JP2014005149A - Automatic sorting method and device for fruit vegetable and fruit vegetable carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a stable sorting of fruit vegetables by preventing displacements and overturns.SOLUTION: A fruit vegetable carrier is provided with a rotatable belt. The belt is provided with receiving parts at two or more positions thereon with an interval in a rotation direction, the receiving parts projecting from the belt. A pushing tool is provided near an outside or an inside of the belt, the pushing tool being capable of moving the belt forward in a rotation direction and moving back in a reverse direction. The pushing tool, after putting a fruit vegetable out, can move back until the fruit vegetable carrier returns to a fruit vegetable table, push the next receiving part of the fruit vegetable carrier carrying a next fruit vegetable to move the belt forward, and put out the fruit vegetable laterally. Subsequently, the fruit vegetable carrier can repeat returning of the pushing tool and putting out the fruit vegetable laterally by the forward rotation of the belt with the pushing tool.

Description

  The present invention discriminates the standard (equal class) of measuring various fruit vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, eggplant, and melon by size, shape, color, sugar content, weight, etc., and based on the discrimination result The present invention relates to an automatic fruit vegetable sorting method for sorting by equal class (referred to as “selection” by combining measurement / discrimination and sorting), an automatic vegetable sorting apparatus, and a fruit carrier on which fruit vegetables are placed.

  As a fruit vegetable sorting device, there is a belt-type fruit vegetable automatic sorting device (Patent Documents 1 and 2) invented previously by the present inventors. As shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b), these fruit and vegetable automatic sorting devices are provided with a large number of fruit and vegetable carriers 2 attached to two endless parallel chains (fruit and vegetable carrier) 1 so that a fruit and vegetable sorting line is formed. The fruit and vegetable sorting line is composed of a fruit and vegetable loading section A on which an operator places the fruit and vegetable 3 on a fruit and vegetable carrier, a measuring / discriminating section (measuring section) B for measuring fruit vegetables and determining an equal class, and a measuring section B. A sorting unit C that sorts fruits and vegetables by grade based on the measurement discrimination result is provided.

  In this fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus, when the operator places the fruit vegetables 3 one by one on the belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 in the fruit vegetable placing part A, the fruit vegetables 3 are measured by the measuring part B during the conveyance and are classified into equal classes. Is determined, and the determination signal is sent to the sorting section C. The belt 8 of the fruit carrier 2 is rotated based on the determination signal, and the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8 are the fruit vegetable receivers on the side of the fruit vegetable selection line. (Pool conveyor) 4 which is sent out to the pool conveyor 4 and pooled on the pool conveyor 4 can be packed in a box. A support tool 5 is disposed above the belt 8, and the fruit vegetables 3 are supported from the rear by the support tool 5, so that the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 are misaligned during transportation, or a pool conveyor. The fruit vegetables 3 sent to 4 are prevented from falling. If the fruit vegetable 3 is misaligned or tilted on the belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 while being transported, it will not be able to pass under the measuring part B in a normal posture, resulting in a measurement error (error), and the equal class is misidentified. May be separated.

JP 2004-99285 A JP 2003-53275 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to make it possible to measure, discriminate and feed while transporting in a stable state, with the result that the fruit and vegetables to be fed to the side or side are not likely to be displaced or fall over (not). is there.

  In the fruit vegetable automatic selection method of the present invention, fruit vegetables are placed on the fruit carrier of the fruit carrier transported by a large number of fruit carrier carriers connected to the endless traveling body, and the fruit carrier is caused to travel by the endless traveling body and is placed on the fruit carrier. Fruit vegetables are transported and measured during the transport to determine the equal class, and the fruits and vegetables are sent to the side of the fruit transporter (including right side, diagonally forward and diagonally rear) according to the classification result. In the automatic sorting method, a rotatable belt of the fruit vegetable carrier is pushed with a pusher, the belt is advanced to the side in the conveying direction, and the fruit vegetable is sent to the side, and the forward rotation of the belt is stopped after the delivery is completed. And the step of returning the pressing tool until the fruit vegetable carrier returns to the position where the next fruit vegetable is placed, and the next fruit vegetable is placed on the returned fruit vegetable carrier, and then returned by the returning tool. The step of rotating the vegetable carrier belt forward and feeding the next fruit vegetables on the belt to the side, and then returning the pressing tool to the side by the forward rotation of the belt by the pressing tool. It is designed to repeat the delivery of fruit vegetables.

  The fruit vegetable automatic sorting method of the present invention is the fruit vegetable automatic sorting method, wherein the belt is moved sideways in the fruit vegetable conveyance direction (straight side, diagonally forward) by pushing the receiving tool protruding on the outer peripheral surface of the belt with the pushing tool. (Including obliquely rearward), the fruit vegetables on the belt are fed to the side, and after the fruit vegetables have been fed, the belt is stopped from rotating forward, and then the fruit carrier returns to the fruit loading section on which the next fruit is loaded. By the time, the pusher is moved back in the direction opposite to the forward movement and returned to the forward start position to prepare for the next sorting.

  The fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention places fruit vegetables on the fruit carrier of the fruit vegetable carrier in which a number of fruit vegetable carriers are connected to the endless traveling body, and travels the fruit vegetable carrier by the endless traveling body and places it on the fruit vegetable carrier. Fruit vegetables are transported and measured during the transport to determine the equal class, and the fruits and vegetables are sent to the side of the fruit transporter (including right side, diagonally forward and diagonally rear) according to the classification result. In the automatic sorting device, the fruit and vegetable carrier is a fruit and vegetable picking section on which fruit vegetables are placed, a measuring section that measures fruit vegetables and discriminates the equal class, and sorts based on the measurement / discrimination result in the measuring section, and is on the side of the fruit and vegetables sorting line The fruit vegetable carrier has a rotatable belt, and a receiving device is provided at two or more locations in the rotational direction of the belt, the receiving device protrudes outside the belt, A pressing tool is provided in the vicinity of the outer side or the inner side of the belt, and the pressing tool can move forward in the belt rotation direction and return in the reverse direction. After the fruit vegetables are delivered, the fruit vegetable carrier returns to the fruit vegetable mounting part. , And move the belt forward to feed the fruit vegetables to the side by pushing the next holder of the fruit vegetable carrier carrying the next fruit vegetables. Further, it is possible to repeat the feeding of fruit vegetables to the side by the forward rotation of the belt by the pushing tool.

  In the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention, in the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus, the receivers provided at two or more locations in the belt rotation direction protrude above the belt in the upper traveling portion and below the belt in the lower traveling portion. The protruding tool pushes forward to move the receiving tool protruding below the belt's lower running part, thereby moving the belt forward in the fruit vegetable transport direction side (including right side, diagonally forward, and diagonally rear). Rotate and send the fruit vegetables on the belt to the side of the fruit transport direction and sort them, and the next receiver of the receiver can be waited at the forward start position, after the fruit vegetables are sent to the side It is designed to return to its original position away from the receiving tool.

  The fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to the present invention is capable of returning and moving over the stand-by receiving tool to the forward start position where the pusher protrudes below the belt lower traveling portion when the pushing tool returns and moves. In the next forward movement, the belt can be rotated forward by pushing forward the receiving member that has been overcome.

The fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes a support tool capable of supporting the fruit vegetables from the rear of the fruit vegetable carrier belt in the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus, and the support tool includes two or more receptacles for the fruit vegetable carrier. Among them, it is provided at the rear of the belt receiving direction of the fruit vegetable receiving part on which the next fruit vegetable is placed, and the support is connected to the pusher and can be moved forward and backward together with the pusher, or provided separately from the pusher. It can move forward and return separately from the pusher.
You can also

  In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to the present invention, in the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus, a pool conveyor is arranged directly or via a relay tool on the side of the fruit and vegetable carrier in the conveying direction, and the pool conveyor is a fruit vegetable sent from the fruit and vegetable carrier. You can also pool.

  The fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to the present invention is such that, in the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus, the feeding side of the belt of the fruit vegetable carrier is arranged obliquely backward or obliquely forward with respect to the fruit vegetable conveying body, and the inertia in the conveying direction of the fruit vegetables fed from the belt Can be reduced.

  The fruit vegetable carrier of the present invention can be loaded with fruit vegetables, is attached to an endless traveling body, travels along with the travel of the endless traveling body, and includes a rotatable belt in the fruit vegetable carrier that can transport the fruit vegetables, A receiving tool is provided at two or more locations in the belt rotation direction so as to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the belt.

  The fruit vegetable carrier according to the present invention includes a support tool that protrudes above the belt in the fruit vegetable carrier, and the support tool is connected to the push tool and can be moved forward and backward together with the push tool, or connected to the push tool. Instead, it can be moved forward and backward separately from the pusher.

  In the fruit vegetable carrier of the present invention, in the fruit vegetable carrier, the pusher can be swung or rotated forward in the fruit vegetable feeding direction, and can be swung or not rotated in the direction opposite to the fruit vegetable feeding direction.

  In the fruit vegetable carrier of the present invention, among the many fruit vegetable carriers provided in the endless traveling body, the fruit vegetable carrier can be placed on a plurality of belts of a plurality of adjacent fruit vegetable carriers. Both belts can be moved forward and backward.

  In the fruit vegetable automatic selection method of the present invention, the fruit carrier on the belt can be sent to the side by rotating the fruit carrier carrier belt in one direction by a predetermined length.

The fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention has the following effects.
(1) Since the receiving tool provided on the outer periphery of the belt of the fruit vegetable carrier is provided on the outer or inner side of the belt, the belt is moved forward by simply pushing the receiving tool with the pressing tool, and the fruit vegetables are moved sideways. Can be sent out.
(2) Since the support tool capable of supporting the fruit vegetables is provided above the belt of the fruit vegetable carrier, it is possible to prevent misalignment and overturning of the fruit vegetables at the time of delivery to the side of the fruit vegetable carrier.
(3) When the support tool can be moved forward and backward together with the push tool, the operation thereof becomes easy.
(4) When the support tool can be moved forward and backward separately from the push tool, the support tool or the push tool can be operated without being restricted by the respective operations, and the degree of freedom of operation is improved.
(5) If the front end side of the fruit vegetable carrier in the feeding direction is obliquely rearward or obliquely forward with respect to the fruit conveying direction, inertia in the conveying direction of the fruit vegetables fed from the belt is reduced, and the fruit vegetables are removed from the belt. Fruit vegetables do not fall over when they are sent out, and can be sent out smoothly to the pool conveyor.
(6) Since the pool conveyor which can pool the fruit vegetables sent out from the rotation belt of the fruit vegetable carrier is arranged on the side of the conveying direction of the fruit vegetable carrier, the fruit vegetables can be boxed after many fruit vegetables are pooled on the pool conveyor. Packing work becomes easy.
(7) If the pool conveyor is arranged directly or with a relay tool on the side of the fruit vegetable transporting direction, the inertia in the transporting direction of the fruit vegetables fed from the belt can be reduced. .

The fruit vegetable carrier of the present invention has the following effects.
(1) Since a rotatable belt is provided, and a receiving tool is provided at two or more locations on the outer circumference of the belt, the belt can be reliably rotated even if the forward / backward movement distance of the pressing tool is short. This will ensure the delivery of fruits and vegetables.
(2) By providing a support tool that protrudes above the belt of the fruit vegetable carrier, it is possible to support the fruit vegetables that are being sent out to the side during transportation with the support tool. It can be difficult to send out to the side.
(3) Since the pusher of the support tool can swing or rotate in the direction of fruit and vegetables to be fed and cannot swing or rotate in the direction opposite to the fruit and vegetables feeding direction, the belt is surely rotated to feed the fruit and vegetables. At the time of return, it can get back over the protrusion protruding on the belt, and can move back and forth even if the receiving device protrudes on the belt.
(4) If the support tool, the pressing tool and the belt are integrated, there is no gap in the movement of these three parts, and the delivery of fruit vegetables is stabilized.

The perspective view which shows an example of the fruit vegetable carrier and support tool of this invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the fruit vegetable carrier of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a side view which shows the state in which a support tool exists in a delivery start position, (b) is a side view which shows the state which moved the support tool to the delivery direction of fruit vegetables. FIG. 3C is a side view showing a state in which the support is returned to the original position. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the fruit vegetable carrier of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a side view which shows the state in the middle of a pusher getting over a protrusion when a support tool returns, (b) is a pusher getting over a protrusion. The side view which shows the state which showed the state, (c) is a side view which shows the state which the support tool returned to the sending start position. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the pushing tool of a support tool, Comprising: (a) is a side view which shows the state which is pushing the protrusion with a pushing tool, (b) is a side view which shows the state in which a pushing tool gets over a protrusion and returns. The top view which shows an example in the case of providing the switch of a fruit vegetable carrier in the operator side. The perspective view at the time of narrowing the belt of a fruit vegetable carrier. The perspective view at the time of making the belt of a fruit vegetable carrier narrow, making the frame diagonal, and making the front-end | tip part step shape. The back side perspective view of the fruit vegetable carrier of FIG. (A) is a plan view when the switch of the fruit vegetable carrier is arranged on the side opposite to the operator in the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus, and (b) is the case where the switch of the fruit vegetable carrier is arranged on the operator side in the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus. FIG. The perspective view of the other examples of the fruit vegetable carrier of this invention. Operation | movement explanatory drawing of the support tool of the fruit vegetable carrier of FIG. The top view of the fruit and vegetable conveyance body which attached the fruit and vegetable carrier of FIG. The perspective view of the state which juxtaposed the fruit and vegetables conveyance body on the fruit and vegetables mounting part of the fruit and vegetable conveyance body which attached the fruit and vegetable carrier of FIG. The perspective view of the state which straddled fruit vegetables on several belts of the fruit vegetable carrier of FIG.

(Embodiment of fruit vegetable automatic selection method)
An example of the fruit vegetable automatic selection method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b), an endless travel is performed using a fruit vegetable sorting line (fruit and vegetable transport body) L in which a large number of fruit vegetable carriers 2 are connected to an endless travel body 1 such as a chain conveyor or a timing belt. The vegetable carrier 2 is caused to travel by the travel of the body 1, and the fruit vegetable 3 is carried on the belt 8 (FIG. 1) of the vegetable carrier 2. During the transport, the shape and size of the fruit vegetables 3 are measured to determine the equal class of the fruit vegetables, and the side of the fruit vegetable transport body (including right side, diagonally forward, diagonally backward) is measured for each class based on the determination result. Send out the finished fruit vegetables 3. In this case, the rotatable belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 is pushed by the pressing tool 11 (FIGS. 2A to 2C) provided in the vicinity of the belt 8, and the belt 8 is rotated forward in the conveyance direction side. Send fruit vegetables 3 to the side. After the delivery is completed, the forward rotation of the belt 8 is stopped, and the pusher 11 is returned to the original position (advance start position) until the fruit carrier 2 returns to the position where the next fruit vegetable is placed. After the fruit vegetable 3 is placed on the belt 8, the belt 8 of the returned fruit vegetable carrier 2 is rotated forward with the returned pusher 11, and the next fruit vegetable 3 placed on the belt 8 is sent to the side. The return of the pressing tool 11 and the feeding of the fruit vegetables 3 to the side by the forward rotation of the belt 8 by the pressing tool 11 are repeated. In this case, it can be sent to the fruit and vegetable receiver (pool conveyor: FIGS. 9A and 9B) 4 arranged on the side of the fruit carrier 2. When sending out from the vegetable carrier 2 to the pool conveyor 4, in order to reduce inertia, the fruit vegetable 3 can be sent out diagonally forward or diagonally backward in the conveyance direction.

(Embodiment of fruit vegetable automatic sorting device)
An example of the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fruit and vegetable vegetable automatic sorting apparatus shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a fruit and vegetable carrier L is formed by connecting a large number of fruit and vegetable carriers 2 to the endless traveling body 1. Although the length of the fruit vegetable carrier L varies depending on the size of the fruit selection field, it is usually several tens of meters, and in some cases longer than 100 m. An area (fruit or vegetable placement part) A where an operator manually places the fruit and vegetable 3 on the fruit and vegetable carrier L, and an area where the shape, size, color and sugar content of the fruit and vegetable 3 being conveyed are measured to determine the equal class. (Measurement unit) B and an area (sorting unit) C for sending the fruit vegetables 3 to the pool conveyor 4 arranged on the side based on the measurement discrimination result in the measurement unit B are provided.

[Endless traveling body]
The endless traveling body 1 is wound around the outer periphery of a drive wheel H1 and a driven wheel H2 that are rotated by a motor M, and is rotatable with the rotation of the wheels H1 and H2 (FIG. 12). The endless traveling body 1 rotates by turning around the outside of one wheel (driven wheel) from top to bottom and turning around the outside of the other gear (drive gear) from below. It is designed to circulate and rotate.

(Embodiment 1 of fruit vegetable carrier)
As the vegetable carrier 2, the one shown in FIG. 1 can be used. This fruit vegetable carrier 2 is provided with rollers 7 at both ends of a rectangular frame 6 in the front-rear direction, and a belt 8 having substantially the same width (width) as the frame 6 is wound around both rollers 7 so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The support 5 (FIG. 1) is disposed on the belt 8 and is provided with a changeover switch (hereinafter simply referred to as “switch”) SW (FIG. 1) behind the belt 8 in the rotational direction.

  The belt 8 is wound with a tension applied, and receiving parts (protrusions) 10a, 10b, 10c,... At two or more locations (for example, three locations in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the belt 8 are wound. Projecting upward, and the protrusions 10a, 10b, 10c,... Are provided at intervals in the rotational direction of the belt 8. Each of the protrusions 10 a, 10 b, 10 c... Is in the form of an elongated bar that is horizontally long in the width direction of the belt 8 and is fixed to the upper surface of the belt 8 with an adhesive. The number of the protrusions 10 a, 10 b, 10 c... Can be four or more depending on the ring length of the belt 8. The attachment interval can be widened or narrowed according to the movement length of the belt 8 per time, but when one receiver 10a is in front of the pool conveyor 4 as shown in FIG. It is preferable to set an interval at which the next receiving tool 10b becomes a next delivery start position, that is, a position where the pressing tool 11 hits.

  The receiving tools 10a, 10b, 10c,... Can be pushed forward by the pushing tool 11 (FIGS. 2A to 2C) moving forward to move the belt 8 forward. 2 (a) to 2 (c) is attached to the support 5 provided above the belt 8 so as to move forward / return as the support 5 moves forward / return. is there. When the fruit vegetable carrier 2 travels as the endless traveling body 1 travels, a guide bar (protrusion) 18 (FIGS. 2A to 2C) projecting under the support 5 is placed under the belt 8. Guided by the forward guide rail 27 (FIG. 13) provided, the fruit carrier 2 moves forward in the running direction side (the pool conveyor 4 side in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b)). 5 moves in the same direction (fruit feed direction (direction of arrow X in FIG. 2B)) With this forward movement, the pusher 11 attached to the support 5 moves forward, and the outer periphery of the belt 8 ... any one of the receptacles 10a, 10b... Projecting on the surface (10a in FIG. 2 (a)) is moved forward as shown in FIG. Fruits 3 on the belt 8 are rotated forward in the direction (arrow X direction in FIG. 2B). It is to be able to send out to the side (pool conveyor 4 side).

  The forward movement of the pressing tool 11 stops when the fruit vegetables are sent out, stops the pressing of the receiving tools 10a, 10b..., And stops the forward rotation of the belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2. Until the fruit carrier 2 continues to travel and returns to the fruit resting portion A of the fruit carrier L, the guide bar 18 is attached to the return guide rail 29 (FIG. 13) provided under the belt 8. It is guided and moves back in the direction opposite to the forward movement direction (the direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 2C) to return to the state before the forward movement (the state in FIG. 2A). Accordingly, the support 5 also returns to the state before the forward movement (the state shown in FIG. 2A), and further, the pusher 11 connected to the support 5 is also in the state before the forward movement (FIG. 2A). ), The belt 8 can be rotated forward by pushing any one of the receivers 10a, 10b,...

  As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the rear receiving surfaces 12 of the receiving tools 10a, 10b, 10c,... Are vertical and are pressed in surface contact with the front pressing surface 13 of the pressing tool 11. The front relief surfaces 14 of the receptacles 10a, 10b, 10c,... Are curved, and the receptacles against which the rear back surface 15 abuts when the pusher 11 returns to the original position (for example, FIG. ) Is easily overtaken. The receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,... Can be made of various materials such as resin, metal, and ceramics that do not deform (hard) even when pressed by the pressing tool 11. The shapes, lengths, heights, etc. of the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c... Can be different from those shown in the figure.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the front pushing surface 13 of the pushing tool 11 is made vertical so that the receiving tools 10a, 10b, 10c,. It is made into the slope and it is made easy to get over the receptacle 10a, 10b, 10c ... at the time of return. The shape, size, and the like of the illustrated pusher 11 are merely examples, and the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,... Provided on the belt 8 can be pressed, and the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,. If possible, the shape and structure other than those illustrated can be obtained.

  The pusher 11 is in contact with the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,... Of the belt 8, and pushes the supporter 5 to push the pusher 11 forward of the fruit vegetables 3 (arrow X in FIG. 2 (b)). 2), the catches 10a, 10b, 10c,... Of the belt 8 are pushed by the pusher 11 and rotated in the direction of the arrow X, so that the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8 are as shown in FIG. Are sent out to the pool conveyor 4.

  When the supporting tool 5 and the pressing tool 11 are moved (returned) in the direction opposite to the feeding direction (in the direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 2C) after the fruit vegetables 3 are sent out, the pressing tool 11 hits the next receiving tool 10b. (FIG. 3A). At this time, when the support tool 5 and the pressing tool 11 are further returned in the direction of the arrow Y, the pressing tool 11 rotates in the direction of the arrow Z in FIG. 4B and gets over the receiving tool 10b as shown in FIG. When the pressing tool 11 gets over the receiving tool 10b, the front pressing surface 13 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the pressing tool 11 and the rear receiving surface 12 of the receiving tool 10b (FIGS. 4A and 4B). (Fig. 3 (b)), after overcoming the receiving tool 10b, the support tool 5 and the pushing tool 11 are slightly advanced to receive the receiving tool 10b as shown in Fig. 3 (c). The support tool 5 and the pressing tool 11 can be put on standby at the next delivery start position.

  2 (a) to 2 (c) is connected to the support 5 so as to move forward and return together with the support 5, but the press 11 is separated from the support 5. Further, it can be moved forward and backward separately from the support 5.

  The support 5 serves as a mark when the fruit vegetables 3 are placed on the belt 8, and the fruit vegetables 3 are supported from the rear while the fruit vegetables 3 placed on the belt 8 are being transported to prevent the fruit vegetables 3 from being displaced or overturned. The fruit vegetables 3 can be reliably sent out by pushing the fruit vegetables 3 from the back when the fruit vegetables 3 are sent out to the side.

  The surface of the belt 8 may be provided with a fruit vegetable receiving portion (for example, O in FIG. 1) that serves as a mark when the fruit vegetables 3 are placed. The fruit vegetable receiving part O may be planar or three-dimensional. In the case of flattening, for example, a circle as a mark is drawn on the surface of the belt 8 so that the position where the fruit vegetables 3 are placed can be grasped. In the case of a three-dimensional structure, for example, it is possible to provide a recess in which the fruit vegetables 3 can be placed on a disk made of an elastic or elastic material (for example, rubber or resin). The fruit and vegetable receiving part may have other shapes and structures.

  The fruit vegetable carrier 2 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with two switches SW (FIG. 1). When the switch SW is placed on the belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2, the operator who manually places the fruit vegetables 3 discolors the color of the fruit vegetables 3, discolors, deforms, scratches on the bottom, etc. Deformation, color, scratches, etc. of areas that cannot be removed) are visually checked. If there are scratches, deformation, etc., one switch SW is pressed. If the color is bad, the other switch SW is pressed. If there is a bad color or there is color unevenness, the selection is performed by pressing both switches SW. When the operator operates the switch SW, the signal is transmitted to the sorting unit C, and the pusher 11 is moved so that the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8 can be sorted.

  The number of switches SW provided in one fruit vegetable carrier 2 can be one, or three or more. If the number of switches SW is increased, the burden on the operator increases, but many types of discrimination results by visual observation can be input.

The switch SW of FIG. 1 can be provided on the worker side on which the fruit vegetables 3 are placed so that the worker can easily operate the switch SW. In this case, the switch SW gets in the way when the belt 8 of the vegetable carrier 2 is rotated to send out the vegetable 3. In order to avoid this, as shown in FIG. 5, the fruit carrier 2 and the switch SW are separated from each other, and this switch SW is installed in a switch carrier (for example, a chain) 21 provided separately from the fruit carrier 2. In this case, the switch carrier 2
1 is arranged in parallel (substantially parallel) with the fruit vegetable placement part A, and is turned in front of the measurement part B so as to circulate. By folding back in front of the measuring unit B, the switch SW does not get in the way when the fruit vegetable 3 is sent out by the sorting unit C of the fruit vegetable carrier L. The switch SW is attached to the switch carrier 21 so as to make the correspondence relationship with the individual vegetable carrier 2 clear, and the switch SW is attached to the switch carrier 21 at substantially equal intervals with the arrangement interval of the fruit carrier 2. The conveyance speed is set to be substantially constant so that the correspondence is ensured even during traveling. The motor, drive sprocket, driven sprocket, and the like for driving the switch carrier 21 may be different from the motor, drive sprocket, driven sprocket, or the like for the fruit vegetable carrier L, or may be used in combination.

[Support]
An example of the embodiment of the support 5 in the fruit vegetable carrier of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The illustrated support 5 is attached to the fruit carrier 2 and is provided on the belt 8 and the support 5 that supports the fruit 3 placed on the belt 8 of the fruit carrier 2 from the back side (rear in the feeding direction). The belt 8 is moved forward by pushing the receiving tools 10a, 10b, 10c,..., And a pusher 11 for feeding the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8 forward in the rotational direction of the belt 8 is provided. In order to make it easy to support the spherical fruit vegetables 3, the support 5 has an arcuately curved entire surface. The support 5 protrudes above the belt 8, and the pusher 11 protrudes below the support 5 so that the receivers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c.

  The support tool 5 can reciprocate in the direction of feeding the fruit vegetables 3 and return to the original position. By moving (advancing) the fruit vegetables 3 in the feeding direction, the pressing tool 11 receives the receiving tools 10a, 10b of the belt 8. 10c... Is pushed to rotate the belt 8 in the same direction.

  The support tool 5 shown in FIG. 1 includes a pressing tool 11 protruding toward the upper surface of the belt 8 of the vegetable carrier 2. The pusher 11 shown in FIG. 1 is elongate, and is provided over the entire length of the belt 8 in the lateral width direction. Further, it is provided at a right angle or a substantially right angle with respect to the rotation direction of the belt 8 (the arrow direction in FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the pusher 11 is pivotally supported on the support 5 by the support shaft 22, and as shown in FIG. It can be rotated in the Z direction). As shown in FIG. 4A, a stopper 23 is provided obliquely above the pusher 11 so that the pusher 11 is located behind the fruit vegetables 3 in the feeding direction (the direction opposite to the arrow Z direction in FIG. 4B). Does not rotate. By using such a mechanism (ratchet mechanism) that rotates in one direction but does not rotate in the reverse direction, the catches 10a, 10b, 10c,. The belt 8 can be reliably pushed (the belt 8 is rotated forward), and when returning to the original position, any of the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,. is there.

[Measuring instrument]
As the measuring instrument 17 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a measuring instrument capable of measuring the shape and size of fruit vegetables, the presence or absence of scratches, sugar content, and the like is used. A general-purpose optical measuring instrument and other measuring instruments can be used for the measuring instrument 17. In the case of an optical measuring instrument, measurement can be performed by irradiating light from above or from the side of the fruit vegetables.

(Embodiment 2 of fruit vegetable carrier)
As the fruit vegetable carrier of the present invention, those shown in FIG. 6 can also be used. This vegetable carrier 2 is basically the same as the vegetable carrier 2 in FIG. The difference is that the belt 8 is made of several narrow belts, and the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,... Are straddled over the narrow belts 8 and the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c... Is pushed by the pusher 11 and several narrow belts 8 are simultaneously rotated in the same direction and at the same speed.

  As the fruit vegetable carrier of the present invention, those shown in FIG. 7 can also be used. This vegetable carrier 2 is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 6 except that the frame 6 of the vegetable carrier 2 is inclined and the belt 6 is provided with four rows of belt winding portions 16 adjacent to each other. The front and rear ends of the belt winding portion 16 are inclined stepwise with a step, and rollers 7 are rotatably provided at the front and rear ends, and a narrow belt is provided on the outer periphery of the rollers 7. 8 is wound around the belt 8 and the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,... Are provided in parallel with the oblique front end surface. When the... Is pushed by the pusher 11, several narrow belts 8 are simultaneously rotated at the same speed and obliquely rearward with respect to the conveying direction. In the case of this vegetable carrier 2, several narrow belts 8 are simultaneously rotated obliquely rearward at the same speed, so that the fruit vegetables 3 placed on the several narrow belts 8 are several thin belts. The width belt 8 is fed out obliquely in the rotational direction. When the fruit vegetables 3 are sent obliquely backward, the inertia in the carrying direction is reduced. Therefore, when the fruit vegetables 3 are sent to the pool conveyor 4 arranged on the side of the carrying line at a right angle to the carrying direction, it becomes difficult to roll. 4 is sent out smoothly.

  In the case of the vegetable carrier 2 shown in any of FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, as shown in FIG. 8, a guide bar 18 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the support 5 and the guide bar 18 is transported to the vegetable vegetable. It is guided by the forward guide rail 27 provided below the body L (FIG. 13) according to the determination result and is slid. A switching piece 28 is provided between the forward guide rail 27 and the reverse guide rail 29. The switching piece 28 rotates in the direction of arrows ab in FIG. 13 based on the determination signal from the measurement unit B. When the switching piece 28 is at the solid line position, the guide bar 18 is guided and moved by the forward guide rail 27 to move the pusher 11 to the side of the fruit and vegetables conveyance direction and rotate the belt 8 in the same direction. When the moved guide bar 18 continues to move in the transport direction after being sent sideways, it is guided by the return guide rail 29 (FIG. 13) and returns to its original position.

In FIG. 8, 19 is a bottom plate of the frame 6, and 20 is a hole opened in the bottom plate 19, for example, a hole for transmitting laser light when measuring sugar content of melon.
Other than those described above are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3 of fruit vegetable carrier)
As the fruit vegetable carrier of the present invention, those shown in FIG. 10 can also be used. This vegetable carrier 2 is formed by winding several narrow belts 8 like the vegetable carrier 2 in FIG. 7 so that the belts 8 can individually rotate forward. Receptors 10a, 10b, 10c,... Are also attached to the individual belts 8, and each of the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,. It moves so that the fruit vegetables 3 can be sent out to the side.

  The fruit carrier 2 shown in FIG. 10 has a support 5 attached to each belt 8 and moves together with each belt 8 as shown in FIG.

  The fruit and vegetable carrier 2 in FIG. 10 is attached to the endless traveling body 1 as shown in FIG. 12 to form a fruit and vegetable conveying body L, and rotates as the endless traveling body 1 travels. Also in this case, the switch carrier 21 can be juxtaposed with the fruit and vegetable mounting part A of the fruit and vegetable carrier L as shown in FIG.

  In the case of the fruit and vegetable carrier 2 in FIG. 10, the fruit and vegetable 3 can be placed across a plurality of belts 8 as shown in FIG. 14. In this case, the plurality of belts 8 on which the fruit vegetables 3 are placed can be simultaneously moved forward to send out the fruit vegetables 3.

  What is shown in FIGS. 10-14 can also be used for the fruit vegetable carrier of this invention. The fruit vegetable carrier 2 is also of a belt conveyor type, and several belt winding portions 16 (four in FIG. 10 to FIG. 14) having a narrow width are provided in the width direction of one frame 6, and each belt winding portion 16. A belt 8 is wound so as to be rotatable. A support 5 having a width narrower than that of the support 5 shown in FIG. 1 is projected above the upper running portion 8a of each belt 8, and the entire circumference of each belt 8 (upper running portion 8a, lower running portion). 8b) are provided with protrusions 10a, 10b, 10c,... Protruding at intervals in the circumferential direction.

  The frame 6 is formed of metal, hard resin, FRP, etc., and four belt winding portions 16 are provided on one frame 6, and a step is formed between the front end portion and the rear end portion of the adjacent belt winding portions 16. The belt 8 wound around the outer periphery of the belt winding portion 16 is inclined so that the front end portion and the rear end portion are inclined. A roller 7 is rotatably attached to the front end portion and the rear end portion of each belt winding portion 16.

  The belt 8 is wound around the outer periphery of the two pairs of rollers 7 so as to be reciprocally rotatable. The width and length of each belt 8 vary depending on the fruits and vegetables to be placed, but a width suitable for placing the fruits and vegetables, for example, about 10 to 15 cm for tomatoes and about 30 cm for cucumbers is suitable. In the case of large fruit vegetables such as Saijo and melon, it is necessary to increase the width and length. The lateral width of the belt 8 shown in FIG. 10 is about the same (including substantially the same) lateral width of the belt winding portion 16, is about 2 to 3 cm, and is about 8 to 12 cm with the four adjacent ones. It is. The length D (FIG. 10) of the upper running portion 8a of the belt 8 is about 15 cm. Even when the width of the belt 8 is narrow, small and short fruit vegetables can be placed on the individual belts 8. In the case of a long fruit vegetable such as cucumber or eggplant, it can be laid across two or more adjacent belts 8 as shown in FIGS.

  When a plurality of narrow belts 8 are arranged, two or several adjacent belts 8 can be used as a set of units. In this case, the fruit vegetables 3 can be put on the respective units, and the fruit vegetables 3 can be sent out by simultaneously rotating the belt 8 of the unit on which the fruit vegetables 3 are placed in the same direction.

  Each belt 8 is provided with a fruit receiving portion O (FIG. 10) on which the fruit vegetables 3 can be placed. The fruit vegetable receiving part O may be provided with a mark or a mark on the upper surface of the belt 8, but a part of the upper surface of the belt 8 has a structure in which the fruit vegetable 3 does not easily fall over or is made of a material that does not slip easily. You can also.

  The support 5 provided above each belt 8 is separate from the belt 8, has substantially the same width as the belt 8, and is fixed to the belt 8 with a fixing tool (for example, a screw). In this case, receiving members 10a, 10b, 10c,... Protrude from the back surface of the belt 8, and the receiving devices 10a, 10b, 10c,. It is.

  Although the illustrated support 5 is made of a material different from that of the belt 8, it can be made of the same material if possible. The support 5 serves as a guide for positioning when the fruit vegetables 3 are placed on the fruit vegetable receiving part O, and prevents the misalignment or overturning of the fruit vegetables 3 being conveyed while supporting the fruit vegetables 3 placed on the fruit vegetable receiving part O from behind. It is also possible to push out the fruit vegetables 3 when the belt 8 rotates forward and sends the fruit vegetables 3 to the pool conveyor 4 (FIG. 12).

  When the fruit vegetables 3 are straddling over two or more adjacent belts 8, the receptacles 10a, 10b, 10c,... Connected to all the belts 8 on which the fruit vegetables 3 are placed. Are moved in synchronism (substantially simultaneously) in the same direction, and the belt 8 on which the fruit vegetables 3 are placed rotates forward in the same direction so that the fruit vegetables 3 are sent out in the rotation direction.

  After the belts 8 are rotated forward as described above and the fruit vegetables 3 are sent out as described above, the fruit carrier 2 continues to move in the fruit conveying direction and the original position (fruit vegetables placing part). While returning to A, it is guided by a rail-shaped return guide rail 29 (FIG. 13) disposed under the fruit vegetable carrier 2 so as to be able to return (return) in the reverse direction. With this forward movement, the belt 8 rotates in the same direction (forward rotation), and the fruit vegetable receiving portions O of the belts 8 of a large number of fruit vegetable carriers 2 return to their original positions before the forward rotation and are in a row or substantially one example. They are arranged.

[Outward guide rail]
The forward guide rail 27 (FIG. 13) is disposed obliquely rearward with respect to the fruit and vegetable conveyance direction. A switching piece (switching lever) 28 is arranged near each forward guide rail 27. The switching piece 28 can be switched between the normal position and the course change position based on the determination result. When the switching piece 28 is in the normal position, the guide bar 18 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 passes (straight forward) as it is in the fruit vegetable conveyance direction. The belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 does not rotate, and the fruit vegetables 3 placed on the belt 8 are not sent to the side. When the fruit vegetable carrier 2 that has passed the forward guide rail 27 arrives at the original sorting position, the switching piece 28 is switched to the course change position based on the measurement / discrimination result in the measuring section B, and the guide bar 18 is moved to the forward guide rail. 27, the belt 8 moves forward in the direction of transporting the fruit vegetables along with the movement, and the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8 are sent out in the rotating direction so as to be fed into the pool conveyor 4. It is.

  When the fruit vegetables 3 are placed across two or more belts 8, the two or more guide bars 18 interlocking with the belts 8 are guided by the forward guide rail 27 almost simultaneously and moved in the same direction. The switching piece 28 is switched so that it can be done. The switching control of the switching piece 28 is performed by the control device based on the measurement / discrimination result in the measurement unit B.

[Return guide rail]
A return guide rail 29 (FIG. 13) is provided below the fruit and vegetable transport body L from the end of the sorting section C until the fruit and vegetable transport body L circulates and returns to the fruit and vegetable mounting section A. The return guide rail 29 is disposed obliquely in the same direction as the forward guide rail 27. The return guide rail 29 moves the guide bar 18 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 in the opposite direction to the forward movement until the fruit carrier 2 that has sent out the fruit vegetables continues running and returns to the fruit vegetable mounting portion A ( Return to the state before feeding the fruit vegetables (advance start position), reversely rotate the belt 8 interlocked with the guide bar 18 to return to the state before the forward rotation of the belt 8, and one row (including substantially one example) It is something to align.

  The fruit and vegetable carrier 2 to be attached to the endless traveling body 1 may be as shown in FIGS. 1 to 14, but the frame 6 is made of a narrow frame (for example, one belt winding portion 16 of FIGS. 10 to 14). A belt having the same width as the belt 8 having a narrow width (for example, one belt 8 wound around one belt winding portion 16 in FIGS. 10 to 14). ) 8 is wound so as to be reciprocally rotatable, and a support (for example, having the same shape and structure as the support 5 in FIGS. 11 to 14) protrudes above the belt 8 and guides below the frame 6. The vegetable carrier 2 in which the bar 18 is protruded may be used.

  13 and 14, a large number of fruit vegetable carriers 2 are attached to the endless traveling body 1 such that the belt 8 faces obliquely backward in the traveling direction of the endless traveling body 1. The fruit vegetable carrier 2 can be attached to the endless traveling body 1 with the belt 8 facing right next to the conveying direction or obliquely forward in the conveying direction.

[Tracking switch]
The switch SW of FIG. 13 is arranged in parallel with the fruit vegetable receiving part O (FIG. 10). A large number of switches SW are attached to the endless traveling body 1 in a row in the traveling direction so that the endless traveling body 1 circulates and rotates as the endless traveling body 1 circulates and rotates. Two or more switches SW can be used as one set, and an operator visually discriminates scratches, colors, deformations, and the like of the fruit vegetables 3 placed on the fruit vegetable receiving part O of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 at the fruit vegetable placing part A, and sets each pair. The switch SW is operated to measure the fruit vegetables 3 with the measuring section B, so that pre-selection can be performed before the equal class is determined. When the switch SW is pressed, the signal is transmitted to the control unit of the sorting unit C and becomes fruit vegetable selection information.

  The switch SW in FIG. 12 is disposed on the worker placement side of the fruit and vegetables mounting portion A, but may be disposed on the opposite side of the worker placement side.

[Pool conveyor]
The pool conveyor 4 of FIG. 12 is also a belt conveyor type, and has a length and a width that can pool a large number of fruit vegetables 3. The pool conveyor 4 rotates each time the fruit and vegetable 3 is sent out from the fruit and vegetable carrier 2 and can pull in the fruit and vegetable 3 one by one and take over. The pool conveyor 4 may be moved after a predetermined amount of fruit vegetables 3 are pooled.

  In the case of FIG. 12, the pool conveyor 4 is disposed in parallel at two or more locations on the side of the fruit and vegetable carrier L so as to be orthogonal to the fruit and vegetable carrier L. In FIG. 12, the number of pool conveyors 4 is equal to the number of fruit vegetables in the same class, so that the fruit vegetables can be sent to each pool conveyor 4 in equal classes. The pool conveyor 4 can also be arranged slightly obliquely rearward or obliquely forward with respect to the fruit vegetable carrier L.

  It is not necessary for all the pool conveyors 4 to have the same number of belts, widths, lengths, etc. The pool conveyors 4 that take over a large number of equal-class fruit vegetables 3 can be increased in number, widened in width, By increasing the length, it is possible to reliably pool many fruit vegetables 3. Even if the number of the pool conveyors 4 that take over a small number of equal-class fruits and vegetables is reduced, the width is reduced, or the width is reduced, the fruits and vegetables 3 can be reliably pooled.

  The pool conveyor 4 can be rotated at all times. However, when the fruit vegetables 3 are not sent, the pool conveyor 4 is temporarily stopped and waited. When the fruit vegetables 3 are fed from the fruit carrier 2, the fruit is rotated by one fruit vegetable. Thus, it is possible to prevent the fruit vegetables 3 that have been fed later from colliding with the fruit vegetables 3 that have been sent to the pool conveyor 4 and to be damaged. The rotation control of the pool conveyor 4 is also performed by the control device based on the measurement / discrimination result in the measurement unit B.

  9A, 9 </ b> B, and 12, the pool conveyor 4 is arranged on the side of the fruit vegetable carrier 2. The pool conveyor 4 may be continuously rotated or intermittently rotated. The intermittent rotation is a method that rotates at regular intervals, a method that rotates every time the fruit and vegetable 3 is fed from the fruit carrier 2, a method that rotates when the vegetable 3 is pooled in a predetermined quantity, or a method that rotates at other times But you can. In any system, the pool conveyor 4 has a length and a width that allow many fruit vegetables 3 to be pooled thereon. The fruit vegetables 3 on the pool conveyor 4 can be boxed at any time by the operator.

  The pool conveyor 4 of FIGS. 9A, 9B and 12 is arranged directly on the side of the fruit vegetable carrier L. If necessary, a belt is provided between the fruit vegetable carrier 2 and the pool conveyor 4. Various types of relay tools (not shown) such as a conveyor and a roller conveyor can also be arranged. In any case, between the fruit vegetable carrier 2 and the pool conveyor 4 or between the fruit vegetable carrier 2 and the relay tool, there is a gap (interval) through which the receivers 10a, 10b, 10c,. is necessary.

  When the relay tool is provided, the relay tool can be disposed at a right angle to the fruit vegetable carrier 2 or can be disposed obliquely at a desired angle. By arranging the relay tool diagonally rearward in the running direction of the fruit vegetable carrier L, the inertia is reduced when the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 are sent to the pool conveyor 4 or the relay, and the direction is changed suddenly. Is relaxed, and the delivered fruit vegetables 3 are not displaced or rolled, and the fruit vegetables 3 are smoothly delivered onto the pool conveyor 4 or the relay tool.

[Measurement section]
The measuring unit B is provided with a measuring instrument 17 of a method suitable for measuring the fruit vegetables 3 such as image processing and optical processing. The measuring section B can measure the size, shape, scratches, color, etc. of the fruit vegetables 3 to determine the equal class. An equal class discrimination signal is output from the measuring unit B, and on the basis of the signal, the guide bar 18 (FIG. 8) of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 to be sorted is guided and moved by the guide rail, and the support 5 is guided by the guide bar. The belt 8 is rotated by moving in the moving direction 18 to move the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8, and the fruit vegetables 3 can be supported from the rear.
Other than those described above are the same as in the first embodiment.

(Usage example of fruit vegetable automatic sorting device)
An example of a method for using the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
(1) The fruit vegetable carrier L is caused to travel, the fruit carrier 2 is moved in the traveling direction of the fruit vegetable carrier L, and the fruit vegetables 3 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) on the fruit carrier 2 are conveyed.
(2) During the conveyance, the fruit vegetables 3 are measured by the measuring unit B, and the equal class of the fruit vegetables 3 is determined.
(3) Based on the discrimination signal output based on the discrimination result, the support 5 is advanced, the pusher 11 of the support 5 pushes the receiving tool 10a on the belt 8, and the belt 8 is rotated forward, The fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8 are sent out onto the pool conveyor 4 (FIGS. 2A and 2B).
(4) After the fruit vegetables 3 are delivered, when the support tool 5 is moved (returned) in the direction opposite to the delivery direction (in the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 2C), the push tool 11 hits the next receiving tool 10b. When the support tool 5 is returned further, the push tool 11 gets over the receiving tool 10b as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and the push tool 11 and the support tool 5 move forward as shown in FIG. 3C. Wait at the position to start moving. The support 5 receives the next determination signal and advances to push the pusher 11 forward, rotate the belt 8 forward, and feed the fruit vegetables 3 on the belt 8.
(5) Thereafter, every time a determination signal is received, the above operation is repeated to send out the fruit vegetables 3.

Another example of how to use the fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
(1) In the fruit vegetable placement part A, the worker places the fruit vegetables 3 one by one on the fruit vegetable receiving part O of the traveling fruit vegetable carrier 2. In this case, depending on the shape, size, and the like of the fruit vegetables 3, one fruit vegetable 3 is placed on the fruit vegetable receiving part O of one fruit vegetable carrier 2, or is placed across the fruit vegetable receiving parts O of two or more fruit vegetable carriers 2. . At this time, the operator visually checks the fruit vegetables 3 to determine the presence / absence of scratches, deformation, coloring, etc., and puts them on the fruit vegetable receiving part O of the fruit vegetable carrier 2, and switches SW (FIGS. 12 and 13 according to the determination results). )push. For example, when there is a slight scratch on the placed fruit vegetables 3, one of the two pairs of switches SW is pressed, and when there is a difficulty in coloring, both the two pairs of switches SW are pressed. Fruit vegetables that cannot be sold as a product due to extreme scratches or extreme deformation are not placed on the fruit carrier 2.
(2) When the fruit and vegetable 3 placed on the fruit and vegetable mounting part A is conveyed by the fruit and vegetable conveying body L and reaches the measuring part B, the size, shape and the like are measured by the measuring instrument B, and the equal class is automatically discriminated. Is done.
(3) The fruit and vegetable 3 that has been measured and discriminated is transported to the sorting section C by the travel of the fruit and vegetable transporter L. In the sorting unit C, based on the measurement discrimination result, it is instructed which fruit vegetables 3 of which fruit fruit carrier 2 are to be sent to which pool conveyor 4. Based on this instruction, the switching piece 28 (FIG. 13) is switched to the course change position. Then, the guide bar 18 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 on which the fruit vegetables 3 to be fed are placed is guided to the forward guide rail 27. When fruit and vegetables are straddling over two or more belts 8, two or more switching pieces 28 operate in synchronism, and the guide bars 18 of the two or more belts 8 are guided in the same direction almost simultaneously. .
(4) When the guide bar 18 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 is guided by the forward guide rail 27, the belt 8 of the fruit vegetable carrier 2 moves in the same direction as the guide bar 18, and the fruit vegetable mounting portion O of the upper running portion 8a of the belt 8 is moved. Fruit vegetables 3 placed on (FIG. 10) are sent to the pool conveyor 4 and sorted according to grade. At this time, the pool conveyor 4 rotates by one fruit vegetable, and a space for placing only one fruit vegetable 3 is secured.
(5) In the above (3), when there is an instruction to convey the vegetable carrier 2 as it is, the switching piece 28 does not operate and remains stopped at the path invariable position, and the vegetable carrier 2 on which the vegetable 3 is placed. The guide bar 18 passes through the forward guide rail 27. When it passes and is transported to the original sorting position of the vegetable 3, the forward switching piece 28 is switched to the course change position based on the measurement determination result, and the guide bar 18 of the vegetable carrier 2 is moved forward. The guide bar 18 of the vegetable carrier 2 and the belt 8 are rotated forward in the same manner as in the above (4), and the vegetable is sent to the pool conveyor 4.
(6) By repeating the steps (3) to (5), the determined fruit vegetables are sent to the pool conveyor 4 for each class in the sorting unit C, and are sorted for each class.
(7) When the fruit vegetable carrier 2 is directed obliquely backward in the fruit vegetable conveyance direction, the fruit vegetables 3 on the fruit vegetable carrier 2 are fed obliquely backward and the delivery speed is reduced. The fruit vegetables 3 do not fall over due to inertia in the conveying direction or collide with the fruit vegetables 3 previously pooled on the pool conveyor 4, so that the fruit vegetables 3 are not easily damaged.
(8) The fruit and vegetable carrier 2 that has sent out the fruit and vegetables 3 continues to travel and returns to the fruit and vegetable mounting part A. Before returning, the guide bar 18 is automatically returned to the original position before the fruit vegetables 3 are sent out by being guided by the return guide rail 29 arranged below the fruit and vegetable carrier L.
(9) The fruit vegetables 3 sent to the pool conveyor 4 are pooled until a certain quantity is reached, and then sent to the next work process by the rotation of the pool conveyor 4.

  The fruit vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention is not limited to fruit vegetable sorting, but can also be applied to automatic sorting of various articles such as primary industrial products such as agricultural products and marine products, and secondary industrial products such as industrial products.

1 Endless traveling body 2 Fruit vegetable carrier 3 Fruit vegetable 4 Fruit vegetable receptacle (pool conveyor)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Support tool 6 Frame 7 Roller 8 Belt 8a (Belt) upper traveling part 8b (Belt) lower traveling part 10a Receiver 10b Receiver 10c Receiver 11 Pusher 12 Rear receiving surface of receiver 13 Push forward of pusher Surface 14 Front clearance surface of receiving tool 15 Rear rear surface of pressing tool 16 Belt winding part 17 Measuring instrument 18 Guide bar 19 Bottom plate of frame 20 Hole in bottom plate 21 Switch carrier 22 Support shaft 23 Stopper 27 Forward guide rail 28 Switching piece 29 Return guide rail A Fruit and vegetables mounting area (fruit and vegetables mounting area)
B Measurement unit (measurement area)
C Sorting department (sorting area)
D Length of upper running part H1 Drive wheel H2 Driven wheel L Fruit vegetable sorting line (fruit vegetable carrier)
M Motor O Fruit and vegetable receiving part SW changeover switch (tracking switch)

Claims (12)

The fruit vegetable carrier is connected to the endless traveling body, and the fruit vegetable carrier is transported by the endless traveling body to transport the fruit vegetables loaded on the fruit vegetable carrier. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting method which measures fruit vegetables in the inside and discriminates the equal class, and sends it to the side of the fruit vegetable carrier (including right side, diagonally forward, diagonally rear) according to the classification result,
Pressing the rotatable belt of the fruit vegetable carrier with a pusher, and rotating the belt forward in the conveyance direction to send the fruit vegetables to the side;
Stopping the forward rotation of the belt after completion of feeding and returning the push tool until the fruit carrier returns to the position where the next fruit vegetable is placed;
A step of placing the next fruit vegetable on the returned fruit vegetable carrier and then rotating the belt of the returned fruit vegetable carrier forward with the returned pressing tool to feed the next fruit vegetable on the belt to the side; ,
After that, the return of the pressing tool after that, the feeding of fruit vegetables to the side by the forward rotation of the belt by the pressing tool was repeated,
The fruit vegetable automatic selection method characterized by this. In the fruit vegetable automatic selection method according to claim 1,
Fruits on the belt can be rotated forward by pushing the receptacle protruding on the outer peripheral surface of the belt with a pusher and moving the belt forward in the fruit conveyance direction (including sideways, diagonally forward, and diagonally backward). After the fruit and vegetables are fed, the pusher is moved back in the opposite direction to the forward movement until the fruit carrier returns to the fruit and vegetables loading section where the fruit and vegetables carrier is placed next. Return to the forward start position and prepare for the next sorting,
The fruit vegetable automatic selection method characterized by this. The fruit vegetable carrier is connected to the endless traveling body, and the fruit vegetable carrier is transported by the endless traveling body to transport the fruit vegetables loaded on the fruit vegetable carrier. In the automatic fruit vegetable sorting device that measures fruit vegetables in the inside and discriminates the equal class and sends it to the side of the fruit vegetable carrier (including right side, diagonally forward, diagonally backward) according to the equal class,
The fruit and vegetable carrier is a fruit and vegetable part that places fruit and vegetables, a measurement part that measures fruit vegetables and discriminates the equal class, and a classification part that sorts the results based on the measurement / discrimination results in the measurement part and sends them to the side of the fruit and vegetable selection line With
The fruit vegetable carrier includes a rotatable belt, and a receiving device is provided at intervals in two or more locations in the rotation direction of the belt, and the receiving device protrudes outside the belt,
A pressing tool is provided in the vicinity of the outer side or the inner side of the belt, and the pressing tool can move forward in the belt rotation direction and return in the reverse direction, and after the fruit vegetables are delivered, the fruit vegetable carrier returns to the fruit vegetable mounting portion. , Move back and push the next receptacle of the fruit carrier on which the next fruit vegetable is loaded, and move the belt forward to send the fruit vegetable to the side,
After that, it was possible to repeat the return of the subsequent pressing tool, and the feeding of the fruit vegetables to the side by the forward rotation of the belt by the pressing tool.
Fruit vegetable automatic sorting device characterized by that. In the fruit vegetable automatic sorting device according to claim 3,
The support provided at two or more locations in the belt rotation direction protrudes upward in the upper traveling part of the belt, protrudes downward in the lower traveling part, and the pusher moves forward to move below the lower traveling part of the belt. The belt protruding forward is moved forward in the fruit vegetable conveyance direction side (including right side, diagonally forward, and diagonally backward), and the fruit vegetables on the belt are moved sideways in the fruit vegetable conveyance direction. It can be sent out and sorted and the next receptacle of the receptacle can be waited at the advance start position, and after the fruit vegetables are sent out to the side, it can be separated from the receptacle and returned to the original position.
Fruit vegetable automatic sorting device characterized by that. In the fruit vegetable automatic sorting device according to claim 3 or claim 4,
When the pusher moves back, it can be moved back to the forward start position that protrudes below the belt's lower running part, and it can be moved back. Can be moved to rotate the belt forward,
Fruit vegetable automatic sorting device characterized by that. In the fruit vegetable automatic selection device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
A support device is provided above the belt of the fruit vegetable carrier so as to support the fruit vegetables from behind, and the support device rotates the belt more than the fruit vegetable receiving portion on which the next fruit vegetable is placed among two or more receivers of the fruit vegetable carrier. At the back,
The support is connected to the pusher and can be moved forward and backward together with the pusher, or provided separately from the pusher and can be moved forward and backward separately from the pusher.
Fruit vegetable automatic sorting device characterized by that. In the fruit vegetable automatic sorting device according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
A pool conveyor is arranged directly or via a relay tool on the side of the fruit vegetable carrier in the conveyance direction, and the pool conveyor can pool fruit vegetables sent from the fruit vegetable carrier.
Fruit vegetable automatic sorting device characterized by that. In the fruit vegetable automatic selection device according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
The belt side of the fruit vegetable carrier is arranged obliquely backward or obliquely forward with respect to the fruit vegetable carrier so that the inertia in the conveyance direction of the fruit vegetables fed from the belt is reduced.
Fruit vegetable automatic sorting device characterized by that. In a fruit carrier that can be loaded with fruit vegetables, is attached to an endless traveling body, travels with the traveling of the endless traveling body, and can transport fruit vegetables,
A rotatable belt is provided, and a receiving device is provided that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the belt at two or more locations in the belt rotation direction.
A fruit vegetable carrier characterized by that. In the fruit vegetable carrier according to claim 9,
A support tool protruding above the belt is provided, and the support tool is connected to the pusher and can be moved forward and backward together with the pusher, or is not connected to the pusher and moved forward and return separately from the pusher. Is possible,
A fruit vegetable carrier characterized by that. In the fruit vegetable carrier according to claim 9 or claim 10,
The pusher can be swung or rotated forward in the fruit and vegetables feeding direction, and can not be swung or rotated in the direction opposite to the fruit and vegetables feeding direction.
A fruit vegetable carrier characterized by that. The fruit vegetable carrier according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
Among a large number of fruit vegetable carriers provided on the endless traveling body, fruit vegetables can be placed on a plurality of belts of a plurality of adjacent fruit vegetable carriers, and the belts on which the fruit vegetables are loaded can both move forward and return. ,
A fruit vegetable carrier characterized by that.

Images