GB2034607A

GB2034607A - Fruit collecting and separating apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2034607A
Application number: GB7938972A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-11-20
Filing date: 1979-11-09
Publication date: 1980-06-11
Also published as: GB2034607B

Abstract

An apparatus for collecting fruit or the like and separating it from debris comprises a rubber-blade paddle wheel (21) which picks up both fruit and debris from the ground and projects them towards an elevator belt (22). On the way to the elevator belt (22) both fruit and debris strike an array of fine strands (34) which are suspended from a wall (41) of the apparatus. The strands are chosen to be such that they will not substantially alter the trajectory of the fruit, which continues to the elevator belt (22). The debris, such as leaves, is, however, substantially affected by the strands (34) and falls below the elevator belt (22). Any debris remaining with the fruit is separated by means of an inclined rubber spined belt (not shown) on to which the fruit and remaining debris are delivered by the elevator belt (22). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for collecting fruit or the like and separating it from debris This invention relates to an apparatus for collecting fruit or the like and separating it from debris.

One method which is used for gathering certain types of fruit is to allow it to fall to the ground, and then pick up the fruit therefrom by some suitable collecting device. This method is used, for example, in the gathering of cider apples. However, in this operation the collecting device also tends to pick up debris, such as grass and leaves, and the object of the present invention is to provide a simple means of separating the debris from the fruit.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for collecting fruit or the like accompanied by lighter debris and separating the debris therefrom, comprising means for picking up the fruit or the like and the debris and projecting them along a path, means in the path for altering the trajectory of the debris without substantially altering the trajectory of the fruit or the like, and means at the end of the said path for collecting the fruit or the like but not the debris. The invention also provides a fruit harvesting machine including such an apparatus.

The traditional orchards have usually served a dual purpose, by providing both some fruit and some grass for grazing. However the present-day trend is to grow much smaller trees with relatively short trunks. These trees are known as bush trees.

They are typically planted 3.5m apart in rows spaced 5.0m apart. In time these rows grow into a hedgerow, preventing tractors passing through them.

The principal commercial advantage of a bush tree is that it starts producing substantial quantities of fruit some 5 years before the traditional orchard. A notable difference between the two types of orchard is that a bush orchard cannot be grazed, as the animals tend to eat the lower branches of the trees.

In consequence the grass growth between the rows has to be controlled by mowing, and the strip between the tree trunks, which can not be mown by a conventional mower, has to be chemically treated to prevent vegetation growth. In practice this bare strip of earth may be up to 1 sum wide to allow the conventional mower a margin for error. Ripe apples falling on to this strip of bare earth become over-ripe more quickly than similar apples falling on to the adjacent grassy area. They are also more susceptible to damage by frost. In consequence the crop in a bush orchard must be harvested in a shorter space of time than a traditional orchard.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the apparatus is adapted for attachment to a tractor and the means for picking up the fruit or the like comprises side-mounted fruit pick-up means, brushing means for brushing any fruit in the path of the tractor to each adjacent side, into the path of the fruit pick-up means and means for brushing the fruit located between the trunks of the trees into the path of the fruit pick-up means.

The harvesting machine of the invention can operate with a small number of conveyors, thus reducing the amount of damage sustained by the fruit on its journey to the collection point.

The machine is capable of harvesting efficiently over a relatively wide area, preferably up to 3.5m, and, in a preferred embodiment, is able to follow the contours of the ground. The machine can be attached and detached from a standard agricultural tractor, fitted with suitable fixing points, in a matter of a few minutes, by one man.

The machine can be made compact in both height and length. The low height of the machine is important to enable itto pass under the low branches of the bush tree without causing damage, and the compact length allows the machine to manouvre easily at the ends of rows. It is also highly desirable for the machine to be able to fold quickly (in about 5 seconds) into a transport position to reduce the overall width to within 2.5m, for example for transport through farm gates and public highways.

A machine according to the invention can provide an economical design for a high-capacity harvester.

Because of this, the machine can be sufficiently economical to be used for the collecton ofwindfall apples from dessert fruit orchards. As such fruit is usually only at a density of about 2.5 tonnes per ha. it is important that the harvesting machine can cover a large area of ground quickly. At present there is no economical way of harvesting this fruit and it usually goes to waste. However, if harvested the juice could be used for the manufacture of cider or a similar product.

The machine can be readily adapted to different systems for collecting and storing the fruit, once it has been picked from the ground. For example one group of growers may use their existing farm trailers for collecting and transporting their fruit. A further group, such as dessert fruit growers, will usually have a handling system based on 0.5 tonne boxes.

Yet another group may use suitably adapted self loading forage wagons. If desired, the machine may be used to clear fruit from in front of its path without necessarily collecting it. This is a useful feature in long rows containing heavy crops. Under these conditions a harvesting machine not embodying this feature may have insufficient storage capacity, even with a 2 tonne trailer to reach the end of the row.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a cider apple harvester, according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the harvester; Figure 3 is a rear view of the harvester; Figure 4 is a side view on a larger scale of the apparatus for separating fruit from debris.

At the front of the tractor 1 the harvester is provided with a brushing means for brushing any fruit in the path of the tractor to each adjacent side.

The means illustrated comprises two brushes, each rotatable about a horizontal axis. They are each angled at about 75 with respect to the centreline of the tractor 1. The brushes are made with radial rubber flaps 2 attached to a central shaft 3. At one end the shafts are connected together, and sup ported by two constant velocity joints 4 which are clamped each side of a ball bearing which is attached to a central frame 5. The rubber flaps 2 are arranged so that, where they overlap due to their relative inclination, the flap in one brush corresponds to the gap in the other. This ensure that no fruit is left at the centre. The other ends of the brush shafts 3 are attached via bearings to sub-frames 6.

These sub-frames 6 are attached to the central frame 5 by hinge pins 7. The centrelines of the hinge pins 7 are arranged so that they pass through the centre of the constant velocity joints 4. This allows each brush to pivot freely and to follow the contours of the ground.

The central frame 5 is attached to the front of the tractor by a parallel linkage arrangement 8 with three fixing points 9. It is fitted with an hydraulic cylinder 10 capable of lifting the brush assembly off the ground for transport. When working the height of the brushes from the ground is controlled by three adjustable guide wheels or skids 11. One wheel or skid is attached to the central frame 5 behind the constant joints 4. The others are located at the ends of the pivoted sub-frames 6 behind the brushes.

Power from the tractor 1 may be transmitted to the brushes via the ends of one of the brush shafts 3 by either mechanical or hydraulic means 12.

Means to brush fruit 100, located between the tree trunks, into the path of fruit pick-up means (described below) is provided at the forward end of a pick-up frame 13, adjacent the tree row. The brushing means comprises a brush made of radial rubber paddles 14. The brush rotates about a substantially vertical axis and moves the fruit laterally into the path of the pick-up means. Above the paddle wheel 14 and approximately the same in diameter, is a guide wheel 15, preferably pneumatically tyred, which is free to rotate on a vertical axis.

Both wheels 14 and 15 are attached to a framework 16 which is pivotally mounted by a pivot arrangement 17 to the forward end of the pick-up frame 13.

The pivot arrangement 17 allows the assembly to move laterally when the guide wheel 15 comes into contact with a tree 18. The pivot arrangement 17 also allows the assembly to twist to follow the contours of the ground. The distance of the paddle wheel 14 from the ground is controlled by an adjustable skid 19 at its centre. After passing a tree the assembly is moved outwardly by a spring loaded rod 20.

The fruit pick-up means mentioned above is side mounted and comprises a paddle wheel 21,which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis and has rubber blades which pick up the fruit from the ground and give it a trajectory such that it reaches an endless elevator belt 22. The paddle wheel 21 is attached to the pick-up frame 13. This pick-up frame is attached to a rear frame 23 by a beam 24 which is pivoted at both ends. This allows the pick-up frame 13 to rise, fall and twist, so that it can follow the contours of the ground. There are two adjustable guides wheels 25 to control the exact distance between the paddle wheel 21 and the ground. The distance may be varied to suit the size of fruit and the ground conditions.

An hydraulic cylinder (not shown) acts on the beam 24 to lift the harvester pick-up frame 13 off the ground. The facility may be used for manoeuvring at the ends of rows. There is a further hydraulic cylinder (not shown) for rotating the pick-up frame 13 through 90" to the position shown in broken lines in Figure 3. This reduces the overall width of the machine, for example to allow it to travel through narrow gateways or on public highways. The rear frame 23 has three fixing points 26 with which it is attached to the rear of the tractor 1.

As can be seen from Figures 1 and 3, the endless belt 22, fitted with cleats, runs behind the pick-up paddle wheel 21 and receives the fruit from it. The same belt 22 carries the fruit up to the top of the rear frame 23 where it is discharged on to a cleaning belt 27. The belt 22 is driven from the pulley 28 situated at the top of the rear frame 23. The belt 22 is tensioned by a take-up roller 29 on the pick-up frame 13. It is also supported along its path by four sets of guide wheels. Two sets 30 are attached to the pick-up frame 13. A further two sets 31 are attached to the elevator framework 32 which pivots at its top end concentrically with the elevator drive roller 28.

The elevator framework 32 is connected to the pick-up framework 13 by a beam 33 which pivots concentrically with the bottom pair of both sets of rollers 30 and 31. The purpose of this arrangement is to enable the elevator assembly to articulate while still working so that the pick-up framework 13 is able to follow the ground, and, when required, rotate through 90 . In order that the fruit does not spill over the sides of the elevator belt 22, it is provided with retaining walls. Where the belt 22 runs in the pick-up frame 13 the retaining walls are attached to the pick-up frame 13. Where the belt runs up the elevator frame 32 the walls are attached to that frame.

However where the belt runs between the top set of roller 30 and 31 special walls have to be provided.

These walls are journalled concentrically with the top rollers 30 and 31 and can extend and contract to accommodate the varying lengths required when the pick-up frame moves.

Two means are provided for removing any debris 200 which may be collected with the fruit. The first means, which is shown in more detail in Figure 4, is the suspension of fine strands 34, or the like, between the pick-up paddle wheel 21, which rotates in the direction of arrow 13, and the elevator belt 22.

The blades of the paddle wheel pick up both fruit and debris from the ground and lift them upwardly, forward motion of the fruit and debris being contained by a retaining wall 41. When the fruit and debris reach the top of the paddle wheel their circumferential velocity is such that they are projected backwardly from the blades towards the elevator belt 22. On the way to the elevator belt 22 both fruit 100 and debris 200 strike the array of fine strands 34 which are suspended from a horizontal continuation of the retaining wall 41. The strands of material may, for example, be rubber having a cross-section of 3 mm square, spaced at a density which will not substantially alter the trajectory of the fruit. In the case of 3 mm square rubber this can be up to one strand for every 6 square centimetres.

Other materials could, of course, be used in place of rubber.

As will be seen from the drawing, the path of the fruit 100 is substantially unaffected by the strands 34, and the fruit therefore continues substantially on its original path and arrives on the elevator belt 22 for transport to a storage container. The debris 100, such as leaves, is, however, substantially affected by the strands 34 and its velocity is reduced to such an extent that it falls downwardly below the elevator belt 22.

The second means for any remaining debris is a cleaning belt 27. This may be a rubber belt with fine rubber spines which run upwards. The fruit and any debris is delivered above it by the elevator belt 22.

While the fruit rolls down the belt 27 and into the storage box 35 the debris is caught by the rubber spined belt 27, carried up and dropped back on to the ground.

The storage system shown is a simple box 35, supported at the rear of the rear frame 23 by two beams 36. By means of the hydraulic link arms 37 the tractor is able to lift and lower the rear frame 23 and thus collect and discharge the boxes 35 when they become full. However, it is apparent that an additional elevator might be put in the place of the storage box 35 and the fruit transported to a trailer towed behind the rear frame 23.

Claims

1. An apparatus for collecting fruit or the like accompanied by lighter debris and separating the debris therefrom, comprising means for picking up the fruit or the like and the debris and projecting them along a path, means in the path for altering the trajectory of the fruit or the like, and means at the end of the said path for collecting the fruit or the like but not the debris.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for picking up the fruit or the like and the debris comprises a rotatable paddle wheel.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the paddles of the paddle wheel are of rubber.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for altering the trajectory of the debris comprises a plurality of strands.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for altering the trajectory of the fruit or the like com prises a plurality of strands.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the said strands are freely suspended.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4or 5, wherein the said strands are of rubber.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, adapted for attachment to a tractor, wherein the means for picking up the fruit or the like comprises side-mounted fruit pick-up means, brushing means for brushing any fruit in the path of the tractor to each adjacent side, into the path of the fruit pick-up means, and means for brushing the fruit located between the trunks of trees into the path of the fruit pick-up means.

8. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the means for collecting the fruit of the like comprises an elevated storage container.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a cleaning belt for cleaning fruit which has been separated from debris.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning means comprises a belt with spines thereon.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the belt and spines are of rubber.

12. An apparatus for collecting fruit or the like and separating it from debris, substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

13. An apparatus for collecting fruit or the like and separating it from debris, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on 17th March.

Superseded claims 1 and 4.

New or amended claims:

1. An apparatus for collecting fruit or the like accompanied by lighter debris and separating the debris therefrom, comprising means for picking up the fruit or the like and the debris and projecting them along a path, means in the path for altering the trajectory of the debris, and means at the end of the said path for collecting the fruit or the like but not the debris.