Assembly for conveying fruit and vegetable products and associated method

Abstract

An assembly for conveying fruit and vegetable products (A) along a predefined advancement path (B). The assembly (1) comprises at least a first conveyance line (2), configured for the movement of the products (A), and a second conveyance line (3), adapted to receive the products (A) from the first line (2) and comprising a series of axially symmetrical elements (4) for support, which are cyclically movable along a fraction of the path (B) with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (C) which is transverse to that path (B). Some pairs of such elements (4), which are consecutive, define respective seats (5) for corresponding products (A), which can be placed on the pairs substantially above respective gaps between corresponding consecutive elements (4). The assembly (1) comprises at least one dispenser (6) of pressurized fluid, configured for dispensing at least one fluid jet (D) along a trajectory for intercepting the products (A) in transit, substantially at their passage from the first line (2) to the second line (3).

Description

[0001] ASSEMBLY FOR CONVEYING FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

[0002] The present invention relates to an assembly for conveying fruit and vegetable products and an associated method.

[0003] As is known, in the sector of packaging and distribution of fruit and vegetable products in general, the use is widespread of at least partially automated plants or lines which avail of assemblies or means for moving the fruit and vegetable products of interest, which move them along a predefined path in order to subject them to various treatments by stations and devices located along the path.

[0004] The methods and technologies with which such assemblies provide the movement depend first of all on the structure of the specific fruit and vegetable product that is to be conveyed, but must also be designed in observance of the many requirements dictated by the specific treatments to which the product is to be subjected.

[0005] In particular, the use is widespread of a conveyor apparatus that uses a succession of rollers, which are entrained along the advancement direction and arranged with the respective longitudinal axes at right angles to that direction.

[0006] In an initial section of the apparatus, one product at a time is placed in the gap between two consecutive rollers, resting on these rollers, and in this arrangement the product is moved downstream by the rollers.

[0007] When the fruit and vegetable product is not spherical and has an oblong shape along a principal longitudinal axis (as it is the case for example for dates, kiwi fruits or almonds), often the product needs to be arranged with this axis parallel to that of the rollers, in order to ensure greater stability to the product during conveyance and / or in order to be capable of executing the required treatments downstream more effectively. In particular, in fact, this arrangement must be assumed upon entry to sizing stations (or sizers), where the products are made rotate about the longitudinal axis (by virtue of the rotation of the rollers), in order to allow an optical inspection of their properties.

[0008] Such embodiment is however not devoid of drawbacks.

[0009] During loading, it is often difficult to ensure the correct positioning of all oblong products in the desired arrangement; hence contrivances of various kinds are known for forcing these products to be oriented in the desired manner along the path imposed by the rollers, but sometimes this does not happen before the products reach the stations which, as it is the case with the sizing station, require this orientation (or it does not happen at all).

[0010] In such a case, the successful outcome of the processing is evidently compromised and we are forced to choose between a drop in productivity (owing to reprocessing or expulsion of the product), and a drop in performance (because the product proceeds as normal along the line, even if it has not been possible to handle it in an optimal manner).

[0011] In both cases these results are unsatisfactory.

[0012] JPH1067422A discloses a device for aligning directions of long size agricultural products, which is capable of putting the products not only in the lateral direction relative to their transfer direction but in a certain direction relative to calyxes, for example, while preventing the products from being damaged. In order to do so, such device comprises direction determining means 8 for determining front and rear directions of long size agricultural products transferred on a conveyor. A gap of a size that prevents the products from falling down is provided in a transfer passage of the conveyor. An air nozzle is disposed below the gap to eject compressed fluid to one end of the product according to the determination result of the determining means, so that the direction of the product is reversed.

[0013] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, by providing a conveying assembly that ensures a correct orientation of the fruit and vegetable products in transit, according to the desired arrangement.

[0014] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to devise a method of conveying fruit and vegetable products that makes it possible to obtain a correct orientation of the fruit and vegetable products in transit, according to the desired arrangement.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and devise a method that make it possible to rapidly apply the desired arrangement to the products in transit.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and devise a method that make it possible to rapidly obtain the correct orientation of the products, while containing consumption of resources, wear, and noise pollution.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and devise a method that make it possible to rotate the products completely about themselves during conveyance.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and devise a method that adopt an alternative technical and structural architecture to those of conventional solutions.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and devise a method that can be easily implemented starting from elements and materials that are readily available on the market.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and devise a method that are of low cost and safely applied.

[0021] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an assembly according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 9.

[0022] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the assembly and of the method according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the assembly according to the invention;

[0024] Figures 2-4 show in sequence the operation of the assembly of Figure 1 , seen from above;

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the assembly of Figure 1, taken along a plane transverse to the first conveyance line;

[0026] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the method according to the invention.

[0027] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an assembly for conveying fruit and vegetable products A along a predefined advancement path B.

[0028] In the present description the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are therefore used (in accordance with common practice) precisely with reference to the direction of advancement and to the orientation of advancement imposed by the assembly 1 on the products A along the path B.

[0029] Usually the assembly 1 is used for conveying a specific type of fruit and vegetable products A and is therefore configured and dimensioned as a function thereof.

[0030] In particular, as will become better apparent below, in the preferred, but not exclusive, application the assembly 1 is intended to convey oblong products A (elongated along a main dimension), such as dates (as in the accompanying drawings), prunes, almonds, kiwi fruits or lemons.

[0031] The scope of protection claimed herein in any case includes the possibility that the assembly 1 can convey different types of products A (in the same production cycle or in different cycles), especially if they are similar from the point of view of the shape and of the technical problems posed to the makers.

[0032] The assembly 1 can be used in any context and, for example, in plants for processing products A of any type, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein. At the same time, a specific example of application of significant practical interest will be given in the discussion below, for the purposes of non-limiting example of the invention.

[0033] The assembly 1 comprises at least one first conveyance line 2, which is configured for moving the products A (along a segment of the path B).

[0034] Preferably, but not necessarily, along the first line 2 or at least in its end section, the products A are moved one by one (i.e., remaining aligned one after the other along the path B).

[0035] In particular, it should be noted that in the (preferred) case where the products A are oblong, they preferably move along the first line 2, or at least in its end section, while keeping the main dimension aligned with the path B (with the advancement direction). This arrangement is the one assumed by the product A on the right, in Figure 1, or by the product A in Figure 2.

[0036] The term "line" is used here in its conventional meaning of an ordered succession of contrivances and stations that cooperate in the execution of a series of tasks (in this case relating to processing and moving the products A): likewise, this “line” and the contrivances that comprise it (in particular the contrivances responsible for movement) identify and define the path B imposed on the products A along the advancement direction.

[0037] The assembly 1 further comprises at least one second conveyance line 3, adapted to receive the products A from the first line 2, in order to continue the movement of the products A along the path B.

[0038] The second line 3 comprises a series of axially symmetrical supporting elements 4, which can move cyclically along a fraction of the path B with a longitudinal axis of symmetry C which is arranged transverse (and preferably perpendicular) to said path B.

[0039] Typically, but not necessarily, the elements 4 move along a closed loop which comprises at least one straight segment, horizontal or slightly inclined, along which the elements 4 convey the products A, and which therefore defines the “fraction” just mentioned. Specifically, the elements 4 can be rollers or cylindrical rollers, conical rollers, double-cones (shaped like a diabolo, as in the accompanying drawings), or the like (they can be formed by a plurality of disks arranged side-by-side for example), according to the specific requirements.

[0040] Furthermore, at least some (and preferably all) of the pairs of consecutive elements 4 define respective seats 5 for corresponding products

[0041] A, which can be placed on such pairs (on the sides of the two elements 4) substantially above respective gaps between corresponding consecutive elements 4 (as can clearly be seen from the accompanying drawings, and in any case according to methods that are well known in the sector).

[0042] In the (preferred but not exclusive) case where the products A are oblong, the invention - in ways that will be explained below - makes it possible to give all the products A in the seats 5 the same orientation, whereby (as with the product A on the left in Figure 1) the main dimension is parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry C of the elements 4.

[0043] It will become clear in the following description how the invention makes it possible to achieve this result with greater efficacy and rapidity than in the conventional solutions.

[0044] The elements 4 can furthermore be provided with the capacity to rotate about their longitudinal axis C, while they are moving along the path

[0045] B.

[0046] According to the invention, the assembly 1 comprises at least one dispenser 6 of pressurized fluid, configured for dispensing at least one fluid jet D along a trajectory for intercepting the products A in transit, substantially at their passage from the first line 2 to the second line 3. The interception can happen right when the products A are released from the first line 2 onto the second (onto the seats 5), up until a few seconds after or even up until a few seconds before.

[0047] In particular, the dispenser 6 is provided with one or more nozzles 7, which are arranged and oriented so as to direct the respective jets D as desired. In the following description, therefore, any reference to the jet is explained for “one” or “the” jet D of the dispenser 6, and should be understood as being extended to a number at will of jets D (dispensed by a number at will of dispensers 6). The pressurized fluid can for example be compressed air, but the possibility is not ruled out of other implementation choices, which in any case remain within the scope of protection claimed herein. The dispenser 6 can be placed in communication with a circuit (for example pneumatic), which may be conventional and which for the sake of simplicity is not shown in the drawings, which is responsible for conveying the compressed air or other pressurized fluid to each nozzle 7.

[0048] The jets D can thus cause a change in the orientation of the products A, by varying the orientation assumed up to that point in order to facilitate their placement into the seats 5 in the desired manner, right from the delivery of those products A to those seats from the first line 2.

[0049] This achieves the set aim from this point onward.

[0050] This is a particularly significant result for oblong products A: along the first line 2 the products A tend to be arranged with their longitudinal dimension C aligned with the advancement direction (with the path B) and therefore, given that normally the first line 2 is aligned with the second (as in the accompanying drawings), the products A are presented to the second line 2 rotated by 90° with respect to the orientation that, as seen, it is desired they will assume in the seats 5. The jet D originating from the dispenser 6 generates a push that places them in the desired orientation, without needing to resort to particular contrivances downstream, as necessarily needs to be done in conventional solutions.

[0051] The scope of protection claimed herein extends to any orientation of the jet D and to any point of impact with the products A, if they are adapted to cause or at least increase the probability that such products A will assume the desired orientation along the second line 3.

[0052] In an embodiment of significant practical interest, which does not limit the application of the invention, the dispenser 6 can be configured to dispense the fluid jet D along a trajectory for intercepting a non-barycentric portion (or eccentric portion, or an upstream portion and / or downstream portion, or antipodal portions) of the products A in transit, and that is to say, a portion that does not contain the center of gravity or center of mass of those products A. This makes it possible to apply, as a consequence, a mechanical moment to these products A. The goal is to cause a rotation of the products A struck by the jet D (about themselves, or rather, about their center of gravity or center of mass) that is adapted to modify the orientation assumed with respect to the path B and to the seats 5.

[0053] According to the invention, the dispenser 6 is arranged laterally to the path B, and is configured to dispense a jet D of fluid substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry C of the axially symmetrical elements 4. Typically, the jet D is horizontal or slightly inclined. If the jet D intercepts a non-barycentric portion of the product A, then a rotation about a (substantially) vertical axis is obtained.

[0054] It should be noted that when reference is made here to the placement of the dispenser 6, what is meant in particular (or at least) is the placement of its nozzle 7 (or of its nozzles 7).

[0055] In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying drawings for the purposes of non-limiting example of the invention, the assembly 1 comprises at least one sensor 8, which is configured at least for verifying the passage of the products A (along the path B) and which operates upstream of the dispenser 6 (of one or more dispensers 6), and an electronic control and management unit 9, provided with instructions for controlling the dispensing of the jet D, by the dispenser 6, based on the information acquired by the sensor 8.

[0056] This optimizes the operation of the dispensers 6 and of the invention in general, in that it makes it possible to choose with maximum precision the moments when the jets D are activated and shut down, as a function of the exact position of the products A. Evidently, in fact, if the speed of the products A on the first line 2 and the moment when they are intercepted by the sensor 8 are known, the unit 9 can then calculate the best moment for dispensing the jet D.

[0057] In this regard, the sensor 8 can be a photocell or any other device that the person skilled in the art would deem appropriate for the task just explained.

[0058] Optionally the assembly 1 can be provided with two or more sensors 8 that are mutually opposite as in the accompanying drawings or even placed differently with respect to the path B (with respect to the first line 2 in particular).

[0059] It should be noted in any case that the scope of protection claimed herein includes assemblies 1 with no sensors 8 or any other instruments adapted to detect the position of the products A upstream of the dispenser 6 (or dispensers 6). For example in fact, it is just possible to actuate each dispenser 6 with a preset frequency, in accordance with the second line 3. Alternatively, the first line 2 can be provided with containment cells, spacers, or other contrivances to ensure that the products A move along the first line 2 in predefined positions (and suitably spaced apart), as a consequence delaying the actuation of the dispensers 6.

[0060] The electronic unit 9 can be of any type, and for example it can be a controller, a PLC or an electronic computer; furthermore it can be dedicated solely to the functionality described herein, or it can be a controller or a PLC that also performs other tasks, for example the electronic system that supervises and controls the operation of the entire assembly 1 (and possibly of the production line in which it is inserted).

[0061] Preferably though, the operational logic explained above is executed by an electronic card or other element directly integrated in the dispenser 6; more simply, it also has the ability to delay the dispensing of the jets D, according to preset frequencies or cycles of operation which can be reprogrammed at will.

[0062] Advantageously, the electronic unit 9 can be provided with instructions for comparing the actual value assumed by at least one dimensional parameter of interest of each product A in transit (its length or main dimension for example) with a reference value (optionally, configurable at will) and for controlling the dispensing of the jet D only upon the transit of products A for which this actual value is higher than the reference value. The length (or other chosen dimensional parameter) can be measured by the photocell or other sensor 8, even according to methods that are per se known.

[0063] Usefully, the assembly 1 can comprise at least two dispensers 6, arranged on mutually opposite sides of the path B. The use of two dispensers 6 arranged on mutually opposite sides makes it possible to give greater versatility to the invention, in that the activation of one rather than the other may be preferred as a function of the requirements, dictated by the type of product A or by the disposition of the dispensers 6.

[0064] Usefully, the assembly 1 can comprise two dispensers 6 arranged at different longitudinal points (measured with respect to the path B), which are configured to substantially simultaneously intercept an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the same product A in transit, with respect to the center of gravity thereof. This condition is effectively clearly illustrated in Figure 3: this makes it possible to impart a more effective rotation on the products A, so optimizing the desired effect even with a smaller thrust from the individual jet D (or products A of greater weight).

[0065] A similar effect can in any case be obtained by placing the two dispensers 6 at the same longitudinal point and activating them a short time apart from each other.

[0066] It should be noted however that the scope of protection claimed herein includes the possibility of providing the assembly 1 with a number at will of dispensers 6, according to any mutual placement and / or placement with respect to the path B.

[0067] As anticipated, along the first line 2, or at least in its end section, the products A preferably must advance one by one (or “singularized”, as this arrangement is referred to in the jargon of the sector): the first line 2 can be responsible for obtaining that condition, by means of accessory components with which it is fitted or by virtue of its very shape.

[0068] In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, for the purposes of non-limiting example of the invention, the first line 2 (or only its end section) comprises a pair of opposite inclined and mutually facing walls 10 for delimiting a longitudinal passage channel 11 for the products A, which is V-shaped in transverse cross-section.

[0069] The V-shaped arrangement ensures that any products A that are arranged side-by-side or in a pile will obviously tend to slide downward and align themselves before being delivered to the second line 3, as desired.

[0070] The ways in which the products A are caused to advance along the first line 2 can be any, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein: for example, they can be simply moved by gravity (if the first line 2 or at least the end section are inclined downward), or the first line 2 (at least one part in contact with the products A) can be caused to vibrate, so as to transmit a stress to the products A that is such as to cause them to advance.

[0071] In an embodiment of significant practical interest, but which in any case does not limit the invention, the first line 2 comprises at least one conveyor belt which is responsible for the movement of the products A. In more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above- mentioned walls 10 can be defined by two belts 11, which push the products A along the path B from opposite sides.

[0072] Usefully, each sensor 8 can have an optical inspection axis E (the radius of the photocell, for example) substantially perpendicular to a respective wall 10 (as schematically shown in Figure 5): this enables an excellent vision of the product A even when it is crushed and / or stuck along one of the two walls 10. In this sense, and as clearly shown in Figure 5, the sensors 8 can be arranged laterally to the first line 2 at a greater height than that line.

[0073] In addition to the assembly 1 according to the invention, the present discussion also relates to a method 100 for conveying fruit and vegetable products A, which is performed by the assembly 1 (which therefore can be provided with the peculiarities described above).

[0074] The method comprises at least one step a., which entails moving the products A (preferably but not necessarily one by one) by means of a first conveyance line 2.

[0075] The method further entails, in a step b. and downstream of the first line 2, moving the products A while keeping them resting above a gap between two consecutive axially symmetrical elements 4. These elements 4 are part of a second conveyance line 3 which comprises a series of such axially symmetrical elements 4, which can move cyclically along a fraction of the path B with a longitudinal axis of symmetry C which is perpendicular to the path B.

[0076] According to the invention, the method 100 entails, in a step c., which precedes step b. and follows step a., intercepting the products A in transit with at least one pressurized fluid jet D.

[0077] The operation of the assembly 1 according to the invention, insofar as it can easily be deduced from the foregoing description, is the following.

[0078] Along the first line 2 the products A are moved (preferably singularized) along the advancement direction (the path B). Along the first line 2 the products A can assume any orientation but usually they are placed along a channel 11 with their predominant dimension aligned with the path B.

[0079] This condition can be determined by the first line 2 and by its shape structure (as seen in the foregoing pages) and in such case it effectively behaves like an “aligner”.

[0080] In any case, the products A are transferred from the first line 2 to the second line 3, which conveys them in respective seats 5, in which it is desired that the products A assume a predefined (for whatever reason or requirement) orientation.

[0081] In the transition from the first line 2 to the second line 3, the products A are intercepted by at least one jet D of pressurized fluid which, as a function of the direction and of the point where it strikes the products A, inevitably changes their orientation or disposition. By best delaying and orienting the jet D (or jets D), it is therefore possible to force the products A to be deposited in the seats 5 (or to be moved on them) in the desired manner, according to the specific requirements.

[0082] This makes it possible to achieve the set aim, in that in this manner the assembly 1 and the method 100 ensure a correct orientation of the products A in transit, according to the desired arrangement, immediately downstream of the position of the dispenser 6.

[0083] This effect is evidently produced for all the products A and this ensures that all of the products A rapidly assume the desired orientation in the seats 5.

[0084] The effects explained above can be accentuated and optimized by delaying and in general controlling the activation of the dispensers 6 based on the sensors 8, which verify the position of the products A with maximum precision before they reach the area of action of the jets D.

[0085] It has also been seen that preferably the axially symmetrical elements 4 can be caused to rotate about their own longitudinal axis of symmetry C. This makes it possible to further favor the rapid orientation of the products A in the desired manner.

[0086] Furthermore, such rotation is likewise of greatest practical interest in a possible application of the assembly 1, preferred but not limiting of the scope of protection claimed herein. Note in fact that by virtue of the rotation each product A can expose its entire outer surface progressively upward (or toward any other point).

[0087] This turns out to be particularly useful, for example when a video camera or another electronic viewing instrument are arranged along the second line 3 (a “sizer”) in order to acquire information on each product A, so as to enable, for example, an electronic control and management system to choose where, out of two or more possible different collection stations, to send each product A (so as to accumulate homogeneous products A in each station).

[0088] So in this regard, the assembly 1 is part of a plant designed for the sizing and distribution of the mass of products A into different final collection stations, according to one or more desired categorization criteria (color, dimensions, weight etc., which in any case are verified by the electronic instrument). For correct distribution it is necessary to view the entire surface of the product A, which must therefore be caused to rotate in place at the viewing instrument. In particular, for oblong products A this is true if the products A transit the vision area with their principal dimension arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry C of the elements 4, from which position they are then caused to rotate about such principal dimension.

[0089] The certainty of obtaining the desired orientation in a short time, ensured by the invention, makes it possible to obtain a complete and optimal rotation of each product A and is therefore a guarantee of (first) optimal reading by the electronic instrument and (then) correct distribution.

[0090] The use of the sensors 8 furthermore makes it possible to optimize the operation of the dispensers 6, which are activated at the right moment and only for the time necessary, so containing the consumption of resources, wear, and noise pollution.

[0091] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent ones.

[0092] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0093] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0094] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000020703 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] 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. An assembly for conveying fruit and vegetable products (A) along a predefined advancement path (B), which comprises at least:- a first conveyance line (2), configured for the movement of the products (A),- a second conveyance line (3), adapted to receive the products (A) from said first line (2) and comprising a series of axially symmetrical elements (4) for support, which are cyclically movable along a fraction of said path (B) with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (C) which is transverse to said path (B), at least some pairs of said elements (4), which are consecutive, defining respective seats (5) for corresponding products (A), which can be placed on said pairs substantially above respective gaps between corresponding consecutive elements (4), said assembly (1) comprising at least one dispenser (6) of pressurized fluid, configured for dispensing at least one fluid jet (D) along a trajectory for intercepting the products (A) in transit, substantially at their passage from said first line (2) to said second line (3), so as to change their orientation or disposition, characterized in that said at least one dispenser (6) is arranged laterally to said path (B) and is configured to dispense said at least one fluid jet (D) substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of symmetry (C) of said axially symmetrical elements (4).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one dispenser (6) is configured for dispensing said at least one fluid jet (D) along a trajectory for intercepting a non-barycentric portion of the products (A).

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (8) configured at least for verifying the passage of the products (A), which operates upstream of at least one saiddispenser (6), and an electronic control and management unit (9) provided with instructions for controlling the dispensing of said at least one jet (D), by said dispenser (6), based on information acquired by said at least one sensor (8).

4. The assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that said electronic unit (9) is provided with instructions for comparing the actual value assumed by at least one dimensional parameter of interest of each product (A) in transit with a reference value and for controlling the dispensing of said at least one jet only upon the transit of products (A) whose actual value is higher than the reference value.

5. The assembly according to one or more of claims 2-4, characterized in that it comprises at least two said dispensers (6) arranged on opposite sides of said path (B).

6. The assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises two of said dispensers (6) at different longitudinal points, configured for substantially simultaneously intercepting an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the same product (A) in transit, with respect to the center of gravity of said product (A).

7. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first line (2) comprises a pair of mutually opposite inclined and mutually facing walls (10) for delimiting a longitudinal passage channel (11) for the products (A), which is V-shaped in transverse crosssection.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that each one of said sensors has an optical inspection axis (E) that is substantially perpendicular to a respective said wall (10).

9. A method for conveying fruit and vegetable products (A) along a predefined advancement path (B), which is performed by an assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims and comprises at least the following steps of:a. moving the products (A) by means of a first conveyance line (2), b. downstream of the first line (2), moving the products (A) while keeping them resting above a gap between two consecutive axially symmetrical elements (4), which are part of a second conveyance line (3) comprising a series of said axially symmetrical elements (4), which can move cyclically along a fraction of the path (B) with a longitudinal axis of symmetry (C) which is perpendicular to the path (B), characterized in that it provides, in a step c., which precedes said step b. and follows said step a., of intercepting the products (A) in transit with at least one pressurized fluid jet (D).

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