Device for grouping fruit or vegetables into batches with accumulation channels provided with bypass passages

A device for grouping into batches at least semi-buoyant objects belonging to the group of fruit and vegetables, said device comprising:

• a plurality of channels, named accumulation channels,
• a hydraulic supply device adapted to form, in each accumulation channel, a flow of a hydraulic stream able to transport the objects along the accumulation channel,
• an object supply device for supplying objects to an upstream portion of each accumulation channel,
• a hydraulic channel, named collecting channel, downstream of and in communication with each accumulation channel so as to be able to receive the hydraulic stream and the objects discharged by the accumulation channel,
• each accumulation channel being provided, at a downstream end thereof, with a holding/releasing device for holding/releasing the objects contained therein, this holding/releasing device being transparent with respect to the hydraulic stream flowing in the accumulation channel and allowing, in a closed position, the objects to be held in the accumulation channel whilst allowing the hydraulic stream to pass therethrough and allowing, in the open position, them to be released under the effect of the hydraulic stream to transfer them into the collecting channel,
• each accumulation channel has, at least in a downstream portion thereof, named superposition zone, a height greater than the maximum vertical size of each object so as to be able to receive superposed objects,
• wherein each accumulation channel comprises at least one bypass passage for the hydraulic stream:
• said bypass passage extending from at least one inlet of the bypass passage located upstream of the holding/releasing device and upstream of the superposition zone, to at least one outlet of the bypass passage issuing downstream of the holding/releasing device, and
• said bypass passage adapted to divert, upstream of the superposition zone, some of the flow of the hydraulic stream formed by the hydraulic supply device, while allowing accumulation channel to receive a remaining part of the flow,
• wherein each accumulation channel comprises a bottom, side walls and at least one bypass passage extending from at least one inlet provided in the bottom of the accumulation channel,
• wherein each accumulation channel comprises a bottom, side walls and, upstream of said superposition zone, an elevation with respect to the bottom forming a reduction in the cross-section of the accumulation channel,
• wherein each accumulation channel comprises at least one bypass passage extending from at least one inlet provided in a zone of the bottom comprising said elevation, and
• wherein each accumulation channel comprises the at least one bypass passage extending from at least one inlet formed by a grating forming said elevation at least in part.