Apparatus and method for sorting bulk material

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for sorting bulk material S, comprising at least one conveying device (21) for conveying the bulk material S in a conveying direction (22) from a bulk material receptacle (23) to a discharge edge (24), at least one detection system (35) for detecting the bulk material S, and at least one sorting mechanism (40). The at least one conveying device (21) comprises at least one belt conveyor (25) having at least one conveyor belt (26), wherein the at least one conveyor belt (26) extends along a convex path curve, starting from the bulk material receptacle (23) to the discharge edge (24). The invention also relates to a method for sorting bulk material S.

Description

[0001] V1.0 Page 1 | 22

[0002] Device and method for sorting bulk material

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for sorting bulk material according to claim 1 and a method for sorting bulk material according to claim 25.

[0004] Technological background

[0005] Typical sorting systems for separating good parts from a large quantity of products exhibit reduced sorting performance at higher product conveying speeds. This occurs because high conveying speeds make it difficult to separate substandard products and foreign matter from the continuous product stream, such as bulk goods. As a result, significant amounts of foreign matter or substandard products remain in the product after the sorting process and are not removed from the product stream, leading to poor-quality sorted goods.

[0006] Prior art EP1518611 A2 discloses a device for sorting individual test pieces using image processing, which are fed by a feeding device. A conveyor section is provided between the feeding device and a position for image processing to influence the transport movement of the individual test pieces. The individual test pieces are fed individually to a discharge device via a curved sliding table.

[0007] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the individual test specimens are inserted into a recess of the curved sliding table and are transported in a fixed position in at least two directions along the conveyor track before they slide off the curved sliding table due to gravity. This makes sorting bulk material in large throughput quantities impossible.

[0008] WO / 9831477 A1 is known from the prior art. This discloses a sorting apparatus for granular materials with a transport device to which the materials are fed from a vibrating table. The device has an inclined distribution surface over which the materials move, and a detection system and a sorting system for removing foreign bodies or inferior components of the materials that are present in the stream of materials leaving the surface are connected to this surface. The surface is completely smooth and has no channels in the direction of fall of the materials for the purpose of guiding them. The surface has a curvature in this direction that is slightly less than the curvature of the path the materials would follow in free fall on the surface.

[0009] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the area in question is the surface of a plate on which the sorted goods are already disturbed by the vibrating table and the bulk material slides or rolls from the horizontal to the vertical on the surface of the plate.

[0010] The prior art includes JP2000-38206A. This comprises a receiving conveyor with a conveyor belt running unit in which a conveyor belt is mounted, a support element for supporting the conveyor belt on which the object to be conveyed is arranged in a curved shape, a lifting device for vertically moving the load section at the other end, and a horizontal movement device for moving the conveyor belt running unit back and forth in a horizontal direction. The receiving conveyor is equipped with a lifting device and a horizontal movement device so that the position and height of the load section of the conveyor belt running unit are adjusted by actuating both devices, and the object to be conveyed is loaded.

[0011] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the device only supports a manual loading process to avoid product damage.

[0012] Prior art documents WO96 / 33929A2 A2 and WO97 / 09689 A1 disclose a device for sorting products, comprising at least one conveying device for conveying the product in a conveying direction from a product intake to a discharge edge, a detection system for detecting the product, and a sorting mechanism. The conveying device comprises a belt conveyor with at least one conveyor belt, the conveyor belt extending along a concave path from the product intake to the discharge edge.

[0013] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the product is accelerated onto the conveyor belt at an angle from above and then accelerated along the concave path towards a minimum point. This leads to slippage phases on the conveyor belt, especially with bulk materials, causing the material to form compressed and overlapping clumps at the minimum point. The resulting clumps, accelerated upwards towards the discharge edge, can only be sorted with very poor quality, making it impossible for a sorting unit to identify individual pieces. V1.0 Page 3 | 22

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] One object of the invention is to avoid at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, an improved device for sorting bulk material is to be created, comprising a conveying system which preferably conveys a large quantity of bulk material to a sorting mechanism, overcoming a difference in height of the bulk material and stabilizing the movement of the bulk material on the conveying system. An improved method for sorting bulk material is to be created.

[0016] This problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments are set out in the figures and in the dependent patent claims.

[0017] An inventive device for sorting bulk material comprises at least one conveying device for conveying the bulk material in a conveying direction from a bulk material intake to a discharge edge, at least one detection system for detecting the bulk material, and at least one sorting mechanism. The at least one conveying device comprises at least one belt conveyor with at least one conveyor belt, wherein the at least one conveyor belt extends along a convex path from the bulk material intake to the discharge edge.

[0018] The bulk material intake of the device is located at a first level of the at least one conveying unit, and the discharge edge is located at a second level of the at least one conveying unit, with the first level being horizontally positioned above the second level. During the transition from the bulk material intake to the discharge edge, the bulk material overcomes a height difference along the convex trajectory. The convex trajectory ensures a continuous change in angle along the length of the at least one conveyor belt. By avoiding sharp transitions and unnecessary deflection rollers for the angle change, disturbances that could agitate the bulk material on the belt are eliminated. The stabilization of the bulk material's movement on the at least one conveyor belt is ensured solely by the length of the conveyor belt or by the corresponding time the bulk material spends on the at least one conveyor belt.Furthermore, the ratio of conveyor belt length to conveyor belt width is small compared to known prior art devices. This allows the bulk material to detach more effectively from the conveyor belt at the discharge edge. Additionally, the design of the conveyor belt provides more space for positioning the detection system to identify the bulk material.

[0019] The bulk material is transferred horizontally to at least one conveyor belt in the bulk material intake area and remains largely in the same condition on at least one conveyor belt. V1.0 Page 4 | 22

[0020] The material remains in a position until it is discharged from at least one conveyor belt at a defined angle, depending on the shape of the convex trajectory, towards the base of the device. The path of at least one conveyor belt runs continuously towards the base of the device. The bulk material is detected by the recognition system, and at least a portion of it is sorted out by the sorting mechanism. With the device according to the invention, a large quantity of bulk material can be conveyed to a sorting mechanism at a conveying speed exceeding three meters per second without disturbing the material on the conveying path.This enables qualitatively improved sorting of the bulk material with the sorting mechanism, as the bulk material does not move significantly along the convex trajectory on at least one conveyor belt for the detection device and is therefore more easily detected by the detection system. It is essential that the bulk material moves only translationally in the conveying direction and no rotations or lateral movements occur. Another advantage of the device is that the horizontally fed bulk material can be accelerated to a conveying speed of over three meters per second and brought to an optimized discharge angle, thus enabling improved sorting.

[0021] In particular, a bulk material transfer device is provided, which transfers the bulk material horizontally to the receiving unit. This prevents or reduces slippage of the bulk material during transfer to the at least one conveyor belt in the initial area. Specifically, the bulk material transfer device includes a vibrator. A vibrator improves the distribution of the bulk material during transfer to the at least one conveyor belt, as the bulk material is distributed as evenly as possible across the entire width of the at least one conveyor belt. This prevents the formation of agglomerates or overlapping accumulations of bulk material on the at least one conveyor belt. Alternatively or additionally, the bulk material transfer device includes an acceleration conveyor with its own conveyor belt.This allows the bulk material to be accelerated to a desired speed before being transferred to the bulk material intake of the belt conveyor, so that the speed difference to the speed of at least one conveyor belt is small. This prevents undesirable disturbance of the bulk material at the time of transfer onto the belt conveyor.

[0022] In particular, the bulk material intake is positioned at a distance from the discharge edge such that an optimized radius is present on the convex trajectory of at least one conveyor belt. This ensures that the transfer point and discharge point of the bulk material are as far apart as possible. This allows for a large radius, minimizing the effect of centrifugal force on the bulk material on at least one conveyor belt. Centrifugal force counteracts product stabilization and should be kept as low as possible. V1.0 Page 5 | 22

[0023] In particular, at least one conveyor belt has a straight trajectory in the area where the bulk material is received. This promotes the stabilization of the bulk material as it is conveyed over the convex trajectory of the at least one conveyor belt.

[0024] In particular, at least one conveyor belt has a straight trajectory in the area of ​​the discharge edge. This means that, apart from inertia and gravity, no additional acceleration component acts on the bulk material during discharge, thus improving material detection and the sorting mechanism. This approach takes advantage of the fact that, in a belt conveyor, the discharge trajectory of an inclined discharge is more favorable than that of a horizontal discharge. With an inclined discharge, the bulk material is deflected less from the theoretical straight line by gravity than with a horizontal discharge. This results in more reliable subsequent sorting.

[0025] In particular, bulk goods are foodstuffs that, in their raw, frozen, or processed state (such as fried), can be conveyed by at least one type of conveying device. In the food industry, it is especially important that the individual components of the conveyed foodstuff are easily sortable in order to remove unsuitable items and prevent them from being packaged and sold alongside good foodstuffs. The foodstuff, which may initially be disturbed or move erratically at the bulk goods intake, can settle along the convex path of the conveyor belt and assume a fixed position.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one belt conveyor has a sliding table on which the at least one conveyor belt can be moved at least along its convex path in the conveying direction. The sliding table supports the at least one conveyor belt. The sliding table prevents the at least one conveyor belt from sagging and stabilizes it along the conveying path, ensuring smoother movement of the bulk material along its convex path.

[0027] Preferably, the sliding table has several curved longitudinal ribs, with at least some of these curved ribs being adjustable. Due to the curved longitudinal ribs, an increased steering effect could act on the at least one conveyor belt, potentially causing unwanted conveyor belt movement that should be avoided. Such steering effects rarely occur in conveyors with purely horizontally moving conveyor belts. The adjustable individual curved longitudinal ribs minimize this steering effect and improve the running quality of the at least one conveyor belt along its convex path. This leads to further stabilization of the bulk material along the convex path. V1.0 Page 6 | 22

[0028] In particular, the individual curved longitudinal ribs feature vertical slots to allow the sliding table to be adjusted vertically by a few millimeters. This compensates for manufacturing deviations, improving the running quality of at least one conveyor belt along the convex path. This further stabilizes the bulk material along the convex path. Alternatively or additionally, the slots on the individual curved longitudinal ribs are aligned parallel to each other. This enables highly precise adjustment of the longitudinal ribs relative to each other and, consequently, of the entire sliding table.

[0029] Preferably, the sliding table has several recesses on its surface oriented towards the at least one conveyor belt. The curved design of the sliding table's longitudinal ribs along the convex path results in increased contact pressure of the at least one conveyor belt against the sliding table, leading to higher friction and consequently higher temperature generation. This is counteracted by the arrangement of several recesses on the sliding table surfaces and, optionally, on the longitudinal ribs supporting the sliding table. This results in smoother belt movement and enables cost-effective manufacturing of the device. The at least one conveyor belt is tensioned onto the sliding table. The force acting normally on the at least one conveyor belt due to the bulk material is reduced by the applied load angle. Due to the low load of the bulk material relative to the area of ​​the at least one conveyor belt, its influence on friction and / or temperature is minimal.However, heat generation can be neglected, so that at least one conveyor belt can run quietly.

[0030] In particular, at least some of the recesses are arranged at an angle relative to the conveying direction. This influences the belt position in a first direction relative to the conveying direction, as the recesses help to press the belt in this first direction against the sliding table. Preferably, further recesses are arranged at another angle relative to the conveying direction. This influences the belt position in a second direction relative to the conveying direction, as the recesses help to press the belt in this second direction against the sliding table. The individual recesses are arranged in an arrow-like pattern on the sliding table, so that the individual recesses help to press the at least one conveyor belt towards the center of the sliding table, resulting in improved performance and running quality of the conveyor belt.Should a misalignment occur, at least one conveyor belt will shift in the first direction relative to the conveying direction of at least one conveying device. This causes the conveyor belt to move over a greater number of additional recesses than if moving in the opposite direction to the misalignment. The increased number of additional recesses ensures that the conveyor belt can be moved back in the second direction, i.e., towards its optimal position. V1.0 Page 7 | 22.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the sliding table surface aligned with at least one conveyor belt has a surface structure. This reduces friction on the at least one conveyor belt, thus counteracting an undesirable temperature increase on the at least one conveyor belt. For example, the sliding table surface is ribbed. A ribbed structure is particularly effective at preventing an undesirable temperature increase and is easy to manufacture.

[0032] Preferably, at least one conveyor belt extends from the discharge edge to the bulk material intake along a straight conveying path. This ensures that the at least one conveyor belt is spaced away from the sliding table in the area below the conveying section, preventing it from touching the sliding table. This improves the cooling of the at least one conveyor belt at the at least one conveying device.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, a cleaning unit is provided for cleaning at least one transport surface of the at least one conveyor belt. The transport surface of the at least one conveyor belt is the surface on which the bulk material rests, at least from the point of infeed to the discharge edge. This transport surface should be clean when the bulk material is placed on the at least one conveyor belt, as impurities on the transport surface would contribute to disturbance of the bulk material. For example, the cleaning unit cleans the transport surface mechanically and chemically. The cleaning unit is specifically designed to clean the surface of the at least one conveyor belt opposite the transport surface. The surface of the at least one conveyor belt that has direct contact with the sliding table and the drive unit is cleaned by the cleaning unit to prevent adhesion to the at least one conveyor belt and the drive unit.These can in turn lead to at least one conveyor belt becoming misaligned.

[0034] In particular, the cleaning unit on the straight conveyor track interacts with at least one conveyor belt to clean the transport surface. This simplifies cleaning, as contaminants are easily carried away by gravity and fall from the transport surface.

[0035] Preferably, a cooling system is provided. This makes it possible to control the elevated temperatures resulting from the convex trajectory of the at least one conveyor belt and the associated high pressures of the bulk material on the sliding table, thus reducing wear on the at least one conveyor belt. The cooling system is particularly helpful in ensuring adequate temperature management at conveying speeds above three meters per second, enabling the at least one conveyor belt to provide high performance under controlled conditions. V1.0 Page 8 | 22

[0036] In particular, the cooling system is a convective cooling system. The multiple recesses can act as cooling units within the system. Alternatively or additionally, an active cooling system is available, for example, using water supplied via nozzles. This allows water to be sprayed directly onto the sliding table or between the curved longitudinal ribs to efficiently cool at least one conveyor belt. This is particularly advantageous at high conveying speeds exceeding three meters per second.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one sorting mechanism is arranged downstream of the discharge edge of the at least one conveying device in the conveying direction. The previously described geometry of the sliding table enables the bulk material to be conveyed towards a razor-sharp discharge edge on the at least one conveying device. This results in a predictable discharge of the bulk material from the at least one conveyor belt and thus improved engagement of the sorting mechanism with the freely falling bulk material, thereby improving sorting. An angled discharge of the bulk material from the at least one conveyor belt is generally more advantageous than a horizontal discharge, as the trajectory of the bulk material is more favorable and the bulk material can be sorted more effectively. Compared to a horizontal discharge, the angled discharge reduces the normal force exerted by the bulk material on the at least one conveyor belt. This, in turn, facilitates the release of the bulk material from the at least one conveyor belt.

[0038] In particular, the sorting mechanism includes at least one pneumatic sorting unit. This allows the portion of the bulk material to be sorted in free fall simply and solely by air pressure or the gas pressure of a medium.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the detection system includes at least one camera system. This camera system enables multidimensional detection of the bulk material, allowing at least two sides or surfaces to be detected. It is advantageous if the camera system's line of sight is positioned along the conveyor belt, particularly at the discharge edge of the at least one conveyor belt. This prevents contamination on the conveyor belt from negatively impacting the sorting result. Advantageously, the camera system includes multiple cameras, enabling detection of up to six sides or surfaces of the bulk material. This allows for a comprehensive analysis of every part of the bulk material.

[0040] Preferably, at least one camera of the camera system is positioned such that a line of sight in which the bulk material is analyzed lies on the conveying device, for example, on the conveyor belt of a belt conveyor. This allows the bulk material to be identified even before it is discharged from the conveyor belt and subsequently taken into account in the evaluation of the images. This makes it possible, for example, to analyze bulk material with a large longitudinal extent, as shown in V1.0 Page 9 | 22

[0041] The conveying direction is more easily discernible. This results in a longer timeframe that can be used to calculate the data from the camera images. For example, the conveying speed could be increased for longer bulk materials, while the sorting unit can remain in the same position, and the sorting accuracy remains unaffected.

[0042] In particular, at least one detection system is positioned in an area of ​​the discharge edge. For example, a sensor of the detection system, such as a camera, is located below the discharge edge, so that the side of the bulk material that rests on the conveyor belt during transport is also detectable. If this area is not detected or not reliably detected, approximately 20% of the surface of the bulk material is not analyzed for product defects. Sorting efficiencies of 98% or higher can therefore no longer be achieved.

[0043] In particular, the detection system includes at least one hyperspectral camera (HSI) or a chemical-in-transmittance (CIT) camera capable of analyzing objects solely based on their chemical composition. This results in extremely high reliability in the detection of foreign objects and product defects, which do not need to be identified based on their shape, color, conductivity, or similar characteristics. Furthermore, at least one NIR LED or SWIR LED (short-wave infrared LED) illumination can be used. These are capable of providing light in the NIR (near-infrared) range required for the HSI cameras and are significantly more efficient than, for example, typical halogen lighting.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the camera system includes high-resolution RGB cameras that can detect color defects on the bulk material using pixel-based technology and sort it based on various criteria (e.g., length). To reliably detect color defects, it is essential to analyze the bulk material from all sides.

[0045] Preferably, the at least one belt conveyor has a controllable drive unit for driving the at least one conveyor belt, which is arranged in the area of ​​bulk material intake. This pushes the at least one conveyor belt in the conveying direction and allows for improved controllability with the controllable drive unit. In particular, the controllable drive unit has an electric drive that is easy to control.

[0046] Preferably, a spring element is provided, which is arranged in series with the controllable drive unit. The spring element is used for belt tensioning and can, by means of an adjustment system comprising at least one electric linear drive, influence the belt tension of the at least one conveyor belt and thus compensate for changes in belt tension, e.g., V1.0 Page 10 | 22 due to changes in ambient temperature, or for misalignment of the at least one conveyor belt.

[0047] Preferably, the at least one belt conveyor has at least one deflection roller for redirecting the conveyor belt, which is arranged in the area of ​​the discharge edge. This allows the at least one conveyor belt to be easily redirected from the convex path to the straight conveyor path. In particular, the at least one deflection roller rests in a receptacle, which is designed, for example, as a hook, on the belt conveyor. The at least one deflection roller can be easily removed from the receptacle, thus enabling easy replacement of the at least one conveyor belt from the side of the device.

[0048] Preferably, an additional deflection roller is provided for redirecting the conveyor belt, which is arranged in series with at least one deflection roller. When using multiple deflection rollers, the individual deflection rollers can be made shorter, thus preventing unwanted deflection of the individual deflection rollers due to the tensile stress of the at least one conveyor belt. Multiple deflection rollers are used when the width of the at least one conveyor belt needs to be increased.

[0049] Preferably, sensors are provided to monitor the movement of at least one conveyor belt, and sensor data can be transmitted to a control unit. This enables automated responses to misalignment of the at least one conveyor belt during operation of the device. In particular, the sensors include at least one sensor for measuring the belt position.

[0050] Preferably, a computing unit is provided which is connected to the control unit for exchanging control data. Alternatively or additionally, the computing unit is connected to the control unit for exchanging sensor data. The sensor data and the control data can be processed in the computing unit to regulate the conveying motion of at least one conveyor belt. Furthermore, the computing unit can generate control data for the sorting mechanism and, in particular, use the sensor data as the basis for this control data.

[0051] An inventive method for sorting bulk material with at least one conveying device conveys the bulk material from a bulk material intake in the conveying direction towards a discharge edge of the at least one conveying device. The at least one conveying device comprises at least one belt conveyor with at least one conveyor belt, wherein the bulk material is moved along a convex path on the at least one conveyor belt, starting from the bulk material intake towards the discharge edge, and is subsequently sorted by means of a sorting mechanism. V1.0 Page 11 | 22

[0052] The inventive method enables improved sorting of the bulk material with the sorting mechanism, as the bulk material settles along the convex trajectory on at least one conveyor belt. It is essential that the bulk material only moves translationally in the conveying direction and that no rotations or lateral movements occur.

[0053] Preferably, the bulk material is moved on at least one conveyor belt at a conveying speed of at least 3 meters per second. This allows for advantageous alignment of the bulk material on the at least one conveyor belt. The transfer to the fast-moving at least one conveyor belt results in the alignment of strip-shaped bulk material in the direction of travel, thus enabling improved defect detection.

[0054] Preferably, the bulk material is moved on at least one conveyor belt with a conveying speed of at least 5 meters per second. This high belt speed of up to 5 meters per second also ensures good separation of the incoming bulk material. This means that the bulk material does not overlap or touch each other on the conveyor belt, thus enabling the desired individual analysis of all parts of the bulk material.

[0055] Preferably, at least one conveyor belt extends from the discharge edge towards the bulk material intake along a straight conveying path and is cleaned along this straight path. This simplifies cleaning, as contaminants are easily carried away by gravity and fall from the conveying surface.

[0056] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

[0057] The list of reference numerals, like the technical content of the patent claims and figures, forms part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. Identical reference numerals denote identical components; reference numerals with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

[0058] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in the following figures. The list of reference numerals forms part of the disclosure. V1.0 Page 12 | 22

[0059] Positional references, such as "top", "bottom", "right" or "left", refer to the corresponding representations and are not to be understood as restrictive.

[0060] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and adaptations without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the invention also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above with regard to various aspects and / or embodiments.

[0061] The invention also includes individual features shown in the figures, even if they are shown there in conjunction with other features and / or are not mentioned above. Furthermore, the term "comprises" and derivatives thereof does not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and derivatives thereof does not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by a single unit. The terms "essentially," "approximately," "about," and the like, in conjunction with a property or value, also define precisely that property or value. All reference numerals in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0062] Character description

[0063] The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. Identical reference symbols indicate identical components. They show

[0064] Fig. 1: a device according to the invention for sorting bulk material with a conveying device in a perspective view,

[0065] Fig. 2: the device according to Fig. 1 with a control unit and sensors in a side view,

[0066] Fig. 3: the sliding table of the conveyor device according to Fig. 1 with a conveyor belt in a perspective view,

[0067] Fig. 4: the sliding table according to Fig. 3 in a side view, V1.0 Page 13 | 22

[0068] Fig. 5 shows the sliding table of the conveyor device according to Fig. 1 without conveyor belt in a perspective view,

[0069] Fig. 6: the sliding table according to Fig. 5 in a further perspective view from below,

[0070] Fig. 7: an adjusting device on the sliding table according to Fig. 5 in a perspective view, and

[0071] Fig. 8: Deflection rollers on the sliding table according to Fig. 5 in a perspective view.

[0072] Implementation of the invention

[0073] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an embodiment of the device 20 for sorting bulk material S, which includes a conveying device 21 for conveying the bulk material S in a conveying direction.

[0074] The conveying device 21 comprises a bulk material intake 23 and a discharge edge 24, as well as a detection system 35 for detecting the bulk material S, and at least one sorting mechanism 40. The bulk material intake 23 is located at a first height level 28 of the conveying device 21, and the discharge edge 24 is located at a second height level 29 of the at least one conveying device 21, wherein the first height level 28 is arranged horizontally above the second height level 29.

[0075] The conveying device 21 comprises a belt conveyor 25 with a conveyor belt 26, the conveyor belt 26 extending along a convex trajectory 27 from the bulk material intake 23 to the discharge edge 24. During the transition from the bulk material intake 23 to the discharge edge 24, the bulk material S overcomes a height difference along the convex trajectory 27. The convex trajectory 27 ensures a continuous change in angle along the length of the conveyor belt 26, with the bulk material S following a straight trajectory at the end of the conveyor belt 26 closest to the discharge edge 24, where the bulk material S is discharged towards the sorting mechanism 40.

[0076] A bulk material transfer device 30 is provided, which transfers the bulk material S horizontally to the bulk material intake 23. The bulk material S is in the area of ​​the bulk material intake.

[0077] The bulk material S is transferred horizontally from the conveyor belt 26. In the area of ​​the bulk material intake 23, the conveyor belt 26 has a straight trajectory. The bulk material S remains largely in the same position on the conveyor belt 26 until, in the area of ​​the discharge edge 24, it is discharged from the conveyor belt 26 at a defined angle, depending on the shape of the convex trajectory 27, towards the base of the device 20 and towards the sorting mechanism 40. The bulk material S is detected by the recognition system 35, and in this area (V1.0 Page 14 | 22), at least some of the bulk material S is sorted out by means of the sorting mechanism 40. A large quantity of bulk material S can be conveyed to the sorting mechanism 40 by the device 20 at a conveying speed of up to five meters per second. The sorting mechanism 40 is arranged in the conveying direction after the discharge edge 24 of the conveying device 21, wherein the sorting mechanism 40 has several pneumatic sorting units 41.The sorting units 41 are arranged in the area of ​​the discharge edge 24 such that the bulk material S to be sorted can be correctly sorted with a probability of up to 99.5% in the case of defective sorting. For this purpose, the sorting units 41 can be spaced vertically and horizontally apart from one another to ensure complete sorting of the discharged bulk material S.

[0078] The detection system 35 comprises a camera system 36 with multiple cameras 37. The camera system 36 with its multiple cameras 37 enables multidimensional detection of the bulk material S from all sides (top, bottom, front, back, side). The line of sight of the camera system 36 is positioned at the discharge edge 24 of the conveyor belt 26. One camera 37 is located below the discharge edge 24 and is oriented towards it, so that the side of the bulk material S that rests on the conveyor belt 26 during transport is also detectable. One of the cameras 37 is an RGB camera capable of analyzing objects solely based on their chemical composition. A SWIR LED (Short Wave Infrared LED) illumination 38, located within the area of ​​the camera system 35, is used for this purpose.Alternatively or additionally, a high-resolution RGB prism camera (37) can be used, which can detect color defects on the bulk material S on a pixel-based basis and sort the material on various criteria (e.g., length) on an object-based basis. Additionally, an HSI camera can be included in the detection system, which is directed downwards onto the dispensed bulk material to perform spectral analyses.

[0079] A cleaning unit 45 is provided on the conveying device 21 for cleaning a transport surface 26a of the conveyor belt 26. The transport surface 26a of the conveyor belt 26 is the surface on which the bulk material S rests from the bulk material intake 23 to the discharge edge 24. This transport surface 26a should be clean when the bulk material is placed on the conveyor belt 26. The conveyor belt 26 extends from the discharge edge 24 to the bulk material intake 23 along a straight conveying path 27a. The cleaning unit 45 cleans the conveyor belt 26 along the straight conveying path 27a. A cooling system 48 is also provided. This makes it possible to control the elevated temperatures resulting from the convex trajectory 27 of the conveyor belt 26 and the associated high pressures of the bulk material S, and to reduce wear on the conveyor belt 26.The convective cooling system 48 helps to ensure sufficient temperature management at conveying speeds exceeding three meters per second, enabling the conveyor belt 26 to provide high performance under controlled conditions. V1.0 Page 15 | 22.

[0080] The device 20 comprises a control unit 46 with a computing unit 47. The control unit 46 and the computing unit 47 are connected to the recognition system 35, the sorting mechanism 40, and the cleaning unit 45. Control data is exchanged to control the recognition system 35, the sorting mechanism 40, and the cleaning unit 45. The computing unit 47 comprises a computer and a data storage device. The control data is generated and processed in the computing unit 47.

[0081] Figures 3 to 8 show the belt conveyor 25 of the conveying device with a sliding table 50. The conveyor belt 26 is arranged on the sliding table 50, with the conveyor belt 26 moving on the sliding table surface 51. The sliding table 50 is designed such that the sliding table surface 51 has a convex shape, allowing the conveyor belt 26 to move along the convex path 27. The sliding table 50 supports the conveyor belt 26 and also stabilizes the bulk material S along the convex path 27. For this purpose, the sliding table 50 has several curved longitudinal ribs 55, some of which are adjustable. The individual curved longitudinal ribs 55 have parallel elongated holes 56 to allow the sliding table 50 to be adjusted by a few millimeters.

[0082] The sliding table 50 has several recesses 57 on its surface 51, which is aligned with the conveyor belt 26. Some of the recesses 57 are arranged at an angle relative to the conveying direction 22. This influences the belt position in a first direction relative to the conveying direction 22. Further recesses 58 are arranged at a different angle relative to the conveying direction 22. The individual recesses 57, 58 are arranged in an arrow-like pattern on the sliding table 50, so that they help to press the conveyor belt 26 into the center of the sliding table 50. Additionally, the sliding table surface 51 has a grooved surface structure. This reduces friction of the conveyor belt 26, thus counteracting an undesirable temperature increase on the conveyor belt 26.

[0083] The belt conveyor 25 has a controllable drive unit 60 with an electric drive 61 for driving the conveyor belt 26, which is arranged in the area of ​​the bulk material intake 23. The drive unit has a drive roller 62 with which the conveyor belt 26 is driven. This pushes the conveyor belt 26 in the conveying direction 22. Furthermore, a spring element 65 is provided, which is arranged in series with the controllable drive unit 60. The spring element 65 is used for belt tensioning of the conveyor belt 26 and can influence the belt tension of the conveyor belt 26 by means of an adjusting system 66, comprising at least one electric linear drive 67 – see Figure 7.

[0084] Furthermore, the belt conveyor 25 has two deflection rollers 70, 71, which are located in the area of ​​the

[0085] The discharge edge 24 is arranged. This allows the conveyor belt 26 to be easily deflected from the convex path curve 27 (V1.0, page 16 | 22) onto the straight conveyor path 27a. The deflection rollers 70 and 71 each rest in a receptacle 72 or 73, which each includes two hooks 74, on the belt conveyor 25 – see [reference].

[0086] Figure 8.

[0087] Furthermore, the device 20 includes a sensor system 75 for monitoring the movement of the conveyor belt 26, with sensor data being transmitted to a control unit 46. The sensor system 75 has several sensors 76 for measuring the belt position of the conveyor belt 26 on the sliding table 50.

[0088] The computer unit 47 is connected to the control unit 46 for the exchange of sensor data. The sensor data and the control data are processed in the computer unit 47 to regulate the conveying movement of the conveyor belt 26. Furthermore, the computer unit 47 generates control data for the sorting mechanism 40, using the sensor data as the basis for this control data – see Figure 2.

[0089] The method for sorting bulk material S with the conveying device 21 is disclosed with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2. The method comprises conveying the bulk material S from the bulk material intake 23 in conveying direction 22 towards the discharge edge 24 of the conveying device 21.

[0090] The bulk material S is moved along the convex trajectory curve 27 on the conveyor belt 26, starting from the bulk material intake 23 towards the discharge edge 24, and is then sorted using a sorting mechanism 40. The bulk material S is moved along the conveyor belt 26 at a conveying speed of 5 meters per second.

[0091] V1.0 Page 17 | 22

[0092] Reference symbol list

[0093] 20 Device

[0094] 21 Funding institution

[0095] 22 Direction of conveyance

[0096] 23 Bulk material intake

[0097] 24 Drop edge

[0098] 25 belt conveyors

[0099] 26 Conveyor belt

[0100] 26a Transport area

[0101] 27 convex trajectory

[0102] 27a straight conveyor belt

[0103] 28 first elevation level

[0104] 29 second altitude level

[0105] 30 Bulk material transfer device

[0106] 35 Recognition system

[0107] 36-camera system

[0108] 37 cameras

[0109] 38 Lighting

[0110] 40 sorting mechanism

[0111] 41 sorting units

[0112] 45 cleaning units

[0113] 46 Control unit

[0114] 47 Computing equipment

[0115] 48 Cooling system

[0116] 50 sliding table

[0117] 51 Sliding table surface

[0118] 55 curved longitudinal ribs

[0119] 56 vertical slots

[0120] 57 exceptions

[0121] 58 exceptions

[0122] 60 drive unit

[0123] 61 electric drive

[0124] 62 drive rollers

[0125] 65 spring element

[0126] 66-position system

[0127] 67 Linear drive

[0128] 70 Pulley

[0129] 71 Pulley

[0130] 72 recording

[0131] 73 recording

[0132] 74 hooks

[0133] 75 Sensors

[0134] 76 sensors

[0135] S Bulk material

Claims

V1.0 Page 18 | 22 Patent claims 1. Device (20) for sorting bulk material (S), in particular foodstuffs, comprising at least one conveying device (21) for conveying the bulk material (S) in a conveying direction (22) from a bulk material intake (23) towards a discharge edge (24) and at least one detection system (35) for detecting the bulk material (S) as well as at least one sorting mechanism (40), characterized in that the at least one conveying device (21) comprises at least one belt conveyor (25) with at least one conveyor belt (26), wherein the at least one conveyor belt (26) extends along a convex path curve (27) from the bulk material intake (23) towards the discharge edge (24).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one belt conveyor (25) has a sliding table (50) on which the at least one conveyor belt (26) is movable at least along the convex path curve (27) in the conveying direction (22).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the sliding table (50) has several curved longitudinal ribs (55), wherein at least individual curved longitudinal ribs (55) are adjustable on the sliding table (50).

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the sliding table (50) has several recesses (57, 58) on the sliding table surface (51) which is aligned with at least one conveyor belt (26).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that at least individual recesses (57) are arranged at an angle relative to the conveying direction (22).

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that further recesses (58) are arranged at a further angle relative to the conveying direction (22).

7. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the sliding table surface (51) aligned with the at least one conveyor belt (26) has a surface structure.

8. Device according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized in that the at least one conveyor belt (26) extends from the discharge edge (24) to the bulk material intake (23) along a straight conveyor track (27a). V1.0 Page 19 | 22 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cleaning unit (45) is provided for cleaning at least one transport surface of the at least one conveyor belt (26).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the cleaning unit (45) interacts with the at least one conveyor belt (26) on the straight conveyor track (27a) for cleaning the transport surface.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sorting mechanism (40) is arranged in the conveying direction (22) after the discharge edge (24) of the at least one conveying device (21).

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the sorting mechanism (40) comprises at least one pneumatic sorting unit.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one detection system (35) comprises at least one camera system (36).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one camera system (36) is arranged in a region of the drop edge (24).

15. Device according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one camera (37) of the camera system (36) is positioned such that a line of sight in which the bulk material (S) is analyzed lies on the conveying device (21).

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection system (35) comprises at least one HSI camera.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera system (35) comprises high-resolution RGB cameras which, on the one hand, can detect color defects on the bulk material (S) in a pixel-based manner and, on the other hand, can sort on various criteria in an object-based manner.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one belt conveyor (25) has a controllable drive unit (60) for driving the conveyor belt (26), which is arranged in the area of ​​the bulk material intake (23).

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the controllable The drive unit (60) has an electric drive (61), preferably a V1.0 Page 20 | 22 A spring element (65) is present, which is arranged in series with the controllable drive unit (60).

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one belt conveyor (25) has at least one deflection roller (70) for deflecting the conveyor belt (26), which is arranged in the area of ​​the discharge edge (24).

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the at least one deflection roller (70) rests in a receptacle (72, 73) on the belt conveyor (25), and preferably a further deflection roller (71) is provided for deflecting the conveyor belt (26), which is arranged in series with the at least one deflection roller (72).

22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bulk material transfer device (30) is provided which transfers the bulk material (s) horizontally to the bulk material intake (23).

23. Device according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized in that the at least one conveyor belt (26) has a straight trajectory curve in the area of ​​the discharge edge (24).

24. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cooling system (48) is provided, wherein the cooling system is in particular a convective cooling system.

25. Method for sorting bulk material, in particular foodstuffs, with at least one conveying device (21), wherein the bulk material (S) is conveyed from a bulk material intake (23) in the conveying direction (22) towards a discharge edge (24) of the at least one conveying device (21), characterized in that the at least one conveying device (21) comprises at least one belt conveyor (25) with at least one conveyor belt (26), wherein the bulk material (S) is moved along a convex trajectory curve (27) on the at least one conveyor belt (26), starting from the bulk material intake (23) towards the discharge edge (24) and is subsequently sorted using a sorting mechanism (40).

26. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that the bulk material (S) is moved on at least one conveyor belt (26) at a conveying speed of at least 3 meters per second, preferably at least 5 meters per second.

27. Method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the at least one conveyor belt (26) extends from the discharge edge (24) towards the bulk material intake (23), V1.0 Page 21 | 22 extends along a straight conveyor track (27a) and is cleaned on the straight conveyor track (27a).

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