Automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins

Abstract

Automated machinery for handling and emptying bins (1) for watermelons, characterized in that it comprises at least: · lifting mechanisms (3) of bins, to position the individual elements in a row on a horizontal platform; · a system of guides (10), integrated in said horizontal platform, equipped with rollers and / or chains for handling the bins on a horizontal surface, said system adapted to transport said bins individually towards an emptying tank (5); · an inclination mechanism (6), located in a portion of said horizontal surface, operated by electric actuators and adapted to vary the inclination of the bins to make them proceed towards said tank (5); · an emptying tank (5), which comprises a plurality of nozzles (23) adapted to facilitate the movement of the fruit towards the exit, for a subsequent processing station; · a lifting mechanism (3) for the individual bins, adapted to stack the empty elements at the end of the process.

Description

[0001] “Automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins”

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention falls within the field of agricultural automation systems, specifically for the handling and post-harvest processing of fruit and vegetable products. This innovative system involves the use sensors to identify product containers, motorized lifting platforms, controlled- inclination conveyors, and sanitization technologies, improving efficiency and reducing physical damage to watermelons during handling.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] In the current context of the agri-food industry, the efficiency and safety of agricultural product handling processes represent a problem of significant importance, in particular when considering the physical risks associated with manual activities carried out by workers; the automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins is proposed as an innovative solution to this problem, aiming to optimize the post-harvest treatment of these fruits. The present invention fits within a scenario in which the watermelon unloading and cleaning operations are commonly performed manually, exposing operators to the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back, due to the repetitive lifting of considerable weights. Furthermore, the manual process can result in an uneven emptying of bins and less than optimal cleaning of the watermelons, which impacts the quality of the final product. The machinery according to the present invention comprises at least a destacking station adapted to manage a plurality of bins full of watermelons, allowing the loading of up to three bins simultaneously, with the ability to individually remove the bins and immerse them in a tank for the complete submersion of the fruit. This immersion allows the watermelons to float and be pushed by jets of water towards a conveyor belt which leads them to the subsequent processing, thus eliminating the need for physical handling by operators. Once emptied, the bins are lifted, sanitized and stacked automatically, preparing them for removal from the machinery. The main advantage of this system lies in the drastic reduction of physical risks for operators and in the reduction of fatigue associated with watermelon handling activities. Secondly, the machinery ensures an initial washing of the watermelons with clean water, thanks to a sophisticated system of recirculation and purification of the water in the tank, improving the hygienic quality of the product without the use of manual processing. Therefore, the present invention stands out for its ability to integrate and improve the watermelon handling and washing operations, providing a solution that meets the needs of automation and occupational safety in the agri-food sector. With the adoption of this machinery, a significant optimization of processing times and an improvement of operator working conditions are expected, aspects that, overall, contribute to raising the production and quality standards of the entire supply chain. With regard to industrial patents, it is noted that the problem identified in the first part of the introduction does not find an adequate solution in pre-existing patents. Patent CN210016994 (U) discloses semi-automatic watermelon harvesting equipment, which, although aimed at reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency, does not fully address the physical risks associated with agricultural product handling activities. The proposed system comprises a series of stations arranged on a first vehicle plate, towed by a self-propelled machine, and a movement mechanism for transferring the crates. However, this semi-automatic device does not solve the problem of repetitive lifting of heavy weights, nor does it guarantee effective washing of watermelons, and it also leaves the risk of musculoskeletal injuries for operators unchanged.

[0007] Patent CN107969221 (A) describes a fully automatic watermelon harvesting machine, equipped with a walking device, a terminal effector and a transmission device. Although this invention increases harvesting efficiency and reduces labor due to its extended harvesting range and flexibility of use, it focuses exclusively on the watermelon harvesting stage, without addressing the issues related to post-harvest handling, washing, and preparation of the fruits for subsequent processing. Therefore, despite its usefulness in the specific context of harvesting, it does not provide an integrated solution covering all the post-harvest treatment needs of watermelons, as proposed by the present invention.

[0008] The industrial patents mentioned, although representing significant steps forward in the mechanization of the agri-food sector, do not fully satisfy the need for an automated system that addresses the handling and washing of watermelons in an integrated and safe manner. The present invention, thanks to its ability to manage a plurality of bins full of watermelons and to guarantee an initial washing of the fruit with clean water, instead presents itself as an innovative and necessary solution for overcoming the shortcomings of the currently known technologies.

[0009] In conclusion, it is important to adopt the machinery which is the subject matter of the present invention, which will be described in detail in the following sections of the document, to optimize processing times and improve operator working conditions, raising the production and quality standards of the entire agri-food chain.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The present patent application for industrial invention intends to describe and claim automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins. The proposed machinery offers at least a new and alternative solution to the solutions known so far and / or satisfies one or more needs perceived in the art and in particular deduced from what has been reported above. To achieve this goal, the inventors have developed an organic and functional set of components that optimize the fruit handling process, specifically watermelons, minimizing damage to the watermelons themselves and minimizing manual intervention during the handling and emptying of the bins.

[0012] The machinery comprises a bin lifting mechanism that has the function of separating the stacks of bins positioned in a loading area, aligning the bins individually. The structure is preferably made of metallic materials such as aluminum or steel and consists of a “cage” frame. The handling is carried out by means of electric motors which act on a transmission consisting of pinions and belts or chains to which hooking elements are applied, preferably made as “L”- shaped brackets, adapted to grip the individual bins to perform movements on the vertical axis. The mechanism also includes proximity sensors which can be, for example, optical, magnetic or mechanical, adapted to determine the position of the bins during the lifting operations with the aim of coordinating the movement of the lifting devices and the advancement of the bin separated from the rest of the column. A control module, integrated in the lifting mechanism, manages, based on the inputs received, the actions of the individual elements described, allowing said bins, once separated from each other, to proceed by means of a system of roller guides and chains, suitable for the horizontal movement of the individual bins along a surface. Said system contains, therein, a portion of said surface characterized by the possibility of inclination, by means of tilting hinges, electric actuators or pneumatic cylinders and position sensors. The movement of said inclining surface is managed by said control module which is part of the lifting mechanism which, by coordinating the vertical movement times of the individual bins, is also able to establish when to operate said surface. This feature means that the individual bins, once lined up, proceed towards an area of the machinery called the emptying tank. The speed with which each bin reaches the tank and, consequently, the speed with which it will be emptied depends on the speed and inclination angle of said surface. Said emptying tank is characterized by the presence of a quantity of liquid, preferably water. The single bin, in reaching said tank by means of said inclined surface, thanks to the presence of a frame installed longitudinally to the inclined surface, and which extends from the entrance of the flooded area to the exit thereof, will be held in contact with said conveyor surface while the watermelons contained therein, floating by nature, will be free and at the surface of the water. Once extracted from the relative container, the fruits will be moved by means of nozzles that will blow a liquid, preferably water, creating a flow that will facilitate the movement thereof towards the exit of the tank; a further section outside the machinery, consisting of a system of roller guides, will lead said fruits to a subsequent processing station for the "brushing" operation while the empty bins will continue their path towards the exit from the tank towards a second inclination surface.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at the outlet of said tank there will be a funnel- shaped structure adapted to cause the exit of the watermelons one by one. The bins emptied of their contents will proceed, still placed on the roller guide, towards another lifting mechanism which will carry out the reverse operation to the previous one, stacking the empty bins again, which can then be collected by the operator at the exit of the machinery and stored or reused. The water contained in said emptying tank is preferably inserted into a purification circuit comprising a filtering system which allows a significant saving of water by permitting the reuse of the liquid present in the machinery.

[0014] In an improved version of the invention, the automated machinery comprises a recognition system with sensors preferably of the optical and / or ultrasonic and / or pressure type. Said system is arranged to identify the bins and the physical features of their contents, such as size and weight. The sensors of said system are preferably positioned so as to acquire the necessary information immediately before the bins are handled by the first lifting mechanism. Such optical sensors can consist of, by way of non-limiting example, high definition cameras adapted to acquire detailed images of the bins and their contents. Ultrasonic sensors can use acoustic waves to map the volume thereof through echolocation techniques. The weight determination can occur through the use of pressure sensors, integrated in said lifting mechanism or in the platform on which the bins are initially positioned before reaching the lifting mechanism area. Said plurality of sensors works in synergy to provide precise data on the physical dimensions of the bins and their contents which, together with the weight, are fundamental parameters for the correct operation of the automated system. Said recognition system is equipped with a processing algorithm that collects all the data obtained from the sensors and, processing it, estimates the volume occupied by the watermelons inside the bins, as well as their total weight. This data is essential to optimize the bin handling and emptying process, as it allows the algorithm to provide a reference on the appropriate bin handling speed, the inclination angle during emptying and other operating parameters based on the specific features of each individual bin. Furthermore, knowledge of the weight and volume of the bins is also of crucial importance for the possible integration with dynamic weighing systems and watermelon quality analysis, thus contributing to qualitative and quantitative control of the product in all phases of the production process. The automated machinery, in an improved variant thereof, is equipped with a user interface adapted to allow interaction with the system in order to select specific programs and monitor the status of operations. Said interface comprises at least a input device that includes elements such as a keyboard and / or mouse, a display adapted to provide real-time information on the operating conditions of the system, any alarms or status messages and a processor configured to run specific software and to provide an interactive platform for programming specific functions of the system. The user interface processor is configured to process signals from sensors on board the machinery and interpret the related data. This allows the operator to adapt system parameters, such as conveyor belt speed and the degree of inclination of the controlled inclination mechanism, to optimize emptying based on the type of load and specific operating conditions. Furthermore, the user interface is configured to save and retrieve multiple operating profiles, allowing quick system configuration for different watermelon types or bin sizes.

[0015] In an advantageous version of the present invention, a plurality of proximity sensors are inserted inside the machinery which are adapted to detect the presence of objects or people that may constitute an obstacle in the immediate vicinity of the system, without the need for physical contact. These sensors are a crucial element in ensuring safety during machinery operation. Once the presence of an obstacle is detected, a safety mechanism configured to immediately process the alarm signal stops operation in response to that signal. Said proximity sensors are preferably capacitive or infrared; this type of sensor offers good reliability and precision in detection.

[0016] A further advantageous version of the present invention will include a quality analysis module comprising at least a hyperspectral sensor, at least a high-definition camera, at least a precision scale, said elements configured to evaluate the organoleptic features and the ripeness of the watermelons contained in the bins during handling and emptying. Hyperspectral sensors are optoelectronic devices capable of detecting a wide range of wavelengths of light reflected from watermelons and, through this spectral analysis, are capable of determining changes in chemical composition, moisture, and other factors indicative of the quality of the fruit. High- definition cameras are able to capture detailed images of the watermelons, allowing to detect any external defects such as dents or surface alterations that could compromise the quality of the final product. The precision scale consists of load cells and is integrated in the roller guide. Said quality analysis module is preferably located downstream of the emptying tank, to facilitate the analysis process of individual fruits. The integration and communication between the hyperspectral sensors, the high-definition cameras and the precision scale are entrusted to a central processor, which runs advanced machine learning and image processing algorithms. These algorithms are trained to recognize and classify watermelon features based on predetermined parameters that include but are not limited to color, size, shape, and any imperfections. The processor analyzes the data collected by the sensors and cameras, comparing them with a reference database for watermelon quality, and generates a qualitative report. The quality analysis is performed in real time, providing immediate feedback by means of a dedicated user interface and / or a mobile application. The presence of a network connection, preferably an loT network, allows the quality analysis module to communicate not only with the centralized control system, but also with other modules and devices within the production ecosystem, such as labeling or logistics tracking systems, increasing the interoperability and traceability of products. Possibly, downstream from the quality analysis module, there may be a marking system for individual fruits, to identify those that do not meet the pre-set quality features and allow rapid identification to proceed with separation.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the machinery is equipped with a bin sanitization system, which comprises at least a mechanism for irradiation with UV-C rays and / or a steam jet delivery system. These technologies are selected for their sterilizing properties and are integrated into the bin handling system. Their purpose is to reduce the presence of microorganisms and ensure a hygienically healthy environment for handling watermelons. The UV-C sanitization mechanism comprises at least a UV-C light positioned so as to irradiate at least the inside and possibly also the outside of the bins once they are empty. Ultraviolet energy, known for its effectiveness in disinfection, is capable of inactivating most viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. The selection of wavelength, as well as the intensity and duration of exposure, are calibrated to optimize sterilization effectiveness without damaging the structure of the bins or leaving residues. At the same time, the sanitization system can involve the use of steam jets which, through the use of nozzles, deliver high-temperature steam inside and outside the bins. The moist heat of the steam is particularly effective in reducing microbiological load and in removing any organic residues anchored to the surfaces. This operation not only contributes to hygiene but also facilitates the elimination of odors that may arise from watermelon residues and the work environment.

[0018] A variant of the machinery in question features a self-cleaning device integrated in the transport platform and the emptying tank. Said device comprises a system of high-pressure water jets by means of nozzles and a water drainage and purification system. These components are essential to maintain the machinery in optimal hygienic conditions and to prevent the deposit of organic and non-organic residues, which could compromise the functionality and efficiency thereof. The self-cleaning system works in coordination with the other components of the handling machinery. High-pressure water jets are positioned along the path of the bins to effectively reach all surfaces that come into contact with the watermelons and bins. The system is configured to activate the self-cleaning function at specific times, typically at the end of a work cycle. The drainage system is integrated into the roller surfaces and the emptying tank to collect the water used in cleaning and direct it towards a collection and filtering system. This allows not only to avoid water stagnation but also to reuse the filtered water, reducing waste and management costs.

[0019] The advantages of the present invention are evident in light of the description set forth thus far and will be even more evident from the analysis of the attached figures and the subsequent detailed description.

[0020] Description of the figures

[0021] The invention will now be illustrated with the aid of the attached figures in an embodiment thereof which represents a non-limiting example of the inventive concept. In particular:

[0022] - FIGURE 1 depicts an overview of the completed system. It is possible to identify the conveyor surface 4, which extends from the loading area to the emptying tank 5. At the beginning of the belt, optical sensors 2a, ultrasonic sensors 2b and pressure sensors 2c are positioned for identifying each bin before it enters the machinery. The lifting mechanism 3 can easily be identified, which lifts the stacks of bins and aligns them on a roller guide 10 equipped with an inclination mechanism 6. The latter inclines the bins to carry them into the emptying tank 5 where nozzles 23 blow a liquid to create flows that move the fruit towards the exit of said tank 5. The proximity sensors 11 for safety can also be noted. At the exit from the emptying tank 5 there are hyperspectral sensors 9, high-definition cameras 13, a precision scale 14 and, before the lifting mechanism 3, the sanitization function 16 of the empty bins using a UV-C system and / or steam jets.

[0023] - FIGURES 2a and 2b show two side views, in detail, of the lifting mechanism 3. It is possible to identify the cage frame 26, one of the motors 27 adapted to operate a pinion and chain transmission 28, which moves a lifting system 29 that hooks a part of the stacked bins in order to separate them, obtaining a single row arrangement. It is also possible to identify a system of roller and chain guides 10, adapted to handle the bins towards a conveyor surface and a plurality of proximity sensors 30, adapted to identify the position of the bins during their vertical movements.

[0024] - FIGURE 3 highlights a section of the machinery in the portion where there is a first lifting mechanism 6, operated by electric or hydraulic actuators 24 adapted to incline the individual bins which proceed, along a conveyor surface 4 and thanks to a system of roller and chain guides 10, towards an emptying tank 5. It is possible to identify a frame 25, adapted to retain the individual bins on said conveyor surface 4, immersing them, proceeding below the water level while the fruit is thus freed and conveyed, by means of a plurality of nozzles 23 adapted to create a flow which favors the exit of the fruit from said emptying tank 5. The individual bins, empty, proceed along said conveyor surface 4 towards the exit of the tank where a second lifting mechanism will reposition them horizontally, so that they can then be conveyed towards a second lifting mechanism 3.

[0025] In the context of FIGURE 3, it is also possible to identify a plurality of proximity sensors 11, configured to detect the presence of obstacles inside the machinery and automatically stop operation in the event of danger.

[0026] Detailed description of the invention

[0027] It will be immediately apparent that numerous variations and modifications, for example in shape, size, arrangements and functionally equivalent parts, may be made to the foregoing without deviating from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. With reference to the first figure, the present invention will now be illustrated as follows.

[0028] Figure 1 offers an overall representation of the automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins. The bins are arranged in sequence along a conveyor surface 4 which extends from the loading area to the collection area for the empty and re-stacked bins. The machinery is adapted to perform the following operations in sequence: the bins are located, in columns, on the loading area. These move inside the lifting mechanism 3 which separates them, arranging them in a row one by one. After being separated, the bins are located on the portion of the surface comprising an inclination mechanism 6. From here they are gradually lowered into the emptying tank 5, full of water, inside which the bins sink while their contents, the watermelons, remain afloat. A plurality of nozzles 23 moves the fruit towards the exit of said emptying tank 5 where a funnel profile arranges the fruit in rows one by one to be then analyzed by the quality analysis system, before being transported out of the machinery. The empty bin is moved out of the emptying tank 5, sanitized and managed by the final lifting mechanism which creates a new stack of bins which, moved to the final area of the conveyor surface 4, are ready to be collected by the operator.

[0029] Finally, it is clear that additions or variations which are obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the invention described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of protection offered by the attached claims.

Claims

Claims1. Automated machinery for moving and emptying bins (1) for watermelons, characterized in that it comprises at least:• a first lifting mechanism (3), suitable for arranging a stack of bins in single elements in a row on a conveyor surface (4), said lifting mechanism (3) comprising: a cage frame (26), a plurality of motors (27) capable of moving a transmission (28) with pinions and chains capable of transmitting the movement to a plurality of coupling elements (29) capable of lifting the bins, a plurality of proximity sensors (30) capable of identifying the position of the bins during their movement;• said conveyor surface (4) comprising a system of guides (10) equipped with rollers and / or chains for moving the individual bins towards an emptying tank (5);• a first inclination mechanism (6), located in a first portion of said conveyor surface (4), operated by a plurality of programmable electric or hydraulic actuators (24) and capable of varying the inclination of the individual bins to make them proceed towards said emptying tank (5) located at a lower level than said conveyor surface (4);• said emptying tank (5), preferably containing water, which includes a frame (25), designed to retain the individual bins on said conveyor surface (4), below the water level, allowing the fruits to come out; a plurality of nozzles (23) designed to create a flow suitable to facilitate the movement of the fruits towards an exit of said tank (5);• a second inclination mechanism (6), located in a second portion of said conveyor surface (4), operated by a plurality of programmable electric or hydraulic actuators (24) and capable of varying the inclination of the individual bins to make them proceed out from said emptying tank (5) towards a second lifting mechanism (3);• said second lifting mechanism (3) of the individual bins, suitable for stacking the empty bins coming out of said tank (5).

2. Automated machinery for moving and emptying watermelon bins, according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a bin recognition system (2), equipped with sensors suitable for identifying the characteristics of the contents of the bins, including whose volume and weight, and of an algorithm for processing such data capable of acting on specific actuators to regulate the processing times of said machinery.

3. Automated machinery for moving and emptying watermelon bins, according to any ofthe preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of proximity sensors (11), suitable for detecting the presence of obstacles inside the machinery and automatically stop operation in case of danger.

4. Automated machinery for moving and emptying watermelon bins, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a user interface (8) for monitoring and programming the system operations.

5. Automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a quality analysis module which includes:- at least a hyperspectral sensor (9), capable of carrying out an analysis of the quality of the fruit;- at least a high definition camera (13), capable of identifying any external damage to the fruit;- at least a precision scale (14), capable of measuring the weight of the fruit;- a machine learning algorithm, designed to collect and process the data obtained from the aforementioned sensors;- an loT (Internet of Things) network, aimed at connecting said analysis system with a production ecosystem;- a user interface, designed to provide feedback on the data collected;- a wireless interface, suitable for connecting said system with an external mobile device;- an application for mobile devices, designed to allow viewing by the operator even remotely from the machine.

6. Automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said quality analysis module is connected to a marking system for individual fruits, to identify those that do not meet the characteristics of pre-set qualities and allow rapid identification to proceed with separation.

7. Automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sanitization function (16) of the empty bins using a UV-C system and / or steam jets.

8. Automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a self-cleaning system of the machinery which includes nozzles for high pressure waterjets.

9. Automated machinery for handling and emptying watermelon bins, according to the preceding claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a drainage tank for the water used in said high pressure water jets, and a collection system and filtering of said water, designed to allow the recirculation of the water used in said self-cleaning system and to keep the entire machinery free of processing residues.

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