least one second guide member (45) and providing an entrance to the at least one second guided member (35), so that when the second guided member (35) passes through the third guide member (48) and moves completely to the outside of the third guide member (48), the entrance chute (30) is separated from the conveying chute (40).

4. The receiving box (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that A reinforcing member (R) is provided in an area surrounding the second guide member (45) and the third guide member (48).

5. The receiving box (20) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The third guide member (48) is laterally connected to the second guide member (45) so that the second guided member (35) can move from the second guide member (45) into the third guide member (48) and then further move to the outside along the third guide member (48) to separate the inlet chute (30) from the delivery chute (40).

6. The receiving box (20) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The third guide member (48) comprises an inner end position (P1) and an outer end position (P2), such that the third guide member (48) is connected to the second guide member (45) at the inner end position (P1).

7. The receiving box (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The inlet chute (30) and the conveying chute (40) are connected together through a second guided member (35), and the second guided member (35) can move continuously within the second guide member (45).

8. The receiving box (20) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that: The first guided member (32) and the second guided member (35) are located on the inlet chute (30), and the first guide member (42), the second guide member (45) and the third guide member (48) are located on the delivery chute (40), or The first guided member (32) and the second guided member (35) are located on the conveying chute (40), and the first guide member (42), the second guide member (45) and the third guide member (48) are located on the entrance chute (30).

9. The receiving box (20) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The first guide member (42), the second guide member (45), and the third guide member (48) are configured as slots; and the first guided member (32) and the second guided member (35) are configured as pins.

10. The receiving box (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The entrance chute (30) further comprises: a first handle (36) for applying a force in a direction away from the receiving box (20) so as to move the first guided member (32) to the outside of the first guide member (42); and a second handle (37) for applying a force to the entrance chute (30) so as to move the second guided member (35) along the second guide member (45) to a rear end position (47) of the second guide member (45), and then rotating the entrance chute (30) around an axis formed by the second guided member (35) so as to transform the receiving box (20) into a non-operating configuration.

11. A sorting machine (10) comprising a receiving box (20) according to any one of claims 1-10.

12. A method for changing the configuration of a receiving box (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The configuration of a receiving bin (20) is changed from an operational configuration, in which the receiving bin (20) is configured to receive rejected products from a sorter (10), to a non-operational configuration, in which the receiving bin (20) is configured for maintenance and repair; the method comprising the steps of: The inlet chute (30) is moved in a direction away from the delivery chute (40) so as to move the first guided member (32) to the outside of the first guide member (42); further moving the inlet chute (30) in a direction away from the delivery chute (40) so as to move the second guided member (35) within the second guide member (45) until the second guided member (35) reaches a rear end position (47) of the second guide member (45); The entry chute (30) is rotated about an axis formed by the second guided member (35) to ultimately move the receiving bin (20) to a non-operational configuration.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The entry chute (30) is moved in a direction away from the sorting machine (10) by exerting a force on the first handle (36) to pull the entry chute (30).

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that By applying a force on the second handle (37) to rotate the entry chute (30), the entry chute (30) is rotated about the axis formed by the second guided member (35).

15. A method for changing the configuration of a receiving box (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The configuration of a receiving box (20) is changed from an operating configuration to a disassembly configuration, wherein the receiving box (20) is configured to receive rejected products from a sorting machine (10), and in the disassembly configuration, the entrance chute (30) of the receiving box (20) is disassembled from the conveying chute (40) for maintenance and repair; wherein the configuration change mechanism (60) of the receiving box (20) includes at least one first guide member (42), at least one second guide member (45) and at least a third guide member (48), wherein the third guide member (48) has a common position (P1) with the at least one second guide member (45) and provides an entrance to the at least one second guided member (35), so that when the second guided member (35) passes through the third guide member (48) and moves completely to the outside of the third guide member (48), the entrance chute (30) is separated from the conveying chute (40), and the method comprises the following steps: The inlet chute (30) is moved in a direction away from the delivery chute (40) so as to move the first guided member (32) to the outside of the first guide member (42); The inlet chute (30) is separated from the conveying chute (40) by allowing the second guided member (35) to pass through the third guide member (48) and completely moving the second guided member (35) to the outside of the third guide member (48).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The entry chute (30) is moved in a direction away from the sorting machine (10) by exerting a force on the first handle (36) to pull the entry chute (30).

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