WO2012021074A2

WO2012021074A2 - Fruit packing apparatus and method of packing fruit

Info

Publication number: WO2012021074A2
Application number: PCT/NZ2011/000157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hamish Alexander Nigel Kennedy; Marcus John Davies; Isaac James Anstis; Robert James Vercoe
Original assignee: COMPAC TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Current assignee: COMPAC TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-13
Filing date: 2011-08-15
Publication date: 2012-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2013-02-13
Also published as: WO2012021074A3

Abstract

A fruit packing apparatus (100) comprises a fruit collection zone (1) and row forming means (102) adapted to arrange fruit in the collection zone (1) into a row. The apparatus (100) also has transfer means (103) for transferring the row of fruit to a suitable container (104). A method of arranging a plurality of elongate fruit into at least one aligned row is also described.

Description

FRUIT PACKING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PACKING FRUIT

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for placing fruit into packaging, and in particular, but not exclusively, to apparatus for packing kiwifruit into trays.

Background to the Invention

Place packing produce, for example packing of kiwifruit, can be a relatively labour intensive activity. After the fruit is automatically graded and sorted it moves on a conveyor belt to a collation area. The fruit is then typically packed into trays by hand.

It would be advantageous to be able to automate the packing step, but this involves overcoming a number of difficulties.

Some fruit, for example kiwifruit, are elongate, that is, they have a length axis which is greater than their diameter, the length axis running from the stem end to the base of the fruit. Standard kiwifruit packaging includes a plurality of pockets arranged in staggered rows. The pockets in each row are arranged so that kiwifruit packed into the pockets of a given row are aligned with respect to the length axis. It would be advantageous for a kiwifruit packing apparatus to be suitable for use with such standard packaging.

Kiwifruit are also relatively prone to bruising, and so placing the fruit into the pockets must be done gently.

It is also important that the packing be performed at a sufficiently high speed, and that the packing equipment is reliable and does not malfunction in such a way as to require the entire sorting and packing system to be shut down.

These principles can be applied to many varieties of produce including apples, stonefruit, citrus and the like, most of which use some form of packaging which includes pocket packaging.

The reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country. Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a fruit packing apparatus and/or a method of packing a plurality of elongate fruit into a container, which will overcome or ameliorate problems with the apparatus or methods of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful choice.

Other objects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only.

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to one broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a fruit packing apparatus comprising;

a fruit collection zone

row forming means adapted to arrange fruit in the collection zone into a row, and

transfer means for transferring the row of fruit to a suitable container. Preferably, the fruit are elongate.

Preferably a longitudinal axis of each item of fruit in the row is substantially aligned.

Preferably the fruit collection zone comprises a fruit receiving end and a fruit transfer end.

Preferably the transfer means is provided at the fruit transfer end of the fruit collection zone.

Preferably the row forming means comprises a conveyor means.

Preferably the conveyor means slopes downward towards the fruit transfer end of the fruit collection zone. Alternatively the conveyor means may be substantially horizontal.

Preferably the transfer means comprises singulation means adapted to separate the row of fruit from any other fruit in the fruit collection zone. Preferably the singulation means comprises a roller and positioning means adapted to move the roller between a first position and a second position which is lower than the first position.

Alternatively the singulation means comprises fruit pushing means adapted to push the row of fruit from the fruit collection zone to the transfer means.

Preferably the singulation means comprises a second roller positioned substantially parallel to the first roller.

Preferably the transfer means comprises a resilient member adapted to transfer the row of fruit to the container.

Preferably the resilient member is mounted to second positioning means.

Preferably the second positioning means include an arm connected to each end of the resilient member.

Preferably a third roller is mounted to the second positioning means.

Preferably the resilient member is pivotally connected to the second positioning means.

Preferably the elongate member comprises a brush.

Preferably the apparatus comprises container positioning means adapted to move the container into a suitable position for receiving fruit from the transfer means.

According to a second broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a fruit packing apparatus for packing substantially elongate fruit, the apparatus comprising;

a fruit collection zone

row forming means adapted to arrange fruit in the collection zone into a row, wherein a longitudinal axis of each item of fruit in the row is substantially aligned and

transfer means for transferring the row of fruit to a suitable container. According to a third aspect of the present invention a method of arranging a plurality of elongate fruit into at least one aligned row comprises the steps of:

i) placing the fruit on a downwardly sloping conveyor means; and

ii) operating the conveyor means in a direction which promotes movement of items on the conveyor up the downwardly sloping conveyor, but at a speed which is insufficient to cause movement up the slope against the force of gravity.

Preferably the method further comprises allowing the fruit to bear against a roller means provided at the lower end of the conveyor means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention a method of packing a plurality of elongate fruit into a package comprises the steps of:

i) placing the fruit on a downwardly sloping conveyor means; and

ii) operating the conveyor means in a direction which promotes movement of items on the conveyor up the downwardly sloping conveyor, but at a speed which is insufficient to cause movement up the slope against the force of gravity, to thereby arrange the fruit into at least one row of fruit, wherein each item of fruit in the row is substantially aligned with each other item of fruit in the row; and iii) transferring the row of fruit to the package.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a fruit packing apparatus is substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings is a perspective view of a fruit packing apparatus of the present invention positioned to receive fruit from an output conveyor of a fruit sorting and grading machine. is an enlarged perspective view of the fruit packing apparatus shown in Figure 1. is a perspective view of the transfer means of the fruit packing apparatus in use, with the first roller shown in the first position, and with all features except the first roller and two rows of fruit shown in outline for clarity. is a diagrammatic side view of the transfer means in the position shown in Figure 3A, with the near side wall and third roller positioning means removed for clarity and the first roller shown in outline.

Figure 4A is a perspective view of the transfer means of the present invention in use, with the first roller shown in the second position, and with all components but the first and second rollers and three rows of fruit shown in outline for clarity.

Figure 4B is a diagrammatic side view of the transfer means in the position shown in Figure

4A, with the near side wall and third roller positioning means removed for clarity and the first roller shown in outline.

Figure 5A is a perspective view of the transfer means of the present invention in use, with the first roller returning to the first position, and with all components but the first and second rollers and three rows of fruit shown in outline.

Figure 5B is a diagrammatic side view of the transfer means in the position shown in Figure

5A, with the near side wall and third roller positioning means removed for clarity and the first roller shown in outline.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of the transfer means of the present invention in use, with the fruit between the second and third rollers and the third roller in the first position, and with the side walls shown in outline for clarity. Figure 6B is a diagrammatic side view of the transfer means in the position shown in Figure 6A, with the near side wall and third roller positioning means removed for clarity and the first roller shown in outline.

Figure 7A is a perspective view of the transfer means of the present invention in use, with the fruit between the second and third rollers and the third roller lowered to the tipping means, and with the side walls shown in outline for clarity.

Figure 7B is a diagrammatic side view of the transfer means in the position shown in Figure

7A, with the near side wall and third roller positioning means removed for clarity and the first roller shown in outline.

Figure 8A is a perspective view of the transfer means of the present invention in use, with the fruit between the third roller and the resilient member, and the third roller lowered to the second position, and with the side walls shown in outline for clarity.

Figure 8B is a diagrammatic side view of the transfer means in the position shown in Figure

8A, with the near side wall and third roller positioning means removed for clarity and the first roller shown in outline.

Figure 9A is a perspective view of the transfer means of the present invention in use, with the fruit between the third roller and the resilient member, and edge of the resilient member moving away from the third roller, and with the side walls shown in outline for clarity.

Figure 9B is a diagrammatic side view of the transfer means in the position shown in Figure

9A, with the near side wall and third roller positioning means removed for clarity and the first roller shown in outline.

Figure 10A is a perspective view of the transfer means of the present invention in use, with the resilient member moved to a position which allows fruit to fall into a tray below, and with the side walls shown in outline for clarity. Figure 10B is a diagrammatic side view of the transfer means in the position shown in Figure 10A, with the near side wall and third roller positioning means removed for clarity and the first roller shown in outline.

Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, a fruit packing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is generally referenced by arrow 100.

The apparatus 100 includes a fruit collection zone 1 which receives fruit from a suitable source, typically an output conveyor of a grading/sorting machine 01. Parts of the grading/sorting machine upstream from the output conveyor are not shown in the Figures.

The collection zone 1 is provided with a row forming means, generally referenced by arrow 102, for arranging the fruit into rows. The row forming means comprises a conveyor 2, for example a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, which in one embodiment slopes generally downward from a fruit receiving end 3 of the collection zone to a transfer end 4. At least the portion of the conveyor 2 adjacent the transfer end 4 is operable to move in a direction which promotes movement of the fruit away from the transfer end 4 and towards the receiving end 3 (i.e.

"uphill"). However, the speed of the conveyor 2 is selected to be insufficient to cause actual movement of the fruit up the sloping conveyor, and the fruit continues to move downward towards the transfer end 4 under the influence of gravity. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the entire conveyor 2 is operable to move in this way. Side walls 2a are provided on either side of the conveyor 2.

The movement of the conveyor 2 imparts a rolling motion to the fruit, even when it has reached the end 4 of the conveyor 2. This rolling motion tends causes the fruit to align itself such that the axis of rotation, that is, the long axis of the fruit, is transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor 2. In this way at least the row of fruit at the end of the conveyor 2 is arranged with the long axes of the fruit substantially aligned with each other. In some embodiments at least one further substantially aligned row of fruit may be formed behind the row adjacent the transfer end 4, as is best seen in Figure 3A. In another embodiment (now shown) the conveyor 2 does not slope to a significant degree, and the direction of the conveyor is such as to move the fruit towards the transfer end 4. In this embodiment a relatively low friction conveyor may be used. This embodiment may be suitable where the alignment of the fruit is less important or is not required.

The row of fruit closest to the transfer end 4 is then moved into a suitable container by a transfer means described further below with reference to Figures 3A to 10B.

Referring next to Figures 3A and 3B, in the embodiment shown, the transfer means 103 comprises a first roller 5 which is provided with positioning means (not shown) operable to move the roller 5 between a first position, shown in Figures 3A and 3B, in which the roller 5 creates a barrier to the fruit proceeding down the conveyor 2, and a second position, shown in Figures 4A and 4B, which is below the first position.

The positioning means preferably comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder (not shown) which is operable to move the roller 5 between the first and second positions. The path of the roller may be defined by straight slots 2b in the side walls 2a through which the axle of the first roller 5 extends, or the roller may be supported by arms (not shown) to create a curved path.

When the positioning means moves the first roller 5 to the second position, the row of fruit closest to the transfer end 4 moves over the first roller 5 under tile influence of gravity and/or pressure from the next row of fruit, until it is positioned between fhe first roller 5 and a substantially parallel second roller 6, as seen in Figures 4A and B. The positioning means then returns the first roller 5 to the first position, as is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. As is best seen in Figure 5A, this movement separates or "singulates" the row of fruit from the fruit remaining in the collection zone 102. The momentum of the fruit, imparted by the movement of the first roller 5 back to the first position, combined with the rotation of the first and second rollers 5, 6, moves the row of fruit over the second roller 6, to sit between the second roller 6 and a substantially parallel third roller 7, as seen in Figures 6A and 6B. At the completion of this movement the first roller 5 may be lowered to the second position in order to begin the next cycle.

The first and second rollers 5, 6 are powered rollers which rotate in opposite directions.

The third roller 7 is preferably a non-powered or "idler" roller, although in some embodiments it may be "slaved" to one of the other rollers. The third roller 7 is also provided with positioning means 8 which are adapted to move the roller 7 between a first position, shown in Figures 6A and 6B and a lower second position, as is described further below. Figures 6A to 10A show only one of the fruit in each row, for clarity.

Referring next to Figures 6A and 6B, with the third roller 7 in the first position the separated row of fruit sits between the second roller 6 and the third roller 7. The positioning means 8 then moves the third roller 8 downwards to the second position, preferably in an arc centred on the centre of rotation of the second roller 6. During this movement the row of fruit remains positioned between the second and third rollers 6, 7 until the third roller 7 moves over a tipping means 9, as seen in Figures 7A and 7B. Lowering the third roller 7 over the tipping means 9 causes movement of the fruit over the third roller 7, whereupon the row of fruit sits between the third roller 7 and a resilient member 10, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

When the third roller 7 reaches its second position, the resilient member 10 moves away from the third roller 7 to allow the fruit positioned between the third member 7 and the resilient member 10 to be lowered into a suitable container below (not shown) as is shown in Figures 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B.

If the fruit is kiwifruit then the container typically comprises a box (usually referred to as a "tray") which is provided with a plastic insert having pockets formed therein to receive the fruit. In some embodiments the lowering of the resilient member may have the effect of gently pressing the underside of the resilient member 10 down onto the previously packed row of fruit in the tray, thereby more securely engaging the fruit with the pockets.

Referring next to Figures 2, 8B and 9B, the transfer means 103 will be described in further detail.

Turning first to Figure 2, in the embodiment shown in the positioning means 8 for the third roller 7 comprises a pair of arms 11. The arms 1 1 are preferably pivotably mounted to allow rotation of the arms 1 1 about the centre of the second roller 6, so that the distance between the second and third rollers 5, 6 remains substantially constant. Referring next to Figures 8B and 9B, in a preferred embodiment the resilient member 10 is preferably also mounted to the arms 11 , the mounting being such that the edge 12 of the resilient member 10 closest to the third roller 7 can be moved between a position substantially adjacent the third roller 7 to a position below the third roller 7. The resilient member 10 is preferably a substantially rectangular member, having a thickness which is relatively small compared to its length and width dimensions. In some embodiments (not shown), only the portion of the member 10 nearest the edge 12 may be resilient, rather than the entire member.

In a preferred embodiment the resilient member 10 is a brush, with the base 13 of the resilient member being pivotally mounted to the arms 11. The axis of rotation of the resilient member 10 is preferably substantially parallel to the centre of rotation of the third roller 7.

The tipping means 9 is preferably a suitably shaped member, for example a cylindrical rod, which is mounted in a fixed position relative to the second roller 6. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the tipping means may be in the form of a plate or ledge.

The arms 11 and the resilient member 10 are preferably also actuated by respective pneumatic cylinders.

In a preferred embodiment the first and second rollers 5,6 have substantially the same diameter. The third roller 7 may have a smaller diameter than that of the first and second rollers 5, 6. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the rollers 5, 6, 7 are shown as one piece rollers, in other embodiments (not shown) segmented rollers may be used.

For Hayward kiwifruit having nominal diameters of between 30mm and 70mm, the first and second rollers 5, 6 preferably have a diameter of around 50mm, and the third roller 7 has a diameter of around 20mm.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the first roller 5 may not be provided with positioning means, but may instead be mounted in a fixed position relative to the conveyor 2 and second roller 6. In this embodiment the row of fruit may be moved over the first roller 5 by suitable pushing means provided between the conveyor 2 and the first roller 5.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, gate or "comb" means, for example a plurality of substantially longitudinally oriented thin vertical dividing plates 14, are preferably provided above the transfer end 4 of the conveyor 2 and at least the first roller 5, in order to position each fruit in the row in the correct transverse position for entry into a pocket in the tray. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the plates are pivotally mounted along a vertical rotational axis, so as to allow the plates 14 to pivot and thereby adjust the transverse position of the fruit on the rollers 5, 6 to allow for the offset between successive rows in the tray.

A tray conveyor 15 may be provided to advance the tray 104 as each successive row of pockets is filled. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus 100 may include sensing means (not shown), such as an optical sensor, to detect the leading edge of each empty tray as it is moved into position to receive fruit. Suitable indexing means may then be used to ensure that the tray is advanced an appropriate distance for filling of each row.

In embodiments where the gate means 14 are not configured to change the transverse position of the fruit on the rollers, the tray conveyor may include means (not shown) for adjusting the transverse position of the trays 104 in order to align the pockets in the tray with the fruit being dispensed by the apparatus.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be used with many varieties of produce including apples, stonefruit, citrus and the like. In some embodiments the row forming means may align the longitudinal axes of the fruit, while in other embodiments this may not be required.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein

incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. According to one broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a fruit

packing apparatus comprising;

- a fruit collection zone;

- row forming means adapted to arrange fruit in the collection zone into a row; and

- transfer means for transferring the row of fruit to a suitable container.

2. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fruit are elongate.

3. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 2 wherein a longitudinal axis of each item of fruit in the row is substantially aligned.

4. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the fruit collection zone

comprises a fruit receiving end and a fruit transfer end.

5. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 4 wherein the transfer means is provided at the fruit transfer end of the fruit collection zone.

6. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 4 or 5 wherein the row forming means

comprises a conveyor means.

7. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the conveyor means slopes

downward towards the fruit transfer end of the fruit collection zone.

8. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the conveyor means is substantially horizontal.

9. The fruit packing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the transfer means comprises singulation means adapted to separate the row of fruit from any other fruit in the fruit collection zone.

10. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the singulation means comprises a roller and positioning means adapted to move the roller between a first position and a second position which is lower than the first position.

11. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the singulation means comprises fruit pushing means adapted to push the row of fruit from the fruit collection zone to the transfer means.

12. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 10 or 11 wherein the singulation means

comprises a second roller positioned substantially parallel to the first roller.

13. The fruit packing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the transfer means comprises a resilient member adapted to transfer the row of fruit to the container.

14. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 13 wherein the resilient member is mounted to second positioning means.

15. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 14 wherein the second positioning means

include an arm connected to each end of the resilient member.

16. The fruit packing apparatus of claim 14 of 15 wherein a third roller is mounted to the second positioning means.

17. The fruit packing apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the resilient

member is pivotally connected to the second positioning means.

18. The fruit packing apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the elongate

member comprises a brush.

19. The fruit packing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the apparatus

comprises container positioning means adapted to move the container into a suitable position for receiving fruit from the transfer means.

20. A fruit packing apparatus for packing substantially elongate fruit, the apparatus

comprising;

- a fruit collection zone;

- row forming means adapted to arrange fruit in the collection zone into a row, wherein a longitudinal axis of each item of fruit in the row is substantially aligned; and - transfer means for transferring the row of fruit to a suitable container.

21. A method of arranging a plurality of elongate fruit into at least one aligned row_ comprises the steps of:

i. placing the fruit on a downwardly sloping conveyor means; and

ii. operating the conveyor means in a direction which promotes movement of items on the conveyor up the downwardly sloping conveyor, but at a speed which is insufficient to cause movement up the slope against the force of gravity.

22. The method of claim 21 comprising the step of allowing the fruit to bear against a roller means provided at the lower end of the conveyor means.

23. A method of packing a plurality of elongate fruit into a container comprises the steps of:

i. placing the fruit on a downwardly sloping conveyor means; and

ii. operating the conveyor means in a direction which promotes movement of items on the conveyor up the downwardly sloping conveyor, but at a speed which is insufficient to cause movement up the slope against the force of gravity, to thereby arrange the fruit into at least one row of fruit, wherein each item of fruit in the row is substantially aligned with each other item of fruit in the row; and iii. transferring the row of fruit to the container.

24. A fruit packing apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.