WO2024165471A1

WO2024165471A1 - Apparatus for conveying and packaging fruit and vegetable products

Info

Publication number: WO2024165471A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/052723
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca Benedetti
Original assignee: Unitec SpA
Current assignee: Unitec SpA
Priority date: 2023-02-08
Filing date: 2024-02-05
Publication date: 2024-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-08
Also published as: AU2024217427A1; EP4662129A1

Abstract

An apparatus for conveying and packaging fruit and vegetable products (A), which comprises at least: - a first conveyance line (2), configured for the conveyance of containers (B), - a second conveyance line (4), facing the first line (2) and configured for the orderly conveyance of fruit and vegetable products (A) according to a predefined advancement direction (D) of those products (A), distributed according to first rows (E1) which are transverse with respect to the advancement direction (D) and are mutually parallel, - a transfer device (7), interposed between the lines (2, 4) and configured for the simultaneous pickup from the second line (4) of products (A) in the same first row (E1) and deposition in respective seats (F), which are provided in the containers (B) and are distributed along one or more mutually parallel second rows (E2). The device (7) comprises a main body (8), which rotates about an axis of rotation (G) that is parallel to the first rows (E1); the body (8) supports a plurality of units (10) for the pickup and deposition of respective products (A), said units being aligned along respective generatrices (H) of an ideal cylinder, which is coaxial to the axis of rotation (G); the units (10) are able to translate along the respective generatrix (H).

Description

APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING AND PACKAGING FRUIT AND

VEGETABLE PRODUCTS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for conveying and packaging fruit and vegetable products, and method thereof.

As is known, companies operating in the sector of packaging and distribution of fruit and fruit and vegetable products in general make great use of at least partially automated apparatuses, which are provided with movement elements of various types, the function of which is to convey these products along a predefined path or line, along which stations and equipment of various kinds subject them to a plurality of processes and treatments.

In some cases (for example when the products are apples, kiwi fruit or oranges), a section downstream of the apparatuses described above takes care of providing the package in which the products are offered to the end consumer, depositing them in containers constituted by alveolar trays or cases, which in any case are such as to define a plurality of recesses or cells arranged side by side, each one of which is adapted to receive a respective product, according to a very precise distribution.

While in fact, in the past, such packaging was performed manually, increasingly often this activity is entrusted to apparatuses that operate automatically, in order to reduce times and costs.

Such apparatuses are not devoid of drawbacks, however.

As is well known, the products are distributed in such containers in an “array” made up of multiple parallel rows. In this array (or layer), the products are arranged extremely close together and optionally offset (between one row and the subsequent row), so as to maximize the number of products for the same dimensions of the container.

By contrast, in order to be capable of executing the desired treatments on each product of interest, upstream of the final packaging those products must be kept adequately spaced apart, or in any case arranged according to different criteria from those imposed by the containers.

Therefore, the apparatuses that carry out such a form of packaging necessarily come up against practical difficulties which impose considerable structural complications and/or the use of different devices that cooperate with each other, which increase, often undesirably, the cost of the apparatus and the area occupied, in the building in which they are installed.

Such difficulties are further aggravated when the plant is designed to handle products that are particularly sensitive to impacts (such as apples for example), which demand particular care and attention in their movement and manipulation.

It should further be noted that often the products handled by this plant need to be placed in containers with a different format: this represents an additional problem for makers in that, evidently, the need to give the above- mentioned packaging apparatuses the necessary flexibility to adequately cater for format changes (if and when such need can be met) brings additional structural complexity and other costs.

According to US5737901A1, the packaging of agricultural or horticultural produce requires much manual work, particularly when the stalks of fruits such as apples are all made to point in the same direction and/or when the most attractively colored side is properly presented. In this context, US5737901A1 relates to and provides a method which can be performed automatically wherein at least one camera recorded images of products are made and the products are packed subject to the recorded images.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, by providing an apparatus that is capable of packaging fruit and vegetable products automatically, practically, and efficaciously.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a method that makes it possible to package fruit and vegetable products automatically, practically, and efficaciously. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that automatically make it possible to provide compact packages, in which the products are arranged close together and optionally offset with a substantially array-like distribution.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that ensures care in the movement and handling of products.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can effectively manage format changes of the containers.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that ensures a high reliability of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that adopts an alternative technical and structural architecture to those of conventional apparatuses.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that can be easily obtained starting with elements and materials readily available on the market.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method that are of low cost and are safely applied.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an apparatus according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 10.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment of the apparatus and of the method according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention, with a portion shown in cross-section along a vertical and longitudinal plane;

Figure 2 is a greatly enlarged detail of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view from above of the apparatus in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the transfer device of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a front elevation view of some components of the device in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a block diagram of the method according to the invention.

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an apparatus for conveying and packaging fruit and vegetable products A.

The fruit and vegetable products A can be of any type (fruit, greens, vegetables, etc.): the accompanying figures show products A constituted by apples, but this is a purely illustrative choice which corresponds to an application of significant practical interest, but which is not limiting of the scope of protection claimed herein.

Furthermore, although typically (not necessarily) at each work cycle the apparatus 1 is fed with a single type of product A, the possibility exists of using the same apparatus 1 for different products A in different work cycles, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein.

The apparatus 1 comprises at least, first of all, a first conveyance line 2, which is configured to convey containers B; the containers B are initially empty, and the apparatus 1 is responsible for filling them with products A, as explained below. For example, the first line 2 can comprise a belt 3 closed in a loop which can move along a predefined path: the containers B placed thereon can thus be moved along a predefined direction of feeding C (Figure 1).

The containers B can be fed to the first line 2 manually or by means of at least partially automated contrivances (such as a sheet feeder or an automatic feeder for example).

In the accompanying figures, the direction of feeding C is substantially a horizontal straight line, but the possibility is not excluded of giving the containers B different and/or more complex trajectories, according to the specific requirements: for example, if a sheet feeder is used then a segment of the path imposed on the containers B is vertical.

Furthermore, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one second conveyance line 4, which (with one of its terminal ends) is directed toward the first line 2 (i.e., its terminal end is placed proximate to a length of the first line 2). As can be clearly seen from the accompanying figures, preferably the second line 4 is arranged at a higher elevation than the first line 2 and is parallel to and at least partially overhanging the latter.

The second line 4 is configured for the orderly conveyance of the products A according to a predefined advancement direction D (Figure 1) of the products A, which are distributed in first rows E which are transverse with respect to the advancement direction D and are mutually parallel. The ideal line of the first rows Ei is shown for the sake of simplicity in Figure 2 only.

In more detail, typically the first rows Ei are perpendicular to the advancement direction D; furthermore, the advancement direction D and the first rows Ei lie preferably on a same, substantially horizontal plane. In the accompanying figures the direction of feeding C is in the opposite direction to the advancement direction D, but it could also have the same direction as the latter.

It should be noted that in the present discussion the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used in their common meanings and refer to the above-mentioned directions C, D imposed by the lines 2, 4 (and are also indicated with arrows in Figure 1).

By “orderly conveyance” what is meant is that the second line 4 is capable of maintaining each product A in a predefined position, in such a way that, overall, the products A are moved along while retaining the above- mentioned (orderly) distribution, according to a plurality of mutually parallel first rows Ei which are progressively moved along the advancement direction D. Such orderly distribution is therefore, effectively, imposed by the second line 4 and by the apparatus 1 in general (typically it derives from the contrivances and treatments upstream).

In practice, the ways in which the orderly conveyance is achieved can be any and may also be conventional: for example, in the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures (which is commonly used in the sector) the second line 4 comprises a multitude of axially-symmetrical elements 5, which can move cyclically along an annular path: two consecutive elements 5 thus offer a support recess for a product A.

In more detail, the elements 5 can comprise discs 6 arranged side-by- side (as in the accompanying figures) or more simply they can be constituted by cylindrical or conveniently contoured rollers. Furthermore, different solutions or embodiments can be adopted, for example using cups or the like.

Moreover, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one transfer device 7, interposed between the lines 2, 4 and configured for the simultaneous pickup from the second line 4 of products A in the same first row E i and deposition in respective seats F, which are provided in the containers B and are distributed along one or more second rows E₂ which are mutually parallel (and parallel to the first rows Ei). The ideal line of the second rows E₂ is shown for the sake of simplicity in Figures 1 and 2 only. The device 7 is therefore responsible for picking up the products A from one (and only one) first row Ei at a time and for depositing them in a corresponding second row E₂ of seats F; in turn, the container B can comprise only that second row E₂ or, preferably, also others, which are subsequently filled with products A picked up from other first rows E

Typically, the containers B are alveolar trays (as in the accompanying figures) or cases, and in any case are such as to define a plurality of niches or cells arranged side by side, each one of which is adapted to receive a respective product A and defines a seat F. However, the application of the invention extends to any container B that defines a substantially “array-like” distribution of seats F, aligned along one or more “second rows” E₂ which are mutually parallel (and optionally staggered). The “packaging” performed by the apparatus 1 in fact consists in the preparation of packages constituted by containers B filled (preferably, but not necessarily, completely) with products A, arranged in respective seats F.

It should be noted that in the present discussion, the terms “first rows” Ei and “second rows” E₂ mean the distribution assumed respectively by the products A along the second line 4 and by the seats F in the containers B; after having been placed in the containers B, the products A are evidently also distributed along the second rows E₂.

It should be noted that further.the device 7, the first line 2 and the belt 3 can be prolonged further, conveying the containers B filled with products A.

According to the invention, the device 7 comprises a main body 8 (typically axially symmetrical), which rotates about an axis of rotation G that is parallel to the first rows E For example, the rotation of the body 8 (for example in the direction shown in Figures 1 and 2) can be handled by an electric motor 9.

The body 8 supports a plurality of units 10 for the pickup and deposition of respective products A, which are aligned along a plurality of respective generatrices H of an ideal cylinder, which is coaxial to the axis of rotation G. As can be clearly seen from the accompanying figures (note in particular Figure 2, which shows the generatrices H), the ideal cylinder can effectively coincide with the shape of the rotating body 8 (which has a substantially cylindrical shape structure).

Furthermore, according to the invention, the units 10 are able to translate along the respective generatrix H.

The number of units 10 arranged along each generatrix H is preferably equal to (or greater than) the maximum number of products A along each first row Ei (the latter depending obviously on the number of elements 5, cups or other seats provided along the second line 4). Furthermore, when, during rotation, the units 10 of a generatrix H come into contact with the products A of a same first row Ei, the center distance between the units 10 is (initially) kept equal to that between the products A themselves: thus, the units 10 of the same generatrix H are responsible for simultaneously picking up the products A from the same first row Ei and then, after a predefined arc of rotation, depositing them in a second row E₂ of the containers B, having repositioned them in the meantime (by virtue of the capacity to translate along the generatrix H), according to various criteria (which will be explained below), but in any case already achieving the set aim. In fact, by virtue of the repositioning it is possible to progressively fill the second rows E₂ of the containers B, even if, in such second rows E₂, the products A are arranged particularly close together or in any case according to geometric rules that differ from the first rows E From Figure 2 (on the right) it is immediately clear that the apples (the products A) are placed in the seats F of the containers B with a very different distribution (more compact and offset) with respect to that in which they are maintained while they are conveyed along the second line 4 and this is obtained by virtue of the peculiarities of the invention and of the device 7 in particular.

In more detail, in the preferred embodiment each unit 10 comprises a sucker 11 (preferably associated with an adapted pneumatic circuit).

More generally, the unit 10 can comprise any contrivance that is capable of grasping and depositing individual products A on command, in particular if it is compact and therefore capable (like the suckers 11) of operating correctly even when the products A are moved and, especially, very close together.

Usefully, each unit 10 can perform a relative translation with respect to at least the adjacent units 10, along the same generatrix H, in order to vary the respective center distances. This option makes it possible to obtain an efficacious compaction of the products A and in particular to arrange them in seats F arranged closer together than the products A themselves are, when they are picked up by the second line 4: during the rotation and while they are held by the units 10, the relative translation makes it possible to move them closer (or further apart, if that is what is required) and place them in the containers B according to the distribution required by the containers B (whatever that is), independently of the distribution assumed along the second line 4.

Advantageously, the units 10 arranged along the same generatrix H can have the capacity to perform a mutually integral translation along the respective generatrix H. In this manner, it is possible to arrange the products A in a second row E₂, maintaining the same center distance and therefore the same relative spacing assumed by the products A in the second row E₂ filled previously, but placing them in seats F that are staggered laterally with respect to the seats F of the second row E₂ filled previously. It is precisely this functionality (which corresponds to the solution in the accompanying figures) that has been found to be of most interest: in each second row E₂ the seats F are staggered (typically by a dimension equal to half a product A) with respect to the seats of the preceding (or subsequent) second row E₂, and this makes it possible to compact the products A in the final package thus obtained. In order to obtain this result, evidently all the units 10 of one generatrix H can be caused to translate integrally together and the units 10 of the subsequent generatrix H can be kept stationary, and so on.

More generally, the capability for mutually integral translation can be provided to the units 10 as an alternative to the capability described in the previous paragraph or as an additional option. In the latter case (which corresponds to the solution in the accompanying figures), evidently the apparatus 1 ensures maximum versatility, by offering greater possibilities for redistributing the products A, in their passage from the second line 4 to the containers B. It is further emphasized that, preferably, the units 10 can be made capable of a translation which is a combination of the two previous translations: i.e., while the mutual center distance is being varied, the units 10 and the products A picked up by them can also be offset.

In the accompanying figures (see in particular Figure 3), the width of the belt 3 (the dimension perpendicular to the directions C, D) and in general of the first line 2 is less than that of the body 8 and of the second line 4: this choice (which makes it possible to keep the bulk low in plan view) is particularly indicated when performing a relative movement of the units 10 closer together, during the rotation caused by the body 8; in order to also be able to perform an offset only (or even a movement farther apart), it is possible to simply have a different dimensioning of the belt 3 or in general to other measures for the lines 2, 4 and the other components involved.

In practice, the methods used to obtain the translation of the units 10 (according to the various possible solutions illustrated above or other solutions) may be any, according to requirements and to the state of the art, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein. In any case, in the following pages (and in the accompanying figures) an embodiment of significant practical interest is illustrated, which is illustrative but not limitative of the invention.

In particular therefore, the device 7 can comprise a plurality of mutually independent movement assemblies 12 for the units 10: each assembly 12 (one of which is shown in detail in Figure 5) is configured to command the translation of the units 10 of a same generatrix H along a respective guiding track 13 (which is oriented along that generatrix H and which therefore ensures that the translation occurs along the desired trajectory). In this sense, for example each unit 10 can comprise a plate 14 which supports, at one end, a respective sucker 11 and which, at the opposite end, is integral with a form of slider 15 which is coupled so that it can slide to the track 13 (a beam supported rigidly by the body 8).

More specifically, each assembly 12 comprises first of all a series of arms 16: each one of these is rotatably coupled to a respective unit 10 and is rotatably coupled to the contiguous arm 16 or to the contiguous arms 16 (depending on whether it is one of the outer arms 16 or one of the intermediate ones). For example, as in the accompanying figures, a central portion of each arm 16 is rotatably coupled to the respective unit 10, while the articulation between contiguous arms 16 is obtained at respective end portions.

Furthermore, the assembly 12 can comprise at least one first actuator 17, configured to impart a translation along the track 13 to a first unit 10 (for example to the first from the left, in Figure 5), and a second actuator 18, independent of the first actuator 17 and configured to impart a translation along the track 13 to a second unit 10, different from the first unit 10. Preferably, but not necessarily, the second unit 10 is adjacent to the first (and could therefore be the second from the left, in Figure 5). For example each actuator 17, 18 can comprise a respective pneumatic or hydraulic piston, which acts on the plate 14 of the respective unit 10.

By conveniently combining the movement and/or the locking of the two actuators 17, 18 it is thus possible to provide the units 10 with all the different types of translation described in the foregoing pages.

In fact, by actuating both of the actuators 17, 18 so as to produce the same stroke on the respective adjacent units 10, the corresponding arm 16 cannot rotate and the subsequent arms therefore cannot rotate either: the two units 10 on which the actuators 17, 18 act thus translate integrally together and, with them, all the others do too, so as to obtain the offset already described in the foregoing pages.

Conversely, by actuating a single actuator 17, 18 and keeping the other actuator stationary, the center distance between the corresponding units 10 varies and, simultaneously, a corresponding rotation of the corresponding arms 16 is produced, with that rotation being transmitted to all the other arms 16 of the series: the other units 10 also translate, in so doing varying the corresponding center distance, so as to obtain the consequent and simultaneous corresponding movement closer together or further apart of the respective units 10, along the corresponding track 13.

By conveniently dimensioning the arms 16 and the center distances between the units 10 and the fulcrums of rotation, it is possible for the movement closer together or further apart to be (preferably) in the manner of an accordion or a pantograph, and therefore still keeping the units 10 (and therefore the products A) mutually equidistant.

Further movements (for example the combination of an offset and a variation of center distance) can be obtained by imparting different strokes (different in terms of speed) on the actuators 17, 18 and therefore on the respective units 10.

In some optional embodiments, the assembly 12 could also comprise only one of the two actuators 17, 18 described above, and in such case the functionality ensured by the other actuator could be obtained otherwise or not be available to the device 7 at all.

Usefully, the apparatus 1 comprises an electronic control and management element 19, configured at least for the programmed and coordinated management of at least the advancement of the products A along the second line 4, of the rotation of the body 8 about the axis G and of the translation of the units 10 along the respective generatrices H, as a function of the format of the container B in transit along the first line 2. The term “format”, in particular, means the number of second rows E₂ and the number of seats F in each one of them, and also their relative distance and in general the other geometric parameters of interest.

In this manner, the element 19 ensures that when a first row Ei is presented to the device 7, the units 10 of a same generatrix H are in the correct position to pick up the respective products A and that, subsequently, the various movements are optimally coordinated and synchronized in order to position the products A in the respective seats F.

The element 19 (shown schematically only in Figure 1) can be of any type, and for example it can be a controller, a PLC or an electronic computer, mounted at any point of the apparatus 1; it can be dedicated solely to the functionality just described or it can be a controller or a PLC that also performs other tasks. Typically however, it is the same electronic contrivance that oversees and controls the operation of the entire apparatus 1.

The ways in which the first line 2 ensures the movement of the containers B can be any: for example, they can be entrained along the direction of feeding C by the belt 3, up to the area of action of the device 7 (under the body 8 therefore) and even beyond.

Advantageously, the first line 2 comprises means for the stepped movement of the containers B along a portion leading to the device 7 : such means are in turn controlled by the electronic element 19 and are configured to move, one by one, each container B in transit along the portion, and synchronously (in phase) with the rotation of the body 8. So in fact, the element 19 is also responsible for coordinating and synchronizing the movements imparted to the containers B by the above-mentioned means (proximate to and below the device 7: i.e. along the above-mentioned portion), with the other movements described above, thus further ensuring the correct placement of the products A held by the units 10 along the generatrices H in the second rows E₂.

In the preferred embodiment, the means for stepped movement comprise a pusher 20, which can for example be supported by a frame 21.

The pusher 20 is capable of translation along the above-mentioned portion of the first line 2 synchronously (in phase) with the rotation of the body 8, so as to push one container B at a time, in a controlled manner. The above-mentioned portion is effectively arranged directly upstream of the device 7 and of the body 8 in particular: it is therefore the pusher 20 that, by moving in turn along the direction of feeding C, is responsible for sending one container B at a time to the device 7.

The synchronization can also be obtained in a different way, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein, but the use of the pusher 20 (or other means independent of the belt 3 on which the containers B are placed) makes it possible to obtain such synchronization in a practical and easy manner, without having to worry about adjusting the translation speed of the belt 3 (along which, therefore, the containers B can be deposited and moved in an at least a partially uncontrolled manner).

More generally, by virtue of the element 19 it is possible to move synchronously, in phase, the second line 4, the rotating body 8, the units 10 and the pusher 20 (or in any case the containers B, at least in the portion directly upstream of the device 7), as a function of the format of the containers B to be filled.

Advantageously, the body 8 rotates about the axis G with a selectively-adjustable rotation speed, so as to be able to respond to the different requirements and in particular to the specific geometries of the second rows E₂, and therefore to the formats of the containers B. Typically, but not necessarily, the adjustment of the rotation speed is also performed by the element 19, and therefore automatically as a function of the process parameters imposed (and of the format of the containers B in particular), but the possibility is not ruled out of performing it in another way, for example manually, via an operator who acts on a dedicated interface (but still, preferably, as a function of the format of the containers B).

In addition to the apparatus 1 according to the invention, the present description and the protection claimed with it also relates to a method 100 for conveying and packaging fruit and vegetable products A, which is carried out by means of an apparatus 1 of the type described above.

The method 100 therefore comprises, first of all, a step a. of conveying fruit and vegetable products A along the predefined advancement direction D, taking care to keep them distributed in an ordered manner according to first rows Ei which are transverse to the advancement direction D and mutually parallel.

The method 100 further entails, in a step b., simultaneously picking up the products A of a same first row Ei.

Subsequently, the method entails, in a step c., rotating the products A picked up in step b. about an axis of rotation G which is parallel to the first rows Ei; furthermore, during such rotation the method 100 entails, in a step d., translating the products A in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation G.

Subsequently, the method entails, in a step e., depositing the products A picked up in the step b. in respective seats F, which are provided in containers B and are distributed along one or more mutually parallel second rows E₂. Typically, such containers B are simultaneously caused to advance one by one.

Steps b., c. and e. are progressively repeated for each first row Ei (the step d. can optionally be skipped for some first rows Ei, for example in order to provide the offset).

The operation of the apparatus according to the invention, insofar as it can easily be deduced from the foregoing description, is the following.

The second line 4 transports, in an orderly and controlled manner, the products A, in a distribution that is predefined according to a plurality of first rows Ei which are progressively moved along the advancement direction D up to the device 7, which is interposed between the second line 4 and the first line 2.

The first line 2 is fed with containers B that have an array-like layer or distribution of seats F, which are arranged along one or more second rows E₂. The first line 2 (optionally with the contribution of the pusher 20 or other means for stepped movement) pushes the containers B toward the device 7. The device 7 comprises a rotating body 8 which supports the units 10, which are distributed (with the capacity for translation) along generatrices H which are parallel to the rows Ei, E₂.

Thus, during the rotation the units 10 of one generatrix H can pick up, from the second line 4, the products A arranged along the nearest first row Ei and, proceeding in the rotation of the body 8 about the axis G, deposit them below, in a second row E₂ of seats F, in the containers B.

By repeating this sequence for each first row Ei, a container B is progressively filled completely (followed by the subsequent containers).

In an entirely peculiar and innovative manner, during the rotation the units 10 of the same generatrix H are capable of translating, as seen, mutually independently or mutually integrally.

Thus, it is possible to vary at will the center distance or distance between the products A (in the passage from the second line 4 to the containers B) and/or arrange them in an offset manner: so while along the second line 4 the products A are typically distributed according to criteria that are fixed and imposed upstream, for example by the nature of the treatments imposed and/or by the type of machines that have executed those treatments, the device 7 can deposit the products A in containers B that offer seats F that are distributed in any manner. In fact by acting on the controls that command the assembly 12 or in any case the contrivances that are responsible for causing the units 10 to translate (preferably the element 19), it is possible to freely choose the measurement of the center distances obtained or the extent of the offset executed, as a function of the dimensions and in general of the format of the container B (and of the distribution of the seats F), which in turn are imposed by criteria or requirements which are typically different from those that the distribution of the products A along the second line 4 dictated.

It should moreover be noted that, according to conventional methods, along the second line 4 the products A can be all arranged according to a predefined common orientation, for example with the stalk always directed upward or in any case in the same way, since, evidently, all the products A undergo a rotation of the same extent, then by the action of the device 7, the products A will have the same orientation in the containers B as well, as is moreover often required by the market.

In practice it has been found that the apparatus 1 and the method according to the invention fully achieve the set aim and objects, in that the capacity of the units 10 to translate makes it possible to package fruit and vegetable products A of any type automatically, practically, and efficaciously. In particular, the apparatus 1 automatically makes it possible to provide compact packages, in which the products A are arranged close together and optionally offset with a substantially array-like distribution. The use of suckers 11 ensures care in the movement and handling of the products A.

The ability to choose at will the extent of the translation strokes of the units 10, mutually independently or mutually integrally, confers maximum versatility on the invention, which can thus effectively manage format changes of the containers B.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent ones.

In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000002076 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included 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

1. An apparatus for conveying and packaging fruit and vegetable products (A), which comprises at least:

- a first conveyance line (2), configured for the conveyance of containers (B),

- a second conveyance line (4), facing said first line (2) and configured for the orderly conveyance of fruit and vegetable products (A) according to a predefined advancement direction (D) of said products (A), distributed according to first rows (Ei) which are transverse with respect to said advancement direction (D) and are mutually parallel,

- a transfer device (7), interposed between said lines (2, 4) and configured for the simultaneous pickup from said second line (4) of products (A) in the same first row (Ei) and deposition in respective seats (F), which are provided in the containers (B) and are distributed along one or more mutually parallel second rows (E₂), characterized in that said device (7) comprises a main body (8), which rotates about an axis of rotation (G) that is parallel to said first rows (Ei), said body (8) supporting a plurality of units (10) for the pickup and deposition of respective products (A), said units being aligned along a plurality of respective generatrices (H) of an ideal cylinder, which is coaxial to said axis of rotation (G), said units (10) being able to translate along the respective said generatrix (H).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each one of said units (10) comprises a sucker (11), preferably associated with a pneumatic suction circuit.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each one of said units (10) can perform a relative translation with respect to at least said adjacent units (10), along the same said generatrix (H), in order to vary the respective center distances.

4. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said units (10) arranged along the same said generatrix (H) can perform a mutually integral translation along the respective said generatrix (H).

5. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said device (7) comprises a plurality of mutually independent movement assemblies (12) for said units (10), each one of said assemblies (12) being configured to actuate the translation of said units (10) of a same said generatrix (H) along a respective guiding track (13).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that each one of said assemblies (12) comprises:

- a series of arms (16), each one of said arms (16) being rotatably coupled to a respective said unit (10) and being rotatably coupled to said contiguous arm (16) or to said contiguous arms (16),

- a first actuator (17), configured to impart a translation along said track (13) to a first said unit (10), and a second actuator (18), independent of said first actuator (17) and configured to impart a translation along said track (13) to a second unit (10), different from said first unit (10).

7. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electronic control and management element (19), configured at least for the programmed and coordinated management of at least the advancement of the products (A) along said second line (4), of the rotation of said body (8) about said axis (G) and of the translation of said units (10) along the respective said generatrices (H), as a function of the format of the container (B) in transit along said first line (2).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that said first line (2) comprises means for the stepped movement of the containers (B) along a portion that leads to said device (7), said containers being controlled by said element (19) and configured to move, one by one, each container (B) in transit along said portion, synchronously with the rotation of said body (8).

9. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (8) rotates about said axis (G) at a selectively adjustable rotation speed.

10. A method for conveying and packaging fruit and vegetable products (A), executed by means of an apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, which comprises the following steps: a. conveying along a predefined advancement direction (D) the fruit and vegetable products (A), keeping them distributed in an ordered manner according to first rows (Ei) which are transverse to said advancement direction (D) and mutually parallel, b. simultaneously picking up the products (A) of a same first row (Ei), c. rotating the products (A) picked up in said step b. about an axis of rotation (G) which is parallel to said first rows (Ei), d. during the rotation performed in said step c., translating the products (A) in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (G), e. depositing the products (A) picked up in said step b. in respective seats (F), which are provided in containers (B) and are distributed along one or more mutually parallel second rows (E₂).