Selector machine

Abstract

Selector machine comprising conveyance means (2) which define an advancement path (A) along which a loose product advances, comprising multiple solid elements to be selected. The advancement path (A) comprises a tilted section (A1) and a subsequent analysis section (A2), wherein the loose product it is susceptible of advancing via falling. Such conveyance means (2) comprise a slide (3) placed along at least part of the tilted section (A1) and provided with a front face (4), along which the loose product is susceptible of sliding subject to the force of gravity, and an opposite rear face (5). The slide (3) at least partially delimits a front zone (Z1), on which the front face (4) faces, and a rear zone (Z2), on which the rear face (5) faces. In addition, an optical detection system (8) is provided, comprising emitter means (9), arranged for emitting electromagnetic radiations towards the analysis section (A2), and at least one optical sensor (10), arranged for capturing electromagnetic radiations coming from the loose product irradiated by the emitter means (9) and for generating measurement signals. The machine (1) additionally comprises an electronic control unit (11), arranged for analyzing the measurement signals and for sending command signals to expulsion means (12) arranged for eliminating, from the advancement path (A), determined solid elements of the loose product. The selector machine (1) also comprises a suction device (6) having a suction mouth (7) thereof placed in the rear zone (Z2) and the conveyance means (2) are provided with a first passage opening (13), which is placed at the tilted section (A1) and places the suction mouth (7) in fluid communication with the front zone (Z1), in order to allow the suction mouth (7) to suction, through the first passage opening (13), the fine dust from the loose product.

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards a selector machine, according to the preamble of the independent claims 1.

[0002] The present selector machine is inserted in the field of production of machines for sorting products, which are advantageously employed for identifying, within a loose product, determined solid elements to be separated.

[0003] Advantageously, the present selector machine is adapted to operate on small-size loose products, in particular smaller than about 15 mm.

[0004] The present selector machine is, in particular, intended to be employed in the agricultural industry, e.g. for separating dried fruit from the corresponding shells before packaging, in the waste recovery and recycling industry, e.g. for separating waste attained with plastic materials that are different from each other, or in any other field where it is necessary to separate solid elements in a loose product from each other, in particular on the basis of their external appearance and / or of their chemical-physical properties.State of the art

[0005] Selector machines of automated type are known on the market, which are employed for separating, within a product constituted by multiple objects, determined objects to be selected or to be discarded.

[0006] As is known, the selector machines are generally provided with conveyance means on which a flow of a loose product is advanced, at its interior comprising multiple solid elements which must be distinct and separated. Such loose product can for example comprise dried fruit (such as hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, which must be separated from their shells before being packaged), or it can comprise waste made of different material (e.g. plastic), which must be separated from each other in order to allow a correct disposal or recycling thereof.

[0007] For example, the conveyance means comprise at least one hopper through which the product is made to fall on a corresponding vibrating feeder, which is provided with at least one substantially horizontal plate susceptible of being vibrated by a respective vibration generator in order to advance the aforesaid loose product up to a system of slides arranged for making the loose product fall along an analysis section that terminates at a collection drawer.

[0008] The selector machines also comprise an optical detection system arranged for acquiring and analyzing images of the flow of loose product falling from the slides system along the analysis section, so as to distinguish, in the loose product, the solid elements to be separated or discarded.

[0009] Such detection system is adapted to send command signals, on the basis of the information obtained from the acquired images, to expulsion means (such as solenoid valves) actuatable to remove (e.g. through the emission of jets of compressed air), from the loose product falling along the analysis section, the selected solid elements identified, in a manner such that the solid elements to be discarded do not fall within the collection drawers.

[0010] In addition, the selector machine is provided with a suctioning device provided with a suction mouth, which is placed upstream of the analysis section and is arranged for suctioning the fine dust transported by the loose product that advances along the system of slides, in order to prevent that, at the analysis section, there is an excessive quantity of fine dust that could negatively affect the quality of the images acquired by the optical detection system and which could therefore prevent the correct identification of the solid elements to be discarded with respect to the rest of the loose product.

[0011] For example, selector machines are known that are provided with a slide, which is extended starting from the plate of the vibrating feeder along a direction that forms an obtuse angle with the horizontal direction of the same plate of the vibrating feeder, and with a suction device that has its suction mouth placed above the slide and in front of the front site of the aforesaid slide, and along such front side the loose product slides downward subject to the force of gravity. One example of such selector machines of known type is described in the document GB 2033881 A.

[0012] However, such selector machines of known type have in practice shown that they do not lack drawbacks.

[0013] Indeed, the suction mouth of the suctioning device (placed above and facing with respect to the front side of the slide that forms an obtuse angle with the horizontal plate of the vibrating feeder) is capable of removing the fine dust only in the part of the flow of loose product which, when it passes in front of the same suction mouth, is not situated in contact with the slide itself. This is due to the fact that the air flow which is suctioned from the mouth of the suctioning device is not capable of traversing the flow of loose product that descends along the front side of the slide, but passes on such flow of loose product only at its upper part, hence without succeeding to remove therefrom most of the fine dust that flows together with the flow of loose product in a position closer to the same front side of the slide. Therefore, in the selector machines of such type, the flow of loose product tends to reach the analysis section with a reduced quantity of fine dust with respect to the case in which the suction device is not expected, but in any case sufficiently high and therefore such to risk preventing the optical detection system from correctly identifying the solid elements to be discarded.

[0014] For the purpose of at least partially resolving the main drawback of such selector machines, other different selector machines have been developed that are provided with a slide, which is extended opposite the plate of the vibrating feeder downward along a direction which forms an acute angle with the horizontal direction of the same plate of the vibrating feeder, and with a suction device, which has its own suction mouth placed above both the slide and above the plate of the vibrating feeder substantially at an opening defined between the plate of the vibrating feeder and the opposite slide.

[0015] In this manner, the suctioning device is able to generate a suction air flow directed upward and hence in a direction opposite the flow of loose product which is spaced from the vibrating feeder in order to fall downward up to the opposite slide, such that all the loose product is traversed by the aforesaid suction air flow in order to remove as much fine dust as possible, improving the quality of the images generated by the optical detection system at the analysis section.

[0016] Nevertheless, also this type of selector machine has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.

[0017] Indeed, in order to be able to generate such suction air flow in the sense opposite the loose product that falls from the horizontal plate of the vibrating feeder, the suction mouth is placed at a point in which the aforesaid air flow hits the loose product even before this falls from the vibrating feeder and hence before it is subject to gravity acceleration, with the consequence that the same suction air flow picks up, in addition to fine dust, also a considerable quantity of loose product that must not be removed.Presentation of the invention

[0018] In this situation, the object underlying the present invention is therefore that of eliminating the problems of the abovementioned prior art, by providing a selector machine, which is capable of eliminating, from the flow of loose product to be analyzed, a great quantity of fine dust before the same flow of loose product passes at the optical detection system.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a selector machine, which is capable of removing great quantities of fine dust from the flow of loose product, without risking the accidental removal also of a part of the same flow of loose product that must not be eliminated.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a selector machine, which is capable of identifying, in a precise manner, the solid products that must be discarded from the rest of the flow of loose product.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a selector machine, which is entirely reliable in operation.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide a selector machine, which is simple and inexpensive to achieve.Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The technical characteristics of the present invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly seen in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent a merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in which: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a selector machine according to the present invention; figure 2 shows a schematic and side view of selector machine of figure 1; figure 3 shows a side section view of a part of the selector machine of figure 1, in which several components have been removed in order to better show other components; figure 4 shows an enlargement of a detail of figure 3, such enlargement corresponding with that contained in square IV of figure 3; figure 5 shows a side section perspective view of a part of the selector machine of figure 1. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0024] With reference to the enclosed figures, reference number 1 indicates a selector machine according to the present invention.

[0025] Advantageously, the present selector machine 1 is intended to be employed, in different fields of application, in order to select determined elements in a product constituted by a set of solid elements, in particular with shape and / or color that are very similar.

[0026] More in detail, the present selector machine 1 is intended to be employed in the food industry, in particular so as to identify in a loose product (in particular granular), such as for example dried fruit (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds), seeds, grain or the like, and elements that must be discarded before packaging the product, which for example can be shells of the dried fruit, discards of the food product processing or other inedible foreign bodies.

[0027] In addition, the present selector machine 1 can be employed in the waste recovery industry, in particular so as to identify elements of specific materials (e.g. different types of plastic) in order to be correctly disposed of or recycled.

[0028] The present selector machine 1 comprises conveyance means 2, which define an advancement path A, along which it is susceptible of advancing, in a determined advancement sense V1, at least one loose product comprising multiple solid elements to be selected.

[0029] The aforesaid advancement path A comprises at least one tilted section A1 and a subsequent analysis section A2, in which the loose product it is susceptible of advancing via falling. Additionally, the conveyance means 2 comprising a slide 3 placed along at least part of the tilted section A1 and provided with a front face 4, along which the loose product is susceptible of sliding subject to the force of gravity, and an opposite rear face 5.

[0030] Such slide 3 at least partially delimits a front zone Z1, on which the front face 4 faces, and a rear zone Z2, on which the rear face 5 faces.

[0031] More in detail, the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A is defined (completely or nearly completely) by the same same slide 3.

[0032] Advantageously, the present selector machine 1 comprises a support frame 28, which carries, mounted thereon, the conveyance means 2 and internally defines an operative volume 29 at least partially traversed by the advancement path A.

[0033] More in detail, the front zone Z1 is extended within the operative volume 29 between the front face 4 of the slide 3 and a part of the support frame 28 opposite the aforesaid front face 4 and, in addition, the rear zone Z2 is extended within the operative volume 29 between the rear face 5 of the slide 3 and a part of the support frame 28 opposite the aforesaid rear face 5. Preferably, the conveyance means 2 comprise at least one hopper 30, which is placed upstream of the advancement path A and is adapted to provide the loose product on the advancement path A.

[0034] In particular, the hopper 30 is mounted on the support frame 28 and is provided with an open upper portion 31, through which the loose product is advantageously introduced into the present selector machine 1, and a lower portion 32 in turn open and communicating with the operative volume 29, so as to provide the aforesaid loose product on the advancement path A at least partially extended at its interior.

[0035] Preferably, the slide 3 is extended along at least part of the tilted section A1 (in particular along all or nearly all of the tilted section A1, since, as stated above, the same tilted section A1 is advantageously defined - completely or nearly completely - by the slide 3) between an upper end 21 and an opposite lower end 22.

[0036] In addition, the slide 3 is extended preferably on a first lying plane thereof along a main extension direction between the upper end 21 and the lower end 22 and, in addition, such main extension direction is substantially rectilinear and tilted with respect to a vertical direction.

[0037] Additionally, more in detail, the slide 3 is extended along a secondary extension direction, which belongs to the first lying plane and is transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the main extension direction, between two opposite lateral edges 45.

[0038] In particular, the analysis section A2 (along which the loose product it is susceptible of advancing via falling) is extended starting from the lower end 22 of the slide 3.

[0039] Preferably, the conveyance means 2 comprise at least two containment walls 46, which are mechanically connected to the slide 3 at the lateral edges 45 and are extended projectingly with respect to the front face 4 transverse to the first lying plane of the same slide 3, so as to prevent the loose product, which descends subject to the force of gravity along the front face 4 of the slide 3, from falling from the same slide 3 at the lateral edges 45 instead of at the lower edge 22.

[0040] In this manner, during use, the loose product descends, subject to the force of gravity, along the front face 4 of the slide 3, with its solid elements that are distributed over the entire extension of the slide 3 between the two lateral edges 45 spaced from each other, thus ensuring that the loose product reaches the analysis section A2 with the solid elements that compose it well-distributed and spaced.

[0041] The present machine 1 is also provided with an optical detection system 8, which comprises emitter means 9 and at least one optical sensor 10.

[0042] The aforesaid emitter means 9 are arranged for emitting, towards the analysis section A2 of the advancement path A, electromagnetic radiations adapted to hit the loose product.

[0043] In addition, the optical sensor 10 is directed towards the advancement path A (in particular towards the analysis section A2 of the aforesaid advancement path A) and is arranged for capturing the electromagnetic radiations coming from the loose product irradiated by the emitter means 9 and for transducing the aforesaid electromagnetic radiations into corresponding measurement signals.

[0044] More in detail, the optical sensor 10 is placed adjacent to the advancement path A, in particular below the slide 3, and is directed towards the analysis section A2, so as to detect the loose product free falling from the slide 3 along such analysis section A2 with the solid elements to be selected spaced from each other.

[0045] Advantageously, the emitter means 9 comprise one or more electromagnetic radiation sources (e.g. of LED type), which are arranged for emitting electromagnetic radiations in the visible spectrum and / or infrared spectrum and / or ultraviolet spectrum, in which the spectrum is in particular selected as a function of the chemical-physical characteristics of the loose product that must be analyzed in order to identify therewithin the solid elements that must be discarded.

[0046] Analogously, also the optical sensor 10 is preferably provided with an interval of sensitivity to the electromagnetic radiations belonging to the visible spectrum and / or infrared spectrum and / or ultraviolet spectrum, in which such sensitivity field is in particular selected as a function of the chemical-physical characteristics of the loose product that must be analyzed. Preferably, the optical sensor 10 is provided with a plurality of optical transducers adapted to capture the electromagnetic radiations, which still more preferably are distributed along one or more rows of optical transducers, in particular parallel to the first lying plane of the slide 3 and transverse with respect to the main extension direction of the same slide 3 (in particular, in a manner such to be able to detect the loose product that falls from the lower end 22 of the slide 3 after being distributed along the entire extension of the same slide 3 between the two lateral edges 45 along the secondary extension direction transverse to the main extension direction).

[0047] In addition, the optical detection system 8 is preferably placed in the operative volume 29 defined inside the support frame 28, in a manner such that the same support frame 28 shields the optical detection system 3 from the light coming from the outside environment, which could otherwise interfere with the electromagnetic radiations emitted by the emitter means 9 and with the electromagnetic radiations coming from the irradiated loose product which must be detected by the optical sensor 10.

[0048] The selector machine 1 according to the invention also comprises an electronic control unit 11 operatively connected to the optical sensor 10 in order to receive the measurement signals, and arranged for emitting command signals.

[0049] More in detail, the electronic control unit 11 is arranged for analyzing the measurement signals generated by the optical sensor 10 in order to identify, in the loose product (in particular falling along the analysis section A2), determined solid elements that must be discarded and for generating the aforesaid command signals as a function of the identified solid elements to be discarded.

[0050] Additionally, the present selector machine 1 comprises expulsion means 12 operatively connected to the electronic control unit 11 in order to receive the command signals and arranged for eliminating, from the advancement path A, determined solid elements of the loose product as a function of the command signals.

[0051] Advantageously, the expulsion means 12 comprise multiple nozzles 33 directed towards the analysis section A2 of the advancement path A and each arranged for emitting a jet of compressed air, so as to eliminate, from the advancement path A, the solid elements identified by the electronic control unit 11, analyzing the measurement signals generated by the optical sensor 10 of the optical detection system 8.

[0052] Preferably, the nozzles 33 are placed below the optical sensor 10 and are each provided with a corresponding solenoid valve 34 placed in fluid connection with a compressed air feed device 35, operatively connected to the electronic control unit 11 and switchable, as a function of the command signals generated by the same electronic control unit 11, between an open configuration, in which the flow of compressed air from the feed device 35 to the corresponding nozzle 33 is allowed so that the latter emits a jet of compressed air towards the loose product free falling along the analysis section A2, and a closed configuration, in which the flow of compressed air from the feed device 35 to the corresponding nozzle 33 is prevented.

[0053] More in detail, the nozzles 33 are placed side-by-side each other along an alignment direction adjacent to the analysis section A2, which is in particular substantially parallel to the first lying plane on which the slide 3 of the conveyance means 2 is extended and transverse to the main extension direction of the same slide 3 (in particular, in a manner such to be able to remove, from the analysis section A2, the solid elements to be discarded from the loose product that falls from the lower end 22 of the slide 3 after being distributed along the entire extension of the same slide 3 between the two lateral edges 45 along the secondary extension direction transverse to the main extension direction).

[0054] In particular, each nozzle 33 is operatively associated with a determined point of the analysis section A2 (for example according to a determined position grid), in a manner such that the actuation of each nozzle 33 generates a jet of compressed air that hits the solid elements of the loose product that pass into such determined point of the analysis section A2.

[0055] In this manner, the solid elements which must be separated from the rest of the loose product are hit by the jet of compressed air emitted by one of the nozzles 33 of the expulsion means 12 and are effectively deflected from the advancement path A while they are situated in the situation of free fall from the slide 3 along the analysis section A2.

[0056] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 11 comprises one or more hardware devices, preferably one or more printed circuit boards, which, still more preferably, carry suitable processor modules installed thereon (e.g. the one or more modules arranged for analyzing the measurement signals coming from the optical sensor 10 of the optical detection system 8) and / or operating modules (for example, the one or more modules arranged for generating the command signals as a function of the analyzed measurement signals and for sending such command signals to the expulsion means 12), in which such processor modules and / or operating modules are in particular in the form of integrated circuits (chips or micro-chips). For example, such electronic control unit 11 can be provided with a hardware device for controlling the emitter means 9, with a hardware device for controlling the optical sensor 10 and with a hardware device for controlling the expulsion means 12 (more in detail, for controlling the solenoid valves 34 of the nozzles 33), and such hardware devices are preferably operatively connected to a same central control hardware device, in particular a PLC unit (in which, with the expression "PLC unit" it must be intended a unit of "programmable logic controller" type).

[0057] Preferably, the electronic control unit 11 can comprise a hardware device integrated with the optical sensor 10 in an intelligent camera (known in the technical jargon of the field with the expression "intelligent camera") and such hardware device - integrated in the intelligent camera together with the optical sensor 10 - is operatively connected (directly or by means of further hardware devices not integrated in the same intelligent camera) to the emitter means 9 and to the expulsion means 12.

[0058] Possibly, such hardware device integrated with the optical sensor 10 in an intelligent camera is the central control hardware device of the electronic control unit.

[0059] Advantageously, the conveyance means 2 additionally comprise at least one first collection space 36, which is susceptible of receiving the loose product coming from the advancement path A, and at least one second collection space 37, which is susceptible of receiving the solid elements eliminated from the advancement path A by the expulsion means 12.

[0060] More in detail, the first collection space 36 is placed below the slide 3 substantially at the end of the analysis section A2, in a manner such that the aforesaid first collection space 36 receives the loose product free falling from the slide 3 which has not been removed from the advancement path A by means of the expulsion means 7.

[0061] In addition, the second collection space 37 is preferably placed adjacent to the first collection space 36, in a manner such that the aforesaid second collection space 37 receives the solid elements that have been hit by a jet of compressed air emitted by one of the nozzles 33 of the expulsion means 12 and which therefore have been deflected from the advancement path A. Additionally, the present selector machine 1 comprises a suction device 6 provided with a suction mouth 7 through which it is adapted to suction fine dust from the loose product at least along the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A.

[0062] More in detail, by fine dust it is intended a series of foreign bodies transported by the loose product and generally having average size smaller than that of the solid elements that compose the same loose product. Such foreign bodies which constitute the fine dust are in particular extremely small and light and therefore tend to remain suspended in the air without being able to be eliminated by the expulsion means 12 (i.e. for example by the jets of compressed air emitted by the nozzles 33). For example, in the food field, the foreign bodies which compose the fine dust can be grains and / or fragments of sand or topsoil, dirt and skin that the solid and granular elements of the loose product enclosed, in the event in which the loose product is of plant origin, such as rice or seeds.

[0063] In particular, the arrangement of a suction device 6 having a suction mouth 7 arranged for suctioning the fine dust at least along the tilted section A1 ensures that the loose product reaches the analysis section A2, driving a reduced quantity of fine dust and therefore the suction device 6 prevents an excessive quantity of fine dust from being able to negatively affect the quality of the measurement signals generated by the optical sensor 10, hence allowing the electronic control unit 11 to precisely identify the solid elements that must be discarded from the rest of the loose product by actuating the expulsion means 12.

[0064] Suitably, the present selector machine 1 can comprise multiple advancement paths A (and hence multiple slides 3 adjacent to each other) so as to select multiple flows of loose product simultaneously.

[0065] In particular, in such case, the emitter means 9 and the optical sensor 10 of the optical detection system 8 and the expulsion means 11 are extended transversely with respect to the plurality of advancement paths A in order to be able to operate on the different flows of loose product that advances on all the aforesaid advancement paths A and, in addition, multiple suction mouths 7 are provided for, at least one for each advancement path A.

[0066] According to the idea underlying the present invention, the suction mouth 7 of the suction device 6 is placed in the rear zone Z2 and the conveyance means 2 are provided with at least one first passage opening 13, which is placed at the tilted section A1 and places the suction mouth 7 in fluid communication with the front zone Z1, in order to allow the suction mouth 7 itself to suction the fine dust through the first passage opening 13.

[0067] In this manner, the suction device 6 generates (by means of the suction mouth 7 placed in the rear zone Z2 and in fluid communication with the first passage opening 13) an air flow that passes from the front zone Z1 to the rear zone Z2, traversing the first passage opening 13 at the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A, while the same loose product descends on the front face 4 of the slide 3 along the tilted section A1 and hence necessarily passes at the first passage opening 13. Therefore, advantageously, the air flow traverses all of the loose product that descends along the tilted section A1, effectively removing great quantities of fine dust, without the solid elements of the loose product able to be driven by the aforesaid air flow into the suction mouth 7, since such solid elements (larger and heavier than fine dust) at the tilted section A1 are subjected to an acceleration which drives them downward and which, consequently, prevents the same solid elements from being suctioned into the suction mouth 7 through the first passage opening 13. Hence, due to the first passage opening 13 placed at the tilted section A1 and arranged for placing the front zone Z1 in fluid communication with the suction mouth 7 placed in the rear zone Z2, the loose product advantageously reaches the analysis section A2 substantially lacking fine dust and, therefore, the optical detection system 8 is capable of producing measurement signals with high quality and the electronic control unit 11 is capable of determining with great precision, based on of such measurement signals, which are the solid elements that must be separated from the rest of the loose product. Advantageously, the first passage opening 13 is substantially directed towards the analysis section A2 and the suction device 6 is arranged for generating an air flow adapted to traverse the first passage opening 13 with a sense V2 substantially opposite the advancement sense V1.

[0068] In this manner, the fact that the first passage opening 13 is substantially directed towards the analysis section A2 (in other words downward, since the analysis section A2 is extended in particular starting from the lower end 22 of the slide 3) ensures that the air flow traverses the loose product with a sense V2 substantially opposite the advancement sense V1 of the same loose product that advances along the tilted section A1, hence maximizing the quantity of fine dust that is removed by means of the suction device 6 and minimizing the quantity of solid elements of the loose product which could be accidentally sucked through the first passage opening 13 and the suction mouth 7, even in the event in which the same solid elements of the loose product are particularly small and light (e.g. having size and weight of sesame seeds) with size and weight slightly higher than those of the foreign bodies that compose the fine dust.

[0069] Preferably, the first passage opening 13 is extended on a reference plane thereof transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the advancement path A at the tilted section A1 (in a manner such that the same first passage opening 13 can be advantageously directed towards the analysis section A2).

[0070] In accordance with an embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the slide 3 is attained by means of a plate-like element bent for determining a first and a second portion, which are substantially planar and parallel to each other and to the tilted section A1, and for determining a third portion, which is interposed between the first and the second portion, is transverse to the first and the second portion, is extended along the reference plane transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the advancement path A at the tilted section A1 and has the first passage opening 13 made thereon in a through manner between the front face 4 and the rear face 5 and directed towards the analysis section A2.

[0071] The advancement path A is also advantageously provided with an introduction section A3 placed substantially horizontal and the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A is interposed between the introduction section A3 and the analysis section A2 and forms an obtuse angle, with the aforesaid introduction section A1, which is directed downward.

[0072] More in detail, the tilted section A1 is extended starting from the introduction section A3. Additionally, the analysis section A2 is extended preferably starting from the tilted section A1 (as stated above, in particular starting from the lower end 22 of the slide 3).

[0073] In particular, the rear zone Z2, in which the suction mouth 7 is placed, is subtended by the obtuse angle.

[0074] Advantageously, the present selector machine 1 comprises a vibrating feeder 38 provided with a conveyance plate 39, which is extended at least partly along the introduction section A3 up to a separation edge 40 thereof, at which the loose product is susceptible of passing (in particular via falling) from the introduction section A3 to the tilted section A1.

[0075] Preferably, the introduction section A3 is defined by the same conveyance plate 39 of the vibrating feeder 38.

[0076] Additionally, the vibrating feeder 38 is advantageously provided with a vibration generator (not better described hereinbelow since it is generally known to the man skilled in the field), which is is mechanically connected to the conveyance plate 39 and is arranged for transmitting, to the same conveyance plate 39, vibrations for the purpose of advancing the loose product thereon along the introduction section A3 up to the separation edge 40 (starting from which the loose product passes to the tilted section A1, along which it slides downward subjected to the force of gravity).

[0077] More in detail, the conveyance plate 39 is extended from an initial edge up to the separation edge 40 mainly on a second lying plane thereof, which in particular forms the aforesaid obtuse angle with the first lying plane on which the slide 3 is extended.

[0078] In particular, therefore, the front zone Z1 and the rear zone Z2 are divided by the slide 3 and also by the conveyance plate 39 (since the second lying plane of the conveyance plate 39 forms the obtuse angle with the first lying plane of the slide 3 and, as stated above, the rear zone Z2 in which the suction mouth 7 is placed is advantageously subtended by the obtuse angle itself).

[0079] Preferably, the conveyance plate 39 of the vibrating feeder 38 is extended partly below the hopper 30, in a manner such to receive loose product from the lower portion 32 or the same hopper 30 simply by gravity, and partly projects with respect to the aforesaid hopper 30 in order to transport the loose product up to the tilted section A1.

[0080] More in detail, the fact that the tilted section A1 and the introduction section A3 form an obtuse angle directed downward and the fact that the suction mouth 7 is placed in the rear zone Z2 subtended by the obtuse angle allow generating an air flow that completely traverses the loose product along the analysis section A1 in order to remove the fine dust by employing a configuration of the conveyance means 2 that is particularly simple (and known in the technical jargon as "direct feed configuration" of the slide 3).

[0081] Advantageously, the suction device 6 is provided with a support body 14 placed in the rear zone Z2 and placed at least partially to delimit an air diffusion chamber 15 communicating with the first passage opening 13 and with the suction mouth 7, which is made on the same support body 14.

[0082] In addition, the suction device 6 advantageously comprises a suction duct 16, which is mechanically connected to the support body 14 and is extended starting from the suction mouth 7.

[0083] Preferably, the suction duct 16 is extended within the rear zone Z2, in a manner such to not interfere with the loose product that descends, subject to the force of gravity, along the front face 4 of the slide 3 from the side of the front zone Z1.

[0084] The suction device 6 also advantageously comprises at least one suctioning fan 17, which is placed in fluid connection with the suction duct 16 and is arranged for suctioning the fine dust making it pass through the first passage opening 13, the air diffusion chamber 15, the suction mouth 7 and the suction duct 16.

[0085] Preferably, the support body 14 is mounted on the slide 3 at the rear face 5 of the slide 3 itself. More in detail, the support body 14 is attained by means of at least one shaped plate and bent in order to at least partly enclose the air diffusion chamber 15, and possibly by means of multiple plates that are shaped, bent and fixed to each other in order to at least partly enclose such air diffusion chamber 15.

[0086] In particular, the support body 14 defines a suction mouth 7 close to the first passage opening 13 in order to effectively remove the fine dust and, at least partially delimiting the air diffusion chamber 15, substantially acts as plenum which reduces the turbulences of the air flow that is suctioned.

[0087] Advantageously, the conveyance means 2 comprise at least one guide element 18, at least one part of which is extended along a part of the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A. In addition, such guide element 18 is advantageously spaced from the slide 3 in order to delimit therewith the first passage opening 13 extended between the guide element 18 and the same slide 3.

[0088] More in detail, the loose product is susceptible of sliding, at the tilted section A1, subject to the force of gravity along at least one part of the guide element 18.

[0089] In this manner, since the guide element 18 is at least partly extended along a portion of the tilted section A1 and is spaced from the slide 3, the same guide element 18 and the slide 3 in particular define a height difference at a point of the tilted section A1 susceptible of being overcome by the loose product and the first passage opening 13 is present at such height difference.

[0090] Additionally, preferably, the guide element 18 (advantageously being spaced from the slide 3) delimits, with the slide 3, a first passage opening 13 extended between the guide element 18 and the same slide 3 on a reference plane thereof that is transverse to the advancement path A at the tilted section A1.

[0091] Advantageously, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the guide element 18 is extended between a first edge 19 thereof, which is placed at the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A and delimits the first passage opening 13 with the front face 4 of the slide 3, and an opposite second edge 20.

[0092] Preferably, the first edge 19 is rectilinear and, still more preferably, is parallel to the first lying plane on which the slide 3 is extended, in particular parallel to the secondary extension direction of the slide 3 itself between its two opposite lateral edges 45.

[0093] In particular, the first edge 19 of the guide element 18 is placed in front of the front face 4 of the slide 3.

[0094] In this manner, in the selector machine 1 in accordance with the preferred illustrated embodiment, during use, the loose product preferably slides, subject to the force of gravity, along the part of the guide element 18 extended at the tilted section A1 up to reaching the first edge 19 thereof, at which the first passage opening 13 is placed and at which the loose product falls from the guide element 18 to the slide 3 (in order to continue to slide, subject to the force of gravity, along the front face 4 of the slide 3 itself) while it is traversed by an air flow suctioned by the suction mouth 7 by means of the first passage opening 13 itself.

[0095] In accordance with a different embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the guide element 18 is placed along the tilted section A1 downstream of the slide 3 and upstream of the analysis section A2 (in such case the analysis section A2 is not extended starting from the lower edge 22 of the slide 3, but starting from the point at which the guide element 18 terminates) and delimits the first passage opening 13 with the lower end 22 of the slide 3. In particular, in accordance with such non-illustrated embodiment, during use, the loose product preferably slides, subject to the force of gravity, on the front face 4 of the slide 3 up to reaching the lower end 22, at which the first passage opening 13 is placed and at which the loose product falls from the slide 3 onto the guide element 18 (in order to continue to slide, subject to the force of gravity, on the same guide element 18) while it is traversed by an air flow suctioned by the suction mouth 7 by means of the first passage opening 13 itself. Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the first passage opening 13 is provided with a first thickness defined by the distance between the first edge 19 of the guide element 18 and the front face 4 of the slide 3.

[0096] Additionally, the first passage opening 13 is preferably provided with a first width defined along a direction parallel to or coinciding with the aforesaid first edge 19 (and hence parallel to the first lying plane of the slide 3, in particular parallel to the secondary extension direction of the same slide 3 between its two opposite lateral edges 45).

[0097] More in detail, the first width is greater than the first thickness, and for example has extension equal to the same first thickness multiplied by a factor comprised between three and fifteen. In particular, the first passage opening 13 is delimited, at its first thickness, by the first edge 19 of the guide element 18 and by the front face 4 and additionally it is delimited, at its first width, by the two containment walls 46 at the opposite lateral edges 45 of the slide 45.

[0098] In addition, the guide element 18 is preferably movable with respect to the slide 3 along an adjustment direction X transverse to the front face 4 of the slide 3 between a plurality of adjustment positions, in which the first edge 19 is situated at different distances from the front face 4 of the slide 3 in order to vary the first thickness of the first passage opening 13.

[0099] In this manner, it is possible to adapt the selector machine 1 to different types of loose products, by adapting the power provided to the suctioning fan 17 and moving the guide element 18 along the adjustment direction X in order to modify the first thickness of the first passage opening 13 (in order to prevent that - by increasing or decreasing the air flow, proportional to the power provided to the suctioning fan 17 - the speed with which the same air flow traverses the first passage opening 13 is modified).

[0100] Preferably, for the purpose of rendering the guide element 18 movable with respect to the slide 3, the same guide element 18 is fixed to the support body 14 of the suction device 6 and the aforesaid support body 14 is mounted on the slide 3 through a support bracket 41 provided with a first wall 42, which is fixed to the slide 3 (in particular at the rear face 5), and with a second wall 43, which is transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the first wall 42 and is provided with a slotted hole extended along a direction transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the front face 4 of the slide 3 and engaged by a bolt 44 connected to the support body 14.

[0101] In particular, the support body 14 is provided with a through hole and the bolt 44 comprises a screw, which is provided with an enlarged head placed against the support body 14 or against the second wall 43 and with a threaded stem extended starting from the enlarged head and placed to traverse the through hole of the support body 14 and the slotted hole of the second wall 43 of the support bracket 41, and a nut, which is screwed on the threaded stem of the screw and is clampable against the second wall 43 of the support bracket 41 if the enlarged head of the screw is placed against the support body 14 or is clampable against the support body 14 if the enlarged head of the screw is placed against the second wall 43.

[0102] In this manner, by simply loosening the bolt 44, it is possible to make the support body 14 translate, sliding the threaded stem of the screw within the slotted hole until a desired position of the guide element 18 mounted on the support body 14 is reached. Additionally, after the guide element 18 has been placed in the desired position for adjusting the first thickness of the first passage opening 13, it is possible to newly clamp the bolt 44 in order to block in position the support body 14 and the guide element 18 mounted thereon.

[0103] Advantageously, the air diffusion chamber 15 is delimited by the support body 14 and by the guide element 18 fixed to the support body 14.

[0104] Preferably, the suction mouth 7 of the suction device 6 is provided with an equivalent diameter greater than the first thickness of the first passage opening 13.

[0105] In addition, the aforesaid suction mouth 7 is still more preferably provided with an equivalent diameter smaller than the first width of the first passage opening 13.

[0106] More in detail, by "equivalent diameter" it is intended the ratio given by four times the area of the suction mouth 7 divided by the perimeter of the same suction mouth 7.

[0107] In the event in which the suction mouth 7 has circular form, as illustrated in the enclosed figures, the equivalent diameter corresponds with the diameter of the circular suction mouth 7.

[0108] Otherwise, in the event in which the suction mouth 7 has square form, in accordance with embodiment variants that are not illustrated, the equivalent diameter corresponds with the side of the square suction mouth 7.

[0109] Advantageously, the guide element 18 is provided with a first section 23 extended at the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A, terminating at the first edge 19, facing a part of the front face 4 of the slide 3 and placed to delimit a passage duct 24 therewith, which is extended between the first passage opening 13 at the first edge 19 and a second passage opening 25 at the upper end 22 of the slide 3.

[0110] Preferably, the first section 23 of the guide element 18 is parallel to the front face 4 of the slide 3.

[0111] In particular, the air diffusion chamber 15 of the suction device 6 is extended starting from the second passage opening 25 and, thus, communicates with the first passage opening 13 through the passage duct 24.

[0112] More in detail, the second passage opening 25 is provided with a second thickness, which is defined by the distance between the upper end 22 of the slide 3 and the first section 23 of the guide element 18, and with a second width defined along a direction parallel to or coinciding with the upper end 22 of the slide 3 (and hence parallel to the first lying plane of the slide 3, in particular parallel to the secondary extension direction of the same slide 3 between its two opposite lateral edges 45).

[0113] In particular, the second thickness is substantially equal to the first thickness of the first passage mouth 13 and, in addition, the second width is substantially equal to the first width of the first passage mouth 13.

[0114] Additionally, the passage duct 24 advantageously has constant section along a direction parallel to the first lying plane of the slide 3 between the first passage opening 13 and the second passage opening 25.

[0115] In this manner, the direction and the speed of the air flow suctioned through the first passage opening 13 remain substantially constant along the entire the passage duct 24 up to the second passage opening 25, at which such air flow accesses the air diffusion chamber 15.

[0116] More in detail, since the guide element 18 is movable with respect to the slide 3 along an adjustment direction X transverse to the front face 4 between a plurality of adjustment positions in order to vary the first thickness of the first passage opening 13 and the second passage opening 13 is delimited between the upper end 22 of the slide 3 and the first section 23 of the guide element 18, also the second passage opening 25 has its second thickness that varies when the guide element 18 is moved along the aforesaid adjustment direction X.

[0117] More in detail, the first section 23 of the guide element 18 facing the front face 4 of the slide 3 is able, due to the passage duct 24, to maintain the sense V2 of the suctioned air flow at the first passage opening 13 opposite the advancement sense V1 of the loose product that descends subject to the force of gravity along the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A. In addition, the guide element 18 is advantageously provided with a second section 25, which is extended at at least one part of the introduction section A3 of the advancement path A and terminates at the second edge 20.

[0118] More in detail, such second section 25 is at least partly placed below the vibrating feeder 38, in particular spaced from the conveyance plate 39 (in a manner such that the guide element 18 can receive, via falling, the loose product from the separation edge 40 of the conveyance plate 39 without the vibrations transmitted by the vibration generator to the conveyance plate 39 also being able to pass to the guide element 18 and to the slide 3).

[0119] In addition, the guide element 18 preferably comprises a connector section 26, which is extended from the second section 25 to the first section 23 with substantially curved form.

[0120] In particular, the substantially curved connector section 26 connects the introduction section A3 and the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A, guiding the loose product that falls from the vibrating feeder 38 in a progressive manner up to the first section 23 of the same guide element 18, such first section 23 situated at the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A and makes the loose product subject to the force of gravity slide up to making it fall on the slide 3.

[0121] In addition, the guide element 18 advantageously defines a concavity C directed towards the suction mouth 7 of the suction device 6, in a manner such to guide the air flow towards the suction mouth 7, gradually modifying the direction of the air flow starting from the sense V2 opposite the advancement sense V1 of the loose product at the first passage opening 13.

[0122] The invention thus defined therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]With reference to the enclosed figures, reference number 1 indicates a selector machine according to the present invention.

[0025]Advantageously, the present selector machine 1 is intended to be employed, in different fields of application, in order to select determined elements in a product constituted by a set of solid elements, in particular with shape and / or color that are very similar.

[0026]More in detail, the present selector machine 1 is intended to be employed in the food industry, in particular so as to identify in a loose product (in particular granular), such as for example dried fruit (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds), seeds, grain or the like, and elements that must be discarded before packaging the product, which for example can be shells of the dried fruit, discards of the food product processing or other inedible foreign bodies.

[0027]In addition, the present selector machine 1 can be employed in the waste recovery industry, in particular so as to identify elements o...

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards a selector machine, according to the preamble of the independent claims 1.

[0002] The present selector machine is inserted in the field of production of machines for sorting products, which are advantageously employed for identifying, within a loose product, determined solid elements to be separated.

[0003] Advantageously, the present selector machine is adapted to operate on small-size loose products, in particular smaller than about 15 mm.

[0004] The present selector machine is, in particular, intended to be employed in the agricultural industry, e.g. for separating dried fruit from the corresponding shells before packaging, in the waste recovery and recycling industry, e.g. for separating waste attained with plastic materials that are different from each other, or in any other field where it is necessary to separate solid elements in a loose product from each other, in particular on the basis of their external appearance and / or of their chemical-physical properties.State of the art

[0005] Selector machines of automated type are known on the market, which are employed for separating, within a product constituted by multiple objects, determined objects to be selected or to be discarded.

[0006] As is known, the selector machines are generally provided with conveyance means on which a flow of a loose product is advanced, at its interior comprising multiple solid elements which must be distinct and separated. Such loose product can for example comprise dried fruit (such as hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, which must be separated from their shells before being packaged), or it can comprise waste made of different material (e.g. plastic), which must be separated from each other in order to allow a correct disposal or recycling thereof.

[0007] For example, the conveyance means comprise at least one hopper through which the product is made to fall on a corresponding vibrating feeder, which is provided with at least one substantially horizontal plate susceptible of being vibrated by a respective vibration generator in order to advance the aforesaid loose product up to a system of slides arranged for making the loose product fall along an analysis section that terminates at a collection drawer.

[0008] The selector machines also comprise an optical detection system arranged for acquiring and analyzing images of the flow of loose product falling from the slides system along the analysis section, so as to distinguish, in the loose product, the solid elements to be separated or discarded.

[0009] Such detection system is adapted to send command signals, on the basis of the information obtained from the acquired images, to expulsion means (such as solenoid valves) actuatable to remove (e.g. through the emission of jets of compressed air), from the loose product falling along the analysis section, the selected solid elements identified, in a manner such that the solid elements to be discarded do not fall within the collection drawers.

[0010] In addition, the selector machine is provided with a suctioning device provided with a suction mouth, which is placed upstream of the analysis section and is arranged for suctioning the fine dust transported by the loose product that advances along the system of slides, in order to prevent that, at the analysis section, there is an excessive quantity of fine dust that could negatively affect the quality of the images acquired by the optical detection system and which could therefore prevent the correct identification of the solid elements to be discarded with respect to the rest of the loose product.

[0011] For example, selector machines are known that are provided with a slide, which is extended starting from the plate of the vibrating feeder along a direction that forms an obtuse angle with the horizontal direction of the same plate of the vibrating feeder, and with a suction device that has its suction mouth placed above the slide and in front of the front site of the aforesaid slide, and along such front side the loose product slides downward subject to the force of gravity. One example of such selector machines of known type is described in the document GB 2033881 A.

[0012] However, such selector machines of known type have in practice shown that they do not lack drawbacks.

[0013] Indeed, the suction mouth of the suctioning device (placed above and facing with respect to the front side of the slide that forms an obtuse angle with the horizontal plate of the vibrating feeder) is capable of removing the fine dust only in the part of the flow of loose product which, when it passes in front of the same suction mouth, is not situated in contact with the slide itself. This is due to the fact that the air flow which is suctioned from the mouth of the suctioning device is not capable of traversing the flow of loose product that descends along the front side of the slide, but passes on such flow of loose product only at its upper part, hence without succeeding to remove therefrom most of the fine dust that flows together with the flow of loose product in a position closer to the same front side of the slide. Therefore, in the selector machines of such type, the flow of loose product tends to reach the analysis section with a reduced quantity of fine dust with respect to the case in which the suction device is not expected, but in any case sufficiently high and therefore such to risk preventing the optical detection system from correctly identifying the solid elements to be discarded.

[0014] For the purpose of at least partially resolving the main drawback of such selector machines, other different selector machines have been developed that are provided with a slide, which is extended opposite the plate of the vibrating feeder downward along a direction which forms an acute angle with the horizontal direction of the same plate of the vibrating feeder, and with a suction device, which has its own suction mouth placed above both the slide and above the plate of the vibrating feeder substantially at an opening defined between the plate of the vibrating feeder and the opposite slide.

[0015] In this manner, the suctioning device is able to generate a suction air flow directed upward and hence in a direction opposite the flow of loose product which is spaced from the vibrating feeder in order to fall downward up to the opposite slide, such that all the loose product is traversed by the aforesaid suction air flow in order to remove as much fine dust as possible, improving the quality of the images generated by the optical detection system at the analysis section.

[0016] Nevertheless, also this type of selector machine has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.

[0017] Indeed, in order to be able to generate such suction air flow in the sense opposite the loose product that falls from the horizontal plate of the vibrating feeder, the suction mouth is placed at a point in which the aforesaid air flow hits the loose product even before this falls from the vibrating feeder and hence before it is subject to gravity acceleration, with the consequence that the same suction air flow picks up, in addition to fine dust, also a considerable quantity of loose product that must not be removed.Presentation of the invention

[0018] In this situation, the object underlying the present invention is therefore that of eliminating the problems of the abovementioned prior art, by providing a selector machine, which is capable of eliminating, from the flow of loose product to be analyzed, a great quantity of fine dust before the same flow of loose product passes at the optical detection system.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a selector machine, which is capable of removing great quantities of fine dust from the flow of loose product, without risking the accidental removal also of a part of the same flow of loose product that must not be eliminated.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a selector machine, which is capable of identifying, in a precise manner, the solid products that must be discarded from the rest of the flow of loose product.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a selector machine, which is entirely reliable in operation.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide a selector machine, which is simple and inexpensive to achieve.Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The technical characteristics of the present invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly seen in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent a merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in which: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a selector machine according to the present invention; figure 2 shows a schematic and side view of selector machine of figure 1; figure 3 shows a side section view of a part of the selector machine of figure 1, in which several components have been removed in order to better show other components; figure 4 shows an enlargement of a detail of figure 3, such enlargement corresponding with that contained in square IV of figure 3; figure 5 shows a side section perspective view of a part of the selector machine of figure 1. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0024] With reference to the enclosed figures, reference number 1 indicates a selector machine according to the present invention.

[0025] Advantageously, the present selector machine 1 is intended to be employed, in different fields of application, in order to select determined elements in a product constituted by a set of solid elements, in particular with shape and / or color that are very similar.

[0026] More in detail, the present selector machine 1 is intended to be employed in the food industry, in particular so as to identify in a loose product (in particular granular), such as for example dried fruit (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds), seeds, grain or the like, and elements that must be discarded before packaging the product, which for example can be shells of the dried fruit, discards of the food product processing or other inedible foreign bodies.

[0027] In addition, the present selector machine 1 can be employed in the waste recovery industry, in particular so as to identify elements of specific materials (e.g. different types of plastic) in order to be correctly disposed of or recycled.

[0028] The present selector machine 1 comprises conveyance means 2, which define an advancement path A, along which it is susceptible of advancing, in a determined advancement sense V1, at least one loose product comprising multiple solid elements to be selected.

[0029] The aforesaid advancement path A comprises at least one tilted section A1 and a subsequent analysis section A2, in which the loose product it is susceptible of advancing via falling. Additionally, the conveyance means 2 comprising a slide 3 placed along at least part of the tilted section A1 and provided with a front face 4, along which the loose product is susceptible of sliding subject to the force of gravity, and an opposite rear face 5.

[0030] Such slide 3 at least partially delimits a front zone Z1, on which the front face 4 faces, and a rear zone Z2, on which the rear face 5 faces.

[0031] More in detail, the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A is defined (completely or nearly completely) by the same same slide 3.

[0032] Advantageously, the present selector machine 1 comprises a support frame 28, which carries, mounted thereon, the conveyance means 2 and internally defines an operative volume 29 at least partially traversed by the advancement path A.

[0033] More in detail, the front zone Z1 is extended within the operative volume 29 between the front face 4 of the slide 3 and a part of the support frame 28 opposite the aforesaid front face 4 and, in addition, the rear zone Z2 is extended within the operative volume 29 between the rear face 5 of the slide 3 and a part of the support frame 28 opposite the aforesaid rear face 5. Preferably, the conveyance means 2 comprise at least one hopper 30, which is placed upstream of the advancement path A and is adapted to provide the loose product on the advancement path A.

[0034] In particular, the hopper 30 is mounted on the support frame 28 and is provided with an open upper portion 31, through which the loose product is advantageously introduced into the present selector machine 1, and a lower portion 32 in turn open and communicating with the operative volume 29, so as to provide the aforesaid loose product on the advancement path A at least partially extended at its interior.

[0035] Preferably, the slide 3 is extended along at least part of the tilted section A1 (in particular along all or nearly all of the tilted section A1, since, as stated above, the same tilted section A1 is advantageously defined - completely or nearly completely - by the slide 3) between an upper end 21 and an opposite lower end 22.

[0036] In addition, the slide 3 is extended preferably on a first lying plane thereof along a main extension direction between the upper end 21 and the lower end 22 and, in addition, such main extension direction is substantially rectilinear and tilted with respect to a vertical direction.

[0037] Additionally, more in detail, the slide 3 is extended along a secondary extension direction, which belongs to the first lying plane and is transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the main extension direction, between two opposite lateral edges 45.

[0038] In particular, the analysis section A2 (along which the loose product it is susceptible of advancing via falling) is extended starting from the lower end 22 of the slide 3.

[0039] Preferably, the conveyance means 2 comprise at least two containment walls 46, which are mechanically connected to the slide 3 at the lateral edges 45 and are extended projectingly with respect to the front face 4 transverse to the first lying plane of the same slide 3, so as to prevent the loose product, which descends subject to the force of gravity along the front face 4 of the slide 3, from falling from the same slide 3 at the lateral edges 45 instead of at the lower edge 22.

[0040] In this manner, during use, the loose product descends, subject to the force of gravity, along the front face 4 of the slide 3, with its solid elements that are distributed over the entire extension of the slide 3 between the two lateral edges 45 spaced from each other, thus ensuring that the loose product reaches the analysis section A2 with the solid elements that compose it well-distributed and spaced.

[0041] The present machine 1 is also provided with an optical detection system 8, which comprises emitter means 9 and at least one optical sensor 10.

[0042] The aforesaid emitter means 9 are arranged for emitting, towards the analysis section A2 of the advancement path A, electromagnetic radiations adapted to hit the loose product.

[0043] In addition, the optical sensor 10 is directed towards the advancement path A (in particular towards the analysis section A2 of the aforesaid advancement path A) and is arranged for capturing the electromagnetic radiations coming from the loose product irradiated by the emitter means 9 and for transducing the aforesaid electromagnetic radiations into corresponding measurement signals.

[0044] More in detail, the optical sensor 10 is placed adjacent to the advancement path A, in particular below the slide 3, and is directed towards the analysis section A2, so as to detect the loose product free falling from the slide 3 along such analysis section A2 with the solid elements to be selected spaced from each other.

[0045] Advantageously, the emitter means 9 comprise one or more electromagnetic radiation sources (e.g. of LED type), which are arranged for emitting electromagnetic radiations in the visible spectrum and / or infrared spectrum and / or ultraviolet spectrum, in which the spectrum is in particular selected as a function of the chemical-physical characteristics of the loose product that must be analyzed in order to identify therewithin the solid elements that must be discarded.

[0046] Analogously, also the optical sensor 10 is preferably provided with an interval of sensitivity to the electromagnetic radiations belonging to the visible spectrum and / or infrared spectrum and / or ultraviolet spectrum, in which such sensitivity field is in particular selected as a function of the chemical-physical characteristics of the loose product that must be analyzed. Preferably, the optical sensor 10 is provided with a plurality of optical transducers adapted to capture the electromagnetic radiations, which still more preferably are distributed along one or more rows of optical transducers, in particular parallel to the first lying plane of the slide 3 and transverse with respect to the main extension direction of the same slide 3 (in particular, in a manner such to be able to detect the loose product that falls from the lower end 22 of the slide 3 after being distributed along the entire extension of the same slide 3 between the two lateral edges 45 along the secondary extension direction transverse to the main extension direction).

[0047] In addition, the optical detection system 8 is preferably placed in the operative volume 29 defined inside the support frame 28, in a manner such that the same support frame 28 shields the optical detection system 3 from the light coming from the outside environment, which could otherwise interfere with the electromagnetic radiations emitted by the emitter means 9 and with the electromagnetic radiations coming from the irradiated loose product which must be detected by the optical sensor 10.

[0048] The selector machine 1 according to the invention also comprises an electronic control unit 11 operatively connected to the optical sensor 10 in order to receive the measurement signals, and arranged for emitting command signals.

[0049] More in detail, the electronic control unit 11 is arranged for analyzing the measurement signals generated by the optical sensor 10 in order to identify, in the loose product (in particular falling along the analysis section A2), determined solid elements that must be discarded and for generating the aforesaid command signals as a function of the identified solid elements to be discarded.

[0050] Additionally, the present selector machine 1 comprises expulsion means 12 operatively connected to the electronic control unit 11 in order to receive the command signals and arranged for eliminating, from the advancement path A, determined solid elements of the loose product as a function of the command signals.

[0051] Advantageously, the expulsion means 12 comprise multiple nozzles 33 directed towards the analysis section A2 of the advancement path A and each arranged for emitting a jet of compressed air, so as to eliminate, from the advancement path A, the solid elements identified by the electronic control unit 11, analyzing the measurement signals generated by the optical sensor 10 of the optical detection system 8.

[0052] Preferably, the nozzles 33 are placed below the optical sensor 10 and are each provided with a corresponding solenoid valve 34 placed in fluid connection with a compressed air feed device 35, operatively connected to the electronic control unit 11 and switchable, as a function of the command signals generated by the same electronic control unit 11, between an open configuration, in which the flow of compressed air from the feed device 35 to the corresponding nozzle 33 is allowed so that the latter emits a jet of compressed air towards the loose product free falling along the analysis section A2, and a closed configuration, in which the flow of compressed air from the feed device 35 to the corresponding nozzle 33 is prevented.

[0053] More in detail, the nozzles 33 are placed side-by-side each other along an alignment direction adjacent to the analysis section A2, which is in particular substantially parallel to the first lying plane on which the slide 3 of the conveyance means 2 is extended and transverse to the main extension direction of the same slide 3 (in particular, in a manner such to be able to remove, from the analysis section A2, the solid elements to be discarded from the loose product that falls from the lower end 22 of the slide 3 after being distributed along the entire extension of the same slide 3 between the two lateral edges 45 along the secondary extension direction transverse to the main extension direction).

[0054] In particular, each nozzle 33 is operatively associated with a determined point of the analysis section A2 (for example according to a determined position grid), in a manner such that the actuation of each nozzle 33 generates a jet of compressed air that hits the solid elements of the loose product that pass into such determined point of the analysis section A2.

[0055] In this manner, the solid elements which must be separated from the rest of the loose product are hit by the jet of compressed air emitted by one of the nozzles 33 of the expulsion means 12 and are effectively deflected from the advancement path A while they are situated in the situation of free fall from the slide 3 along the analysis section A2.

[0056] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 11 comprises one or more hardware devices, preferably one or more printed circuit boards, which, still more preferably, carry suitable processor modules installed thereon (e.g. the one or more modules arranged for analyzing the measurement signals coming from the optical sensor 10 of the optical detection system 8) and / or operating modules (for example, the one or more modules arranged for generating the command signals as a function of the analyzed measurement signals and for sending such command signals to the expulsion means 12), in which such processor modules and / or operating modules are in particular in the form of integrated circuits (chips or micro-chips). For example, such electronic control unit 11 can be provided with a hardware device for controlling the emitter means 9, with a hardware device for controlling the optical sensor 10 and with a hardware device for controlling the expulsion means 12 (more in detail, for controlling the solenoid valves 34 of the nozzles 33), and such hardware devices are preferably operatively connected to a same central control hardware device, in particular a PLC unit (in which, with the expression "PLC unit" it must be intended a unit of "programmable logic controller" type).

[0057] Preferably, the electronic control unit 11 can comprise a hardware device integrated with the optical sensor 10 in an intelligent camera (known in the technical jargon of the field with the expression "intelligent camera") and such hardware device - integrated in the intelligent camera together with the optical sensor 10 - is operatively connected (directly or by means of further hardware devices not integrated in the same intelligent camera) to the emitter means 9 and to the expulsion means 12.

[0058] Possibly, such hardware device integrated with the optical sensor 10 in an intelligent camera is the central control hardware device of the electronic control unit.

[0059] Advantageously, the conveyance means 2 additionally comprise at least one first collection space 36, which is susceptible of receiving the loose product coming from the advancement path A, and at least one second collection space 37, which is susceptible of receiving the solid elements eliminated from the advancement path A by the expulsion means 12.

[0060] More in detail, the first collection space 36 is placed below the slide 3 substantially at the end of the analysis section A2, in a manner such that the aforesaid first collection space 36 receives the loose product free falling from the slide 3 which has not been removed from the advancement path A by means of the expulsion means 7.

[0061] In addition, the second collection space 37 is preferably placed adjacent to the first collection space 36, in a manner such that the aforesaid second collection space 37 receives the solid elements that have been hit by a jet of compressed air emitted by one of the nozzles 33 of the expulsion means 12 and which therefore have been deflected from the advancement path A. Additionally, the present selector machine 1 comprises a suction device 6 provided with a suction mouth 7 through which it is adapted to suction fine dust from the loose product at least along the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A.

[0062] More in detail, by fine dust it is intended a series of foreign bodies transported by the loose product and generally having average size smaller than that of the solid elements that compose the same loose product. Such foreign bodies which constitute the fine dust are in particular extremely small and light and therefore tend to remain suspended in the air without being able to be eliminated by the expulsion means 12 (i.e. for example by the jets of compressed air emitted by the nozzles 33). For example, in the food field, the foreign bodies which compose the fine dust can be grains and / or fragments of sand or topsoil, dirt and skin that the solid and granular elements of the loose product enclosed, in the event in which the loose product is of plant origin, such as rice or seeds.

[0063] In particular, the arrangement of a suction device 6 having a suction mouth 7 arranged for suctioning the fine dust at least along the tilted section A1 ensures that the loose product reaches the analysis section A2, driving a reduced quantity of fine dust and therefore the suction device 6 prevents an excessive quantity of fine dust from being able to negatively affect the quality of the measurement signals generated by the optical sensor 10, hence allowing the electronic control unit 11 to precisely identify the solid elements that must be discarded from the rest of the loose product by actuating the expulsion means 12.

[0064] Suitably, the present selector machine 1 can comprise multiple advancement paths A (and hence multiple slides 3 adjacent to each other) so as to select multiple flows of loose product simultaneously.

[0065] In particular, in such case, the emitter means 9 and the optical sensor 10 of the optical detection system 8 and the expulsion means 11 are extended transversely with respect to the plurality of advancement paths A in order to be able to operate on the different flows of loose product that advances on all the aforesaid advancement paths A and, in addition, multiple suction mouths 7 are provided for, at least one for each advancement path A.

[0066] According to the idea underlying the present invention, the suction mouth 7 of the suction device 6 is placed in the rear zone Z2 and the conveyance means 2 are provided with at least one first passage opening 13, which is placed at the tilted section A1 and places the suction mouth 7 in fluid communication with the front zone Z1, in order to allow the suction mouth 7 itself to suction the fine dust through the first passage opening 13.

[0067] In this manner, the suction device 6 generates (by means of the suction mouth 7 placed in the rear zone Z2 and in fluid communication with the first passage opening 13) an air flow that passes from the front zone Z1 to the rear zone Z2, traversing the first passage opening 13 at the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A, while the same loose product descends on the front face 4 of the slide 3 along the tilted section A1 and hence necessarily passes at the first passage opening 13. Therefore, advantageously, the air flow traverses all of the loose product that descends along the tilted section A1, effectively removing great quantities of fine dust, without the solid elements of the loose product able to be driven by the aforesaid air flow into the suction mouth 7, since such solid elements (larger and heavier than fine dust) at the tilted section A1 are subjected to an acceleration which drives them downward and which, consequently, prevents the same solid elements from being suctioned into the suction mouth 7 through the first passage opening 13. Hence, due to the first passage opening 13 placed at the tilted section A1 and arranged for placing the front zone Z1 in fluid communication with the suction mouth 7 placed in the rear zone Z2, the loose product advantageously reaches the analysis section A2 substantially lacking fine dust and, therefore, the optical detection system 8 is capable of producing measurement signals with high quality and the electronic control unit 11 is capable of determining with great precision, based on of such measurement signals, which are the solid elements that must be separated from the rest of the loose product. Advantageously, the first passage opening 13 is substantially directed towards the analysis section A2 and the suction device 6 is arranged for generating an air flow adapted to traverse the first passage opening 13 with a sense V2 substantially opposite the advancement sense V1.

[0068] In this manner, the fact that the first passage opening 13 is substantially directed towards the analysis section A2 (in other words downward, since the analysis section A2 is extended in particular starting from the lower end 22 of the slide 3) ensures that the air flow traverses the loose product with a sense V2 substantially opposite the advancement sense V1 of the same loose product that advances along the tilted section A1, hence maximizing the quantity of fine dust that is removed by means of the suction device 6 and minimizing the quantity of solid elements of the loose product which could be accidentally sucked through the first passage opening 13 and the suction mouth 7, even in the event in which the same solid elements of the loose product are particularly small and light (e.g. having size and weight of sesame seeds) with size and weight slightly higher than those of the foreign bodies that compose the fine dust.

[0069] Preferably, the first passage opening 13 is extended on a reference plane thereof transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the advancement path A at the tilted section A1 (in a manner such that the same first passage opening 13 can be advantageously directed towards the analysis section A2).

[0070] In accordance with an embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the slide 3 is attained by means of a plate-like element bent for determining a first and a second portion, which are substantially planar and parallel to each other and to the tilted section A1, and for determining a third portion, which is interposed between the first and the second portion, is transverse to the first and the second portion, is extended along the reference plane transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the advancement path A at the tilted section A1 and has the first passage opening 13 made thereon in a through manner between the front face 4 and the rear face 5 and directed towards the analysis section A2.

[0071] The advancement path A is also advantageously provided with an introduction section A3 placed substantially horizontal and the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A is interposed between the introduction section A3 and the analysis section A2 and forms an obtuse angle, with the aforesaid introduction section A1, which is directed downward.

[0072] More in detail, the tilted section A1 is extended starting from the introduction section A3. Additionally, the analysis section A2 is extended preferably starting from the tilted section A1 (as stated above, in particular starting from the lower end 22 of the slide 3).

[0073] In particular, the rear zone Z2, in which the suction mouth 7 is placed, is subtended by the obtuse angle.

[0074] Advantageously, the present selector machine 1 comprises a vibrating feeder 38 provided with a conveyance plate 39, which is extended at least partly along the introduction section A3 up to a separation edge 40 thereof, at which the loose product is susceptible of passing (in particular via falling) from the introduction section A3 to the tilted section A1.

[0075] Preferably, the introduction section A3 is defined by the same conveyance plate 39 of the vibrating feeder 38.

[0076] Additionally, the vibrating feeder 38 is advantageously provided with a vibration generator (not better described hereinbelow since it is generally known to the man skilled in the field), which is is mechanically connected to the conveyance plate 39 and is arranged for transmitting, to the same conveyance plate 39, vibrations for the purpose of advancing the loose product thereon along the introduction section A3 up to the separation edge 40 (starting from which the loose product passes to the tilted section A1, along which it slides downward subjected to the force of gravity).

[0077] More in detail, the conveyance plate 39 is extended from an initial edge up to the separation edge 40 mainly on a second lying plane thereof, which in particular forms the aforesaid obtuse angle with the first lying plane on which the slide 3 is extended.

[0078] In particular, therefore, the front zone Z1 and the rear zone Z2 are divided by the slide 3 and also by the conveyance plate 39 (since the second lying plane of the conveyance plate 39 forms the obtuse angle with the first lying plane of the slide 3 and, as stated above, the rear zone Z2 in which the suction mouth 7 is placed is advantageously subtended by the obtuse angle itself).

[0079] Preferably, the conveyance plate 39 of the vibrating feeder 38 is extended partly below the hopper 30, in a manner such to receive loose product from the lower portion 32 or the same hopper 30 simply by gravity, and partly projects with respect to the aforesaid hopper 30 in order to transport the loose product up to the tilted section A1.

[0080] More in detail, the fact that the tilted section A1 and the introduction section A3 form an obtuse angle directed downward and the fact that the suction mouth 7 is placed in the rear zone Z2 subtended by the obtuse angle allow generating an air flow that completely traverses the loose product along the analysis section A1 in order to remove the fine dust by employing a configuration of the conveyance means 2 that is particularly simple (and known in the technical jargon as "direct feed configuration" of the slide 3).

[0081] Advantageously, the suction device 6 is provided with a support body 14 placed in the rear zone Z2 and placed at least partially to delimit an air diffusion chamber 15 communicating with the first passage opening 13 and with the suction mouth 7, which is made on the same support body 14.

[0082] In addition, the suction device 6 advantageously comprises a suction duct 16, which is mechanically connected to the support body 14 and is extended starting from the suction mouth 7.

[0083] Preferably, the suction duct 16 is extended within the rear zone Z2, in a manner such to not interfere with the loose product that descends, subject to the force of gravity, along the front face 4 of the slide 3 from the side of the front zone Z1.

[0084] The suction device 6 also advantageously comprises at least one suctioning fan 17, which is placed in fluid connection with the suction duct 16 and is arranged for suctioning the fine dust making it pass through the first passage opening 13, the air diffusion chamber 15, the suction mouth 7 and the suction duct 16.

[0085] Preferably, the support body 14 is mounted on the slide 3 at the rear face 5 of the slide 3 itself. More in detail, the support body 14 is attained by means of at least one shaped plate and bent in order to at least partly enclose the air diffusion chamber 15, and possibly by means of multiple plates that are shaped, bent and fixed to each other in order to at least partly enclose such air diffusion chamber 15.

[0086] In particular, the support body 14 defines a suction mouth 7 close to the first passage opening 13 in order to effectively remove the fine dust and, at least partially delimiting the air diffusion chamber 15, substantially acts as plenum which reduces the turbulences of the air flow that is suctioned.

[0087] Advantageously, the conveyance means 2 comprise at least one guide element 18, at least one part of which is extended along a part of the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A. In addition, such guide element 18 is advantageously spaced from the slide 3 in order to delimit therewith the first passage opening 13 extended between the guide element 18 and the same slide 3.

[0088] More in detail, the loose product is susceptible of sliding, at the tilted section A1, subject to the force of gravity along at least one part of the guide element 18.

[0089] In this manner, since the guide element 18 is at least partly extended along a portion of the tilted section A1 and is spaced from the slide 3, the same guide element 18 and the slide 3 in particular define a height difference at a point of the tilted section A1 susceptible of being overcome by the loose product and the first passage opening 13 is present at such height difference.

[0090] Additionally, preferably, the guide element 18 (advantageously being spaced from the slide 3) delimits, with the slide 3, a first passage opening 13 extended between the guide element 18 and the same slide 3 on a reference plane thereof that is transverse to the advancement path A at the tilted section A1.

[0091] Advantageously, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the guide element 18 is extended between a first edge 19 thereof, which is placed at the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A and delimits the first passage opening 13 with the front face 4 of the slide 3, and an opposite second edge 20.

[0092] Preferably, the first edge 19 is rectilinear and, still more preferably, is parallel to the first lying plane on which the slide 3 is extended, in particular parallel to the secondary extension direction of the slide 3 itself between its two opposite lateral edges 45.

[0093] In particular, the first edge 19 of the guide element 18 is placed in front of the front face 4 of the slide 3.

[0094] In this manner, in the selector machine 1 in accordance with the preferred illustrated embodiment, during use, the loose product preferably slides, subject to the force of gravity, along the part of the guide element 18 extended at the tilted section A1 up to reaching the first edge 19 thereof, at which the first passage opening 13 is placed and at which the loose product falls from the guide element 18 to the slide 3 (in order to continue to slide, subject to the force of gravity, along the front face 4 of the slide 3 itself) while it is traversed by an air flow suctioned by the suction mouth 7 by means of the first passage opening 13 itself.

[0095] In accordance with a different embodiment not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the guide element 18 is placed along the tilted section A1 downstream of the slide 3 and upstream of the analysis section A2 (in such case the analysis section A2 is not extended starting from the lower edge 22 of the slide 3, but starting from the point at which the guide element 18 terminates) and delimits the first passage opening 13 with the lower end 22 of the slide 3. In particular, in accordance with such non-illustrated embodiment, during use, the loose product preferably slides, subject to the force of gravity, on the front face 4 of the slide 3 up to reaching the lower end 22, at which the first passage opening 13 is placed and at which the loose product falls from the slide 3 onto the guide element 18 (in order to continue to slide, subject to the force of gravity, on the same guide element 18) while it is traversed by an air flow suctioned by the suction mouth 7 by means of the first passage opening 13 itself. Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the first passage opening 13 is provided with a first thickness defined by the distance between the first edge 19 of the guide element 18 and the front face 4 of the slide 3.

[0096] Additionally, the first passage opening 13 is preferably provided with a first width defined along a direction parallel to or coinciding with the aforesaid first edge 19 (and hence parallel to the first lying plane of the slide 3, in particular parallel to the secondary extension direction of the same slide 3 between its two opposite lateral edges 45).

[0097] More in detail, the first width is greater than the first thickness, and for example has extension equal to the same first thickness multiplied by a factor comprised between three and fifteen. In particular, the first passage opening 13 is delimited, at its first thickness, by the first edge 19 of the guide element 18 and by the front face 4 and additionally it is delimited, at its first width, by the two containment walls 46 at the opposite lateral edges 45 of the slide 45.

[0098] In addition, the guide element 18 is preferably movable with respect to the slide 3 along an adjustment direction X transverse to the front face 4 of the slide 3 between a plurality of adjustment positions, in which the first edge 19 is situated at different distances from the front face 4 of the slide 3 in order to vary the first thickness of the first passage opening 13.

[0099] In this manner, it is possible to adapt the selector machine 1 to different types of loose products, by adapting the power provided to the suctioning fan 17 and moving the guide element 18 along the adjustment direction X in order to modify the first thickness of the first passage opening 13 (in order to prevent that - by increasing or decreasing the air flow, proportional to the power provided to the suctioning fan 17 - the speed with which the same air flow traverses the first passage opening 13 is modified).

[0100] Preferably, for the purpose of rendering the guide element 18 movable with respect to the slide 3, the same guide element 18 is fixed to the support body 14 of the suction device 6 and the aforesaid support body 14 is mounted on the slide 3 through a support bracket 41 provided with a first wall 42, which is fixed to the slide 3 (in particular at the rear face 5), and with a second wall 43, which is transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the first wall 42 and is provided with a slotted hole extended along a direction transverse (in particular orthogonal) to the front face 4 of the slide 3 and engaged by a bolt 44 connected to the support body 14.

[0101] In particular, the support body 14 is provided with a through hole and the bolt 44 comprises a screw, which is provided with an enlarged head placed against the support body 14 or against the second wall 43 and with a threaded stem extended starting from the enlarged head and placed to traverse the through hole of the support body 14 and the slotted hole of the second wall 43 of the support bracket 41, and a nut, which is screwed on the threaded stem of the screw and is clampable against the second wall 43 of the support bracket 41 if the enlarged head of the screw is placed against the support body 14 or is clampable against the support body 14 if the enlarged head of the screw is placed against the second wall 43.

[0102] In this manner, by simply loosening the bolt 44, it is possible to make the support body 14 translate, sliding the threaded stem of the screw within the slotted hole until a desired position of the guide element 18 mounted on the support body 14 is reached. Additionally, after the guide element 18 has been placed in the desired position for adjusting the first thickness of the first passage opening 13, it is possible to newly clamp the bolt 44 in order to block in position the support body 14 and the guide element 18 mounted thereon.

[0103] Advantageously, the air diffusion chamber 15 is delimited by the support body 14 and by the guide element 18 fixed to the support body 14.

[0104] Preferably, the suction mouth 7 of the suction device 6 is provided with an equivalent diameter greater than the first thickness of the first passage opening 13.

[0105] In addition, the aforesaid suction mouth 7 is still more preferably provided with an equivalent diameter smaller than the first width of the first passage opening 13.

[0106] More in detail, by "equivalent diameter" it is intended the ratio given by four times the area of the suction mouth 7 divided by the perimeter of the same suction mouth 7.

[0107] In the event in which the suction mouth 7 has circular form, as illustrated in the enclosed figures, the equivalent diameter corresponds with the diameter of the circular suction mouth 7.

[0108] Otherwise, in the event in which the suction mouth 7 has square form, in accordance with embodiment variants that are not illustrated, the equivalent diameter corresponds with the side of the square suction mouth 7.

[0109] Advantageously, the guide element 18 is provided with a first section 23 extended at the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A, terminating at the first edge 19, facing a part of the front face 4 of the slide 3 and placed to delimit a passage duct 24 therewith, which is extended between the first passage opening 13 at the first edge 19 and a second passage opening 25 at the upper end 22 of the slide 3.

[0110] Preferably, the first section 23 of the guide element 18 is parallel to the front face 4 of the slide 3.

[0111] In particular, the air diffusion chamber 15 of the suction device 6 is extended starting from the second passage opening 25 and, thus, communicates with the first passage opening 13 through the passage duct 24.

[0112] More in detail, the second passage opening 25 is provided with a second thickness, which is defined by the distance between the upper end 22 of the slide 3 and the first section 23 of the guide element 18, and with a second width defined along a direction parallel to or coinciding with the upper end 22 of the slide 3 (and hence parallel to the first lying plane of the slide 3, in particular parallel to the secondary extension direction of the same slide 3 between its two opposite lateral edges 45).

[0113] In particular, the second thickness is substantially equal to the first thickness of the first passage mouth 13 and, in addition, the second width is substantially equal to the first width of the first passage mouth 13.

[0114] Additionally, the passage duct 24 advantageously has constant section along a direction parallel to the first lying plane of the slide 3 between the first passage opening 13 and the second passage opening 25.

[0115] In this manner, the direction and the speed of the air flow suctioned through the first passage opening 13 remain substantially constant along the entire the passage duct 24 up to the second passage opening 25, at which such air flow accesses the air diffusion chamber 15.

[0116] More in detail, since the guide element 18 is movable with respect to the slide 3 along an adjustment direction X transverse to the front face 4 between a plurality of adjustment positions in order to vary the first thickness of the first passage opening 13 and the second passage opening 13 is delimited between the upper end 22 of the slide 3 and the first section 23 of the guide element 18, also the second passage opening 25 has its second thickness that varies when the guide element 18 is moved along the aforesaid adjustment direction X.

[0117] More in detail, the first section 23 of the guide element 18 facing the front face 4 of the slide 3 is able, due to the passage duct 24, to maintain the sense V2 of the suctioned air flow at the first passage opening 13 opposite the advancement sense V1 of the loose product that descends subject to the force of gravity along the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A. In addition, the guide element 18 is advantageously provided with a second section 25, which is extended at at least one part of the introduction section A3 of the advancement path A and terminates at the second edge 20.

[0118] More in detail, such second section 25 is at least partly placed below the vibrating feeder 38, in particular spaced from the conveyance plate 39 (in a manner such that the guide element 18 can receive, via falling, the loose product from the separation edge 40 of the conveyance plate 39 without the vibrations transmitted by the vibration generator to the conveyance plate 39 also being able to pass to the guide element 18 and to the slide 3).

[0119] In addition, the guide element 18 preferably comprises a connector section 26, which is extended from the second section 25 to the first section 23 with substantially curved form.

[0120] In particular, the substantially curved connector section 26 connects the introduction section A3 and the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A, guiding the loose product that falls from the vibrating feeder 38 in a progressive manner up to the first section 23 of the same guide element 18, such first section 23 situated at the tilted section A1 of the advancement path A and makes the loose product subject to the force of gravity slide up to making it fall on the slide 3.

[0121] In addition, the guide element 18 advantageously defines a concavity C directed towards the suction mouth 7 of the suction device 6, in a manner such to guide the air flow towards the suction mouth 7, gradually modifying the direction of the air flow starting from the sense V2 opposite the advancement sense V1 of the loose product at the first passage opening 13.

[0122] The invention thus defined therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]With reference to the enclosed figures, reference number 1 indicates a selector machine according to the present invention.

[0025]Advantageously, the present selector machine 1 is intended to be employed, in different fields of application, in order to select determined elements in a product constituted by a set of solid elements, in particular with shape and / or color that are very similar.

[0026]More in detail, the present selector machine 1 is intended to be employed in the food industry, in particular so as to identify in a loose product (in particular granular), such as for example dried fruit (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds), seeds, grain or the like, and elements that must be discarded before packaging the product, which for example can be shells of the dried fruit, discards of the food product processing or other inedible foreign bodies.

[0027]In addition, the present selector machine 1 can be employed in the waste recovery industry, in particular so as to identify elements o...

Claims

1. Selector machine (1), which comprises: - conveyance means (2), which define an advancement path (A), along which at least one loose product, comprising multiple solid elements to be selected, is susceptible of advancing, in a determined first advancement sense (V1); said advancement path (A) comprising at least one tilted section (A1) and a subsequent analysis section (A2), in which said loose product is susceptible of advancing via falling; said conveyance means (2) comprising a slide (3) placed along at least part of said tilted section (A1) and provided with a front face (4), along which said loose product is susceptible of sliding, subject to the force of gravity, and an opposite rear face (5); said slide (3) at least partially delimiting a front zone (Z1), on which said front face (4) faces, and a rear zone (Z2), on which said rear face (5) faces; - a suction device (6), which is provided with a suction mouth (7) through which it is adapted to suction fine dust from said loose product at least along the tilted section (A1) of said advancement path (A); - an optical detection system (8) comprising: - emitter means (9) arranged for emitting, towards the analysis section (A2) of said advancement path (A), electromagnetic radiations adapted to hit said loose product; - at least one optical sensor (10) directed towards said advancement path (A) and arranged for capturing electromagnetic radiations coming from said loose product irradiated by said emitter means (9), and for transducing said electromagnetic radiations into corresponding measurement signals; - an electronic control unit (11) operatively connected to said optical sensor (10) to receive said measurement signals, and arranged for emitting command signals; - expulsion means (12) operatively connected to said electronic control unit (11) to receive said command signals and arranged for eliminating, from said advancement path (A), determined solid elements of said loose product as a function of said command signals; said selector machine (1) being characterized in that: - the suction mouth (7) of said suction device (6) is placed in said rear zone (Z2); - said conveyance means (2) are provided with at least one first passage opening (13), which is placed at said tilted section (A1) and places said suction mouth (7) in fluid communication with said front zone (Z1), to allow said suction mouth (7) to suction said fine dust through said first passage opening (13).

2. Selector machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first passage opening (13) is substantially directed towards said analysis section (A2); said suction device (6) being arranged for generating an air flow (F) adapted to traverse said first passage opening (13) with a sense (V2) substantially opposite said advancement sense (V1).

3. Selector machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said advancement path (A) is provided with an introduction section (A3) placed substantially horizontal; the tilted section (A1) of said advancement path (A) being interposed between said introduction section (A3) and said analysis section (A2) and forming, with said introduction section (A1), an obtuse angle, which is directed downward; the rear zone (Z2), in which said suction mouth (7) is placed, is subtended by said obtuse angle.

4. Selector machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said suction device (6) is provided with: - a support body (14) placed in said rear zone (Z2) and placed at least partially to delimit an air diffusion chamber (15) communicating with said first passage opening (13) and with said suction mouth (7), which is made on said support body (14); - a suction duct (16) mechanically connected to said support body (14) and extended starting from said suction mouth (7); - at least one suctioning fan (17), which is placed in fluid connection with said suction duct (16) and is arranged for suctioning said fine dust, making it pass through said first passage opening (13), said air diffusion chamber (15), said suction mouth (7) and said suction duct (16).

5. Selector machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said conveyance means (2) comprise at least one guide element (18), at least one part of which is extended along a part of the tilted section (A1) of said advancement path (A); said guide element (18) being spaced from said slide (3) to delimit therewith said first passage opening (13) extended between said guide element (18) and said slide (3).

6. Selector machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said guide element (18) is extended between a first edge (19) thereof, which is placed at the tilted section (A1) of said advancement path (A) and delimits said first passage opening (13) with the front face (4) of said slide (3), and an opposite second edge (20).

7. Selector machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said first passage opening (13) is provided with a first thickness defined by the distance between the first edge (19) of said guide element (18) and the front face (4) of said slide (3); said guide element (18) being movable with respect to said slide (3) along an adjustment direction (X) transverse to the front face (4) of said slide (3) between a plurality of adjustment positions, in which said first edge (19) is situated at different distances from the front face (4) of said slide (3) to vary the first thickness of said first passage opening (13).

8. Selector machine (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said slide (3) is extended along at least part of said tilted section (A1) between an upper end (21) and an opposite lower end (22); said guide element (18) being provided with a first section (23) extended at the tilted section (A1) of said advancement path (A), terminating at said first edge (19), facing a part of the front face (4) of said slide (3) and placed to delimit therewith a passage duct (24), which is extended between said first passage opening (13) at said first edge (19) and a second passage opening (25) at the upper end (22) of said slide (3).

9. Selector machine (1) according to claims 3 and 8, characterized in that said guide element (18) is provided with: - a second section (25), which is extended at at least one part of the introduction section (A3) of said advancement path (A) and terminates at said second edge (20); - a connector section (26), which is extended from said second section (25) to said first section (23) with substantially curved form.

10. Selector machine (1) according to any one of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that said guide element (18) defines a concavity (C) directed towards the suction mouth (7) of said suction device (6).

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