APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING SMALL FRUITS

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for harvesting small fruits , such as olives , almonds , pistachios and similar fruits .

Furthermore , the invention relates to a method for harvesting the aforementioned small fruits .

Description of the prior art

As known, several apparatuses exist that are used for shaking the branches of some plants by vibrating and/or rotating the same by rods, or fingers, of which they are provided with . In this way, the aforementioned apparatuses cause the small fruits, in particular olives, but also almonds, pistachios, coffee beans, etc . to fall down from the branches of the plants, in order to be collected.

An example of a similar apparatus is described in W02007 / 129207 . The apparatus comprises two comb-li ke members , each of which comprising an elongated base body and a plurality of rods which protrude from the same face . The base bodies are pivotally connected to a support by hinges having the same axis , therefore, the two comb-like members are arranged on parallel planes and face with each other . In particular, in a determined relative position they are superimposed with each other, i f viewed from one side . The apparatus is provided with an electric motor which causes the two comb-like members to oscillate by a motion transmission group . More precisely, the motion transmission group is arranged to cause an alternating rotational motion of the two comb-li ke members in opposite face with each other . The apparatus provides , furthermore , a rod having a first end f ixed to the support and a second end having an handle to be grasped by a user . A drawback of the apparatus described above is the small working area that is generated by the movement of the comb-like members with respect to their size .

Another example of an apparatus for harvesting is described in W02017 / 002047 . In this case , the two comblike members are positioned side by side in order to have a larger working area with respect to the previous case . Also in this case , the comb-l ike members are operated to move according to an alternative rotational motion in opposite phase with each other about a respective axis . More in detail , a motion transmission group is provided which trans forms the continuous rotational motion provided by a motor at first into a reciprocating translational motion of a shaft and, then, into the alternative rotational motion of the comb-like members by a couple o f connecting rods hinged at one side to the end and to the other to respective elongated bases of the comb-like members .

However, this apparatus i s structurally complex and too much heavy owing to the kind of transmission that is used .

Still another example of an apparatus for harvesting is described in EP3430883 . In this case , analogously to the previous case , the two comb-like members are positioned side by side , but the motion transmis sion group provides two connecting rods superimposed to each other and hinged, at a first end to the same eccentric pivot , and to a respective elongated base element of one of the two comb-like members , at the other end .

However, the shaking action exerted on the braches by the device described in EP3430883 is not highly effective, unless a motor of high power is used thus having a high energy consumption and an increase of the weight of the apparatus . This is mainly caused by the solution adopted for the transmission group providing two superimposed connecting rods hinged to the same eccentric pivot of the only crank that is present .

Furthermore, the technical solution provided for the transmission group of EP3430883 unavoidably implies a high thickness of the working head of the apparatus . This, during working conditions, blocks the view of the user impeding him to clearly see the area involved in the harvesting action . Therefore, it is possible to carry out the shaking action with the comb-like members in areas with no fruits, or even, on parts of the plant that should not be involved because extremely weak, with the risk to damage the same .

Another example of an apparatus for harvesting olives and small fruits is described in EP2699075. In particular, this document described an apparatus for harvesting olives comprising a support body arranged to be grasped by a user, and one, or more, comb-like members that are moved according to an oscillating motion by a motor group through a motion transmission group . The comb-like member is provided with a support structure that is axially constrained and pivotally to a sleeve hinged to a containment box at a transversal axis for causing a first oscillating motion of the support structure about the transversal axis . The support structure is, furthermore, constrained to the containment box at an axially distal portion with respect to the portion connected to the sleeve by a joint in such a way to produce a second oscillating motion of the support structure about a longitudinal axis .

However, the technical solution described in EP2699075 for the transmission group is structurally complex . Furthermore, the sleeves for engaging the support structure of the comb-like member and the containment box implies a high risk that dirty and dusts produced during the shaking of the branches of the plant can penetrate between the different movable parts, which therefore, not only compromise the effectiveness of the shaking action, but can also cause the apparatus to be obstructed and, therefore, be damaged, thus requiring periodical and frequent maintenance operations for cleaning the apparatus .

Summary of the invention

It is , therefore , an obj ect of the present invention to provide an apparatus for harvesting small fruits , such as olives , almonds , pistachios and similar fruits , which allows to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the solutions adopted in the prior art .

It is , in particular, an obj ect of the present invention to provide a similar apparatus for harvesting small fruits , such as olives , almonds , pistachios and similar fruits , that is able to carry out an ef fective shaking action of the branches even i f a light motor is used and having a moderate maximum power . It is another obj ect of the present invention to provide a similar apparatus for harvesting small fruits , such as olives , almonds , pistachios and similar fruits , having an extremely reduced thickness without compromising the ef fectiveness of the shaking action .

These and other obj ects are achieved by an apparatus , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits , in particular olives , almonds , pistachios and simi lar fruits , said apparatus comprising :

- a handle portion at which a user is arranged to grasp said apparatus ;

- a support body;

- a first and a second oscillating comb-like member pivotally connected to said support body at respective fulcrum points , said first and second oscil lating comb-like members being positioned side by side and comprising, respectively, a f irst and a second elongated base portion provided, respectively, with a first and a second plurality of rods ;

- a motor group operatively connected to said first and second oscillating comb-like members by a motion transmission group comprising a first connecting rod member having a first end pivotally connected to a end portion of the first elongated base portion and a second end arranged to connect the first connecting rod member to a crank group operatively connected to the motor group ; whose main characteristic i s that said motion transmi ssion group comprises , furthermore , a first connecting rod member having a first end pivotally connected to an end portion of the second elongated base portion and a second end pivotally connected to the first connecting rod member in a point positioned between the first and the second end of the first connecting rod member and the crank group is provided with an eccentric pivot arranged to pivotal ly engage in an engagement hole provided at the second end of the first connecting rod member .

Other features of the invention and the related embodiments are set out in the dependent claims .

In particular, the aforementioned first end o f the first and second elongated base portions are arranged to face to each other .

Advantageously, between the eccentric pivot and the engagement hole a bearing is provided .

According to an embodiment o f the invention, the motor group comprises a motor shaft on which a pinion is mounted arranged to directly mesh with a toothed wheel , or crown, of the crank group to transmit the motion to the first oscillating comb-like member by the first connecting rod member . In particular, the motion to the second oscillating comb-like member is transmitted by the first connecting rod member pivotally connected, for example by a fixing member, to the first connecting rod member .

In particular, the crank group comprises a first part and a second part fixed at opposite sides to the aforementioned toothed wheel . More in particular, la aforementioned first part is provided with the eccentric pivot .

Advantageously, the first part and the aforementioned second part are associated to respective bearings . In particular, the aforementioned first and second oscillating comb-like members comprise , respectively, a first and a second directing body . More in particular, the first and second directing body comprises , respectively, a first and a second plurality of tubular bodies operatively connected by a plurality of connection rods , each tubular body being arranged to house and direct a respective rod along a predetermined direction .

Advantageously, the first and second pluralities of tubular bodies are arranged to be engaged, respectively, to the first and second oscillating comb-like members .

In particular, the first connecting rod member can be shaped. More in particular, the first connecting rod member can comprise :

- a first portion provided with the first end pivotally connected to the second elongated base portion;

- a second portion provided with the second end superimposed to said first connecting rod member, said first and second portions being connected by a connection portion configured in such a way that said first and second elongated base portions are substantially coplanar to each other .

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be shown with the following description of its exemplary embodiments, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which :

Fig . 1 diagrammatically shows a side elevation perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits , in working conditions ;

Fig . 2 diagrammatically shows a plan view the transmission group of which the apparatus for harvesting, according to the invention, is provided, in a first working position;

Fig . 3 diagrammatically shows a plan view of the transmission group of figure 2 in a second working position;

Fig . 4 diagrammatically shows a longitudinal section view of the working head of the apparatus of figure 1 ;

Fig . 5 diagrammatically shows a plan view with the protection carter that has been removed to show the main components of another embodiment of the apparatus , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits , in particular olives , almonds , pistachios , etc . ;

Fig . 6 diagrammatically shows a plan view with the protection carter that has been removed to show the main components of another embodiment of the apparatus , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits , in particular olives , almonds , pistachios , etc . ;

Fig . 7 diagrammatically shows a longitudinal section view of a possible embodiment of a first connecting rod member that can be adopted by the apparatus , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits ;

Fig . 8 diagrammatically shows a side elevational view of a possible alternative embodiment of the first connecting rod member and of the second connecting rod member that can be used by the apparatus , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits ;

Figures 9 and 10 diagrammatically show, respectively a plan view and a side elevation perspective view, of a possible alternative embodiment of the first connecting rod member and of the second connecting rod member that can be used by the apparatus , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits ;

Fig . 11 diagrammatically shows a side elevational view, of a possible embodiment of a transmission group and of a crank group that can be used by the apparatus , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits ;

Fig . 12 diagrammatically shows a transversal section view of the crank group of figure 11 .

Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

As diagrammatically shown in figure 1 , an apparatus 1 , according to the invention, for harvesting small fruits , in particular olives , almonds , pistachios and similar fruits , comprises a manoeuvring pole 5 provided with at least a handle portion 6 , for example a first portion 6a and a second handle portion 6b, for allowing a user 200 to grasp the same . According to a known embodiment , the manoeuvring pole 5 can have a telescopic assembly, formed by two , or more sections , which are telescopically mounted one with respect to the other .

The apparatus 1 comprises , furthermore , a working head

2 having a support body 10 , or protection carter, to which a first oscillating comb-like member 20a and a second oscillating comb-like member 20b are connected to . In particular, the first and second oscillating comb-like members 20a and 20b are positioned in the space in such a way to have a respective first end 21a and 21b facing with each other .

In particular, the first and second oscillating comblike members 20a and 20b are pivotally connected to the support body 10 at respective fulcrum points 23a and 23b . More precisely, the first and second oscil lating comb-like members 20a and 20b are positioned facing to each other and comprises , respectively, a first elongated base portion 30a and a second elongated base portion 30b provided, respectively, with a first plurality of rods 35a and with a second plurality of rods 35a and 35b . A motor group 50 is , furthermore , provided comprising, for example , a brushless motor, operatively connected to the first and to the second oscillating comb-like member 20a and 20b by a motion transmission group 60 .

In particular, according to the invention, the motion transmission group 60 comprises a first connecting rod member 61a having a first end 62a pivotally connected to an end portion 31a of the f irst elongated base portion 30a, and a second end 63a arranged to connect the first connecting rod member 61a to a crank group 65 . According to the invention, the motion transmission group 60 comprises , furthermore , a first connecting rod member 61b having a first end 62b pivotally connected to an end portion 31b of the second elongated base portion 30b and a second end 63b pivotally connected to the first connecting rod member 61a in a point comprised between the first end 62a and the second end 63a .

The technical solution according to the invention, allows , from the one hand, to obtain with respect to the prior art solutions , and in particular with respect to EP3430883 which provides two connecting rods superimposed to each other and hinged to the same eccentric pivot , a more ef fective transmission of the motion of the motor 50 to the first and second oscillating comb-like members 20a and 20b and, on the other hand to have a better sight for the user in operation conditions .

As diagrammatically shown for example in figure 4 , the motor group 50 is provided with a motor shaft 51 on which a pinion 52 is mounted . This is arranged to directly mesh with a toothed wheel 64 of the crank group 65 to transmit to the same the rotational motion of motor shaft 51 and, therefore , the oscillating motion to the first comb-like member 30a by the first connecting rod member 61a . The oscillating motion is , therefore , transmitted also to the second comb-like member 30b by the first connecting rod member 61b hinged, as anticipated above , at the end portion 63b to the first connecting rod member 61a in a point positioned between the end portions 62a and 63a o f the same .

In particular, the crank group 65 is provided with an eccentric pivot 66a . This is arranged to engage in a hole 67a provided at the second end 63a o f the first connecting rod member 61a . More in detail , according to a first embodiment of the invention for example diagrammatically shown in figure 3 , between the hole 67a and the pivot 66a a bearing 68 can be provided .

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, between the hole 67a and the pivot 66a a plurality of rotating members 69 can be present , in particular a plurality of rollers , arranged to rotate , in use , about respective rotation axes . The plurality o f rotating members 69 is coaxially positioned with respect to the hole 67a in such a way to form a "roller bearing member" of the type that is diagrammatically shown in figure 7 for the second connecting rod member 61b and in figure 9 for the first connecting rod member 61a .

In particular, the first connecting rod member 61a can be provided with a second pivot 66b protruding from a side , preferably from the side opposite to the connecting rod member 65 . More in particular, at the second end 63b, the first connecting rod member 61b can be provided with a second hole 67b at which the aforementioned second pivot 66b is arranged to engage . According to an embodiment o f the invention, between the second hole 67b and the second pivot 66b a plurality of rollers can be provided, in particular arranged within the body of the first connecting rod member 61b in such a way to form a roller bearing member 69 , which is shown in figure 7 partially sectioned, coaxially arranged with respect to the aforementioned second hole 67b .

According to a possible embodiment provided and diagrammatically shown in figure 4 the crank group 65 comprises a first part 65a, and a respective second part 65b fixed at opposite sides to the toothed wheel 64 . In particular, still with reference to figure 4 the first part 65a is provided with the eccentric pivot 66a . In particular, the first part 65a can be arranged to engage the second part 65b, by screws , bolts , or similar fixing members not shown in f igure for simplicity, advantageously at respective flange portions .

Still with reference to figure 4 , the first part 65a and the second part 65b of the crank group 65 are associated to respective bearings 70a and 70b . More in particular, the eccentric pivot 66a is arranged to pivotally engage into an engagement hole 67a provided at the second end 63a of the first connecting rod member 61a . In the preferred embodiment that is diagrammatically shown in detail in figure 4 , between the eccentric pivot 66a and the engagement hole 67a a bearing 68 is provided .

As shown for example in figure 5 , in a possible embodiment of the invention, the first and second comblike members 20a and 20b comprise , respectively, a first and a second directing body 40a and 40b . In particular, the first and second directing bodies 40a and 40b can, respectively, provide a first and a second plurality o f tubular bodies 41a and 41b . Advantageously, each tubular body 41a is connected to a following tubular body 41b, by a connection member 42a and 42b, in particular a connection rod, preferably a transversal connection rod . More precisely, each tubular body 41a and 41b is arranged to house and direct along a predetermined direction a respective rod 35a and 35b . The first and second plurality of tubular bodies 41a and 41b are arranged to be engaged, respectively, to the first and to the second oscil lating comb-like member 20a and 20b, in particular at respective engagement apertures 43 .

According to an embodiment o f the invention, the first connecting rod member 61b is foreseen shaped .

In particular, as diagrammatically shown in figure 7 , the first connecting rod member 61b can comprise a first portion 61 ' b provided with the first end 62b pivotally connected to the second elongated base portion 30b and a second portion 61"b provided with the second end 63b hinged, in use , to the first connecting rod member 61a . More precisely, the second portion 62"b of the first connecting rod member 62b is provided with a second through hole 67b at which, in use , is arranged to engage the second pivot 66b, in particular protruding from the surface of the first connecting rod member 61a facing towards the first connecting rod member 61b .

More in particular , the first and second portions 61 ' b and 61"b are connected to each other by a connection portion 61"'b configured to position the first end 62b o f the first connecting rod member 61b substantially coplanar to the first end 62a of the first connecting rod member 61a and, therefore , the elongated base portion 30b, to which is pivotally engaged, substantially coplanar to the first elongated base portion 30a .

In the alternative embodiment that is diagrammatically shown in the figures 6, and from 8 to 10 , the first connecting rod member 61a can comprise a first and a second portion 61 ' a and 61"a inclined in such a way to form a predetermined angle a . This can be , in particular, comprised between 90 ° and 150 ° , more in particular comprised between 100 ° and 140 ° , advantageously comprised between 110° and 130°, preferably comprised between 115 and 125°, for example equal to 120°. More in detail, the first portion 61' a of the first connecting rod member 61a can be provided with a through hole 67' a at which is pivotally connected the first comb-like elongated member 30a. The second portion 61"a of the first connecting rod member 61a can be provided with a hole 67a at which is arranged to engage the eccentric pivot 66a of the crank group 65 (figure 8) . In the embodiment of the figures from 8 to 10, the second portion 61"a of the first connecting rod member 61a is provided with the second pivot 66b arranged to engage, in use, in the second hole 67b of the first connecting rod member 61b (figure 8) .

As diagrammatically shown for example in figure 12, both the first part and the second part 65a and 65b are configured to avoid that dusts, or other foreign materials, can penetrate between the different parts of the crank group 65. In particular, at least the first part 65a is, advantageously, configured to form a closed body. In particular, at least the first part 65a of the crank group 65 can be provided, at the opposite side of the toothed wheel 64, with an end wall 79a. In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of maintenance operations necessary to assure that the apparatus 1, and in particular the motion transmission group 60, is able to work in conditions of maximum effectiveness. It is, anyway, also provided the possibility that the second part 65b that is more difficult to be reached by foreign materials during working conditions, is provided with one, or more, grooves, or recessed portions 78, as diagrammatically shown in f igure 12 , in particular to lighten the component .

As diagrammatically shown in the figures 11 and 12 , each of the aforementioned first and second part 65a and 65b, can comprise a respective f lange portion 77a, 77b, from which is arranged to protrude a protruding portion 76a, 76b, for example substantially cylindrical , or substantially conical . In particular, the protruding portions 76a, and 76b have a width, or diameter, less than the respective flange portion 77a and 77b .

Still with reference to the figures from 11 to 12 , the first part 65a and the second part 65b of the crank group 65 are , advantageously, associated to respective bearings 70a and 70b . In particular, the bearings 70a and 70b can be positioned at opposite sides of the toothed wheel 64 with respect to a respective flange portion 77a, 77b . The first and second flange portion 77a and 77b can be respectively constrained at opposite sides to the toothed crown 64 , for example by fixing members 75 , as for example bolts . As diagrammatically shown in figure 12 each bolt 75 can be arranged to move from a side to the other side of the toothed wheel 64 at a hole of which the same is provided with and, that , to protrude at opposite sides respectively of the first and the second flange portions 77a and 77b .

The foregoing description o f a speci fic embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others , by applying current knowledge , will be able to modi fy and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modi fications will have to be considered as equivalent to the speci fic embodiment . The means and the materials to carry out the di f ferent functions described herein could have a di f ferent nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention . It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation .