JP3980443B2 - Leek root trimming device - Google Patents

Leek root trimming device Download PDF

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JP3980443B2
JP3980443B2 JP2002234430A JP2002234430A JP3980443B2 JP 3980443 B2 JP3980443 B2 JP 3980443B2 JP 2002234430 A JP2002234430 A JP 2002234430A JP 2002234430 A JP2002234430 A JP 2002234430A JP 3980443 B2 JP3980443 B2 JP 3980443B2
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root
cutting
leek
stem
reflected light
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JP2004073019A (en
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直 近藤
源太郎 掛水
光一郎 吉田
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エスアイ精工株式会社
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Description

【0001】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、例えばネギの根部を切揃える作業に用いられるネギの根部の切揃え装置に関する。
【0002】
【従来の技術】
従来、上述例のネギを市場に出荷する場合、商品価値を高めるためにネギの茎部外面を覆っている不必要又は食用に供し得ない表皮を機械的に分離するが、表皮を根部まで引き剥がしたとき、表皮と根部との繋がり部分が多いと、表皮が根部に残ってしまうことがあるため、ネギの根部を、表皮を分離するのに適した状態に切除する必要がある。
【0003】
上述のネギの根部を切除する装置としては、例えばコンベアにより搬送されるネギの根部を、定位置に配設又は定位置に移動する回転刃により切除する特許文献1の装置と、例えば光源部から投光される検出光を、ホルダに挿入されたネギの茎部に照射し、その茎部を透過する透過光量を透過光センサで検出すると共に、透過光センサにより検出された透過光量に基づいて、茎部及び根部の境界位置(切断位置)を識別する特許文献2の根切り装置とがある。
【0004】
【特許文献1】
特許第3118417号公報
【特許文献2】
特開平11−225729号公報
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、特許文献1の装置は、生育状況によって、ネギの茎部や根部の曲り具合が異なるため、ネギの根部を回転刃により切除したとき、根部の切除量にばらつきが生じやすく、所定量切除することが難しい。
【0005】
また、特許文献2の根切り装置は、ネギの鮮度(水分含有量)、茎部の形状や寸法等によっては、光源から投光される検出光がネギの茎部を良好に透過することができなかったり、検出光の過剰透過が起きることがあるため、茎部及び根部の境界位置を識別するための成功率が略80%〜略90%しかなく、残り略10%〜略20%のネギの境界位置を識別することが難しいという問題点を有している。
【0006】
且つ、根部の茎盤を切除する量が多いと、根部の切断面から内液が滲み出しやすくなるため、変色や腐敗の進行速度が速くなり、ネギの鮮度が短期間で失われる。また、根部の茎盤を切除する量が少ないと、複数の毛根が根部に残ってしまうため、見栄えが悪く、商品価値が損なわれる。加えて、不要な表皮を根部まで引き剥がしたとき、根部に接続された表皮の残り部分が多いと、表皮の剥ぎ取りをミスしたり、表皮の一部が根部に残る等するため、不要な表皮を剥ぎ取るときに不都合が生じるという問題点を有している。
【0007】
この発明は上記問題に鑑み、ネギの根部の不要部及び必要部の境界位置を識別するのに適した波長領域の反射光を検出することにより、根部の不要部及び必要部の境界位置を正確且つ確実に検出することができ、検出精度及び切揃え精度の向上を図ることができるネギの根部の切揃え装置の提供を目的とする。
【0008】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明は、ネギの根部の不要部及び必要部の境界位置を検出するための検出光を、該不要部及び必要部に対して照射する検出光照射手段と、上記根部の不要部及び必要部が反射する反射光の波長領域の中から、該不要部及び必要部の境界位置を識別するのに適した300nm〜500nmの波長領域の反射光のみを透過許容する光学フィルタを透過した反射光を検出する反射光検出手段と、上記反射光検出手段から出力される検出情報に基づいて、上記根部の切断位置を決定する切断位置決定手段と、上記切断位置決定手段による判定に基づいて、上記根部の不要部を所定量切除する切揃え手段とを備えたネギの根部の切揃え装置であることを特徴とする。
【0009】
上述の検出光照射手段は、例えばハロゲンランプやキセノンランプ、紫外線ランプ、蛍光灯、白熱灯等の照明装置で構成することができる。また、反射光検出手段は、例えばモノクロ又はカラーの撮像カメラ、ディジタルカメラ、ビデオカメラ等の光学的検出手段で構成することができる。また、切断位置決定手段は、例えばパーソナルコンピューターやCPU、ROM、RAMを備えた制御装置で構成することができる。また、切揃え手段は、例えば切断装置及び回転刃や固定刃、カッター、ワイヤカッター、バンドソー、流体吹付け式カッター、レーザーカッター等で構成することができる。
【0010】
つまり、検出光照射手段から投光される検出光をネギの根部の不要部(例えば根部や茎盤等)及び必要部(例えば茎部や軟白部等)に照射したとき、その不要部及び必要部が反射する反射光の波長領域の中から、不要部及び必要部の境界位置(切断基準位置)を識別するのに適した300nm〜500nmの波長領域の反射光のみを透過許容する光学フィルタを透過した反射光を反射光検出手段で検出する。且つ、反射光検出手段から出力される波長領域の検出情報に基づいて、根部の切断位置を切断位置決定手段で決定した後、切断位置決定手段による判定に基づいて、根部の不要部を切揃え手段で所定量切除して切揃える。
【0011】
実施の形態として、上記切断位置決定手段による判定に基づいて、上記根部の切断位置に対して切揃え手段が対峙される位置に、該根部及び切揃え手段を相対移動する相対移動手段(例えばモーターやソレノイドやエアーシリンダ、チェーン送り機構、ネジ送り機構、カム送り機構等)を備えることができる。
【0012】
例えばネギの茎部(軟白部)及び根部が反射する反射光の分光反射特性は、図6の特性図に示すように、茎部の反射率は、略300nmの波長領域から立ち上がるのに対して、根部の反射率は、茎部の略300nmよりも略50nm以上の波長領域から立ち上がる。且つ、略600nm付近の波長領域までは、茎部の方が根部に比べて、略2倍から略3倍の高い反射率を示すので、その波長領域差を利用して、茎部及び根部の境界位置(切断位置)を識別する方法が最適であると思われる。
【0013】
且つ、ネギの茎部及び根部の境界位置を、茎部及び根部が反射する反射光の波長領域差により識別する場合、例えばハレーションが起きるのを防止するための偏光フィルタ(例えばPLフィルタやサーキュラーPLフィルタ)を装着し、略370nm以上の放射特性を有する照明装置と、その偏光フィルタ及び300nm〜500nmの波長領域の反射光のみを透過許容する光学フィルタを装着したモノクロの撮像カメラとを使用するのが最適であり、ネギの茎部及び根部の境界位置(切断位置)を識別するのに最適及び容易な波長領域(例えば略400nm〜略500nmの波長領域内)の画像情報を得ることができる。また、茎部及び根部の境界位置を識別するための波長領域を、例えば略400nm以下及び略500nm以上の波長領域に変更することもできる。且つ、撮像カメラには、略370nm以上の透過波長を有し、焦点距離が略6mmのCCTVレンズを用いる。
【0014】
且つ、光学フィルタの透過波長は、例えばKenko社製の他の光学フィルタに交換するか、他社製の光学フィルタに交換する等して変更することができる。また、CCTVレンズを、略6mm以下又は以上の焦点距離を有するレンズに交換することもできる。
【0015】
上述の撮像カメラから出力されるエネルギーは、図7に示すCCTVレンズの透過率と、図8に示す偏光フィルタ(PLフィルタ)の透過率と、図9に示す光学フィルタの透過率と、図10に示す照明装置12の放射特性とをかけあわせたものである。
【0016】
本来は、撮像カメラの出力エネルギーを下記の数式1及び数式2で計算し、数式3に示すOr及びObの差Dが最大となる波長λの範囲を決定し、その範囲に応じて光学フィルタを設計するのが好ましい。しかし、上述の計算方法により設計した場合、光学フィルタが非常に高価なものとなる。例えばガラスフィルタでなく、干渉フィルタにする必要性がでてくるため、既製の安価なガラスフィルタで、差Dが最も大きくなるものを選択して用いる。
【0017】
[数式1]は、Oa=ΣE・Ra・T・L・S・Δλ
[数式2]は、Ob=ΣE・Rb・T・L・S・Δλ
[数式3]は、D=(Oa−Ob)/(Oa+Ob)
上記数式1,2,3の記号は、E:照明装置の放射エネルギー、Ra:茎の反射率、Rb:根部の反射率、T:フィルタの透過率、L:レンズの透過率、S:CCDの感度、λ:波長である(従って、Oaは入力画像中における茎部のエネルギー、Obは根部のエネルギーとなる)。
【0018】
且つ、実際に、近紫外領域側までの感度特性を有するモノクロの撮像カメラ13で撮像した場合、ネギAの茎部Ab(軟白部)が非常に高い濃度値レベルを示し、茎盤Ad付近の明るさも、従来の撮像カメラにより撮像した画像に比べてかなり暗く根部Aa及び茎部Ab(軟白部)の識別が容易となる。且つ、茎部Abの方が根部Aaに比べて、略2倍から略3倍の反射率及び濃度値が得られる。
【0019】
【作用及び効果】
この発明によれば、ネギの根部の不要部及び必要部が反射する反射光の波長領域の中から、不要部及び必要部の境界位置を識別するのに適した波長領域の反射光を反射光検出手段で検出し、その検出情報に基づいて、根部の不要部及び必要部の境界位置を切断位置決定手段により個々に決定するので、ネギの鮮度(水分含有量)や外観形状、外径寸法に左右されることなく、ネギの根部の不要部及び必要部の境界位置を正確且つ確実に検出することができ、検出精度及び切揃え精度の向上を図ることができる。
【0020】
【実施例】
この発明の一実施例を以下図面に基づいて詳述する。
【0021】
図面は、ネギの根部を切揃える作業に用いられるネギの根部の揃え装置を示し、図1及び図2に於いて、このネギの根部の切揃え装置1は、ネギAの不要な表皮を分離する皮剥ぎ工程前段に配設され、搬送コンベア2の載置台3…に載置されたネギAを、搬送路上に設定した前処理区間aと、切揃え区間bと、切揃え区間cとに搬送して、ネギAの根部Aaを皮剥ぎ処理に適した状態に切揃える。
【0022】
上述の搬送コンベア2は、長尺のネギAが搬送方向に対して略直交する姿勢に載置される凹状の載置台3を、搬送路下部に張架した周回チェーン4…全長に対して所定間隔に隔てて取り付け、周回チェーン4…を減速機付きモーター(図示省略)の駆動力により搬送方向に回転して、ネギAが載置された載置台3…を搬送方向に対して連続的又は間欠的に周回移動する。
【0023】
且つ、載置台3は、根部Aa側を搬送路左側部に所定長さ突出した状態に支持する受け台3aと、茎部Abを略水平に支持する受け部3bと、葉部Acを略水平に支持する受け部3cとで構成される。また、搬送コンベア2の代わりに、例えばバケットコンベアやベルトコンベア、ローラコンベア、チェーンコンベア、ネギAが載置されるフリーのトレイ等を用いてもよい。
【0024】
前述の前処理区間aに配設した洗浄装置6は、例えば送気用ブロワーやコンプレッサー等のエアー供給源と、例えば水道やタンク等の水供給源とに接続された吐出ノズル6aを、載置台3左側部に突出するネギAの根部Aa上面と対向して搬送路左側上部に配設し、吐出ノズル6aから吐出されるエアー(大気)及び水(水道水)を混合して根部Aa上面に対して斜め上方から吹付け、根部Aa上面を覆っている異物(例えば泥やゴミ等)を洗浄除去する。また、エアー又は水の一方を吹付けてもよい。
【0025】
上述のエアーの代わりに、例えば窒素ガスや不活性ガス、二酸化炭素等の気体を用いてもよく、水の代わりに、例えば蒸留水や天然水、溶剤、薬液等の液体を用いてもよい。また、上述の気体及び液体、払拭具の複数を組み合わせてもよい。
【0026】
一方、洗浄装置6後位に配設した荒切り装置7は、モーター(図示省略)により回転される回転刃7aを、搬送コンベア2の載置台3左側部に突出するネギAの根部Aa先端と対向して搬送路左側部に配設し、根部Aa先端及び先端に突出する複数の長い毛根を回転刃7aで切除して、荒切り処理する。
【0027】
前述の切揃え区間b,cに配設した各組の切揃え装置10は同一構成であるので、1組の切揃え装置10の構成を説明する。この装置は、図3、図4にも示すように、後述する検出光B及び反射光C以外の外光を遮光する遮光室11を切揃え区間b,cの搬送路上に配設し、遮光室11内部に、ネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断位置)を検出するのに適した波長領域の検出光Bを照射する2台の照明装置12を、載置台3左側部に突出するネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Ab上面と対向して、後述する撮像カメラ13(例えば略300nm〜略1000nm程度の近紫外領域側までの感度特性を有するモノクロカメラ、SONY製、XC−EU50CE)の両側部に配置している。
【0028】
且つ、ネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Abが反射する反射光Cの中から、根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断位置)を識別するのに適した波長領域(例えば略400nm〜略500nm)の反射光Cを撮像するモノクロの撮像カメラ13を、載置台3左側部に突出するネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Ab上面と対向して搬送路左側上部に配設し、根部Aa及び茎部Abと、他の部分(背景)との対比を明確にする略円盤状又は略円筒状の対比部材14を、載置台3左側部に突出するネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Ab下面と対向して搬送路左側下部に配設している。
【0029】
上述の照明装置12には、ハレーションが起きるのを防止するためのPLフィルタを装着し、撮像カメラ13には、略300nm〜略500nmの透過波長を有する光学フィルタ(例えばKenko社製、青フィルタB−390等)と、略370nm以上の透過波長を有し、焦点距離が略6mmのCCTVレンズとを装着している。且つ、対比部材14に対接した払拭体15は、対比部材14をモーター(図示省略)で回転するとき、対比部材14の上面側に付着する異物(例えばネギの表皮や内液、水滴、ゴミ等)を払拭除去する。
【0030】
且つ、照明装置12から投光される検出光Bを、ネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Ab上面に対して略垂直に照射するが、例えば略斜め前後上方や略斜め左右上方、略上向き方向等の所望する方向及び角度から照射することもできる。また、照明装置12の台数を、例えば1台又は2台以上に変更することもできる。
【0031】
且つ、ネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Ab上面を、1台の撮像カメラ13により略真上から撮像するが、例えば略斜め前後上方や略斜め左右上方、略真下方向等の所望する方向及び角度から撮像することもできる。また、撮像カメラ13の台数を、例えば2台以上に変更することもできる。
【0032】
上述の撮像カメラ13に接続した画像処理装置17は、撮像カメラ13から出力される撮像画像を、ネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断位置)を識別するのに適した数値情報(例えば2値化処理)に変換して、制御装置18に出力する。
【0033】
且つ、画像処理装置17に接続された制御装置18(例えばパーソナルコンピューター)は、画像処理装置17から出力される画像情報に基づいて、根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断位置)を決定する。つまり、図6の分光反射特性図に示すように、茎部Abの反射率は、略300nmの波長領域から立ち上がるのに対して、根部Aaの反射率は、茎部Abの略300nmよりも略50nm以上の波長領域から立ち上がる。
【0034】
且つ、略600nm付近の波長領域までは、茎部Abの方が根部Aaに比べて、略2倍から略3倍の高い反射率を示すので、その波長領域差を利用して、根部Aaと茎部Abとの境界位置(切断位置)を識別及び決定することができ、その境界位置(切断基準位置)を基準として、例えば茎盤Adが略2/3程度残される切断位置を決定する。なお、撮像カメラ13の画像情報から決定される切断位置は、ネギAの茎径サイズに略応じて複数段階(例えば大中小の3段階又は3段階以上)に可変調整することができる。
【0035】
上述のネギA毎に決定される切断位置情報と、後述する番地読取り装置19aにより読取られる載置台3の番地情報とを対応させて記憶する。また、根部Aaの切断量を、例えば茎盤Adが略2/3程度以上残される位置又は以下残される位置に変更することもできる。
【0036】
且つ、載置台3毎に設定される番地情報又は載置台3と略対応して移動する番地情報を読取るための番地読取り装置19a,19bを搬送路下部に配設し、撮像カメラ13の撮像区間に配設した番地読取り装置19aと、切断装置20の切断区間に配設した番地読取り装置19bとで読取った番地情報を制御装置18に出力する。
【0037】
また、上述の番地情報の代わりに、例えば載置台3自体に付設又は載置台3と略対応して移動する記録媒体(例えばバーコード、IDカード、磁気カード等)の固有情報を読取るか、切断位置情報やその他の計測情報を記録する等したり、切断装置20にネギAが到達するまでのタイムラグを計時してもよい。
【0038】
前述の撮像カメラ13直後に配設した切断装置20は同一構成であるので、一方の切断装置20の構成及び動作を説明する。この装置は、例えば垂直方向及び水平方向の二次元方向に傾斜する回転刃20aを、載置台3左側部に突出するネギAの根部Aaと対向して搬送路左側部に配設した可動台20cに取り付け、その可動台20cに固定したモーター20bにより一定速度で高速回転する。
【0039】
且つ、可動台20cを、搬送路左側部に配設した支持台20dに取り付け、支持台20dに固定した移動量検出機能付きモーター20e(例えばサーボモータやステッピングモータ等)により搬送方向と略直交する方向に対して所定移動量(例えば略0.25mm単位)ずつ段階的に前後移動すると共に、回転刃20aを、図11に示すように、根部Aa先端と対向する方向に対して段階的に高速移動(例えば略0.3秒)する。また、回転刃20aの側部及び上部をカバー20fで囲繞している。また、モーター20eに代わる移動手段の他の例として、例えばソレノイドやエアーシリンダ、或いは、カムやチェーン等を用いてもよい。
【0040】
図5は、ネギの根部の切揃え装置1の制御回路ブロック図を示し、制御装置18(例えばパーソナルコンピューター)にはCPU、ROM、RAMが内蔵され、CPUは、ROM(又はPROM)に格納されたプログラムに沿って、搬送コンベア2と、洗浄装置6と、荒切り装置7と、撮像カメラ13と、画像処理装置17と、番地読取り装置19a,19bと、切断装置20との駆動及び停止を制御する。
【0041】
RAMには、撮像カメラ13及び画像処理装置17から出力される画像情報と、ネギA毎に決定される切断位置情報と、番地読取り装置19a,19bにより読取られる載置台3の番地情報と、切断装置20から出力される回転刃20aの移動量情報とを対応させて記憶する。
【0042】
上述の制御装置18は、モーター20eから出力されるパルス信号に基づいて、載置台3左側部に突出する根部Aa先端を切断基準位置として、根部Aaの茎盤Adが所定量切除(例えば略2/3程度残る状態)される位置に到達するまでの回転刃20aの移動距離を演算及び算出する。
【0043】
且つ、撮像カメラ13の撮像区間に移動される載置台3の番地情報を番地読取り装置19aで読取り、その番地情報を制御装置18に出力すると共に、上述の移動量情報と、番地読取り装置19aで読取った載置台3の番地情報とを対応させて制御装置18に記憶する。
【0044】
且つ、切断装置20の切断区間に移動される載置台3の番地情報を番地読取り装置19bで読取り、その番地情報を制御装置18に出力する。制御装置18は、番地読取り装置19bから出力される載置台3の番地情報と、RAMに記憶された番地情報とを比較して、同一の番地情報であるか否かを判定する。
【0045】
且つ、番地読取り装置19bで読取った番地情報と対応する切断位置情報をRAMから読み出し、そのRAMに記憶された切断位置情報に基づいて、モーター20eを所定量ずつ断続的に回転させ、回転刃20aを、根部Aaの茎盤Adが所定量切除される位置まで段階的に移動する。また、RAMに記憶された切断情報は、終端側から始端側に回帰するときに消去又は上書きする。
【0046】
図示実施例は上記の如く構成するものにして、以下、ネギの根部の切揃え装置1によるネギAの根部Aaを切揃える動作を説明する。
【0047】
先ず、図1、図2に示すように、ネギA…を、搬送方向に対して略直交する姿勢に揃えて搬送コンベア2の載置台3…に載置すると共に、根部Aa先端を、例えばベルトや板等の揃え部(図示省略)に押し当てる等して、載置台3左側部に所定長さ突出する状態に揃えながら前処理区間aに搬送する。
【0048】
次に、前処理区間aにおいて、洗浄装置6の吐出ノズル6aから吐出されるエアー及び水を根部Aa上面に吹付け、根部Aa上面を覆っている異物を洗浄除去し、根部Aa先端に突出する複数の長い毛根を荒切り装置7の回転刃7aで切除して荒切り処理する。
【0049】
次に、切揃え区間bにおいて、図3、図4にも示すように、照明装置12から投光される検出光Bを、載置台3左側部に突出するネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Ab上面に対して上方から照射する。且つ、根部Aa及び茎部Abが反射する反射光Cの波長領域の中から、根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断位置)を識別するのに適した波長領域(例えば略400nm〜略500nm)の反射光Cを撮像カメラ13で撮像し、その画像情報を画像処理装置17に出力する。
【0050】
且つ、制御装置18は、撮像カメラ13から出力される波長領域内の画像情報に基づいて、根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断基準位置)を算出及び決定すると共に、上述の切断位置情報と、番地読取り装置19aで読取った載置台3の番地情報とを対応させて制御装置18に記憶する。
【0051】
続いて、載置台3が切断装置20の切断区間に移動したとき、番地読取り装置19bで読取った載置台3の番地情報と対応する切断位置情報を読出し、その切断位置情報に基づいて、切断装置20を駆動する。つまり、回転刃20aを、ネギA毎に決定された切断位置まで段階的に移動させ、ネギAの根部Aaを、茎盤Adが所定量残る程度に切除した後、茎盤切除済みのネギAを次の切揃え区間cに搬送する。
【0052】
次に、切揃え区間cにおいて、上述と同様にして、切揃え装置10の撮像カメラ13から出力される画像情報に基づいて、茎盤Adの切取り量及び切残り量を算出し、茎盤Adが所定量残る程度に切除されたか否かを判定する。同時に、上述の切断位置情報と、番地読取り装置19aで読取った載置台3の番地情報とを対応させて制御装置18に記憶する。
【0053】
続いて、制御装置18は、載置台3が切断装置20の切断区間に移動したとき、番地読取り装置19bで読取った載置台3の番地情報と対応する切断位置情報を読出し、その切断位置情報に基づいて、切断装置20を駆動する。つまり、所定量切除済みであると判定された場合、回転刃20aを移動させず、待機状態又は休止状態を維持する。その茎盤切除済みであると判定されたネギAを次工程に搬送する。
【0054】
且つ、所定量以上残っていると判定された場合、回転刃20aを、ネギA毎に決定された切断位置まで段階的に移動させ、ネギAの根部Aaを、茎盤Adが所定量残る程度に仕上げ切除した後、茎盤切除済みのネギAを、次工程(例えば皮剥ぎ工程や選別工程等)に搬送する。つまり、根部Aaの茎盤Adを、不要な表皮を剥ぎ取るのに適した状態に切除するので、表皮を根部Aaまで引き剥がしたとき、根部Aaに接続された表皮の残り部分が少なく、表皮を剥ぎ取る処理が容易に行える。以下、上述と同様にして、ネギAの切揃え作業を継続して行う。
【0055】
以上のように、照明装置12から投光される検出光BがネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Abに照射されたとき、その根部Aa及び茎部Abが反射する反射光Cの波長領域の中から、根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断基準位置)を識別するのに適した波長領域の反射光Cを、近紫外領域側までの感度特性を有する撮像カメラ13で撮像し、その撮像カメラ13から出力される画像情報に基づいて、ネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断基準位置)を制御装置18により個々に判定及び決定するので、ネギAの鮮度(水分含有量)や外観形状、外径寸法等に左右されることなく、ネギAの根部Aa及び茎部Abの境界位置(切断基準位置)を正確且つ確実に検出することができ、検出精度及び切揃え精度の向上を図ることができる。
【0056】
なお、本発明のネギの根部の切揃え装置1の構成は、例えば略垂直姿勢や略斜め姿勢に保持したネギAの根部Aaを切揃える作業にも適用することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図1】 2基の切揃え装置が備えられたネギの根部の切揃え装置を示す平面図。
【図2】 ネギの根部の切揃え装置によるネギの切揃え動作を示す斜視図。
【図3】 切揃え装置による検出動作及び切揃え動作を示す斜視図。
【図4】 茎部及び根部の切断位置検出方法を示す正面図。
【図5】 ネギの根部の切揃え装置の制御回路ブロック図。
【図6】 茎部(軟白部)及び根部の分光反射特性図。
【図7】 CCTVレンズの透過率を示す特性図。
【図8】 PLフィルタの透過率を示す特性図。
【図9】 光学フィルタの透過率を示す特性図。
【図10】 照明装置の放射特性を示す特性図。
【図11】 切断装置による根部の切除動作を示す側面図。
【符号の説明】
A…ネギ
Aa…根部
Ab…茎部
B…検出光
C…反射光
1…ネギの根部の切揃え装置
2…搬送コンベア
3…載置台
10…切揃え装置
12…照明装置
13…撮像カメラ
17…画像処理装置
18…制御装置
20…切断装置
[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a leek root aligning device used for, for example, an operation for trimming a leek root .
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, when the leek of the above example is shipped to the market, the epidermis that covers the outer surface of the stalk of the leek to increase the commercial value is mechanically separated, but the epidermis is pulled to the root. When peeled, if there are many connected portions between the epidermis and the root, the epidermis may remain in the root, so it is necessary to cut the root of the leek into a state suitable for separating the epidermis.
[0003]
As an apparatus for cutting the root part of the above-mentioned onion, for example, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 that cuts the root part of the onion conveyed by the conveyor with a rotary blade disposed at a fixed position or moved to a fixed position, for example, from a light source part Based on the transmitted light quantity detected by the transmitted light sensor, the transmitted detection light is irradiated to the stem part of the leek inserted in the holder, and the transmitted light quantity transmitted through the stem part is detected by the transmitted light sensor. Further, there is a root cutting device disclosed in Patent Document 2 that identifies a boundary position (cutting position) between a stem portion and a root portion.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3118417 [Patent Document 2]
JP 11-225729 A [Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the device of Patent Document 1 has different bending conditions of the stalk and root of the leek depending on the growth situation. Therefore, when the root of the leek is cut with a rotary blade, the amount of cut at the root tends to vary, and a predetermined amount is cut off. Difficult to do.
[0005]
Further, in the root cutting device of Patent Document 2, depending on the freshness (water content) of the leeks, the shape and dimensions of the stems, the detection light emitted from the light source may pass through the stems of the leeks well. In some cases, the detection light may be excessively transmitted. Therefore, the success rate for identifying the boundary position between the stem and the root is only about 80% to about 90%, and the remaining is about 10% to about 20%. There is a problem that it is difficult to identify the boundary position of the leek.
[0006]
In addition, when the amount of the stalks of the root part is large, the internal fluid tends to ooze out from the cut surface of the root part, so that the speed of progression of discoloration and rot increases, and the freshness of the leek is lost in a short period of time. Moreover, when there is little quantity which excises the stalk of a root part, since several hair roots remain in a root part, it looks bad and a commercial value is impaired. In addition, when the unnecessary epidermis is peeled off to the root part, if there is a lot of remaining part of the epidermis connected to the root part, it may be unnecessary to peel off the epidermis or a part of the epidermis will remain on the root part. There is a problem that inconvenience occurs when the skin is peeled off.
[0007]
In view of the above problems, the present invention accurately detects the boundary position between the unnecessary part and the necessary part of the root part by detecting the reflected light in the wavelength region suitable for identifying the boundary position between the unnecessary part and the necessary part of the leeks. An object of the present invention is to provide a leek root trimming device that can detect reliably and can improve detection accuracy and trimming accuracy.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides detection light irradiation means for irradiating the unnecessary part and the necessary part with detection light for detecting a boundary position between the unnecessary part and the necessary part of the root part of the leek , and the unnecessary part and the necessary part of the root part. Reflected light that has passed through an optical filter that allows only reflected light in the wavelength region of 300 nm to 500 nm suitable for identifying the boundary position between the unnecessary portion and the necessary portion from the wavelength region of the reflected light reflected by the reflected light detecting means for detecting, on the basis of the detection information output from the reflection light detecting means, and a cutting position determining means for determining a cutting position of the root, based on the determination by the cutting position determining means, said root portion A leek root trimming device comprising trimming means for cutting a predetermined amount of unnecessary portions.
[0009]
Test Idemitsu irradiation means described above, for example, a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp, an ultraviolet lamp, a fluorescent lamp, can be composed of the lighting device of incandescent lamp. The reflected light detection means can be constituted by optical detection means such as a monochrome or color imaging camera, digital camera, video camera, or the like. Further, the cutting position determining means can be constituted by a control device including, for example, a personal computer, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Further, the cutting and aligning means can be constituted by, for example, a cutting device, a rotary blade, a fixed blade, a cutter, a wire cutter, a band saw, a fluid spray cutter, a laser cutter, or the like.
[0010]
That is, when the detection light emitted from the detection light irradiation means is irradiated to an unnecessary part (for example, a root part or a stem board) and a necessary part (for example, a stem part or a soft white part) of the leek , the unnecessary part and the necessary part are necessary. An optical filter that allows only reflected light in a wavelength region of 300 nm to 500 nm suitable for identifying a boundary position (cutting reference position) between an unnecessary portion and a necessary portion from a wavelength region of reflected light reflected by the portion. The transmitted reflected light is detected by reflected light detection means. In addition, after determining the cutting position of the root portion by the cutting position determining means based on the detection information of the wavelength region output from the reflected light detecting means, the unnecessary portion of the root portion is trimmed based on the determination by the cutting position determining means. A predetermined amount is excised by means and trimmed.
[0011]
As an embodiment, based on the determination by the cutting position determining means, in a position Setsusoroe means relative to the cutting position of the root is opposed, the relative movement means (e.g. a motor for relatively moving said root and Setsusoroe means And a solenoid, an air cylinder, a chain feed mechanism, a screw feed mechanism, a cam feed mechanism, etc.).
[0012]
For example, as shown in the characteristic diagram of FIG. 6, the reflectance of the stalk rises from a wavelength region of about 300 nm, as shown in the characteristic diagram of FIG. The reflectance of the root part rises from a wavelength region of about 50 nm or more than about 300 nm of the stem part. In addition, up to a wavelength region of approximately 600 nm, the stem portion exhibits a reflectance that is approximately two to three times as high as that of the root portion. The method of identifying the boundary position (cutting position) seems to be optimal.
[0013]
In addition, when the boundary position between the stalk and root of the leeks is identified by the difference in the wavelength region of the reflected light reflected by the stalk and the root, for example, a polarizing filter (for example, a PL filter or a circular PL) for preventing halation from occurring. And an illumination device having a radiation characteristic of approximately 370 nm or more, and a monochrome imaging camera equipped with the polarization filter and an optical filter that allows only reflected light in the wavelength region of 300 nm to 500 nm to be used. Is optimal, and image information in a wavelength region that is optimal and easy to identify the boundary position (cutting position) between the stem and root of the onion can be obtained (for example, within a wavelength region of about 400 nm to about 500 nm). Further, the wavelength region for identifying the boundary position between the stem portion and the root portion can be changed to, for example, a wavelength region of about 400 nm or less and about 500 nm or more. In addition, a CCTV lens having a transmission wavelength of about 370 nm or more and a focal length of about 6 mm is used for the imaging camera.
[0014]
Further, the transmission wavelength of the optical filter can be changed, for example, by exchanging it with another optical filter manufactured by Kenko or by exchanging it with an optical filter manufactured by another company. Also, the CCTV lens can be replaced with a lens having a focal length of about 6 mm or less.
[0015]
The energy output from the imaging camera described above includes the transmittance of the CCTV lens shown in FIG. 7, the transmittance of the polarizing filter (PL filter) shown in FIG. 8, the transmittance of the optical filter shown in FIG. And the radiation characteristic of the illumination device 12 shown in FIG.
[0016]
Originally, the output energy of the imaging camera is calculated by the following Equation 1 and Equation 2, the range of the wavelength λ where the difference D between Or and Ob shown in Equation 3 is maximized is determined, and the optical filter is selected according to the range. It is preferable to design. However, when designed by the above calculation method, the optical filter becomes very expensive. For example, since it is necessary to use an interference filter instead of a glass filter, a commercially available inexpensive glass filter having the largest difference D is selected and used.
[0017]
[Formula 1] is expressed as Oa = ΣE · Ra · T · L · S · Δλ
[Expression 2] is obtained by the following equation: Ob = ΣE · Rb · T · L · S · Δλ
[Formula 3] is D = (Oa−Ob) / (Oa + Ob)
Symbols in the above formulas 1, 2 and 3 are: E: radiant energy of the illumination device, Ra: stem reflectance, Rb: root reflectance, T: filter transmittance, L: lens transmittance, S: CCD Λ: wavelength (so Oa is the energy of the stem in the input image, and Ob is the energy of the root).
[0018]
And when actually picked up with a monochrome imaging camera 13 having sensitivity characteristics up to the near-ultraviolet region side, the stem Ab (soft white portion) of the green onion A shows a very high density value level, and is in the vicinity of the stem board Ad. The brightness is considerably darker than that of an image captured by a conventional imaging camera, and the root portion Aa and the stem portion Ab (soft white portion) can be easily identified. Moreover, the reflectance and density value of the stem part Ab is approximately two to three times that of the root part Aa.
[0019]
[Action and effect]
According to the present invention, the reflected light of the wavelength region suitable for identifying the boundary position between the unnecessary part and the necessary part is reflected from the wavelength region of the reflected light reflected by the unnecessary part and the necessary part of the root part of the leek. Detected by the detection means, and based on the detection information, the boundary position between the unnecessary part and the necessary part of the root part is determined individually by the cutting position determination means, so the freshness (moisture content), appearance shape, outer diameter dimensions of the leeks Therefore, it is possible to accurately and surely detect the unnecessary part of the root part of the leeks and the boundary position of the necessary part, and to improve the detection accuracy and the trimming accuracy.
[0020]
【Example】
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
The drawings show a leek root aligning device used for leasing the leek roots . In FIGS. 1 and 2, this leek root aligning device 1 separates the unnecessary skin of leek A. The leek A, which is arranged in the previous stage of the skinning process and placed on the placing table 3 of the conveyor 2, is divided into a preprocessing section a, a trimming section b, and a trimming section c set on the transport path. Convey and cut the root Aa of leek A into a state suitable for skinning.
[0022]
The above-described conveyor 2 has a circular chain 4 in which a long mounting spring 3 on which a long green onion A is mounted in a posture substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction is stretched around the lower part of the conveying path. At intervals, the rotating chains 4 are rotated in the conveying direction by the driving force of a motor with a reduction gear (not shown), and the mounting table 3 on which the leeks A are mounted is continuously or with respect to the conveying direction. It moves intermittently.
[0023]
In addition, the mounting table 3 includes a receiving base 3a that supports the root Aa side in a state protruding a predetermined length from the left side of the conveyance path, a receiving part 3b that supports the stem part Ab substantially horizontally, and a leaf part Ac that is substantially horizontal. And a receiving portion 3c that is supported. Further, instead of the transport conveyor 2, for example, a bucket conveyor, a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, a free tray on which the leeks A are placed, or the like may be used.
[0024]
The cleaning device 6 disposed in the pretreatment section a includes, for example, a discharge nozzle 6a connected to an air supply source such as an air supply blower or a compressor and a water supply source such as a water supply or a tank. 3 Arranged on the upper left side of the conveyance path facing the upper surface of the root Aa of the green onion A protruding to the left side, and mixed with air (atmosphere) and water (tap water) discharged from the discharge nozzle 6a on the upper surface of the root Aa On the other hand, it sprays from diagonally upward, and the foreign material (for example, mud, dust, etc.) which covers the upper surface of the root Aa is washed away. Moreover, you may spray either air or water.
[0025]
For example, a gas such as nitrogen gas, an inert gas, or carbon dioxide may be used instead of the air, and a liquid such as distilled water, natural water, a solvent, or a chemical solution may be used instead of water. Moreover, you may combine multiple above-mentioned gas and liquid, and a wiping tool.
[0026]
On the other hand, the rough cutting device 7 disposed at the rear of the cleaning device 6 includes a rotary blade 7a rotated by a motor (not shown), and a tip of a root Aa of the green onion A that protrudes to the left side of the mounting table 3 of the conveyor 2. Oppositely arranged on the left side of the conveying path, the root Aa tip and a plurality of long hair roots protruding from the tip are cut out by the rotary blade 7a, and rough cut processing is performed.
[0027]
Since each set of trimming devices 10 arranged in the aforementioned trimming sections b and c has the same configuration, the configuration of one set of trimming devices 10 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this apparatus is provided with a light shielding chamber 11 that shields outside light other than detection light B and reflected light C, which will be described later, on the conveying path of the trimming sections b and c. Two illumination devices 12 that irradiate detection light B in a wavelength region suitable for detecting the boundary position (cutting position) between the root Aa and the stem Ab of the leek A inside the chamber 11 are provided on the left side of the mounting table 3. The imaging camera 13 described later (for example, a monochrome camera having sensitivity characteristics up to the near ultraviolet region side of about 300 nm to about 1000 nm, manufactured by SONY, XC- It is arranged on both sides of EU50CE).
[0028]
In addition, a wavelength region suitable for identifying a boundary position (cutting position) between the root Aa and the stem Ab from the reflected light C reflected by the root Aa and the stem Ab of the leek A (for example, approximately 400 nm to approximately 500 nm). The monochrome imaging camera 13 that captures the reflected light C) is disposed on the upper left side of the conveyance path so as to face the root Aa and the stem Ab upper surface of the green onion A protruding to the left side of the mounting table 3, and the root Aa and the stem The substantially disc-shaped or substantially cylindrical contrast member 14 for clarifying the contrast between the part Ab and the other part (background) is opposed to the root part Aa and the lower part of the stem part Ab of the green onion A protruding to the left side of the mounting table 3. And it arrange | positions in the conveyance path left lower part.
[0029]
The illumination device 12 is equipped with a PL filter for preventing halation, and the imaging camera 13 has an optical filter having a transmission wavelength of approximately 300 nm to approximately 500 nm (for example, Blue filter B manufactured by Kenko). -390) and a CCTV lens having a transmission wavelength of approximately 370 nm or more and a focal length of approximately 6 mm. Further, the wiping body 15 that is in contact with the contrast member 14 is configured such that when the contrast member 14 is rotated by a motor (not shown), foreign matter (for example, a leek skin, internal liquid, water droplets, dust) adhering to the upper surface side of the contrast member 14 is used. Etc.).
[0030]
In addition, the detection light B projected from the illumination device 12 is irradiated substantially perpendicularly to the top surface of the root Aa and the stem Ab of the green onion A. For example, substantially obliquely upward and backward upward, substantially obliquely right and left upward, substantially upward direction, etc. It is also possible to irradiate from a desired direction and angle. Moreover, the number of the illuminating devices 12 can be changed to, for example, one or two or more.
[0031]
In addition, the upper surface of the root Aa and the stem Ab of the green onion A is imaged from approximately right above by a single imaging camera 13. For example, a desired direction and angle, such as approximately obliquely front and back, approximately obliquely right and left, and approximately directly below. It is also possible to take an image. Further, the number of imaging cameras 13 can be changed to, for example, two or more.
[0032]
The image processing device 17 connected to the imaging camera 13 described above is numerical information suitable for identifying the boundary position (cutting position) between the root Aa and the stem Ab of the green onion A in the captured image output from the imaging camera 13. It converts into (for example, binarization processing), and outputs it to the control apparatus 18.
[0033]
The control device 18 (for example, a personal computer) connected to the image processing device 17 determines the boundary position (cutting position) between the root Aa and the stem Ab based on the image information output from the image processing device 17. . That is, as shown in the spectral reflection characteristic diagram of FIG. 6, the reflectance of the stem Ab rises from a wavelength region of about 300 nm, whereas the reflectance of the root Aa is substantially larger than about 300 nm of the stem Ab. It rises from a wavelength region of 50 nm or more.
[0034]
In addition, up to a wavelength region of approximately 600 nm, the stem Ab exhibits a reflectance that is approximately two to three times as high as that of the root Aa. A boundary position (cutting position) with the stem Ab can be identified and determined, and a cutting position where, for example, about 2/3 of the stem board Ad is left is determined based on the boundary position (cutting reference position). In addition, the cutting position determined from the image information of the imaging camera 13 can be variably adjusted in a plurality of stages (for example, three stages of large, medium, and small, or three or more stages) depending on the stem diameter size of the leek A.
[0035]
The cutting position information determined for each above-mentioned leek A and the address information of the mounting table 3 read by the address reading device 19a described later are stored in association with each other. Further, the cutting amount of the root Aa can be changed to, for example, a position where about 2/3 or more of the stem board Ad is left or a position where it is left below.
[0036]
In addition, address reading devices 19a and 19b for reading the address information set for each mounting table 3 or the address information that moves substantially corresponding to the mounting table 3 are arranged in the lower part of the conveyance path, and the imaging section of the imaging camera 13 The address information read by the address reading device 19a disposed in the cutting section 20 and the address reading device 19b disposed in the cutting section of the cutting device 20 is output to the control device 18.
[0037]
Further, instead of the address information described above, for example, the unique information of a recording medium (for example, a bar code, an ID card, a magnetic card, etc.) attached to the mounting table 3 itself or moved substantially corresponding to the mounting table 3 is read or cut. For example, the position information and other measurement information may be recorded, or the time lag until the leek A reaches the cutting device 20 may be timed.
[0038]
Since the cutting device 20 disposed immediately after the imaging camera 13 has the same configuration, the configuration and operation of one cutting device 20 will be described. In this apparatus, for example, a rotary table 20c that is disposed on the left side of the conveyance path with a rotary blade 20a inclined in a two-dimensional direction in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction facing the root Aa of the onion A protruding on the left side of the mounting table 3. And is rotated at a constant speed by a motor 20b fixed to the movable base 20c.
[0039]
Further, the movable base 20c is attached to a support base 20d disposed on the left side of the transport path, and is substantially orthogonal to the transport direction by a motor 20e with a movement amount detection function (for example, a servo motor or a stepping motor) fixed to the support base 20d. As shown in FIG. 11, the rotary blade 20a is moved back and forth stepwise by a predetermined amount of movement (for example, approximately 0.25 mm unit) with respect to the direction, and at a high speed stepwise with respect to the direction facing the tip of the root Aa. Move (for example, approximately 0.3 seconds). Moreover, the side part and upper part of the rotary blade 20a are enclosed by the cover 20f. Further, as another example of the moving means replacing the motor 20e, for example, a solenoid, an air cylinder, a cam, a chain, or the like may be used.
[0040]
FIG. 5 shows a control circuit block diagram of the leek root trimming device 1. The control device 18 (for example, a personal computer) includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and the CPU is stored in the ROM (or PROM). The driving and stopping of the conveyor 2, the cleaning device 6, the rough cutting device 7, the imaging camera 13, the image processing device 17, the address reading devices 19a and 19b, and the cutting device 20 are performed in accordance with the program. Control.
[0041]
In the RAM, image information output from the imaging camera 13 and the image processing device 17, cutting position information determined for each leek A, address information of the mounting table 3 read by the address reading devices 19a and 19b, and cutting The movement amount information of the rotary blade 20a output from the device 20 is stored in correspondence.
[0042]
Based on the pulse signal output from the motor 20e, the above-mentioned control device 18 uses the root Aa tip protruding to the left side of the mounting table 3 as a cutting reference position to cut a predetermined amount of the pedestal Ad of the root Aa (for example, approximately 2). The movement distance of the rotary blade 20a until reaching the position to be left is calculated and calculated.
[0043]
Further, the address information of the mounting table 3 moved to the imaging section of the imaging camera 13 is read by the address reading device 19a, and the address information is output to the control device 18, and the above-described movement amount information and the address reading device 19a . The read address information of the mounting table 3 is stored in the control device 18 in association with it.
[0044]
In addition, the address information of the mounting table 3 that is moved to the cutting section of the cutting device 20 is read by the address reading device 19 b, and the address information is output to the control device 18. The control device 18 compares the address information of the mounting table 3 output from the address reading device 19b with the address information stored in the RAM, and determines whether the address information is the same.
[0045]
Further, the cutting position information corresponding to the address information read by the address reading device 19b is read from the RAM, the motor 20e is intermittently rotated by a predetermined amount based on the cutting position information stored in the RAM, and the rotary blade 20a. Are moved stepwise to a position where a predetermined amount of the stem A of the root Aa is cut off. Further, the cutting information stored in the RAM is deleted or overwritten when returning from the terminal side to the starting side.
[0046]
Illustrated embodiment to what constitutes as described above, will be described an operation for aligning off the root Aa leek A by Setsusoroe device 1 of the root portion of the leek.
[0047]
First, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the green onions A are aligned on the mounting table 3 of the transport conveyor 2 in a posture substantially orthogonal to the transport direction, and the tip of the root Aa is, for example, a belt The sheet is conveyed to the pretreatment section a while being aligned with a state of projecting a predetermined length on the left side of the mounting table 3 by being pressed against an aligning portion (not shown) such as a plate or a plate.
[0048]
Next, in the pretreatment section a, air and water discharged from the discharge nozzle 6a of the cleaning device 6 are sprayed onto the upper surface of the root Aa, and the foreign matter covering the upper surface of the root Aa is cleaned and removed, and protrudes to the tip of the root Aa. A plurality of long hair roots are cut by the rotary blade 7a of the rough cutting device 7 and rough cut processing is performed.
[0049]
Next, in the trimming section b, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the detection light B projected from the illumination device 12 is irradiated with the root Aa and the stem Ab of the green onion A protruding to the left side of the mounting table 3. Irradiate the top surface from above. In addition, a wavelength region suitable for identifying a boundary position (cutting position) between the root Aa and the stem Ab from the wavelength region of the reflected light C reflected by the root Aa and the stem Ab, for example, approximately 400 nm to approximately 500 nm. ) Is reflected by the imaging camera 13, and the image information is output to the image processing device 17.
[0050]
The control device 18 calculates and determines the boundary position (cutting reference position) between the root part Aa and the stem part Ab based on the image information in the wavelength region output from the imaging camera 13, and the cutting position information described above. And the address information of the mounting table 3 read by the address reading device 19a are stored in the control device 18 in association with each other.
[0051]
Subsequently, when the mounting table 3 moves to the cutting section of the cutting device 20, the cutting position information corresponding to the address information of the mounting table 3 read by the address reading device 19b is read, and based on the cutting position information, the cutting device 20 is driven. That is, the rotary blade 20a is moved stepwise to the cutting position determined for each leek A, and the root Aa of the leek A is excised to such an extent that the stem plate Ad remains in a predetermined amount, and then the leek A that has undergone stalk excision. Is conveyed to the next trimming section c.
[0052]
Next, in the trimming section c, in the same way as described above, based on the image information output from the imaging camera 13 of the trimming apparatus 10, the cut amount and the remaining cut amount of the stalk board Ad are calculated, and the stalk board Ad is calculated. It is determined whether or not it has been excised so that a predetermined amount remains. At the same time, the above-described cutting position information and the address information of the mounting table 3 read by the address reading device 19a are stored in the control device 18 in association with each other.
[0053]
Subsequently, when the mounting table 3 moves to the cutting section of the cutting device 20, the control device 18 reads the cutting position information corresponding to the address information of the mounting table 3 read by the address reading device 19b, and uses the cutting position information as the cutting position information. Based on this, the cutting device 20 is driven. That is, when it is determined that a predetermined amount has been removed, the rotary blade 20a is not moved, and the standby state or the resting state is maintained. The green onion A determined to have undergone scutanectomy is conveyed to the next step.
[0054]
And when it is determined that a predetermined amount or more remains, the rotary blade 20a is moved stepwise to the cutting position determined for each leek A, and the root portion Aa of the leek A has a predetermined amount of stem board Ad remaining. After the final excision, the leek A that has undergone stalk excision is transported to the next process (for example, a skinning process or a sorting process). That is, since the stem A of the root Aa is excised into a state suitable for peeling off the unnecessary epidermis, when the epidermis is peeled off to the root Aa, the remaining part of the epidermis connected to the root Aa is small, and the epidermis Can be easily removed. Hereinafter, similarly to the above, the leek A is continuously aligned.
[0055]
As described above, when the detection light B projected from the illumination device 12 is applied to the root Aa and the stem Ab of the leek A, the wavelength range of the reflected light C reflected by the root Aa and the stem Ab is reflected. The reflected light C in the wavelength region suitable for identifying the boundary position (cutting reference position) between the root portion Aa and the stem portion Ab is imaged by the imaging camera 13 having sensitivity characteristics up to the near ultraviolet region side, and the imaging Based on the image information output from the camera 13, the boundary position (cutting reference position) between the root Aa and the stem Ab of the leeks A is individually determined and determined by the control device 18, so that the freshness of the leeks A (water content) ), Appearance shape, outer diameter size, etc., the boundary position (cutting reference position) between the root Aa and the stem Ab of the leek A can be accurately and reliably detected, and the detection accuracy and the alignment accuracy Can be improved.
[0056]
The configuration of the leek root trimming device 1 according to the present invention can also be applied to, for example, trimming the root Aa of the leek A held in a substantially vertical posture or a substantially oblique posture.
[Brief description of the drawings]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a leek root trimming device provided with two trimming devices.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a leek trimming operation by a leek root trimming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a detection operation and an alignment operation by the alignment device.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a method for detecting a cutting position of a stem and a root.
FIG. 5 is a control circuit block diagram of a leek root trimming device.
FIG. 6 is a spectral reflection characteristic diagram of a stem part (soft white part) and a root part.
FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing the transmittance of a CCTV lens.
FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing the transmittance of a PL filter.
FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing the transmittance of the optical filter.
FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram showing radiation characteristics of the lighting device.
FIG. 11 is a side view showing a root excision operation by a cutting device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS A ... Green onion Aa ... Root part Ab ... Stem part B ... Detection light C ... Reflection light 1 ... Leek root part aligning device 2 ... Conveyor 3 ... Mounting table 10 ... Trimming device 12 ... Illuminating device 13 ... Imaging camera 17 ... Image processing device 18 ... control device 20 ... cutting device

Claims (2)

ネギの根部の不要部及び必要部の境界位置を検出するための検出光を、該不要部及び必要部に対して照射する検出光照射手段と、
上記根部の不要部及び必要部が反射する反射光の波長領域の中から、該不要部及び必要部の境界位置を識別するのに適した300nm〜500nmの波長領域の反射光のみを透過許容する光学フィルタを透過した反射光を検出する反射光検出手段と、
上記反射光検出手段から出力される検出情報に基づいて、上記根部の切断位置を決定する切断位置決定手段と、
上記切断位置決定手段による判定に基づいて、上記根部の不要部を所定量切除する切揃え手段とを備えた
ネギの根部の切揃え装置。
A detection light irradiation means for irradiating the unnecessary part and the necessary part with detection light for detecting a boundary position between the unnecessary part and the necessary part of the root part of the leek ;
Only the reflected light in the wavelength region of 300 nm to 500 nm suitable for identifying the boundary position between the unnecessary portion and the necessary portion is allowed to be transmitted from the wavelength region of the reflected light reflected by the unnecessary portion and the necessary portion of the root portion. Reflected light detection means for detecting reflected light transmitted through the optical filter ;
Based on detection information output from the reflected light detection means, a cutting position determining means for determining the cutting position of the root ,
Based on the determination by the cutting position determining means, a cutting aligning means for cutting a predetermined amount of unnecessary portions of the root portion is provided.
Leek root trimming device.
上記切断位置決定手段による判定に基づいて、上記根部の切断位置に対して切揃え手段が対峙される位置に、該根部及び切揃え手段を相対移動する相対移動手段を備えた
請求項1記載のネギの根部の切揃え装置。
Relative movement means for relatively moving the root portion and the trimming means at a position where the trimming means faces the cutting position of the root portion based on the determination by the cutting position determination means. Item 1. A leek root aligning device according to item 1.
JP2002234430A 2002-08-12 2002-08-12 Leek root trimming device Expired - Fee Related JP3980443B2 (en)

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