Patent Description:
Sorting machines of the type known in the art automatically inspects a plurality of products for conformity and separates defective ones that do not conform with a predetermined set of specifications or standards. Sorting machines are employed in a variety of environments to carry out sorting operations. Typically, sorting operation is an integral part of the food processing industry. Sorting is carried out for meat and fish products, dairy products such as cheese, agricultural products such as nuts etc. The sensitive nature of the products that the machines handle requires frequent cleaning of the components such as conveyor belts, ejection containers, receiving bins, etc., that could come in contact with the product that is processed. Cross contact with allergens could increase the risk of contamination many folds, thereby posing severe health risks to end consumers of the product.

The main problem associated with cleaning the sorting machines is the difficulty in gaining optimum access to conveyor belts, ejection containers, and receiving bins. This problem severely undermines the cleaning efforts of operators, giving rise to ever increasing infestation. In a typical sorting machine layout, the receiving bin is arranged in close proximity to the outfeed conveyor belt to ensure successfully transfer of rejected product from the outfeed conveyor belt directly into the receiving bin. For carrying out washing, the conveyor belt is loosened up before it is tilted upwards from the frame of the sorting machine. However, in addition to loosening up the belt it is also necessary to spatially move the receiving bin away from the conveyor. Specifically, the receiving bin should be moved out of the path of the outfeed conveyor belt because in its working position the receiving bin directly interferes with the outfeed conveyor belt. One known way in which the aforementioned requirement is presently addressed is by physically separating the receiving bin from the remaining parts, typically the frame, of the sorting machine and keeping it aside while the conveyor belts are moved into a desired position that enables increased access for carrying out cleaning operation. In another known way, the receiving bin is arranged to swivel about a vertical axis thereby moving the receiving bin out of the way of the conveyor belts.

The prior art arrangements pose severe challenges to the owners of processing plants as cleaning and sanitation of processing environment progressed from an afterthought to a central consideration in view of the ever increasing regulatory demands coupled with obligations to meet the global food safety standards. A dedicated storage space must be allocated within the processing plant for keeping the prior art receiving bin that is removed from the frame of the sorting machine until the cleaning operation is carried out and the equipment is dried sufficiently. Secondly, a typical receiving bin is heavy and requires suitable man - machine coordination to displace and relocate it thereby making the cleaning operation labour intensive and costly. The problem associated with the other known solution is the additional spacing that needs to be planned into the site layout for accommodating the receiving bin when it is swivelled about the frame. Secondly, the use of high pressure wash-down techniques for sanitizing the machines tends to cause accumulation of water in the swivelling connection located in between the receiving bin and the frame to obtain the desired swivelling effect. Entry of water into the joints could potentially lead to formation of rust. Use of lubrication for joints is forbidden in processing environment as it could be a source of contamination. The prior art receiving bin designs also pose severe problems in terms of offering the much needed exposure to high pressure wash-down operation. The integrally formed closed box design of the present day receiving bin makes it difficult for the operators to access the inner surfaces and forever keeps those inaccessible surfaces out of reach of the jet, thus making the receiving bin a breeding ground for pathogens and a sink for dirt, residues, and debris.

<CIT> discloses a receiving bin for a sorting machine, said receiving bin movable to alternate between an operative configuration, in which said receiving bin is configurable for receiving a rejected product from the sorting machine, and an inoperative configuration, in which said receiving bin is configurable for servicing and maintenance.

In view of the aforementioned disadvantages associated with prior art receiving bins, the applicant searched for a new solution that would allow the sorting machine to be equipped with a receiving bin that provides easy access to the operators for carrying out cleaning of the various components of the sorting machine that come in contact with the product that is to be processed. It occurred to the inventors that strict adherence to the regulatory guidelines and high conformity with the global food standards could be achieved in processing plants by means of an improved receiving bin.

According to the invention, a receiving bin as defined in independent claim <NUM> is provided. In particular, this receiving bin is movable to alternate between an operative configuration in which the receiving bin is configurable for receiving a rejected product from the sorting machine, and an inoperative configuration in which the receiving bin is configurable for servicing and maintenance. The receiving bin comprises an inlet chute and a transfer chute. The receiving bin for the sorting machine, according to the invention, further comprises a configuration altering mechanism connecting said inlet chute, and said transfer chute. The configuration altering mechanism comprises at least one first guiding member having a receiving position and a separating position; at least one first guided member receivable within the first guiding member.

According to the invention, said configuration altering mechanism further comprises at least one second guiding member having a front end position and a rear end position located opposing the front end position, and at least one second guided member receivable within the second guiding member and configured to be continuously movable between the front end position and the rear end position. The receiving bin is in operative configuration when the first guided member is located in the receiving position of the first guiding member and the second guided member is located in the front end position of the second guiding member. The receiving bin is in inoperative configuration when the second guided member is located in the rear end position of the second guiding member and the first guided member is located outside of the first guiding member. The inventive arrangement offers several advantages and most notable among them is the easy access to conveyor belts for cleaning when the receiving bin is moved into an inoperative configuration. Besides, it is not necessary to separate the receiving bin from the frame of the sorting machine for the purpose of servicing and maintenance. In addition, the inlet chute and the transfer chute are sufficiently exposed to waterjet during a cleaning event, which is essential to maintain aseptic conditions and hygienic environment, especially when the sorting machine is commissioned in a production plant where food items such as meat, fish, cheese, or nuts are processed and packaged.

According to a preferred arrangement, the configuration altering mechanism is located on the left hand side and right hand side of the receiving bin, when the receiving bin is disposed in an operative configuration. The terms left hand side and right hand side within the present context relate to the display of the sorting machine as it presents itself to an operator of the sorting machine when the sorting machine is in a working condition. The spatial directions and dimensions are accordingly defined as width, height and depth as seen by a person standing in front of such a display. The configuration altering mechanism enables the operator to move the receiving bin between an operative configuration and an inoperative configuration. By way of providing the configuration altering mechanism on both sides of the receiving bin, the load acting on the receiving bin, and particularly the inlet chute during the operation of the sorting machine is evenly distributed thereby lowering the incidence of failure. Additionally, the movement of the receiving bin between an operative configuration and an inoperative configuration is smoothened when the configuration altering mechanism supports the inlet chute from two opposing sides.

According to a preferred embodiment, the configuration altering mechanism further comprises at least a third guiding member having a common position with the at least one second guiding member. The common position provides entrance to the second guided member such that the inlet chute is separated from the transfer chute when the second guided member is passed through the third guiding member and fully moved outside the third guiding member. The aforesaid feature of separating the inlet chute from the transfer chute is advantageous in the event of service, repair, or replacement.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving bin consists of a reinforcing member provided in a region surrounding the second guiding member and the third guiding member. The reinforcing member, advantageously, adds strength to the overall structure of the receiving bin and minimizes the incidence of structural failure. In an advantageous embodiment, the first guiding member, the second guiding member, and the third guiding member are formed as slots on the receiving bin by way of removing the material. Adding a reinforcing member to the receiving bin compensates for the material removed and hence contributes to the structural integrity and durability of the receiving bin.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first guiding member consists of a separating position and a receiving position such that the receiving bin is in the operative configuration when the first guided member is located in the receiving position of the first guiding member. In one particular implementation, the receiving position is arcuate in configuration and is shaped to match the surface profile of the first guided member. In the same implementation, the separating position is configured as an open end through which the first guided member exits the first guiding member. The exit of guided member through the separating position initiates the transition of receiving bin from an operative configuration to an inoperative configuration.

According to a preferred arrangement, the third guiding member is transversely connected to the second guiding member such that the second guided member is movable from the second guiding member into the third guiding member and then further along the third guiding member to the outside so as to separate the inlet chute from the transfer chute. The aforesaid feature of separating the inlet chute from the transfer chute is advantageous in the event of service, repair, or replacement.

Advantageously, the third guiding member comprises an inner end position and an outer end position such that the third guiding member is connected to the second guiding member at the inner end position. This arrangement of connecting the third guiding member to the second guiding member facilitates the movement of second guided member from the second guiding member into the third guiding member. The inlet chute is separated from the transfer chute when the second guided member reaches the outer end position.

In the preferred embodiment, the inlet chute further comprises a first handle for applying force in a direction away from the receiving bin so as to move the first guided member outside of the first guiding member. The inlet chute further comprises a second handle for applying force to the inlet chute to move the second guided member along and to the rear end position of the second guiding member and subsequently rotate the inlet chute about an axis formed by the second guided member so as to alternate the receiving bin into an inoperative configuration.

In the preferred embodiments of the receiving bin, the inlet chute and the transfer chute are connected together by the second guided member. The second guided member is continuously moveable within the second guiding member. The second guided member is movable between the front end position and the rear end position of the second guiding member. The inlet chute and the transfer chute remain connected to each other as long as the second guided member continues to remain positioned within the second guiding member.

Advantageously, the first guided member and the second guided member are located on the inlet chute. Correspondingly, the first guiding member, second guiding member, and the third guiding member are located on the transfer chute. Alternatively, the first guided member and the second guided member are located on the transfer chute and the first guiding member, second guiding member, and the third guiding member are located on the inlet chute. The first guided member and the first guiding member complement each other. Similarly, the second guided member and the second guiding member complement each other.

Preferably, the reinforcing member is located on the transfer chute or inlet chute in the region surrounding the second guiding member and the third guiding member.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first guiding member, the second guiding member, and the third guiding member are configured as slots. Correspondingly, the first guided member and the second guided member are configured as pins.

According to the invention, a sorting machine is provided with a receiving bin containing the aforementioned features, functions, and advantages.

According to the invention, a method for altering the configuration of a receiving bin according to independent claim <NUM> is provided. In particular, in the instant method, the configuration of the receiving bin is altered from an operative configuration in which the receiving bin is configured for receiving a rejected product from a sorting machine into an inoperative configuration in which the receiving bin is configured for servicing and maintenance. The method involves the step of moving the inlet chute in the direction away from the transfer chute so as to move the first guided member outside of the first guiding member. Then moving the inlet chute further in the direction away from the transfer chute so as to move the second guided member within the second guiding member until the second guided member reaches the rear end position of the second guiding member. Finally, rotating the inlet chute about an axis formed by the second guided member so as to finally move the receiving bin into the inoperative configuration.

According to the invention, there is further provided a method for altering the configuration of a receiving bin according to independent claim <NUM>. In this method, in particular the configuration of the receiving bin is altered from an operative configuration to a dismounted configuration. In an operative configuration, the receiving bin is configured for receiving a rejected product from a sorting machine. On the contrary, when the receiving bin is in a dismounted configuration, the inlet chute of the receiving bin is dismounted from the transfer chute for servicing, maintenance, and replacement. Specifically, the method involves the steps of moving the inlet chute in the direction away from the transfer chute so as to move the first guided member outside the first guiding member. Subsequently, the inlet chute is separated from the transfer chute by passing the second guided member through the third guiding member and moving the second guided member fully outside the third guiding member.

Advantageously, the method involves a step in which the inlet chute is moved in the direction away from the sorting machine by applying force on the first handle for pulling the inlet chute.

In a preferred manner, the method further contains a step in which the inlet chute is rotated about the axis formed by the second guided member by applying force on the second handle for rotating the inlet chute.

<FIG> illustrates a sorting machine <NUM> according to the invention in a three dimensional view. The high level components of the sorting machine <NUM> are infeed conveyor <NUM>, weighing conveyor <NUM>, outfeed conveyor <NUM>, detector <NUM>, display <NUM>, frame <NUM>, and receiving bin <NUM>. The infeed conveyor <NUM>, the weighing conveyor <NUM>, and the outfeed conveyor <NUM> are supported on the frame <NUM> and extend in the length wise direction of the frame <NUM>. The infeed conveyor <NUM>, the weighing conveyor <NUM>, and the outfeed conveyor <NUM> are arranged in-line so as to seamlessly move a product from an infeed end on the left hand side (LHS) to an outfeed end of the sorting machine <NUM> on the right hand side (RHS). Here, the detector <NUM> is a metal detector capable of detecting any contaminants in the product, particularly contaminants such as very small metallic pieces. The detector <NUM> may in turn be a scanner which is equipped with state of the art optical systems such as cameras with which every product that is launched at the infeed end is inspected for quality and consistency. In an exemplary embodiment, the detector <NUM> is arranged above the infeed conveyor <NUM> and surrounding it so as to let the infeed conveyor <NUM> pass through it. The weighing conveyor <NUM> positioned in line with the infeed conveyor <NUM> is mechanically connected to the weighing system (<NUM>) arranged beneath the weighing conveyor <NUM>. The weighing system (<NUM>) acting in combination with the weighing conveyor <NUM> determines the weight of the product and the resulting information is processed and analysed instantaneously before the product is moved on to the outfeed conveyor <NUM>. The analysed data is presented to the operator using the display <NUM>. The products that conform to the predetermined standards (weight, for instance) continue their passage along the outfeed conveyor <NUM> and are finally delivered for packaging or containerization. The products that fail to conform to the predetermined standards are removed or diverted from the outfeed conveyor <NUM> and moved into the receiving bin <NUM> to be collected later on by the operator for re-examination or quality control.

<FIG> shows a receiving bin <NUM> by itself in its operative configuration, in which an inlet chute <NUM>, a transfer chute <NUM>, and a holding bin <NUM> are connected together. Mounting members <NUM> provided on the transfer chute <NUM> aid in attaching the receiving bin <NUM> to the frame <NUM>. Slots <NUM> are provided on the inlet chute <NUM> to allow passage of pertinent optical signals, such as a light beam, laser beam or infrared radiation, for the purpose of sensing, counting, or detection. The receiving bin <NUM> further contains a configuration altering mechanism <NUM> that primarily connects the inlet chute <NUM> and the transfer chute <NUM>. In the present embodiment, a reinforcing member R is added to the transfer chute <NUM>, preferably in close proximity to the configuration altering mechanism <NUM>, for the purpose of strengthening the body of the transfer chute <NUM>.

<FIG> show the receiving bin <NUM> of <FIG> in its dismounted configuration with the inlet chute <NUM> in <FIG> separated from the transfer chute <NUM> in <FIG> further show details about the configuration altering mechanism <NUM>. The configuration altering mechanism <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises a first guided member <NUM> and a second guided member <NUM> arranged on the inlet chute <NUM>, a first guiding member <NUM> and a second guiding member <NUM> provided on the transfer chute <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the first guided member <NUM> and the second guided member <NUM> are envisaged as pins. The first guiding member <NUM> and the second guiding member <NUM> are envisaged as slots that cooperate respectively with the first guided member <NUM> and the second guided member <NUM> both of which are configured as pins. The first guiding member <NUM> and the second guiding member <NUM> are uniquely configured to make them expedient for the smooth operation of the configuration altering mechanism <NUM>. The first guiding member <NUM> comprises a receiving position <NUM> and a separating position <NUM>, which in a way represents the position that the first guided member <NUM>, in the form of a pin takes within the first guiding member <NUM>, configured as a slot. The receiving position <NUM> is the closed end and the separating position <NUM> is the open end respectively of the first guiding member <NUM>. On the other hand, the second guiding member <NUM> comprises a front end position <NUM> and a rear end position <NUM> located opposing the front end position <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the front end position <NUM> and the rear end position <NUM> represent two extreme ends of the second guiding member <NUM> between which the second guided member <NUM> moves. This drawing further illustrates a third guiding member <NUM> that is transversely connected to the second guiding member <NUM>. The third guiding member <NUM> is envisaged as a slot provided on the transfer chute <NUM> and comprising an inner end position P1 and an outer end position P2. The third guiding member <NUM> is transversely connected to the second guiding member <NUM> at its inner end position P1. The outer end position P2 is located opposing the inner end position P1. The third guiding member <NUM> connected transversely to the second guiding member <NUM> at its inner end position P1 enables the second guided member <NUM> to be movable from the second guiding member <NUM> into the third guiding member <NUM> and then further along the third guiding member <NUM> towards its outer end position P2 until the second guided member <NUM> exits the third guiding member <NUM> thus separating the inlet chute <NUM> from the transfer chute <NUM> thereby altering the receiving bin <NUM> from an operative configuration in to a dismounted configuration. The reinforcing member R is not shown in <FIG> for the purpose of brining more visibility to the third guiding member <NUM> and its relationship with the second guiding member <NUM>. As is evident from <FIG>, the reinforcing member R can remain located in its position on the transfer chute <NUM> while the second guided member <NUM> is routed through the third guiding member <NUM>. The inlet chute <NUM> is provided with a first handle <NUM> for pulling the inlet chute <NUM> and a second handle <NUM> for rotating the inlet chute <NUM>. These handles improve the ergonomics of moving the receiving bin <NUM> from an operative configuration to an inoperative configuration and vice versa.

<FIG> will hereinafter be used for illustrating a method for altering the configuration of the receiving bin <NUM>, particularly, from an operative configuration to an inoperative configuration. In an operative configuration, the receiving bin <NUM> as indicated in <FIG> is set to successfully receive a rejected product from the sorting machine <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>). While in the inoperative configuration, the receiving bin <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is set up for carrying out servicing and maintenance. Firstly, the inlet chute <NUM>, which is in an operative configuration as shown in <FIG>, is moved in the direction away from the transfer chute <NUM>, which in turn leads to the movement of the first guided member <NUM> outside the first guiding member <NUM>. Thereafter, the inlet chute <NUM> is moved further in the direction away from the transfer chute <NUM>, which leads to the movement of the second guided member <NUM> within the second guiding member <NUM> until the second guided member <NUM> reaches the rear end position <NUM> of the second guiding member <NUM>. Finally, the inlet chute <NUM> is rotated about an axis formed by the second guided member <NUM>. Upon rotating the inlet chute <NUM> completely about the available angular span, the receiving bin <NUM> is fully moved into an inoperative configuration as shown in <FIG>. Beyond the operative and inoperative configurations, it is also possible to alter the configuration of the receiving bin <NUM> from an operative configuration in to a dismounted configuration, as shown in <FIG>, by first moving the inlet chute <NUM> in the direction away from the transfer chute <NUM> so as to move the first guided member <NUM> outside of the first guiding member <NUM>. Then, separating the inlet chute <NUM> from the transfer chute <NUM> by passing the second guided member <NUM> through the third guiding member <NUM> and moving the second guided member <NUM> fully outside the third guiding member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A receiving bin (<NUM>) for a sorting machine (<NUM>), said receiving bin (<NUM>) movable to alternate between an operative configuration in which said receiving bin (<NUM>) is configurable for receiving a rejected product from the sorting machine (<NUM>), and an inoperative configuration in which said receiving bin (<NUM>) is configurable for servicing and maintenance;
said receiving bin (<NUM>) comprising an inlet chute (<NUM>) and a transfer chute (<NUM>);
said receiving bin (<NUM>) is further characterized by a configuration altering mechanism (<NUM>) connecting said inlet chute (<NUM>), and said transfer chute (<NUM>);
said configuration altering mechanism (<NUM>) comprising:
at least one first guiding member (<NUM>) having a receiving position (<NUM>) and a separating position (<NUM>),
at least one first guided member (<NUM>) receivable within the first guiding member (<NUM>),
characterized in that
said configuration altering mechanism (<NUM>) further comprising:
at least one second guiding member (<NUM>) having a front end position (<NUM>) and a rear end position (<NUM>) located opposing the front end position (<NUM>),
at least one second guided member (<NUM>) receivable within the second guiding member (<NUM>) and configured to be continuously movable between the front end position (<NUM>) and the rear end position (<NUM>);
wherein the receiving bin (<NUM>) is in the operative configuration when the first guided member (<NUM>) is located in the receiving position (<NUM>) of the first guiding member (<NUM>) and the second guided member (<NUM>) is located in the front end position (<NUM>) of the second guiding member (<NUM>); and
wherein the receiving bin (<NUM>) is in the inoperative configuration when the second guided member (<NUM>) is located in the rear end position (<NUM>) of the second guiding member (<NUM>) and the first guided member (<NUM>) is located outside of the first guiding member (<NUM>).