System for packaging fruit and vegetable produce in containers formed from a preformed sheet and which includes an automatic container closure station

Abstract

The invention describes an automatic packaging system for fruit and vegetable produce, such as blueberries, which uses stations that prepare, select and package the produce in foldable cardboard containers. The system reduces the usage of plastic and allows the container size to be adjusted as needed, improving logistics and reducing unnecessary storage of containers. The preformed cardboard sheet is folded to form a container and, once filled, the container is closed within the system. The system of sheets therefore takes up less space and can be adapted to different produce and client orders. In addition, the system selects and rejects unsuitable produce, ensuring that only high-quality produce is packaged and prepared for distribution, thereby facilitating a flexible and efficient process.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS MADE FROM A PREFORMED SHEET THAT INCLUDES AN AUTOMATIC CONTAINER CLOSING STATION

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention application relates to an installation or system for packaging bulk horticultural food products, particularly fruits, more particularly small-sized fruits such as blueberries, cherry tomatoes, among others, where the products are unloaded at an entry or feeding point, then selected and transported to a dosing station, from which they are deposited in a controlled manner into a container, where said container is formed from a proform sheet in a forming station provided within the same installation, where, once the container has been filled with the product, said container is transported to a closing station where the container is automatically closed, and from which it is directed to an exit point for further disposal.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Packaging fruit and vegetables is one of the steps carried out after harvesting. Depending on the type of product, packaging is usually done manually to avoid bruising or damage and to ensure that the product is delivered to the consumer in perfect condition.

[0007] Fruit and vegetable products that are particularly sensitive to handling, such as blueberries, are traditionally packed manually. However, this operation is time-consuming and presents health risks of contamination. Accordingly, the prior art provides packaging devices and lines for fruit and vegetable products, as seen in Chinese patent CN107618689B, which discloses a blueberry packing device that uses vibratory discharge, vibratory leveling, and rotating plates to cover the container. This device comprises a main frame, a first drive roller, a second drive roller, a driven roller, an auxiliary frame, a first feed motor, a second stepper motor, a conveyor belt, a storage rack, a storage box, a guide chute, a guide door, a door motor, an anti-overflow channel frame, an anti-overflow channel, and a lid buckle frame.The invention, comprising a lid buckle motor, guide vibration block, buckle cover plate, discharge chute frame, discharge chute, spring plate frame, spring plate, platform, electric telescopic rod, platform frame, platform vibration block, platform connecting rod, vibration frame, and light sensor block, is composed of a pressure-sensitive block, a packaging box, a protective plate, and a controller. It has a compact overall structure, occupies little space, and is highly safe, through which it is expected to effectively reduce the blueberry packaging time.

[0008] Although the aforementioned patent describes a device that automates the packaging of blueberries, it has a significant drawback related to the containers in which the blueberries are placed. These containers are boxes that are fed into the device to be filled with blueberries. These boxes must be assembled before use and therefore require storage space, necessitating appropriate logistical planning. Furthermore, since the boxes are produced and stored in batches, there is no flexibility in the number of boxes needed; generally, more boxes are available than required for a specific quantity of blueberries to be packaged according to a production order.

[0009] Alternatively, there are devices for packaging this type of product that work by receiving pre-formed sheets of cardboard, either die-cut or cut, which, once folded properly, form boxes containing the products, henceforth containers.

[0010] These containers, which are generally shaped like a parallelepiped, include a closing lid that is attached on one side to a back wall of the container, while on the other three sides it has flaps that fold and are fixed, for example, by glue, to the remaining walls of the container.

[0011] Accordingly, these devices include specific equipment or stations for folding and gluing the flaps to the walls, thus forming the container. Such devices typically have two or more stations between which the preformed sheet is folded and the flaps are glued. The pre-assembled sheets or containers are moved by a transport system, such as a roller conveyor. For example, at the first station, the first flap of the lid is folded and glued to a side wall of the container, and at the second station, the second and third flaps are folded and glued to the front and rear walls, respectively. Then, once filled, the container moves to a station where the lid is folded and another where it is sealed.

[0012] Therefore, the passage of the preformed sheet through each station, where it must stop to perform the container forming operations, prolongs the time required for the container to be formed and closed, thus reducing the productivity of the device and any system that integrates it.

[0013] Based on the above, a need has been identified to increase the productivity of this type of device enabled to fold and glue the lid flaps on containers essentially shaped like a parallelepiped.

[0014] Therefore, an installation, system, and procedure are required that overcomes the disadvantages described above, while also increasing productivity by optimizing the different devices or stations, especially those enabled to fold and glue the lid flaps on containers essentially shaped like a parallelepiped.

[0015] DESCRIPTION

[0016] To address the identified needs, the present invention provides a packaging system for fruit and vegetable products, particularly blueberries, comprising a series of stations through which the products move from an entrance where they are unloaded, to then be packaged in specific quantities in at least one container, where said container, already closed, is directed to an exit for its final disposal.

[0017] A particular feature of the system of the invention is that the container used to package the fruit and vegetable products is formed within the system itself, where the container starts from a preformed sheet that is folded inside a container forming station in which the container is erected with a mouth and an open lid, where the product will be fed into the container through the mouth and the lid is closed in a subsequent container closing station.

[0018] With respect to the container, once formed, it has an essentially parallelepiped shape and comprises a bottom from which side walls, a back wall, a front wall, and a lid hinged to the back wall extend, the lid being provided with side flaps and a front flap intended to be fixed to the side and front walls, respectively.

[0019] Preferably, the pre-formed sheet is made of cardboard, which is advantageous because it replaces the plastic container usually used to package fruit and vegetable products, such as blueberries, reducing the use of plastics and promoting environmental protection.

[0020] Furthermore, the preformed sheet is housed, in an initial state, before being folded for shaping, in a flat sheet form; therefore, this preformed sheet requires much less space within the system itself and the building or warehouse where the system is located for the storage of these preformed sheets.

[0021] It is important to note that, within the system, the fruit and vegetable products are continuously moved / transported between the different stations that are part of it, so that in the end the product is delivered packaged in a closed container for distribution.

[0022] In light of the above, the system comprises a receiving station configured to receive the fruit and vegetable products, preferably blueberries, to be packaged. The products then move to a rejection station where they are agitated and sorted, rejecting those smaller than a target minimum size. Alternatively, the rejection station comprises a vibrating conveyor belt configured to stir the products by vibration, wherein said vibrating conveyor belt includes a plurality of holes provided to allow the passage of rejected products.

[0023] Downstream, that is, in the direction of product flow, the system includes a sorting station where products from the rejection station are received and additional rejects are detected. Unlike the rejection station, this sorting station rejects products that are not in good condition or suitable for consumption.

[0024] Following this station, the products are transported to a configured loading and dosing station, where the products are temporarily stored in said loading station and from which they are dosed, according to a pre-established quantity, into the container coming from the forming station.

[0025] Once the container is filled with the product, its contents are validated at a verification station where, for example, weighing is used to check that the quantity of product in the container matches the required amount. From there, the container is sent to a container sealing station, which automatically seals it in a single step. From there, it is transferred to a delivery station where the sealed container is prepared for subsequent storage and / or distribution.

[0026] As can be seen from the above, the claimed system comprises all the stations necessary to automatically package horticultural products, particularly blueberries, from when they are delivered in bulk at the system's entrance until they are dispatched in closed containers at the system's exit, where the containers to be used for packaging are formed from pre-formed disposable cardboard sheets, each of which constitutes a container in an automatic forming operation.

[0027] The system of the invention offers a substantial advantage over the technical sector, as it is anticipated that users can easily work on demand without the need for different container units of varying capacities, which creates problems in terms of handling and logistics within the factory, as well as an unnecessary temporary retention of containers that may not be needed in the short term and, during handling operations, may become deformed and a significant percentage of them discarded before the product in question is packaged.

[0028] Additionally, the system of the invention allows adjustment to specific production needs, which depend on multiple factors, and with quick operations of changing the feed of the preformed sheet of the container and quick adjustment of the forming station, it will be possible to form and fill containers of various dimensions and capacities, as well as be able to modify the nature of the food product in question.

[0029] Therefore, the system of the invention possesses great production flexibility, allowing it to adapt to the type of product to be packaged. The preformed sheet used will vary depending on the type of fruit or vegetable product and / or at the customer's request. Thus, the geometry of the preformed sheet can vary according to the product and / or customer preference, and the entire system can be adapted to this preformed sheet to form the required container. The container forming station, in particular, is the most versatile for adapting to the different preformed sheets used.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] The above and other advantages and features will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered illustrative and not limiting, in which:

[0032] Fig. 1 is an elevation view of the product packaging system of the invention in which all the stations that make it up can be seen schematically.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a perspective and detailed view of the container closing station that is part of the system of the invention, in which all the components of said station are shown schematically.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a perspective and detailed view of the container closing station of the system, showing how the bell presses the lid and the positioning elements and the front closing element press their respective flaps.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLE

[0036] The following detailed description presents numerous specific examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it will be evident to those skilled in the subject that these teachings can be put into practice without such details.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a fruit and vegetable packaging system 1, hereinafter referred to as system 1, wherein in the preferred embodiment system 1 is used for packaging blueberries. As shown in Figure 1, the system comprises a receiving station 2 into which the blueberries are unloaded in bulk. The receiving station 2 comprises a conveyor belt, preferably in the form of a net or mesh, to allow moisture or dirt to drain away from the system.

[0038] Receiving station 2 is connected to a rejection station 3 configured to receive the products from receiving station 2 and mix them to perform a size sorting. In this regard, in the preferred embodiment, rejection station 3 comprises a vibrating conveyor belt (not illustrated) that, by vibration, mixes the blueberries, wherein said vibrating conveyor belt comprises a plurality of holes provided to allow the passage of blueberries smaller than the diameter defined by the hole, rejecting them.

[0039] Following rejection station 3, and connected to it, is selection station 4 configured to receive blueberries from the rejection station and detect any additional blueberries for rejection. Selection station 4 can be left open to allow this additional screening or selection process to be carried out by operators and / or by image capture and analysis systems configured to reject blueberries based on the detected images.

[0040] From sorting station 4, the blueberries are transported to a loading and dosing station 5, where they are temporarily stored before being dosed. The loading and dosing station 5 comprises at least one hopper 51 configured for temporarily storing and weighing the products. This hopper 51 is equipped with dosing means 52 configured to dose a predetermined quantity of blueberries into a container, which is then transported to this filling or packaging position by a container conveyor line 53.

[0041] In particular, system 1 comprises a container forming station 6 configured to form each container 20 from a preformed sheet, g such that the containers 20 are formed within system 1 itself and supplied to the loading and dosing station 5.

[0042] The container forming station 6 comprises folding means (not shown) configured to conveniently fold the preformed sheet forming the container 20 such that the formed container 20 has an open mouth through which the blueberries will be packed, which will be closed by means of a lid 24 once the blueberries have been placed inside it.

[0043] The folding means of the container forming station 6 comprise at least one housing (not shown) configured to accommodate at least one preformed container sheet 20. Normally, a plurality of preformed sheets (not shown) are housed or temporarily stored in said housing, so that the station 6 is enabled to form a plurality of containers 20, as required.

[0044] Each preformed sheet is transported, by a carrier (not shown), from the housing to a plate or mold (not shown) in which it is arranged for shaping or erected as a container 20.

[0045] The mold comprises at least one opening whose size corresponds to the portion of the preformed sheet intended to be the base of the container once formed. The carrier places each preformed sheet above the opening, such that the portion of the preformed sheet intended to become the base of the container is aligned with the opening.

[0046] The folding means also comprise a piston or similar (not shown) configured to push the preformed sheet into the mold, forming the open-mouthed container 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the preformed sheet includes a portion corresponding to the lid, such that when the folding means push the preformed sheet, the open-mouthed container 20 is formed. Thus, when the preformed sheet is positioned relative to the opening, the piston pushes or presses it into the opening, forming the open-mouthed container. Following the direction of the piston's push, the formed container is delivered at the end of the piston's stroke onto the container conveyor line 53, which directs them to the loading and dosing station 5.

[0047] Once formed, as shown in Figure 2, each container 20 comprises side walls 21, a back wall 22, a front wall 23, a bottom (not shown), an open mouth and a lid 24 provided with side flaps 241, 242 and a front flap 243 intended to be fixed to the side walls 21 and front wall 23, respectively.

[0048] Ideally, the preformed sheet is made, at least in part, from recycled cardboard. It is important to note that the materials used in the preformed sheet comply with established standards and regulations for food handling and are preferably environmentally friendly.

[0049] Once the blueberries have been packed in the container, it is validated that the quantity of blueberries provided is correct or corresponds to the order, therefore, the containers are directed to a checking station 7 where, by weighing each container, it is verified that the blueberries inside each container are those required according to the order.

[0050] Following the checking station, the containers 20 are directed towards a container closing station 8 configured to close the containers 20 by folding and securing the lid 24 which, until now, had remained open.

[0051] For its part, the container closing station 8, as shown in Figure 2, comprises, firstly, a bell 30 configured to press the lid 24 against the edges of the side walls 21 and front wall 23 by folding the side flaps 241, 242 and front flap 243 over said side walls 21 and the front wall 23; secondly, a pair of positioning elements 40 configured to position the container 20 under the bell 30 and press the side flaps 241, 242 against the side walls 21; and thirdly, a front closing element 50 configured to press the front flap 23 against the front wall 23. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, according to the teachings described so far, station 8 of the embodiment comprises a conveyor belt 60 configured to move the container 20 to a position under the bell 30 and remove it from that position.

[0052] Preferably, the container closing station 8 comprises a lid folding element 70, configured to fold the lid 24 before it is pressed by the bell 30. In the preferred embodiment, the folding element 70 is a bent bar. As mentioned above, the lid 24 is hinged to the rear wall 22; therefore, when the container 20 is moved by the conveyor belt 60 to the position below the bell 30, the bent bar contacts the lid 24, pivoting it about the hinged joint, closing it, and holding it closed by contact along the length of the bar until the container 20 reaches the bell 30.

[0053] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, station 8 comprises two bells 30, 30' spaced apart from each other, so that two containers 20 can be closed simultaneously.

[0054] In another embodiment not illustrated, the container closing station 8 further comprises a glue applicator (not shown) configured to apply glue to flaps 241, 242, 243, and the bell 30 is configured to maintain pressure on the lid 24, and the pair of positioning elements 40 and the front closing element 50 are configured to maintain pressure on the side flaps 241, 242 and front flap 243 for a preset time to cure the glue.

[0055] Once the glue has cured, the container is released for final disposal.

[0056] As mentioned above, in this preferred embodiment, the lid 24 is integrated into the preformed sheet. However, in an alternative embodiment, the lid is essentially a separate sheet from the preformed sheet, which can be delivered to the container closing station 80 to be positioned relative to the mouth of the already formed container, and closed using the glue and bell technique 30 described.

[0057] Finally, once the 20 containers have been closed, they are directed to a delivery station 9 configured to receive the containers coming from the closing station 8 for storage and / or distribution of the same.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A packaging system for horticultural products (1), particularly blueberries, comprising: a receiving station (2) configured to receive the products to be packaged; a rejection station (3) configured to receive the products from the receiving station (2) and remove them for screening; a sorting station (4) configured to receive the products from the rejection station (4) and detect additional reject products; a loading and dosing station (5) configured to receive the products from the sorting station (4), store them, and dose them in a controlled manner, wherein said loading and dosing station (5) is further configured to receive containers, and the products are dosed in a controlled manner into each of said containers; a container closing station (8) configured to close the containers from the loading and dosing station (5);a delivery station (9) configured to receive containers from the closing station (8) for storage and / or distribution; and a container forming station (6) configured to form each container from a preformed sheet, wherein the container forming station (6) comprises folding means configured to fold the preformed sheet forming a container with an open mouth and lid; wherein the folding means of the container forming station (6) comprises: at least one housing configured to accommodate at least one preformed container sheet; a mold provided for the arrangement of the preformed sheet; a carrier configured to transport the preformed sheet from the housing to the mold; and; at least one piston configured to push the preformed sheet into the mold forming the container with the mouth and lid open.

2. System (1) according to claim 1 wherein, once formed at the forming station (6), each container (20) comprises side walls (21), a rear wall (22), a front wall (23), a bottom, a mouth, and an open lid (24) provided with side (241) (242) and front (243) flaps intended to be fixed to the side walls (21) and front (23), respectively, and wherein the container closing station (8) comprises: a bell (30) configured to press the lid (24) against the edges of the side (21) and front (23) walls by folding the side flaps (241) (242) and front (243) on said side walls (21) and the front wall (23); a pair of positioning elements (40) configured to position the container (20) under the hood (30) and press the side flaps (241) (242) against the side walls (21); and a front closing element (50) configured to press the front flap (243) against the front wall (23).

3. System (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the container closing station (8) comprises: a glue applicator configured to apply glue to the flaps (241) (242) (243), wherein the bell (30) is configured to maintain pressure on the lid (24) and the pair of positioning elements (40) and the front closing element (50) are configured to maintain pressure on the side (241) (242) and front (243) flaps for a preset time to cure the glue.

4. System (1) according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the container closing station (8) comprises a lid folding element (7), configured to close the lid (24) prior to being pressed by the bell (3).

5. System (1) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the container closing station (8) comprises two bells (3) (3') spaced apart from each other.

6. System (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the loading and dosing station (5) comprises: at least one tank (51) configured to store the products, said tank (51) being provided with dosing means (52) configured to dispense a predetermined quantity of products intended to be placed in the container; and a container transport line (53) configured to place the container in a filling position.

7. System (1) according to claim 1 wherein the rejection station (3) comprises a vibrating conveyor belt configured to remove products by vibration, wherein said vibrating conveyor belt comprises a plurality of holes provided to enable the passage of rejected products.

8. System (1) according to any of the preceding claims comprising a checking station (7) configured to check, by weighing, that the products packaged in the container correspond to a pre-established target weight.

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