Food Quality Control System

Abstract

A food quality control system comprising: a support structure; an inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure; and a transport system for transporting the food product through and / or beside the inspection unit, the transport system being mounted on the support structure. The transport system comprises a transport device carried by a frame. The frame is movably mounted on the support structure so that the frame can move relative to the inspection unit between an operating position in which the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit so that the food product can be transported through and / or beside the inspection unit, and a maintenance position in which the frame is laterally offset from the inspection unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food quality control system, particularly a food quality control system having an integrated conveying system that may require periodic cleaning or maintenance. Such systems are typically used to inspect a variety of foods, which may include packaged or unpackaged foods, such as poultry products. [Background technology]

[0002] Food quality control is essential in the food industry. Systems for performing quality control include imaging systems such as X-ray or visual inspection units, weighing systems that measure food weight, and leak inspection systems that inspect packaged food containers for breaches. All of these systems typically require the food to be transported through or alongside a fixed inspection unit, and are therefore typically coupled to a conveying system that transports the food. Furthermore, the tolerance for error is often very narrow, making it important to secure the inspection unit relative to the conveying system. For example, X-ray machines require high positional accuracy to operate efficiently, and so do leak inspection systems, which may fail to detect breaches in sealed containers if not properly positioned.

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

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand for a food quality control system that is easy to clean and maintain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food quality control system comprising a support structure, an inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure, and a transport system for transporting food products through and / or alongside the inspection unit, the transport system being mounted on the support structure, The transport system comprises a transport apparatus carried on a frame, the frame being movably mounted on the support structure so as to be movable relative to the inspection unit between an operating position in which the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit so that the food product may be transported through and / or past the inspection unit, and a maintenance position in which the frame is laterally offset relative to the inspection unit.

[0006] This system mounts the inspection unit and the conveying system on the same support structure, ensuring high positioning accuracy and facilitating the installation of a quality control system. To address the challenges of maintaining and cleaning the conveyor and / or inspection unit in this arrangement, the frame of the conveyor is movably mounted to the support structure so that it can be moved between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position, the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit so that food products can be conveyed through and / or beside the inspection unit, i.e., fed by the conveyor to the inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of the food product. Typically, the inspection unit is positioned above the conveyor in the operating position. As described in more detail below, in this operating position, a portion of the inspection unit may further extend below or within the frame of the conveyor, or alternatively, a portion of the inspection unit may extend below or within the frame of the conveyor. In the maintenance position, the conveyor is laterally offset from the inspection unit, providing more space for cleaning and maintaining both the conveying system and the inspection unit. Preferably, the frame is laterally offset by a distance corresponding to at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, of the horizontal width of the frame measured across the conveying direction of the conveyor.

[0007] As can be seen, the present invention relates to a system for controlling the quality of food products. The food products may be loose food products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, or poultry, or may be packaged food products such as sealed trays of food products or packaged, ready-to-eat food products. The quality control process is facilitated by an inspection unit that detects at least one characteristic of the food products fed to the inspection unit. Examples of inspection units are provided below, but desirable characteristics that may be evaluated as part of the quality control include the presence of foreign objects such as bone or metal, the weight of the food product, the tightness of sealed food containers, and the appearance of the food product.

[0008] As will be described below, various types of conveying systems can be used, such as belt conveyors, roller conveyors, chain conveyors, screw conveyors, etc. In all of these examples, the conveying system comprises a conveying apparatus carried on a frame. That is, the frame supports a means for conveying the food product. For example, if the conveying apparatus is a conveying belt wrapped around a series of rollers, the conveying belt apparatus is attached to the frame of the conveying system. The frame is then movably attached to a support structure so that it can move between an operating position and a maintenance position, whereby movement of the frame results in movement of the conveying apparatus. The frame is therefore the support structure for the conveying apparatus.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a frame is slidably mounted on one or more rails of a support structure, and preferably, the frame is slidable in a direction generally perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying system between an operating position and a maintenance position. For example, the support structure may have one, preferably at least two, fixed support rails. The frame is attached to the fixed support rails and slides along these rails between the operating position and the maintenance position. The support rails of the support structure may be unfixed and may facilitate movement of the frame between the operating position and the maintenance position. Typically, the one or more rails of the support structure are horizontally positioned so that the frame slides horizontally away from the inspection unit, but the rails may also be mounted with an upward or downward component, for example, so that the frame lowers as it slides away from the inspection unit. In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor slides generally perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying system, which is the direction along which the food is conveyed past the inspection unit. The conveyor may have a bent portion, for example, upstream or downstream of the inspection unit. Such vertical sliding includes horizontal sliding and sliding that includes an upward or downward component relative to lateral movement. However, vertical sliding is not required, and sliding along the conveying direction may also be possible. By sliding the frame vertically, clearance can be ensured with minimal movement of the conveying system. Of course, it is not required that the frame be slidably mounted on the rails of the support structure, and other movement mechanisms, such as a lever mechanism, are also contemplated.

[0010] In embodiments in which the frame is slidably mounted on one or more rails of the support structure, the transport system preferably includes one or more rails of the frame that mate with one or more rails of the support structure. Preferably, at least one of the rails of the frame or at least one of the rails of the support structure is eccentrically mounted on a rotational axis and rotatable between a locked position, which secures the frame in place on the support structure, and an unlocked position, which allows the frame to slide between an operating position and a maintenance position. In these embodiments, the frame of the transport system has corresponding rails that mate with the rails of the support structure. Depending on the nature of the rails, there may be a single rail that mates with a single frame. For example, the rails of the support structure may have grooves or channels on their upwardly facing surfaces that receive complementary rails of the support structure. Alternatively, the single rail of the support structure may have grooves or channels on each side, each groove or channel receiving a complementary rail of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure includes two rails, each receiving a complementary rail of the frame. It will be understood that various arrangements are possible. As mentioned above, one or more rails may be eccentrically mounted on a rotatable axis such that rotation of the rail changes the distance between adjacent rails. This may be used, for example, to lock and unlock each rail of the frame to a rail of the support structure. The eccentrically mounted rotatable rail may have a handle on one end to selectively lock and unlock each rail so that it can be slid into a maintenance position.

[0011] The inspection unit may include an imaging unit, a weighing unit, a metal detection unit, a gas composition measurement unit, and / or a leak detection unit. It will be appreciated that the inspection unit may include multiple in-line units for detecting numerous characteristics of food transported by the conveyor. Imaging units include cameras for visually inspecting food, e.g., to identify blood stains on chicken, X-ray devices for obtaining X-ray images of food and / or for identifying the presence of foreign objects such as bones or bone fragments, as well as other electromagnetic imaging systems. The weighing unit may include, for example, a scale positioned below the conveyor belt or a weight-sensing roller of a roller conveyor. The gas composition measurement unit includes the use of a laser as a spectral light source for high-resolution spectroscopy (HRS), but quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) can utilize the important mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum of the electromagnetic spectrum. An example of a QCL system is described in WO03087787A1. The leak detection unit applies pressure to a sealed food container and detects changes in gas composition due to altered atmosphere leaking through a hole. An example of a leak detection unit is described in WO2017 / 191465A2.

[0012] The present invention is particularly advantageous when used in conjunction with imaging units such as X-ray units, as these units are typically quite large and require high positional accuracy, making access to the inspection unit and transport for cleaning and maintenance particularly difficult.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inspection unit includes an imaging unit including a radiation source and a radiation detector, with at least a portion of the radiation source or the radiation detector located within the frame of the conveyor system when the frame is in the operating position and laterally offset from the frame of the conveyor when the frame is in the maintenance position. For example, one of the radiation source and the radiation detector may be located on top of the conveyor, while the other may be located within the frame of the conveyor, behind a conveying surface such as a conveyor belt. In another example, the radiation source and the radiation detector may be located on opposite sides of the conveyor system, i.e., on opposite sides of the frame. However, locating one of the radiation source and the radiation detector within the frame minimizes the distance to the food product and the distance between the radiation source and the detector, thereby increasing sensitivity and improving detection accuracy, while also minimizing the height of the quality control system. Locating either the radiation source or the radiation detector within the frame makes maintenance and cleaning of the aforementioned portions of the inspection unit and the conveyor system itself particularly difficult. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to provide a movable frame that laterally separates the frame from the inspection unit, e.g., to expose the portion of the inspection unit that was located within the frame.

[0014] The inspection unit may be fixedly mounted to the support structure, or the inspection unit may be movably mounted to the support structure, for example the inspection unit may move in the opposite direction to the transport system to provide a larger gap between the inspection unit and the transport system.

[0015] While all cleaning and maintenance can be performed in the maintenance position, in some instances it may be preferable to be able to remove the frame from the support structure while it is in the maintenance position. For example, the frame may be removable from the support structure by sliding it off one or more rails on the support structure. That is, the frame may continue to slide past the maintenance position until it is completely removed from the support structure (with or without releasing a catch that holds the frame in the maintenance position). In other instances, the frame may be locked to the support structure in the maintenance position by, for example, a quick-release mechanism that can be activated to allow the frame to be lifted from the support structure. Typically, a suitable lifting device would be required to remove the frame from the support structure. Having the frame removable from the support structure allows for deep cleaning or more critical maintenance, such as replacing damaged parts, away from the inspection unit. This arrangement also allows complete access to the inspection unit, allowing for thorough cleaning of sensitive parts of the inspection unit or more critical maintenance requirements. Furthermore, removing the frame and transport device allows for the provision of a replacement frame or transport device. This makes reconfiguration of production lines easier and downtime while transport systems undergo remote cleaning and / or maintenance can be easily avoided.

[0016] In a most preferred embodiment, the conveying device includes a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame and a conveyor belt entrained around the plurality of rollers. The conveyor may further include a motor mounted within the frame and coupled to the conveyor belt and / or one or more rollers for powering the conveyor belt. The motor may move with the frame to a maintenance position and may require electrical disconnection before the frame is moved to the maintenance position. While a conveyor belt is preferred, other types of conveyors, such as roller conveyors, are also possible.

[0017] When a belt conveyor is used, preferably, a tensioning roller of the plurality of rollers is movably mounted on the frame, and the tensioning roller is movable between a belt tensioning position and a belt release position, in which the conveyor belt is loosened compared to the belt tensioning position so that the conveyor belt can be removed from the conveyor system. This further facilitates maintenance of the system. That is, one of the rollers around which the conveyor belt is wrapped is movable, i.e., the circumference of the roller is reduced to loosen the conveyor belt. This allows the conveyor belt to be removed from the conveyor system by lifting it from the frame, i.e., sliding it from the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. Advantageously, the frame can be moved to a maintenance position to provide access to the conveyor system, and then the tensioning roller can be moved to the belt release position to remove the conveyor belt. The additional clearance and access in the maintenance position allows for quick and safe belt removal.

[0018] While various arrangements of the tensioning rollers are contemplated, preferably, the tensioning rollers are mounted on a retractable frame portion of the frame of the conveyor system, which moves along a direction generally perpendicular to the conveyor belt surface between a belt-tensioning position and a belt-releasing position. For example, the tensioning rollers may be mounted between two movable arms forming the retractable frame portion of the frame. One or both arms may be movable perpendicular to the belt surface, i.e., in a direction that reduces the circumference of the roller, thereby allowing the belt to be slackened and removed. Preferably, the retractable frame portion is coupled to the main portion of the frame by a mechanical linkage, preferably a two-bar linkage, configured to selectively lock the retractable frame portion in the belt-tensioning position. That is, the mechanical linkage may support the retractable frame portion in the belt-tensioning position so that the belt is held tightly taut around the rollers. Operation of the mechanical linkage collapses the linkage support, allowing the rollers to move to the belt-releasing position. The mechanical linkage may be operable, for example, by a handle located on the exterior of the frame, to selectively lock and unlock the retractable frame portion.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, a conveying system is configured to convey food products from an input end to an output end, the conveying system including a vertically oscillating end located at the output end, the vertically oscillating end being oscillating relative to the main conveying system between a first position where the food products exit the conveying system at a first height and a second position where the food products exit the conveying system at a second height different from the first height. The end of the conveying device is movable to access different output positions, i.e., different vertical output positions. This is useful, for example, in response to characteristics detected by an inspection unit. For example, if a bone is detected in a chicken portion, the portion is diverted to a lower output conveying device for return to an appropriate processing station for bone removal. Meanwhile, all "good" chicken is directed to an upper output conveying device for batch processing and packaging. While conveying diversion systems have been used in the art before, they were typically dedicated conveying systems located downstream of an inspection unit. In this configuration, food products can be diverted as needed on the same conveying device that delivers the food products to the inspection device. This not only reduces the floor space required, but also ensures high accuracy as defective food products do not have to be tracked across multiple conveying systems. This type of conveying system is inherently more complex as it must have built-in bypass mechanisms, but the conveying system can be moved to a maintenance position so that it is fully accessible when required.

[0020] Preferably, the vertical swing end comprises a vertical swing frame portion coupled to a main portion of the frame of the conveyor system, the vertical swing frame portion swinging relative to the main portion of the frame. When the conveyor is a belt conveyor, the vertical swing end comprises at least one swing roller, one of a plurality of rollers mounted on the frame (around which the belt is wrapped), located at the output end of the conveyor system and vertically movable as the vertical swing end swings between a first position and a second position. In this arrangement, the swing roller defines the end of the conveyor belt, and its movement causes swinging between two different output heights, positioning the end of the conveyor belt at these two different positions. The swing roller is rotatable about an axis disposed within the frame of the conveyor, preferably provided by a pivot connecting the vertical swing frame portion to the main portion of the frame. It is preferred that the roller not rotate exactly about its axis, as this is easier to implement mechanically.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the oscillating portion of the conveyor belt, the vertical oscillating end portion comprises two base rollers of a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame, with the axes of rotation of the oscillating rollers being located between the two base rollers. These two base rollers are two other rollers around which the belt is wound, essentially defining the base of the oscillating portion of the conveyor system. Preferably, the two base rollers are fixedly mounted to the main portion of the frame, and the axes of rotation of the oscillating rollers are preferably positioned equidistant between the two base rollers, so that the belt tension is not substantially changed by the movement of the oscillating rollers as the vertical oscillating end portion oscillates between the first and second positions. This ensures that the circumferential distance of the synchronized rollers of the conveyor belt is not changed by the movement of the oscillating rollers, and therefore the belt tension is maintained.

[0022] The swing distance of the swing end can be configured to allow for adjustable operating speed; a smaller swing distance allows for higher speeds, which may be required in high-productivity systems. This may require the two downstream conveyors corresponding to the upper and lower output positions to be positioned closer together vertically to accommodate the smaller swing distance, or the rejected food may be dropped a distance to the downstream conveyor.

[0023] One particularly preferred embodiment comprises a conveyor belt having the swing end and tension roller described above. Preferably, in this embodiment, the tension roller is located at the input end of the conveyor system. This arrangement allows for easy belt removal as described above, combined with the advantages of the swing end of the conveyor.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food quality control system comprising: a support structure; an inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure; and a conveying system for conveying the food product through and / or beside the inspection unit, the conveying system being mounted on the support structure. The conveying system comprises a conveying device carried by a frame, the conveying system being configured to convey the food product from an input end to an output end using the conveying device, the conveying system having a vertically oscillating end located at the output end, the vertically oscillating end being oscillating relative to a main portion of the conveying system between a first position at which the food product is output from the conveying system at a first height and a second position at which the food product can be output from the conveying system at a second height different from the first height.

[0025] As with the previous aspect of the invention, the food product may be loose food such as fruit, vegetables, meat or poultry, or may be packaged food such as a sealed tray of food or pre-packaged, ready-to-eat food. The quality control process is facilitated by an inspection unit which detects at least one characteristic of the food product presented to the inspection unit. Examples of inspection units are described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention, but desirable characteristics which may be assessed include the presence or absence of foreign matter such as bone or metal, the weight of the food product, the tightness of a sealed food container, the appearance of the food product, etc.

[0026] As described above in connection with the preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the end of the conveyor is movable to access different output locations, i.e., different vertical output locations. This can be useful, for example, in response to characteristics detected by the inspection unit. For example, if a bone is detected in a chicken portion, the portion is diverted to a lower output conveyor for return to the appropriate processing station for bone removal, while all "good" chicken is directed to an upper output conveyor for batch processing and packaging. While conveyor diverting systems have been used in the art before, they have typically been dedicated conveyor systems located downstream from the inspection unit. In this configuration, the same conveyor that delivers food to the inspection equipment can divert food as needed. This not only reduces floor space requirements, but also ensures high accuracy by eliminating the need to track defective food between multiple conveyor systems.

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

[0028] Preferably, the conveying device comprises a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame and a conveying belt entrained around the plurality of rollers. However, as mentioned above, other types of conveying devices can be used, such as roller conveyors. When the conveying device is a belt conveyor, the vertically oscillating end preferably comprises at least one oscillating roller, which is one of the plurality of rollers mounted on the frame, located at the output end of the conveying system, and is vertically movable as the vertically oscillating end oscillates between a first position and a second position. In this arrangement, the oscillating roller defines the end of the conveying belt, and its movement causes it to oscillate between two different output heights, positioning the end of the conveying belt at these two different positions. The oscillating roller is rotatable about an axis disposed within the frame of the conveying device, preferably provided by a pivot connecting the vertically oscillating frame section to the main frame portion. Preferably, the roller does not rotate exactly about the axis, as this is easier to achieve mechanically.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the oscillating portion of the conveyor belt, the vertical oscillating end portion comprises two base rollers of a plurality of rollers mounted on a frame, with the axes of rotation of the oscillating rollers being located between the two base rollers. These two base rollers are two other rollers around which the belt is wound, essentially defining the base of the oscillating portion of the conveyor system. Preferably, the two base rollers are fixedly mounted to the main portion of the frame, and the axes of rotation of the oscillating rollers are preferably positioned equidistant between the two base rollers, so that the belt tension is not substantially changed by the movement of the oscillating rollers as the vertical oscillating end portion oscillates between the first and second positions. This ensures that the circumferential distance of the synchronized rollers of the conveyor belt is not changed by the movement of the oscillating rollers, and therefore the belt tension is maintained.

[0030] When a belt conveyor is used, preferably, a tensioning roller of the plurality of rollers is movably mounted on the frame, and the tensioning roller is movable between a belt tensioning position and a belt release position, in which the conveyor belt is loosened compared to the belt tensioning position so that the conveyor belt can be removed from the conveyor system. This further facilitates maintenance of the system. That is, one of the rollers around which the conveyor belt is wrapped is movable, i.e., the circumference of the roller is reduced to loosen the conveyor belt. This allows the conveyor belt to be removed from the conveyor system by lifting it from the frame, i.e., by sliding it from the frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. Preferably, the tensioning roller is located at the input end of the conveyor system so as to be separated from the swing end of the conveyor system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings. [Figure 1] Front view of an embodiment of a food quality control system [Figure 2A] Side views of the food quality control system shown in Figure 1 in operating, intermediate, and maintenance configurations. [Figure 2B] Side views of the food quality control system shown in Figure 1 in operating, intermediate, and maintenance configurations. [Figure 2C] Side views of the food quality control system shown in Figure 1 in operating, intermediate, and maintenance configurations. [Figure 3A] 2 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the food quality control system shown in FIG. 1 in two different positions while moving on a support structure; [Figure 3B] 2 is a partial perspective view of the frame of the food quality control system shown in FIG. 1 in two different positions while moving on a support structure; [Figure 4A] Front view and enlarged detail of the food quality control system frame shown in Figure 1 in locked and unlocked states. [Figure 4B]Front view and enlarged detail of the food quality control system frame shown in Figure 1 in locked and unlocked states. [Figure 4C] Front view and enlarged detail of the food quality control system frame shown in Figure 1 in locked and unlocked states. [Figure 5A] 2A and 2B are front and perspective views of the frame of the food quality control system shown in FIG. 1 in a belt tensioning arrangement; [Figure 5B] 2A and 2B are front and perspective views of the frame of the food quality control system shown in FIG. 1 in a belt tensioning arrangement; [Figure 6A] 2A and 2B are front and perspective views of the frame of the food quality control system shown in FIG. 1 in an open belt configuration; [Figure 6B] 2A and 2B are front and perspective views of the frame of the food quality control system shown in FIG. 1 in an open belt configuration; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a food quality control system; [Figure 8A] 8 is a perspective view showing two different output arrangements of the conveyor system of the food quality control system shown in FIG. [Figure 8B] 8 is a perspective view showing two different output arrangements of the conveyor system of the food quality control system shown in FIG. [Figure 9A] An enlarged front view showing two different output arrangements of the conveying system of the food quality control system shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9B] An enlarged front view showing two different output arrangements of the conveying system of the food quality control system shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the conveying system of the food quality control system shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B.

[0033] 1 is a front view of a food quality control system 1. The food quality control system generally comprises an inspection unit 100 and a transport system 200, both mounted on a support structure 300.

[0034] The inspection unit 100 is an X-ray unit and includes an X-ray detector 101, an X-ray source 102, and an inspection unit display 103. The X-ray detector 101 and the display 103 are housed in an upper system housing 104 supported by a support structure 300. This upper system housing is located above the transport system 200, and the X-ray detector 101 is held facing downward directly above the transport system 200. The X-ray source 102 is disposed inside the frame of the transport system 200, as will be described in more detail below. The X-ray source 102 is placed facing upward toward the X-ray detector 101 via the belt of the transport system 200.

[0035] The conveying system 200 includes a frame 201 that holds a conveyor belt 202 that is entrained around a set of rollers, which are described in detail below. The frame 201 of the conveying system 200 is further supported by a support structure 300 and is positioned so that the conveyor 200 conveys food products from an input end 200a, through the X-ray detector 101 and the X-ray source 102, to an output end 200b on the moving conveyor belt 202. The conveying system is housed within a lower system housing 204, which extends along the conveying direction and houses the input end 200a in an upstream housing portion 204a and the output end in a downstream housing portion 204b. The front of the conveying system 200 is accessible by opening a door portion 204c of the lower system housing 204. The lower system housing, which encloses the conveyor 200 between the input end 200a and the output end 200b, functions to shield the conveyor 200 from X-ray radiation generated by the X-ray source 102.

[0036] The support structure 300 comprises a single support frame 301 with four legs 302 that extend upwardly into the upper system housing 104 and the lower system housing 204. Both the transport system 200 and the inspection unit 100 are mounted on this support frame 301, the placement of the transport system 200 on the support structure being described in more detail below.

[0037] 2A-2C show three different side views of the food quality control system 1. In Fig. 2A, the system 1 is in an operational configuration with the door 204c of the lower system housing 204 closed and the conveyor frame 201 in an operational position such that food transported on the conveyor belt 202 passes between the X-ray detector 101 and the X-ray source 102.

[0038] In FIG. 2B, door section 204c is open, exposing the front of transport system 200, allowing personnel to access transport system 200 and move it into a maintenance position.

[0039] Figure 2C shows the maintenance position, in which the frame of the transport 201 carrying the conveyor belt 202 is pulled forward from between the X-ray detector 101 and the X-ray source 102 and through the opening in the lower system housing 204 formed by the door portion 204c in the open position. In this maintenance position, the frame and the belt supported thereby have moved laterally relative to the inspection unit 100, perpendicular to the transport direction, resulting in an offset between the frame 201 and the inspection unit 100. Referring now to Figures 3A to 4C, the detailed construction of the transport system and its attachment to the support structure 300 will be described in more detail, illustrating the arrangement that allows movement between the operating position and the maintenance position.

[0040] 3A and 3B show the frame 201 of the transport system 200, omitting the transport belt 202 and the rest of the system 1, except for two support rails 303, 304 of the support structure 300 to which the frame 201 is mounted. FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial front views of the frame 201.

[0041] Frame 201 has opposing side plates 211 and 212 that respectively define the rear and front sides of conveyor 200. These two side plates 211 and 212 are connected to each other by a series of connecting rods 213a to 213f that extend from one side plate to the other in the width direction of the conveyor, with each rod being disposed at a different position along the conveying direction of the conveyor.

[0042] Four rollers 215a-215d are mounted on the frame, around which the conveyor belt 202 (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) is entrained. These four rollers 215a-215d define the extent of the conveyor belt 202. The first roller 215a is located at the input end 200a of the conveyor system and defines the leading edge of the conveyor. This roller 215a is mounted on a retractable frame portion 205 of the frame 201, which will be described in more detail below. The first roller 215a extends across the width of the conveyor 200, between the rear and front sides of the conveyor 200. The second roller 215b is located at the output end 200b of the conveyor system 200 and defines the trailing edge of the conveyor. In this embodiment, the second roller extends between the opposing side plates 211, 212 and rotates about a fixed axis. However, in another embodiment described below, the second roller is translatable to oscillate the output end of the conveyor up and down. The conveyor belt extends from the first roller 215a to the second roller 215b, forming a generally flat conveying surface for transporting food products through the inspection unit. The third and fourth rollers 215c, 215d are mounted lower than the first and second rollers and define the return path of the conveyor belt to the first roller 215a. The third and fourth rollers 215c, 215d extend between the opposing side plates 211, 212 and rotate about their respective fixed axes. The spacing between these rollers, which is lower than the spacing between the first and second rollers 215a, 215b, defines an intra-frame volume between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt 202. As described in more detail below, this intra-belt volume accommodates the X-ray source 102 and also houses the conveyor belt motor (not shown).

[0043] Each side panel 211, 212 of the frame 201 is provided with an opening 211a, 212a, respectively. The openings extend along a substantial portion of the length of the conveyor 200, substantially between the third and fourth rollers 215c, 215d, and provide access to the frame's internal volume between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt 202. When the frame 201 is attached to the support structure 300, the support structure's first and second rails 303, 304 extend through the opening 211a in the first side panel 211, through the frame's internal volume between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt 202, and out through the opening 212a in the second side panel 212. The first rail 303 extends through the opening near the fourth roller 215d toward the input end of the conveyor, and the second rail 304 extends through the opening near the third roller 215c toward the output end of the conveyor, with a space between the two rails between the upper and lower surfaces of the conveyor belt. Each rail 303, 304 is secured at its rear end, i.e., the end opposite door portion 204c of lower housing 204, to frame 301 of support structure 300 by bolts received through a series of bolt holes 303a, 304a in each rail 303, 304. The first rail is formed with a mounting portion 303b that faces mounting portion 304b of the second rail, and together these mounting portions receive and support X-ray emitter 102 in the frame interior volume between the upper and lower surfaces of conveyor belt 202.

[0044] Input rail 303 further defines a lower flange portion 303c along its length, which extends toward the input end of the conveyor. Similarly, output rail 304 defines a lower flange portion 304c along its length, which extends toward the output end of the conveyor. Corresponding rails 216 and 217 are provided on frame 201. Rail 216 extends toward the input end of the conveyor between opposing side plates 211 and 212 adjacent to openings 211a and 212a and rests on flange portion 303c of rail 303. Rail 217 extends toward the output end of the conveyor between opposing side plates 211 and 212 adjacent to openings 211a and 212a and rests on flange portion 303c of rail 303. As a result, the support rails 303 and 304 receive the rails 216 and 217 of the frame 201 and support the transporter 200 at a position below the X-ray detector 101 .

[0045] Figure 3B shows the frame moved from the operating position shown in Figure 3A towards a maintenance position, where the frame has slid partially off of the support rails 303, 304. In particular, rails 216, 217 on frame 201 allow the frame to slide along support rails 303, 304 of support structure 300.

[0046] To prevent the frame from sliding on the support rails 303, 304 during operation, a locking mechanism is provided to lock the frame's rails 216, 217 to the support rails. The operation of the locking mechanism can be seen more clearly in Figures 4A to 4C.

[0047] FIG. 4A shows the frame 201 in the locked position. The rail 217 includes a rail body 217b, most clearly shown in FIG. 4C, which is a cylindrical section extending between the opposing side plates 211 and 212. The rail body is rotatable and eccentrically mounted on a rotation axis 217c. In the locked position, the rail body 217b is positioned so that its thicker side faces the support rail 304. This position minimizes the distance between the two rails 216 and 217 and secures the frame to the complementary surfaces of the support rails 303 and 304. The handle 217a, accessible from the front of the transport, can be operated to rotate the rail body 217b to increase the distance between the two rails 216 and 217 and unlock the frame. The unlocked position is shown in FIG. 4B. In this unlocked position, the frame can be slid toward the maintenance position, as described above.

[0048] An important step in cleaning and maintaining the conveyor belt is the removal of the conveyor belt 202. This embodiment features a belt tensioning / releasing device 250, which will now be described with reference to Figures 5A-6B.

[0049] The belt tensioning / release system 250 is located at the input end of the conveyor 200. The first roller 215a is mounted to the retractable frame portion 205 of the frame 201. In particular, the roller 215a extends between the arms 206, 207. The first arm 206 is slidably mounted to the first side plate 211 of the frame 201, and the second arm 207 is slidably mounted to the second side plate 212. Each arm is slidable in the conveying direction along the corresponding side plate to shorten the length of the conveyor, i.e., shorten the distance between the first roller 215a and the second roller 215b, and slacken the conveyor belt 202 wrapped around the rollers. Each arm 206, 207 has an elongated hole 206a, 207a extending along a portion of its length adjacent to the roller 215a, through which both ends of the first connecting rod 213a pass when connected to the corresponding side plate 211, 212. These elongated holes 206a, 206b support the sliding frame member 205 on the connecting rod 213a and allow relative sliding movement.

[0050] The distal end of each arm 205, 207 from the roller 215a is connected to a movable rod 251 that extends across the width of the transport between the side plates 211, 212 of the frame 201. The movable rod 251 is coupled to each arm, extends through the arm, and passes through an elongated hole 255 in each side plate 211, 212 (only the elongated hole in the front side plate 212 is visible in the figure). The movable rod 251 is retained in the two elongated holes 255 by nuts 251a on each end, which prevents the end of the rod from passing through the elongated holes 255. Each elongated hole 255 extends along the transport direction, allowing the rod to slide along the length of the transport when the retractable frame section 205 is retracted to shorten the length of the transport.

[0051] A rod 252 extends between the first and second side panels 211, 212 of the frame 201 and is rotatably mounted to the side panels so that it can rotate about an axis. A handle 254 is accessible from the front side panel 212 of the frame 201 to rotate the rod 252. Both ends of the rotatable rod 252 are connected to a movable bar 251 by a two-bar linkage 253. In the tensioned belt position shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the two-bar linkage connecting the movable rod 251 and the rotating rod 252 holds the movable rod 251 in place with the retractable frame section 205 extended. This maximizes the distance between the first and second rollers 215a, 215b and maximizes the circumferential distance around the four rollers 215a-d to maintain tension on the belt.

[0052] When the handle 254 is operated to rotate the rotatable rod 252, the two-bar linkage is unaligned, causing the two-bar linkage to pull the movable rod 251, sliding it within the slot 255, and causing the arms 205, 206 to slide along the conveying direction, retracting the retractable frame portion 205. This reduces the circumferential distance around the four synchronized rollers 215a-215d, causing the conveyor belt 202 to slacken and disengage from the conveyor system 200. Figures 6A and 6B show this belt-released position, i.e., the retracted position of the retractable frame portion 205. In this position, the conveyor belt 202 (not shown) can be lifted off or placed onto the conveyor system 200 by moving it horizontally relative to the frame and rollers.

[0053] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of food quality control system 1. This system is substantially similar to the system described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6C, and the same reference numerals are used for corresponding system elements. Where this food quality control system differs from the previous embodiment is in the configuration of the output end of conveying system 200. In particular, conveying system 200's output end features a vertically oscillating end 260, which allows the system to output food products from conveyor 200 at two different heights. The system further includes a separate downstream conveying system 400 positioned to receive the food product output at a first height. This system, for example, receives food products deemed suitable for packaging and transports them toward a downstream batching and packaging system. This downstream conveying system is shorter than conveying system 200 and is enclosed within an extended downstream housing portion 204b. Door portion 204c is similarly extended to enclose conveyor 200 within its housing during operation but allow access during cleaning or maintenance. This downstream conveying system 400 can deliver food products out of quality control system 1 and to appropriate transport means for the remainder of the system.

[0055] Although not visible in FIG. 7 , a reject disposition portion of the system receives the food product output at a second elevation lower than the first elevation. That is, the vertical swing end 260 swings downward from a position where it conveys the food product to the downstream conveying system 400 to deposit rejected food products within the reject disposition portion of the system. In a simple example, this reject disposition portion may simply be a bin for collecting rejected food products, but preferably, a second downstream conveyor is provided at the lower output elevation to transport rejected food products to waste disposal. For example, if a food product contains bone fragments and is rejected, it may be transported to an operator for manual removal of the bone fragments or rerouted through the bone removal system.

[0056] Next, the vertically swinging end portion 260 of the transport system 200 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8A to 10. FIG.

[0057] 8A and 8B are front perspective views of conveyor system 200 having vertical swing end 260. The input end of the conveyor includes retractable frame section 205 for implementing the belt tensioning and belt release configurations, as described above. Conveyor 200 has the same mounting configuration, including openings 211a, 212a through side panels 211, 212 of frame 201 to receive support rails 303, 304 for supporting the conveyor on rails 216, 217. Vertical swing end 260 is located at the output end of conveyor 200 and is movable between a first position, shown in FIG. 8A , in which conveyor belt 202 is generally flat between the input and output ends so that food products are output at a first height, and a second position, shown in FIG. 8B , in which conveyor belt 202 is tilted downward at vertical swing end 260 so that food products are output at a second height that is lower than the first height.

[0058] Vertical swing end 260 is shown in further detail in Figures 9A, 9B, and 10. Figures 9A and 9B are enlarged views of vertical swing end 260 in first and second positions, respectively, with front plate 212 made semi-transparent to reveal the internal elements of swing end 260. Figure 9C is an enlarged perspective view of vertical swing end 260 without front plate 212.

[0059] As shown in these figures, the vertical swing end portion 260 comprises a vertical swing frame portion 261. This vertical swing frame portion 261 is an arm portion of a frame 2019 that is rotatably connected to the main frame portions, i.e., the side plates 211 and 212, by a pivot 262 that extends horizontally between the two side plates 211 and 212. The end of the vertical swing frame portion 261 distal from the pivot carries a second roller 215b, which is one of the rollers around which the conveyor belt 202 is wrapped. Inside the frame 201, a pneumatic actuator 264 is attached by a mount 265, and an actuation arm is connected to the vertical swing frame portion 261 at a handle portion 263 offset from the pivot 262. Linear motion of the actuation arm of the pneumatic actuator 264 is operable to rotate the vertically oscillating frame portion 261 about the pivot shaft 262 by moving the handle portion 263. Operation of the pneumatic actuator 264 causes the vertically oscillating frame portion 261 to pivot between a first position where the second roller 215b is horizontal with the first roller 215a at the input end so that the conveyor belt 202 is generally flat between the input end and the output end, and a second position where the second roller 215b is horizontal with the third and fourth rollers 215c, 215b so that the conveyor belt 202 is inclined toward the output end.

[0060] The fifth roller 215e is mounted horizontally with the first roller 215a and in substantially the same vertical plane as the pivot shaft 262 so that when the frame portion 261 swings downward, the conveyor belt remains substantially flat between the input end and the vertical swing end 260 and only slopes downward at the vertical swing end 260. The fifth roller 215e is rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft extending between the side plates 211 and 212 of the frame 201. The fifth roller 215e, the pivot shaft 262, and the third roller 215c are each positioned to extend substantially perpendicularly aligned with one another across the conveying direction of the conveyor. In this arrangement, the belt is wound around the first roller 215a, the fifth roller 215e, the swing second roller 215b, the third roller 215c, and the fourth roller 215d in sequence before returning to the first roller 215a. The fifth roller 215e not only keeps the conveyor belt horizontal between the input end and the vertical swing end 260, but also functions as a base roller for the vertical swing end, with the fifth roller 215e and the third roller 215c, with the pivots mounted equidistant between the two rollers 215c and 215e. This prevents the movement of the swinging second roller 215b from changing the circumferential distance of the conveyor belt around the synchronized rollers 215a-215e, thereby maintaining belt tension.

[0061] The actuator 264 may be configured to vary the length of arm movement during actuation. This can be used to change the distance the vertically swinging frame portion 261 swings. Preferably, it can be configured to vary the amount the vertically swinging frame portion 261 swings downward from a position where the first, fifth, and second rollers 215a, 215e, 215b are horizontal. A smaller swing distance allows for higher speeds, which may be required in high productivity systems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0062] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 03 / 087787 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 191465

Claims

1. 1. A food quality control system comprising: a support structure; an inspection unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a food product being fed to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure; a transport system for transporting food products through and / or to the side of the inspection unit, the transport system being attached to the support structure; the conveying system comprises a first conveyor belt carried on a frame, the first conveyor belt being movably mounted on the support structure such that the frame can move relative to the inspection unit between an operating position in which the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit so that food products can be conveyed through and / or past the inspection unit, and a maintenance position in which the frame is laterally offset relative to the inspection unit; When the frame is in the operating position, at least a portion of the inspection unit is disposed inside the frame of the transport system, and when the frame is in the maintenance position, the portion of the inspection unit is laterally offset from the frame of the transport system; the first conveyor belt is configured to convey food products from an input end to an output end, the first conveyor belt having a vertically oscillating end located at the output end, the vertically oscillating end being oscillating relative to a main portion of the first conveyor belt between a first position where the food products are output from the first conveyor belt at a first height and a second position where the food products can be output from the first conveyor belt at a second height different from the first height; Food quality control system.

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

3. The food quality control system of claim 2 , wherein the conveying system comprises one or more rails of the frame that mate with the one or more rails of the support structure.

4. The food quality control system according to claim 1 , wherein the inspection unit comprises an imaging unit, a weighing unit, a metal detection unit, a gas composition measurement unit and / or a leak detection unit.

5. 5. A food quality control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inspection unit comprises an imaging unit having a radiation source and a radiation detector, and at least a portion of one of the radiation source and the radiation detector is located within the frame of the conveying system when the frame is in the operating position and is located at a position laterally offset from the frame of the conveying system when the frame is in the maintenance position.

6. The food quality control system of claim 1 , wherein the frame is removable from the support structure when the frame is in the maintenance position.

7. When the frame is in the maintenance position, the frame is removable from the support structure; The food quality control system of claim 2 , wherein the frame is removable from the support structure by sliding the frame off the one or more rails of the support structure.

8. A food quality control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the conveying system comprises a plurality of rollers attached to the frame and a conveying belt wrapped around the plurality of rollers.

9. 9. The food quality control system of claim 8, wherein a tensioning roller of the plurality of rollers is movably mounted on the frame, the tensioning roller being movable between a belt tensioning position and a belt release position, wherein in the belt release position the conveyor belt is slackened compared to the belt tensioning position so that the conveyor belt can be removed from the conveyor system.

10. 10. The food quality control system of claim 9, wherein the tension roller is mounted to a retractable frame portion of the frame of the conveyor system, the retractable frame portion moving along a direction generally perpendicular to the conveyor belt surface between the belt tensioning position and the belt releasing position.

11. The food quality control system of claim 10 , wherein the retractable frame section is coupled to the main frame portion by a mechanical linkage.

12. 12. The food quality control system of claim 11, wherein the mechanical linkage is operable by a handle that selectively locks and unlocks the retractable frame portion.

13. 13. A food quality control system according to any preceding claim, wherein the vertically swinging end comprises a vertically swinging frame section coupled to a main portion of the frame of the conveying system, the vertically swinging frame section swinging relative to the main portion of the frame.

14. 9. The food quality control system of claim 8, wherein the vertically oscillating end comprises at least one oscillating roller, the oscillating roller being one of the plurality of rollers mounted on the frame, located at the output end of the conveying system, and vertically movable as the vertically oscillating end oscillates between the first position and the second position.

15. The food quality control system of claim 14, wherein the oscillating roller is rotatable about an axis disposed within the frame of the conveying system.

16. 16. The food quality control system of claim 15, wherein the vertical swing end comprises two base rollers of the plurality of rollers attached to the frame, and the rotation axis of the swing roller is located between the two base rollers.

17. 17. The food quality control system of claim 16, wherein the two base rollers are fixedly attached to the main portion of the frame.

18. The food quality control system of claim 9 , wherein the tension roller is located at the input end of the conveying system.

Images