Machine for filling containers of horticultural products

Abstract

A machine for filling containers (A) of horticultural products (B), comprising: – at least means (2) for moving containers (A) of horticultural products (B) along a first feeding direction (C), – at least one first assembly (3) for conveying horticultural products (B), which lies above the movement means (2) and is configured for the main movement, in bulk, of the horticultural products (B) along a second direction (D) which is parallel to the first direction (C) and for the filling of the underlying containers (A), – at least one second assembly (4) for conveying horticultural products (B), which lies above the movement means (2) and is configured for the individual movement of the horticultural products (B) along a third direction (E) which is parallel to the first one and for the filling of the underlying containers (A), – at least one device (5) for weighing the containers (A), configured to weigh the containers (A) during their filling by the first assembly (3) and / or the second assembly (4). The first conveyor assembly (3) comprises at least one first longitudinal segment (3a) and one second longitudinal segment (3b), arranged in series along the second direction (D); the second segment (3b) is arranged at a vertical elevation that is lower than the vertical elevation of the first segment (3a).

Description

[0001] MACHINE FOR FILLING CONTAINERS OF HORTICULTURAL

[0002] PRODUCTS

[0003] The present invention relates to a machine for filling containers of horticultural products.

[0004] As is known, in the field of packaging and distribution of fruit and horticultural products in general, the use of at least partially automated apparatuses or lines, which are designed and sized to perform a plurality of operations and treatments on a specific type of horticultural product, is now widespread.

[0005] In particular, one of the tasks assigned to automated systems is the controlled filling of containers such as bins, crates or baskets, which must receive such a quantity of product as to ensure that the weight declared on the package intended to be sold is reached.

[0006] If, therefore, at the end of filling the containers must not have a weight lower than the declared value, one of the problems that manufacturing companies are in this context called upon to solve is to limit (or eliminate) at the same time any possible excess: the ideal condition actually corresponds to an actual final weight equal to the declared weight.

[0007] Constructive solutions are therefore known which use a pair of laterally adjacent belt conveyors, both fed with the horticultural products of interest. A first conveyor is configured for the unsorted conveyance of large quantities of product, so as to substantially “coarsely” fill an underlying container, which in turn can translate along a feed line which is parallel to the line of the belts and is temporarily stopped to allow precisely its filling.

[0008] The second conveyor is configured to convey the products one by one, in an individual manner, so that “fine” filling of the underlying container can be performed.

[0009] A weighing system has the task of continuously weighing the container placed underneath the conveyors during filling, and this allows to perform a filling cycle that firstly involves operating only the first conveyor in order to fill the container until a chosen intermediate weight is reached which is chosen slightly below the declared value. Then the first conveyor is stopped and the second one is operated in order to complete the filling in a controlled manner (as mentioned, the second conveyor transports and therefore deposits the products one by one) and thus arrive at a final weight equal to the declared weight without exceeding it (except, at most, by a few grams).

[0010] The upstream end of the two conveyors is usually placed at the same elevation to receive products from a same feeder, which has the task of filling both. Conversely, downstream the need is felt to keep the products of the first conveyor lower down, to prevent them from being able to accidentally shift onto the second conveyor, compromising the proper alignment that one indeed wishes to provide on the latter. Therefore, the first conveyor is shaped like a plane which is inclined downward, while the second one is given a horizontal orientation.

[0011] This solution is particularly appreciated for products such as cherries, which, owing to the stalk, stop almost immediately on the (first) conveyor when the latter is in turn stopped, before the second conveyor is actuated.

[0012] In the case of round (and stalkless) products such as, for example, plums, medlars, peaches, apricots, and limes, this constructive solution is instead not free of drawbacks.

[0013] In fact, in this case the products tend to advance even when the first conveyor is stopped, precisely because they are arranged on an inclined plane, with the risk, therefore, that some of them will be released uncontrollably into the almost completely filled container, jeopardizing the possibility of optimal filling.

[0014] The precautions normally taken to prevent the unwanted falling of products (consisting of movable barriers placed at the ends of the conveyors that face the containers) prove to be ineffective, because in the time it takes to move to hinder the advancement of the products some of them may still fall.

[0015] EP3209565A1 discloses an apparatus for automatically and precisely filling single containers in succession with a pre-defined amount of products; each container is filled with two distinct loads of products, wherein the first load is determined according to its weight roughly measured, and the second load is determined numerically based on the difference between said first load and a pre-defined conventional weight; the apparatus comprises: a first conveyor, a second conveyor loaded automatically with the products transported by the first conveyor, a third conveyor which is loaded with the agricultural products transported by the second conveyor and that transfers the products poured and present onto it inside a succession of single containers, weighing means able of weighing the total weight of the products on the whole present on the second conveyor, wherein the third conveyor is able of transferring the products poured and present on it in a succession of single containers; there is arranged a fourth conveying means preferably "V"-shaped and able of pouring a numerically controlled quantity of similar products onto the third conveying means, which, in the end, pours it onto a container below with a motion of going on and partial rotation

[0016] CN1 11528497 A discloses an automatic strawberry cleaning and packaging system and method. The automatic strawberry cleaning and packaging system and method are used for improving strawberry cleaning efficiency and packaging efficiency. The system structurally comprises an automatic strawberry packaging machine, a strawberry cleaning machine, a strawberry air drying machine and a strawberry sorting machine; the strawberry cleaning machine comprises a belt conveying device, a spraying device and a water tank; the strawberry air dryer comprises an air pump and an air knife, the strawberry sorting machine comprises a conveying assembly line, a finished product tray conveying belt and a logistics basket conveying belt; and the finished product tray conveying belt is provided with a weighing device and a lateral pushing device. The method comprises the following steps: 1, washing away dust attached to the outer surfaces of strawberries; 2, blowing dry moisture attached to the strawberries; 3, automatically removing finished product trays which are lower than a set value in weight and are fully loaded with strawberries; 4, automatically laminating and packaging finished product trays which are fully loaded with strawberries and have the weight higher than a set value; 5, automatically outputting the finished product trays which are completely laminated and packaged. The automatic cleaning and packaging system disclosed by the invention solves the technical problem of rapid boxing of the strawberries.

[0017] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a machine capable of performing precise and controlled filling of containers with horticultural products of any kind.

[0018] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a method that allows to fill containers with horticultural products of any kind in a precise and controlled manner.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine and a method that allow to fill containers precisely and in a controlled manner with horticultural products that are round and lack a stalk or similar appendages.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine and a method that ensure high reliability of operation and handle horticultural products in an appropriately gentle way.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine that adopts a technical and structural structure that is alternative to those of machines of the known type.

[0022] Not least object of the invention is to provide a machine and a method that can be obtained or performed easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.

[0023] Still another object of the invention is to provide a machine and a method that have low costs and are of assured application. This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a machine according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 11.

[0024] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the machine and method according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a first perspective view of the machine according to the invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the machine of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 3 is a highly enlarged-scale view of a detail of Figure 2;

[0028] Figure 4 is a top view of the machine of Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 5 is a sectional view, taken along a longitudinal plane, of the machine of Figure 1;

[0030] Figures 6-8 show, with a detail of the machine shown in cross-section as in Figure 4, the filling of a container performed by the machine of Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the method according to the invention.

[0032] With reference to the cited figures, a machine A for filling containers A with horticultural products B is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0033] The containers A are typically baskets (as in the accompanying figures) or crates, but they can take any other form, without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed here.

[0034] The horticultural products B can be of any type (fruits, vegetables, greens, etcetera), but in the preferred application, in which the particularities that will be described hereinafter are highlighted, they have a rounded shape or otherwise a shape such as to cause them to continue to roll by gravity, if arranged along an inclined plane, or by inertia, even after the force ceases. An example in this regard (which illustrates but does not limit the invention) is constituted by the medlars shown in the accompanying figures. Other examples may be constituted by plums, apricots, peaches, limes, and kiwis.

[0035] The machine 1 comprises at least movement means 2 for moving containers A along a first feeding direction C (a predefined trajectory imposed by the movement means 2 themselves and typically, not necessarily, straight and horizontal).

[0036] The movement means 2 are configured to advance the containers A one at a time, aligned longitudinally in one or more rows. In the present description, the adjective “longitudinal” is used to indicate a direction which is parallel to (or coincides with) the first direction C introduced above.

[0037] Moreover, the machine 1 comprises at least one first assembly 3 for conveying the horticultural products B, which lies above the movement means 2 and is configured for the main, bulk (or indiscriminate) movement of the horticultural products B along a second direction D which is parallel to the first direction C and to fill the underlying containers A (which are preferably temporarily stopped).

[0038] Typically, the first assembly 3 has the task of moving the products B without precisely controlling the quantity and weight of the products B moved, but still being able to move even a considerable number of them in the unit time (to speed up the filling of the container A).

[0039] To allow filling, the downstream end of the first assembly 3 can simply face the movement means 2, so that by gravity the products B are released below, into a container A previously advanced to the corresponding longitudinal level of the first direction C.

[0040] In the present description, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used (according to common usage) precisely with reference to the first direction C or the second and (common) advancement direction imposed on the containers A and the products B along them. Moreover, the machine 1 comprises at least one second assembly 4 for conveying the horticultural products B, which also overlies the movement means 2 and is configured to move the horticultural products B, one by one (individually or in single file), along a third direction E which is parallel to the first direction C, and to fill the underlying containers A (which are preferably temporarily stopped).

[0041] The assemblies 3, 4 may be arranged substantially side by side, as in the accompanying figures, although other relative arrangements, which are in any case within the protective scope claimed herein, are not excluded.

[0042] The downstream end of the second assembly 4 can also simply face the movement means 2, so that by gravity the products B are released below, into a container A previously advanced to the corresponding longitudinal level of the first direction C. Preferably, however, additional devices can be interposed between the movement means 2 and the second assembly 4 (as well as between the movement means 2 and the first assembly 3) to better guide the release of the products B (as will be seen later in more detail).

[0043] The ways in which the products B are delivered to the assemblies 3, 4 can be any, and any known solution that the person skilled in the art would recognize as appropriate under the circumstances can be used. For this reason, such ways and the devices used are not described here.

[0044] Moreover, the machine 1 comprises at least one device 5 for weighing the containers A, which is configured to weigh (preferably but not necessarily continuously) the containers A during their filling by the first assembly 3 and / or the second assembly 4.

[0045] In per se known ways, the device 5 first weighs the container A while it is being filled by the first assembly 3 (Figure 6); when the weight reaches a chosen intermediate value which is lower (typically by a small amount) than the final weight to be given to the package, filling by the first assembly 3 is stopped and the second assembly 4 is operated (Figure 8) and deposits one product B at a time until the final weight is indeed reached (thanks again to the control performed by the device 5).

[0046] For example, with a final package weight of 1000 g, the intermediate weight to be reached with the first assembly 3 may be 900 g.

[0047] In some cases or work cycles, however, the intermediate weight might coincide with the final weight.

[0048] For example, the weighing device 5 can comprise a supporting structure 5a which receives the container A along a portion of its path, when its weighing is indeed intended, and is provided with a load cell 5b.

[0049] The container A may be kept stationary during filling by both assemblies 3, 4, which therefore release the products B at the same longitudinal level as the first direction C (in such a case, a single weighing device 5 is sufficient). Conversely, in an embodiment of considerable practical interest, shown in the accompanying figures merely by way of nonlimiting example of the invention, the second assembly 4 extends longitudinally beyond the first assembly 3, so that the downstream ends of the two assemblies 3, 4 are placed at different longitudinal levels. Thus, after the first assembly 3 has finished its work, the (almost completely) filled container A is advanced and brought below the downstream end of the second assembly 4, to complete filling, while a new container A is brought below the downstream end of the first assembly 3, to simultaneously start a new filling cycle and thus increase productivity (in terms of the number of containers A filled in the unit time).

[0050] In practice, the task of actuating the devices described above and thus performing the described filling cycle can be entrusted to an electronic control and management unit, which can be of any type. It may be, for example, a controller, a PLC, or a computer; moreover, it may be dedicated solely to the functionality described here, or it may be a controller or PLC that also performs other tasks. Typically, however, it is the same electronic element that supervises and controls the operation of the entire machine 1.

[0051] If the first filling and the second filling are carried out at different longitudinal levels, the machine 1 preferably comprises at least two distinct devices 5, placed in series along the first direction C indeed at each of said levels.

[0052] It should be noted, however, that the use of a weighing device 5 during individual release by the second assembly 4 is certainly to be preferred, but it could also be avoided, simply counting the number of products B released one by one and relying on the average weight of each of them.

[0053] To increase productivity, the number of laterally adjacent rows of containers A, and thus of corresponding pairs of assemblies 3, 4 serving them, may be any. In a preferred embodiment, and as in the accompanying figures, the movement means 2 are configured to move the containers A along two side-by-side rows, and the machine 1 provides two first assemblies 3 and two second assemblies 4 (also side by side).

[0054] According to the invention, the first conveyor assembly 3 comprises at least one first longitudinal segment 3a and one second longitudinal segment 3b, arranged in series along the second direction D. In practice, therefore, as they advance along the second direction D, the products B are conveyed first by the first segment 3a and then by the second segment 3b. Therefore, in the transition from the first segment 3a to the second segment 3b the products B encounter a step or discontinuity or, in other words, the segments 3a, 3b identify a discontinuity in the trajectory imposed on the products B.

[0055] In addition, according to the invention, the second segment 3b is placed at a vertical elevation that is lower than the vertical elevation at which the first segment 3a is placed (the discontinuity thus relates first of all to the vertical elevation).

[0056] It is specified that in the present description “vertical elevation” is understood to mean the elevation (height) at which the products B are located while being moved by the respective segments 3a, 3b; this elevation is uniquely defined by the shape of the devices involved.

[0057] The first assembly 3 and the second assembly 4 can be provided in practice by resorting to any transport or conveyance device of a known type, which the person skilled in the art would know to be suitable for the case and type of products B to be advanced.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment, and in the accompanying figures, the assemblies 3, 4 provide for the use of belts 6, wound in a loop along the second direction D or the third direction E. For example, the belts 6 can be moved by first motors 6a.

[0059] In particular, the first assembly 3 may comprise a single belt 6 extending over the entire path to be imposed on the products B. In this case, the discontinuity required to change the vertical elevation between the segments 3a, 3b can be achieved by using a guiding element that forces a portion of the belt 6 to form a step directly.

[0060] In particular, preferably the longitudinal segments 3a, 3b are substantially horizontal. Thus, when the first assembly 3 and in particular the second segment 3b are stopped, the danger of products B continuing their motion by inertia is averted.

[0061] However, the possibility of giving one or both segments 3a, 3b even a slight downstream or upstream tilt is not ruled out. Moreover, the possibility of using a larger number of segments 3 a, 3b arranged in series is considered.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal segments 3a, 3b are configured for mutually independent movement of the products B. This result can be achieved for example by the fact that the first segment 3a and the second segment 3b comprise (or are constituted by) respective belts 6, which are indeed driven in a mutually independent manner. This makes it possible to vary the advancement rate of the products B on one segment 3a, 3b relative to the other, with additional benefits (which will be clarified later). Even more preferably, the second assembly 4 is configured to move the products B independently of the first assembly 3 and of each of the two segments 3 a, 3b in particular.

[0063] To ensure proper alignment, the second assembly 4 may comprise two laterally adjacent belts 6 arranged in a V-like shape.

[0064] In the preferred embodiment, the second longitudinal segment 3b is placed at a lower vertical elevation than the vertical elevation of the second assembly 4, with the benefits that will be described hereinafter.

[0065] Advantageously, the first assembly 3 and / or the second assembly 4 can perform a translational motion parallel to the first direction C. This makes it possible to vary the longitudinal elevation at which the products B are released into the containers A.

[0066] This option is found to be of particular interest when the containers A have a non-negligible longitudinal dimension and it is therefore preferable to change the point of release of the products B during filling, in order to achieve a more uniform distribution within the containers A and avoid forming accumulations in one part while leaving adjacent regions halfempty.

[0067] In the preferred embodiment, shown in the accompanying figures by way of non- limiting example of the invention, the machine 1 comprises a hopper 7 which forms an outlet 8 located downstream of the second assembly 4 and is configured to accompany the horticultural products B into the underlying container A as they are released. In particular, the walls of the hopper 7, which define and delimit the outlet 8, are preferably inclined so as to facilitate a “softer” release for the products B, which are not simply released by the second assembly 4 directly into the container A.

[0068] Precisely in order to better accompany the release of the products B, in particular as the sizes of the underlying container A change, the hopper 7 is preferably (not necessarily) provided with the possibility of relative translation, with respect to the second assembly 4, along a vertical axis.

[0069] Usefully, the hopper 7 comprises a plurality of brushes 9 (Figures 3 and 5) which protrude downward from the edge of the outlet 8. The brushes 9 can rest gently on the containers A or on the top of the pile of products B already deposited, both if the hopper 7 is fixed and (especially) if the hopper 7 can translate vertically. Thus, the brushes 9 help to accompany the release of the products B toward the container A without running the risk of somehow damaging the latter or, more importantly, the products B already inside it.

[0070] Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises at least one between a presence sensor 10 and a discharge sensor 11 (controlled by the electronic control and management unit already introduced), and preferably comprises both.

[0071] The presence sensor 10 is configured to verify the presence of a product B at the downstream end section of the second assembly 4, thus ready to be discharged into the container A below. The presence sensor 10 verifies the presence of a product B right at or adjacent to the downstream end.

[0072] In particular, indeed by virtue of the presence sensor 10, it is possible to constantly maintain a product B at the downstream end section (or at the end) (actuating the second assembly 4 if necessary), so that it can be quickly discharged into the container A when required and so as to avoid having to “wait” for its arrival when it is time to complete filling.

[0073] The discharge sensor 11 , on the other hand, is configured to verify the actual discharge of a horticultural product B into the container A below by the second assembly 4 and is therefore conveniently placed along the release path of the product B from the second assembly 4 to the container A.

[0074] In practice, the sensors 10, 11 may be constituted by photocells, but the use of different practical solutions is not excluded, thus employing devices of different types and / or assigned to measuring different quantities, if in any case the person skilled in the art would deem them suitable to perform the task outlined above.

[0075] In the preferred non-exclusive embodiment, and as can be seen clearly in particular from Figures 2 and 4, when the products B advance beyond the second assembly 4 they are not directly released into the container A but are transferred to an adjacent chute 12, which is arranged transversely (with respect to the previous advancement trajectory along the third direction E) and ensures an even more controlled travel and accompanies them toward the hopper 7.

[0076] In particular, in the accompanying figures, the machine 1 comprises a pair of mutually opposite chutes 12, interposed between two different second assemblies 4 and respective hoppers 7.

[0077] In such an embodiment, therefore, the presence sensor 10 is arranged beyond the chute 12, substantially at the top of the latter and obviously directed upstream toward the second assembly 4 and its downstream end in particular. The discharge sensor 11 can be arranged so as to detect the passage of a product B along the chute 12 or, as indeed in the accompanying figures, between the chute 12 and the hopper 7.

[0078] Positively, the machine 1 may comprise means 13 for stopping the movement of the horticultural products B along the second direction D, which are movable between a first configuration, for hindering the advancement of the horticultural products B imposed by the second longitudinal segment 3b, and a second configuration, for free advancement of the horticultural products B. Said stop means 13 can thus be activated selectively to help avert the danger of other products B falling from the first assembly 3 in an uncontrolled manner, once that (intermediate) weight value is reached for which one wishes to proceed subsequently only to one-by-one filling.

[0079] In the preferred embodiment, illustrated merely by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying figures, the stop means 13 comprise a plurality of fingers 14 arranged side by side, transversely to the second direction D, and at least partially made of elastically deformable material (so as not to damage any products B that might come into contact with them). The fingers 14 are thus movable to shift from the second configuration (in which they are spaced from the first assembly 3) to the first one, in which they form a sort of barrier that opposes the advancement and / or release of the products B into the containers A.

[0080] Favorably, the movement means 2 may comprise at least one mat 15 (in practice, analogous to the belts 6) that is (wound and) movable along the first direction C. In particular, in the preferred solution, the mat 15 is in practice divided into two laterally adjacent portions, separated by an interspace 16 (equivalently, it can be said that the containers A are resting on two belts arranged side-by-side), the usefulness of which will be clarified in the paragraphs that follow. The mat 15 is preferably moved by a respective second motor 15a.

[0081] Moreover, the movement means 2 may comprise a plurality of ribs 17 which protrude upward from the mat 15 and are oriented at right angles to the first direction C, to allow the stopping of respective containers A. In practice, the ribs 17 (also known in this field as “flights”) act as stops, against which the containers A rest while the mat 15 moves to make them advance.

[0082] Moreover, preferably the movement means 2 also comprise rotating brackets 18, which are articulated to respective ribs 17 and are configured to support the lid F, if any, of the containers A.

[0083] Among the various formats that the containers A can assume, there are in fact some which are provided with a lid F (for example, if the products B are to be accumulated in baskets of the known type in the art as “clamshells”).

[0084] Obviously, during filling, the container A must be kept open but without interfering with regular operation. The bracket 18 (which is for example T-shaped), by virtue of the articulation to the rib 17, can thus be raised to keep the lid F partially raised, preventing it from resting on the mat 15 (it might alter the reading of the weighing device 5) and / or causing an unwanted movement of the container (basket) A itself. When a lid F is not present or its use is otherwise not intended, the bracket 18 can be rotated until it enters the interspace 16, below the mat 15, in a passive arrangement in which it does not interfere in any way with regular operation.

[0085] Rotation can be achieved by means of a moving cam 19, which (as in the accompanying figures), can be arranged along the path of the brackets 18, so as to indeed force their lifting for the desired portion of the path. Obviously, when the lid F is not present or in any case the brackets 18 are not intended to be used, the cam 19 can be moved away from their path.

[0086] In a fully equivalent manner, the bracket 18 can be coupled in another way to the rib 17 or other component of the movement means 2, in any case so that it can pass from the passive arrangement outlined above to the one in which it rises above the mat 15, to keep any lid F of the container A partially raised and motionless.

[0087] The functions and operating parameters of the components described so far and of the machine 1 in general can be effectively supervised (and optionally modified) by means of a control panel 20 mounted on the machine 1 ; for example, therefore, by means of a suitable interface the panel 20 can allow the operator to set at will the format of the containers A, the value of the final weight to be given to the container A at the end of the filling cycle, and the value of the intermediate weight that must trigger the transition from bulk or coarse filling (performed by means of the first assembly 3) to one-by-one filling (by means of the second assembly 4).

[0088] To prevent tipping of the container A, a movable mechanical abutment 21 is activated during filling and the container A is made to rest against it during filling and moves out of the trajectory of said container A when filling is completed, to allow advancement.

[0089] Usefully, the machine 1 can comprise means 22 for adjusting the vertical height of the movement means 2 with respect to the vertical height of the assemblies 3, 4 or vice versa. This allows to adapt to different formats of the containers A, and in particular allows to keep the delta between the vertical heights of the assemblies 3, 4 and the height above the ground of containers A as small as possible in any case. For example, therefore, the movement means 2 can be mounted on a supporting structure 23 which has the possibility of vertical translation (performed for example by means of a third motor 23a).

[0090] In addition to the machine 1 described so far, the present description also claims protection on a method 100 for filling containers A of horticultural products B up to a predefined final weight (the one stated on the package, typically), by means of a machine 1 according to what has been shown so far.

[0091] Thus, the method 100 provides, in a step a., for moving a container A filled of horticultural products B along the first direction C. In particular, in step a. the container A must be made to advance until it is brought below the downstream end of the first assembly 3, after which, preferably, the container A is temporarily stopped.

[0092] In a step b. the method 100 according to the invention thus provides for operating the first assembly 3 to fill the container A with (indiscriminate) masses of horticultural products B until an intermediate weight is reached which is (typically) lower than or (possibly) equal to the final weight. Step b. is shown in practice in Figure 6.

[0093] Once the intermediate weight has been reached, the method 100 according to the invention provides, in a step c., for stopping the first assembly 3. As shown, as a result of stopping, the container A can be made to advance further if one has chosen to place the downstream end of the second assembly 4 at a different longitudinal level. In this step, as Figure 7 shows, the stop means 13 can be activated (the fingers 14 can be brought to the first configuration for hindering the advancement of the horticultural products A).

[0094] In any case, the method 100 according to the invention subsequently provides, in a step d., for operating the second assembly 4 (Figure 8) to complete the filling of the container A until the predefined final weight is reached, releasing one horticultural product B at a time into the container A.

[0095] The operation of the machine according to the invention has in practice already been described: the filling of each container A is carried out in two separate moments, first discharging the products B in a “coarse” and uncontrolled manner from the first assembly 3, being able to operate with greater speed but less precision, until an intermediate weight is reached which is typically chosen slightly less than the final weight of the package. Then, the second assembly 4 allows to add one horticultural product B at a time into the container A, ensuring the possibility of reaching the final weight without exceeding it.

[0096] In this context, the choice of resorting to a first assembly 3 comprising at least one first longitudinal segment 3a and one second longitudinal segment 3b arranged in series to the first at a lower vertical height, allows the intended aim and objects to be achieved, making the machine 1 suitable for processing products B of any type and in particular rounded horticultural products B without stems or similar appendages (such as, for example, medlars).

[0097] In fact, the path of the products B along the first assembly 3 is “split” into (at least) two portions corresponding to segments 3 a, 3b and separated by a discontinuity, thus: i. the first segment 3a (or at least its upstream end section) is preferably kept at the same vertical height as the second assembly 4 (so that they can be fed by the same device and allow for the possible exchange of products B), ii. the second segment 3b is arranged at a lower vertical height than that of the first segment 3a and consequently of the second assembly 4, so as to avert the danger that the products B may move from the second segment 3b to the second assembly 4 during advancement, thereby jeopardizing the proper single-row alignment of the products B, achieved precisely in the second assembly 4.

[0098] Differently from known solutions, which achieve the functionality ii. by providing bulk movement on a single inclined plane, the choice of providing a discontinuity between the segments 3a, 3b allows to keep them horizontal (or only slightly inclined). Thus, when the first assembly 3 (the second segment 3b in particular) is stopped, the products B on it do not continue rolling, since they are indeed on a horizontal portion or on a portion that is only slightly inclined (in any case with significantly reduced inertial thrust, compared to solutions involving a single path).

[0099] The discontinuity between the two segments 3a, 3b averts or reduces the danger of the products B falling beyond the first assembly 3 when the desired intermediate weight is reached and said first assembly 3 itself (the first segment 3a and, more importantly, the second segment 3b) is stopped. Obviously, such a result is of particular interest for apricots, medlars, kiwis or other rounded products A that lack a stalk or are otherwise shaped to tend to roll by gravity / inertia.

[0100] As shown, the hopper 7, the chute 12, the brushes 9, and the fingers 14 contribute in various ways to ensuring gentle handling that respects the integrity of the horticultural products B.

[0101] By giving different advancement speeds to the products B in the two segments 3a, 3b (in particular by giving a higher speed in the second segment 3b), it is possible to spread out the products B in the second one, so as to avert the danger of downstream accumulations, which would still lead to a high risk of falling as a result of stopping the movement (or, more simply, might lead to collisions and consequent damage to the products B).

[0102] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.

[0103] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0104] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000018438 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0105] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine for filling containers (A) of horticultural products (B), comprising:- at least movement means (2) for moving containers (A) of horticultural products (B) along a first feeding direction (C),- at least one first assembly (3) for conveying horticultural products (B), which lies above said movement means (2) and is configured for the main movement, in bulk, of the horticultural products (B) along a second direction (D) which is parallel to said first direction (C) and for the filling of the underlying containers (A),- at least one second assembly (4) for conveying horticultural products (B), which lies above said movement means (2) and is configured for the individual movement of the horticultural products (B) along a third direction (E) which is parallel to said first direction (C) and for the filling of the underlying containers (A),- at least one device (5) for weighing the containers (A), which is configured to weigh the containers (A) during their filling by said first assembly (3) and / or said second assembly (4); characterized in that said first conveyor assembly (3) comprises at least one first longitudinal segment (3 a) and one second longitudinal segment (3b), arranged in series along said second direction (D), said second segment (3b) being arranged at a vertical elevation that is lower than the vertical elevation of said first segment (3a).

2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said longitudinal segments (3a, 3b) are substantially horizontal.

3. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said longitudinal segments (3 a, 3b) are configured for the mutually independent movement of the horticultural products (B).

4. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second longitudinal segment (3b) is arranged at avertical elevation that is lower than the vertical elevation of said second assembly (4).

5. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first assembly (3) and / or said second assembly (4) can translate parallel to said first direction (C).

6. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a hopper (7) which forms an outlet (8), arranged downstream of said second assembly (4) and configured for the guided release of the horticultural products (B) into the underlying container (A), said hopper (7) preferably being able to perform a relative translation, with respect to said second assembly (4), along a vertical axis.

7. The machine according to claim 6, characterized in that said hopper (7) comprises a plurality of brushes (9) that protrude downward from the edge of said outlet (8).

8. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one among:- a presence sensor (10), configured to verify the presence of a horticultural product (B) at the end section of said second assembly (4),- a discharge sensor (11), configured to verily the actual discharge of a horticultural product (B) into the underlying container (A) by said second assembly (4).

9. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (13) for stopping the movement of the horticultural products (B) along said second direction (D), which are movable between a first configuration for hindering the advancement of the horticultural products (B), imposed by said second longitudinal segment (3b), and a second configuration, for the free advancement of the horticultural products (B), said stop means (13) preferably comprising a plurality of fingers (14) which are laterally adjacent, transversely to said second direction (D), and at least partially made of elastically deformablematerial.

10. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (2) comprise at least one mat (15) which can move along said first direction (C) and a plurality of ribs (17) which protrude upward from said mat (15) and are oriented at right angles to said first direction (C), in order to stop respective containers (A), said movement means (2) preferably comprising rotating brackets (18) which are articulated to respective said ribs (17), configured to support the lid (F), if any, of the containers (A).

11. A method for filling containers (A) of horticultural products (B) to a predefined final weight by means of a machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, which provides for: a. moving along said first direction (C) a container (A) of horticultural products (B), b. actuating said first assembly (3), in order to fill a container (A) with masses of horticultural products (B) until an intermediate weight lower than or equal to the final weight is reached, c. stopping said first assembly (3), d. actuating said second assembly (4), in order to complete the filling of the container (A) until the final weight is reached, releasing one horticultural product (B) at a time into the container (A).

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