OBJECT PROCESSING SYSTEM, METHOD FOR MAINTAINING AN OBJECT PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING AN OBJECT PROCESSING SYSTEM - Patent application

Abstract

An object processing system (100) for processing objects (111) transported by a conveyor belt (110) in a conveying direction (T) includes an inspection unit assembly (120) consisting of one inspection unit (121, 122) and a frame (160) disposed across the conveyor belt. The frame includes a maintenance bridge (161) extending across the width of the conveyor belt. The inspection unit assembly is disposed above the conveyor belt and rotatably attached to the frame by an inspection unit connector (140). The inspection unit connector is configured to allow rotation of the inspection unit assembly about an axis of rotation such that the inspection opening (123) of the inspection unit is rotatable from an inspection operation position facing the conveyor belt to a first maintenance position facing the space above the maintenance bridge. Methods for maintaining an industrial facility, an object processing system, and assembling an object processing system are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present technology relates generally to methods and apparatus relating to the transport of objects, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for handling objects transported on conveyor belts. [Background technology]

[0002] In many modern industrial sectors, large volumes of various materials are processed in an automated or semi-automated manner, including various types of internal transport. Accordingly, in many technical applications, various types of objects are transported on conveyor belts. The objects may be transported, for example, from one processing station to another during manufacturing or other object processing. During such transport, various object processing operations, such as object analysis and / or object classification, are often performed. Typically, the objects are transported on a conveyor belt, and various types of processing equipment are located near the conveyor belt. Such processing equipment may be various types of inspection, analysis, or classification equipment.

[0003] Regardless of the type of object being transported, such automated systems are typically built as rugged facilities capable of handling very large volumes of objects or materials to increase cost efficiency. Materials in such industrial plants can be, for example, bulk materials or large quantities of smaller objects. Thousands of kilograms of materials or objects may be processed daily, requiring equipment to withstand severe wear and contamination. Therefore, industrial equipment must be built with a focus on robustness and high wear resistance. As a result, industrial facilities typically have various processing or treatment stations that are all set into place at once, for example, by large overhead cranes. Maintenance or replacement of components in such facilities often requires the entire facility to be shut down and some degree of disassembly required.

[0004] A typical example of such an industrial facility system is the industrial sorting of waste materials. An inspection unit is provided to identify each object in a large volume of transported objects, and a sorting device can be controlled according to the type of object identified. Such industrial systems typically handle large volumes of transported objects, which inevitably results in a large amount of contamination. This can deteriorate the operation of various processing equipment over time. Shutting down all or at least most of the facility and dismantling its parts, for example, with an overhead crane, involves significant economic losses and creates a non-negligible risk of injury. Therefore, there is a need for frequent maintenance work that can be carried out quickly and safely in processing equipment, such as cleaning and / or replacing worn parts.

[0005] Because most large processing equipment is located above or at least near conveyor belts, maintenance often requires operators to climb onto the conveyor belt to reach the processing equipment, or even crawl underneath it, which requires advanced safety measures to avoid a high risk of injury or involves poor working postures.

[0006] JP2011-122837A discloses a color sorter for processing objects transported by a conveyor. The color sorter includes an inspection unit assembly that is disposed across the conveyor by a frame. The inspection unit assembly is rotatably mounted to allow for maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A general object of the present technology is to improve the maintainability of equipment used in connection with transporting objects on conveyor belts.

[0008] The above object is achieved by a method and an apparatus as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] Generally, in a first aspect, an object processing system for processing objects transported by a conveyor belt in a conveying direction comprises an inspection unit assembly and a frame. The inspection unit assembly comprises at least one inspection unit connected by a structural member. The, or each inspection unit has a respective inspection opening. The frame is configured to be disposed across the conveyor belt. The frame comprises a maintenance bridge extending across the width of the conveyor belt. The maintenance bridge is configured to support the weight of a human operator. The inspection unit assembly is disposed above the conveyor belt and is rotatably attached to the frame by an inspection unit connector. The inspection unit connector is configured to allow rotation of the inspection unit assembly about an axis of rotation, such that the inspection opening of the inspection unit is rotatable from an inspection operation position facing the conveyor belt to a first maintenance position facing the space above the maintenance bridge.

[0010] In a third aspect, an industrial facility for processing large volumes of material or objects comprises a conveyor belt and an object processing system according to the first aspect positioned across the conveyor belt.

[0011] In a third aspect, a method for maintaining an object processing system according to the first aspect comprises rotating an inspection unit assembly to a first maintenance position, performing maintenance on an interior of the inspection unit through the inspection opening, and then rotating the inspection unit assembly back to the inspection operation position.

[0012] In a fourth embodiment, a method for assembling an object processing system according to the first aspect comprises the steps of: providing a frame across a conveyor belt; a sorting unit assembly is assembled with a sorting unit mounted on the conveyor belt; a sorting unit connector is attached to the frame; the sorting unit is moved to a sorting work position using the sorting unit connector; a maintenance bridge is attached to the frame; a structural member of an inspection unit assembly is attached to the inspection unit connector; and finally, the inspection unit is assembled to the structural member.

[0013] One advantage of the proposed technique is that maintenance of the object handling system is easy and safe to perform, other advantages will be appreciated upon reading the detailed description.

[0014] The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an object processing system, with an inspection unit in an inspection operation position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an object processing system with an inspection unit in a first maintenance position and a classification unit assembly in a third maintenance position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an object processing system with an inspection unit in a second maintenance position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of steps of an embodiment of a method for maintaining an object handling system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an object handling system in an initial assembly stage. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an object handling system in a subsequent stage of assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an object processing system at a further subsequent stage of assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an object processing system in the final assembly stage. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A shows a slide mechanism of a method embodiment of an object handling system. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B shows a slide mechanism of a method embodiment of an object handling system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of steps in an embodiment of a method for assembling an object handling system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Throughout the drawings, like or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0017] When maintaining or assembling equipment around conveyor belts, especially in heavy industrial plants, the risk of injury must be minimized. The surrounding equipment is typically heavy, and assembling or maintaining such equipment can require heavy lifting. In the prior art, where the conveyor belt is the only available support surface, such work can be dangerous because the conveyor belt is not always stable enough to stand on. Heavy lifting and improper work positions often necessitate the use of overhead cranes, which require additional safety precautions. Providing a stable surface between the various equipment stations and the conveyor belt is challenging because equipment work requires direct line of sight to the conveyor belt, which is often very close.

[0018] Alternatively, solutions have been adopted that displace, move or rotate the equipment requiring maintenance, as well as the principle of providing a stable surface for the operator on the side of the equipment in question, which allows for easy access from the side.

[0019] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an object processing system 100 for processing objects 111 transported in a conveying direction T by a conveyor belt 110. In a typical example, the width of the conveyor belt can range from several tens of centimeters to several meters, depending on the application. The object processing system can be, for example, a sorting system or an object analysis system. An inspection unit assembly 120 includes at least one inspection unit 121, 122 connected by a structural member 128. In larger systems, multiple inspection units 121, 122 are typically used to cover the entire width of the conveyor belt. In such systems, the inspection unit assembly 120 preferably includes at least two inspection units 121, 122. In this illustrated example, there are four inspection units 121, 122. Each of the inspection units 121, 122 has a respective inspection opening 123. In this illustrated example, the inspection units 121, 122 are rotated so that the inspection opening 123 faces downward, facing the conveyor belt 110. In other words, the inspection units 121, 122 are located at inspection work positions facing the conveyor belt 110. When the conveyor belt 110 is driven, the object 111 passes in front of the inspection opening 123 and can be inspected by the inspection units 121, 122.

[0020] The inspection units 121, 122 can be of various types. By way of non-limiting example, they may measure, for example, size, and / or color, and / or texture, and / or type, or may analyze chemical composition, or various types of responses to the application of different fields, such as electric or magnetic fields, or to, for example, electromagnetic radiation. In a sorting system, the inspection units 121, 122 typically analyze the chemical composition of the objects 111 on the conveyor belt 110. What is common to such inspection units, especially those used in industrial facilities for processing large volumes of material or objects with large conveyor belts, is that they are usually large pieces of equipment.

[0021] The frame 160 is configured to be positioned across the conveyor belt 110. To this end, the frame 160 extends across at least a majority of the conveyor belt 110 from one side in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The frame 160 includes a maintenance bridge 161 extending across the width of the conveyor belt 110. The maintenance bridge 161 is configured to support the weight of a human operator while meeting all necessary safety requirements. In this manner, a safe position for the human operator to stay above the conveyor belt 110 is provided. Standing on the maintenance bridge 161 eliminates the risk of being supported by a non-rigid conveyor belt 110. It also ensures the safety of the operator in the event of a malfunction of the conveyor belt 110 during maintenance work. The maintenance bridge 161 preferably has a width in the conveying direction T that allows the maintenance operator to easily move across the maintenance bridge 161. A width of at least 50 cm is preferred. The length of the maintenance bridge 161, i.e., the dimension perpendicular to the conveying direction T, is preferably at least equal to the width of the conveyor belt 110. The length of the bridge 161 is therefore typically from a few tens of centimeters to several meters, depending on the application, the conveyor belt width, and the available space around the conveyor belt 110.

[0022] As described above, the inspection unit assembly 120 is positioned above the conveyor belt 110. The inspection unit assembly 120 is rotatably mounted to the frame 160 by the inspection unit connector 140. The inspection unit connector 140 is configured to allow the inspection unit assembly 120 to rotate about the rotation axis X. This allows the inspection openings 123 of the inspection units 121 and 122 to rotate from an inspection operation position facing the conveyor belt 110 to another position.

[0023] Typically, the object processing system 100 is part of an industrial facility for processing large volumes of materials or objects. To this end, the industrial facility includes at least one conveyor belt 110. The object processing system 100 is thus positioned across the conveyor belt 110.

[0024] 2 schematically illustrates the same embodiment as in FIG. 1 when the inspection unit assembly 120 has been rotated. In this specific illustrated example, the inspection unit assembly 120 has been rotated, causing the inspection openings 123 of the inspection units 121, 122 to move to a first maintenance position facing the space above the maintenance bridge 161. Thus, a maintenance operator can easily access the inspection openings 123 without having to climb onto the conveyor belt 110. Furthermore, the maintenance operator can perform maintenance on the inspection openings 123 in an ergonomically advantageous position.

[0025] In this embodiment, the inspection opening 123 is provided with an optical window 126. Therefore, the optical window 126 can be easily cleaned from the first maintenance position facing the space above the maintenance bridge 161.

[0026] Returning to the embodiment of FIG. 1 , each of the inspection units 121, 122 has one or more internal access openings 124. These internal access openings 124 provide access to the interior of the respective inspection units 121, 122. Typically, a cover 125 covers the internal access openings 124 to prevent unwanted contamination. Preferably, the inspection unit connector 140 is configured to be rotatable to a second maintenance position in which the internal access openings 124 of the inspection units 121, 122 face the space above the maintenance bridge 161. This state is shown in FIG. 3 . In FIG. 3 , it can be seen that an operator positioned on the maintenance bridge 161 can easily access the internal access openings 124. In this way, the second maintenance position facing the space above the maintenance bridge 161 allows for easy replacement of worn parts, such as lighting means.

[0027] Thus, there are two or three advantageous positions for both operating and maintaining the test units 121, 122. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, means are provided to assist in placing and maintaining the test unit assembly 120 in the required position. To this end, the test unit connector 140 includes a latch configured to releasably secure the test unit assembly 120 in the test operation position and in the first maintenance position. Preferably, if internal maintenance of the test units 121, 122 is also required, the latch is also configured to releasably secure the test unit assembly in the second maintenance position. The latch may be electrically released or controlled.

[0028] In one embodiment, the test unit assembly 120 may further include a control unit. Preferably, the control unit includes at least one test unit lock sensor configured to determine whether the test unit assembly 120 is locked in the test operation position. In other words, the lock sensor checks whether a latch securing the test unit assembly 120 in the test operation position is properly positioned to secure the test unit assembly 120. The control unit is configured to provide an output signal representative of such a locking status.

[0029] The industrial facility including the object processing system 100 may further include a supervisory control device, which is preferably configured to communicate with the control unit of the inspection unit assembly 120. Thus, the industrial facility can obtain information about the locking status of the inspection unit assembly 120.

[0030] As mentioned above, the inspection units 121 and 122 can be relatively large and heavy. Therefore, rotation of the inspection unit assembly 120, whose main weight is supported by the rotation means, can also be relatively heavy. It is desirable to limit the force that a maintenance worker must apply to the system components, and to similarly keep the load that the system components impose on the maintenance worker low, i.e., at least below the limits of standard safety regulations. To minimize or at least reduce the effort required to move the inspection unit assembly 120 between the inspection position and the first and, optionally, second maintenance positions, the rotation axis X may be extended in a direction substantially coincident with the center of gravity of each of the inspection units 121 and 122. In this way, substantially all of the weight of the inspection units 121 and 122 is supported by the inspection unit connector 140, and the operator only needs to provide a force sufficient to overcome the rotational friction. This rotation can be performed manually or by any auxiliary actuator device. The center of gravity can be mechanically adjusted relative to the axis by the inspection unit connector 140.

[0031] If the inspection unit assembly 120 includes a control unit, in order to avoid cable load, it is preferable that the control unit is also arranged with the same rotation axis X as the inspection units 121 and 122. See also Figure 8 below.

[0032] The object processing system shown in Figure 1 is a sorting system. The inspection units 121, 122 inspect the objects 111, for example by analyzing their chemical composition. Based on this knowledge, the sorting device can then be controlled. Thus, in one embodiment, the object processing system further comprises a sorting unit assembly 130 consisting of at least one, preferably at least two, sorting units 131, 132. The sorting unit assembly 130 is arranged in a sorting position downstream from the inspection position of the inspection unit assembly 120 and adjacent to the conveyor belt 110. The sorting unit assembly 130 is attached to the frame 160 by a sorting unit connector 134.

[0033] The sorting units 131, 132 can be of various types known in the art. By way of example, the sorting units 131, 132 comprise means for providing short air pulses, which can displace objects 111 arriving on the conveyor belt 110 in a specific, selectable direction. The sorting units 131, 132 are then preferably located directly below the conveyor belt 110 at the ends of the conveyor belt 110.

[0034] Another example of a sorting unit 131, 132 is a mechanical unit that applies a mechanical pushing action to the various objects 111 in order to displace them in the required direction.

[0035] Preferably, the operation of the classification units 131, 132 depends on the analysis results by the inspection units 121, 122. For this reason, the classification units 131, 132 are provided downstream of the inspection units 121, 122. In other words, preferably, the inspection unit assembly 120 is disposed upstream of the maintenance bridge 161.

[0036] A commonality among most sorting units is that they are typically exposed to large amounts of contamination and therefore typically require high levels of cleaning and maintenance. To facilitate cleaning and maintenance, the sorting unit connector 134 is configured to allow displacement of the sorting unit assembly 130. The sorting units 131, 132 move from a sorting operation position to a third maintenance position accessible from a maintenance bridge 161. This situation is shown in Figure 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the sorting unit connector includes a bar 135. The sorting unit assembly 130 is attached to the frame 160 via the bar 135. The bar 135 is rotatably connected to the frame 160. Rotating the bar 135 in the sorting unit connector 134 can move the sorting unit assembly 130 from its sorting operation position. Through appropriate design of the bar 135 and the sorting unit connector 134, the sorting unit assembly 130 can be moved so that the sorting units 131, 132 appear in a position that is easily accessible from the maintenance bridge 161. In other words, the bar 135 is configured to fully or partially provide for the displacement of the sorting unit assembly 130 from the sorting operation position to the third maintenance position upon rotation of the bar 135.

[0038] In a sorting system, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sorting unit assembly 130 is typically provided near the end of the conveyor belt 110. The space above and below the conveyor belt 110 typically contains various devices for further transport of the sorted objects. When an operator is performing maintenance work on the maintenance bridge 161, he / she typically needs tools or spare parts. There is a risk of dropping such items, or even the operator himself / herself, falling off the maintenance bridge 161. While either case is problematic, the fall or trip is typically more serious if it occurs above the conveyor belt 110.

[0039] To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the frame 160 further includes a protective screen 144 attached to the frame 160. The protective screen 144 is positionable in a protective position, as shown in FIG. 1. In the protective position, the protective screen 144 extends upward from the lower edge of the maintenance bridge 161. This at least partially closes off an area 190 on the side of the maintenance bridge 161, thereby preventing people and objects from falling from the maintenance bridge 161 through the area 190 into the object handling system. As shown in FIG. 2, the protective screen 144 is movable from the protective position to a displaced position that provides access to the classification unit assembly 130 when the classification unit assembly 130 is placed in the third maintenance position. During maintenance, the classification unit assembly 130 occupies at least a majority of the area 190, thereby preventing objects from falling from the maintenance bridge 161.

[0040] In other embodiments, for example, when the object processing system 100 does not include a classification unit assembly, the frame 160 may be positioned upstream of the inspection unit assembly 120.

[0041] 4 is a flow chart of steps of an embodiment of a method for maintaining an object processing system. In particular, the method is adapted for the object processing system described above. In step S10, the inspection unit assembly is rotated to a first maintenance position. In step S12, maintenance is performed on the interior of the inspection unit through the inspection opening. In step S30, the inspection unit assembly is rotated to an inspection operation position.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment where an interior access opening is available, the method further comprises the steps of: in step S20, the test unit assembly is rotated to a second maintenance position; in step S22, the cover is opened; in step S24, maintenance is performed on the interior of the test unit; and in step S26, the cover is closed.

[0043] 4, steps S10 and S12 are shown to be performed before steps S20, S22, S24, and S26. However, the reverse is also possible, with maintenance through the covered interior access opening preceded by maintenance through the inspection opening. In either case, step S30 is then performed.

[0044] If a sorting system is available, maintenance of the sorting units may also be performed. Thus, in one embodiment, the method for maintaining an object processing system comprises a further step S40 in which the sorting units are moved to a third maintenance position. In step S42, maintenance is performed on at least one sorting unit. In step S44, the sorting unit is moved to a sorting work position.

[0045] 4, steps S40, S42, and S44 are shown to be performed after inspection unit maintenance. However, since the various maintenance operations are essentially independent of each other, in alternative embodiments, steps S40, S42, and S44 may be performed before and / or at least partially simultaneously with or in parallel with steps S10-S30.

[0046] Steps S10 to S26 can be performed while the conveyor is running, so that maintenance can be performed without stopping the flow of the entire industrial facility, for example a sorting plant, which is advantageous in that maintenance of the inspection unit can have a minimal adverse effect on the operation of the entire industrial facility.

[0047] As mentioned above, it is preferable to have a latch configured to releasably secure the inspection unit assembly at least in the inspection position. In such a case, the method preferably also includes step S8, in which the inspection unit assembly disposed in the inspection position is unlocked. In other words, the latch is released, thereby allowing rotation in step S10. Similarly, the method preferably also includes step S32, in which the inspection unit assembly is re-locked in the inspection position, for example by the latch.

[0048] The easy access from the bridge to the various parts of the inspection unit and sorting system allows for quick maintenance work and significantly reduces the time that industrial facilities have to be shut down, which brings significant economic benefits.

[0049] The object handling system presented above also has advantages during system assembly. For example, the conveyor belt can double as an assembly platform. Also, a sorting unit connector can be used to move the assembly to the sorting position. Having an inspection unit assembly, possibly with multiple inspection units, can reduce the weight of each piece to be installed. Typically, the maximum recommended weight for a part to be installed or maintained is 40 kg for men and 20 kg for women. By dividing the inspection device into component units, typically identical component units, the entire width of a wide conveyor belt can be covered. Using identical component units reduces the need for spare parts storage, as spare component units can be used to replace any component unit. Finally, the inspection units can be assembled into inspection unit assemblies, typically connected by structural members. The inspection unit assemblies can be assembled directly on-site using a maintenance bridge. The need for an overhead crane can be limited to transportation to the actual installation site. Similar division of the sorting unit assemblies can also be used to reduce the load during installation and maintenance.

[0050] 5 shows a schematic diagram of the situation at the start of the assembly process. The frame 160, excluding the maintenance bridge, is placed across the conveyor belt 110. The sorting units 131, 132 are placed on the conveyor belt 110 and assembled into the sorting unit assembly 130. The sorting unit connector 135 connected to the sorting unit assembly 130 is also attached to the frame 160 by the sorting unit connector 134.

[0051] 6 shows a schematic diagram of the sorting units 131, 132 when they are moved to a sorting position using the sorting unit connector 135. In this embodiment, the sorting unit connector 135 rotates about an axis R. Preferably, the object processing system 100 includes a lifting device 145 attached to the frame 160. The lifting device 145 is configured to assist in the movement of the sorting units 131, 132.

[0052] The lifting device 145 may also be useful for maintenance purposes. As the sorting unit assembly 130 may be heavy, the lifting device 145 may be useful for reducing the load on a maintenance worker. For this purpose, the lifting device 145 is configured to assist in moving the sorting units 131, 132 from the sorting work position to the third maintenance position. More preferably, the lifting device 145 is an automatic lifting device for the sorting unit assembly 130.

[0053] 7, a maintenance bridge 161 is attached to the frame 160. The structural members 128 of the test unit assembly are attached to the test unit connectors. This operation can be performed from the newly attached maintenance bridge 161.

[0054] 8, the inspection units 121, 122 are assembled to the structural member 128. This is also advantageously performed from the maintenance bridge 161. The structural member 128 of the inspection unit assembly 120 is in place prior to assembly of the inspection units 121, 122, allowing the inspection units 121, 122 to be placed in place all at once, thereby reducing the weight of the lifting effort required. A control unit 170, connected by an electrical signal cable 172, is provided to control the operation of the inspection units 121, 122.

[0055] In some systems, articles may roll on the conveyor belt. In these situations, slight vibrations or acceleration / deceleration can cause the article to move out of position. An inspection unit may detect a particular article at a particular position. However, if the article is transported further downstream to a subsequent processing stage, the article's position may have changed. In such applications, it is important to minimize the transport distance between the inspection unit and any subsequent downstream processing mechanisms.

[0056] To this end, as shown in FIG. 9B , in one embodiment, the maintenance bridge 161 and the first portion 162 of the frame 160 supporting the maintenance bridge 161 are displaceable. Other portions 165 across the width of the maintenance bridge 161 may also be displaceable. The displaceable feature may be achieved by folding and / or rotating the maintenance bridge 161 and the first portion 162 of the frame 160 into a substantially vertical orientation perpendicular to the conveying direction, thereby reducing the volume occupied in the conveying direction. Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance bridge 161 and the first portion 162 of the frame 160 may slide in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the second portion 163 of the frame 160 supporting the inspection unit assembly 120 is slidable in the conveying direction T. This is illustrated in FIG. 9B by a sliding mechanism 164 that follows the floor rail of the frame 160. These devices allow the position of the inspection unit assembly 120 to be shifted or displaced in the conveying direction T. During maintenance, a position for the inspection unit assembly 120 can be provided as shown in FIG. 9B. This allows the maintenance bridge to fold and provide space to be used to support maintenance staff. FIG. 9A shows the situation during operation. The folding and sliding nature of the inspection unit assembly 120 allows it to be positioned further downstream in operation mode than in maintenance mode. The first portion 162 and maintenance bridge 161 are folded behind the frame 160 in the drawing, and the second portion 163 is slid downstream.

[0057] 10 is a flowchart of steps of an embodiment of a method for assembling an object processing system having a classification unit and, optionally, an inspection unit assembly with multiple inspection units. In step S50, a frame is placed across a conveyor belt. In step S52, the classification unit assembly is assembled with the classification unit placed on the conveyor belt. In step S54, a classification unit connector is attached to the frame. In step S56, the classification unit is moved to a classification work position using the classification unit connector. In step S58, a maintenance bridge is attached to the frame. In step S60, a structural member of the inspection unit assembly is attached to the inspection unit connector. In step S62, the inspection unit is assembled to the structural member.

[0058] Preferably, if necessary, a step S61 can be performed in which the center of gravity of the test unit assembly is adjusted relative to the axis of rotation of the test unit assembly, which can be performed by, for example, the test unit connector.

[0059] The above-described embodiments should be understood as a few illustrations of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, and changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, where technically possible, various solutions in the various embodiments can be combined in other configurations. However, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An object handling system (100) for handling objects (111) conveyed by a conveyor belt (110) in a conveying direction (T), said object handling system comprising: an inspection unit assembly (120) comprising at least one inspection unit (121, 122) connected by a structural member (128), each inspection unit (121, 122) having a respective inspection opening (123); a frame (160) adapted to be placed across said conveyor belt (110); Equipped with the frame (160) comprising a maintenance bridge (161) extending across the width of the conveyor belt (110), the maintenance bridge (161) being configured to support the weight of a human operator; The inspection unit assembly (120) is positioned above the conveyor belt (110) and is rotatably attached to the frame (160) by an inspection unit connector (140); the inspection unit connector (140) is configured to allow rotation of the inspection unit assembly (120) about a rotation axis (X), such that the inspection openings (123) of the inspection units (121, 122) can rotate from an inspection operation position facing the conveyor belt (110) to a first maintenance position facing a space above the maintenance bridge (161). Object handling system.

2. The inspection unit assembly (120) comprises at least two inspection units (121, 122).

2. The object processing system according to claim 1.

3. the inspection opening (123) comprises an optical window (126); The first maintenance position facing the space above the maintenance bridge (161) allows cleaning of the optical window (126).

3. The object processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the test units (121, 122) has one or more internal access openings (124) that provide access to the interior of the test unit, and a cover (125) that covers the internal access openings (124); the inspection unit connector (140) is configured to be rotatable to a second maintenance position in which the inspection units (121, 122) face a space above the maintenance bridge (161); 4. The object processing system according to claim 1, wherein the object processing system is a processing system for processing an object.

5. The second maintenance position facing the space above the maintenance bridge (161) allows replacement of worn parts.

5. The object processing system according to claim 4.

6. The test unit connector (140) includes a latch; the latch is configured to releasably secure the test unit assembly (120) in the test operation position and the first maintenance position, and, if dependent on claim 4 or 5, also in the second maintenance position.

6. An object processing system according to claim 1.

7. The object processing system includes: - further comprising a sorting unit assembly (130) consisting of at least one sorting unit (131, 132), the sorting unit assembly (130) is disposed at a sorting position downstream of the inspection position of the inspection unit assembly (120) and adjacent to the conveyor belt (110), and is attached to the frame (160) by a sorting unit connector (134); the sorting unit connector (134) is configured to allow displacement of the sorting unit assembly (130) so that the sorting units (131, 132) move from a sorting operation position to a third maintenance position accessible from the maintenance bridge (161); The inspection unit assembly (120) is disposed upstream of the maintenance bridge (161).

7. The object processing system according to claim 1, wherein the object processing system is a processing system for processing an object.

8. The sorting unit connector comprises a bar (135); The sorting unit assembly (130) is attached to the frame via the bar (135), The bar is rotatably connected to the frame (160); wherein, upon rotation of the bar (135), the bar is configured to completely or partially provide the displacement of the sorting unit assembly (130) from the sorting operation position to the third maintenance position.

8. An object processing system according to claim 7.

9. The frame (160) further comprises a protective screen (144) attached to the frame; the protective screen is positionable in a protective position; In the protective position, the protective screen (144) extends upward from the downstream edge of the maintenance bridge (161) to at least partially close off an area (190) to the side of the maintenance bridge and prevent people or objects from falling from the maintenance bridge through the area (190) into the object handling system; the protective screen (144) is movable from the protective position to a displaced position that provides access to the sorting unit assembly (130) when the sorting unit assembly (130) is disposed in the third maintenance position.

9. An object processing system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. a lifting device (145) attached to the frame (160), the lifting device (145) being configured to assist movement of the sorting units (131, 132) from the sorting work position to the third maintenance position; 10. The object processing system according to claim 9.

11. The lifting device (145) is an automatic lifting device for the sorting unit assembly (130).

11. The object processing system according to claim 10.

12. The frame (160) is disposed upstream of the inspection unit assembly (120).

7. The object processing system according to claim 1, wherein the object processing system is a processing system for processing an object.

13. The rotation axis (X) extends in a direction substantially coinciding with the center of gravity of each of the inspection units (121, 122).

13. An object processing system according to claim 1.

14. The inspection unit assembly (120) further includes a control unit (170) so that the control unit (170) is arranged to have the same rotation axis (X) as the inspection units (121, 122).

14. An object processing system according to claim 1.

15. the control unit (170) comprises at least one test unit lock sensor configured to determine whether the test unit assembly (120) is locked in the test operation position; The control unit (170) is configured to provide an output signal indicative of a locking status.

15. An object processing system according to claim 14.

16. the maintenance bridge (161) and a first part (162) of the frame (160) supporting the maintenance bridge (161) are displaceable, and a second part (163) of the frame (160) supporting the inspection unit assembly (120) is slidable in the transport direction (T), so that the inspection unit assembly (120) can be positioned further downstream during the working mode than during the maintenance mode; 16. An object processing system according to claim 1.

17. 17. An industrial facility for processing large volumes of materials or objects, comprising a conveyor belt and an object processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 16 arranged across the conveyor belt.

18. The object processing system is an object processing system according to claim 15, The industrial facility further comprises a supervisory control device configured to communicate with the control unit (170) of the inspection unit assembly (120).

18. The industrial facility of claim 17.

19. - rotating (S10) the inspection unit assembly (120) to the first maintenance position; - carrying out maintenance on the inside of the inspection unit through the inspection opening (123) (S12); - rotating (S30) said inspection unit assembly (120) to said inspection working position; A method for maintaining an object processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or an industrial facility according to claim 17 or 18, comprising:

20. - rotating (S20) the inspection unit assembly (120) to the second maintenance position; - a step (S22) of opening said cover (125); - carrying out maintenance on the interior of the inspection units (121, 122) (S24); - a step (S26) of closing said cover (125); 20. The method for maintaining an object processing system of claim 19 when applied to an object processing system of claim 4, further characterized by:

21. - moving (S40) said sorting units (131, 132) to said third maintenance position; - carrying out a maintenance step (S42) on at least one classification unit (131, 132); - moving (S44) said sorting units (131, 132) to said sorting work position; 21. A method for maintaining an object processing system according to claim 19 or 20 when applied to an object processing system according to claim 7, 8 or 9, further characterized by:

22. - a step (S50) of placing said frame (60) across said conveyor belt (110); - assembling (S52) the sorting unit assembly (130) with the sorting units (131, 132) placed on the conveyor belt (110); - attaching (S54) said sorting unit connector (134) to said frame (160); - moving (S56) said sorting units (131, 132) to said sorting work position using said sorting unit connectors (134); - mounting (S58) said maintenance bridge (161) on said frame (160); - attaching (S60) a structural member (128) of the test unit assembly (120) to the test unit connector (140); - a step (S62) of assembling said test units (121, 122) to said structural element (128); A method for assembling an object handling system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising:

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