Claims:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A system (102) for discharging articles, the system (102) comprising:
at least one tray (104) travelling in a loop (112), the tray (104) comprising:
at least one support member (304) that operably pivots between a closed position (706) and an open position (712); and
a locking system (312) that retains the support member (304) in the closed position (706); and
at least one actuator (108), wherein the actuator (108) is operable to be in at least an active position (708) or a rest position (702), wherein,
the locking system (312) of the tray (104), which approaches the actuator (108) when the actuator (108) is in the active position (708), interfaces with the actuator (108); and
the support member (304) of the tray (104), whose locking system (312) interfaces with the actuator (108), pivots to the open position (712).
2. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein the tray (104) further comprises:
a second support member (304) that operably pivots between the closed position (706) and the open position (712);
a second locking system (312) that retains the second support member (304) in the closed position (706);
a second actuator (108), wherein the actuator (108) is operable to be in at least the active position (708) or the rest position (702), wherein,
the second locking system (312) of the tray (104), which approaches the second actuator (108) when the second actuator (108) is in the active position (708), interfaces with the second actuator (108); and
the second support member (304) of the tray (104), whose second locking system (312) interfaces with the second actuator (108), pivots to the open position (712).
3. The system (102) according to claim 1, wherein the locking system (312) comprises:
a holder (314) connected to the support member (304); and
a latch (316) operable to be pivoted between an engaging position (704) and a disengaging position (710);
wherein,
the latch (316) in the engaging position (704) interfaces with the holder (314), thereby retaining the support member (304) in the closed position (706); and
the latch (316) pivots to the disengaging position (710) upon the latch (316) interfacing with the actuator (108) in the active position (708), thereby enabling the support member (304) to assume the open position (712).
4. The system (102) of claim 1, further comprising one or more collection bins (106) to collect one or more articles discharged from the tray (104) as a result of the support member (304) of the tray (104) assuming the open position (712), wherein at least one actuator (108) operable to be in said active position (708) or rest position (702) is associated with each of the collection bins (106).

5. The system (102) of claim 1, wherein the support member (304) pivots back from the open position (712) to the closed position (706) at least aided by gravity during a return journey of the tray (104) along the loop (112).

6. The system (102) of claim 1, wherein the locking system (312) comprises:
a holder (314) connected to the support member (304);
a latch (316) operable to be pivoted between an engaging position (704) and a disengaging position (710); and
a tensioning member (332) urging the latch (316) against the holder (314);
wherein,
the latch (316) in the engaging position (704) interfaces with the holder (314), thereby retaining the support member (304) in the closed position (706);
the latch (316) pivots to the disengaging position (710) upon the latch (316) interfacing with the actuator (108) in the active position (708), thereby enabling the support member (304) to assume the open position (712); and
the support member (304) pivots back from the open position (712) to the closed position (706) at least aided by gravity during a return journey of the tray (104) along the loop (112), resulting in the latch (316) assuming the engaging position (704) to lock the support member (304) in the closed position (706).
7. The system (102) of claim 1, wherein the actuator (108) is stationary relative to the tray (304), which travels in the loop (112).

8. The system of (102) of claim 1, wherein the speed of travel of the tray (104) is constant along the entire length of the loop (112).

9. The system (102) of claim 1, wherein the speed of the loop (112) decreases at discharge stations to discharge the articles into collecting bins (106) and the speed of the loop (112) increases between the discharge stations.

10. The system (102) of claim 1, wherein the loop (112) stops at discharge stations for a predetermined time to discharge the articles into collecting bins (106).
Dated this 15th day of June 2020
(Digitally signed)
Kartik PUTTAIAH
Patent Agent-IN/PA-1809
, Description:BACKGROUND
[001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to being prior art by inclusion in this section.
Field of the invention:
[002] The subject matter in general relates to conveyor system used in sorting articles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a system for discharging sorted articles in appropriate collection bins.
Discussion of the related art:
[003] System for sorting and grading articles are generally employed in food processing industries to grade and sort the articles using parameters such as colour, shape and size, among others.
[004] Conventionally, conveyor systems are used to grade and sort articles, especially when large volumes of articles are to be handled. The articles to be sorted may be graded using any of the pre-existing methods. One such pre-existing method to grade articles is based on capturing images of the articles, while they move on the conveyor system, and grading them based on the images.
[005] Once the articles moving on the conveyor are graded, they have to be segregated into appropriate collections bins, as per their grade, as they move along the conveyor system. Conventionally, conveyor systems with a plurality of trays are employed for such purpose. One such conveyor system is disclosed in US Patent 5,836,436. In such systems, each tray is tilted at a predetermined discharge stations to release the article(s) in appropriate bins.
[006] However, the tilting mechanism of the tray at the discharge stations may suffer from several drawbacks. The collecting bins with wider size may be required at discharge stations to prevent the discharge of articles outside the bins. It may be difficult to maintain uniformity of the speed at which the tray is tilted when different categories of articles are to be sorted. The tilt angle of the tray may vary for different categories of articles. More importantly, each tray may have to be equipped with actuation mechanism to tilt the tray, leading to increased complexity and cost. Additionally, each tray may have to be equipped with an instruction receiving mechanism to enable the actuation mechanism to tilt the tray, which again may add to the complexity and cost.
[007] In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for an improved system for effectively discharging articles at appropriate collection bins.
SUMMARY
[008] In one aspect, a system for discharging articles is provided. The system comprises at least one tray travelling in a loop and at least one actuator. The tray comprises at least one support member that operably pivots between a closed position and an open position, and a locking system that retains the support member in the closed position. The actuator is operable to be in at least an active position or a rest position. The locking system of the tray interfaces with the actuator when the actuator is in the active position, and the support member of the tray pivots to the open position to discharge the articles into collection bins.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[010] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 102 for discharging articles, which may have been graded by a grading unit 110;
[011] FIG. 2 illustrates trays 104 arranged in a loop 112 for discharging the articles;
[012] FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the tray 104 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;
[013] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the tray 104 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;
[014] FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the tray 104 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;
[015] FIG. 4A illustrates a variant of the tray 104 comprising only one support member 304, in accordance with an embodiment;
[016] FIG. 4B illustrates the tray 104 comprising two support members 304, in accordance with an embodiment;
[017] FIG. 4C illustrates another variant of the tray 104 comprising two support members 304a and 304b, wherein one support member 304a remains stationary, while the other support member 304b is configured to pivot, in accordance with an embodiment;
[018] FIG. 5A-5B illustrates an actuator 108 of FIG. 1 in a rest position and an active position, respectively;
[019] FIG. 6 illustrate a collection bin 106 and a slanting member 602 of the system 102 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;
[020] FIG. 7A illustrates a rest position 702 of the actuator 108, an engaging position 704 of a latch 316 of a locking system 312 and a closed position 706 of the support members 304 of the tray 104;
[021] FIG. 7B illustrates an active position 708 of the actuator 108, a disengaging position 710 of the latch 316 of the locking system 312 and an open position 712 of the support members 304 of the tray 104;
[022] FIGs. 8A-8D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the working of the system 102 for discharging articles; and
[023] FIG. 9 illustrates change in orientation of the tray 104 as it proceeds towards the return journey in the loop 112.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[024] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough details to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.
[025] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.
OVERVIEW
[026] Referring to FIG. 1, a system which facilitates the discharge of articles, which may have been sorted, is disclosed. The system 102 comprises a plurality of trays 104 that are configured to travel in a loop 112. Along the loop 112, several collection bins 106 may be disposed to collect articles that are discharged by the trays 104. Articles of specific grade may be collected in respective bins 106. As an example, mangoes of first grade may be collected in a first bin 106, whereas mangoes of a second grade may be collected in a second bin 106. An actuator 108 may be provided corresponding to each of the bins 106. The actuator 108, based on instructions from a processing unit, may either be made to assume an active position or a rest position. As an example, an actuator 108 may be provided at the first bin 106, which is supposed to receive mangoes of the first grade. In the event a tray 104 is carrying a mango that is sorted and determined to be of the first grade, is approaching the first bin 106, instruction may be sent to the actuator 108 to assume the active position. The tray 104 carrying the mango approaches the first bin 106 and corresponding actuator 108, with the actuator 108 in the active position. A locking system of the tray 104, which retains a support member of the tray 104 in a closed position, interfaces with the actuator 108, which is in the active position. As a result of the interface, the support member of the tray 104 pivots to an open position, resulting in the mango being discharged from the tray 104 and received by the bin 106.
[027] The locking system is configured to retain the support member in the closed position, as mentioned earlier, by way of a holder connected to the support member and a latch that is operable to pivot between an engaging position and a disengaging position. The latch, in the engaging position, interfaces with the holder and retains the support member in the closed position. The latch pivots to the disengaging position when the latch interface with the actuator 108 in the active position. This enables the support member of the tray 104 to assume the open position.
[028] The support member pivots back from the open position to the closed position, aided by gravity, during return journey of the tray 104 along the loop 112.
CONSTRUCTION AND WORKING OF DISCHARGE SYSTEM
[029] Referring to the figures, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a system 102 for discharging articles, which may have been graded by a grading unit 110 is provided. The system 102 comprises a plurality of trays 104 that are configured to travel in a loop 112. The system 102 further comprises a plurality of collection bins 106 arranged along the loop 112 (individually presented in FIG. 2) to collect the articles discharged by the trays 104.
[030] The construction of the tray 104 will discussed in detail with reference to the figures, specifically referring to Figs. 3A-3C. Referring to FIG. 3A, the tray 104 comprises a wall 302, which defines lateral boundary of the tray 104, and support members 304 that forms the floor of the tray 104. The support member 304 operably pivots between a closed position and an open position (explained later with reference to FIGs. 7A and 7B).
[031] FIG. 3B illustrates the tray 104 in an inverted position. The tray 104 is engaged to a connecting member 306 by means of fixing members 308. Both ends of the connecting member 306 are attached to the links 310 of the loop 112, thereby enabling the tray 104 to travel along the loop 112. The tray 104 further comprises a locking system 312 that retains the support member 304 in the closed position. The locking system 312 comprises a holder 314 and a latch 316.
[032] Referring to FIG. 3C, an exploded view of the tray 104, the holder 314 is immovably secured to the support member 304. The holder 314 is connected to the bottom portion of the wall 302 of the tray 104 by means of a holder support 318 and a pin 320. The holder 314, along with the support member 304 pivots about a longitudinal axis of the pin 320.
[033] In an embodiment, the holder 314 has a first portion 322 and a second portion 324 that form an L-shaped structure. The second portion 324 comprises a first side 326 and a second side 328, wherein length of the first side 326 may be greater than that of the second side 328. The connecting portion between the first side 326 and the second side 328 forms a curved structure 330.
[034] The latch 316 is connected outwardly to the tray 104 along with a tensioning member 332 (e.g., spring), wherein, the spring-loaded latch 316 is fixed over a protrusion 334 along the wall 302 of the tray 104. The latch 316 is operable to be pivoted between an engaging position and a disengaging position (discussed in detail in reference to FIGs. 7A-7B). In the engaging position, the latch 316 interfaces the curved structure 330 of the second portion 324 of the holder 314 and retains the support member 304 in the closed position. In the disengaging position, the latch 316 pivots and enables the support member 304 to pivot to the open position.
[035] In an embodiment, the tray 104 may be made of plastic, glass, wood, steel or any other material that may help in holding, transporting and discharging the articles.
[036] In an embodiment, the shape and size of the tray 104 may be designed as per the choice of articles that are to be discharged.
[037] FIG. 4A discloses an embodiment, wherein the tray 104 comprises only one support member 304 that pivots to the open and the closed position.
[038] Referring to FIG. 4B, the tray 104 comprises two support members 304, wherein both the support members pivots to assume the open (illustrated) and the closed position, in accordance with an embodiment.
[039] FIG. 4C discloses yet another embodiment, wherein the tray 104 comprises two support members 304a and 304b, wherein, one support member 304a remains stationary, while the other support member 304b pivots to assume the open (illustrated) and closed positions.
[040] The system 102 further comprises a plurality of actuators 108 corresponding to each of the collecting bins 106, as discussed earlier. In an embodiment, the number of actuators 108 may be equal to or greater than the number of collection bins 106. Referring specifically to FIGs. 5A-5B, the actuator 108 is configured to operate in an active position (refer FIG. 5B) or a rest position (refer FIG. 5A) based on instructions from a processing unit. In the active position, the head 502 of the actuator 108 may project towards the tray 104 by a preconfigured distance. The actuator 108 remains stationary relative to the tray 104 that travels in the loop 112, in the sense that actuators 108 do not move along the loop 112, unlike the trays 104.
[041] In an embodiment, the actuator 108 may be a hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electrical actuator, thermal actuator or solenoid actuator, among others.
[042] Referring to FIG. 6, the system 102 comprises at least one collection bin 106 to collect the articles that are discharged by the trays 104 at specific discharge stations. A slanting member 602 is arranged beneath the moving trays 104 such that the articles discharged from the tray 104 drops into the slanting member 602. The articles slide along the slanting member 602 and gets collected into the collection bin 106 arranged at each discharge station.
[043] We now discuss the various positions assumed by the support members 304 of the tray 104, latch 316 of the locking system 312 and actuator 108, with reference to FIGs. 7A-7B.
[044] Referring to FIG. 7A, the rest position 702 of an actuator 108, an engaging position 704 of the latch 316 of the locking system 312 and a closed position 706 of the support members 304 of the tray 104 are disclosed, in accordance with an embodiment.
[045] FIG. 7B discloses the active position 708 of the actuator 108, the disengaging position 710 of the latch 316 of the locking system 312 and the open position 712 of the support members 304 of the tray 104.
[046] FIGs. 8A-8D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the working of the system 102. Referring to FIG. 8A, the support members 104 of the tray 104 remain in the closed position 706 to hold and transport the sorted articles to the desired location. Referring to FIG. 8B, as the tray 104 arrives towards a specific discharge station, the actuator 108 is instructed by the processor, based on input from the grading unit 110, to attain the active position 708. In the active position 708, the head 502 of the actuator 108 is projected forward, such that the head 502 interfaces with (obstructs) the latch 316 of the locking system 312, as the tray 104 moves forward.
[047] Referring to FIG. 8C, as the tray 104 proceed to move forward, the head 502 of the actuator 108 interfaces with the latch 316, resulting in the latch 316 pivoting to the disengaging position 710. As a result of the latch 316 pivoting to the disengaging position 710, the holder 314 is no more prevented from pivoting, resulting in the support member 304 pivoting to the open position 712. In the open position 712, the articles are discharged from the trays 104 onto the slanting member 602 (referred in FIG. 8D). The discharged articles slide along the slanting member 602 and gets collected into the collection bins 106.
[048] Once the locking system 312 moves past the actuator 108, the actuator 108 may be instructed to revert to the rest position 702, in case the article in the subsequent tray has to be discharged into a separate bin 106.
[049] As the actuator 108 retains the rest position 702 or once the latch 316 moves past the head 502 of the actuator 108, the latch 316, as a result of the spring 332, moves back and interfaces with the holder 314. However, it may be pertinent to note that, at this juncture, the support members 304 of the tray 104 may still be in the open position since the spring 332, by itself, cannot overcome the weight of the support members 104 to push the support members 104 back to the closed position 706.
[050] In an embodiment, return of the support members 304 of the tray 104 to the closed position 706 is aided by gravity, during return journey of the tray 104 along the loop 112. FIG. 9 discloses a change in orientation of the tray 104 during the return journey of the tray 104 in the loop 112. As the orientation of the tray 104 transforms towards an upside-down position, the support members 304, aided by gravity, return to the closed position 706. The latch 316, aided by the spring 332, interfaces with the curved structure 330 (refer FIG. 3C) of the holder 314, to lock the holder 314 from pivoting, and thereby locks the support member 304 in the closed position 706.
[051] In an embodiment, the speed of travel of the tray 104 may be constant along the entire length of the loop 112.
[052] In another embodiment, the speed of travel of the tray 104 may not be constant along the entire length of the loop 112. The speed of travel of the tray 104 may be preconfigured such that the speed of the tray 104 is decreased at the discharge stations while the speed is increased in between the discharge stations.
[053] In another embodiment, the speed of the loop 112 may be preconfigured such that the tray 104 stops at the discharge station for a predetermined time to discharge the articles. This will avoid the discharge of articles away from said slanting member 602.
[054] In an embodiment, the system 102 is preconfigured to discharge the articles into the collection bins 106 in accordance with the grade of articles, nature of articles or a combination thereof. As an example, mangoes of different grades may be discharged into different collection bins 106. In another example, mangoes, apples and oranges may be discharged into different collection bins 106 based on the nature of the articles itself.
[055] The processes described above is described as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
[056] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[057] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.