Machine for filling containers with horticultural products

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

[0001] MACHINE FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH HORTICULTURAL

[0002] PRODUCTS

[0003] The present invention relates to a machine for filling containers with horticultural products, and to a related method for filling the containers.

[0004] As is known, in the field of packaging and distribution of fruit and horticultural products in general, the use is now widespread of at least partially automated systems or lines, designed and dimensioned to perform a plurality of operations and treatments on a specific type of horticultural product.

[0005] In particular, one of the goals usually assigned to automated systems is to fill containers such as crates, boxes or baskets with products, making them ready for sorting and distribution centers or points of sale.

[0006] Sometimes, however, the characteristics of certain types of product significantly complicate the task of automatic machines, so much so that with known solutions it is in practice impossible to ensure effective filling by means of automated systems, and such filling is therefore carried out manually by operators positioned along the line.

[0007] This is the case, for example, with products that are sold in bunches, such as grapes, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, currants, dates, which often have to be placed in their respective containers (whether baskets, crates or other containers) taking care to keep all the berries within the dimensions of the container itself, avoiding in particular that even just one of them might protrude alongside the lateral walls of the container and / or above the top of the latter.

[0008] As is known, however, the shape of the bunches is different each time and, worse still, changes unpredictably due to the possibility of the berries moving with respect to each other and with respect to the stalk, a movement that in fact occurs in practice whenever the bunch is subjected to stresses, movement or handling.

[0009] Such unpredictability, associated with the delicate nature of the berries, which obviously during any treatment must not be subjected to shocks or forces capable of detaching them from the stalk, nor can they be crushed, has made it indeed impossible to automate the step of filling the respective containers.

[0010] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above problems by providing a machine capable of accurately filling in an automated manner the designated containers with horticultural products (typically but not necessarily) in bunches.

[0011] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to propose a method for the automated filling of containers with horticultural products (typically but not necessarily) in bunches.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine and propose a method that fill the container with one or more bunches while ensuring the correct positioning of all the berries that form them.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine and propose a method that ensure gentle handling of the treated horticultural products.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine and propose a method that ensure the precision filling of baskets or other containers, i.e., guaranteeing that the desired weight is reached in each filled container.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine and propose a method that ensure high reliability in operation.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a machine that adopts a technical and structural architecture that is alternative to those of machines of the known type.

[0017] Not the least object of the invention is to provide a machine and propose a method that can be obtained easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a machine and propose a method that have low costs and are of assured application.

[0019] This aim and these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a machine according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 13.

[0020] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the machine and the method according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective front lateral view of a machine according to the invention, taken from the right;

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective front lateral view of the machine of Figure 1 , taken from the left;

[0023] Figure 3 is a top view of the machine of Figure 1;

[0024] Figures 4 to 7 are schematic views of the operation of the filling station, in partial cross-section along a plane which is orthogonal to the advancement direction;

[0025] Figures 8 to 11 are schematic views of a possible method of handling the containers, seen from above and with the machine partially in crosssection along a horizontal plane;

[0026] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic views of the operation of an additional component intended for the handling of the containers, with which the machine can be supplied, in partial cross- section along a plane which is perpendicular to the advancement direction;

[0027] Figures 14 and 15 are schematic views of the operation of the additional component of Figures 12 and 13, seen from above and with the machine partially in cross-section along a horizontal plane;

[0028] Figures 16 and 17 show two different arrangements of the plates in the first configuration, shown schematically in Figures 4-7;

[0029] Figure 18 is a block diagram of the method according to the invention.

[0030] With reference to the figures, a machine for filling containers A with horticultural products B is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0031] The containers A are typically baskets (as in the accompanying figures) made of polymeric material or boxes / crates of various types or materials, but they can take any other form and be made of any material, without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein. The containers A can also be provided with a lid and in that case they are kept open in any way during the filling performed by the machine 1.

[0032] The horticultural products B can be of any type (fruit, vegetables, etcetera), but in the preferred application (and in the accompanying figures), each product B is a bunch of grapes (as indeed in the accompanying figures), tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, currants, dates, or the like, so as to enhance the particularities that will be described hereinafter.

[0033] According to the invention, first of all the machine 1 comprises at least one filling station 2 which is adapted to temporarily receive (or accommodate) a container A (i.e., at least for the time necessary for filling). Hereinafter, a preferred method of delivery of the containers A to the station 2 will be described, but it should be specified right now that any method of receiving the containers A by the station 2 (or, fully equally, any method of feeding the containers A to the latter) falls within the protective scope claimed herein. For example, it is possible to simply have a conveyor belt that moves the containers A one by one towards the station 2, in any case, preferably, providing the machine 1 with solutions such as to ensure that the delivery of each container A to the latter takes place synchronously with the filling operations that will be described hereinafter.

[0034] The containers A can also be supplied manually to the station 2.

[0035] Moreover, according to the invention, the machine 1 comprises at least one line 3 for conveying the products B along an advancement path C, leading to the station 2.

[0036] In the present description, the terms “upstream”, “downstream”, “upstream of’ and “downstream of’ are used (according to common usage) precisely in reference to the advancement path C and to the advancement direction imposed on the products B along the line 3. The advancement direction of the products B is shown with an arrow in Figures 1-3.

[0037] The line 3 can in turn comprise or be constituted by a conveyor belt or, as in the accompanying figures, by multiple conveyor belts in series, as a function of the specific requirements. More generally, the line 3 can comprise any instrument or element, even of a known type, that a person skilled in the art might choose, to advance the products B along the advancement path C, which is typically but not necessarily rectilinear and almost horizontal.

[0038] Moreover, according to the invention the machine 1 comprises at least one pair of plates 4 which substantially lie above the station 2 (and, at least in part, any container A placed in it) and face each other.

[0039] At least one of the plates 4 is movable, and preferably both are (even more preferably in a mutually independent way), to allow reversible transition from a first arrangement to a second arrangement.

[0040] In the first arrangement, the plates 4 are arranged so as to be (oppositely) inclined downwards (and toward the station 2) and convergent, in such a way that they act as an at least partial obstacle to the release of the horticultural products B into the container A received in the station 2; vice versa, in the second arrangement the plates 4 allow the release of the horticultural products B into the container A received in the station 2.

[0041] In other words, at least in the first arrangement, the imaginary planes of arrangement D of the plates 4 are incident (or secant) and the intersection line is inside the container A (as in the accompanying figures).

[0042] Typically, the line 3 is interrupted immediately upstream of the station 2 and the plates 4, so that products B are released by gravity towards said station 2 itself, and the container A received in it.

[0043] In the first arrangement, the plates 4 are close together or in contact, in any case in such a way as to be able to affect and retain at least partially products B, before they are definitively accommodated in containers A, while in the second arrangement they are further apart or more widely spaced, so as not to prevent release into the containers A.

[0044] It should be emphasized that the transition from the first arrangement to the second one preferably involves the movement of both plates 4, although embodiments in which only one plate 4 moves are not excluded.

[0045] It is therefore planned to place a container A in the station 2 and to release towards the latter one or more products B from the line 3, keeping the plates 4 sufficiently close together to retain the latter at least partly, preventing them from settling freely in the container A itself; subsequently, the invention provides for moving one or both plates 4 to the second arrangement and favoring the optimal placement of the product(s) B in the container A, and achieving the intended aim.

[0046] In fact, the movement of one or both plates 4 allows the products B to be laid down more uniformly and with optimal distribution (in particular if they are bunches). Moreover, in the various arrangements, the plates 4 are preferably in any case inclined and convergent and therefore perform a useful containment function, to keep the products B within the footprint of the container A.

[0047] In the first arrangement, the lower end portions of the plates 4 are close to station 2, preferably to the point of being inserted in the container A received in it.

[0048] In particular, in the preferred embodiment, at least one plate 4 can slide along the respective imaginary plane D of arrangement, in order to be able indeed to perform the reversible transition from the first arrangement (Figure 4), wherein preferably the plates 4 are substantially in contact, to the second arrangement (Figures 6 and 7), wherein at least said plate 4 is arranged at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation assumed in the first arrangement (so as to open a passage between the plates 4 that allows the release of the products B). Even more preferably, and as in the accompanying Figures 1-16, which do not limit the application of the invention, both plates 4 can slide along their respective imaginary planes D of arrangement, in such a way as to be at a higher vertical elevation in the second arrangement.

[0049] Each imaginary plane D is substantially orthogonal to the advancement path C of the products B along the line 3.

[0050] In other words, one or both of the plates 4 ideally rest on their respective plane D (the outline of which is shown in dashes in Figures 4-7) and can translate (preferably independently of each other) along it, remaining parallel to themselves and to the latter. By “sliding” of each plate 4, one means a translational motion parallel to itself along the respective imaginary plane D.

[0051] For example, in the embodiment of the accompanying Figures 1-16, the imaginary planes D can be defined in practice by oppositely inclined rigid mats 5, along which the plates 4 can indeed slide (and protrude at least partially).

[0052] In the preferred solution shown in the accompanying Figures 4-7, in the first arrangement the plates 4 are in contact with each other at their lower edges.

[0053] However, it is not excluded to use different solutions, for example like the one shown schematically in Figure 16, in which in the first arrangement the lower edge of one plate 4 rests on an intermediate portion of the other plate.

[0054] The protective scope claimed herein is therefore to be understood as extended both to solutions in which both plates 4 can slide and to solutions in which only one of the two plates 4 can slide.

[0055] In a different embodiment, which is shown schematically in Figure 17 and does not exhaust the possible implementation options that are in any case within the protective scope claimed herein, at least one plate 4 can rotate about a respective horizontal axis E, for reversible transition from the first arrangement, in which the plates 4 are preferably substantially in contact (or in any case with the lower edges close together), to the second arrangement, in which the plates 4 are more widely spaced with respect to the first arrangement (the lower edges are more widely spaced). Both plates 4 can rotate around their respective horizontal axes E, to pass from the first arrangement to the second one, and this very option is shown schematically in Figure 17, in which the plates 4 are shown in solid lines in the first arrangement and by a dashed line in the second.

[0056] In particular (but not exclusively) in this embodiment, preferably in addition to the transition to the second arrangement, the filling cycle provides for lowering the container A (at the same time as or after the plates 4 have moved to the second arrangement), to allow gradual and uniform filling (in particular in the case of several products B) and finally evacuating the container A itself. One possible embodiment in this regard will be described on the pages that follow.

[0057] Each horizontal axis E (the outline is indicated in Figure 17) is typically parallel to the advancement path C and is preferably located at the height of the upper edges of the plates 4.

[0058] The protective scope claimed here therefore extends both to solutions in which both plates 4 are rotatable and to solutions in which only one of the two plates 4 can rotate.

[0059] Usefully, in the preferred solution both plates 4 are movable (sliding or rotating for example), according to (mutually) different rules of motion (between them). By different rule of motion one means in particular that the type of movement can be different (for example, one plate 4 can rotate and the other can slide) and / or, above all, that the movement of one plate 4 occurs in a temporally offset manner (before or after) with respect to the movement of the other plate (in this case, preferably with the same type of movement, be it sliding, rotation, or other).

[0060] In practice, the machine 1 preferably comprises at least one electronic control and management unit 6 for at least means 7 for moving the plates 4, which have the task of moving them between the arrangements shown above.

[0061] It is therefore the unit 6 that can move the plates 4 according to different rules of motion, as mentioned above.

[0062] In particular, in the preferred but not exclusive case in which the plates 4 can slide along the planes D, the unit 6 is equipped at least with instructions to actuate the upward sliding of the plates 4, preferably according to respective work cycles which are mutually temporally offset. In other words, the unit 6 is responsible for first making one plate 4 slide upwards and then making the other plate 4 slide upwards, after the first one has started to slide and possibly has already completed its sliding. The upward sliding of one or both plates 4 moves them away from each other.

[0063] Preferably, it is again the electronic unit 6 that is subsequently responsible for causing the plates 4 to translate downwards (simultaneously or at different times) to restore the cycle start conditions.

[0064] The electronic unit 6 (shown only schematically, for the sake of simplicity, in the accompanying figures) can be of any type, and for example can be a control unit, a PLC or an electronic processor; moreover, it can be dedicated solely to the execution of the task described above or it can be a control unit or a PLC that also carries out other tasks. Typically, in any case, it is the same element that supervises and governs the operation of the entire machine 1.

[0065] In practice, the movement means 7 can be provided in any way, without abandoning the protective scope claimed here, provided that they allow the plates 4 to be moved between the first arrangement and the second.

[0066] In the embodiment that provides for the sliding of the plates 4 along the planes D, which is preferred but does not limit the application of the invention, the movement means 7 comprise, for each plate 4, a cylindrical sleeve 8 inside which a piston can slide along the longitudinal axis F defined by said sleeve 8. The piston is magnetically coupled to a block 9 (which is external to the sleeve 8), to which a respective plate 4 is rendered integral.

[0067] Usefully, the machine 1 can also comprise at least one of a front conveyance wall 10 and a rear conveyance wall 11, which are arranged respectively upstream and downstream of the plates 4. Each wall 10, 11 is configured to (or “oriented in such a way as to”) ensure optimal conveyance of the products B towards the container A temporarily received in the station 2. To this end, each wall 10, 11 can be arranged vertically or, preferably, inclined (towards the station 2).

[0068] The plates 4 have a containment and lateral conveyance function, at the sides, of the products B released from the line 3, while the walls 10, 11, by cooperating with them, prevent the products B from falling beyond container A or before it (with respect to the advancement path C).

[0069] Precisely to ensure optimal containment and conveyance, the machine 1 preferably comprises both walls 10, 11, but in certain applications it is not excluded to use only one of them.

[0070] In practice, as can be clearly seen by observing for example Figures 1 and 2, the plates 4 and the walls 10, 11 form a sort of variable-configuration hopper (since one or both of the plates 4 are movable).

[0071] Advantageously, the station 2 can comprise at least one resting base 12 for a container A, which can perform an alternating vertical translation (which is preferably gradual or intermittent), for the reversible transition from at least one raised configuration (Figures 4-6), for filling, to at least one lowered configuration (Figure 7), for emptying.

[0072] In the raised configuration, the plates 4 face and are proximate to the base 12, preferably to the point of being inserted (at least partially) in the container A, when said plates 4 are in the first arrangement.

[0073] This raised configuration is maintained until the container A has been at least partially filled, since it ensures a minimum distance between the plates 4 and the bottom of the container A and this reduces any possible falling of products B to practically zero, thus ensuring a very gentle treatment of said products B.

[0074] Besides, in this way the lateral walls of the container A itself are used to convey the products B inside it in an optimal manner.

[0075] Vice versa, after filling is complete (or during filling itself, in a gradual manner), the base 12 can be lowered to the unloading configuration: in this embodiment, and without excluding other practical embodiments, lowering allows for gradual and uniform filling (in particular in the case of several products B) and finally the evacuation of the container A filled with the horticultural products B.

[0076] The base 12 can be provided in any way, and the method of movement may be any, without abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.

[0077] In the embodiment of the accompanying figures (see in particular Figures 4-7), the machine 1 comprises a piston 13 that supports the base 12, which in turn comprises multiple posts 14 that form a supporting surface for the container A at the top. Advantageously, the base 12 can comprise a cylinder 15 (preferably associated with a pneumatic suction circuit) provided with a suction cup 16, which retains the container A received in the station 2, to ensure the necessary stability before, during and after the filling operations (and the movement of the base 12). As shown in the accompanying figures, the cylinder 15 can be placed between the posts 14.

[0078] The cylinder 15 with its suction cup 16 is particularly useful when the container A, as in the preferred application, is a basket or other container A of low weight which therefore, especially until they are filled, are particularly subject to the risk of unwanted movement due to even minimal stresses, which could in any case compromise the correct positioning in the station 2. As already shown, the way in which the containers A are received in the station 2, and in general the way in which they are handled, may be any, according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0079] At the same time, in the preferred embodiment, proposed in the accompanying figures for the purpose of illustrating the invention, the machine 1 comprises an apparatus 17, below the line 3 and configured for the simultaneous movement of a series composed of a predefined number of containers A (for example three, as in the accompanying figures), aligned one after the other parallel to (and below) the advancement path C with a constant pitch (the apparatus 17 is indeed responsible for keeping them aligned with a constant pitch).

[0080] Here the term “pitch” is used in the sense commonly attributed to it in the art, i.e., a constant distance between two elements (the containers A) of a series (precisely).

[0081] The apparatus 17 is configured to move the series of containers A along a predefined path G affected by the station 2, so that each container A can be positioned one by one in the station 2 and subsequently removed, while maintaining a constant distance (pitch) from the downstream container A and, above all, from the upstream container A.

[0082] This choice is of undoubted practical interest, since it allows to control the distance between the various containers A upstream and downstream of the station 2, in particular ensuring that when a container A is arranged in the station 2, another one is upstream at the ideal distance (choosing the pitch conveniently) to be subsequently picked up at the end of the filling cycle, to start another one. Regardless of any irregularity in the upstream supply, the apparatus 17 moves the containers A to and from the station 2, thus ensuring a regular supply in the latter.

[0083] The operation of the apparatus 17 is preferably synchronized with that of the line 3 and the plates 4, for example by means of the electronic unit 6.

[0084] In the preferred but non limiting embodiment shown in the accompanying Figures 8-11, 14 and 15, the apparatus 17 comprises a slider 18 that can move parallel to the advancement path C alongside the path G, below the line 3. For example, the slider 18 can slide along one or more laterally adjacent guide rails 19.

[0085] The slider 18 supports a linear actuator 20 that is configured to move a fork 21 along a trajectory which is perpendicular to the path G (and the advancement path C). In turn, the fork 21 comprises a plurality of equally spaced prongs 21a (according to the pitch between the containers A of the series), which can be inserted between each pair of adjacent containers A of the series (and / or at their sides) and are configured to drag or otherwise move said containers A.

[0086] In greater detail, as shown in the sequence of operation of Figures 8- 11, initially the fork 21 is outside the containers A, so as not to interfere with them (Figure 8); subsequently the linear actuator 20 is activated to translate the fork 21 and bring the prongs 21a between the containers A (Figure 9). Then, without further movements controlled by the linear actuator 20, the downward movement of the slider 18 is imposed (Figure 10) in order to move the containers A forward: a new (empty) container A is placed in the station 2 and the previously filled one is evacuated, maintaining as mentioned a constant pitch between the containers A involved.

[0087] Finally, the linear actuator 20 actuates the translation of the fork 21 in the opposite direction to make the prongs 21a exit from the space occupied by the series of containers A (Figure 11); a translation in the opposite direction (upstream) of the slider 18 allows to restore the initial condition (Figure 8).

[0088] Moreover, it is possible to provide the fork 21 with removable prongs 21a (or to replace the fork 21) so that it can be easily replaced when containers A of a different format are to be handled.

[0089] Usefully, the machine 1 can also comprise a device 22 for dragging the containers A, configured to pick up the containers A one by one from a feeder 23 and release them along the path G.

[0090] It should be emphasized that in the preferred solution (and as can be clearly seen in Figures 14 and 15) the device 22 operates directly upstream of the apparatus 17, moving the containers A and releasing them on the path G before they are taken over by the latter; however, it is not excluded to use devices 22 that simply pick up the containers A one by one from a feeder 23 and release them directly in the station 2 (or deliver them to another handling element different from the apparatus 17).

[0091] The feeder 23 may or may not be part of the machine 1 and may be used to fill a battery of lines 3. As shown schematically in Figures 8-11, 14 and 15, it may for example comprise an additional conveyor belt, preferably but not necessarily oriented at right angles to the advancement path C.

[0092] In greater detail, the possibility that the (modular) machine 1 comprises a plurality (battery) of lines 3 (typically but not necessarily in parallel), leading to respective stations 2 with corresponding pairs of plates 4 above the latter, is included in the protective scope claimed herein. The machine 1 can comprise a single feeder 23 for all the lines 3.

[0093] If the machine 1 is indeed of the type just described, everything said in relation to a single line 3, a single station 2, a pair of plates 4 must be understood to extend to any number of lines 3, stations 2 and pairs of plates 4 that the machine 1 might be provided with.

[0094] In the preferred embodiment, which does not limit the invention, the device 22 comprises a slider 24 that can translate parallel to the advancement path C, for example along an auxiliary direction H defined by a respective guide 25.

[0095] The slider 24 supports a cylindrical chamber 26 in which a piston 27 can slide which is configured to raise and lower an arm 28 which in turn supports a contoured block 29, configured to be temporarily insertable between the lateral walls of the container A and, consequently, to drag it, as a consequence of the translation of the slider 24 (along the guide 25).

[0096] In any case, any method of actuating the raising and lowering of the arm 28 that a person skilled in the art would consider adequate is included in the protective scope claimed herein.

[0097] In greater detail, at the beginning of the cycle, the slider 24 is located at or is brought at the upstream end of the guide 25 (Figure 14) and the arm 28 is raised to the point where the block 29 is at a higher vertical elevation than the top of the container A (Figure 12).

[0098] From this condition, and keeping the slider 24 stationary, the piston 27 is made to slide into the chamber 26 so that the arm 28 lowers, so as to insert the block 29 between the side walls of the container A (Figure 13).

[0099] Keeping the piston 27 now stationary, the slider 24 translates downstream, dragging the corresponding container A to the longitudinal elevation (measured along the advancement path C) that corresponds to an initial (upstream) portion of the path G (Figure 15), where again the piston 27 can lift the arm 28 and the block 29, in order to “free” the container A and allow it to be subsequently taken over by the apparatus 17. In the meantime (in the transition from the configuration of Figure 14 to the one of Figure 15), the apparatus 17 will have completed a cycle of advancement of the containers A, as shown in Figures 8-11 and as described on the previous pages.

[0100] The slider 24 can thus return to the cycle start position (Figure 14).

[0101] The block 29 can be box-shaped with dimensions chosen so that it can indeed be inserted in the container A and preferably to come into contact with the side walls thereof, when it has to take charge of the dragging.

[0102] Moreover, it is possible to detachably couple the block 29 to the arm 28, or the arm 28 to the piston 27, so as to allow replacement of the block 29 when it is necessary to fill containers A of a different format.

[0103] Usefully, the machine 1 comprises, downstream of the filling station 2, a settling station 30, equipped with vibration means 31 (chosen of any type, even a known one), configured to subject the container A filled with the horticultural products B to vibratory stresses. These stresses allow to distribute the products B in the container A even more uniformly, avoiding in particular that even just one or a few berries remain above the top of the container A itself.

[0104] In addition to the machine 1 described above, the present description also claims protection on a method 100 for filling containers A with horticultural products B which is performed by means of a machine 1 according to what has been described so far.

[0105] The method 100 provides at least, in a step a., for conveying one or more products B along the conveyance line 3.

[0106] Moreover, in a step b. (which precedes, follows or is simultaneous with step a.), the method 100 provides for placing a container A of horticultural products B in the filling station 2.

[0107] Moreover, in a step c., the method 100 provides for arranging the plates 4 in the first arrangement; thus, once step c. is complete, the plates are close together or in contact, in any case so as to at least partially hinder the release of the products B towards the station 2 and the container A.

[0108] The diagram of Figure 18 shows one embodiment of the method 100 in which the step c. follows the first two steps: in practice, the step c. can be carried out in a different chronological order with respect to the first two steps, but in any case before the one described hereinafter.

[0109] The method 100 therefore provides, in a step d., for depositing one or more horticultural products B on the plates 4.

[0110] Then the method 100 provides, in a step e., for arranging the plates 4 in the second arrangement. As emphasized on the previous pages, this may entail moving only one or both plates 4.

[0111] Step e. may in particular provide (in the preferred but not exclusive embodiment) for sliding one of the plates 4 upwards and (preferably, not necessarily) also sliding the other plate 4 upwards (preferably, at a later moment).

[0112] Alternatively, step e. may provide for rotating one or both plates 4, in order to separate them or in any case to open or widen a gap between them.

[0113] The operation of the machine according to the invention has already been described in practice.

[0114] Bunches of grapes or other products B (preferably but not necessarily in bunches) are made to advance along the line until they are released downstream, towards the plates 4 that lie above the station 2. The advancement can be driven by the electronic unit 6.

[0115] Before reaching the container A, one or more products B are at least partially engaged and temporarily retained by the plates 4, which are arranged close together and preferably in contact, in the first arrangement.

[0116] In this step, preferably the lower edges of the plates 4 are inside the container A, which is kept raised from the base 12 (Figure 4).

[0117] The plates 4 are then moved to the second arrangement (by sliding, rotating or in another way): this allows the products B to be placed gently in the container A, distributing them evenly throughout the available space. In particular, if the products B are bunches (of grapes or other), this solution prevents one or more berries from remaining outside the space occupation of the container A.

[0118] The preferred but not exclusive choice of moving first one plate 4 and then the other increases the effectiveness of the optimal distribution of the berries in the container A.

[0119] The result described above can be optimized by providing the machine 1 with walls 10, 11 and / or the settling station 30.

[0120] Subsequently, the container A can be removed and preferably this is done by first lowering the base 12 (Figure 7), so as to make subsequent handling easier.

[0121] The transition of the plates 4 from the first arrangement to the second one can be started after a conveniently chosen number of products B, depending on the number and / or above all the weight of the products B that must be placed in the container A. For this purpose, the machine 1 can be provided with a weighing device, which for example can be mounted on the plates 4 (thus obtaining a sort of weighing hopper) or on the station 2 (on the base 12 in particular).

[0122] For example, one can simply start the cycle after products B equal in weight to the amount one wishes to supply to the container A have been retained between the plates 4 (this can correspond to any number of products B).

[0123] Similarly, the cycle can be started when there are products B between the plates 4 with a lower weight than in the previous case, since after said products B have been correctly distributed in the container A thanks to the sliding cycle, the missing products B are added later, releasing them between the spaced plates 4, since in any case, thanks to their V-shaped configuration, they correctly convey them even when they are spaced.

[0124] The correct coordination of the movements is preferably entrusted to the unit 6 or to another electronic element.

[0125] In particular, the machine 1 can comprise a sizing machine placed upstream of the line 3 (or of the battery of lines 3, with corresponding stations 2 and pairs of plates 4) and adapted to supply products B to it (or the machine 1 can be arranged downstream of at least one output of the sizing machine). This allows to optimally satisfy the need to place products B in the containers A while complying with weight requirements. Thus, for example, bunches of grapes or other products B with a weight that already corresponds to that of the final package (the “target weight”) or even products B with a lower weight but chosen in such a way as to obtain said target weight in total, can be delivered to the line 3 (in the latter case, therefore, for example two or three bunches are released onto the plates before activating the transition from the first to the second arrangement). In this case, therefore, the machine 1 can be provided with a calculation system (which can be integrated in the unit 6 for example or operate separately), configured for the distribution of the products B from the sizing machine to the line 3 according to a target weight of the container A filled with said products B.

[0126] Precisely to better control the operation of the machine 1 and in particular the activity of releasing the products B from the line 3, the machine 1 can comprise a presence sensor 3a, configured to verify the presence of a horticultural product B at an end section of the line 3, facing and close to the station 2.

[0127] The operation of the sizing machine and / or the presence sensor 3a and / or the weighing device can be effectively coordinated (for example by unit 6), to ensure that the desired weight is reached in each container A.

[0128] As has been seen, the apparatus 17 and the device 22 offer practical and effective methods (which are preferred and not exclusive) for handling the containers A below line 3.

[0129] In practice it has been found that the machine and the method according to the invention fully achieve the intended aim, since the plates 4 allow to accurately fill, in an automated way, baskets or other containers A with bunches of grapes or other, and preferably similar, horticultural products B.

[0130] The plates 4 convey and distribute the bunches uniformly inside the containers A, at the same time ensuring the correct positioning of all the berries that compose them.

[0131] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements .

[0132] In the examples of embodiment shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other examples of embodiment.

[0133] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0134] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000009703 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0135] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine for filling containers (A) with horticultural products (B), characterized in that it comprises at least:- a filling station (2) adapted to temporarily receive a container (A) of horticultural products (B),- a line (3) for conveying the horticultural products (B) along an advancement direction (C), which leads to said station (2),- a pair of plates (4) which substantially lie above said station (2) and face each other, at least one of said plates (4) being movable, for reversible transition from a first arrangement, in which said plates (4) are arranged so as to be inclined downward and converging, forming an at least partial obstruction to the release of the horticultural products (B) into the container (A) received in said station (2), to a second arrangement, for allowing the release of the horticultural products (B) into the container (A) received at said station (2), at least in the first arrangement, the imaginary planes of arrangement (D) of said plates (4) being incident, with the respective intersection line inside the container (A).

2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said plates (4) can slide along said respective imaginary plane of arrangement (D), for reversible transition from said first arrangement, wherein preferably said plates (4) are substantially in contact, to said second arrangement, wherein said at least one plate (4) is arranged at a higher vertical elevation than the vertical elevation assumed in said first arrangement.

3. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of said plates (4) can rotate about a respective horizontal axis (E), for reversible transition from said first arrangement, wherein preferably said plates (4) are substantially in contact, to said second arrangement, wherein said plates (4) are more widely parted than in said first arrangement.

4. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterized in that both of said plates (4) are movable, according to different rules of motion.

5. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one of a front conveyance wall (10) and a rear conveyance wall (11), arranged respectively upstream and downstream of said plates (4).

6. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said station (2) comprises a base (12) for supporting a container (A), which has the possibility of alternating vertical translation, for reversible transition from at least one raised filling configuration, wherein said plates (4) face and are proximate to said base (12) and preferably partially inserted into the container (A) when said plates (4) are arranged in said first arrangement, to at least one lowered unloading configuration.

7. The machine according to claim 6, characterized in that said base (12) comprises a cylinder (15) provided with a suction cup (16), for selectively retaining the container (A) received in said station (2).

8. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an apparatus (17), arranged below said line (3) and configured for the simultaneous movement of a series composed of a predefined number of containers (A), kept aligned one after the other parallel to said advancement direction (C) with a constant pitch, said apparatus (17) being configured for the movement of the series of containers (A) along a predefined path (G) affected by said station (2), for placing each container (A), one by one, in said station (2) and for subsequent removal.

9. The machine according to claim 8, characterized in that said apparatus (17) comprises a slider (18) which can move parallel to said advancement direction (C) alongside said path (G), below said line (3), and supports a linear actuator (20) configured to move a fork (21) along atrajectory which is perpendicular to said path (G), said fork (21) comprising a plurality of equally-spaced prongs (21a) which can be inserted between each pair of adjacent containers (A) of the series and are configured to drag said containers (A).

10. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device (22) for dragging the containers(A), configured for picking up the containers (A) one by one from a feeder (23) and releasing them along said path (G).

11. The machine according to claim 10, characterized in that said device (22) comprises a slider (24) which can translate parallel to said advancement direction (C) and supports a cylindrical chamber (26) in which a piston (27) is slidable, configured for raising and lowering an arm (28) which supports in a cantilever manner a contoured block (29), configured for its temporary insertion between the side walls of the container (A) and for the consequent dragging of said container (A), following the translation of said slider (24).

12. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, downstream of said filling station (2), a settling station (30), provided with vibration means (31), which are configured to subject the container (A) filled with horticultural products (B) to vibration forces.

13. A method for filling containers (A) with horticultural products(B), provided by means of a machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: a. conveying one or more horticultural products (B) along said line (3), b. placing a container (A) of horticultural products (B) in the filling station (2), c. arranging the plates (4) in the first arrangement;d. depositing one or more horticultural products (B) on the plates (4), e. arranging the plates (4) in the second arrangement.