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Entry tubes

Part of the Fruit intake system section. Adjustable, removable entry tubes that connect upstream feed lines to each feeding subassembly.

Introduction

Entry tubes connect third-party/orange-sorting feed lines to the feeder’s 90° entry tubes. The primary requirement is to provide a rigid, adjustable-height interface so upstream line height variation can be accommodated, while staying easy to remove/reinstall for cleaning and seasonal maintenance.

Colour key & components

Key components and intent (colours may vary across CAD figures).

Figures

Entry tube views are shown in the Fruit intake system main gallery and in the Feeding subassembly figures. Add dedicated closeups here later.

• Add figure: pinned joint/hinge geometry showing adjustment range and how upstream line height is accommodated.
• Add figure: riveted hinge mount plate (4 rivets) welded to 90° entry tube assembly.
• Add figure: CIP nozzle port on the 90° tube and spray direction down through entry tube/sync-spring zone.

Discussion

Rough design & intent

• Goal — Deliver fruit from upstream sorters/lines into each feeding unit such that the sync spring can reliably gate fruit one-at-a-time.
• Adjustable height interface — Entry tubes must be adjustable so they can mate to unknown third-party feed line heights. Current intent uses pinned joints so the tube can rotate at two ends and accommodate height/position changes.
• Removability — Tubes and mounts should come off quickly for cleaning and seasonal teardown (pins, rivets, and modular mount plate strategy).

Known issues & risks

• Collision envelope — Entry tube and hinge must not interfere with fruit support/pusher, synchronization spring motion, or feeder shell cutouts.
• Column load — A column of oranges can create significant side loads and friction; tube ID, seams, and joint alignment should minimize snagging and jamming.

DFM & manufacturing (China)

• Tube fabrication — Contractor to propose CN-available pipe/tube standard and manufacturing method (rolled + welded vs seamless) consistent with food-zone requirements.
• Hinge hardware — Contractor to propose pin materials, retention (clip/cotter), and anti-loosening in vibration/washdown environment.
• Rivet/weld interfaces — If rivets are used for modularity, contractor to propose hygienic riveting strategy (avoid crevices/pockets, sealant if needed) or alternate modular fastening.

Questions for contractor

1. Propose a robust adjustable-height interface to unknown third-party feed lines (pins/hinge geometry, adjustment range, and how to lock it rigidly).
2. Recommend tube standards and inner-surface requirements to reduce fruit jamming and improve cleanability.
3. Review collision envelopes and propose clearances/tolerances so entry tubes never interfere with pusher/spring/tube cutouts through the cycle.

Interfaces

• Input: Oranges from upstream sorter/lines.
• Output: Fruit column into 90° entry tube and onto sync spring in the feeding subassembly.
• Mount: Pinned hinge at the 90° tube assembly and pinned interface to upstream feed line; riveted mount plates used for modularity.

Interfaces and tolerances

Key interfaces (tolerances TBD; contractor to propose).

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