Station for processing fruit and vegetable products

Abstract

A station for processing fruit and vegetable products (A), which comprises at least: - a tray (2) that can be filled with a liquid mass (B), adapted to contain and / or transport fruit and vegetable products (A), suspended or floating in the liquid mass (B), - an assembly (3) configured to fill a container (D) with the fruit and vegetable products (A); the assembly (3) comprises at least one head (4) which is equipped with a plurality of suckers (5); the head (4) is movable between a predefined section (2a) of the tray (2), to pick up the products (A) by means of the suckers (5), and an unloading area (6), isolated from the tray (2), for depositing the picked-up products (A) in a container (D) arranged in the area (6).

Description

[0001] STATION FOR PROCESSING FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS

[0002] The present invention relates to a station for processing fruit and vegetable products.

[0003] As is known, in the sector of packaging and distribution of fruit and of fruit and vegetable products in general, the use is now widespread of plants or lines that are at least partially automated, which are designed and dimensioned to perform a plurality of operations and treatments on a specific type of fruit and vegetable product.

[0004] The methods and technologies used to obtain the movement of the products along the various stations that make up the plant depend first and foremost on the shape structure of the specific fruit and vegetable product that is to be conveyed, but must also be designed in observance of the many requirements dictated by the specific treatments to which the product itself is to be subjected.

[0005] In this context, plants designed for handling apples and other products that are particularly sensitive to impacts usually have channels or trays in which a water current is made to flow, on which the apples can float while they pass through the various processing stations.

[0006] At the end of the processing, it is necessary to evacuate the apples from the channel, accumulating them in the containers in which they will then be transported and / or stored.

[0007] In the known methods, the evacuation is handled by a complex mechanism that forcibly conveys the quantity of apples desired to fill a container, which is immersed in the channel in advance.

[0008] The container thus filled is then made emerge or in any case is removed from the channel, leaving the water to flow out through openings especially provided in the walls of the container.

[0009] Such implementation solution is not however devoid of drawbacks.

[0010] The mechanism described in brief in the foregoing paragraphs has a complex structure, in that, first of all, it must be capable of handling the movement of containers into and out of the water; furthermore, and especially, the forced conveyance of the products entails a difficult management of the water flows involved.

[0011] Evidently, a solution of the type described above requires the consumption of great quantities of water and the occupation of a great deal of space in the building in which it is installed, owing to the encumbrances of the channel and the accessory structures.

[0012] Finally, precisely because of the complex implementation described above, the cycle of draining and filling the containers often entails long and undesired execution times.

[0013] US2020 / 299072A1 discloses a method and a device for hydraulically filling cases with floating objects in which at least one case to be filled is immersed in a receiving tank, during a step of supplying the tank with floating objects, floating objects are transported to the tank by a hydraulic stream of a supply channel communicating with the tank above an immersed case. During at least part of the supplying step, floating objects are forced to move downstream in the hydraulic stream of the supply channel at a speed greater than that of the hydraulic stream.

[0014] US2013 / 118130A1 relates to a device and a method for filling containers such as crates with products, such as glass objects, eggs etc. The device herein comprises a filling station with a setup position for placing the container with the bottom thereof. There is also a feed which during operation feeds at least one of the products at a time to the setup position and is adapted to place the at least one of the products in the container. The method comprises of corresponding operations. In order to achieve an optimum fill factor of the container and prevent breakage of and / or damage to the products as far as possible, the device and the method are respectively distinguished by a fluid flow generator adapted to generate a fluid flow during operation through the bottom of the container and by generating the fluid flow through the bottom of the container. The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, by providing a station that is capable, in a rapid, practical and effective manner, of accumulating apples and other fruit and vegetable products in the containers for which they are destined.

[0015] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a method that makes it possible to accumulate, in a rapid, practical and effective manner, apples and other fruit and vegetable products in the containers for which they are destined.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a station that is structurally simple and easy to install, with a contained encumbrance and a low consumption of water.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a station and a method that are versatile and allow the filling of different types of containers.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a station and a method that ensure reliability of operation, while at the same time ensuring the products are processed with care, even when they are delicate, therefore without subjecting them to bruising or to the danger of damage.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a station that adopts an alternative technical and structural architecture to conventional solutions.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a station and a method that are easily obtained starting from elements and materials that are readily available on the market.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a station and a method that are of low cost and safely applied.

[0022] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a station according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 9.

[0023] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the station and of the method according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of the station according to the invention, in an embodiment that includes only one tray, and in a first operating position;

[0025] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views from above of the station of Figure 1 in a second and in a third operating position;

[0026] Figure 4 is a side view of the station of Figure 1, in the transition between the operating positions of Figures 2 and 3;

[0027] Figures 5 and 6 are respectively a perspective view from above and a side view of the station of Figure 1 in a fourth operating position;

[0028] Figures 7 and 8 are respectively a perspective view from above and a side view of the station of Figure 1 in a fifth operating position;

[0029] Figures 9 and 10 are respectively a perspective view from above and a side view of the station of Figure 1 in a sixth operating position;

[0030] Figures 11 and 12 are side views of the station of Figure 1 in a seventh and in an eighth operating position;

[0031] Figure 13 is a perspective view from below of the head of the station according to the invention;

[0032] Figure 14 is a perspective view from above of the station according to the invention, in an embodiment that includes two trays;

[0033] Figure 15 is a block diagram of the method according to the invention.

[0034] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a station for processing fruit and vegetable products.

[0035] The fruit and vegetable products A can be of any type (fruit, greens, vegetables, etc.): the accompanying figures show products A constituted by apples, as a purely illustrative choice which corresponds to an application of significant practical interest, but which should not be considered as limiting of the scope of protection claimed herein. Furthermore, although typically (not necessarily) at each work cycle the apparatus 1 is fed with a single type of product A, the possibility exists of using the same apparatus 1 for different products A in it in different work cycles, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0036] In the present discussion the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “above”, “below”, are used with reference to the ideal resting plane of the station 1 (the floor or ground of the building in which it is installed), a plane that evidently is defined solely by the structure of the station 1 itself.

[0037] The station 1 comprises at least one tray 2 which (during use) is filled with a liquid mass B (typically but not necessarily water), which can contain and / or convey the fruit and vegetable products A, kept suspended or floating in the liquid mass B.

[0038] In more detail, the tray 2 is preferably shaped like a channel of length and shape that are adequate for the requirements, and in it the products A float on the surface C of the liquid mass B, which, in various ways, including conventional, is made to move so as to form a fluid current that carries the products A downstream; in the accompanying figures the tray 2 (usually but not necessarily connected upstream to an outlet of a calibrator machine) is shown with broken lines to underline that its length can be appreciably greater than that of the other components shown (described below).

[0039] In the present description therefore the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used in their common meanings and refer to the direction imposed on the products A by the fluid current.

[0040] The choice to use a fluid current or in any case a liquid for containing and / or conveying is of utmost interest for all those products A (such as apples) that are particularly sensitive to any bruising or impact.

[0041] Furthermore, the station 1 comprises an assembly 3 which is configured to fill a container D with the products A.

[0042] According to the invention, the assembly 3 comprises at least one head 4 which is provided with a plurality of suckers 5 (variously contoured and made of any material deemed suitable).

[0043] The head 4 can move between a predefined section 2a of the tray 2, to perform the pickup of the products A by means of the suckers 5, and an unloading area 6, isolated from the tray 2, so as to be able to deposit the picked-up products A in the container D, arranged (previously) in the area 6.

[0044] An area 6 “isolated” from the tray 2 means an area of any type and in any way identified, which does not communicate directly with the tray 2 and which cannot therefore be filled even only partially by the liquid mass B.

[0045] The area 6 is also to be considered as included in the station 1 according to the invention.

[0046] The area 6 can be external and / or separate (spaced apart) from the tray 2, as in the accompanying figures, where the area 6 effectively corresponds to a part of the floor adjacent to the predefined section 2a, where a platform can be arranged to receive the container D. Likewise, the area 6 can be constituted by a compartment of the same basin or of the same structure in which the tray 2 is provided, but the compartment is kept separate (isolated) from the latter, for example by means of a fixed bulkhead (which cannot be passed through by the liquid mass B).

[0047] Preferably, but not necessarily, the assembly 3 likewise comprises a suction circuit 7 connected to the suckers 5. The circuit 7 is only schematically shown in the accompanying figures, but it can be of conventional type, as long as it can generate at the suckers 5 (where in fact an equal number of outlets of the circuit 7 are located) a depression with consequent suction, which makes it possible to better grasp and stably retain apples or other products A, for as long as the suction is maintained, and which makes it possible to release them automatically simply by cutting off the suction.

[0048] The container D is typically a case or a bin, parallelepiped in shape, made of metal, wood or polymeric materials (or the like). In any case, the choice to pick up the products A from the liquid mass B by means of the suckers 5 of the head 4 makes it possible to keep the container D “dry”, without needing to make it come into contact with water and having to manage its complex movement, as happens in conventional solutions. This makes it possible to achieve the set aim from this point onward, in that the station 1 is capable of accumulating apples or other products A in the container D easily and rapidly and with a simple structure.

[0049] The number and the distribution of suckers 5 can be any, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein; it is possible to have a number of suckers 5 substantially corresponding to the number of products A which it is intended to move in each work cycle (one sucker 5 for each product A), just as it is possible for two or more suckers 5 to be used to pick up the same product A or even, at least in some work cycles, for the number of suckers 5 to be less than the number of products A.

[0050] Typically, the capacity of the container D is such that in each cycle of picking up and depositing, only one layer of it is filled: through subsequent cycles of picking up and depositing (each one designed to accumulate a new layer of products A on top of the underlying layer) it will therefore be possible to fill the container D completely. However, it is also possible to use containers D that can be filled with a single cycle of picking up and depositing (or of considering the partial filling, obtained with a single cycle, as sufficient).

[0051] In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, which is preferred but not exclusive, the head 4 comprises a horizontal plate 8 and the suckers 5, arranged mutually side by side, are supported by the lower face 8a of the plate 8 (see in particular Figure 13).

[0052] With further reference to the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, the assembly 3 comprises movement means 9 configured to produce the translation of the head 4 along (or parallel to) at least one first, horizontal axis L, in order to produce the displacement of the head 4 between two operating positions, which overlie respectively the predefined section 2a of the tray 2 and the unloading area 6.

[0053] In Figures 1, 2 and 9, for example the head 4 is in the operating position overlying the unloading area 6, while for example in Figure 3 the head 4 is shown in the other operating position, overlying the predefined section 2a of the tray 2.

[0054] Furthermore, the means 9 are configured to also produce the translation of the head 4 along (or parallel to) at least one second, vertical axis M, between each operating position just described and, respectively, the predefined section 2a and the area 6.

[0055] The translation (descent) from the operating position overlying the tray 2 toward the predefined section 2a of the tray 2 (Figures 5 and 6) makes it possible to bring the suckers 5 closer to the products A floating on the surface C (if necessary until they are touching, or it is even possible to partially immerse the suckers 5 in the liquid mass B).

[0056] By contrast, the translation (descent) from the operating position overlying the area 6 toward the latter (Figure 11) makes it possible to release the apples or in any case the products A into the container D only when these are in contact or in any case very close to the bottom of the container D or to the uppermost layer of products A that was previously accumulated (in the preferred embodiment of filling obtained over multiple cycles), so as not to have to allow them to fall from above, with risk of damage.

[0057] It should be noted in any case that the means 9 can be configured to impose movements different from the movements described above, as a function of the placement chosen for the area 6 with respect to the predefined section 2a of the tray 2.

[0058] Advantageously, the tray 2 can also comprise at least one platform 10, which is arranged at the predefined section 2a of a respective tray 2 and which can perform a vertical translation, between a resting position (Figures 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 and 14) and a working position (Figures 3, 5, 6, 7), raised with respect to the resting position, so as to be capable of lifting the products A toward the head 4 and / or so as to define a resting or abutment surface, during pickup by the suckers 5 (Figure 6).

[0059] For example, and as in the embodiment in the accompanying figures, in the resting position the platform 10 can be simply placed on the bottom (or in any case below the level at which the products A are normally located in the liquid mass B). The platform 10 is preferably provided with through slots 10a (or ports) in order to allow the flow of liquid during the vertical translation, so as to reduce the resistance offered by the liquid and facilitate the movement.

[0060] For example, the platform 10 can have side projections 10b, which are supported by the movable stems of cylinders 11 which are responsible for commanding the translation of the platform 10.

[0061] It should be noted that by providing the station 1 and the tray 2 in particular with the platform 10, or in any case by making it so that the products A can be lifted toward the suckers 5, the head 4 does not necessarily need to be provided with the facility for vertical translation (at least not in the pickup step). However, it is preferable for the pickup to occur by lowering the head 4 and simultaneously lifting the platform 10, to ensure an optimal adhesion of the suckers 5 to the products A, by virtue of the lower abutment offered by the platform 10.

[0062] Precisely in order to ensure the maximum care for the products A, thus guarding against the danger of subjecting them to bruising, the upper surface of the platform 10, which is designed for contact with the products A, can be padded.

[0063] In an embodiment of significant practical interest, which however does not limit the invention, the tray 2 also comprises an automatic gate 12, which on command can be deployed to at least partially delimit the predefined section 2a, in order to compact the products A before they are picked up and / or to prevent the further accumulation of products A in the predefined section 2a, during the pickup activities.

[0064] The gate 12 (shown transparent in some of the figures, in order to allow other components to be seen, and in any case shown schematically) can for example occupy the entire passage opening defined by the shape of the tray 2, in so doing isolating the sections upstream of the tray from the predefined section 2a, in which, up until the time the gate 12 is activated, the products A carried along by the fluid current could be progressively accumulated.

[0065] Usefully, the station 1 can comprise a plurality of trays 2, for example arranged mutually side by side, which define respective predefined sections 2a and, preferably, corresponding unloading areas 6. Evidently, this makes it possible to increase the quantity of products A that can be handled.

[0066] In a first possible embodiment, the station 1 comprises an assembly 3 and a head 4 for each tray 2, which progressively accumulate the apples or other products A in respective containers D, which are placed in as many areas 6.

[0067] Alternatively, the possibility exists that the same head 4 can pick up the products A from two or more trays 2 and deposit them in the same container D or in different containers D.

[0068] In particular, in the embodiment of significant practical interest shown for example in Figure 14, the means 9 are configured to produce the translation of the head 4 along (or parallel to) a third axis N, which is horizontal and perpendicular to the first axis L, so as to move the head 4 between the respective predefined sections 2a of the respective trays 2 (and optionally the corresponding areas 6).

[0069] In such case therefore, the assembly 3 is effectively a robot that can move the head 4 along the three Cartesian axes (the axes L, M, N).

[0070] The means 9 can be of any type, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein; for example, the accompanying figures show (without any limiting intent) a practical embodiment in which the means 9 comprise a post 13 that rigidly supports the head 4 and which is in turn supported with the possibility of vertical translation (along the second axis M) by a slider 14, which in turn can slide (along the first axis L) along a rail 15. The rail 15 is mounted on beams 16, preferably oriented along the third axis N, with a coupling that, at least in the embodiment of Figure 14, is of slideable type, in order to enable the rail 15, the post 13 and therefore the head 4 to be moved from one tray 2 to the other along the third axis N.

[0071] The energy necessary for the various movements (translations) described above can be provided by motors 17 (coupled for example by means of belts 17a to the components of interest).

[0072] In addition to the station 1 according to the invention, the present discussion also relates to a method 100 for processing fruit and vegetable products A, which can be executed by the station 1 (which therefore is provided with the peculiarities described above).

[0073] The method entails, in a step a., arranging a plurality of fruit and vegetable products A suspended or floating in a liquid mass B, in a predefined section 2a of a tray 2.

[0074] Subsequently, the method 100 entails, in a step b., picking up the products A by means of a head 4 equipped with a plurality of suckers 5, which are preferably but not necessarily connected to a suction circuit 7.

[0075] The method 100 then entails, in a step c., depositing the picked-up products A in a container D placed in an unloading area 6, which is isolated from the tray 2.

[0076] The operation of the station 1 is described below with reference to the embodiment in the accompanying figures (but is also easily deducible by the person skilled in the art with respect to the more general inventive concept claimed herein).

[0077] First of all, the apples or other products A are progressively accumulated in the predefined section 2a of the tray 2, typically the end section of a channel along which a current carries the products A. In the meantime, the head 4 is kept spaced apart from the products A, for example above the area 6 (Figure 1) or even simply above the predefined section 2a. In the area 6, which is isolated from the tray 2, a container D is placed, ready to receive the products A.

[0078] When the predefined section 2a is filled sufficiently with products A (typically floating on the surface C of the liquid mass B, as in Figure 1), the gate 12 (if any) is deployed to delimit the predefined section 2a, in order to prevent the entry of further products A and in order to keep the products present compacted; furthermore, the means 9 are activated in order to move the head 4 to the operating position above the predefined section 2a (if it was not already placed there), as shown in Figures 2-4.

[0079] Preferably, with the gate 12 deployed to delimit the predefined section 2a, the platform 10 is then activated (Figure 3), which lifts the products A that are in the predefined section 2a. In the embodiments that include the gate 12, the presence of which, as seen, is of significant practical but non-limiting interest of the invention, in this step said gate can contribute to the successful outcome of the operation to pick up all the products A, by acting to contain them and by preventing them from falling from the platform 10 during the ascent.

[0080] After reaching the operating position above the predefined section 2a, the head 4 can be lowered in order to approach it to the products A (and / or, as mentioned, the platform 10 can be raised): by (optionally) activating the circuit 7, the suckers 5 can thus adhere to the upper surface of the products A and pick them up (Figures 5 and 6).

[0081] The head 4 is then raised and / or the platform 10 is lowered, with the latter returning to the start position of the cycle (Figures 7 and 8).

[0082] The head 4 can thus be moved toward the operating position overlying the area 6 (or in any case toward said area), while the gate 12 is removed from the tray 2 in order to allow the predefined section 2a to be filled again (Figures 9 and 10).

[0083] The head 4 is then (preferably) translated downward; the suction is cut off or in any case the products A are disengaged from the suckers 5, in order to deposit the apples or other products A with suitable care in the container D (Figure 11), and then the head 4 is raised back up again, to return to a possible start position of the cycle (Figure 12); from there, a new cycle can begin when the products A have filled the predefined section 2a again.

[0084] It should be noted that a single cycle of the type just described can be sufficient to fill the container D; alternatively (and preferably), the container D can be filled completely after a plurality of cycles, in each cycle only a part of the capacity of the container D being filled with a layer of products A. In such case, preferably with each deposit the head 4 changes the elevation at which it releases the products A, in order to adjust to the progressive rise of the stack of said products in the container D and ensure a delicate release, proximate to the bottom or to the top of the stack, without letting the products A fall in an uncontrolled manner owing to gravity.

[0085] In the preferred embodiment (Figure 14), the station 1 is provided with two or more trays 2 and, by coordinating the steps of filling the predefined section 2a and of picking up and depositing the products A, the same head 4 can operate on a plurality of trays 2 and / or containers D placed in as many areas 6.

[0086] In practice it has been found that the station 1 and the method 100 according to the invention fully achieve the set aim and objects, in that by virtue of the head 4 which is moved between the tray 2 (the predefined section 2a) and an unloading area 6 which is isolated from the tray 2, in order to pick up and deposit the products A (be they apples or other products) by means of suckers 5, it is possible to accumulate these products in “dry” containers D in a practical, rapid and effective manner.

[0087] Since no complex movement of containers into and out of the water is required (as happens in conventional solutions), the accumulation in the containers D is obtained with a configuration that is structurally simple and easy to install, with a contained bulk. The invention does not require the forced conveyance of the products A in a container first immersed in water, but only the much simpler (and faster) filling of the predefined section 2a of the tray 2, with products A which can be left free to float on the liquid mass B: this therefore brings a great simplification in terms of managing the water flows involved, which likewise translates to a reduction in the space occupation and in the consumption of water (or other liquid used) and to an increase in the potential of the station 1 (because of the resultant reduction in the cycle time), compared to the known solutions.

[0088] The use of suckers 5 which carefully grasp the products A, optionally with the aid of the suction circuit 7, and which can release them by placing them on the bottom of the container D or on the top of the stack of products A deposited previously, guards against the danger of bruising or impacts, without compromising the quality, even for apples or other products A that are particularly sensitive.

[0089] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0090] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0091] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0092] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000012159 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A station for processing fruit and vegetable products (A), which comprises at least:- a tray (2) that can be filled with a liquid mass (B), adapted to contain and / or transport fruit and vegetable products (A), suspended or floating in the liquid mass (B),- an assembly (3) configured to fill a container (D) with the fruit and vegetable products (A), characterized in that said assembly (3) comprises at least one head (4) which is equipped with a plurality of suckers (5) and is movable between a predefined section (2a) of said tray (2), to pick up the products (A) by means of said suckers (5), and an unloading area (6), isolated from said tray (2), for depositing the picked-up products (A) in a container (D) arranged in said area (6).

2. The station according to claim 1, characterized in that said assembly (3) comprises a suction circuit (7) connected to said suckers (5).

3. The station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said head (4) comprises a horizontal plate (8), said suckers (5), arranged mutually side by side, being supported by the lower face (8a) of said plate (8).

4. The station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said assembly (3) comprises movement means (9) configured for translating said head (4) along at least one first, horizontal axis (L), for moving said head (4) between two operating positions, which overlie, respectively, said predefined section (2a) of said tray (2) and said unloading area (6), and for translating said head (4) along at least one second, vertical axis (M), between each of said operating positions and, respectively, said predefined section (2a) and said area (6).

5. The station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tray (2) comprises at least one platform (10),located at said predefined section (2a) of at least one said tray (2) and provided with the possibility of vertical translation, between a resting position and a working position, which is raised with respect to said resting position, for the at least partial lifting of the products (A) toward said head (4) and / or for the definition of a resting or abutment surface during pick-up by said suckers (5).

6. The station according to claim 5, characterized in that the upper surface of said platform (10), designed for contact with the products (A), is padded.

7. The station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tray (2) comprises an automatic gate (12), which can be arranged on command to delimit at least partially said predefined section (2 a), in order to compact the products (A) and / or hinder the further accumulation of products (A) in said predefined section (2a).

8. The station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of said trays (2), arranged mutually side by side and respectively defining said predefined sections (2a) and, preferably, corresponding said unloading areas (6).

9. The station according to claim 8, characterized in that said means (9) are configured for translating said head (4) along a third axis (N), which is horizontal and perpendicular to said first axis (L), for the movement of said head (4) between the respective said predefined sections (2a) of the respective said trays (2).

10. A method for processing fruit and vegetable products (A), executable by means of a station (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a. arranging a plurality of fruit and vegetable products (A) suspended or floating in a liquid mass (B), in a predefined section (2a) of a tray (2), b. picking up the products (A) by means of a head (4) equipped with a plurality of suckers (5),c. depositing the picked-up products (A) in a container (D) placed in an unloading area (6), which is isolated from the tray (2).

Images