Conveyance unit for horticultural products

Abstract

A conveyance unit for horticultural products (A), comprising in series at least one first line (2) and a second line (3): the first line (2) comprises a release section (2b), substantially at its downstream end, adapted to deliver the products (A) one by one to the second line (3). The second line (3) comprises a plurality of movable seats (4) for the accommodation and conveyance of individual products (A), delivered by the release section (2b). The unit (1) comprises at least one timing device (6), substantially located between the lines (2, 3) and selectively movable, by virtue of the action of an electronic unit (7), between a first configuration, for hindering the delivery of any product (A) placed in the release section (2b), and a second configuration, for allowing delivery.

Description

[0001] CONVEYANCE UNIT FOR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS

[0002] The present invention relates to a conveyance unit for horticultural products.

[0003] As is known, in the field of packaging and distribution of fruit and horticultural products in general, the use of at least partially automated plants or lines, designed and sized to perform a plurality of operations and treatments on a specific type of horticultural product, is now widespread.

[0004] Automation allows to handle in a short time and at low cost the large quantities of produce needed to meet market demand, while meeting the increasingly high quality standards imposed by institutions and by consumers.

[0005] These plants are equipped with units or means for handling the horticultural products of interest, which move them along a predefined path to subject them to various treatments by stations and devices arranged along said path.

[0006] The methods and technologies by means of which such units provide movement depend first and foremost on the shape of the specific horticultural product that is to be conveyed, but they must also be designed in compliance with the multiple requirements dictated by the specific treatments to which the product itself is to be subjected.

[0007] In the context outlined above, conveyance units are therefore known which are capable of handling each product by accommodating it in a respective seat, which in turn is cyclically movable along a predefined path.

[0008] Usually, the goal during the feeding of such units is to fill as many seats as possible with respective products: evidently, this maximizes the productivity of the system in terms of products handled and processed in the unit time.

[0009] Other times, however, while the presence of a plurality of (potential) seats distributed along one or (preferably) multiple laterally adjacent lanes is welcome, the requirements of the case dictate different patterns of product distribution in the seats.

[0010] For example, it is sometimes necessary to maintain a product at an adequate distance from another in order to allow video cameras or other optical vision systems to acquire information of various kinds about it, without shadows or other optical interference effects, caused indeed by excessive proximity between adjacent products, being able to compromise the effectiveness of the action of the vision system.

[0011] In other cases, where the conveyance unit comprises a succession of rotating rollers and the seats are formed on the interspaces between pairs of adjacent rollers, each pair of rollers must be able to rotate independently of the upstream pair and the downstream pair, so as to be able to impart a different rotation to each product. In this case also, therefore, it is necessary to keep the products adequately spaced, leaving at least one empty seat between two occupied by respective products.

[0012] In these cases, as well as in any other case where indeed a specific distribution pattern is required, difficulties arise which are not easy to solve.

[0013] In fact, the upstream stations normally operate on products conveyed haphazardly, and the elements responsible for orderly delivery to the seats are designed and optimized to maximize seat filling, certainly not for their partial filling according to other logic criteria or sequences.

[0014] US4329631A discloses an apparatus for automatically, rapidly, and simultaneously packing multiple layers of fruit, such as cantaloupes, for example, into packing boxes wherein the layers of fruit are packed in a predetermined staggered or complementary pattern. A pair of packing heads, i.e., a first packing head and a second packing head, in near side-by- side relationship, are automatically simultaneously tilted, in response to like mechanisms or actuators, to deposit the fruit which are automatically prearranged thereon in a predetermined pattern into indexed packing boxes. The second packing head which packs the top layer of fruit is set back slightly from the first packing head which packs the first or bottom layer of fruit thus allowing the second packing head to place its fruit onto the bottom layer. The container is then automatically moved forward in order that the next cycle can take place. Structure providing this unique arrangement is described.

[0015] The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above by providing a unit that allows to convey the horticultural products according to a predefined pattern of distribution of said products in the various seats.

[0016] Within this aim, an r object of the invention is to provide a conveyance unit that ensures conveyance according to the predefined pattern with a reliable solution.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a unit provided with safety solutions to prevent anomalies in operation.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a unit that adopts a technical and structural architecture that is alternative to those of units of the known type.

[0019] Not least object of the invention is to provide a unit and a method that can be implemented easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.

[0020] Still another object of the invention is to provide a unit and a method that have low costs and are of assured application.

[0021] A further object of the invention is to devise a method that allows to supply products to a line according to a predefined pattern of distribution of the products in the various seats.

[0022] This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a unit according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 11.

[0023] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the unit and method according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figures 1 to 4 are lateral elevation views of a first embodiment of the unit according to the invention and show a sequence of operation thereof;

[0025] Figures 5 to 7 are lateral elevation views of a second embodiment of the unit according to the invention and show a sequence of operation thereof;

[0026] Figure 8 is an axonometric view of a third embodiment of the unit according to the invention, equipped with a plurality of second conveyance lines;

[0027] Figure 9 is a top view of a possible distribution pattern of the horticultural products, along the second lines of the unit of Figure 8;

[0028] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the method according to the invention.

[0029] With reference to the cited figures, a conveyance unit for horticultural products A is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0030] Usually, the unit 1 is designed to convey a specific type of horticultural product A, but it is nevertheless within the protective scope claimed herein that the same apparatus 1 may convey (at the same time or as a result of a production batch change) different types of products A. Moreover, it should be specified that the unit 1 can find use in relation to any horticultural product A (fruits, vegetables, garden produce, etcetera).

[0031] The unit 1 can be used in any context and for any purpose (for example, therefore, for any activity of processing and managing horticultural products A), without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.

[0032] The unit 1 comprises in series at least one first conveyance line 2 and a second conveyance line 3, which one after the other handle the products A along a path B imposed by them (for any purpose). The path B is identified for the sake of simplicity only in Figures 1 and 5.

[0033] In greater detail, the first line 2 is configured first and foremost to handle the horticultural products A, typically (but not necessarily) haphazardly, i.e., without checking the position of the products A moment by moment, merely conveying them downstream. In this sense, the first line 2 may comprise a belt 2a that moves the products A by friction. In any case, the first line 2 can handle the products A in any other way, making use of any known technology, and for example therefore making use of a vibrating duct, of laterally adjacent and inclined narrow belts (to jointly form a duct with a V-shaped cross-section), or more simply of an inclined plane, which ensures the conveyance (handling) of the products A by gravity. Moreover, the first line 2 can be obtained by the combination of two or more elements such as those mentioned above or of another type.

[0034] Usually, moreover (but not necessarily), the first line 2 moves the products A with a continuous flow: i.e., except for what will be described hereinafter, it is not concerned with adjusting or limiting the downstream advancement of each of them.

[0035] Moreover, the first line 2 comprises a release section 2b, substantially at its downstream end, which is adapted for the delivery of the horticultural products A one by one (one after another) to the second line 3.

[0036] The release section 2b can be provided along an inclined chute, which allows, indeed by gravity, the delivery of the products A. As an alternative and as already noted for the entire line 2, the release section 2b alone may also comprise or be constituted by a vibrating channel, by laterally adjacent narrow belts, or in any other manner that the person skilled in the art might deem appropriate for performing the functions described herein.

[0037] In the present description, the terms “upstream”, “downstream”, “upstream of’ and “downstream of’ are used (according to common usage) in reference to the advancement orientation and direction imposed on the products A by the lines 2, 3.

[0038] The second line 3 comprises a plurality of movable seats 4 for the accommodation and conveyance of individual horticultural products A, delivered by the release section 2b; said seats 4 are cyclically movable along a predefined closed trajectory, which in practice defines part of the path B imposed on the products A.

[0039] In greater detail, typically (but not necessarily), the seats 4 move along an annular trajectory which comprises at least one rectilinear, horizontal or slightly inclined segment which forms the part of the path B along which the seats 4 are tasked with conveying respective products A downstream.

[0040] In practice, therefore, typically the release section 2b faces the trajectory cyclically followed by the seats 4 and / or, conversely, during its travel each seat 4 cyclically comes to face the release section 2b at a given instant: when a product A is discharged from the release section 2b (by gravity or by the action of the first line 2), it is placed indeed at the seat 4 that at that moment faces the release section 2b.

[0041] The seats 4 can be provided or obtained in various ways, without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.

[0042] In the accompanying figures, the second line 3 comprises a plurality of axially symmetrical elements 5 which move in succession along the predefined closed trajectory: each seat 4 is defined above the interspace between pairs of consecutive elements 5, with the product A which can thus rest on the sides of the lateral surfaces of the elements 5.

[0043] Preferably, the elements 5 can rotate about their main axis of symmetry (which is in any case perpendicular to the trajectory that they follow), to impart a rotation to the products A that they support, which is useful for example to subject their entire surface to the field of view of an electronic video camera or other optical instrument tasked with verifying and acquiring parameters of interest of each product A.

[0044] The elements 5 can be cylindrical or otherwise shaped rollers (for example, shaped like a so-called diabolo or a double frustum); as an alternative, as Figures 8 and 9 show, they can be composed of a plurality of closely spaced disks, which are coaxially laterally adjacent along a direction that is transverse to the trajectory that they follow.

[0045] In any case, the seats 4 could be of another type: for example, they could be formed by respective saucers or trays which, like the elements 5, move cyclically in succession along the predefined closed trajectory.

[0046] According to the invention, the unit 1 comprises at least one timing device 6, which is arranged substantially between the first line 2 and the second line 3.

[0047] The device 6 is selectively movable, by virtue of the action of an electronic control and management unit 7, between a first configuration (Figures 1 and 5, for example) and a second configuration (Figures 3 and 6, for example).

[0048] In the first configuration, the device 6 is arranged so as to hinder the delivery of any product A placed (or arrived) in the release section 2b to the seats 4 (and in particular, as seen, to the seat 4 that faces the release section 2b). In the first configuration, therefore, the device 6 is tasked with interrupting, at least temporarily, the flow of products A that would otherwise be delivered one by one in respective seats 4 without any particular distribution logic as they reach the release section 2b.

[0049] The second configuration instead is for clearance for delivery of any product A placed (or arrived) in the release section 2b to the seats 4 (and in particular to the seat 4 facing the release section 2b).

[0050] In the second configuration, therefore, the device 6 does not hinder the continuous flow of products A and their delivery one by one to the seats 4.

[0051] Evidently, therefore, by conveniently choosing when to arrange the device 6 in the first or second configuration (and in case of an adequate constancy of supply by the first line 2, so that the presence of products A in the release section 2b can always be counted on when needed), it is possible to supply the products A to the seats 4 according to any predefined pattern, also achieving any percentage of filling of the latter and of the second line 3 in general.

[0052] Therefore, the intended aim has been achieved.

[0053] It is specified that in the present description a “pattern” (of distribution) means indeed the distribution of the products A in the seats 4, which may provide for the only partial occupation (filling) of the latter, according to a predefined criterion.

[0054] For example, by alternating the transition from the first configuration to the second one, and vice versa, upon the transit of each seat 4 in front of the release section 2b, it is possible to fill the seats 4 at 50%, making every second one of them convey a single product A downstream.

[0055] The electronic unit 7 (shown only schematically in the accompanying Figures 1 and 5) can be of any type, and for example it can be a control unit, a PLC, or a computer; moreover, it can be dedicated solely to the execution of the task described earlier or it can be a control unit or PLC that also performs other tasks. Typically, however, it is the device that supervises and controls the operation of the entire unit 1 and possibly of the plant in which it is integrated. The electronic unit 7 may coordinate the movement of the first line 2, of the second line 3 and of the device 6 to make sure that when a product A is released from the first line 2 (and the device 6 is in the second configuration), a seat 4 is ready to receive it.

[0056] More particularly, in the preferred embodiment, which however does not limit the application of the invention, the device 6 comprises at least one gate 8 that is selectively movable, indeed by virtue of the action of the electronic unit 7, between the first configuration, in which it is arranged so as to hinder the delivery of any product A placed in the release section 2b to the seats 4, and a second configuration, in which it is spaced from the trajectory imposed on the products A by the first line 2.

[0057] More particularly, in a first embodiment of considerable practical interest, shown in the accompanying Figures 1-4 by way of non-limiting example of the invention, the gate 8 comprises (or is constituted by) a bar 9 (which is typically but not necessarily horizontal, in the first configuration); the bar 9 may be cylindrical or axially symmetrical.

[0058] The bar 9 is arranged, in the first configuration, transversely (and preferably at right angles) with respect to the (delivery) trajectory imposed on the products A by the first line 2 (and so as to affect the latter, indeed so as to prevent delivery to the seats 4).

[0059] The bar 9 may, for example, be provided with the possibility to rotate about one of its ends, so that in the second configuration it can be arranged substantially vertical and alongside the (delivery) trajectory imposed on the products A by the first line 2.

[0060] Conversely, in an embodiment of considerable practical interest, shown in the accompanying figures by way of non-limiting example, the bar 9 is supported by the device 6 with the possibility of vertical translation, at least between a first, upper, vertical elevation, which corresponds to the first configuration, and a second, lower, vertical elevation, which corresponds to the second configuration. In practice, the bar 9 lowers in moving from the first configuration to the second (staying parallel to itself), as in Figures 1 to 3, and rises in the opposite transition from the second configuration to the first (from Figure 3 to Figure 4).

[0061] In Figure 1, the bar 9 is shown at the first vertical elevation (in the first configuration), while the second vertical elevation (the second configuration) is the one assumed by the bar 9 in Figure 3.

[0062] In other words, therefore, to allow the passage and delivery of the products A, the bar 9 descends (starting from the first configuration) below the trajectory imposed on the latter. This choice proves to be of particular practical interest, since while the bar 9 gradually lowers, the product A may gradually begin to advance, and this makes the release or delivery to the seat 4 of interest more gentle.

[0063] In this context, the bar 9 can be free to rotate about its own longitudinal axis: thus, while it descends toward the second configuration, this rotation of the bar 9 (on itself) facilitates the sliding of product A on the bar 9.

[0064] In a second embodiment (shown in Figures 5-7), which does not exhaust the possibilities that are in any case within the protective scope claimed herein, the gate 8 comprises an annular band 10 (bent into a U- shape), which in the first configuration forms a retention pocket for a horticultural product A.

[0065] The band 10 is also arranged, in the first configuration (Figure 5), transversely with respect to the (delivery) trajectory imposed on the products A by the first line 2 (and so as to affect the latter, indeed so as to prevent delivery to the seats 4).

[0066] As in the accompanying figures, the band 10 can for example be mounted so that it oscillates with respect to a horizontal axis (which is perpendicular to the path B), so that it can rise above the trajectory imposed on the products A in the second configuration (Figure 6).

[0067] The curvature, dimensions, and in general the contour of the band 10 can be chosen so as to match at least approximately those of the product A conveyed by the first line 2, so as to achieve a gentler handling and optimal reception without unwanted impacts. The band 10 can also be interchangeable, in anticipation of uses of the same unit 1 for different types of product A (so that an appropriately shaped band 10 can always be available).

[0068] Advantageously, and as in the embodiment of the accompanying Figures 1-4, the device 6 may comprise a support 11 of the gate 8, whatever the embodiment adopted for the latter, which is at least partially shaped like a partition (at least with a lower flap thereof, for example), placed substantially alongside the trajectory imposed on the products A by the first line 2 and / or the second line 3.

[0069] By virtue of its location, the partition (support 11) contributes to the conveyance of each product A toward the seat 4 that faces the gate 8 along the relevant lane C, preventing it from accidentally falling to the side or moving into the adjacent lanes C (if any, as will become apparent later).

[0070] The support 11 can be fixed (and therefore the gate 8 is movable with respect to it to pass from the first configuration to the second and vice versa) or, as in Figures 1-4, it can be movable in turn, to allow indeed the movement between the aforementioned configurations of the gate 8 (which is integral with the support 11 in this case).

[0071] Usefully, in an embodiment of considerable practical interest which in any case does not limit the application of the invention, the unit 1 may comprise a retention system 12, arranged along the first conveyance line 2 and configured, in an active position, to selectively retain any product A arranged in a holding section 2c (of the first line 2), directly upstream of the release section 2b. The system 12 can be actuated by the electronic unit 7 or by another electronic device. As long as it is in the active position, the system 12 thus holds the product A that directly precedes the one in the release section 2b (i.e., preceding the one that is ready for delivery to the second line 3).

[0072] As mentioned earlier, the first line 2 may be limited to making the products A advance, directing them one after the other toward respective seats 4 of the second line 3: in this context, the primary function of the system 12 is to prevent that, upon the transition of the gate 8 (or in any case of the device 6) into the second configuration and after the product A waiting in release section 2b has been allowed to advance, a second product A is immediately deposited in the seats 4, before the gate 8 (the device 6) has been able to return to the first configuration.

[0073] The holding section 2c in which the system 12 is placed and / or acts is chosen according to the dimensions of the products A, to the configuration of the release section 2b, and in general to the distance to be maintained between the product A in the latter and the former, retained by the system

[0074] Preferably, as in the embodiment of the accompanying figures, the system 12 comprises a plate 13 that lies above the holding section 2c and can oscillate between the active position (Figures 1-3, 5-6), in which it can rest (gently) on the top of an underlying product A, retaining it and / or preventing it from advancing further, and a passive position (Figures 4 and 7), in which it is spaced from the products A in transit along the holding section 2c (and generally along the first line 2). In the passive position, evidently, the plate 13 allows the advancement of the products A.

[0075] As in Figures 5-7, the plate 13 may comprise a lip which protrudes from its lateral edge to provide an additional obstacle to the advancement of the products A when it is arranged in the active position.

[0076] To ensure gentle handling of the products A, the plate 13 can be made of deformable material (at least in the surface layer designed indeed to contact the products A), for example by using a polyurethane foam (“memory foam”).

[0077] The plate 13 might be able to move between said positions in other ways, for example by vertical translation; moreover, the possibility that the system 12 adopts different embodiments is not excluded: it could, for example, comprise a vertically movable shutter, which is interposed (in the active position) between the product A in the release section 2b and the previous one, indeed preventing the latter from advancing.

[0078] Conveniently, the unit 1 can comprise at least one presence sensor 14, configured to check for the presence of a product A at the release section 2b. By virtue of the presence sensor 14, if the product A is absent the electronic unit 7 (or other electronic device from which the presence sensor 14 may depend) can control the advancement of the products A along the first line 2 and / or (preferably and more simply) actuate the transition of the system 12 from the active position to the passive position.

[0079] More generally, the presence sensor 14 allows to optimize the operation of the unit 1 , since control of the device 6 by the electronic unit 7 can be made to depend indeed on the outcome of the check performed by the presence sensor 14.

[0080] Usefully, the unit 1 can also comprise at least one check sensor 15, which is configured to verify the permanence of a product A along a predefined point of the first line 2 (for example, at a distance from the release section 2b equal to the space occupied by two or three products A), beyond a specified period of time.

[0081] In case of positive verification by the check sensor 15, the electronic unit 7 can preferably be configured to temporarily stop the supply of products A to the first line 2 and / or to temporarily stop the advancement of the products A by the first line 2. This avoids excessive accumulations of product A at a predefined point of first line 2, which might affect the operation of the unit 1 and / or be a source of impacts and damage to the products A.

[0082] In general, the presence sensor 14 and / or the check sensor 15 preferably but not necessarily are controlled by the electronic unit 7 or other electronic device that controls the operation of the unit 1.

[0083] The electronic unit 7 can also be configured to react appropriately to an absence of products A in the release section 2b and holding section 2c, detected indeed by the sensors 14, 15: the electronic unit 7 could have, in this regard, instructions to operate the first line 2 at a temporary shutdown of the second line 3 or in any case to adjust the operation of the lines 2, 3 so as to restore an adequate accumulation of product A along the terminal part of the first line 2 and to prevent the advancement of seats 4 devoid of products A along the path B.

[0084] The sensors 14, 15 can be freely chosen by the person skilled in the art, who can identify the specific type and value to be monitored from those known, depending on the outlined objective.

[0085] For example, in any case, mention is made of the possibility of the presence sensor 14 and the check sensor 15 being photocells, conveniently oriented toward the first line 2.

[0086] Usefully, as in the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9, the unit 1 may comprise a plurality of devices 6, placed between respective release sections 2b (of the same first line 2 or of as many first lines 2) and corresponding second lines 3; in this case, the electronic unit 7 may be provided with instructions for coordinated control of the devices 6, so as to obtain indeed more articulated distribution patterns, such as indeed the one of Figures 8 and 9. Preferably, as in the cited figures, the various devices 6 are arranged side by side, aligned along an ideal direction which is perpendicular to the paths B imposed on the products A.

[0087] In greater detail, the unit 1 may be provided with a plurality of first lines 2 which cooperate with respective second lines 3 (preferably operated integrally with each other), thus forming as many different lanes C, each of the latter being affected by a respective device 6.

[0088] As an alternative, as in the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9, the unit 1 could have a plurality of second lines 3 fed by a single first line 2 (a single belt 2a for example), provided with a plurality of release sections 2b. In this case, it will be possible to identify specific lanes C only at respective second lines 3, while the first line 2 (the only belt 2a for example) may be provided with protruding ribs 2d, upstream of the release section 2b, which are tasked with conveying the products A in ordered rows, directly upstream of the devices 6.

[0089] In both cases, by controlling the various devices 6 in a coordinated manner, even more complex distribution patterns of the products A can be achieved by varying the supply between the lanes C.

[0090] Figures 8 and 9 show, in this regard, seven second lines 3 in which the products A move along seven different lanes C according to a checkerboard-like distribution (achievable indeed by properly coordinating the operation of the seven different devices 6). In addition to the unit 1 according to the invention, a method 100 of supplying horticultural products A according to at least one predefined distribution pattern, which is implemented by the unit 1 according to what has been shown herein, also is the subject matter of the protection claimed herein.

[0091] The method 100 according to the invention provides at least, in a step a., for moving the products A along the first conveyance line 2.

[0092] Moreover, when a product A has reached the release section 2b, the method 100 provides, in a step b., for checking whether the seat 4 of the second line 3 adapted to receive the product A from the release section 2b (i.e., the seat 4 that is facing the latter) is actually adapted to receive the product A according to the predefined distribution pattern.

[0093] It should be noted that in order to allow the execution of step b. and in general the operation of the unit 1 , adequate synchronization between the movements of the lines 2, 3 is required, in particular so that at the transition of the device 6 to the second configuration, a seat 4 is in the most appropriate position to receive the product A being delivered. This synchronization can, for example, be achieved by mechanically linking the components involved, by means of appropriate transmission elements, or electronically, by means of an encoder, which “reads” the movement of the second line 3 and is controlled by the electronic unit 7 or in any case by the electronic device that controls the device 6 and in general the unit 1.

[0094] In step c., in case of positive verification, the method 100 provides for arranging the device 6 in the second configuration (to allow delivery to the seat 4), and in case of negative verification, for arranging the device 6 in the first configuration (to prevent delivery to the seat 4).

[0095] Steps b. and c. can be performed by the electronic unit 7.

[0096] Evidently, the products A delivered to a seat 4 will be subsequently made to advance by the second line 3.

[0097] The method 100 then provides for repeating steps b. and c. for each product A moved by the first line 2 and arrived in the release section 2b.

[0098] The operation of the unit 1 has in practice already been described: the products A are first moved by the first line 2, up to the release section 2b. Instant by instant, the release section 2b is faced, one after the other, by the seats 4 of the second line 3, assigned to conveying the products A downstream of the first line, in the continuation of the predefined path B.

[0099] The delivery of the products A from the first line 2 to the second line is regulated by the device 6, which, as shown, is able to allow or prevent the advancement of the product A arrived in the release section 2b and thus its delivery to a seat 4.

[0100] Thus, by choosing when to allow or not delivery, by virtue of the device 6 the unit 1 and the method 100 ensure the achievement of the intended aim, i.e., the obtainment of any pattern of distribution of the products A in the seats 4, which can be all filled or preferably filled only partially, according to any logic.

[0101] In particular, it is possible to arrange a product A for every two consecutive seats 4 (thus always leaving an empty seat 4 between two full seats 4). This makes it possible to maintain an adequate distance between the products A, as may be required to ensure optimal operation to a downstream optical instrument or to allow the independent rotation of each product A (by virtue of the rotation of the two elements 5 which thus support one and only one product A).

[0102] More complex patterns can be obtained just as easily when the unit 1 comprises multiple lanes C (each with respective lines 2, 3 and a corresponding device 6): for example, the 50% filling mentioned earlier (filling one seat 4 but not the next) can be provided by staggering between adjacent lanes C the full seats 4 and the empty ones, obtaining in practice a “checkerboard” distribution such as the one shown in Figures 8 and 9. This allows to keep the products A spaced apart (for the reasons described above), even while keeping the lanes C close together and thus ensuring, with respect to known solutions:

[0103] - for the same overall footprint, greater productivity (a greater number of lanes C, closer together, and thus a higher number of products A processed in the unit time), or

[0104] - for the same assured productivity, a smaller footprint (since the same number of lanes C, closer together, occupies less space).

[0105] As shown, the support 11 shaped like a partition, the retention system 12, the presence sensor 14 and / or the check sensor 15 in various ways give greater reliability to the invention and / or allow to control its operation by preventing or remedying anomalies of various kinds.

[0106] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0107] In the embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other embodiments.

[0108] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0109] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000000627 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] 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 conveyance unit for horticultural products (A), comprising in series at least one first conveyance line (2) and a second conveyance line (3), said first line (2) comprising a release section (2b), substantially at its downstream end, adapted to deliver the horticultural products (A) one by one to said second conveyance line (3), said second conveyance line (3) comprising a plurality of movable seats (4) for the accommodation and conveyance of individual horticultural products (A), delivered by said release section (2b), characterized in that it comprises at least one timing device (6), substantially located between said first and second conveyance lines (2, 3) and selectively movable, by virtue of the action of an electronic control and management unit (7), between a first configuration, for hindering the delivery to said movable seats (4) of any product (A) placed in said release section (2b), and a second configuration, for allowing the delivery to said seats (4) of any product (A) placed in said release section (2b).

2. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said device (6) comprises at least one gate (8) which is selectively movable, by virtue of the action of said electronic unit (7), between said first configuration, in which it is arranged so as to hinder the delivery of any product (A) placed in said release section (2b) to said seats (4), and a second configuration, in which it is spaced from the trajectory imposed on the products (A) by said first line (2).

3. The unit according to claim 2, characterized in that said gate (8) comprises a bar (9) arranged, in said first configuration, transversely with respect to the trajectory imposed on the products (A) by said first line (2).

4. The unit according to claim 3, characterized in that said bar (9) is supported by said device (6) with the possibility of vertical translation at least between a first upper vertical elevation, which corresponds to said first configuration, and a second lower vertical elevation, which corresponds tosaid second configuration.

5. The unit according to claim 2, characterized in that said gate (8) comprises an annular band (10), which in said first configuration forms a pocket for retaining a horticultural product (A).

6. The unit according to one or more of claims 2-5, characterized in that said device (6) comprises a support (11) for said gate (8), which is at least partially shaped like a bulkhead, located substantially alongside the trajectory imposed on the products (A) by said first line (2) and / or said second line (3).

7. The unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a retention system (12), arranged along said first conveyance line (2) and configured, in an active position, for the selective retention of any product (A) arranged in a holding section (2c), immediately upstream of said release section (2b), said system (12) preferably comprising a plate (13) which lies above said holding section (2c) and oscillates between said active position, in which it can be rested on the top of an underlying product (A), and a passive position, in which it is spaced from the products (A) in transit along said holding section (2c).

8. The unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one presence sensor (14), configured to check for the presence of a product (A) at said release section (2b).

9. The unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one check sensor (15), configured for verifying the permanence of a product (A) along a predefined point of said first line (2), beyond a specified period of time, said electronic unit (7) being preferably configured, in the event of positive verification by said check sensor (15), to temporarily stop the supply of the products (A) to said first line (2) and / or the advancement of the products (A) by said first line10. The unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of said devices (6), located between said respective release sections (2b) and corresponding said second lines (3), said electronic unit (7) being provided with instructions for coordinated control of said devices (6).

11. A method for supplying horticultural products (A) according to at least one predefined distribution pattern executed by the unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of a. moving the products (A) along the first conveyance line (2), b. when each product (A) has reached the release section (2b), verifying whether the seat (4) of the second line (3) adapted to receive the product (A) from the release section (2b) is adapted to receive the product (A) according to the predefined distribution pattern, c. in case of positive verification, arranging said device (6) in said second configuration, and in case of negative verification, arranging said device (6) in said first configuration.

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