JP2003047917A - Method for switching set value in agricultural product sorting apparatus and apparatus for switching - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for switching the set values in an agricultural product sorting apparatus by which set values for respective apparatuses can be easily and properly switched at the time of changing agricultural products and tracing work by workers is made of no need to ease the sorting work. SOLUTION: In a sorting apparatus comprising at least a sorting conveyer for sorting agricultural products into sorting types and a plurality of packing and wrapping apparatuses for packing and wrapping the agricultural products sorted by the conveyer in boxes according to the sorting types or the like, the method is for switching the set values in the sorting apparatus based on every product type or on every product and in the case of switching agricultural products based on each product type or each product, products and distinguishable transporting bodies bearing distinguishing information are transported toward the apparatuses which require the set values to be switched, so that the set values of the respective apparatuses are switched based on the distinguishing information which the transporting bodies bear.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to mandarin oranges, tomatoes,
A switching method for switching the set value of each device constituting the sorting device when switching the sorting of agricultural products such as apples by sorting, sorting and packing agricultural products by product type or by item Regarding the switching device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an apparatus for selecting agricultural products, when an agricultural product has, for example, a plurality of varieties, it is preferable to select the varieties in a lump from the viewpoint of efficiency of the sorting operation. . In the case of this sorting method, sorting work according to the type of measuring device, weighing boxing device and other devices (inkjet printer, labeler, weight checker, etc.) arranged on the sorting line when the variety of agricultural products is switched. The setting value may be changed in order to

That is, in the case of a weighing and packaging device for producing a product box in which agricultural products are packaged, a plurality of weighing and packaging devices are installed in parallel along the conveying direction of the sorting line for each sorting section, so that the work of each weighing and packaging device is performed. It is necessary to change the setting for the next product type after finishing all, and in the case of each device such as an inkjet printer, a labeler, a weight checker, etc., which is arranged on the downstream side of the weighing and packaging device, similarly, the next product type is also changed. It is necessary to change the setting value for.

Conventionally, in such setting value changing work (that is, setting value switching work), the operator confirms the end of each weighing and packaging device, and at the same time, the product box finally sent out from the weighing and packaging device. Tracking monitoring (confirmation) is performed by following along the sorting line, and the switching timing of the product type for each device is planned, and the switching instruction is given to each device.

On the other hand, in a sorting and packing facility for agricultural products, product boxes sorted, sorted and box-packed in a predetermined grade and class are pooled according to sorting categories in a so-called product storage area and taken out, for example, in pallet units. It is loaded on large trucks and shipped to markets and consumers in various regions. Even when such product boxes are pooled by assortment classification, the bar code label or the like with the assortment information (grade / class) attached to the product boxes can be read at the preceding stage of the assortment pool section to obtain the specified assortment pool. The destination has been decided.

[0006] According to this determination, it is general practice to pool product boxes by assortment classification, but when product boxes of different varieties or items are flown, the number of divisions according to the varieties or items of agricultural products. The distribution ratio of sorting and sorting may be different, and the assignment of sorting categories to each pool line may be different. In such a case, it becomes necessary to set an instruction to change the setting of the allocation of sorting categories to each pool line each time the product type is switched.

[0007] Conventionally, also in the case of this allocation instruction, as in the case of the above-mentioned selection of agricultural products, the worker tracks the product box discharged from the weighing and packaging device or contacts with an interphone or the like, and the weighing and packaging device and the sorting pool section It was designed to switch between the settings by creating an empty state (no product box on the conveyor).

[0008]

However, in such an agricultural product switching instruction method, when the sorting line is, for example, a large facility, and the layout from the weighing and packaging device to the subsequent devices is very long, , In the case of a layout that has straight and curved parts and is arranged above and below, or in the case where each device is arranged over several buildings and they are connected by a long conveyor, etc. Not easy to track and monitor the last product box of a variety,
There is a problem in that it requires a great deal of labor for the pursuit work itself, and it is difficult to accurately instruct the switching timing.

Further, in the case of issuing a switching instruction by communication by an interphone used when each device is arranged over a plurality of buildings, etc., the cut of the product box is surely notified or the break is given. There is a problem in that it is difficult or erroneous to accurately grasp the position of, and it is difficult to accurately instruct the switching timing as in tracking and monitoring.

Further, when the distance from the sorting packaging line to the product storage area is long, or when the product storage area and the sorting packaging line are installed on the first floor and the second floor and the operator does not have a good view, the product box type or It takes time to switch items. That is, in such a case, the operator should notify the cut between the sorting and packaging line and the product storage area with an interphone, or go directly from the sorting and packaging line to the product storage location to check the cut of the product box and switch. However, both require manual labor, and as described above, there is a possibility that a contact error for confirmation of a break or an error may occur in the judgment of the break, and it is difficult to accurately instruct the switching timing.

Furthermore, a product storage space for packing product boxes packed in boxes requires a large space, and in order to deliver the product boxes to the market and consumers, the product storage space is located on the first floor where large trucks can easily move in and out. Since there is a case where the second floor is used as a sorting and packaging line, the distance from the weighing and packaging device to the assortment pool portion tends to be long, and in this case as well, it is difficult to accurately instruct the switching timing as described above. Also, when the sorting and packaging line and the product storage area are placed in different buildings and connected by a conveyor line,
In some cases, the sorting and packaging line and the product storage area are not adjacent to each other, which has the same problem as described above.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its first object is to enable the setting values of each device at the time of switching agricultural products to be switched accurately and easily and to be tracked by an operator. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for switching set values in an agricultural product sorting apparatus that can eliminate the need for labor and save labor. The second purpose is to switch the set values of the agricultural product selection device, which can accurately and easily switch the set values of each device at the time of switching the agricultural products, and can save labor by not requiring the tracking by the operator. To provide a device.

[0013]

In order to achieve such an object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a sorting conveyor for sorting agricultural products according to assortment categories, and agricultural products sorted by the conveyor according to assortment categories. In a sorting device having at least a plurality of box packaging devices for packaging in a box, there is provided a method of switching the set values in the agricultural product sorting device for switching the set value of the sorting device for each type of agricultural product or each item, When switching between agricultural products for each product or item, the transporter with identification information that can identify the product is transported to the device that needs to switch the set value, and each device is identified by the identification information of the transporter. It is characterized in that the set value of is switched. Then, in this case, as in the invention according to claim 2, the carrier with identification information is directed to a device that requires switching of set values after the last product is sent out from the plurality of box packaging devices. It is preferable that the sheet be transported as a sheet.

With such a configuration, various agricultural products having different types and items are sorted into sorting categories by, for example, a sorting conveyor for each type and packaged in a box packaging device. When the types and items of agricultural products are changed at the time of sorting and box packaging of the agricultural products, for example, a carrier with identification information that can identify the product at the break of each type from the sorting conveyor to each device such as a box packaging device. Transport it to. For example, the identification information is read in each device portion by the conveyance of the conveyance body, and the setting value of each device is switched using the identification information as a switching signal. This eliminates the need for the operator to track the product of the break and enables accurate switching of the set value. Further, by starting the transportation of the transportation body after the last product is discharged from the plurality of box packaging devices, the break can be accurately grasped and the set value can be switched more accurately.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 has at least a sorting conveyor for sorting agricultural products according to assortment categories, and a plurality of box packaging devices for packaging the agricultural products sorted by the conveyor according to assortment categories. In the device, a setting value switching device in the agricultural product sorting device for switching the setting value of the sorting device for each type or item of agricultural products, wherein the plurality of devices are used when the agricultural products are switched for each type or each item. After the final product is sent out from the box packaging device, it is conveyed to the device that needs the setting value switching, and the setting value of each device can be switched by the identification information. It is characterized by

With such a configuration, various agricultural products are sorted according to assortment classification by a sorting conveyor, for example, for each product type, and packaged in a box by a box packaging device. When the types and items of agricultural products are changed at the time of sorting and box packaging of these agricultural products, for example, it is possible to distinguish the product from the product at the break of each type and after the last product comes out from multiple packaging devices. The information-carrying body is conveyed toward each device such as a sorting conveyor and a box packaging device. For example, the identification information is read in each device portion by the conveyance of the conveyance body, and the setting value of each device is switched using the identification information as a switching signal. This eliminates the need for the operator to track the product of the break and enables accurate switching of the set value.

In this case, as in the invention described in claim 4, the sorting conveyor and the box packaging device are arranged in the sorting line, and other various devices are arranged in the sorting line. Is preferably switched to a set value corresponding to the agricultural product by a switching signal based on the identification information of the carrier with identification information. With such a configuration, of course, not only the sorting conveyor and the box packaging device arranged in the sorting line, but, for example, the printer, the labeler, the setting value of each device such as a weight checker can be switched based on the identification information, Each device related to sorting and packaging can be automatically switched to a predetermined set value, for example, and the switching work becomes easy.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided detection means capable of detecting the identification information of the carrier with identification information, and the set value of each device is switched based on the detection of the detection means. Is preferred. With such a configuration, for example, when the detection means arranged near each device detects a carrier with identification information, the setting value of each device is switched based on the identification information. It is possible to reliably switch to a predetermined set value.

Further, it is preferable that the carrier with identification information is provided with at least one of a bar code, a color tone, and a shape that can be distinguished from the product box, as in the invention according to claim 6. As in the invention described in Item 7, it is preferable that the carrier with identification information is an empty container in which agricultural products are not stored. With this configuration, since at least one of the barcode, color tone, and shape is used as the identification information of the carrier, the product and the carrier can be clearly identified, and the switching of each device can be performed more reliably. be able to. Further, by using an empty container as the carrier, it is possible to simplify the configuration and to more clearly distinguish the carrier and the product without having to have a special structure such as a carrier conveyor.

Further, it is preferable that the sorting allocation of the product pool section for pooling the boxed products is changed based on the detection by the detecting means. With such a configuration, the sorting allocation of the product pool section for pooling the products is based on the detection of the identification information of the carrier with the identification information of the detection means, for example, the sorting section having a large number is increased, and conversely the number is increased. Since it is possible to reduce the number of sorting sections, it is possible to set the sorting allocation of the product pool section according to the number of sorting sections of the product, and it is possible to efficiently pool the products in the product pool section.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of an agricultural product sorting apparatus using a switching device according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a plan view thereof, FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a sorting conveyor portion thereof, and FIG. Is an enlarged plan view of FIG. 4, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dummy box.

In FIG. 1, an agricultural product sorting apparatus 1 is connected to a plurality of series (two series in the figure) sorting machines 2 arranged side by side, and downstream of the sorting machines 2 via respective conveying sections 3A and 3B. It is composed of a sorting line including the product pool section 4 and the like. The sorting machine 2 has, for example, a 6-article 1-series sorting conveyor 5A for sorting A varieties of agricultural products and a 6-article 1-series sorting conveyor 5B for sorting B varieties of agricultural products. Each of the sorting conveyors 5A, 5B A large number of discharge devices (not shown) are provided corresponding to the sorting positions (simply indicated by circles in the figure), and a large number of pull-out conveyors 6 are provided corresponding to the discharge devices.

The pulling conveyor 6 is used for each sorting conveyor 5
By being arranged in a penetrating state below A and 5B, the secondary hand selection unit 7 that is manually selected by the secondary hand selector M1 is provided on the left side of the sorting conveyor 5B in the drawing. A weighing box packing device 8 (box packing device) is provided on the downstream side of the secondary hand selection unit 7 and on the downstream side of the drawing conveyor 6 on the right side in the drawing of the sorting conveyor 5A. By providing the secondary selection unit 7 only on the side of the selection conveyor 5B, it is possible to efficiently assign the secondary selection person M1 and also to downgrade the agricultural products by the secondary selection person M1. There is.

That is, as shown in FIG.
The conveying direction of the line drawing conveyors 6a and 6b is set to the arrow A direction, and the conveying direction of the two downstream side drawing conveyors 6c and 6d adjacent to the drawing conveyors 6a and 6b is set to the arrow B direction. Then, in the secondary hand selection unit 7,
For example, when downgrading from "Shu S" to "excellent S", the agricultural product is moved as shown by arrow C, and when degrading from "excellent S" to "good S" or "normal S", the agricultural product is arrowed. It is downgraded by moving like D. In addition, in FIG. 2, since the sorting conveyors 5A and 5B are configured to be able to sort agricultural products of A and B varieties, "○" of the sorting conveyors 5A and 5B indicates the position of the operable discharge device. Shows.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, on the downstream side of the left and right weighing and boxing devices 8, a product transport conveyor 10A for transporting a corrugated cardboard box (hereinafter referred to as a product box 9) containing a predetermined amount of agricultural products, 10B are respectively connected. The product conveying conveyors 10A, 10B sorting conveyor 5A,
5B is located at a substantially intermediate position between the left and right in the carrying direction E (see FIG. 2).
Switching instruction sections Sa and Sb are provided respectively, and a switching instruction section Ma on the right side is assigned with a switching instruction Ma for instructing a switching instruction to the agricultural products of A type and B type selected by the sorting conveyors 5A and 5B. In the switching instruction section Sb on the left side, a switching instructor Mb for instructing the switching of the agricultural products of A type and B type sorted by the sorting conveyors 55A and 5B.
Are assigned.

It should be noted that the switching instructors Ma and Mb may be arranged by two persons corresponding to each of the product transport conveyors 10A and 10B. Further, in this embodiment, the agricultural products of the A type and the B type are simultaneously selected by the two series of selection conveyors 5A and 5B, and the selection conveyor 5 is selected at the time of the subsequent product type switching.
Switch A to C type and select conveyor 5B to D
An example of switching to the product type will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, only one selection conveyor may be switched to the product type. Further, the carrying direction of the product carrying conveyor 10A is set as shown by the arrow, and the carrying direction of the product carrying conveyor 10B is set as shown by the arrow (see FIG. 2).

Product conveyors 10A and 10B provided corresponding to the sorting conveyors 5A and 5B, respectively.
Are joined together at a merging section 11 and connected to a label-carrying conveyor 12.
2 is the product pool via a conveyor 13 for a weight checker, a plurality of rows (two rows in the figure) of conveyors 14a and 14b for sealing, and a conveyor 15 for conveying the sealed product box 9. It is connected to 4 parts.

Each of the conveyors 12 has, for example, an ink jet printer 17 as a device for changing the set value for printing the product type on the label, and a label sticking machine for sticking the printed label on the product box 9. 18 are provided respectively, and bar code readers 19 are provided upstream of the printer 17, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the bar code reader 19 is connected to the printer 17 via a control device 20 such as a personal computer (or directly), and a bar code (not shown) attached to the product box 9. And a dummy box 31 to be described later
When the barcode 32a is read, the information is output to the control device 20 to automatically change and set the setting value of the printer 17 (for example, the type character to be printed).

Each of the conveyors 13 is provided with a weight checker 21 as a device that requires a change in set value. A bar code reader 22 is provided immediately upstream of the weight checker 21 and the weight is checked. On the downstream side of the checker 21, there are provided ejection lines 23 for rejecting the product boxes 9 whose measured weight is not appropriate.

The bar code reader 22 of the transfer conveyor 13 is also the same control device 2 as the bar code reader 19.
0 (or directly) is connected to the weight checker 21 and the reject device of the ejection line 23, and when the bar code of the product box 9 is read and the bar code 32a of the dummy box 31 is read, Checker 2
The set value of 1 (the allowable value of the weight of the product box 9 and the like) is automatically changed, and the reject device is activated to operate the dummy box 31.
Is discharged to the ejection line 23. In addition, when each allocation of the product pool section 4 is automatically changed by the dummy box 31, the dummy box 31 is conveyed to the further downstream side without being discharged to the ejection line 23.

The two rows of transport conveyors 14a and 14b connected to the downstream side of the transport conveyor 13 are provided with a boxing machine 16, respectively, and the downstream side of the transport conveyors 14a and 14b are connected to each other via the merging section 24. It is connected to the conveyor 15. The conveyors 3 and 3B are constituted by the conveyor 15, the conveyors 12, 13, 14a and 14b, the product conveyors 10A and 10B, etc., and the conveyors 3A and 3B (that is, the respective conveyors 1).
5) is connected to the sorting conveyor 26 of the product pool section 4 via the merging section 25.

As shown in FIG. 1, the product pool section 4 controls the sorting conveyor 26, a large number of pool lines 28 connected to the discharging device 27 at each sorting position of the sorting conveyor 26, and these. It is configured by a control device 29 (see FIG. 3) including a personal computer and the like. A bar code reader 30 is provided on the sorting conveyor 26 upstream of the most upstream pool line 28. The bar code reader 30 reads the bar code (identification information) of the product box 9 and outputs it to the control device 29. It is supposed to be done.

Then, the control device 29 operates the ejecting device 27 corresponding to the sorting division of the product box 9 read by the bar code reader 30 by the control signal, so that the product box 9 concerned corresponds to the pool line of the sorting. It is designed to discharge on the 28. In addition, the control device 29 uses the barcode reader 30 to scan the barcode 32 of the dummy box 31.
When “a” is read, the sorting allocation of each pool line 28 of the product pool unit 4 is automatically changed according to a pattern predetermined for each product type.

Here, an example of the dummy box 31 constituting the switching device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The dummy box 31 is a cardboard box that is the same as the product box 9 and is an empty box that does not contain agricultural products inside.
For example, a barcode label 32 having a printed barcode 32a as identification information is attached. The bar code label 32 has a bar code 32a different from the label attached to the product box 9, and the bar code readers 19 and 22 are provided by lengthening each bar so as to be different from the bar of the product box 9, for example. It is set so as to eliminate reading mistakes due to the above.

Next, an example of a switching instruction method for switching the A type of the selection conveyor 5A to the C type and the B type of the selection conveyor 5B to the D type by using the dummy box 31 will be described. First, the agricultural products of A type conveyed by the sorting conveyor 5A are discharged to the corresponding drawer conveyor 6 by the operation of the discharging device for the predetermined sorting upstream of the switching instruction section Sa, and packed in the weighing and packing device 8. It is supplied to the left and right product transport conveyors 10A, respectively. Further, the agricultural products of the B type conveyed by the sorting conveyor 5B are discharged to the corresponding drawer conveyor 6 by the operation of the discharging device for the predetermined sorting downstream of the switching instruction section Sb, and the weighing and boxing device 8
Are packed in a box and supplied to the left and right product transfer conveyors 10B, respectively.

Then, for example, for the agricultural products of A variety,
When the switching instructor Ma or Mb visually confirms that the product box 9 is no longer discharged from each weighing and boxing device 8 onto each product transport conveyor 10A, the switching instructor Sa
The dummy box 31 previously prepared in
Place on 0A. At this time, the product conveyor 10A
Is disposed around the sorting conveyors 5A and 5B, the discharge status of the product box 9 can be confirmed on the same floor and within a relatively narrow range, and the work is simplified as compared with the conventional one. The discharge status can be reliably confirmed, and the timing of starting the conveyance of the dummy box 31 (that is, the start of the switching instruction) can be performed with high accuracy.

The dummy box 31 loaded into the product transport conveyor 10A is transported by the transport conveyor 10A and supplied from the merging section 11 to the transport conveyor 12, where the conveyor 12
The barcode 32a is read by the barcode reader 19 and the information is input to the control device 20 and stored therein.
The control device 20 detects from the information input from the bar code reader 19 that it is time to switch the product box 9 (that is, the type of agricultural product has been switched), and based on this detection signal, as described above. Then, the setting value of the printer 17 is changed. The control device 20 can detect the switching timing by reading the two dummy boxes 31 conveyed by the two-piece conveyor 10A with the barcode reader 19.

This change is made by, for example, pre-storing the variety of agricultural products to be switched in the bar code 32a attached to the dummy box 31, and the variety of agricultural products to be conveyed next based on this information. Is determined by the control device 20, and the set value of the printer 17 (including the set value of the control device 20 that controls the printer 17. The same applies hereinafter) is automatically changed so that this type of product can be printed. By changing the setting of the printer 17, the printer 17 prints the type of product to be conveyed next on the label, and the printed label is stuck on the product box 9 to be conveyed next by the label sticker 18. become. In addition,
The barcode 32a itself may not store the type of product, but may store the type switched in the control device 20 in advance and change the setting corresponding to the type of product by reading the barcode 32a. .

The bar code 32a of the dummy box 31 supplied from the carrying conveyor 12 to the carrying conveyor 13 is also read by the bar code reader 22, and like the printer 17, the bar code 32a information of the control device 20 is read. The set value of the weight checker 21 is changed to a set value suitable for the type of product to be conveyed next, and the dummy box 31 that has passed through the weight checker 21 by the operation of the reject device after a predetermined time is ejected from the line 23. Is discharged to. Dummy box 31 discharged to this ejection line 23
Is transported to and recovered by a dummy box recovery line (not shown) to a predetermined position (for example, the switching instruction section Sa).

On the other hand, regarding the work of switching from the B type to the D type of agricultural products selected by the selection conveyor 5B, the switching instruction is given by the switching instructor Ma or Mb in exactly the same way as the operation of switching from the A type to the C type. It will be. In other words, agricultural products of different varieties are simultaneously sorted, sorted and boxed and packed by the two sorting conveyors 5A and 5B.
The product box 9 is transported to the product pool unit 4 via the respective transport units 3A and 3B, and each sorting conveyor 5
Switching of agricultural products in A and 5B is the switching instruction Ma,
It will be performed in parallel by Mb. In addition,
In this example, the agricultural products of different types are selected by the selection conveyors 5A and 5B, but it is of course possible to select the agricultural products of the same type.

When the bar code reader 30 reads the bar code 32a of the dummy box 31, the controller 29 changes the sorting allocation of the pool line 28 of the product pool section 4 based on this information. That is,
For example, when the dummy box 31 is conveyed after the sorting of the "A type" by the sorting conveyor 5A and the "C type" is sorted next, the allocation to each pool line 28 is performed in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the C type. To change. The allocation of assortment classifications to the product pool unit 4 can be changed by, for example, adopting the selection information when the dummy box 31 is flown after the A type is finished and then the C type is selected.

That is, before the dummy box 31 flown for product type switching is read by the bar code reader 30 in the preceding stage of the product pool section 4, the product boxes 9 of the sorting categories are sorted based on the information obtained by selecting the C product type. In order to increase the number of pool lines 28 in which the number increases and conversely decrease the number of pool lines 28 in which the number of product boxes 9 decreases, the discharge device 2
Change the sorting assignment of 7. As a result, the number of pool lines 28 for each sort is set to a number substantially corresponding to the number of sort categories for the product box 9, and there is no pool line 28 having an extremely small or large number of pools. The product boxes 9 are pooled substantially evenly. The sorting assignment of the pool line 28 is not limited to the sorting data for each sorting category, and can be changed, for example, when the number of products in a predetermined sorting category exceeds a preset number.

In the above description, the dummy box 3
When 1 is conveyed and this is read and detected by the bar code readers 19 and 22, the bar code 32a is read by the control device 20 and the setting values of each device such as the printer 17 and the weight checker 21 are automatically changed. However, for example, when the dummy box 31 is read by the bar code readers 19 and 22, a detection lamp (not shown) provided in the bar code readers 19 and 22 is turned on, and the detection lamps are turned on by each device. It is also possible to manually change the setting value by being visually recognized by the worker. In this case, it is preferable that when the setting is changed, the operation of each device is stopped unless there is an instruction to that effect (for example, the detection lamp is turned off).

In the above example, the bar code reader 1
Although the barcode of the product box 9 is read by 9, 22 and used for counting the product box 9, for example, a sensor (not shown) for counting may be separately provided, or the control device 20 may be used.
The control device 29 and the control device 29 may be integrated without being formed separately.

As described above, in the agricultural product sorting apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, the dummy box 31 provided with the bar code 32a is set by the product transport conveyors 10A, 10B, etc. at the time of switching the agricultural product type or item. In order to convey it to each device that requires a value change, the bar code 32a of the dummy box 31 is read by, for example, the bar code readers 19, 22 or 30 provided corresponding to each device, so that the switching time can be mechanically changed. By grasping the information, the set value of each device can be changed. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, the work of tracking the final product box 9 in a wide range is unnecessary,
It is possible to easily perform the work related to the switching instruction and save labor.

Further, the bar code reader 1 of the dummy box 31
Since the switching time can be grasped by reading 9 and 22, it is not necessary to communicate with an interphone as in the past, and the switching time can be accurately and easily irrespective of the line length and line form of the agricultural product sorting apparatus 1. Can be grasped. In addition, the bar code reader 1 of the dummy box 31
Since it is possible to automatically change the set value of each device by reading with 9, 22, it is possible to eliminate erroneous determination of the timing at the time of switching, erroneous input operation, and the like, and to attach the barcode 32a to the dummy box 31. The barcode 32a has a long shape that is easy to read.
It is possible to eliminate reading mistakes of itself. From these things, it becomes possible to give a highly accurate switching instruction that accurately grasps the switching time of agricultural products.

Further, the distribution rate of the sorting group is predicted based on the sorting information, and the sorting unit of the pool line 28 of the product pool section 4 is changed to a predetermined value by the control unit 29 based on this sorting group. The number of pool lines 28 corresponding to the sorting ratio can be easily set, and the product boxes 9 can be pooled substantially evenly in each pool line 28.
As a result, the product boxes 9 can be efficiently pooled in the product pool section 4, and the work of loading the product boxes 9 onto a delivery truck or the like can be performed easily and efficiently.

Furthermore, the product box 9 is used as the dummy box 31.
Since an empty cardboard box having the same shape as the above is used, it is not necessary to separately create the dummy box 31, and it is not necessary to separately consider the transport means, and the configuration is simplified to provide an inexpensive switching instruction device. In addition to being obtained, it is possible to easily handle the dummy box 31 itself due to the weight reduction, and it is possible to further reduce the work load of the switching instructors Ma and Mb.

In the above embodiment, the dummy box 31 in which the bar code 32a is attached to the empty cardboard box is used as the carrier with the identification information, but the present invention is not limited to this and the empty box is used. Cardboard box with other identification information than the barcode, a dummy box with a size (height) whose color tone is obviously different from the product box 9, or the external shape is obviously different from the product box 9. A dummy box can be used, or a dummy box in which these are appropriately combined can be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the dummy box 3
I used bar code readers 19 and 22 for detecting 1 and placed them in front of each device such as the printer 17 and the weight checker 21 that require setting value changes. When used, a camera or the like can be used instead of the barcode reader. Further, each device in the above-mentioned embodiment that needs to change the setting value is also an example, and can be applied to various devices arranged in the agricultural product sorting device 1 of various layouts, and the number and conveyance of the sorting conveyors 5A and 5B. Configuration of parts 3A and 3B,
The layout of the agricultural product sorting apparatus 1 itself is also an example,
The invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of each invention related to the invention.

[0051]

As described in detail above, according to the invention described in claim 1, in the sorting device for sorting and packing various agricultural products, when the varieties and items of agricultural products are changed, for example, breaks between varieties. In order to switch the set value of each device using the identification information of this carrier as a switching signal and switching the set value of each device In this case, it is not necessary for the operator to track the product of the cut, which saves labor, and the set value of each device can be accurately and easily switched by mechanical reading.

According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the carrier with identification information is:
Since the final product is conveyed from the plurality of box packaging devices, the break can be surely grasped and the set value of each device can be switched more accurately.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the sorting device for sorting and packing various agricultural products, when the type or item of the agricultural product is changed, for example, there is a break for each type and a plurality of box packaging. After the final product comes out of the equipment, conveys the identification information-carrying body that can be distinguished from the product toward each device such as a sorting conveyor or a packaging machine, and uses the identification information of this carrier as a switching signal for each device. Since the setting value of is changed, it is not necessary for the operator to follow the cut product, which saves labor, and the setting value of each device can be changed accurately and easily by mechanical reading.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention as set forth in claim 3, let alone a sorting conveyor and a box packaging device arranged in the sorting line, for example, a printer, a labeler, a weight. Since the set value of each device such as a checker can be switched based on the identification information, each device related to sorting, sorting, boxing, and packaging can be automatically switched to a predetermined set value, for example, and the switching work can be performed more easily. it can.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 3 or 4, for example, when a carrier with identification information is detected by a detecting means arranged in the vicinity of each device, Since the set value of each device is switched based on the identification information, each device can be reliably switched to a predetermined set value.

According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claims 3 to 5, at least one of a bar code, a color tone and a shape is used as the identification information of the carrier with identification information. Therefore, the product and the carrier can be clearly identified, and the switching of the respective devices can be performed more reliably.

According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 6, since an empty container in which no agricultural product is stored is used as the carrier with identification information, the carrier with identification information is used. The transport conveyor can be shared between the identification information carrier and the product without preparing a special structure for transporting the body, and the structure of the carrier can be simplified. The distinction between the product and the product can be made clearer.

According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claims 3 to 7, the sorting allocation of the product pool section for pooling the products is performed by the detection means to identify the carrier with identification information. Since the setting is made based on the detection of information, the product pool section can be sorted and allocated corresponding to the product sorting distribution ratio, and the products can be efficiently pooled in the product pool section.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an agricultural product sorting apparatus using a method of switching set values according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the sorting conveyor portion thereof.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the carrying section.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dummy box.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 --- Agricultural product sorting device 2 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Sorter 3A, 3B ... ・ Transportation section 4 Product pool section 5A, 5B ... ・ Sorting conveyor 6, 6a to 6d ... Drawer conveyor 7: Secondary selection section 8 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Weighing box packing device 9: Product box 10A, 10B ... Product conveyor 12, 13, 15 ... Conveyor 14a, 14b ... ・ Conveyor conveyor 19 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Bar code reader 20 ... Control device 21 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Weight checker 22 ... Bar code reader 26 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Sort conveyor 27 ... Ejection device 28 ... Pool line 29 ... Control device 30 ... Bar code reader 31 ... Dummy box 32 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Bar code label 32a ... ・ ・ ・ Bar code M1 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Second-handed person Ma, Mb ... Switching instruction Sa, Sb ... ・ Switching instruction section

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masahiko Uchiyama             630 Shinokase Town, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture Co., Ltd.             Maki Factory F-term (reference) 3F079 AC21 AC23 BA24 CA09 CB29                       CB31 CB33 CB36 CC13 DA11                       EA01 EA19

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A sorting device comprising at least a sorting conveyor for sorting agricultural products into assortment categories and a plurality of box packaging devices for packaging the agricultural products sorted by the conveyor in assortment categories. A method of switching a set value in an agricultural product selection device that switches values for each type of agricultural product or for each item, etc., and conveys with identification information that can be distinguished from the product when switching the agricultural product for each type or each item. A method of switching a set value in an agricultural product sorting apparatus, characterized in that the set value of each device is switched based on the identification information of the carrier by transporting the body toward the device that needs to switch the set value. 2. The identification information-carrying body is carried toward a device that requires a setting value switching after the last product is delivered from the plurality of box packaging devices. Item 1. A method of switching set values in the agricultural product sorting apparatus according to Item 1. 3. A sorting device comprising at least a sorting conveyor for sorting agricultural products into assortment categories and a plurality of box packaging devices for packaging the agricultural products sorted by the conveyor in assortment categories. A switching device of a set value in an agricultural product sorting device for switching a value for each product type or each item of agricultural products, wherein when switching the agricultural products for each product type, each item, etc. An agricultural product sorting apparatus characterized by being provided with an identification information-carrying body capable of switching the setting value of each device with the identification information, while the product is conveyed toward the device requiring the setting value switching after being sent out. Setting value switching device in. 4. The sorting conveyor and the box packaging device are arranged in a sorting line, and various other devices are arranged in the sorting line, and each of these devices is based on the identification information of the carrier with identification information. The set value switching device in the agricultural product sorting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set value is switched to a set value corresponding to the agricultural product by the switching signal. 5. A detection means for detecting the identification information of the carrier with identification information is provided, and the set value of each device is switched based on the detection of the detection means. Alternatively, the set value switching device in the agricultural product sorting device described in 4. 6. The agricultural product sorting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the carrier with identification information includes at least one of a bar code, a color tone, and a shape that can be distinguished from a product box. Setting value switching device in. 7. The carrier with identification information is an empty container containing no agricultural products.
Setting value switching device in the agricultural product sorting device described. 8. The sorting allocation of the product pool section for pooling the boxed products is changed based on the detection by the detecting means.
A switching device for setting values in the agricultural product sorting device according to any one of 1.