Level change device in horticultural installations

Abstract

A device (10) for level change in fruit and vegetable installations, characterised in that it comprises a support structure (11) and a flexible cover (12), wherein the support structure (11) is configured to define the angular position of the flexible cover (12) between an upper level and a lower level.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] LEVEL CHANGE DEVICE IN HORTICULTURAL INSTALLATIONS

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a device configured for changing the level between different heights in fruit and vegetable processing plants.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Nowadays, in the fruit and vegetable sector, and particularly in fruit and vegetable processing facilities, changes in product level are required. That is, it may be necessary for the fruit or vegetable to move from one area of the plant to another and for these areas to be at different heights. The two most common methods of delivering fruit from the conveyor to the crossbelt are: (a) a one-piece chute spanning multiple conveyor lanes across the width of the sorter, and (b) multiple chutes arranged along the length of the sorter, one per lane.

[0007] The key function of these delivery systems is to receive the falling fruit gently by absorbing some of the kinetic energy of the fruit so that they do not bounce uncontrollably and deliver the fruit to the outfeed conveyor. Therefore, the requirements for these delivery systems are that they have good fruit handling, are very durable (do not wear excessively), hygienic in construction and easy to clean using food grade materials, and do not block or saturate when excess fruit is delivered.

[0008] However, there are limitations to these systems. For example, ramp systems consist of two parts: a support structure and a cushioned region or area that may be covered by a hygienic material. The support structure is configured to provide the shape and angle of the ramp down which the fruit falls to make the height change, and is made of rigid materials, usually folded sheet metal. The cushioned region or area, on the other hand, is made of a foam that cushions the fruit or vegetable as it falls. The disadvantage of this system is that, to a greater or lesser extent, the product hits against a rigid element, which reduces the quality of the final product. Furthermore, the cushions, being made of foam and although they are covered, are a point of accumulation of dirt and / or bacteria, which is an obvious disadvantage in the agri-food sector that requires continuous cleaning of these areas. Ultimately, fruit handling is compromised as the fruit tends to bounce as this is a limited damping effect, durability is limited as the flexible cover must be very flexible, so it is often not durable. Hygiene is poor as the three components of the chute are glued together, so they cannot be removed from the sorter for cleaning. Foam and casing by nature tend to harbour dirt, moisture and therefore bacteria.

[0009] Drop chutes can be of different types, such as chutes made of vinyl or injection moulded chutes. Because each lane requires a chute, it is difficult to make them flexible enough to absorb the kinetic energy of the fruit, so they tend to bounce. The chutes have more surfaces that can become contaminated than the chutes themselves. Finally, chutes have walls on both sides of the fruit path that block when too much fruit passes through the chute.

[0010] To avoid these problems, the state of the art describes the use of injection moulding systems made of flexible materials. These drops are dimensionally limited to the dimensions of a mould. Moreover, because they are individual, if a unit has five product conveyor lines, it will require five level changes, which makes assembly and disassembly difficult and installation more expensive.

[0011] Explanation of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems indicated in the prior art. This object is achieved by the device of the claims accompanying the present specification. More specifically, the device of the invention comprises a support structure which gives shape and angle to the drop. However, it lacks a rigid structure in the area where the fruit and vegetables contact. The ramp is made of a flexible material which, lacking a rigid structure underneath, allows the material itself to cushion the collision of the product, so it does not reduce its quality, as it falls on the canvas itself that forms the ramp, avoiding the use of cushioning materials.

[0013] Therefore, thanks to this device, the following practically appreciable advantages are obtained: (a) the product, during its fall, does not hit any rigid area, but falls on a flexible material, such as a tarpaulin, avoiding damage to the fruit and vegetable product; and (b) it is a hygienic device, easily configurable, with fewer limitations and which facilitates the replacement, maintenance and cleaning of the areas in contact with the product.

[0014] Throughout the description and the claims the word "comprises", and variants thereof, are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components or steps. To those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent in part from the description and in part from the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to restrict the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein.

[0015] Brief description of the figures

[0016] The following is a very brief description of a series of drawings which help to better understand the invention and which relate expressly to an embodiment of the invention which is presented as a non-limiting example of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a schematic of the level change device in horticultural installations according to the present invention.

[0018] Detailed explanation of one embodiment of the invention

[0019] As can be seen in the attached figures, the level change device 10 of the invention is coupled to a structure of a conveyor belt 20 by means of quick release systems on one of its sides, while on the opposite side a barrier 30 is shown for restraining the product falling through the device 10 and remaining on the conveyor belt 20.

[0020] The level change device 10 comprises a support structure 11 with an upper beam 11a, a lower beam 11 b and two side gussets 11c connecting the two beams 11 a- 11b. The entire structure 11 is made of folded sheet metal and metal profiles. Finally, and in order to provide greater strength to the assembly, the structure 11 includes one or more crosspieces 11 d joining the longitudinal members 11a-11b.

[0021] A flexible cover 12, such as a tarpaulin or similar, is provided over the structure 11 , between the longitudinal members 11 a- 11b. Other suitable materials are synthetic or thermoplastic materials with adequate flexibility to cushion the impact of the product falling from an upper level (defined by the upper beam 11a) to a lower level, defined by the lower beam 11 b, forming an angle (a) of less than 45°.

[0022] In short, the level change device 10 that is the subject of the present invention is formed by a structure 11 supporting a flexible cover 12, so it is a very simple construction. The level change device 10 improves on the state of the art in three key elements: fruit handling, because it avoids bouncing; hygiene, because it is much easier to clean; and reliability, because the flexible cover 12 is much more durable than the foams used in current ramps. More specifically, it should be noted that the flexible cover 12 performs the function of both the cushioning foam and the cover, by means of a single element that is also durable and flexible. As the flexible cover 12 is free to move laterally on the supports, it provides significant cushioning to the fruit, reducing bounce. The flexible cover 12 is secured in place by a quick release system to allow the cover to be easily removed for cleaning, with the option of being replaceable with a set of replacement flexible covers 12 to reduce downtime for cleaning. In addition, there are few surfaces, no porous materials or glued seals that can harbour bacteria. Reliability is improved because the cover material is more durable and does not wear excessively with repeated contact with fruit.

Claims

CLAIMS1.- A device (10) for changing levels in fruit and vegetable installations, characterised in that it comprises a support structure (11) and a flexible cover (12), where the support structure (11) is configured to define the angular position of the flexible cover (12) between an upper level and a lower level.2.- The device (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover (12) is interchangeable. 3.- Device (10) according to claim 1 and 2 wherein the crossbars (11 d) fix the position of the flexible cover and limit its displacement.RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP

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