Food product quality control systems

Abstract

A food product quality control system is provided. The system includes a support structure; an inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure; and a conveyor system for conveying the food product through and / or past the inspection unit, the conveyor system being mounted on the support structure. The conveyor system includes a conveyor device carried by a frame. The frame is movably mounted on the support structure such that the frame can be moved relative to the inspection unit between an operating position and a maintenance position, wherein the operating position is laterally aligned with the inspection unit so that the food product can be conveyed through and / or past the inspection unit, and the maintenance position is laterally offset from the inspection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food product quality control system, and in particular to a food product quality control system having an integrated conveyor system that may require regular cleaning or maintenance. Such a system will typically be used to inspect food products, which may include packaged or unpackaged food items, such as poultry items. Background Art

[0002] Food product quality control is an important part of the food industry. Systems used to implement quality control include imaging systems, such as X-ray or visual inspection units, weighing systems that weigh food products, and leak detection systems that test the containers of packaged food items for damage. All of these systems generally require that the food products be conveyed through or past a fixed inspection unit and are therefore typically integrated with the conveyor system that conveys the food products. In addition, since the tolerance for error is very small, it is often important to fix the inspection unit relative to the conveyor. For example, X-ray units require high positioning accuracy in order to operate effectively, and leak detection systems also require high positioning accuracy. If not properly positioned, the leak detection system may not detect damage in the sealed container.

[0003] For such food product quality control systems, it's important to be able to regularly clean or maintain the inspection unit and conveyor. However, because the inspection unit and conveyor are so close together and often fixed to one another, cleaning and maintenance can be difficult and time-consuming. In the food industry, extended downtime for cleaning and maintenance can have a significant impact on the overall throughput of the wider food processing system, so ensuring that cleaning and maintenance can be performed quickly and efficiently is crucial.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a food product quality control system that is easy to clean and maintain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food product quality control system comprising: a support structure; an inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure; and a conveying system for conveying the food product through and / or past the inspection unit, the conveying system being mounted on the support structure; wherein the conveying system comprises a conveying device carried on a frame, the frame being movably mounted on the support structure such that the frame can be moved relative to the inspection unit between an operating position and a maintenance position, wherein in the operating position, the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit such that the food product can be conveyed through and / or past the inspection unit, and in the maintenance position, the frame is laterally offset from the inspection unit.

[0006] This system mounts the inspection unit and conveyor system on the same support structure, ensuring high positioning accuracy and facilitating installation of the quality control system. To address maintenance and cleaning issues with the conveyor and / or inspection unit in this arrangement, the conveyor frame is movably mounted on the support structure, enabling it to be moved between an operational position and a maintenance position. In the operational position, the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit, allowing food products to be conveyed past and / or through the inspection unit—that is, the conveyor supplies food products to the inspection unit for testing of at least one characteristic of the food products. Typically, in the operational position, the inspection unit is positioned above the conveyor. As will be explained in detail below, in this operational position, a portion of the inspection unit may also or instead extend below or within the conveyor frame. In the maintenance position, the conveyor is laterally offset from the inspection unit to increase space for cleaning and maintenance of the conveyor system and inspection unit. Preferably, the frame is laterally offset by a distance equivalent to at least 25% of the horizontal width of the frame, and more preferably, by at least 50% of the horizontal width of the frame, measured in the conveyor's conveying direction.

[0007] As mentioned above, the present invention relates to a quality control system for food products. The food products can be bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, meat, or poultry pieces, or packaged food products, such as sealed trays of food items or prepackaged ready-to-eat meals. The quality control process is facilitated by an inspection unit that detects at least one characteristic of the food product supplied to the inspection unit. An example inspection unit is provided below, and examples of desirable characteristics to be evaluated as part of the quality control process include the presence of foreign matter (such as bone or metal), the weight of the food product, the seal integrity of a sealed food container, and the appearance of the food product.

[0008] As explained below, various types of conveyor systems can be used, including, for example, belt conveyors, roller conveyors, chain conveyors, and screw conveyors. In all of these examples, the conveyor system includes a conveying device supported on a frame. In other words, the frame supports the device that conveys the food product. For example, if the conveying device is a conveyor belt driven around a series of rollers, then this conveyor belt device is mounted on the frame of the conveyor system. The frame is then movably mounted to a support structure, allowing it to be moved between an operating position and a maintenance position, thereby moving the conveying device when the frame is moved. Therefore, the frame is the supporting structure for the conveying device.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame is slidably mounted on one or more rails of the support structure, preferably capable of sliding between an operating position and a maintenance position substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor system. For example, the support structure may have one (preferably at least two) fixed support rails. The frame may be mounted on the fixed support rails and slide along these rails between the operating position and the maintenance position. The support rails of the support structure may also be non-fixed, to facilitate movement of the frame between the operating and maintenance positions. Typically, the one or more rails of the support structure will be arranged horizontally so that the frame slides horizontally away from the inspection unit, although they may also include some upward or downward movement components, such as to lower the frame as it slides out of the inspection unit. Preferably, the conveyor slides substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor system, meaning the direction in which the food product is conveyed past the inspection unit. For example, the conveyor may have a bend upstream or downstream of the inspection unit. This vertical sliding may include horizontal sliding as well as lateral movement, including upward or downward movement components. However, vertical sliding is not required; some sliding along the conveying direction may also be present. The vertical sliding of the frame ensures that clearance is achieved with minimal movement of the conveying system. Of course, it is not essential that the frame be slidably mounted on the guide rails of the support structure, and other movement mechanisms, such as lever mechanisms, can also be contemplated.

[0010] In an embodiment in which the frame is slidably mounted on one or more guide rails of a supporting structure, it is further preferred that the conveying system comprises one or more guide rails of a frame coupled to said one or more guide rails of the supporting structure, wherein preferably at least one of said guide rails of the frame or at least one of said guide rails of the supporting structure is eccentrically mounted on a rotatable axis and is capable of rotating between a locked position (fixing the frame in place on the supporting structure) and an unlocked position (enabling the frame to slide between an operating position and a maintenance position). In these embodiments, the frame of the conveying system has corresponding guide rails coupled to the guide rails of the supporting structure. Depending on the nature of the guide rails, there may be a single guide rail coupled to a single frame. For example, the guide rail of the supporting structure may have a groove or channel on its upwardly facing surface, said groove or channel receiving a complementary guide rail of the supporting structure. Alternatively, a single guide rail of the supporting structure may have a groove or channel on its side surface, each groove or channel receiving a complementary guide rail of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting structure comprises two guide rails, each receiving a complementary guide rail of the frame. It will be appreciated that many different arrangements are possible. As indicated above, one or more guide rails can be eccentrically mounted on a rotatable axis so that rotation of the guide rails changes the distance between adjacent guide rails. This can be used, for example, to lock and unlock the guide rails of the frame with the guide rails of the support structure. The eccentrically mounted and rotatable guide rail can have a handle at one end for selectively locking and unlocking the guide rail to allow sliding to a maintenance position.

[0011] The inspection unit may include an imaging unit, a weighing unit, a metal detection unit, a gas composition measurement unit, and / or a leak detection unit. It will be appreciated that the inspection unit may comprise a plurality of sequentially arranged units for detecting various characteristics of food products conveyed by the conveyor. The imaging unit may include a camera for visually inspecting food products, for example, to identify blood spots on poultry, an X-ray unit for obtaining X-ray images of food products and / or identifying the presence of foreign matter (such as bone or bone fragments), and other electromagnetic imaging systems. For example, the weighing unit may comprise a scale positioned beneath the weight-sensitive rollers of a conveyor belt or roller conveyor. The gas composition measurement unit may include a system that uses a laser as a spectral light source for high-resolution spectroscopy (HRS), using a quantum cascade laser (QCL) to provide access to the valuable mid-infrared (MIR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Examples of QCL systems can be found in WO 03087787 A1. The leak detection unit may include a system that applies pressure to a sealed food container and detects changes in gas composition resulting from the modified air that escapes through the breach. An example of a leak detection unit can be found in WO 2017 / 191465 A2.

[0012] The invention is particularly advantageous when used with imaging units, such as X-ray units, as these units are typically very large and require high positioning accuracy, which means that access to the inspection unit and conveyor for cleaning and maintenance can be particularly difficult.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inspection unit comprises an imaging unit comprising a radiation source and a radiation detector. When the frame is in the operating position, at least a portion of one of the radiation source and the radiation detector is located within the conveyor frame. When the frame is in the maintenance position, at least a portion of one of the radiation source and the radiation detector is laterally offset from the conveyor frame. For example, one of the radiation source and the radiation detector may be located above the conveyor, while the other may be located within the conveyor frame, e.g., behind a conveying surface such as a conveyor belt. In alternative embodiments, the radiation source and the radiation detector may be located on opposite sides of the conveyor system, i.e., on opposite sides of the frame. However, placing one of the radiation source and the radiation detector within the frame may increase sensitivity and improve detection accuracy because the distance from the food product and the distance between the radiation source and the detector are minimized, while also minimizing the height of the quality control system. Placing one of the radiation source and the radiation detector within the frame may make maintenance and cleaning of that portion of the inspection unit and the conveyor system itself particularly difficult. Therefore, providing a removable frame that laterally separates the frame from the inspection unit (e.g., exposing the portion of the inspection unit previously located within the frame) is particularly advantageous.

[0014] The inspection unit can be fixedly mounted on the support structure, or the inspection unit can be movably mounted on the support structure. For example, the inspection unit can be moved in a direction opposite to the conveyor to further increase the gap between the inspection unit and the conveying system.

[0015] While it is possible to perform all cleaning and maintenance in the maintenance position, in some examples, it is preferable for the frame to be removable from the support structure while in the maintenance position. For example, the frame can be removed from the support structure by sliding it off one or more guide rails of the support structure. That is, the frame can continue to slide beyond the maintenance position (with or without releasing the clips holding the frame in the maintenance position) until it is completely removed from the support structure. In other examples, the frame can be locked to the support structure in the maintenance position by a quick-release mechanism that can be activated, for example, to allow the frame to be lifted from the support structure. Typically, removing the frame from the support structure would require appropriate lifting equipment. Providing a removable frame from the support structure allows for deep cleaning or more critical maintenance, such as replacing damaged parts, to be performed remotely from the inspection unit. This arrangement can also provide full access to the inspection unit for detailed cleaning of often sensitive components during inspection or for more critical maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the removal of the frame and conveyor equipment allows for the provision of a replacement frame and conveyor equipment. This can allow for simpler reconfiguration of the production line or simply avoid downtime when the conveyor system undergoes remote cleaning and / or maintenance.

[0016] In the most preferred embodiment, the conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame and a conveyor belt driven around the plurality of rollers. This apparatus may also include a motor mounted within the frame and coupled to the conveyor belt and / or one or more rollers for driving the conveyor belt. The motor can be moved with the frame to a maintenance position, and may need to be electrically disconnected before the frame is moved to the maintenance position. While a conveyor belt is preferred, other types of conveyors are also possible, such as roller conveyors.

[0017] In the case of a belt conveyor, preferably, a tensioning roller among the plurality of rollers is movably mounted on the frame, enabling it to move between a belt-tensioned position and a belt-released position. In the belt-released position, the conveyor belt is relaxed relative to the belt-tensioned position, allowing it to be removed from the conveyor system. This further facilitates maintenance of the system. Specifically, one of the rollers around which the conveyor belt is driven is movable, reducing the circumferential distance around the roller to allow the conveyor belt to relax. This allows the conveyor belt to be removed from the conveyor system by lifting it off the frame, i.e., sliding it off the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of conveyance. Advantageously, the frame can be moved to a maintenance position to allow access to the conveyor system, after which the tensioning roller can be moved to a belt-released position to allow the conveyor belt to be removed. The additional clearance and access provided in the maintenance position ensures that the belt can be removed quickly and safely.

[0018] Various arrangements of the tensioning rollers are contemplated, but preferably, the tensioning rollers are mounted on a telescopic frame portion of the conveyor system's frame, which is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the conveyor belt surface between a belt-tensioning position and a belt-releasing position. For example, the tensioning device may be mounted between two movable arms forming the telescopic frame portion of the frame. One or both arms are movable perpendicular to the belt surface, i.e., in a direction that reduces the distance around the circumference of the rollers, thereby loosening the belt and allowing it to be removed. Preferably, the telescopic frame portion is coupled to the main portion of the frame via a mechanical linkage, preferably a two-lever linkage, configured to selectively lock the telescopic frame portion in the belt-tensioning position. That is, the mechanical linkage can support the telescopic frame portion in the belt-tensioning position, so that the belt is firmly held taut around the plurality of rollers. Operation of the mechanical linkage can break the linkage's support arrangement and allow the rollers to move to the belt-releasing position. The mechanical linkage can be operated by a handle, such as one located on the exterior of the frame, to selectively lock and unlock the telescopic frame portion.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, the conveyor system is configured to transport food products from an input end to an output end of the conveyor system, and the conveyor system includes a vertically oscillating end portion located at the output end of the conveyor system, wherein the vertically oscillating end portion can be swung relative to the main portion of the conveyor system between a first position (at which the food products can be output from the conveyor system at a first height) and a second position (at which the food products can be output from the conveyor system at a second height different from the first height). The end portion of the conveyor can be moved to access different output positions, i.e., different vertical output positions. This can be useful, for example, in response to characteristics detected by an inspection unit. For example, if a bone is detected in a poultry piece, the poultry piece can be diverted to a lower output conveyor to be returned to an appropriate processing station for bone removal, while all "good" poultry is directed to an upper output conveyor for bulk packaging. While conveyor diversion systems have been used in the art before, these are typically dedicated conveyor systems located downstream of the inspection unit. In this arrangement, the same conveyor that supplies food products to the inspection unit can divert food products as needed. This not only reduces the required floor space but also ensures a high degree of accuracy since defective food products do not need to be tracked across multiple conveyor systems.While conveyor systems of the type described are inherently more complex due to the need to provide built-in diverter mechanisms, the ability to move the conveyor system to a maintenance position ensures that adequate access to the conveyor system can be provided when required.

[0020] Preferably, the vertical swing end portion comprises a vertical swing frame portion coupled to a main portion of the conveyor system's frame, the vertical swing frame portion swinging relative to the main portion of the frame. If the conveyor is a belt conveyor, the vertical swing end portion may include at least one swing roller, one of the plurality of rollers mounted on the frame (around which the belt is driven), located at the output end of the conveyor system and vertically movable as the vertical swing end portion swings between a first position and a second position. In this arrangement, the swing roller defines the end of the conveyor belt, so that its movement results in a swing between two different output heights, positioning the conveyor belt end at these two different positions. The swing roller is capable of rotating about an axis located within the conveyor frame, wherein the axis is preferably provided by a pivot connecting the vertical swing frame portion to the main portion of the frame. Preferably, the roller may rotate less strictly about the axis, although this is mechanically easier to achieve.

[0021] A particularly preferred embodiment of the oscillating portion of the conveyor belt involves a vertical oscillating end portion comprising two base rollers from a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame, with the axis about which the oscillating rollers rotate located between the two base rollers. The two base rollers are the other two rollers around which the belt is driven and essentially define the base of the oscillating portion of the conveyor system. Preferably, the two base rollers are fixedly mounted to the main portion of the frame, and preferably, the axis about which the oscillating rollers rotate is located equidistantly between the two base rollers, such that movement of the oscillating rollers does not substantially alter belt tension as the vertical oscillating end portion oscillates between a first position and a second position. This arrangement ensures that movement of the oscillating rollers does not alter the circumferential distance of the driven rollers around the conveyor belt, thereby maintaining belt tension.

[0022] The distance the swing end swings can be configurable to allow adjustment of the operating speed. That is, a smaller swing distance can be performed faster and may be required in high-throughput systems. This may require the two downstream conveyors (i.e., corresponding to the upper and lower output locations) to be placed closer together in the vertical direction to accommodate the smaller swing distance, or the discarded food product may be dropped a distance onto the lower conveyor.

[0023] A particularly preferred embodiment includes a conveyor with the swing-end and tensioning rollers described above. Preferably, in this embodiment, the tensioning rollers are located at the input end of the conveyor system. This arrangement allows for convenient belt removal, as described above, in conjunction with the swing-end features of the conveyor.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a food product quality control system is provided, comprising: a support structure; an inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure; and a conveying system for conveying the food product through and / or past the inspection unit, the conveying system being mounted on the support structure; wherein the conveying system comprises a conveying device carried on a frame, and wherein the conveying system is configured to use the conveying device to convey the food product from an input end of the conveying system to an output end of the conveying system, and wherein the conveying system comprises a vertical swinging end at the output end of the conveying system; wherein the vertical swinging end is capable of swinging relative to a main portion of the conveying system between a first position (at the first position, the food product can be output from the conveying system at a first height) and a second position (at the second position, the food product can be output from the conveying system at a second height different from the first height).

[0025] As with the above aspects of the invention, the food products can be bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, meat, or poultry pieces, or packaged food products, such as sealed trays of food items or prepackaged ready-to-eat meals. The quality control process is facilitated by an inspection unit that detects at least one characteristic of the food product supplied to the inspection unit. Example inspection units are provided above with respect to the first aspect of the invention, detecting desired characteristics, such as the presence of foreign matter (such as bone or metal), the weight of the food product, the seal integrity of a sealed food container, and the appearance of the food product.

[0026] As described above with respect to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the ends of the conveyor are movable to approach different output positions, i.e., different vertical output positions. This may be useful, for example, to react to characteristics detected by the inspection unit. For example, if bones are detected in a poultry piece, the poultry piece can be diverted to the lower output conveyor to be returned to the appropriate processing station for bone removal, while all "good" poultry are directed to the upper output conveyor for batch packaging. Although conveyor diversion systems have been used in the art before, these are typically dedicated conveyor systems located downstream of the inspection unit. In this arrangement, the same conveyor that supplies food products to the inspection unit is able to divert food products as needed. This not only reduces the required floor space, but also ensures high accuracy because defective food products do not need to be tracked across multiple conveyor systems.

[0027] As described above, preferably, the vertical swing end portion comprises a vertical swing frame portion coupled to a main portion of the frame of the conveying system, the vertical swing frame portion swinging relative to the main portion of the frame.

[0028] Preferably, the conveying apparatus comprises a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame and a conveyor belt driven about the plurality of rollers. However, as described above, other types of conveyors, such as roller conveyors, may also be used. Where the conveyor is a belt conveyor, the vertically swinging end portion preferably comprises at least one swinging roller, one of the plurality of rollers mounted on the frame, located at the output end of the conveying system and vertically movable as the vertically swinging end portion swings between a first position and a second position. In this arrangement, the swinging roller defines the end portion of the conveyor belt, so that its movement results in a swing between two different output heights, positioning the end portion of the conveyor belt at these two different positions. The swinging roller is capable of rotating about an axis located within the conveyor frame, wherein the axis is preferably provided by a pivot connecting the vertically swinging frame portion to the main portion of the frame. Although preferably, the roller does not rotate strictly about the axis, although this is mechanically easier to achieve.

[0029] A particularly preferred embodiment of the oscillating portion of the conveyor belt involves a vertical oscillating end portion comprising two base rollers from a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame, with the axis about which the oscillating rollers rotate located between the two base rollers. The two base rollers are the other two rollers around which the belt is driven and essentially define the base of the oscillating portion of the conveyor system. Preferably, the two base rollers are fixedly mounted to the main portion of the frame, and preferably, the axis about which the oscillating rollers rotate is located equidistantly between the two base rollers, such that movement of the oscillating rollers does not substantially alter belt tension as the vertical oscillating end portion oscillates between a first position and a second position. This arrangement ensures that movement of the oscillating rollers does not alter the circumferential distance of the driven rollers around the conveyor belt, thereby maintaining belt tension.

[0030] In the case of a belt conveyor, a tensioning roller among the plurality of rollers is preferably movably mounted on the frame, such that the tensioning roller is movable between a belt-tensioned position and a belt-released position, wherein in the belt-released position, the conveyor belt is slack relative to the belt-tensioned position, allowing the conveyor belt to be removed from the conveyor system. This further facilitates maintenance of the system. Specifically, one of the rollers around which the conveyor belt is driven is movable, i.e., the circumferential distance around the roller is reduced to allow the conveyor belt to be slack. This allows the conveyor belt to be removed from the conveyor system by lifting the conveyor belt off the frame, i.e., sliding the conveyor belt off the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of conveyance. Preferably, the tensioning roller is located at the input end of the conveyor system, so as to be separate from the swinging end of the conveyor system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of a food product quality control system;

[0033] Figures 2A to 2C Shown respectively Figure 1 Side views of a food product quality control system shown in an operational arrangement, an intermediate arrangement, and a maintenance arrangement;

[0034] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The frame is shown in two different positions during its movement on the support structure. Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the framework of a food product quality control system is shown;

[0035] Figures 4A to 4C Shown respectively Figure 1 A front view and an enlarged detail view of the frame of the food product quality control system shown in a locked and unlocked arrangement;

[0036] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Shown respectively Figure 1 Front and perspective views of the frame of the food product quality control system shown in a belt tensioning arrangement;

[0037] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Shown respectively Figure 1 Front and perspective views of the frame of the food product quality control system shown in a belt release arrangement;

[0038] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a food product quality control system;

[0039] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Shown respectively Figure 7 Perspective views of a conveyor system of a food product quality control system shown in two different output arrangements;

[0040] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Shown respectively Figure 7 An enlarged front view of the conveyor system of the food product quality control system shown in two different output arrangements; and

[0041] Figure 10 Shown Figure 7 A partial perspective view of a conveyor system of a food product quality control system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The first embodiment of the present invention will refer to Figures 1 to 6B Provide a description.

[0043] Figure 1 There is shown a front view of a food product quality control system 1. The food product quality control system generally comprises an inspection unit 100 and a conveying system 200, both mounted on a support structure 300.

[0044] The examination unit 100 is an X-ray unit that includes an X-ray detector 101, an X-ray source 102, and an examination unit display 103. The X-ray detector 101 and display 103 are housed in an upper system housing 104 supported by a support structure 300. The upper system housing is positioned above the conveyor system 200, with the X-ray detector 101 held directly above and facing downward toward the conveyor system 200. The X-ray source 102 is positioned within the frame of the conveyor system 200, as will be described in more detail below. The X-ray source 102 faces upward, passing through the conveyor system 200 belt and toward the X-ray detector 101.

[0045] The conveyor system 200 includes a frame 201 that holds a conveyor belt 202 driven around a series of rollers, which will be discussed in more detail below. The frame 201 of the conveyor system 200 is also supported by a support structure 300 and is arranged so that the conveyor 200 transports food products from an input end 200a, between the X-ray detector 101 and the X-ray source 102, to an output end 200b on the moving conveyor belt 202. The conveyor system is housed within a lower system housing 204, which extends in the conveying direction to house the input end 200a in an upstream housing portion 204a and the output end in a downstream housing portion 204b. The front side of the conveyor system 200 can be accessed by opening a door 204c of the lower system housing 204. The lower system housing, which surrounds the conveyor 200 between the input end 200a and the output end 200b, serves to shield the conveyor from X-ray radiation generated by the X-ray source 102.

[0046] The support structure 300 includes a single support frame 301 including four legs 302, and the support frame 301 extends upward to the upper system housing 104 and the lower system housing 204. Both the conveyor system 200 and the inspection unit 100 are mounted on the support frame 301, and the arrangement of the conveyor system 200 on the support structure will be described in more detail below.

[0047] Figures 2A to 2C Three different side views of the food product quality control system 1 are shown. Figure 2A, the system 1 is in an operational arrangement with the door 204c on the lower system housing 204 closed and the conveyor frame 201 in an operational position such that food products conveyed on the conveyor belt 202 pass between the X-ray detector 101 and the X-ray source 102 .

[0048] exist Figure 2B , door 204c is open, exposing the front side of the conveyor system 200 so that an operator can access the conveyor system 200 to move it to a maintenance position.

[0049] Figure 2C The maintenance position is shown in FIG. Here, the frame of the conveyor 201 carrying the conveyor belt 202 is pulled forward from between the X-ray detector 101 and the X-ray source 102 and pulled through the opening of the lower system housing 204 provided by the door 204c when it is in the open position. This maintenance position introduces an offset between the frame 201 and the inspection unit 100, because the frame and the belt supported thereby have been moved transversely relative to the inspection unit, perpendicular to the conveying direction. Reference will now be made to Figures 3A to 4C The precise structure of the conveying system and its mounting on the support structure 300 are described in more detail in order to illustrate an arrangement that is movable between an operating position and a maintenance position.

[0050] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The frame 201 of the conveyor system 200 is shown, and the conveyor belt 202 and the rest of the system 1 are omitted, except for the two support rails 303, 304 of the support structure 300 to which the frame 201 is mounted. Figure 4A and Figure 4B A partial front view of the frame 201 is shown.

[0051] The frame 201 includes opposing side panels 211, 212, which respectively define the rear and front sides of the conveyor 200. The two side panels 211, 212 are interconnected by a series of links 213a-213f extending from one side panel to the other across the width of the conveyor, with each link being located at a different position along the conveying direction of the conveyor.

[0052] Mounted on the frame are four rollers 215a-215d, the conveyor belt 202 (at Figure 3A and Figure 3B200a and 215b are driven around them. These four rollers 215a-215d define the extent of the conveyor belt 202. The first roller 215a is located at the input end 200a of the conveying system and defines the leading edge of the conveyor. The roller 215a is mounted on the retractable frame portion 205 of the frame 201, which will be described in more detail below. The first roller 215a extends across the width of the conveyor 200 between the rear and front sides of the conveyor 200. The second roller 215b is located at the output end 200b of the conveying system 200 and defines the trailing edge of the conveyor. In this embodiment, the second roller extends between the opposing side plates 211, 212 and rotates about a fixed axis; although, in a different embodiment further described below, the second roller is translatable so as to cause the output end of the conveyor to swing up and down. The conveyor belt extends from a first roller 215a to a second roller 215b to define a generally flat conveying surface for conveying food products through the inspection unit. A third roller 215c and a fourth roller 215d are mounted lower than the first and second rollers and define a return path for the conveyor belt to the first roller 215a. These third and fourth rollers 215c, 215d extend between opposing side plates 211, 212 and rotate about respective fixed axes. The spacing of these rollers, which are lower than the first and second rollers 215a, 215b, defines a volume within the frame between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt 202. As will be described in more detail below, this volume within the belt receives the X-ray source 102 and also contains the conveyor belt motor (not shown).

[0053] A respective opening 211a, 212a is provided in each side panel 211, 212 of the frame 201. The openings extend along a substantial portion of the length of the conveyor 200, generally between the third roller 215c and the fourth roller 215d, and provide access to the volume within the frame between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt 202. When the frame 201 is mounted on the support structure 300, the support structure's first and second guide rails 303, 304 extend through the opening 211a of the first side panel 211, through the volume within the frame between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt 202, and out through the opening 212a of the second side panel 212. The first guide rail 303 extends through the opening near the fourth roller 215d toward the input end of the conveyor, while the second guide rail 304 extends through the opening near the third roller 215c toward the output end of the conveyor, such that a space between the two guide rails exists between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt. Each guide rail 303, 304 is fixedly mounted at its rear end (i.e., the end opposite the door 204c of the lower housing 204) to the frame 301 of the support structure 300 by bolts received through a series of bolt holes 303a, 304a in each guide rail 303, 304. The first guide rail defines a mounting portion 303b that faces the mounting portion 304b of the second guide rail. The mounting portions 303b and 304 collectively receive and support the X-ray radiation source 102 in the volume within the frame between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt 202.

[0054] The input-side guide rail 303 further defines a lower flange 303c along its length. This flange extends toward the input end of the conveyor. Similarly, the output-side guide rail 304 defines a lower flange 304c along its length. This flange extends toward the output end of the conveyor. Corresponding guide rails 216 and 217 are provided on the frame 201. Guide rail 216 extends between opposing side panels 211 and 212 toward the input end of the conveyor, near openings 211a and 212a, so that it rests on flange 303c of guide rail 303. Guide rail 217 extends between opposing side panels 211 and 212 toward the output end of the conveyor, near openings 211a and 212a, so that it rests on flange 303c of guide rail 303. The support rails 303 and 304 thus receive the guide rails 216 and 217 of the frame 201 and support the conveyor 200 in a position below the X-ray detector.

[0055] Figure 3B Shows that the frame has been Figure 3A The illustrated operating position is moved away from the maintenance position. Here, the frame has partially slid off the support rails 303, 304. In particular, the guide rails 216, 217 of the frame 201 allow the frame to slide along the support rails 303, 304 of the supporting structure 300.

[0056] In order to prevent the frame from sliding on the support rails 303, 304 during operation, a locking mechanism is provided which locks the rails 216, 217 of the frame to the support rails. Figures 4A to 4C The operation of the locking mechanism can be seen more clearly in the figure.

[0057] Figure 4A The frame 201 is shown in its locked position. The guide rail 217 includes a guide rail body 217b ( Figure 4C 304 ). The guide rail body 217b is a cylindrical portion extending between the opposing side plates 211, 212. The guide rail body is rotatable and is eccentrically mounted on the axis of rotation 217c. In the locked position, the guide rail body 217b is positioned so that the thicker side of the guide rail body 217b faces the support rail 304. This position minimizes the distance between the two guide rails 216, 217 and clamps the frame against the complementary surfaces of the support rails 303, 304. The handle 217a is accessible from the front side of the conveyor and is operable to rotate the guide rail body 217b so as to unlock the frame by increasing the distance between the two guide rails 216, 217. Figure 4B An unlocked position is shown. In this unlocked position, the frame can slide towards the maintenance position, as described above.

[0058] An important aspect of conveyor belt cleaning and maintenance is the removal of the conveyor belt 202. This embodiment features a belt tensioning and release system 250, which will now be referred to. Figures 5A to 6B Provide a description.

[0059] The belt tensioning and release system 250 is located at the input end of the conveyor 200. A first roller 215a is mounted on the telescoping frame portion 205 of the frame 201. Specifically, the roller 215a extends between arms 206 and 207. The first arm 206 is slidably mounted on the first side plate 211 of the frame 201, and the second arm 207 is slidably mounted on the second side plate 212. The arms can slide along their respective side plates in the conveying direction to shorten the length of the conveyor, i.e., to reduce the distance between the first roller 215a and the second roller 215b, thereby slackening the conveyor belt 202 driven around the rollers. Each arm 206 and 207 has a slit 206a and 207a extending along a portion of the arm's length to near the roller 215a. The respective ends of the first link 213a extend through the slits 206a and 207a when connected to the corresponding side plates 211 and 212. These slots 206a, 206b help support the sliding frame portion 205 on the connecting rod 213a and allow the sliding frame portion 205 to slide relative to the connecting rod 213a.

[0060] The end of each arm 205, 207 distal from the roller 215a is connected to a movable rod 251 that extends across the width of the conveyor between the side panels 211, 212 of the frame 201. The movable rod 251 is coupled to each arm and extends therethrough, passing through a corresponding slot 255 in each side panel 211, 212 (only the slot in the front side panel 212 is visible in the figure). The movable rod 251 is retained in the two slots 255 by nuts 251a at each end of the rod, which prevent the ends of the rod from passing through the slots 255. Each slot 255 extends in the conveying direction, thereby allowing the rod to slide along the length of the conveyor when the telescoping frame section 205 is retracted to shorten the conveyor.

[0061] The rod 252 extends between the first side panel 211 and the second side panel 212 of the frame 201 and is rotatably mounted on these side panels so that the rod 252 can rotate about its axis. A handle 254 is accessible from the front side panel 212 of the frame 201 to enable rotation of the rod 252. The rotatable rod 252 is coupled to the movable rod 251 at each end by a double rod linkage 253. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the belt tensioning position shown, the double bar linkage connecting the movable bar 251 to the rotatable bar 252 holds the movable bar 251 in place while the telescoping frame portion 205 is extended. This maximizes the distance between the first roller 215a and the second roller 215b, and thus maximizes the distance around the circumference of the four rollers 215a-215d, to keep the belt taut.

[0062] When the rotatable rod 252 is rotated by operation of the handle 254, the alignment of the double-rod linkage is broken and the double-rod linkage pulls on the movable rod 251 causing it to slide in the slot 255 and causing the telescopic frame portion 205 to retract as the arms 205, 206 slide in the conveying direction. This reduces the circumferential distance around the four driven rollers 215a-215d, thereby slacking the conveyor belt 202 so that the conveyor belt 202 can be removed from the conveyor system 200. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Shown is this belt release position, i.e. the position where the telescopic frame portion 205 has been retracted. In this position, the conveyor belt 202 can be lifted off or placed on the conveyor system 200 by moving the conveyor belt 202 (not shown in these figures) horizontally relative to the frame and rollers.

[0063] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be referred to Figures 7 to 10 Provide a description.

[0064] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a food product quality control system 1. Figure 16C are substantially the same, and the corresponding elements of the system use the same reference numerals. The difference between this food product quality control system and the previous embodiment is the structure of the output end of the conveyor system 200. In particular, the output end of the conveyor system 200 has a vertical swing end 260, which enables the system to output food products from the conveyor system 200 at two different heights. The system further includes a separate downstream conveyor system 400, which is arranged to receive the food product output at a first height. For example, the system can receive food products that are considered to be available for packaging and can transport these food products to downstream ingredients and packaging systems. This downstream conveyor system is relatively short compared to the conveyor system 200 and is contained in the extended downstream housing portion 204b. The door 204c is also extended so that the conveyor system 200 is enclosed in the housing during operation while allowing access during cleaning or maintenance. This downstream conveyor system 400 can transport food products out of the quality control system 1 and onto the appropriate conveying device in the rest of the system.

[0065] Figure 7 Not visible in the drawing is the reject handling portion of the system, which receives the food product output at a second height below the first height. That is, the vertical swing end 260 can swing downward from its position in which it conveys the food product to the downstream conveyor system 400 so that the discarded food product is deposited in the reject handling portion of the system. In a simple example, the reject handling portion can be simply a box for collecting the discarded food product, but preferably, a second downstream conveyor will be provided at a lower output height for conveying the discarded food product to the reject handling. For example, if the food product is discarded because it contains bone fragments, it can be conveyed to an operator for manual removal of the bone fragments, or rerouted back through a bone removal system.

[0066] The vertical swing end 260 of the conveyor system 200 will now be referred to as Figures 8A to 10 Describe in more detail.

[0067] Figure 8A and Figure 8B A front perspective view of a conveyor system 200 with a vertical swing end 260 is shown. The input end of the conveyor includes a telescoping frame portion 205 for providing a belt tensioning configuration and a belt releasing configuration. As described above, the conveyor 200 has the same mounting arrangement including openings 211a, 212a extending through the side panels 211, 212 of the frame 201. The support rails 303, 304 are received in the openings 211a, 212a to support the conveyor on the rails 216, 217. The vertical swing end 260 is located at the output end of the conveyor 200 and can be in a first position (e.g., Figure 8A as shown) and the second position (as Figure 8B 2 and 3. In the first position, the conveyor belt 202 is substantially flat between the input end and the output end so that the food products are output at a first height, and in the second position, the conveyor belt 202 is tilted downward at the vertical swing end 260 so that the food products are output at a second height that is lower than the first height.

[0068] The vertical swing end 260 is Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B and Figure 10 Shown in more detail in . Figure 9A and Figure 9B 9C is an enlarged perspective view of the vertical swing end 260 with the front side plate 212 omitted.

[0069] As shown in these figures, the vertical swing end 260 includes a vertical swing frame portion 261. The vertical swing frame portion 261 is an arm of the frame 201, which is rotatably connected to the main portion of the frame (i.e., the side plates 211, 212) via a pivot 262 extending horizontally between the two side plates 211, 212. The end of the vertical swing frame portion 261 away from the pivot holds the second roller 215b, which is one of the rollers around which the conveyor belt 202 is driven. A pneumatic actuator 264 is mounted within the frame 201 via a mounting member 265, and the actuator arm is connected to the vertical swing frame portion 261 at a handle portion 263 offset from the pivot 262. The linear movement of the actuator arm of the pneumatic actuator 264 is operable to rotate the vertical swing frame portion 261 about the pivot 262 by moving the handle portion 263. Actuation of the pneumatic actuator 264 causes the vertical swing frame portion 261 to rotate between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the second roller 215b is flush with the first roller 215a at the input end, so that the conveyor belt 202 is substantially flat between the input end and the output end, and in the second position, the second roller 215b is flush with the third roller 215c and the fourth roller 215d, so that the conveyor belt 202 tilts downward toward the output end.

[0070] To ensure that the conveyor belt remains substantially flat between the input end and the vertical swing end 260 as the frame portion 261 swings downward, tilting downward only at the vertical swing end 260, a fifth roller 215e is provided. The fifth roller 215e is flush with the first roller 215a and is generally in the same vertical plane as the pivot 262. This fifth roller is rotatably mounted on a fixed axis extending between the side plates 211 and 212 of the frame 201. The fifth roller 215e, the pivot 262, and the third roller 215c are each arranged to extend transversely across the conveyor's conveying direction and are generally vertically aligned with one another. In this arrangement, the belt is sequentially driven around the first roller 215a, then the fifth roller 215e, then the swinging second roller 215b, then the third roller 215c, then the fourth roller 215d, and then back around the first roller 215a. The fifth roller 215e not only ensures that the conveyor belt remains level between the input end and the vertical swing end 260, but the fifth roller 215e and the third roller 215c also serve as the base rollers for the vertical swing end, with the pivot equidistantly mounted between the two rollers 215c, 215e. This ensures that the movement of the swinging second roller 215b does not change the circumferential distance of the driving rollers 215a-215e around the conveyor belt, thereby maintaining belt tension.

[0071] Actuator 264 can be configured to change the length of the arm's movement during actuation. This can be used to vary the swing distance of vertical swing frame portion 261. Preferably, it can be configured to vary the amount by which vertical swing frame 261 swings downward from the horizontal position of first roller 215a, fifth roller 215e, and second roller 215b. A smaller swing distance allows for faster execution and may be desirable in high-volume systems.

Claims

1. A food product quality control system comprising: Support structure; an inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure; as well as a conveyor system for conveying food products through and / or past the inspection unit, the conveyor system being mounted on the support structure; The conveying system comprises a conveying device carried on a frame, wherein the frame is movably mounted on a support structure so that the frame can be moved relative to the inspection unit between an operating position and a maintenance position, wherein in the operating position, the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit so that the food product can be conveyed through and / or past the inspection unit, and in the maintenance position, the frame is laterally offset from the inspection unit.

2. The food product quality control system of claim 1 , wherein the frame is slidably mounted on one or more rails of the support structure.

3. The food product quality control system of claim 2, wherein the frame is slidable between the operating position and the maintenance position in a conveying direction generally perpendicular to the conveying system.

4. The food product quality control system of claim 2, wherein the conveyor system comprises one or more rails of a frame coupled to the one or more rails of a support structure.

5. The food product quality control system of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the guide rails of the frame or at least one of the guide rails of the support structure is eccentrically mounted on a rotatable axis and is rotatable between a locked position securing the frame to the support structure and an unlocked position enabling the frame to slide between an operating position and a maintenance position.

6. The food product quality control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inspection unit comprises an imaging unit, a weighing unit, a metal detection unit, a gas composition measurement unit and / or a leak detection unit.

7. The food product quality control system of claim 6, wherein the imaging unit is an X-ray unit.

8. The food product quality control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: At least part of the inspection unit is located within the frame of the conveyor system when the frame is in the operating position and said part of the inspection unit is laterally offset from the frame of the conveyor when the frame is in the maintenance position.

9. The food product quality control system of claim 8, wherein the inspection unit comprises an imaging unit, the imaging unit comprising a radiation source and a radiation detector, and wherein at least a portion of one of the radiation source and the radiation detector is located within the frame of the conveyor system when the frame is in the operating position, and wherein at least a portion of one of the radiation source and the detector is laterally offset from the frame of the conveyor when the frame is in the maintenance position.

10. The food product quality control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: When the frame is in the maintenance position, the frame can be removed from the support structure.

11. The food product quality control system of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the frame is removable from the support structure when the frame is in the maintenance position, wherein the frame is removed from the support structure by sliding the frame off one or more guide rails of the support structure.

12. The food product quality control system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the conveying device comprises a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame and a conveyor belt driven around the plurality of rollers.

13. The food product quality control system of claim 12 , wherein a tensioning roller of the plurality of rollers is movably mounted on a frame such that the tensioning roller is movable between a belt tensioning position and a belt release position, wherein in the belt release position the conveyor belt is slack relative to the belt tensioning position such that the conveyor belt can be removed from the conveyor system.

14. The food product quality control system of claim 13, wherein the tensioning roller is mounted on a telescoping frame portion of the frame of the conveyor system, the telescoping frame portion moving in a direction generally perpendicular to the conveyor belt surface between a belt tensioning position and a belt releasing position.

15. The food product quality control system of claim 14, wherein the telescoping frame portion is coupled to the main frame portion by a mechanical linkage.

16. The food product quality control system of claim 15, the mechanical linkage being configured to selectively lock the telescoping frame portion in the belt tensioning position.

17. The food product quality control system of claim 15, wherein the mechanical linkage is a double-bar linkage.

18. A food product quality control system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the mechanical linkage is operable by a handle to selectively lock and unlock the telescoping frame portions.

19. The food product quality control system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the conveyor system is configured to convey the food product from an input end of the conveyor system to an output end of the conveyor system, and wherein the conveyor system includes a vertically swinging end located at the output end of the conveyor system, wherein The vertical swing end is capable of swinging relative to the main portion of the conveyor system between a first position and a second position, wherein the food product can be output from the conveyor system at a first height and the food product can be output from the conveyor system at a second height different from the first height.

20. The food product quality control system of claim 19, wherein the vertically swinging end portion comprises a vertically swinging frame portion coupled to a main portion of a conveyor system frame, the vertically swinging frame portion swinging relative to the main portion of the frame.

21. The food product quality control system of claim 12, wherein the conveyor system is configured to convey the food product from an input end of the conveyor system to an output end of the conveyor system, and wherein the conveyor system includes a vertically swinging end located at the output end of the conveyor system, wherein The vertical swing end is capable of swinging relative to the main part of the conveying system between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the food product can be output from the conveying system at a first height, and in the second position, the food product can be output from the conveying system at a second height different from the first height, wherein the vertical swing end includes at least one swing roller, which is one of the multiple rollers mounted on the frame, and the swing roller is located at the output end of the conveying system and can move vertically when the vertical swing end swings between the first position and the second position.

22. The food product quality control system of claim 21 wherein the oscillating roller is rotatable about an axis located within the conveyor frame, wherein the axis is provided by a pivot connecting a vertical oscillating frame portion to a main portion of the frame.

23. The food product quality control system of claim 22, wherein the vertical oscillating end portion comprises two base rollers of the plurality of rollers mounted on the frame, the axis about which the oscillating roller rotates being located between the two base rollers.

24. The food product quality control system of claim 20 , wherein the vertical swing end portion comprises two base rollers of a plurality of rollers mounted on the frame, the axis about which the swing rollers rotate is located between the two base rollers, wherein the two base rollers are fixedly mounted to the main portion of the frame, and the axis about which the swing rollers rotate is located equidistantly between the two base rollers, so that movement of the swing rollers does not substantially change belt tension when the vertical swing end portion swings between the first position and the second position.

25. The food product quality control system of any one of claims 13-17, wherein the conveyor system is configured to convey the food product from an input end of the conveyor system to an output end of the conveyor system, and wherein the conveyor system includes a vertically swinging end located at the output end of the conveyor system, wherein The vertical swing end portion is capable of swinging relative to the main portion of the conveyor system between a first position and a second position, wherein the food product can be output from the conveyor system at a first height in the first position and the food product can be output from the conveyor system at a second height different from the first height in the second position, wherein the tensioning roller is located at the input end of the conveyor system.

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