WO2018122678A1

WO2018122678A1 - Apparatus for grading and sorting respective products, in particular fruit and vegetable products

Info

Publication number: WO2018122678A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/058112
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano CROCIANI; Roberto PROSAPIO; Enrico PROSAPIO
Original assignee: Ser.Mac S.R.L.
Priority date: 2016-12-27
Filing date: 2017-12-19
Publication date: 2018-07-05

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for grading and sorting respective products, in particular fruit and vegetable products; comprises means (12) for conveying the respective product along a respective feed, or longitudinal, path of the apparatus; the conveying means (12) comprising respective product supporting means (14), in particular in the form of a plurality of product holding cups; respective drive means (16) for driving the product supporting means or cups (14), in particular in the form of an endless chain with articulated links, to which the product supporting means or cups (14) are fixed; the product supporting means or cups comprise product holding means (18), specifically in the form of first and second holding means provided on opposite sides of the drive means (16); and means (20) for fixing them to the drive means (16), comprising mounting means (200) for the respective holding means, specifically comprising first and second mounting means for respective first and second product holding means and extending on opposite sides of the drive means (16); the product holding means (18) being connected in articulated manner to the fixing means. The product holding means (18) are pivoted to the fixing means (20) so as to be able to move from a first, normal position (A) for supporting and conveying the product to a second position (B) for dropping and unloading the product from the supporting means or cups, and vice versa, and specifically, the pivoting means (21) for pivoting the product holding means (18) to the fixing means (20) are provided vertically at, or substantially vertically at, a barycentre zone, specifically transverse, of the self same holding means (18).

Description

Technical field

This invention relates to an apparatus for grading and sorting respective products, in particular fruit and vegetable products.

Known in the prior art are apparatuses for grading and sorting respective products, in particular fruit and vegetable products. These apparatuses comprise means for conveying the product along a respective longitudinal feed path of the apparatus.

In prior art apparatuses, the conveying means comprise respective product supporting means, specifically in the form of product holder cups and respective drive means for driving the supporting means, or cups, in particular in the form of a respective endless, articulated link chain to which the product supporting means, or cups are fixed.

In the prior art apparatuses, the product supporting means or cups generally comprise product holding means, specifically in the form of first and second holding means provided on opposite sides of the drive means, and means for fixing them to the drive means and comprising mounting means for the respective holding means, specifically first and second mounting means for respective first and second product holding means which extend on opposite sides of the drive means, with the product holding means being connected to the fixing means in articulated manner. One disadvantage of prior art apparatuses is due to the excessively rough handling which the products undergo when they are unloaded and which can lead to bruising or other damage to the products. In practice, during unloading, the product is propelled into the air and then drops forcefully or it is allowed to drop too quickly and without restraint, with the high risk, in both cases, of damaging the product.

Another disadvantage of prior art apparatuses concerns the risk that large fruit and vegetable products, when unloaded, get stuck between the cups adjacent to the one carrying the product and which is tipped over to unload the product, leading to problems and obstructions for operating personnel. Another disadvantage of prior art apparatuses concerns the excessive complication or unreliability of the mechanisms which allow the product holding means of the product cups to move relative to the respective means for mounting and fixing to the drive means, with the result that positioning the holding means may be imprecise, requiring manual intervention by operating personnel to obtain precise positioning.

A further disadvantage of prior art apparatuses concerns the risk of breaking and having to replace individual cups, especially on account of wear due to friction during cup return travel, especially because the product turning rollers, normally during the return travel rub against corresponding sliding elements which support the cups.

Yet another disadvantage of prior art apparatuses concerns the difficulty of cleaning, due especially to the inconvenient construction or structure of the apparatus.

Furthermore, the trade feels the need for an apparatus which works particularly effectively and reliably.

Furthermore, the trade also feels the need for an apparatus which allow saving on the number of components used to make it.

Furthermore, the trade feels the need for an apparatus whose maintenance is easy.

Furthermore, the trade feels the need for an apparatus which is highly durable.

Disclosure of the invention

This invention therefore proposes a new solution as an alternative to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt by the trade and which, in particular, may be inferred from the above.

Accordingly provided is an apparatus for grading and sorting respective products, in particular fruit and vegetable products; comprising means for conveying the respective product along a respective feed path, in particular longitudinal, of the apparatus, the conveying means comprising respective product supporting means, in particular in the form of a plurality of product holding cups and respective drive means for driving the product supporting means or cups, in particular in the form of an endless chain with articulated links, to which the product supporting means or cups are fixed, the product supporting means or cups comprising product holding means, specifically in the form of first and second holding means provided on opposite sides of the drive means, and means for fixing them to the drive means, in particular comprising mounting means for the respective holding means and means for fastening to the drive means, from which the mounting means extend, the product holding means being connected in articulated manner to the fixing means, in particular to the mounting means; characterized in that the product holding means are pivoted to the means for fixing to the drive means, specifically to the mounting means, so as to be able to move from a first, normal position for supporting and conveying the product to a second position for dropping and unloading the product from the supporting means or cups, and vice versa, and in that the pivoting means for pivoting the product holding means to the means for fixing to the drive means, specifically to the mounting means of the respective holding means are provided vertically at, or substantially vertically at, a barycentre zone, specifically transverse, of the self same holding means.

That way, it is possible to prevent the product from failing excessively quickly, thereby avoiding the risk of causing damage to the product. Brief description of the drawings

This and other innovative aspects, or specific advantageous embodiments, are set out in the appended claims and the technical features are apparent from the detailed description which follows of a preferred, advantageous embodiment which must, however, be considered purely as a non-limiting example of the invention, the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a part of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a detail of the apparatus according to this invention;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cup of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 3B shows the preferred embodiment of the cup according to the invention, in a perspective view from a different angle from that of Figure 3A;

- Figure 3C is a perspective view showing only the product holding means of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; - Figure 3D shows only the product holding means of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in a perspective view from a different angle from that of Figure 3C;

- Figure 3E is a plan view from above showing only the product holding means of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 3F is an elevation showing only the product holding means of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 3G is a longitudinal cross section showing only the product holding means of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 4A shows a side elevation and a longitudinal cross section of only the product holding means in a lowered position for supporting and conveying the product;

- Figure 4B shows a side elevation and a longitudinal cross section of only the product holding means in a raised position for weighing the product; - Figure 4C shows a side elevation and a longitudinal cross section of only the product holding means in a raised position for rotating the product;

- Figure 4D shows a side elevation and a longitudinal cross section of only the product holding means in a backward moving return position of the conveying means;

- Figure 5A is a transverse cross section showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention with the holding means in the normal, product conveying position;

- Figure 5B is a transverse cross section showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention with the holding means in the disengaged position of the product unloading rotation stop means;

- Figure 5C is a transverse cross section showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention with the holding means in the position where the product unloading rotation starts;

- Figure 5D is a transverse cross section showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention with the holding means in the unloading condition;

- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the weighing means of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

Detained description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment 10 of an apparatus for grading and sorting respective products, in particular fruit and vegetable products.

As may be inferred from Figure 1 , the apparatus 10 comprises conveying means 12 for conveying the product along a respective longitudinal feed path of the apparatus.

In particular, as illustrated, the conveying means 12 comprise respective product supporting means 14, especially in the form of a plurality of product holding cups, which are mounted one after the other in the longitudinal direction of feed and which are adapted to carry the products in such a way that in at least some operating situations, the products can rest on cups 14, 14' which are adjacent to each other.

As illustrated, respective drive means 18 are provided for driving the supporting means, or cups 14, in particular in the form of a respective endless, chain having articulated links and to which the product supporting means, or cups 14 are fixed.

As may be inferred from Figure 1 , the drive means are movable along a positive, product feed stretch 12a, specifically in an upper zone 10a of the apparatus and a respective return stretch 12b, specifically in a lower zone 10b of the apparatus.

The product supporting means or cups 14 comprise product holding means 18, specifically in the form of first and second holding means 18, 18 provided on opposite sides of the drive means 16, and means 20 for fixing them to the drive means 16, in particular comprising mounting means for the respective mounting means 200 for the holding means, specifically first and second mounting means 200, 200, extending on opposite sides of the drive means 16, for respective first and second product holding means.

The product holding means 18 are connected in articulated manner to the fixing means, in particular to the respective mounting means 200.

More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the apparatus comprises, in particular in sequence along the feed direction, a singuiating means or station 1 1 for positioning a single product on a respective conveyor cup - it being possible at this stage for the product to rest on the next cup - as well as a means or station 13 for measuring the weight of the product, and a means or station 15 for unloading the product from the conveying means 14.

Advantageously,, as may be well inferred from Figure 5A, the product holding means 18 are pivoted to the means 20 for fixing to the drive means 16, specifically to the mounting means 200, so as to be able to move from a first normal position "A" for supporting and conveying the product to a second position "B" for dropping and unloading the product from the supporting means or cups, or vice versa.

Advantageously, the means 21 for pivoting the product holding means 18 to the fixing means 20, or mounting means 200 are provided vertically at, or substantially vertically at, a barycentre zone, specifically transverse, of the self same holding means 18.

That way, it is possible to prevent the product from falling excessively quickly, thereby avoiding the risk of causing damage to the product.

Advantageously, the product holding means 18 move towards the second position "B" for dropping and unloading the product from the supporting means or cups, at least partly, or preponderantly, under the effect of gravity only.

That way, the product is unloaded with a particularly smooth movement, without the product being accelerated or propelled in an undesirable manner that could lead to bruising.

Advantageously, the product holding means 18 move, at least initially, from the normal position A for supporting and conveying the product to the second position B for dropping and unloading the product on an impulse which pushes the holding means 18 in such a way as to move them out of balance, that is, to shift their transverse barycentre from its position of perpendicular or vertical alignment with the pivoting means 21 .

This avoids imparting undesirable accelerations or propelling actions that could damage the product.

Advantageously, the product holding means 18 are pivoted to the fixing means 20, in particular to mounting means 200 thereof, at a lower zone the holding means themselves.

Advantageously, the impulse which pushes the holding means 18 in such a way as to move them out of balance, that is, to shift their transverse barycentre from its position of perpendicular or vertical alignment with the pivoting means 21 has at least one transverse component which is imparted to a zone 180 at a certain length or distance from the pivoting means 21 and, in particular, a lower zone 180 of the holding means 18, preferably a zone 180 extending towards the drive means for driving the pivoting means 21.

Advantageously, the means 200 for mounting the fixing means 20 extend from the zone of the drive means below the product holding means 18 up to, and preferably beyond, the transverse barycentre zone thereof.

Advantageously, as illustrated, the product holding means 18 are pivoted to the fixing means 20 at an end zone 20' of the fixing means 20 themselves, in particular of the mounting means 200 thereof.

More specifically, as illustrated, the product holding means 18 have a respective transverse end 18' which extends beyond the transverse end 200' of the respective mounting means 200 of the fixing means 20 for fixing to the drive means 18.

More specifically, as illustrated, the product holding means 18 rotate about an axis parallel to the direction of extension and feeding of the conveying means 12, that is, parallel to the direction of extension and feeding of the drive means 16.

More specifically, as illustrated, the rotational pivot 21 of the product holding means 18 relative to the mounting means 200 is directed, that is the respective axis is directed, parallel to the direction of extension and feeding of the conveying means 12, that is, parallel to the direction of extension and feeding of the drive means 16.

Advantageously, the product holding means 18 extend vertically, or perpendicularly, beyond, in particular in the product feed stretches, above the fixing means 20 for fixing to the drive means 16. Advantageously, the product holding means 18 are disposed vertically, or perpendicularly, beyond, in particular in the product feed stretches, above the drive means 16.

Advantageously, the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18 define means for stopping the rotation of the holding means 18, in particular at the angular end position B for unloading and/or at the angular end position A for supporting and conveying.

In particular, as illustrated, the holding means 18 comprise movable or rotatabie holding means 181 , in particular in the form of corresponding roller means, preferably comprising a first and a second product rotating roller 182, 182 which are preferably supported by the same rotation shaft 183 and which are transversely spaced from each other.

Advantageously, the pivoting means of the holding means 18 are vertically, or perpendicularly, at the transverse centre line of the holding means 18, in particular vertically or perpendicularly at the transverse space between the first and second product rotating rollers 182, 182.

Advantageously, the roller means 181 , specifically the first and second rollers 182, 182 for supporting and rotating the product each have a generally conical shape, specifically converging towards the central part of the holding means 18.

More specifically, as illustrated, the holding means 18 comprise fixed means 19, specifically protruding from the movable holding means 181 and defining therewith cradle-like means on which the product is rested, especially in the form of a fork, preferably comprising a middle prong 191 adapted to be disposed in the space between the rollers 182, 182 of an adjacent cup, and/or transversely opposite first and second lateral or end prongs 192, 193 which are adapted to be disposed at the respective outer sides of the roller means, or respective roller 182, 182 of the adjacent cup. Advantageously, the prongs 192, 193, 191 of the fixed, or fork-like, holding means 19 extend alongside and/or between, specifically alongside and/or between the first and second rollers 182, 182 of the movable holding means 181 .

Advantageously, the prongs 191 , 192, 193 of the fixed, or fork-like, holding means 19 are connected to each other by a transverse connecting element 194, specifically comprising a first and a second transverse connecting stretch between the middle prong 191 and the respective lateral or end prongs 192, 193; the transverse element 194 being positioned at or in the vicinity of the outside surface of the respective roller means, that is, of the first and second rollers 182, 182 of the movable holding means 181 .

Advantageously, the holding means 18 are movable vertically or perpendicularly from a lowered position for supporting and conveying the product to a raised position for rotating the product and/or to a raised position for weighing the product.

Advantageously, the product holding means 18 comprise a base member 185 defining a bottom element 185 along the feed stretch of the apparatus, supporting the movable and/or fixed holding means 19, 181 in articulated manner and which, specifically, is in turn connected in articulated manner, specifically rotatabiy, to the corresponding mounting means 200 of the holding means 18.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 5D, the base member 185 of the holding means has a respective longitudinal end face which defines a means, or surface 185', 185" for engaging and stopping the rotation of the holding means 18 themselves, specifically at the angular end position "B" for unloading and/or at the angular end position "A" for supporting and conveying, the means, or surface 185', 185" for engaging and stopping the rotation being adapted to engage a corresponding means, or surface, of the respective mounting means 200. Advantageously, the base member 185 of the holding means 18 comprises a base or bottom block 1850 defining respective hole means, or hole, 218 for the pivoting means 21 , the block defining a lateral end surface 185' for engaging and stopping the rotation, and/or from which block 185 there extends a bottom protrusion 1851 which defines an inside surface 185" for engaging and stopping the rotation of the holding means 18 and respectively defining means which are located on the self same holding means 18 and which stop the rotation of the holding means 18, specifically at the angular end position "B" for unloading and/or at the angular end position "A" for supporting and conveying.

Advantageously, as may be inferred, for example, from Figure 3C, the base member 185 is positioned longitudinally off-centre relative to the longitudinal centre line of the movable holding means 181 in the direction of the end of the holding means that is defined by the fixed holding means 19 or in which the same are positioned.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figures 3F, 3G and 4A, the base member 185 has a protrusion 1850a which extends from the self same block 1850 in substantially vertical or perpendicular manner and which is inserted in the space between the movable product holding rollers 182, 182 and which has or defines a surface 1850s for engaging and mounting the holding means 19, 181 , at the respective vertical supporting and conveying position, the engagement surface 1850s being preferably provided at the perpendicular or vertical end of the self same protrusion 1850a.

Advantageously, the product holding means 18 comprise an element 186 for supporting the fixed and movable holding means 19, 181 which is connected in articulated manner, specifically rotatably, to the base member 185 and which is preferably rofatable about respective pin means 1856 extending transversely to the feed direction of the conveying means 12 and/or of the drive means 16.

Advantageously, the pin means 1856 for angularly rotating the supporting element 186 of the fixed and movable holding means 19, 181 relative to the base member 185 are positioned in proximity to a longitudinal end of the holding means 18 and preferably under the fixed or fork-like means 19, that is, specifically, at the transverse element 194 which connects the prongs 191 , 192, 193 of the fixed or fork-like holding means 19.

Advantageously, the pin means 1856 for angularly rotating the supporting element 186 of the fixed and movable holding means 19, 181 relative to the base member 185 are located on a portion 1850b of the base member 185 which extends perpendicularly or vertically from the base block, or bottom block, 1850 relative to which it extends longitudinally and inclined with its end in proximity to a longitudinal end of the holding means 18, preferably of the fixed or fork-like holding means 19 thereof.

Advantageously, the supporting element 186 of the fixed and movable holding means 19, 181 has opposite lateral or end arms 1862, 1863 which extend alongside the movable product holder roller means 182, 182 and a middle arm 1861 which is disposed in the space between the first and second product holder roller means 182, 182.

Advantageously, the supporting element 186 of the fixed and movable holding means 19, 181 has an end crosspiece 186a from which there extend the opposite lateral or end arms 1862, 1863 which extend alongside the movable product holder roller means 182, 182 and the middle arm 1861 which is disposed in the space between the first and second product holder roller means 182, 182 and/or at which there are provided the respective pin means 1856 for rotating the supporting element 186 of the fixed and movable holding means 19, 181 relative to the base member 185.

Advantageously, the holding means 18 comprise an element 187 which defines the fixed holding means and which is preferably superposed on, or perpendicularly substantially aligned with, the supporting element 186 and connected thereto in articulated manner, specifically rotatabiy, relative to the respective pin means 1867 which extend transversely relative to the feed direction of the conveying means 12 and/or of the drive means 16. Advantageously, the pin means 1867 for articulating the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means are located on the supporting element 186, specifically on the end arms 1862, 1863 thereof, in particular at the free ends of this opposite to that for connecting the base member 185.

Advantageously, the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means 19 is provided with pin means 182p for freely rotating the roller means 182, 182, in particular the pin means 182p being located in proximity to the pin means 1867 for connection to the supporting element 187, that is at an intermediate positon of the lateral or end arms 1872, 1873 of the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means 19.

Advantageously, the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means 19 has opposite lateral end arms 1872, 1873 which extend alongside the movable product holder roller means 181 , 182 and which are on the extension of the end or lateral prongs 192, 193 of the self same fixed holding means 19, being in particular superposed on or perpendicularly aligned with the end arms 1862, 1863 of the supporting element 186 thereof. The element 187 also has a middle arm 1871 which is disposed in the space between the first and second holder roller means 182, 182 and on the extension of the middle prong 191 and which is superposed on or substantially perpendicularly or vertically aligned with the middle arm 1861 of the supporting element 186.

Advantageously, as may be well inferred from Figure 4B, the lateral end arms 1872, 1873 of the element which defines the fixed holding means 19 define means for holding and sliding on corresponding longitudinal guides of the weighing means, specifically defined by corresponding perpendicular protrusions 187a, 187b of the corresponding lateral end arm 1872, 1873.

Advantageously, the holding means 18 are movable vertically or perpendicularly from a lowered position for supporting and conveying the product to a raised position for moving or rotating the product and/or to a raised position for weighing the product.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figures 3G and 4A, in the lowered supporting position, the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means 19 engages and rests on the supporting element 186 through respective facing surfaces, in particular on the underside face 194i of the crosspiece 194 of the defining element 187 and on the top face 188s of the crosspiece 186a of the supporting element 186 and, in particular, engages and rests on the base member 185 through respective surfaces, in particular on the underside face 1871 1 of the middle arm 1871 of the defining element 187 and on the top face of the middle perpendicular protrusion 1850 of the base member 185. Advantageously, the supporting element 186 engages and rests on the base member 185 through respective facing surfaces, in particular on the underside face 1861 1 of the middle arm 1861 of the supporting element and on the top face 1850ss of the inclined longitudinal element 1850b of the base member 185.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 4B, in the raised position for weighing the product, the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means 19 is perpendicularly raised relative to the supporting element 186 and the supporting element 186 is perpendicularly raised relative to the base member 185.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 4C, in the raised position for moving or rotating the product, the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means 19 is raised, in particular together with the supporting element 186, relative to the base member 185, being in particular angularly spaced from the base member 185 by the effect of rotation relative to the pin means 1856 for rotating the supporting element 186 relative to the base member 185. More specifically, in the raised position for moving or rotating the product, the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means 19 engages and rests on the supporting element 188 through respective facing surfaces, in particular on the underside face 1941 of the crosspiece 194 of the defining element 187 and on the top face 188s of the crosspiece 186a of the supporting element 186,

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 4D, in the upturned position which the cup adopts on the return stretch of the conveying means, the element 187 which defines the fixed holding means 19, in particular by rotating relative to the mutual connecting pin means 1887, engages and rests on the supporting element 186 through respective facing surfaces. More specifically, an engagement and supporting surface is provided on a face 1861x of the middle arm 1861 , especially on an end protrusion 1861 1 thereof and on an inside face 1871x of an end cavity 1871 1 of the middle arm 1871 of the defining element 187, the protrusion 1861 1 being inserted in the cavity 1871 1 . More specifically, in the upturned position, the supporting element 188, in particular by rotating relative to the mutual connecting pin means 1858, engages and rests on the base member 185, through respective facing surfaces, specifically on the respective face 188x of the crosspiece 188a of the supporting element 186 and on the respective inclined face 185x of the end crosspiece 85t of the base member 185, the pin means 1856 for the rotation of the supporting element 186 relative to the base member 185 being provided at this crosspiece.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figures 5A to 5D, means are provided to trigger unloading of the products, that is, to trigger the movement of the holding means towards the position "B" for dropping and unloading the product from the supporting means, or cup.

Advantageously, the means to trigger unloading of the products, that is, to trigger the movement of the holding means towards the position "B" for dropping and unloading the product from the holding means, or cup comprise unloading start means 22, specifically provided on the means 200 for mounting the respective product holding means 18.

Advantageously, the unloading start means comprise a lever element 22, which, in particular, can be engaged and tripped by corresponding actuating means of the apparatus, this actuating means not being illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings.

Advantageously, the unloading start means, or lever element, 22 is pivoted at 23 to the mounting means 200 of the holding means 18.

Advantageously, the unloading start means, or lever element, 22 protrude downwardly of the mounting means 200, specifically from a middle portion 200c thereof.

Advantageously, the means to trigger unloading of the products, that is, to trigger the movement of the holding means 18 towards the position "B" for dropping and unloading the product from the holding means 18 themselves comprise means 24 for pushing the holding means 18 towards the position "B" for dropping and unloading the product.

Advantageously, the means 24 for pushing the holding means 18 towards the position "B" for dropping and unloading the product define, or are as one with, that is, they extend from, the unloading start means, or lever element, 22.

Advantageously, the means 24 for pushing towards the position "B" for dropping and unloading the product are adapted to impart to the product holding means 18 a rotational movement relative to the mounting means 200 towards the outer side of the conveying means.

Advantageously, the means 24 for pushing towards the position "B" for unloading the product comprise a movable surface 241 for engaging a corresponding surface 1852' of the holding means 18, specifically of the base member 185 thereof, specifically a lateral protrusion 1852 of the base block 1850, the lateral protrusion 1852 extending from the self same base block 1850 towards the means 201 for fastening to the drive means 18, that is, towards the drive means 18 themselves.

Advantageously, the means 24 for pushing towards the product unloading position "B" are pivoted at 23 to the mounting means 200 of the holding means 18 and perform a corresponding angular rotation directed towards the means for fastening to the drive means 16, that is, towards the drive means 16 themselves.

Advantageously, means 26 are provided for retaining the holding means 18 in the supporting and conveying position "A".

Advantageously, the means 26 for retaining the holding means 18 are located at the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18, specifically at the middle portion 200c thereof.

Advantageously, the means 26 for retaining the holding means 18 in the supporting and conveying position are in the form of means 26 for hooking the holding means 18, specifically a corresponding surface 1853' of the holding means 18, specifically of the base member 185 thereof, specifically a lateral protrusion 1853 of the base block 1850 of the base member 185, the lateral protrusion 1853 extending from the self same base block 1850 towards the means for fastening to the drive means 16, that is, towards the drive means 16 themselves.

Advantageously, the means for retaining the holding means 18 in the supporting and conveying position are defined by a hook or tooth-like portion 26 which extends perpendicularly or vertically, and specifically, whose engagement and retaining surface extends horizontally in the respective retaining position.

Advantageously, the hook or tooth-like portion 26 has an inclined outside surface 26' for engaging a corresponding inclined surface 8526 for resetting and backward ly pushing the hook or tooth-like portion 26, specifically towards the means for fastening to the drive means 16, that is, towards the drive means 16 themselves, the inclined resetting surface 8526 being provided on the holding means 18, specifically on the base member 185 of the holding means 18 themselves and, more specifically, at the end of the protrusion 1853 which extends laterally from the base block 1850 of the holding means 18 themselves.

Advantageously, the retaining means 26 are pivoted at 23 to the mounting means 200 of the holding means 18 and perform a corresponding angular rotation directed towards the means for fastening to the drive means 18, that is, towards the self same drive means 16 so as to release the product holding means 18.

Advantageously, the retaining means 26 define, or extend from, that is, are as one with, the unloading start means, or lever element, 22 and/or with the means 24 for pushing towards the product unloading position "B". Advantageously, the pivot or rotation pin 23 of the unloading start means, or lever element, 22 and/or the means 26 for retaining the holding means 18, and/or the means 24 for pushing the holding means 18 towards the product unloading position "B" is at a height or level perpendicularly below that of the rotation pin 21 of the holding means 18.

Advantageously, the pivot or rotation pin 23 of the unloading start means, or lever element, 22 and/or the means 26 for retaining the holding means 18, and/or the means 24 for pushing the holding means 18 towards the product unloading position "B" is closer to the means for fastening to the drive means 16, that is, closer to the self same drive means 16, than the rotation pin 21 of the holding means 18.

Advantageously, means 27, 8526, 26' are provided for resetting the means 26 for retaining the product holding means 18 in the normal conveying position "A".

Advantageously, the resetting means comprise respective elastic means 27.

Advantageously, the elastic resetting means push the retaining means 26 away from the means for fastening to the drive means 16, that is, from the self same drive means 16.

Advantageously, the resetting means, or tab, 27 are as one with the unloading start means, or lever element, 22 and/or with the retaining means 26 of the holding means 18, and/or with the means 24 for pushing the holding means 18 towards the product unloading position "B".

Advantageously, the resetting means are in the form of an elastic tab 27 which extends from the element defining the unloading start means, or lever element, 22 and/or the retaining means 28 of the holding means 18, and/or the means 24 for pushing the holding means 18 towards the product unloading position "B".

Advantageously, the elastic resetting tab 27 extends upwardly and is subjected to an elastic loading action by the activating action imparted to the triggering lever 22.

Advantageously, the elastic resetting tab 27 extends towards and against a corresponding inside wail 205 of the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18, this wall being located at one end of the mounting means 200 close to the means for fastening to the drive means 16, that is, to the self same drive means 16.

More specifically, as illustrated, the means 20 for fixing to the drive means 16 comprise means 201 for fastening to the drive means 16 from which there extends an elongate mounting element 200 which extends transversely to the feed direction, that is, laterally of the drive means 16, there being provided, more specifically a first and a second elongate element 200, 200 which extend from the fastening means 201 on opposite sides of the drive means 16.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the mounting means 200 of the respective product holding means 18 are in the form of an elongate element 200 running transversely to the feed direction, or longitudinal direction, of the conveying means. The elongate element 200 has a portion 202 which extends from the means 201 for fastening to the drive means 16, at a respective inside end of the elongate element 200, and an end portion 204 at the outside end of the elongate element 200 where the product holding means 18 are mounted in articulated manner. Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the portion 202, which extends from the means 201 for fastening to the drive means 16, and the end portion 204, where the product holding means 18 are mounted in articulated manner, are connected to each other by a middle connecting portion 203, specifically where the means which trigger the unloading of the product by the supporting means 14 are mounted in articulated manner.

Advantageously, as may be well inferred in particular from Figure 5A, the portion 202, which extends from the means 201 for fastening to the drive means 16, extends perpendicularly beyond, in particular into the positive product feed stretch, at a height above that of the portion 204 where the product holding means 18 are mounted in articulated manner.

Advantageously, as may be well inferred in particular from Figure 5A, the portion 202, which extends from the means 201 for fastening to the drive means 16 and the portion 204 where the product holding means 18 are mounted in articulated manner, extend perpendicularly beyond, in particular into the positive product feed stretch, at a height above that of the middle connecting portion 203.

Advantageously, the pivoting pin 21 of the product holding means 18 is located at the perpendicular end, specifically at the upper end of the positive, longitudinal product feed stretch of the portion 204, where the product holding means 18 are mounted in articulated manner.

Advantageously, as may be well inferred in particular from Figure 5A, the elongate element 200 defining the mounting means of the respective product holding means 18 has a large internal cavity, specifically for receiving the means for triggering the unloading of the product from the holding means 18. Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 5A, the fixing means 20, specifically the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18 define means for stopping the rotation of the holding means 18, in particular at the angular end position "B" for unloading and/or at the angular end position "A" for supporting and conveying.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 3A, the elongate element 200 defining the mounting means of the respective product holding means 18 has a first and second elongate transverse wall 210, 21 1 which transversely delimit the elongate element 200 itself and which define, between them, a space for receiving the means for triggering the unloading of the product from the holding means 18.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 5A to 5D, the fixing means 20, specificaily the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18 have a longitudinal end wall 212 which defines means for stopping the rotation of the holding means 18, in particular at the angular end position "B" for unloading and/or at the angular end position "A" for supporting and conveying.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 5D, the fixing means 20, specifically the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18 have a middle wall 213, specifically a wall which is lowered relative to the end wall 212 and which defines means for stopping the rotation of the holding means 18, in particular at the angular end position "B" for unloading. More specifically, the face of the middle wail 213, which is engaged by the holding means 18, is opposed to the face of the longitudinal end wall 213 which is engaged by the product holding means 18 themselves.

More specificaily, as illustrated, the holding means 18, specifically the fixed and/or movable holding means 19, 181 define an overall product holding surface which, along the positive product feed and conveying stretch, is at a perpendicularly higher level than the portion, specifically the middle portion, 201 for fastening to the drive means 16. Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 5A, the holding means 18, specifically the base member 185 of the self same holding means 18, and more specifically, the outwardly directed longitudinal end face 185' of the base block 1850 of the conveying means, defines a surface for engaging and stopping the holding means 18 at the angular end position "A" for supporting and conveying.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 5D, the holding means 18, specifically the base member 185 of the self same holding means 18, and more specifically, the outwardly directed longitudinal end face 185' of the base block 1850 of the conveying means, abuts, at the unloading angular end position "B", against the longitudinal end face 212, specifically abutting against the upper edge 212' of the self same longitudinal end wail 212 of the fixing means 20, that is, of the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 5D, the holding means 18, specifically the base member 185 of the self same holding means 18, and more specifically, the inside face of the end protrusion 1851 of the base block 1850 defines a surface for engaging and stopping the holding means 18 at the unloading angular end position "B", and which abuts against the middle wail 213, which, specifically, is lowered relative to the end wall 212 of the fixing means 20, that is, of the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18.

More specifically, as illustrated, the fixed or movable holding means 19, 181 , specifically a respective roller and/or a respective end prong, that is, those directed towards the central part of the conveying means, extend, or are disposed, perpendicularly at the lowered middle portion 203 of the fixing means 20, that is, of the mounting means 200 of the product holding means 18.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from the corresponding drawings, the conveying means, specifically the product holding means 18, comprise an opening 30 for the passage of a product scanning beam emitted by corresponding detecting means, the opening specifically defining means to allow the product scanning beam to pass through perpendicularly.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the opening, or passage means, 30 is made in the product holding means, specifically in the fixed holding means 19.

Advantageously, the opening, or passage means, 30 is made at the respective middle prong 191 , that is, at the crosspiece 194 thereof, and/or along the respective middle arm 1871 , preferably on the extension of the middle prong 191 .

Advantageously, the opening, or passage means, 30 is made at the respective supporting element 186, that is, at the crosspiece 186a thereof, and/or along the respective middle arm 1861 .

Advantageously, the opening, or passage means, 30 is made at the respective base member 185, preferably at the longitudinally inclined extension 1850b.

More specifically, as may be inferred from Figure 1 , the singuiating means or station 1 1 for positioning a single product on a respective conveyor cup, and that it also rests on the next cup, is provided upstream of the product weight measuring means, or station, 13.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 6, the product weight measuring means, or station, 13 comprises respective longitudinal guide means, specifically in the form of a first and a second opposite guides 131 , 131 on which the holding means run and rest, and perpendicularly extending transducer supporting means, specifically in the form of a first and a second supporting element 132, 132 for the guide means, the transducer supporting means 132, 132 extending above the guide means 131 , 131 .

!t is thus possible to avoid having a configuration where dirt and waste can accumulate and which is difficult to clean.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 2 and 3A, the fixing means 20, specifically the portion 201 for fastening to the drive means 16, comprise a seat 201 a, specifically defined by opposite longitudinal panels 201 b, 201 b, and a horizontal panel 201 " disposed between them, of the fastening portion 201 , the seat 201 a being open at the bottom and extending into the longitudinal product feed stretches, and having a perpendicular extension such that it can be placed on the drive means 16 and on corresponding guide means 40 thereof, lying under the drive means 16, and more specifically, the guide means being in the form of corresponding longitudinal bar means 40.

This guarantees an optimum action for supporting and guiding the drive means and the product conveying means.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 1 and 3B, the fixing means, specifically the portion 201 for fastening to the drive means 16, comprise a seat 201 c, specifically defined by opposite longitudinal panels 201 d, 201 d of the fastening portion 201 , and a horizontal bottom panel 201 e, the seat 201 c being open at the bottom and extending into the longitudinal return stretches of the conveying means and being preferably aligned with the seat for placement on the drive means and/or on the corresponding guide means 40 in the longitudinal product feed stretches. The seat 201 c defines means for placement on corresponding bottom guide means 41 , these guide means being in the form of corresponding longitudinal bar means 41 which are provided in the backward return stretch of the conveying means and are preferably positioned underneath the upper guide means 40 and vertically aligned therewith.

This guarantees optimum support for the product holder cups and avoids the risk of their excessive wear.

Advantageously, the angular rotation of the holding means 18 between the supporting and conveying position "A" and the product unloading position "B" is between 20° and 40°, preferably between 25° and 35° and, still more preferably, is around 30°.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 5A to 5D, the means to trigger unloading, specifically the means 24 for pushing the holding means 18, accompany the angular rotation of, or engage, the product holding means 18 for a part of the angular rotation thereof between the supporting and conveying position "A" and the product unloading position "B", specifically for a part of the rotation which is less than half the angular rotation thereof between the supporting and conveying position "A" and the product unloading position "B".

In practice, as is evident, the technical features described above, individually or in combination, allow this invention to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

- providing an apparatus or cup which prevents rough handling when the products are unloaded, thus preventing damage to the products;

- providing an apparatus or cup which prevents large fruit and vegetable products, when unloaded, from getting stuck between the cups adjacent to the one carrying the product and which is tipped over to unload the product;,

- providing an apparatus or cup which avoids the excessive complication or unreliability of the mechanisms which allow the product holding means of the product cups to move relative to the respective means for mounting and fixing to the drive means;

- providing an apparatus or cup which avoids the risk of breaking and having to replace individual cups, especially on account of wear due to friction on the cup;

- providing an apparatus or cup which overcomes the difficulty of cleaning, due especially to the inconvenient construction or structure of the apparatus;

- providing an apparatus which is capable of working particularly effectively and reliably;

- providing an apparatus which allows saving on the number of components used to make it;

- providing an apparatus whose maintenance is easy; - providing an apparatus which is highly durable.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. Also, further preferred embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein can easily be imagined. It will also be understood that all the details of the invention may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1 . An apparatus (10) for grading and sorting respective products, in particular fruit and vegetable products; comprising means (12) for conveying the respective product along a respective feed path, in particular longitudinal, of the apparatus; the conveying means (12) comprising respective product supporting means (14), in particular in the form of a plurality of product holding cups and respective drive means (16) for driving the product supporting means or cups (14), in particular in the form of an endless chain with articulated links, to which the product supporting means or cups are fixed, the product supporting means or cups (14) comprising product holding means (18), specifically in the form of first and second holding means provided on opposite sides of the drive means (16), and means (20) for fixing them to the drive means (16), in particular comprising mounting means (200) for the respective holding means and means (201 ) for fastening to the drive means, from which the mounting means extend, the product holding means (18) being connected in articulated manner to the fixing means, in particular to the mounting means (200); characterized in that the product holding means (18) are pivoted to the means (20) for fixing to the drive means, specifically to the mounting means (200), so as to be able to move from a first, normal position (A) for supporting and conveying the product to a second position (B) for dropping and unloading the product from the supporting means or cups, and vice versa, and in that the pivoting means (21 ) for pivoting the product holding means (18) to the means (20) for fixing to the drive means (16), specifically to the mounting means (200) of the respective holding means are provided vertically at, or substantially vertically at, a barycentre zone, specifically transverse, of the self same holding means (18),

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the product holding means (18) are pivoted to the fixing means (20), in particular to mounting means 200 thereof, for mounting the holding means, at a lower zone (18') of the holding means (18), specifically a zone, below the barycentre of the holding means themselves,

3. The product according to either of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the product holding means (18) move towards the second position (B) for dropping and unloading the product from the supporting means or cups, at least partly, or preponderantly, under the effect of gravity only.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the product holding means (18) move, at least initially, from the normal position (A) for supporting and conveying the product to the second position (B) for dropping and unloading the product on an impulse which pushes the holding means (18) in such a way as to move them out of balance, that is, to shift their transverse barycentre from its position of perpendicular or vertical alignment with the pivoting means (21 ).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the impulse which pushes the holding means (18) in such a way as to move them out of balance, that is, to shift their transverse barycentre from its position of perpendicular or vertical alignment with the pivoting means (21 ) has at least one transverse component which is imparted to a zone (180) at a certain length or distance from the pivoting means (21 ) and, in particular, a lower zone (180) of the holding means (18), preferably a zone (180) extending towards the drive means for driving the pivoting means (21 ). 8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the product holding means (18) are pivoted to the fixing means (20) at an end zone (20') of the fixing means (20) themselves, in particular of the mounting means (200) thereof.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means (200) for mounting the fixing means (20) extend from the zone of the drive means (18) below the product holding means (18) up to, and preferably beyond, the transverse barycentre zone thereof.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product holding means (18) rotate about an axis parallel to the direction of extension and feeding of the conveying means (12), that is, parallel to the direction of extension and feeding of the drive means (16),

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product holding means (18) extend vertically, or perpendicularly, beyond, in particular in the product feed stretches, above the fixing means (20) for fixing to the drive means (16).

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product holding means (18) are disposed vertically, or perpendicularly, beyond, in particular in the product feed stretches, above the drive means (16).

1 1 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (18) comprise movable or rotatabie holding means (181 ), in particular in the form of corresponding roller means, preferably comprising a first and a second product rotating roller (182, 182) which are preferably supported by the same rotation shaft (183) and which are transversely spaced from each other.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the pivoting means of the holding means (18) are vertically, or perpendicularly, at the transverse centre line of the holding means (18), in particular vertically or perpendicularly at the transverse space between the first and second product rotating rollers (182, 182).

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (18) comprise fixed means (19), specifically protruding from the movable holding means (181 ) and defining therewith cradle-like means on which the product is rested, especially in the form of a fork, preferably comprising a middle prong (191 ) adapted to be disposed in the space between the rollers (182, 182) of an adjacent cup, and/or transversely opposite first and second lateral or end prongs (192, 193) which are adapted to be disposed at the respective outer sides of the roller means, or respective roller (182, 182) of the adjacent cup. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the prongs (192, 193, 191 ) of the fixed, or fork-like, holding means (19) extend alongside and/or between, specifically alongside and/or between the first and second rollers (182, 182) of the movable holding means (181 ).

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the product holding means (18) comprise a base member (185) defining a bottom element along the feed stretch of the apparatus, supporting the movable and/or fixed holding means (19, 181 ) in articulated manner and which, specifically, is in turn connected in articulated manner, specifically rotatabiy, to the corresponding mounting means (200) of the holding means (18),

18. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the base member (185) of the holding means has a respective longitudinal end face which defines a means, or surface (185', 185") for engaging and stopping the rotation of the holding means (18) themselves, specifically at the angular end position (B) for unloading and/or at the angular end position (A) for supporting and conveying, the means, or surface (185', 185") for engaging and stopping the rotation being adapted to engage a corresponding means, or surface, of the respective mounting means (200).

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the base member (185) of the holding means (18) comprises a base or bottom block (1850) defining respective hole means, or hole, (218) for the pivoting means (21 ), the block defining a lateral end surface (185') for engaging and stopping the rotation, and/or from which block there extends a bottom protrusion (1851 ) which defines an inside surface (185") for engaging and stopping the rotation of the holding means (18) and respectively defining means which are located on the self same holding means (18) and which stop the rotation of the holding means (18), specifically at the angular end position (B) for unloading and/or at the angular end position (A) for supporting and conveying,

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the base member (185) is positioned longitudinally off-centre relative to the longitudinal centre line of the movable holding means (181 ) in the direction of the end of the holding means that is defined by the fixed holding means (19) or in which the same are positioned.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the base member (185) has a protrusion (1850a) which extends from the self same block (1850) in substantially vertical or perpendicular manner and which is inserted in the space between the movable product holding rollers (182, 182) and which has or defines a surface (1850s) for engaging and mounting the holding means (19, 181 ), at the respective vertical supporting and conveying position, the engagement surface (1850s) being preferably provided at the perpendicular or vertical end of the self same protrusion (1850a).

20. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the product holding means (18) comprise an element (186) for supporting the fixed and movable holding means (19, 181 ) which is connected in articulated manner, specifically rotatabiy, to the base member (185) and which is preferably rotatable about respective pin means (1856) extending transversely to the feed direction of the conveying means (12) and/or of the drive means (16).

21 . The apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the pin means (1856) for angularly rotating the supporting element (186) of the fixed and movable holding means (19, 181 ) relative to the base member (185) are positioned in proximity to a longitudinal end of the holding means (18) and preferably under the fixed or fork-like means (19), that is, specifically, at the transverse element (194) which connects the prongs (191 , 192, 193) of the fixed or fork-like holding means (19).

22. The apparatus according to claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that the pin means (1856) for angularly rotating the supporting element (186) of the fixed and movable holding means (19, 181 ) relative to the base member (185) are located on a portion (1850b) of the base member (185) which extends perpendicularly or vertically from the base block, or bottom block, (1850) relative to which it extends longitudinally and inclined with its end in proximity to a longitudinal end of the holding means (18), preferably of the fixed or fork-like holding means (19) thereof.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the supporting element (186) of the fixed and movable holding means (19, 181 ) has opposite lateral or end arms (1862, 1863) which extend alongside the movable product holder roller means (182, 182) and a middle arm (1861 ) which is disposed in the space between the first and second product holder roller means (182, 182).

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the supporting element (186) of the fixed and movable holding means (19, 181 ) has an end crosspiece (186a) from which there extend the opposite lateral or end arms (1862, 1863) which extend alongside the movable product holder roller means (182, 182) and the middle arm (1861 ) which is disposed in the space between the first and second product holder roller means (182, 182) and/or at which there are provided the respective pin means (1856) for rotating the supporting element (186) of the fixed and movable holding means (19, 181 ) relative to the base member (185).

25. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the holding means (18) comprise an element (187) which defines the fixed holding means and which is preferably superposed on, or perpendicularly substantially aligned with, the supporting element (186) and connected thereto in articulated manner, specifically rotatably, relative to the respective pin means (1867) which extend transversely relative to the feed direction of the conveying means (12) and/or of the drive means (16).

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the pin means (1867) for articulating the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means are located on the supporting element (186), specifically on the end arms (1862, 1863) thereof, in particular at the free ends of this opposite to that for connecting the base member (185).

27. The apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means (19) is provided with pin means (182p) for freely rotating the roller means (182, 182), in particular the pin means (182p) being located in proximity to the pin means (1867) for connection to the supporting element (187), that is at an intermediate position of the lateral or end arms (1872, 1873) of the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means (19).

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means (19) has opposite lateral end arms (1872, 1873) which extend alongside the movable product holder roller means (181 , 182) and which are on the extension of the end or lateral prongs (192, 193) of the self same fixed holding means (19), being in particular superposed on or perpendicularly aligned with the end arms (1862, 1863) of the supporting element (186) thereof, and also having a middle arm (1871 ) which is disposed in the space between the first and second holder roller means (182, 182) and on the extension of the middle prong (191 ) and which is superposed on or substantially perpendicularly or vertically aligned with the middle arm (1861 ) of the supporting element (186).

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that the lateral end arms (1872, 1873) of the element which defines the fixed holding means (19) define means for holding and sliding on corresponding longitudinal guides of the weighing means, specifically defined by corresponding perpendicular protrusions (187a, 187b) of the corresponding lateral end arm (1872, 1873).

30. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the holding means (18) are movable vertically or perpendicularly from a lowered position for supporting and conveying the product to a raised position for moving or rotating the product and/or to a raised position for weighing the product.

31 . The apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that in the lowered supporting position, the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means (19) engages and rests on the supporting element (186) through respective facing surfaces, in particular on the underside face (194i) of the crosspiece (194) of the defining element (187) and on the top face (188s) of the crosspiece (188a) of the supporting element (186) and, in particular, engages and rests on the base member (185) through respective surfaces, in particular on the underside face (1871 1) of the middle arm (1871 ) of the defining element (187) and on the top face of the middle perpendicular protrusion (1850) of the base member (185); the supporting element (186) engaging and resting on the base member (185) through respective facing surfaces, in particular on the underside face (1861 1) of the middle arm (1861 ) of the supporting element and on the top face (1850ss) of the inclined longitudinal element (1850b) of the base member (185).

32. The apparatus according to claim 30 or 31 , characterized in that, in the raised position for weighing the product, the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means (19) is perpendicularly raised relative to the supporting element (186) and the supporting element (188) is perpendicularly raised relative to the base member (185).

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, in the raised position for moving or rotating the product, the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means (19) is raised, in particular together with the supporting element (186), relative to the base member (185), being in particular angularly spaced from the base member

(185) by the effect of rotation relative to the pin means (1856) for rotating the supporting element (186) relative to the base member (185); more specifically, in the raised position for moving or rotating the product, the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means (19) engaging and resting on the supporting element (186) through respective facing surfaces, in particular on the underside face (194i) of the crosspiece (194) of the defining element (187) and on the top face (186s) of the crosspiece (186a) of the supporting element (186).

34. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that in the upturned position which the cup adopts on the return stretch of the conveying means, the element (187) which defines the fixed holding means (19), in particular by rotating relative to the mutual connecting pin means (1867), engages and rests on the supporting element (186) through respective facing surfaces, specifically provided on a face (1861x) of the middle arm (191 ), especially on an end protrusion (1861 1 ) thereof and on an inside face (1871x) of an end cavity (1871 1 ) of the middle arm (1871 ) of the defining element (187), the protrusion (1861 1 ) being inserted in the cavity (1871 1 ), specifically, in the upturned position, the supporting element

(186) , in particular by rotating relative to the mutual connecting pin means (1856), engages and rests on the base member (185), through respective facing surfaces, specifically on the respective face (186x) of the crosspiece (186a) of the supporting element (186) and on the respective inclined face (185x) of the end crosspiece (185t) of the base member

(185) , the pin means (1856) for the rotation of the supporting element

(186) relative to the base member (185) being provided at this crosspiece. 35. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means (20) for fixing io the drive means (16) comprise means (201 ) for fastening to the drive means (16) from which there extends an elongate mounting element (200) which extends transversely to the feed direction, that is, laterally of the drive means (16), there being provided, more specifically a first and a second elongate element (200, 200) which extend from the fastening means (201 ) on opposite sides of the drive means (16).

36. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that means are provided to trigger unloading of the products, that is, to trigger the movement of the holding means towards the position (B) for dropping and unloading the product from the supporting means, or cup.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that the means to trigger unloading of the products, that is, to trigger the movement of the holding means towards the position for dropping and unloading the product from the holding means, or cup comprise unloading start means (22), specifically provided on the means (200) for mounting the respective product holding means (18).

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that the unloading start means comprise a lever element (22), which, in particular, can be engaged and tripped by corresponding actuating means of the apparatus.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that the unloading start means, or lever element, (22) is pivoted (at 23) to the mounting means (200) of the holding means (18).

40. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that the unloading start means, or lever element, (22) protrude downwardly of the mounting means (200), specifically from a middle portion (200c) thereof.

41 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 36 to 40, characterized in that the means to trigger unloading of the products, that is, to trigger the movement of the holding means (18) towards the position (B) for dropping and unloading the product from the holding means (18) themselves comprise means (24) for pushing the holding means (18) towards the position (B) for dropping and unloading the product,

42. The apparatus according to claim 41 , characterized in that the means (24) for pushing the holding means (18) towards the position (B) for dropping and unloading the product define, or are as one with, that is, they extend from, the unloading start means, or lever element, (22).

43. The apparatus according to claim 41 or 42, characterized in that the means (24) for pushing towards the position ("B") for dropping and unloading the product are adapted to impart to the product holding means (18) a rotational movement relative to the mounting means (200) towards the outer side of the conveying means,

44. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the means (24) for pushing towards the position (B) for unloading the product comprise a movable surface (241 ) for engaging a corresponding surface (1852') of the holding means (18), specifically of the base member (185) thereof, specifically a lateral protrusion (1852) of the base block (1850) of the base member (185), the lateral protrusion (1852) extending from the self same base block (1850) towards the means for fastening to the drive means (16), that is, towards the drive means (16) themselves,

45. The apparatus according to any one of claims 41 to 44, characterized in that the means (24) for pushing towards the product unloading position (B) are pivoted (at 23) to the mounting means (200) of the holding means (18) and perform a corresponding angular rotation directed towards the means for fastening to the drive means (16), that is, towards the drive means (16) themselves.

46. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (26) for retaining the holding means (18) in the supporting and conveying position (A).

47. The apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that the means (26) for retaining the holding means (18) are located at the mounting means (200) of the product holding means (18), specifically at the middle portion (200c) thereof.

48. The apparatus according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that the means (26) for retaining the holding means (18) in the supporting and conveying position are in the form of means (26) for hooking the holding means (18), specifically a corresponding surface (1853') of the holding means (18), specifically of the base member (185) thereof, specifically a lateral protrusion (1853) of the base block (1850), the lateral protrusion (1853) extending from the self same base block (1850) towards the means for fastening to the drive means (16), that is, towards the drive means (16) themselves.

49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that the means for retaining the holding means (18) in the supporting and conveying position are defined by a hook or tooth-like portion (26) which extends perpendicularly or vertically.

50. The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that the retaining means (26) are pivoted (at 23) to the mounting means (200) of the holding means (18) and perform a corresponding angular rotation directed towards the means for fastening to the drive means (16), that is, towards the self same drive means (16) so as to release the product holding means (18),

51 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 50, characterized in that the retaining means (26) define, or extend from, that is, are as one with, the unloading start means, or lever element, (22) and/or with the means (24) for pushing towards the product unloading position (B).

52. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the pivot or rotation pin (23) of the unloading start means, or lever element, (22) and/or the means (26) for retaining the holding means (18) and/or the means (24) for pushing the holding means (18) towards the product unloading position (B) is at a height or level perpendicularly below that of the rotation pin (21 ) of the holding means (18); and/or in that the pivot or rotation pin (23) of the unloading start means, or lever element, (22) and/or the means (26) for retaining the holding means (18), and/or the means (24) for pushing the holding means (18) towards the product unloading position (B) is closer to the means for fastening to the drive means (16), that is, closer to the self same drive means (16), than the rotation pin (21 ) of the holding means (18).

53. The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 52, characterized in that means (27, 8526, 26') are provided for resetting the means (26) for retaining the product holding means (18) in the normal conveying position (A).

54. The apparatus according to claim 53, characterized in that the resetting means comprise respective elastic means (27).

55. The apparatus according to claim 53 or 54, characterized in that the elastic resetting means push the retaining means (26) away from the means for fastening to the drive means (16), that is, from the self same drive means (16).

56. The apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 55, characterized in that the resetting means, or tab, (27) are as one with the unloading start means, or lever element, (22) and/or with the retaining means (26) of the holding means (18), and/or with the means (24) for pushing the holding means (18) towards the product unloading position (B).

57. The apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 56, characterized in that the resetting means are in the form of an elastic tab (27) which extends from the element defining the unloading start means, or lever element, (22) and/or the retaining means (26) of the holding means (18), and/or the means (24) for pushing the holding means (18) towards the product unloading position (B).

58. The apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 57, characterized in that the elastic resetting tab (27) extends upwardly and is subjected to an elastic loading action by the activating action imparted to the triggering lever (22).

59. The apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 58, characterized in that the elastic resetting tab (27) extends towards and against a corresponding inside wall (205) of the mounting means (200) of the product holding means (18), this wall being located at one end of the mounting means close to the means for fastening to the drive means (16), that is, to the self same drive means (16).

60. The apparatus according to any one of claims 46 to 59, characterized in that the hook or tooth-like portion (26) has an inclined outside surface (26') for engaging a corresponding inclined surface (8526) for resetting and backwardly pushing the hook or tooth-like portion (26), specifically towards the means for fastening to the drive means (16), that is, towards the drive means (16) themselves, the inclined resetting surface (8526) being provided on the holding means (18), specifically on the base member (185) of the holding means (18) themselves and, more specifically, at the end of the protrusion (1853) which extends laterally from the base block (1850) of the holding means (18) themselves.

61 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the mounting means (200) of the respective product holding means (18) are in the form of an elongate element (200) running transversely to the feed direction, or longitudinal direction, of the conveying means, the elongate element (200) having a portion (202) which extends from the means (201 ) for fastening to the drive means (16), at a respective inside end of the elongate element (200), and an end portion (204) at the outside end of the elongate element (200) where the product holding means (18) are mounted in articulated manner.

82. The apparatus according to claim 61 , characterized in that the portion (202), which extends from the means (201 ) for fastening to the drive means (16), and the end portion (204), where the product holding means (18) are mounted in articulated manner, are connected to each other by a middle connecting portion (203), specifically where the means which trigger the unloading of the product by the supporting means (14) are mounted in articulated manner.

63. The apparatus according to claim 61 or 62, characterized in that the portion (202), which extends from the means (201 ) for fastening to the drive means (16), extends perpendicularly beyond, in particular into the positive product feed stretch, at a height above that of the portion (204) where the product holding means (18) are mounted in articulated manner.

64. The apparatus according to claim 62 or 63, characterized in that the portion (202), which extends from the means (201 ) for fastening to the drive means (16) and the portion (204) where the product holding means (18) are mounted in articulated manner, extend perpendicularly beyond, in particular into the positive product feed stretch, at a height above that of the middle connecting portion (203).

65. The apparatus according to any one of claims 61 to 64, characterized in that the pivoting pin (21 ) of the product holding means (18) is located at the perpendicular end, specifically at the upper end of the positive, longitudinal product feed stretch of the portion (204), where the product holding means (18) are mounted in articulated manner.

66. The apparatus according to any one of claims 61 to 65, characterized in that the elongate element (200) defining the mounting means of the respective product holding means (18) has a large internal cavity, specifically for receiving the means for triggering the unloading of the product from the holding means (18).

67. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the fixing means (20), specifically the mounting means (200) of the product holding means (18) define means for stopping the rotation of the holding means (18), in particular at the angular end position (B) for unloading and/or at the angular end position (A) for supporting and conveying,

68. The apparatus according to claim 67, characterized in that the fixing means (20), specifically the mounting means (200) of the product holding means (18) have a longitudinal end wail (212) which defines means for stopping the rotation of the holding means (18), in particular at the angular end position (B) for unloading and/or at the angular end position (A) for supporting and conveying,

69. The apparatus according to claim 68, characterized in that the holding means (18), specifically the base member (185) of the self same holding means (18), and more specifically, the outwardly directed longitudinal end face (185') of the base block (1850) of the conveying means, defines a surface for engaging and stopping the holding means (18) at the angular end position (A) for supporting and conveying.

70. The apparatus according to claim 68 or 69, characterized in that the holding means (18), specifically the base member (185) of the self same holding means (18), and more specifically, the outwardly directed longitudinal end face (185') of the base block (1850) of the conveying means, abuts, at the unloading angular end position (B), against the longitudinal end face (212), specifically abutting against the upper edge (212') of the self same longitudinal end wail (212) of the fixing means (20), that is, of the mounting means (200) of the product holding means (18).

71 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 67 to 70, characterized in that the fixing means (20), specifically the mounting means (200) of the product holding means (18) have a middle wall (213), specifically a wail which is lowered relative to the end wall (212) and which defines means for stopping the rotation of the holding means (18), in particular at the angular end position (B) for unloading.

72. The apparatus according to claim 71 , characterized in that the holding means (18), specifically the base member (185) of the self same holding means (18), and more specifically, the inside face of the end protrusion (1851 ) of the base block (1850) defines a surface for engaging and stopping the holding means (18) at the unloading angular end position (B), and which abuts against the middle wall (213), which, specifically, is lowered relative to the end wall (212) of the fixing means (20), that is, of the mounting means (200) of the product holding means (18).

73. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (18), specifically the fixed and/or movable holding means (19, 181 ) define an overall product holding surface which, along the positive product feed and conveying stretch, is at a perpendicuiarly higher level than the portion, specifically the middle portion, (201 ) for fastening to the drive means (16).

74. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed or movable holding means (19, 181 ), specifically a respective roller and/or a respective end prong, that is, those directed towards the central part of the conveying means, extend, or are disposed, perpendicularly at the lowered middle portion (203) of the fixing means (20), that is, of the mounting means (200) of the product holding means (18).

75. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the conveying means, specifically the product holding means (18), comprise an opening (30) for the passage of a product scanning beam emitted by corresponding detecting means, the opening specifically defining means to allow the product scanning beam to pass through perpendicuiarly.

78. The apparatus according to claim 75, characterized in that the opening, or passage means, (30) is made in the product holding means, specifically in the fixed holding means (19).

77. The apparatus according to claim 75 or 76, characterized in that the opening, or passage means, (30) is made at the respective middle prong (191 ), that is, at the crosspiece (194) thereof, and/or along the respective middle arm (1871 ), preferably on the extension of the middle prong (191 ).

78. The apparatus according to any one of claims 75 to 77, characterized in that the opening, or passage means, (30) is made at the respective supporting element (186), that is, at the crosspiece (186a) thereof, and/or along the respective middle arm (1861 ).

79. The apparatus according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that the opening, or passage means, (30) is made at the respective base member (185), preferably at the longitudinally inclined extension (1850b).

80. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a singuiating means or station (1 1 ) for positioning a single product on a respective conveyor cup, that it also rests on the next cup.

81 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means, or station, (13) for weighing the products.

82. The apparatus according to claim 81 , characterized in that the product weight measuring means, or station, (13) comprises respective longitudinal guide means, specifically in the form of a first and a second opposite guides (131 , 131 ) on which the holding means run and rest, and perpendicularly extending transducer supporting means, specifically in the form of a first and a second supporting element (132, 132) for the guide means, the transducer supporting means (132, 132) extending above the guide means (131 , 131 ).

83. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means, or station, (15) for unloading the product from the conveying means (14).

84. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the fixing means (20), specifically the portion (201 ) for fastening to the drive means (16), comprise a seat (201 a), specifically defined by opposite longitudinal panels (201 b, 201 b) of the fastening portion (201 ), the seat (201 a) being open at the bottom and extending into the longitudinal product feed stretches, and having a perpendicular extension such that it can be placed on the drive means (16) and on corresponding guide means (40) thereof, lying under the drive means (16), and more specifically, the guide means being in the form of corresponding longitudinal bar means (40).

85. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the fixing means, specifically the portion (201 ) for fastening to the drive means (16), comprise a seat (201 c), specifically defined by opposite longitudinal panels (201 d, 201 d) of the fastening portion 201 , the seat (201 c) being open at the bottom and extending into the longitudinal return stretches of the conveying means and being preferably aligned with the seat for placement on the drive means and/or on the corresponding guide means (40) in the longitudinal product feed stretches; the seat (201 c) defining means for placement on corresponding bottom guide means (41 ), these guide means being in the form of corresponding longitudinal bar means (41 ) which are provided in the backward return stretch of the conveying means and are preferably positioned underneath the upper guide means (40) and vertically aligned therewith.

86. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the angular rotation of the holding means (18) between the supporting and conveying position (A) and the product unloading position (B) is between 20° and 40°, preferably between 25° and 35° and, still more preferably, is around 30°.

87. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means to trigger unloading, specifically the means (24) for pushing the holding means (18), accompany the angular rotation of, or engage, the product holding means (18) for a part of the angular rotation thereof between the supporting and conveying position (A) and the product unloading position (B), specifically for a part of the rotation which is less than half the angular rotation thereof between the supporting and conveying position (A) and the product unloading position (B).

88. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in the mounting means of the holding means comprise first and second mounting means for respective first and second product holding means extending on opposite sides of the drive means (16).

89. The apparatus characterized in that it is as described in any one of the preceding claims and/or as described in the description and, in particular, illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.