Collection bin for an in-line product inspection system, and in-line product inspection system

Abstract

A collection bin () for an in-line product inspection system () is arranged downstream of an inspection device () along a transport conveyor () for the inspected articles () and is positioned to receive articles that are pushed off the transport conveyor by an ejection device. The collection bin is configured as an enclosed compartment divided into a top part () and a bottom part (). The top part is solidly attached to the supporting structure and includes a chute with an entry opening () facing towards the transport conveyor, and with a downward-sloped slide surface () leading to a bottom opening () of the chute. The bottom part, which serves to collect the ejected articles, is constrained to the supporting structure with limited guided mobility between a closed position where the open top of the receptacle lines up with the bottom opening, and with an open position where the bottom part is moved out from underneath the bottom opening of the chute so that the collected articles can be removed. A closure gate () which is hinged to the bottom part along a hinge axis () slides over the sloped slide surface when the bottom part is closed and slips out of the sloped slide surface into a position to block the bottom opening of the chute when the bottom part is opened.