Fruit processing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for processing picked fruit such as fruit from an overhead vine. The apparatus comprises a mobile chassis, a picking deck supported by the chassis, for receiving newly picked fruit, a collection box, and a rotating auger configured to direct fruit from the picking deck to the collection box. The picking deck comprises a surface shaped to direct fruit towards the auger under gravity.

Description

[0001] FRUIT PROCESSING APPARATUS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to an apparatus for processing newly picked fruit, it particularly relates to an apparatus for loading manually picked fruit such as kiwifruit into a collection box.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Manual fruit picking is physically laborious, especially manual picking of fruit such as kiwifruit from overhead vines. This type of fruit picking may require workers carrying picking bags weighing up to 25 kg for 8 hour to 10 hour shifts. These high physical demands limit the pool of workers available. Further, there are no known automated processes for picking these types of fruit that preserve fruit quality.

[0006] There is a desire to reduce the physical demands of fruit picking, in particular, to reduce the physical demands of kiwifruit picking without a reduction in the quality of fruit.

[0007] In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally to provide a context for discussing features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for processing picked fruit. The apparatus comprises a mobile chassis, a picking deck supported by the chassis, for receiving newly picked fruit, a collection box; and a rotating auger configured to direct fruit from the picking deck to the collection box. The picking deck comprises a surface shaped to direct fruit towards the auger under gravity.

[0010] In an embodiment, the rotating auger is height adjustable relative to a base of the collection box.

[0011] In an embodiment, the picking deck extends fully around a perimeter of the auger. For example, the deck may comprise a portion forward of the auger and a continuous portion rear of the auger.

[0012] The picking deck surface may be shaped such that it directs fruit towards the auger under gravity when the chassis is on a sloped surface of up to 5 degrees in any direction. In an embodiment, the picking deck surface is shaped such that it directs fruit towards the auger under gravity when the chassis is on a sloped surface of up to 8 degrees in any direction

[0013] In an embodiment, the picking deck surface may be free from horizontal surfaces. The picking deck may comprise a continuous curvature free from abrupt gradient changes. The deck may be symmetrical from left to right. The picking deck may be asymmetrical from front to back. In an embodiment, the picking dec comprises angled planar surfaces and curved surfaces. The curved surfaces may be concave.

[0014] In an embodiment, the deck comprises a cushioned surface for receipt of fruit. The cushioned surface may comprise a foam such as a self-skinning urethane foam or another suitable foam. The cushioned surface may be non-porous and wipeable.

[0015] In an embodiment, the auger comprises a cushioned surface for receipt of fruit. The cushioned surface may comprise a foam such as a self-skinning urethane foam or another suitable foam. The cushioned surface may be non-porous and wipeable.

[0016] In an embodiment, the auger comprises a moulded cushion component and a rigid supporting core. The moulded cushion may form a chute of the auger.

[0017] The picking deck may include a skirt extending below an upper surface of the picking deck, around the perimeter of the auger. The skirt may be configured to prevent fruit bypassing the auger and travelling directly to the collection box. In an embodiment, the skirt is and raisable relative to the deck to block fruit from entering the auger.

[0018] In an embodiment, the picking deck comprises lateral extension portions for receiving newly picked fruit. The extension portions may be height adjustable. The extension portions may be removable or collapsible.

[0019] In an embodiment, the auger has a helical pitch angle of between about 10 degrees and about 35 degrees.

[0020] In an embodiment, the auger comprises a helical chute having a has a cross-sectional profile that defines a curved inner surface. The curved inner surface may be concave. In an embodiment a periphery of the inner surface comprises a tangential radius of curvature. In an embodiment a portion of the chute adjacent an axle of the auger comprises a tangential radius of curvature.

[0021] In an embodiment the auger chute has a cross-sectional profile that comprises a curved external surface. This external surface is preferably free from angular or sharp edges, to protect fruit that may impact against the surface. This surface is preferably free from angular or sharp edges, to protect fruit that may impact against the surface.

[0022] The apparatus may comprise one or more sensors arranged to measure a level of fruit in the collection box. The sensor(s) may be configured to measure a level of the fruit in or near a corner of the collection box. The apparatus may comprise two, or three, or four sensors. The apparatus may be configured to raise the auger when the fruit in the collection box reaches a predetermined level relative to the base of the auger.

[0023] The apparatus may include a loading mechanism for loading empty collection boxes into the chassis. The loading mechanism comprises a pair of belt drives, for example.

[0024] The apparatus may include an ejecting mechanism for ejecting full collection boxes from the chassis. The ejecting mechanism may comprise one or more belt drives.

[0025] In an embodiment, the collection box comprises an identifier or electronic tag or label to which the apparatus is configured to assign information. The information may include one or more of: time of picking, fruit type, fruit condition, time to fill bin, picker data, ambient temperature, humidity, orchard, location data, metadata.

[0026] In an embodiment, the apparatus is configured for processing kiwifruit. The kiwifruit may be any variety of kiwifruit including green, gold, or red varieties.

[0027] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually described.

[0028] The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims that include the term 'comprising', other features besides those prefaced by this term can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0029] It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range and any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 1 to 6, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 10). Therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed.

[0030] As used herein the term '(s)' following a noun means the plural and / or singular form of that noun. As used herein the term 'and / or' means 'and' or 'or', or where the context allows, both.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example apparatus for processing fruit;

[0034] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a second example apparatus for processing fruit;

[0035] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second example apparatus for processing fruit;

[0036] Figure 5 is a front elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 4, with the auger in a raised position and the deck extensions in place and extended;

[0037] Figure 6 is a front elevation view corresponding to Figure 5 but with the auger in a lowered position and with the deck extensions removed or folded away;

[0038] Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of Figures 5 to 6, with the auger in a raised position and the deck extensions in place; and

[0039] Figure 8 is a side elevation view corresponding to Figure 7 but with the auger in a lowered position and with the deck extensions removed or folded away;

[0040] Figure 9 is a section perspective view of the auger of the apparatus of Figures 2 to 8, taken through an axis of rotation of the auger;

[0041] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a collection box being loaded into the chassis of the apparatus of Figures 2 to 8; and

[0042] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a collection box being ejected from the chassis of the apparatus of Figures 2 to 8.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0044] While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 8 which show two example embodiment apparatuses 1 for processing picked fruit. The apparatus 1 comprises a mobile chassis 3, a picking deck 5 supported by the chassis, a collection box 7, and an auger 9 to move fruit from the picking deck to the collection box 7.

[0045] The picking deck 5 comprises a top surface to receive newly picked fruit. Fruit may be placed anywhere on the deck 5 by pickers who manually pick fruit in the vicinity of the apparatus 1, including to the left or right of the apparatus. The picking deck 5 may have a picking side 11 that is intended to be closest to pickers during use. Fruit tends to be placed on the apparatus from this side. The picking side 11 may be at the back of the apparatus 1 and chassis 3, so that the apparatus 1 and pickers move forward together as fruit is picked. Alternatively, the picking side 11 may be at a front of the apparatus 1.

[0046] The picking side of the deck 5 may be shaped to readily receive fruit. The picking side 11 of the deck 5 may be shaped to protrude from the perimeter or rear of the collection box and / or chassis. The picking deck 5 is at a height to enable fruit to be readily placed on the deck and to provide sufficient clearance for the chassis and the collection box below. In some embodiments, the height of the deck may be selected to be near a waist height, or near a chest height of the pickers.

[0047] The picking side 11 of the deck may be open, with no side wall or lip for ease of placing fruit onto the deck from the picking side. The lack of a side wall may also reduce the chance of damage to fruit due to fruit being placed on the side wall or dropped from above a side wall. The picking deck 5 may further have a non-picking side 12 that is intended to be farthest from pickers during use. The non-picking side 12 may be the leading edge of the picking deck, at the front of the apparatus 1 and chassis 3, but other arrangements are possible. The non-picking edge 12 may have a side wall 13 or lip to prevent fruit rolling off the picking deck 5.

[0048] The picking deck 5 is shaped to direct fruit towards the auger 9 under gravity. The picking deck 5 may slope from an outer edge of the deck towards the auger such that there is a low point of the top surface of the deck adjacent the auger 9.

[0049] The deck surface may be contoured around the auger so there are no sudden transitions in the surface curvature across the picking deck 5.

[0050] The slope and curvature of the deck is selected to ensure that a downward slope is provided towards the auger 9 even when the chassis 3 is on uneven or sloping ground within a tolerated range. For example, in an embodiment, the deck is shaped to direct fruit when the chassis 3 is placed on a sloped surface of up to 5 degrees or up to 8 degrees in any direction.

[0051] The slope and curvature of the deck 5 is also selected to ensure that the downward slope provided is sufficiently gradual even when the chassis 3 is on uneven or sloping ground within a tolerated range such that the fruit isn't caused to roll at too high a speed. Inducing too much speed may cause damage to fruit as it collides with other fruit, components of the apparatus, and the auger 9.

[0052] Preferably the downward slope of the picking deck 5 is within a target range, with the slope being above a minimum functional slope and below a maximum desired slope. Preferably, the slope of the deck 5 remains within the target range when the chassis 3 is placed on a sloped surface of up to 5 degrees or up to 8 degrees in any direction.

[0053] The target slope range for the deck may depend on the fruit being processed. Fruit with more irregularities in shape may require a higher minimum slope to ensure the fruit will roll towards the auger. More delicate fruit or rounder fruit may have a lower maximum slope to minimise the speed the fruit rolls at.

[0054] In some embodiments, the deck slope may be between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees. The slope may vary in different regions of the deck.

[0055] The picking deck 5 may comprise lateral extension portions 15. These portions may extend from lateral sides of the picking deck 5 to expand the area of the deck and provide more area to receive picked fruit. This allows ready access to the apparatus over a larger area and enables the apparatus to accommodate more pickers. The extension portions may be symmetrical.

[0056] The deck extension portions 15 may be adjustable to alter a slope of the extension portions. Each extension portion 15 may be independently adjustable so sideways sloping of the ground can be accommodated. For example, if the ground is higher on a left side of the apparatus 1 and slopes downwards towards the right, the extension portion on the right side of the apparatus 1 may be adjusted to have a greater slope than the left side extension portions, relative to the apparatus.

[0057] As best illustrated in Figure 4, actuators such as electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic struts 17 may be provided to adjust the extension portions 15. Switches 31 may also be provided to operate the struts 17. In the embodiment shown, one edge of each extension portion 15 is attached to the main portion of the picking deck 5. The extension portion 15 is pivotable about that edge by extending or contracting the struts 17.

[0058] The lateral extension portions 15 may be extendable lengthwise to further expand the area to receive picked fruit or may be contracted to reduce the width of the apparatus, for example, to navigate around obstacles or to fit between two rows of vines. The lateral extension portions 15 may be removable or may fold inside the main portion of the picking deck 5 for transporting the apparatus 1.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, the deck 5 further comprises a picking edge extension portion 19. This edge extension portion may be provided on the picking side 11 of the deck. For example, at a rear of the picking deck 5. This extension portion 19 of the deck 5 may protrude behind a rear of the chassis 3.

[0060] Actuators such as electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic struts 21 may be provided to adjust the picking edge extension portion 19. In the embodiment shown, one edge of the picking edge extension portion 19 is attached to the main portion of the picking deck 5. The extension portion 19 is pivotable about that edge by extending or contracting the struts 21.

[0061] The picking deck 5 comprises a cushioned surface for receipt of fruit. This cushioned surface reduces damage to fruit on contact with the surface. The cushioned surface may follow the slope and contour of the deck. Alternatively, the thickness of the cushioning may vary across the deck and thereby contribute to the slope of the deck picking surface.

[0062] The cushioned surface may be provided by a foam layer or a layer comprising another suitable compliant and resilient material. The cushioned surface is preferably wipeable for easy cleaning. In one example, the cushioned surface is provided by a layer of self-skinning urethane foam. Selfskinning urethane foam has been found to provide good resistance to damage as well as being easily cleaned, however, other cushioned surfaces are envisaged.

[0063] In one example, the cushioned surface is provided by a foam layer between about 10 mm and about 50mm thick, for example between about 20mm and about 30mm thick. However, other thickness are envisaged and will depend on the type and grade of foam as well as the amount of cushioning desired. In one embodiment the foam has a hardness between about Shore AO and Shore A50. may the thickness. Thickness from 10mm to 50mm. The picking deck 5 comprises an aperture 6 through which an auger 9 extends. The aperture 6 is generally circular and of a size generally corresponding to the diameter of the auger 9. Suitable clearance is provided between the auger and the aperture 6 to prevent interference between the components and reduce the likelihood of jamming of the auger. In an embodiment, up to about 10mm clearance is provided. The auger 9 extends through the picking deck aperture and into the collection box 7, which is positioned in the chassis 3 below the picking deck.

[0064] The auger 9 may have an overall diameter that is between about 500mm and about 900mm. For example, a diameter between about 550 and 800mm.

[0065] The auger 9 is configured to rotate during use about an axis of rotation AA (Figure 9), to transfer fruit from the picking deck 5 to the collection box 5. Fruit is feeds into the auger 9 from the sloped picking deck under gravity. In the examples shown, the picking deck 5 extends fully around a perimeter of the auger 9. This may enable fruit to be fed into the auger through 360 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the picking deck 5 may only partially extend around the perimeter of the auger. Preferably picking deck 5 extends at least 180 degrees around a perimeter of the auger 9.

[0066] The auger 9 comprises a helical chute having a pitch angle PA. The pitch angle PA is selected depending on the fruit being processed and the shape of the fruit. Fruit that is consistent and regular in its shape, such as for gold or red kiwifruit requires a shallower pitch to enable transfer of the fruit, whereas fruit varieties that are more irregular, such as green kiwifruit, require a steeper, more aggressive pitch.

[0067] In one example embodiment for processing gold kiwifruit, the auger 9 may have a pitch P between about 280mm and about 320mm auger pitch. In one example embodiment for processing gold kiwifruit, the auger may have a pitch P between about 300mm and about 350mm auger pitch.

[0068] The auger 9 may have a helical pitch angle HA that is between about 10 degrees and about 35 degrees at a centre of the chute. The Helical angle HA may be steeper at an inner part of the auger compared to at its perimeter. In one embodiment, the auger has a helical pitch angle HA of about 10 to about 25 degrees at its perimeter and between about 20 and about 35 degrees adjacent its axle.

[0069] The number of turns of the auger 9 may vary between embodiments depending on the pitch I helical angle HA of the auger, and the depth of the collection box.

[0070] The helical chute of the auger 9 may wind in an anti-clockwise or clockwise manner from bottom to top. The auger may be configured to rotate in the same direction as the helical wind or in an opposite direction. In one embodiment, the auger comprises a clockwise wind and the auger is turned in an anticlockwise manner. However, it may alternatively be turned clockwise. In another embodiment, the auger comprises an anti-clockwise wind and the auger is turned in an clockwise manner. However, it may alternatively be turned anti-clockwise. The auger 9 is rotated slowly to move fruit from the picking deck to the collection box. For example, it may be rotated between about 5 rpm and about 30 rpm, preferably between about 10 rpm and about 20 rpm. In one example embodiment for processing kiwifruit the auger is rotated between about 10 rpm and about 18 rpm, for example at about 14 rpm.

[0071] As the auger 9 turns, fruit moves generally towards the periphery of the auger and rolls down the auger to the collection box.

[0072] Referring now to Figure 9, The chute has an internal shape and cross-sectional profile with a depth CD that is typically slightly larger than a maximum dimension of the harvested fruit. For example, the depth CD may be 1 to 2 times the maximum dimension of the fruit. In one embodiment for processing kiwifruit, the depth CD is about 100mm, but this may vary in other embodiments.

[0073] The chute has width CW that is at larger than a maximum dimension of the harvested fruit. For efficiency of processing, the width may be two or more times an average maximum dimension of the fruit, for example between two and five times the average maximum dimension. In one embodiment for processing kiwifruit, the width CW is between about 200 mm and about 320mm, but this may vary in other embodiments.

[0074] The chute internal profile is generally concave. The chute may comprise a perimeter side wall 23. The side wall comprises a vertical surface, which may form an abrupt or gradual transition with the base 24 of the chute. Preferably, the perimeter side wall 23 forms a gradual transition with the base of the chute, as shown in Figures 2-8, provided by a larger radius of curvature CR at the base of the wall between the side wall 23 and the base 24. This may provide for more gentle handling of fruit. The internal radius of curvature CR between the side wall 23 and the base 24 of the chute may form a tangent with each of the side wall and the base 24. In one embodiment for processing kiwifruit, the internal radius CR is between about 100 mm and about 150mm, but this may vary in other embodiments. The chute internal profile may be similarly curved adjacent to the axle 30. The internal radius of curvature between the axle 30 and the base 24 of the chute may form a tangent with each of the axle 30 and the base 24. In one embodiment for processing kiwifruit, the internal radius adjacent the axle 30 is between about 50 mm and about 100mm, but this may vary in other embodiments.

[0075] As best illustrated in Figure 9, in some embodiments, the auger 9 may comprise a transversely curved external surface. Preferably this convex surface is free of any sharp edges with which fruit could collide.

[0076] An internal surface of the auger 9 comprises a cushioned surface for receipt of fruit. This cushioned surface reduces damage to fruit on contact with the surface. The cushioned surface may be provided by a foam layer or component a layer or component comprising another suitable compliant and resilient material. An outer surface of the auger 9 may additionally comprise a cushioned. This cushioned surface reduces damage to fruit on contact with the surface. The cushioned surface may be provided by a foam layer or component or a layer or component comprising another suitable compliant and resilient material.

[0077] The auger 9 may comprise a rigid core 26 supporting a contoured resilient material 22. The rigid core 26 may be contoured, with a constant thickness resilient layer covering the core. Alternatively, the core 26 may support a shaped, moulded component comprising a resilient material 22, which forms the chute, as shown in Figure 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the core comprises a helical component 22 having a flat component. The rigid core 22 supports the auger chute from its underside.

[0078] The chute may comprise a flexible lower potion. This flexible portion reduces the chance of inadvertent damage to fruit in the collection box 7 as the auger 9 rotates. In one embodiment, the core 26 may not extend the full length of the resilient chute component. The resilient chute component 22 may protrude beyond the core at its lower end such that it can flex relative to the core 26 at the lower portion.

[0079] The cushioned surface of the auger 9 is preferably wipeable for easy cleaning. In one example, the cushioned surface is provided by a layer of self-skinning urethane foam. Self-skinning urethane foam has been found to provide good resistance to damage as well as being easily cleaned, however, other cushioned surfaces are envisaged.

[0080] The material providing the cushioned surface of the auger 9 may be the same or different as the material providing the cushioned surface for the picking deck. The properties of the cushioned surface of the auger 9 may be the same or different as the properties of the cushioned surface for the picking deck.

[0081] In the example shown in Figures 2 to 6, the picking deck 5 includes a skirt 25. The skirt 25 is positioned at the edge of the deck aperture 6 such that it encircles the perimeter of the auger 9. This skirt 25 is configured to prevent fruit bypassing the auger and travelling directly to the collection box.

[0082] During use of the apparatus 1, the skirt 25 extends below an upper surface of the picking deck, around the perimeter of the auger. The skirt blocks fruit from shooting through gaps in the auger from the picking deck 5 directly to the collection box 7, by redirecting fruit travelling in such a manner into the auger chute. During use of the apparatus, preferably no part of the skirt 25 is positioned above the picking deck 5.

[0083] The skirt 25 may be fixed relative to the picking deck 5 or may be raisable relative to the deck 5. It may be desirable to raise the skirt 25 to block fruit from entering the auger 9 when the apparatus is stopped, or when the collection box 7 is being changed. The auger 9 is height adjustable relative to a base of the collection box 7. In the examples shown, the auger is height adjustable relative to the picking deck 5. The auger 9 may be mounted on a support frame 27 that is operable to raise and lower the auger 9.

[0084] In the examples shown, the support frame 27 includes a top support 28 to which the auger 9 is mounted. A central axle 30 of the auger 9 extends down from the top support 28 and is rotatably driven via a drive assembly. The drive assembly may comprise a gear assembly such as a reduction gear assembly, and a motor. The drive assembly may be provided in the axle 30.

[0085] The support frame 27 also includes height adjustable side legs 29. These legs are height adjustable to adjust the height of the top support 27 and the auger 9. The legs may be manually and / or automatically height adjustable, for example by electronic, pneumatic, or hydraulic means. The top support has a maximum height that is lower than a height of the vines.

[0086] In the example embodiments, the auger 9 is movable between an upper position shown in Figures 3 and 5 where a majority of the auger is positioned above the picking deck, and a lower position shown in Figures 4 and 6, where a majority of the auger 9 is positioned below the picking deck. However, in other embodiments the auger may have a greater or smaller range of height adjustment. In the lower position a greater portion of the auger is positioned below the picking deck than in the upper position.

[0087] In one example, in the lower position, the auger 9 is between about 30mm and about 50mm above a base of the collection box.

[0088] In the upper position, the lower portion of the auger is raised sufficiently to enable the collection box to be loaded or unloaded. The bottom of the auger 9 may be below or slightly above the picking deck 5 in the auger upper position.

[0089] It is desirable when transferring fruit to the collection box that the bottom of the auger chute is above the fruit level. This ensures that the auger doesn't impact and damage fruit in the collection box as it rotates. However, it is also desirable to minimise the distance from the bottom of the auger chute to the fruit level to minimise the distance that fruit falls. Therefore, the auger is movable between its upper and lower positions in response to a height of fruit in the collection box.

[0090] The apparatus may include one or more sensors (not shown) arranged to measure a level of fruit in the collection box. The sensor(s) may be configured to detect a change in a level of the fruit in or near a corner of the collection box. Measuring fruit in a corner of the box may be advantageous because the fruit level rises immediately adjacent the auger before rising in the corners. A rise in the fruit level at the perimeter of the container may be a good indication that the auger needs to be raised. In an embodiment, at least two sensors are provided at different corners or perimeter regions of the collection box. In one example embodiment, three sensors are provided but other embodiments may include four or more sensors.

[0091] The apparatus 1 may comprise a control system that is configured to operate elements of the apparatus. The control system may be configured to raise the auger 9 when the sensors detect an increase a level of the fruit in the collection box 7 above a threshold amount.

[0092] The collection box 7 is removable from the chassis 3. Typically, an empty collection box 7 is loaded into the chassis 3, the apparatus is operated until the box is filled or the picking shift has concluded, then the full or partly full collection box is removed from the chassis. Another empty collection box may then be loaded into the chassis to enable picking and processing to continue.

[0093] The chassis 3 may include a loading mechanism to assist or automate the step of loading empty collection boxes into the chassis.

[0094] In the examples shown, the apparatus 1 includes front forks 33 for receiving an empty collection box. The front forks 33 may be articulated up and down to adjust their position, for example via struts 35, to assist with picking up and loading a collection box 3. The collection box may comprise groove or channels to receive the front forks 33, as shown in Figure 10.

[0095] The chassis 3 may further include one or more belt drives arranged to grip a base of the collection box 7 and drive it into a loading position within the chassis. The belt drives may be provided on the front forks 33, as shown, or provided separately.

[0096] The apparatus 1 may include an ejection mechanism. In the examples shown, the chassis 3 includes a pair of rear front forks 37 for unloading a full collection box. The chassis 3 may further include one or more belt drives arranged to grip a base of the collection box 7 and eject it from the chassis 3. In the embodiment shown, a belt drive 39 is provided on a central part of the chassis. The collection box 7 rests on this belt drive while it is in the loading position during use of the apparatus. The belt drive is then operable to eject the full container 7. The rear forks 37 support and guide the collection box 7 as it is ejected. The collection box may tilt as it is ejected, as illustrated in Figure 11. In alternative embodiments, the collection boxes may include wheels to enable them to be more readily loaded or unloaded from the chassis 3.

[0097] The collection box 7 may comprise an electronic identification feature or tag to which information can be assigned regarding the picked fruit. For example, it may be helpful to identify one or more of the time of picking, fruit type, fruit condition, time take to fill the collection box, picker identification data, ambient temperature, humidity, orchard name, or location data associated with the picked fruit. This may enable the collection of statistics about fruit quality, performance of orchards or pickers, or may inform downstream processing of the fruit. For example, for fruit picked at a high temperature, it may be beneficial to chill the fruit before further processing. The collection box tags may comprise RFID tags, barcodes, QR codes or other identifiers. In some embodiments, the collection box may comprise a chip or means for electronically storing data on the box. Boxes with electronic storage means may be desirable for use in locations with poor internet connectivity. In some embodiments the collection boxes may comprise GPS or other trackers.

[0098] The chassis 3 is a wheeled chassis for moving the apparatus 1 between picking locations. In example embodiments, the chassis comprises a main computer control unit 41 configured to operate the chassis and the auger, as well as loading and unloading of the collection boxes, adjustment of the deck extension portions 11, 15, and the skirt 25, as applicable.

[0099] The picking deck and auger may be removable from the chassis 3 to enable the chassis to be repurposed for other applications outside of a picking season.

[0100] The apparatus 1 may include one or more forms of lighting to enable us of the apparatus in low light or dark conditions. This may advantageously extend available hours for picking. For example, where wet weather during the morning prevents picking, and afternoon shift may be extended into the evening.

[0101] The chassis may comprise headlights on a front, side and / or rear of the chassis, to light the area surrounding the apparatus. Lighting may also be provided above the picking deck. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 6, LED strip lighting is provided on the top 27 of the auger supporting frame, and arranged to light up the picking deck.

[0102] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for processing picked fruit, the apparatus comprising: a mobile chassis; a picking deck supported by the chassis, for receiving newly picked fruit; a collection box; and a rotating auger configured to direct fruit from the picking deck to the collection box; wherein the picking deck comprises a surface shaped to direct fruit towards the auger under gravity.

2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating auger is height adjustable relative to a base of the collection box.

3. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the picking deck extends fully around a perimeter of the auger.

4. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim wherein the picking deck surface is shaped such that it directs fruit towards the auger under gravity when the chassis is on a sloped surface of up to 5 degrees in any direction.

5. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the deck comprises a cushioned surface for receipt of fruit.

6. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the auger comprises a cushioned surface for receipt of fruit.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the cushioned surface comprises selfskinning urethane foam.

8. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim wherein the picking deck comprises a skirt extending below an upper surface of the picking deck, around the perimeter of the auger.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the skirt is and raisable relative to the deck to block fruit from entering the auger.

10. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the picking deck comprises lateral extension portions for receiving newly picked fruit, the extension portions being height adjustable.

11. The apparatus claimed in claim 10, wherein the lateral extension portions are removable or collapsible.

12. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the auger has a helical pitch angle of between about 10 degrees and about 35 degrees.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the auger comprises a helical chute having a has a cross-sectional profile that defines a curved inner surface.

14. The apparatus as claims in claim 13, wherein a periphery of the inner surface comprises a tangential radius of curvature.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the auger chute has a cross-sectional profile that comprises a curved external surface.

16. The apparatus claimed in any preceding claim, comprising one or more sensors arranged to measure a level of fruit in the collection box.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the sensor(s) are configured to measure a level of the fruit in or near a corner of the collection box.

18. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to raise the auger when the fruit in the collection box reaches a predetermined level relative to the base of the auger.

19. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a loading mechanism for loading empty collection boxes into the chassis.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the loading mechanism comprises a pair of belt drives.

21. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an ejecting mechanism for ejecting full collection boxes from the chassis.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the ejecting mechanism comprises a one or more belt drives.

23. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the collection box comprises an identifier or electronic tag or label to which the apparatus is configured to assign information.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the information includes one or more of: time of picking, fruit type, fruit condition, time to fill bin, picker data, ambient temperature, humidity, orchard, location data, metadata.

25. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured for processing kiwifruit.

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