JP2005000779A - Apparatus for sorting agricultural product - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for sorting agricultural products capable of decreasing the cost of the whole sorting apparatus and accurately recording consignment information. <P>SOLUTION: A container carried by a container carrying conveyor 11 is stopped once by a stopper 12 before the container is led in a lead-in conveyor, and the consignment information of the agricultural products in the container is inputted by a consignment information inputting means 19. Then, after it is confirmed that there exists no preceding consigned container on the container carrying conveyor 11, the consignment information is fixed and the stopper 12 is released. Based on releasing the stopper, an information lamp 22 for a transporting operator 14 is turned on. The transporting operator 14 pushes a consignment switching switch 21 to output a signal for changing a consignment before the agricultural products in the next consignment container carried by the container carrying conveyor 11 after a lamp is turned on, are at first fed on a sorting conveyor 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an agricultural product sorting apparatus capable of sorting and evaluating agricultural products such as apples, pears, persimmons, tomatoes, etc. for each producer in a fruit selection field, and in particular, producing and evaluating agricultural products in containers transported by a conveyor. The present invention relates to an agricultural product sorting device that sorts items linked to cargo information such as person information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the fruit collection area where agricultural products such as apples are collected and shipped, the agricultural products are transported by a sorting conveyor, and processing such as measurement processing by an imaging device, image processing by an arithmetic processing device, sorting by a sorting device, and the like is performed. Sorting work is done.
[0003]
These operations are important for sorting agricultural products into predetermined categories and packaging and shipping them in groups of uniform quality.In addition, the evaluation results of the sorted agricultural products are used as the basis for calculating the consideration paid to the producers. This is also an important task.
[0004]
The structure of the peripheral part of the transfer area of the conventional agricultural product sorting apparatus is shown in FIG. The agricultural product sorting apparatus includes a container transport conveyor 201 that transports a basket-shaped container 202 containing agricultural products (for example, apples), and a plurality of pull-in conveyors 203 that extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the container transport conveyor 201. (First pull-in conveyer 203a, second pull-in conveyer 203b) and endless turn-type sorting conveyer 204 that conveys agricultural products stored in containers 202 drawn into the pull-in conveyer 203 one by one in a bucket (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0005]
On both the left and right sides of each draw-in conveyor 203, a transfer operator 205 (for pulling the container 202 on the container transfer conveyor 201 into each draw-in conveyor 203 and transferring the agricultural products in the container 202 to the bucket on the sorting conveyor 204 ( A first transfer worker 205a and a second transfer worker 205b) are assigned.
[0006]
Each transfer operator 205 transfers the agricultural products stored in the containers 202 on each pull-in conveyor 203 to each transfer area sensor 209 (first transfer area sensor 209a) provided corresponding to each pull-in conveyor 203. In the respective transfer areas (first transfer area and second transfer area) divided by the second transfer area sensor 209b), the transfer is performed on the buckets on the sorting conveyor 204.
[0007]
Among the agricultural products transferred to the bucket, the agricultural products transferred in the second transfer area are detected by the second transfer area sensor 209b, and the agricultural products transferred in the first transfer area are detected in the first transfer area. It is detected by the loading area sensor 209a.
[0008]
The container 202 is attached with a data carrier (not shown) in which consignment information (producer identification information, total number of containers, etc.) is recorded, and the consignment information recorded in the data carrier is transferred to the leading end of each pull-in conveyor 203. The data reading device 206 arranged at (the end on the sorting conveyor 204 side) is configured to read.
[0009]
Next, the operation of the agricultural product sorting apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described using the following examples.
[0010]
A container 202a containing the producer A's agricultural product, a container 202b containing the producer B's agricultural product, and a container 202c containing the producer C's agricultural product are randomly supplied onto the container transport conveyor 201 for the first pull-in. Assume that the container 202a of the producer A and the container 202b of the producer B are drawn into the conveyor 203a, and the container 202c of the producer B is drawn into the second pull-in conveyor 203b.
[0011]
The first transfer operator 205a disposed on the first pull-in conveyor 203a reads the data carrier attached to the container 202a of the producer A by the data reader 206, and then the produce of the producer A in the container 202a. Is supplied to the bucket on the sorting conveyor 204 in the first transfer area.
[0012]
Agricultural products supplied to the buckets on the sorting conveyor 204 in the first transfer area are detected by the first transfer area sensor 209a, and the detection result is linked to the loading port information read by the data reading device 206 described above. It is recorded on a recording medium provided in an arithmetic processing unit (not shown).
[0013]
When there are no more agricultural products in the container 202a, the first transfer operator 205a assigned to the first pull-in conveyor 203a removes the empty container 202a of the producer A from the first pull-in conveyor 203a. The container 202b of the producer B is moved to a reading position on the first pull-in conveyor 203a (a position where the data carrier attached to the container 202b can be read by the data reading device 206).
[0014]
The first transfer operator 205a disposed on the first pull-in conveyor 203a reads the barcode sheet attached to the container 202b of the producer B by the reading device 206, and then the producer B in the container 203a. Agricultural products are supplied to the buckets on the sorting conveyor 204 in the first transfer area.
[0015]
When the agricultural product is transferred to an empty bucket on the sorting conveyor 204 in the first transfer area, the first transfer area sensor 209a detects that the agricultural product has been placed in the empty bucket, and the detection result Are linked to the cargo port information read by the above-described reading device 206 and recorded on a recording medium provided in an arithmetic processing unit (not shown).
[0016]
On the other hand, the second transfer operator 205b arranged on the second pull-in conveyor 203b reads the data carrier attached to the container 202c of the producer C by the data reader 206 and then the producer C in the container 202c. Are transferred to the bucket on the sorting conveyor 204 in the second transfer area.
[0017]
When the agricultural product is supplied to the empty bucket on the sorting conveyor 204 in the second transfer area, it is detected by the second transfer area sensor 209b, and this detection result is linked to the loading port information read by the data reading device 206 described above. Are recorded on a recording medium provided in an arithmetic processing unit (not shown).
[0018]
A predetermined evaluation item is measured by the measuring device 208 arranged downstream of the sorting conveyor 204 for the agricultural products supplied to the buckets on the sorting conveyor 204 in each transfer area.
[0019]
After the evaluation item is measured by the measuring device 208, the grade and class are discriminated by the arithmetic processing unit, the cargo port information read by the data reading device 206 and the discrimination result are linked and recorded on the recording medium. The discrimination results are totaled for each producer, and agricultural products are discharged to the side discharge pool conveyor for each sorting section by a sorting discharge device provided on the downstream side (not shown).
[0020]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-57211
[0021]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional example, since it is necessary to attach a data carrier to each container 202, the data reading device 206 may cause a reading error depending on the attachment position of the data carrier with respect to the container 202.
[0022]
Also, in recent years, it has been required to select many types of agricultural products at the same time in response to the flow of high-mix low-volume production. Therefore, it is necessary to create a data carrier for each container with different loading information. Don't be. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of data carriers increases and the cost increases.
[0023]
In addition, since the data readers 206 are required according to the number of the pull-in conveyors 203, if the size of the selection field increases and the number of the pull-in conveyors 203 increases, the number of the data readers 206 must be increased accordingly. This increases costs.
[0024]
An object of the present invention is to provide an agricultural product sorting apparatus that can reduce the cost of the entire sorting apparatus and that can accurately record cargo port information.
[0025]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an agricultural product sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes a container transport conveyor for transporting containers containing agricultural products, a plurality of pull-in conveyors for pulling the containers from the container transport conveyor, and these pull-in conveyors. A sorting conveyor for transporting the agricultural products taken out from the container drawn into the container, measuring means for measuring the agricultural products conveyed by the sorting conveyor and obtaining sorting information for sorting, and a plurality of the pulling conveyors Correspondingly provided, a supply unit for supplying an agricultural product stored in a container on each pull-in conveyor to the sorting conveyor by an operator, and temporarily stopping the container at a predetermined position on the container conveyor And stopping means capable of releasing the stop of the container, and the container A loading port discrimination means for performing discrimination of a loading port of an agricultural product conveyed by the sorting conveyor in association with which of the feeding units is supplied to the sorting conveyor when the loading port of the container supplied to the feeding conveyor is switched; Recording means for recording correspondingly the agricultural product measured by the measuring means and the consignment information discriminated by the consignment discriminating means, and the consignment discriminating means records the container by the stopping means. After the stop, an operator inputs cargo port information of a new cargo port to the recording unit via the input unit, and each supply unit based on a container stop cancellation instruction performed after the cargo port information is input An informing means for informing a worker disposed in the container of the switching of the loading port, and after the informing by the informing means in each of the supply units, A change signal output means provided in each of the supply units for outputting a change signal to the recording means before the agricultural products in the container of a new cargo opening arriving on the bear are first supplied to the sorting conveyor. And the said recording means makes the consignment of the agricultural product supplied from the said supply part after receiving the said consignment switching signal the new consignment information, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0026]
As described above, in the present invention, the container is temporarily stopped on the container transport conveyor by the stopping unit, and the operator inputs the loading information of a new loading port to the recording unit via the input unit. As a result, the operator can reliably input the consignment information, so that reading errors of consignment information as in the conventional example are reduced, and the consignment information can be recorded reliably.
[0027]
Moreover, since it is not necessary to create a data carrier for each container having different cargo port information as in the conventional example, the data carrier can be made unnecessary. Further, since it is not necessary to arrange a data reading device on each pulling conveyor as in the conventional example, the cost can be reduced.
[0028]
Also, in the present invention, a replacement signal output provided in each supply unit that outputs a replacement signal to the recording means before first supplying the produce in the container of the new consignment coming on the container conveyor to the sorting conveyor. When the container and the container loading port supplied to the container conveyor are switched, the loading port discrimination unit is configured to identify the loading port of the agricultural product conveyed by the sorting conveyor in relation to which supply unit is supplied to the sorting conveyor. And a recording means for recording the sorting information about the agricultural product measured by the measuring means and the consignment information discriminated by the consignment discriminating means correspondingly.
[0029]
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to link the agricultural product transferred at each supply unit with the consignment information of the agricultural product, and further record the associated consignment information of the agricultural product with the sorting information of the agricultural product. . Thereby, it is possible to easily record the evaluation of agricultural products for each producer, which is the basis of consideration paid to the producer.
[0030]
Here, a detection means for detecting the container of the next cargo opening that first arrives at the stop position of the container on the container transport conveyor after the container outlet has been switched is provided, and the stop means receives the detection result by the detection means. You may make it stop the container of the next cargo port which arrives at the stop position of this container first.
[0031]
In addition, a voucher in which the cargo port information of the agricultural products accommodated in the container is recorded may be attached to the container of the next cargo port that first arrives at the stop position of the container.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The agricultural product sorting apparatus of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS. 1-4. Here, FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of an agricultural product sorting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing a relationship between a container loading mode and a method for recognizing loading information. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an arithmetic processing unit that controls the agricultural product sorting apparatus of the present embodiment.
[0033]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a cocoon-shaped container, and apples are accommodated in the container 10 as agricultural products produced by a specific producer.
[0034]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a container transport conveyor that is a roller conveyor, for example, that transports the container 10 in the left direction in the figure. The container transport conveyor 11 includes a pull-in conveyor 9 that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the container transport conveyor 11. Are arranged side by side. The pull-in conveyor 9 is arranged in the order of the first pull-in conveyor 9a, the second pull-in conveyor 9b, and the third pull-in conveyor 9c from the downstream side of the container transport conveyor 11.
[0035]
In the present embodiment, the number of the pull-in conveyors 9 is three, but the number can be appropriately changed according to the ability of the fruit selection field, and can be four or more, for example.
[0036]
The container transport conveyor 11 is provided with a convex cargo port switching stopper 12 as a stopping means for temporarily stopping the container 10 in front of the third pull-in conveyor 9c arranged on the most upstream side among the pull-in conveyors 9. ing. The cargo port switching stopper 12 is disposed below the container transport conveyor 11 and is configured to enter the transport path on the container transport conveyor 11 from between the rollers.
[0037]
A container detection device 8 is provided slightly upstream from the position where the cargo port switching stopper 12 is disposed. The container detection device 8 includes a light emitting element that emits light, a light receiving element that receives reflected light reflected by a reflection plate (not shown) provided in the container 10 among the light emitted from the light emitting element, and the light receiving element. And an output unit (not shown) that outputs a light reception result to the arithmetic processing unit 6 described later.
[0038]
For example, a mechanical number sensor is used as means for operating the loading port switching stopper 12, and the number of containers 10 detected by the sensor reaches the total number of containers 10 input by operating the loading port information input device 19. Sometimes, the loading port switching stopper 12 may be configured to enter the container conveyance path.
[0039]
Transfer of apples accommodated in the container 10 to buckets on the sorting conveyor 13 to be described later on the left and right sides (supply units) of the first pull-in conveyor 9a, the second pull-in conveyor 9b, and the third pull-in conveyor 9c, respectively. Loading workers 14a, 14b, and 14c are arranged.
[0040]
The sorting conveyor 13 is a bucket-type conveyor that rotates the buckets provided at regular intervals endlessly, and is arranged at a substantially right angle with respect to each drawing conveyor 9. The configuration of the sorting conveyor 13 is not limited to the bucket type, and any of a belt conveyor, a slat conveyor, or a so-called free tray type conveyor that conveys apples back and forth at indefinite intervals can be used.
[0041]
The apples accommodated in the containers 10 on the respective pull-in conveyors 9 are transferred to the respective transfer area sensors 15 (first transfer area sensor 15a and second transfer area sensor 15b provided corresponding to the respective pull-in conveyors 9). The sorting conveyor is manually moved from each transfer area (the first transfer area, the second transfer area, and the third transfer area) divided by the third transfer area sensor 15c). 13 is transferred to the bucket.
[0042]
Of the apples transferred to the bucket, the apples transferred in the third transfer area are detected by the third transfer area sensor 15c, the second transfer area sensor 15b, and the first transfer area sensor 15a. The apples transferred in the second transfer area are detected by the second transfer area sensor 15b and the first transfer area sensor 15a, and the apples transferred in the first transfer area are detected by the first transfer area sensor. Detected by 15a.
[0043]
Here, the transfer area sensors 15a, 15b, and 15c are communicably connected to the arithmetic processing device 6, and signals from the transfer area sensors 15a, 15b, and 15c are input to the arithmetic processing device 6. . Then, the arithmetic processing unit 6 specifies that the apples on the buckets detected by the respective transfer area sensors 15a, 15b, and 15c have been transferred in the third transfer area, and the first transfer area sensor 15a and apples on the bucket detected by the second transfer area sensor 15b are identified as being transferred in the second transfer area, and apples on the bucket detected by the first transfer area 15a Is specified in the first transfer area.
[0044]
The first transfer area sensor 15a arranged on the most downstream side is arranged on the upstream side of the measuring device 16 to be described later in the figure, but may be arranged at the same position as the measuring device 16. Furthermore, when the measuring device 16 is a sensor such as a camera, a part of the function may be used.
[0045]
The apples detected by each transfer area sensor 15 are subjected to information necessary for sorting and evaluation of color, scratches, size, and the like by the measuring device 16 disposed downstream of the first transfer area sensor 15a. The
[0046]
The measuring device 16 is configured by means capable of measuring a predetermined sorting element (evaluation element) such as a camera, a weight measuring device, an internal quality inspection device, or a device combining them. The measurement result measured by the measuring device 16 is input to the arithmetic processing device 6.
[0047]
Reference numeral 17 denotes a synchronous clock generator that outputs a signal (bucket clock signal) that is synchronized with the movement of the bucket (apple), and is provided in association with the driving of the sorting conveyor 13 so that the information on the progress of the bucket can be calculated. The progress state information is input to the processing device 6 and used for measurement, sorting, evaluation data aggregation, and the like. This will be described later.
[0048]
Reference numeral 18 denotes an electromagnetic solenoid type discharge actuator constituting a sorting device, which is arranged for each sorting section downstream of the sorting conveyor 13 and discharges apples of the corresponding section in response to a sorting signal from the arithmetic unit 6. Tilt the bucket as much as possible.
[0049]
In the present embodiment, a loading port information input device 19 including a keyboard, a touch panel provided on a display screen, and the like is disposed adjacent to the loading port switching stopper 12. The management operator 20 operates the consignment information input device 19 to input the consignment information of the apples stored in the container 10 (name of producer, type of apple, total number of containers 10 to be supplied, etc.).
[0050]
The cargo port information input by operating the cargo port information input device 19 is recorded in the arithmetic processing device 6. The detailed description of the cargo port information input device 19 will be described later.
[0051]
In the vicinity of each pull-in conveyor 9, push button type load change switches 21 (first load change switch 21a, second load change switch 21b, and third load change switch 21c) are provided, respectively. By operating 21, each notification lamp 22 (first notification lamp 22 a, second notification lamp 22 b, third notification lamp 22 c) that is turned on at the time of changing the load provided corresponding to each pull-in conveyor 9 is turned off.
[0052]
Further, as shown in the figure, each load change switch 21 is arranged at a position where the transfer operator 14 on the downstream side among the transfer workers 14 assigned to each pull-in conveyor 9 can operate. The reason for the arrangement at such a position will be described later.
[0053]
On the extension of each pull-in conveyor 9, there is a counting photoelectric tube 23 (number 1) for measuring the number of non-standard apples (apples whose worm-eaten exceeds the allowable limit, shape and size are outside the standard range). A 1-counter phototube 23a, a second-counter phototube 23b, and a third-counter phototube 23c) are arranged.
[0054]
The count result counted by each counting photoelectric tube 23 is input to the arithmetic processing unit 6.
[0055]
Reference numeral 24 denotes a non-standard conveyor arranged along the sorting conveyor 13, and a non-standard storage box (not shown) is provided at the downstream end of the non-standard conveyor 24. The above-mentioned non-standard apples are counted by each counting photoelectric tube 23 and then conveyed by the non-standard conveyor 24 and stored in an extra storage box.
[0056]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the hardware circuit configuration and peripheral devices of the arithmetic processing device 6 that controls the operation and the like of each device described above.
[0057]
Reference numeral 605 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which processing procedures are stored, 606 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory) indicating a temporary data memory in the processing process, and 604 denotes an MPU (Microprocessor Unit) for executing processing. is there.
[0058]
The sorting signal output by the arithmetic processing unit 6 is output to the discharge actuator l8 via the input / output interface 602.
[0059]
In addition, the arithmetic processing device 6 outputs the obtained evaluation data for each cargo port to the personal computer 32 via a LAN (local area network) interface 607. The personal computer 32 includes a touch panel unit 33 or a keyboard, a mouse (not shown), a display 34, a printer 35, and a hard disk 36 as peripheral devices, and is configured to be able to operate, display evaluation data, print, save data, and the like. ing.
[0060]
In this example, the evaluation data (measurement results by the measuring device 16) of a plurality of agricultural products transferred from the plurality of transfer areas onto the sorting conveyor 13 can be evaluated and tabulated for each cargo port (by manufacturer).
[0061]
That is, the producer identification information (producer code) as the consignment information input from the consignment information input device 19, the consignment amount (total number of containers), the consignment information (item, product type, harvest date, etc.), and the measuring device 16 The measurement data can be linked to each agricultural product using the information of the synchronous clock generator 17, and can be aggregated as evaluation data of the producer's agricultural product.
[0062]
In the above configuration, the operation of the agricultural product sorting apparatus until the apples mounted on the container are transferred to the bucket will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In these figures, 101 is a plurality of basket-shaped containers in which producer A's apples are accommodated, 102 is a plurality of basket-shaped containers in which producer B's apples are accommodated. Producer B's apple shall be processed after processing.
[0063]
First, the plurality of containers 101 of the producer A are supplied from the upstream side of the container transport conveyor 11. In addition, in the first container 101 (hereinafter referred to as the first container 101) placed on the container transport conveyor 11, the consignment information (producer (A), apple variety, total number of containers 101, etc.) is recorded. A slip is installed.
[0064]
When the first container 101 is conveyed to a predetermined position, light emitted from the light emitting element of the container detection device 8 is reflected by a reflection plate (not shown) provided on the outer side surface of the container 101, and this reflected light is reflected. Light is received by a light receiving element provided in the container detection device 8. The light reception result is output to the arithmetic processing device 6 from an output unit (not shown) provided in the container detection device 8.
[0065]
When the light reception result is input to the processing unit 6, an operation signal for operating the loading port switching stopper 12 is output from the processing unit 6 to a stopper control unit (not shown), and the loading port switching stopper 12 is placed on the container conveyor 11. Enter the transport path.
[0066]
In addition, in the state before the operation signal is input to the stopper control unit, the cargo port switching stopper 12 is retracted downward from the container transport path on the container transport conveyor 11, and the container 101 of the producer A is stopped. Instead, it is transported downstream.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 2A, the leading container 101 comes into contact with the loading port switching stopper 12 as the loading port switching stopper 12 enters the conveyance path of the container, and the most upstream side of each pull-in conveyor 9. Is temporarily stopped at a position on the upstream side of the third pulling conveyor 9c arranged in the standby position and waits. The container 101 supplied onto the container transport conveyor 11 following the top container 101 comes into contact with the stopped top container 101 and is prevented from being transported downstream.
[0068]
When the top container 101 stops, the management operator 20 takes out the slip with the apple consignment information from the top container 101 and operates the consignment information input device 19 with the consignment information described in the slip. input.
[0069]
When the management worker 20 visually confirms that there is no producer's container before the load switching on the container transport conveyor 11 on the downstream side of the load switching stopper 12, the management worker 20 performs the final operation as a load opening. For example, a touch panel of the information input device 19 is operated to confirm the cargo port information, and a release signal for releasing the cargo port switching stopper 12 is output from the arithmetic processing device 6 to the stopper control unit. Retreat downward from the transport path.
[0070]
Thereby, the contact of the cargo port switching stopper 12 with the container 101 is released, and each container 101 is sequentially transported toward the downstream side of the container transport conveyor 11.
[0071]
Simultaneously with the output of the release signal, the arithmetic processing device 6 outputs a lighting signal for lighting each notification lamp 22 as a notification means, and each notification lamp 22 is lit as shown in FIG. In this way, when each notification lamp 22 is lit, it is possible to make each transfer operator 14 recognize that the container outlet has been switched.
[0072]
The containers 101 conveyed downstream by the release of the loading port switching stopper 12 are drawn into the respective pull-in conveyors 9 as the first containers by, for example, two transfer workers 14 arranged on the respective pull-in conveyors 9.
[0073]
FIG. 2B shows a state in which the first container 101 of the producer A is drawn into the second pull-in conveyor 9b and the third pull-in conveyor 9c. Here, after the container 101 is drawn into the second pull-in conveyor 9b and the third pull-in conveyor 9c, it is assigned to the downstream side among the transfer workers 14b and 14c arranged in these pull-in conveyors (9b and 9c). The worker who has been pushed pushes the load change switches 21b and 21c.
[0074]
When the arithmetic processing unit 6 recognizes that the load change switches 21b and 21c have been pressed, the arithmetic processing unit 6 turns off the second notification lamp 22b and the third notification lamp 22c. When the load change switch 21 is turned on, the arithmetic processing unit 6 recognizes the change of the load port, and the apples to be transferred thereafter in each transfer area corresponding to the load change switch 21 with the switch turned on are the producer A's. It is recorded that it is an apple. Then, the notification lamp 22 is kept off until the next loading port is switched.
[0075]
Further, the management worker 20 can check whether or not each transfer worker 14 has forgotten to press each load change switch 21 by confirming whether or not all the notification lamps 22 are turned off. . Furthermore, each transfer operator 14 can also check whether or not he / she has forgotten to press each load change switch 21 by confirming whether or not each notification lamp 22 is turned off.
[0076]
Thereby, after these notification lamps (22b, 22c) are extinguished, when apples are supplied from the second transfer area and the third transfer area to the empty buckets on the sorting conveyor 13, these apples are transferred. Detected by the second transfer area sensor 15b and the third transfer area sensor 15c corresponding to the areas (second transfer area, third transfer area), the detection result is operated by the cargo port information input device 19. The information is linked to the cargo opening information of the apple of the producer A accommodated in the container 101 inputted in this manner, and stored in a memory (not shown) provided in the arithmetic processing unit 6.
[0077]
In the example of FIG. 2B, the container 101 of the producer A is within the reach of the transfer worker 14a who is assigned to the pulling conveyor 9a arranged on the most downstream side and performs the pulling operation of the container. Has not reached. For this reason, the container 101 of the producer A is not drawn in to the drawing-in conveyor 9a, and the 1st alert lamp 22a remains in the lighting state.
[0078]
Next, among the apples in the container 101, each worker 14 starts to transfer the apples within the standard to the bucket on the sorting conveyor 13 in each transfer area. Each transfer operator 14 determines whether it is within the standard in light of a predetermined standard (for example, disposal when there is a worm-eaten more than a quarter).
[0079]
The non-standard apples are counted by each counting photoelectric tube 23, then conveyed by a non-standard conveyor 24, and stored in an unspecified storage box (not shown).
[0080]
When each transfer operator 14 transfers all the apples stored in the container 101 to the bucket on the sorting conveyor 13, the empty container 101 is removed from the pull-in conveyor 9.
[0081]
Subsequently, each transfer operator 14 pulls the container 101 of the producer A on the container transport conveyor 11 into each pull-in conveyor 9, and the apples in the container 101 of the producer A are placed on the sorting conveyor 13 in the same manner as described above. Transfer to the bucket.
[0082]
When the supply of the container 101 of the producer A onto the container transport conveyor 11 is completed, the supply of the container 102 of the producer B onto the container transport conveyor 11 is started.
[0083]
The operation of supplying the container 102 of the first producer B toward the container transport conveyor 11 downstream from the loading port switching stopper 12 is performed after all the containers 101 of the producer A have been placed on the pull-in conveyor 9, that is, Then, it is started after confirming that the container 101 of the producer A has not been transported on the container transport conveyor 11 on the downstream side of the loading port switching stopper 12. Therefore, the container 101 of the producer A and the container 102 of the producer B are not mixed on the container transport conveyor 11.
[0084]
Here, a reflector (not shown) is attached to the leading container 102 of the producer B following the producer A (the container 102 first placed on the container transport conveyor 11). Therefore, when the leading container 102 is transported to a predetermined position, light emitted from the light emitting element of the container detection device 8 is reflected by a reflection plate (not shown) provided on the outer side surface of the container 102, and this reflection is performed. Light is received by a light receiving element provided in the container detection device 8. The light reception result is output to the arithmetic processing device 6 from an output unit (not shown) provided in the container detection device 8.
[0085]
When the light reception result is input to the processing unit 6, an operation signal for operating the loading port switching stopper 12 is output from the processing unit 6 to a stopper control unit (not shown), and the loading port switching stopper 12 is placed on the container conveyor 11. The leading container 102 is temporarily stopped by abutting against the cargo port switching stopper 12 (see FIG. 2C).
[0086]
In the top container 102, a slip describing information on the loading port of the apples stored in the container 102 (producer (B), type of apple, total number of containers 102, etc.) is mounted.
[0087]
Then, the management operator 20 takes out the slip on which the cargo B information of the producer B has been written from the top container 102 that has come into contact with the stopper 12 and stopped, and loads the cargo port information described in this slip with the cargo port information input device 19. Operate and input.
[0088]
Subsequently, the management worker 20 visually confirms that all the containers 101 of the producer A remaining on the container transport conveyor 11 on the downstream side of the loading port switching stopper 12 have been drawn into the pull-in conveyor 9 by the transfer worker 14. If confirmed by the above, the cargo port information input device 19 is operated as a final operation to confirm the cargo port information.
[0089]
When the consignment information is determined by the operation of the management worker 20, as in the above case, when the consignment switching stopper 12 is released, the container 102 of the producer B is conveyed from the standby position toward the container conveying conveyor 11 on the downstream side. .
Here, the management operator 20 inputs the cargo port information after confirming that all the containers 101 on the container transport conveyor 11 are pulled into the pull-in conveyor 9 for the following reason.
[0090]
That is, when the cargo port switching stopper 12 is released while the container 101 of the producer A remains on the container transport conveyor 11 on the downstream side of the cargo port switching stopper 12, the container of the producer A is placed on the container transport conveyor 11. This is because the container 101 of the producer B and the container 102 of the producer B are mixed, and it becomes difficult for the transfer operator to distinguish which of the producer A or the producer B the apple is accommodated.
[0091]
When the input of the cargo port information is confirmed, all the notification lamps 22 are turned on as described above. Thereby, each transfer operator 14 can be made to recognize that the container 102 initially drawn in to each draw-in conveyor 9 after lighting of each notification lamp 22 is different from the container 101 so far. (See FIG. 3 (a)).
[0092]
Subsequently, the container 102 of the producer B supplied onto the container transport conveyor 11 is drawn into each pull-in conveyor 9 by, for example, two transfer workers 14 arranged on each pull-in conveyor 9.
[0093]
FIG. 3B shows a state in which the container 102 of the producer B is drawn into the second pull-in conveyor 9b. Here, as described above, after the container 102 of the producer B is drawn into the second pull-in conveyor 9b, the two transfer workers 14b assigned to the second pull-in conveyor 9b are arranged on the downstream side. The transfer operator pushes the change switch 21b.
[0094]
The reason why the transfer operator on the downstream side of the two transfer workers 14 arranged on each pull-in conveyor 9 is caused to operate the load change switch 21 is as follows.
[0095]
That is, each transfer operator 14 assigned to the downstream side is directed to the direction in which the loading port switching stopper 12 is arranged to perform operations such as pulling in the container. Therefore, the loading port switching stopper 12 is released and the container of a new loading port is released. Can be easily grasped. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp whether or not the container outlet of the container to be drawn into the pull-in conveyor 9 is new.
[0096]
When the transfer switch 21b is pushed by the transfer operator 14b assigned downstream, the second notification lamp 22b is turned off. As a result, when apples are supplied from the second transfer area to the empty bucket on the sorting conveyor 13 after the second notification lamp 22b is turned off, the apples are transferred to the second transfer area sensor 15b and the first transfer area. It is detected by the sensor 15a.
[0097]
When this detection result is input to the arithmetic processing unit 6, the arithmetic processing unit 6 transfers the apples detected by the second transfer area sensor 15b and the first transfer area sensor 15a in the second transfer area. In addition, it is possible to link the information about the apples of the producer B in the container 102 input by operating the specified apples and the cargo port information input device 19, and the unillustrated in the arithmetic processing unit 6. Record in memory.
[0098]
In FIG. 3B, the processing of the container 101 of the producer A (the operation of transferring the apples to the buckets on the sorting conveyor 13) is not finished in the first pull-in conveyor 9a and the third pull-in conveyor 9c. Therefore, the container 102 of the producer B has not yet been drawn.
[0099]
For this reason, each transfer operator on the downstream side among the transfer workers 14a and 14c assigned to the left and right sides of the first pull-in conveyor 9a and the third pull-in conveyor 9c presses the load change switches 21a and 21c. The first notification lamp 22a and the second notification lamp 22b remain lit.
[0100]
When each transfer operator 14 confirms that each notification lamp 22 is extinguished by pressing each change-over switch 21, the apples accommodated in the container 102 are buckets on the sorting conveyor 13 for those within the standard. The non-standard items are transferred to the non-standard transport conveyor 24.
[0101]
By the way, when switching the loading port, there may be a situation in which there are two different loading ports on the pull-in conveyor 9 and another loading port in the standby position of the container, that is, a total of three loading ports. A concrete example of such a situation is shown in FIG. In the figure, the container 102 of the producer B is drawn into the first pull-in conveyor 9a, the container 102 of the producer B is drawn into the second pull-in conveyor 9b, and the container 101 of the producer A is drawn into the third pull-in conveyor 9c. This is a case where the container 103 of the person C is stopped at the contact position with the cargo port switching stopper 12 on the container transport conveyor 11.
[0102]
In this state, if the loading port switching stopper 12 is released and the container 103 of the producer C is allowed to flow downstream, the loading port may be confused.
[0103]
Therefore, in such a case, the management worker 20 does not perform the final confirmation operation, so that the container at the previous loading port disappears on the container conveying conveyor 11 on the downstream side of the loading port switching stopper 12 (on the drawing conveyor 9). Until the container 103 of the producer C is stopped by the loading port stopper 12.
[0104]
The apples supplied to the buckets on the sorting conveyor 13 in each transfer area are measured for predetermined evaluation items by the measuring device 16 arranged downstream of the sorting conveyor 13.
[0105]
After the evaluation item is measured by the measuring device 16, the grade and class are discriminated by the arithmetic processing device 6, and the consignment information inputted by operating the consignment information input device 19 and the discrimination result are linked and stored. The discrimination results are totaled for each producer, and the apples are discharged to the side discharge pool conveyor for each sorting section by the sorting discharge device provided on the downstream side.
[0106]
Since the apples discharged to the same sorting section have the same grade and class, they are packed in one packaging box regardless of whether the producer is A or B. However, the arithmetic processing unit 6 manages data such as the number and class for each producer, and performs a price settlement process for each producer.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the agricultural product sorting apparatus of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0108]
The cargo port information is input while the container is temporarily stopped on the container transport conveyor. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the reading error of the consignment information as in the conventional example and to input and record the consignment information reliably. Further, since it is not necessary to create a data carrier for each container having different cargo port information as in the conventional example, the data carrier becomes unnecessary and the cost can be reduced. Further, since a reading device is not necessary, cost can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a general view of an agricultural product sorting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship between a container loading port switching mode and a loading port information recognition method;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a container loading port switching mode and a loading port information recognition method;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an arithmetic processing unit that controls the agricultural product sorting apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a conventional agricultural product sorting apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
9 Pull-in conveyor
10 containers
11 Container conveyor
12 Loading port stopper
13 Sorting conveyor
14 Transfer workers
15 Area identification sensor
16 Measuring device
17 Synchronous clock generator
18 Discharge actuator
19 Loading port information input device
20 Administrative workers

Claims (3)

A container transport conveyor for transporting containers containing agricultural products;
A plurality of retracting conveyors for retracting the containers from the container transport conveyor;
A sorting conveyor for transporting agricultural products taken out of the containers drawn into these drawing conveyors,
Measuring means for measuring the agricultural products conveyed by the sorting conveyor and obtaining sorting information for sorting;
A supply unit provided to correspond to each of the plurality of pull-in conveyors, and for supplying agricultural products stored in containers on the pull-in conveyors to the sorting conveyor by an operator;
Stopping the container once at a predetermined position on the container transport conveyor, and stopping means capable of releasing the stop of the container;
When the container loading port supplied to the container conveyor is switched, the loading port discrimination is performed in association with which of the supply units is supplied to the sorting conveyor. Means,
Recording means for correspondingly recording the sorting information about the agricultural product measured by the measuring unit and the consignment information determined by the consignment determining unit;
The cargo port discrimination means is
After the container is stopped by the stopping means, the cargo port information input means for the operator to input the cargo port information of a new cargo port to the recording means via the input means,
Informing means for informing the operator disposed in each of the supply units of the switching of the consignment based on the stop cancellation instruction of the container performed after the input of the consignment information,
After the notification by the notification means in each of the supply units, a change signal is sent to the recording means before the agricultural products in the container at the new loading port arriving on the container transport conveyor are first supplied to the sorting conveyor. A replacement signal output means provided in each of the supply units to output,
The agricultural product sorting apparatus characterized in that the recording means uses, as new cargo opening information, an agricultural product loading port supplied from the supply unit after receiving the loading port switching signal. Detecting means for detecting a container of a next cargo port that first arrives at a stop position of the container on the container transport conveyor after the cargo port of the container is switched;
2. The agricultural product sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopping unit stops a container of a next cargo port that first arrives at a stop position of the container in response to a detection result by the detecting unit. The container of the next consignment that first arrives at the stop position of the container is attached with a slip in which the consignment information of the agricultural products contained in the container is recorded. Produce sorting equipment.

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