JP4386620B2

JP4386620B2 - Fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus and fruit and vegetable evaluation method

Info

Publication number: JP4386620B2
Application number: JP2002178826A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 田健太; 中基志田
Original assignee: Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co Ltd
Current assignee: Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-06-19
Filing date: 2002-06-19
Publication date: 2009-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-19
Also published as: JP2004020493A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、青果類の糖度、酸度、熟度などの内部品質を、搬送ラインを使用して光学的にかつ非破壊的に評価（測定）するための青果類の評価装置および青果類の評価方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、果実、野菜などの青果類の、糖度、酸度、熟度などの内部品質を、青果類を破壊することなく外部から測定する技術が種々提案されている。
このような青果類の内部品質を非破壊的に測定する方法として、近赤外光を青果類に照射する方法があり、これらには反射を利用する方法と透過光を利用する方法が提案されている。
【０００３】
反射光を利用する方法、例えば、比較的表皮の薄いモモ、ナシ、リンゴなどの測定に向いており、薄い表皮を通過した測定光は果肉表層部で反射して受光部で受光され、この反射光の解析により内部品質を測定評価する方法である。しかしながら、この反射光を利用する方法では、果肉表層部近傍での反射光を受光するため、得られた反射光の解析からは表皮近くの内部品質のみしか得られないことになる。
【０００４】
一方、透過光を利用する評価方法では、例えば、比較的表皮の厚いミカン、オレンジなどの柑橘類、メロン、スイカなどの測定に向いており、照射測定光は果肉内部を透過して反対側から出射し、この透過光を受光部で受けて解析し、内部品質を測定評価する方法である。この透過光を利用する方法では、青果類の果肉内部を透過した光を解析するため、反射光を利用する方法に比べて、より正確に果肉の性状を評価できるという利点があり、この透過光を利用した方法が用いられるようになっている（登録実用新案第３０４９０２６号公報、特開２００２−１３９４４２号公報など参照）。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、このような透過光を利用した透過光式評価装置として、図１２および図１３に示したような単一透過光式の青果類の評価装置１００が従来から用いられている。
すなわち、この青果類の評価装置１００では、コンベアなどの搬送ライン１０２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ライン１０２の一方の側方側に光源１０４が配置されている。そして、搬送ライン１０２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ライン１０２の他方の側方側に受光部１０６が配置されている。これによって、光源１０４から照射された測定光が、青果類１０８の果肉内部を透過して反対側から出射して、この透過光を受光部１０６で受けて、別途図示しない解析装置によって解析することによって、内部品質を測定評価するように構成されている。
【０００６】
しかしながら、このような単一の光源１０４を用いた青果類の評価装置１００では、スイカならスイカ専用に、ミカンならミカン専用に使用されていて、例えば、比較的サイズが大きく、果実や果皮が厚い果実であるスイカ用のラインで、例えば、比較的サイズが小さく、果実や果皮が薄い果実であるミカンを測定すると、照射すべき光量と受光すべき光量とが強すぎて正確な測定が期待できなかった。また、逆に、ミカン用のラインでスイカを測定すると、光量が弱すぎて正確な測定が期待できなかった。すなわち、光量は多すぎても少なすぎても、測定は不正確になる。このため、例えば、冬季でスイカ用ラインが空いていたとしても、これをミカンに転用することは困難であった。
【０００７】
また、収穫時期の異なるスイカとミカンの転用だけであれば、２個の評価装置を購入して季節毎に装置の組替を行えば対処できるが、収穫時期が重なる品種同士では頻繁な組み替えが必要となるととも、１つのラインで多品種を測定するにはその数だけ評価装置も用意しなければならず、莫大な費用がかかり、また保管場所の確保にも苦労することになる。
【０００８】
このため、サイズ、果肉、果皮の厚さなど大きい青果類を評価できるように、図１４および図１５に示したように、水平方向に複数の光源を配置した過光式の青果類の評価装置２００が提案されている。
この青果類の評価装置２００では、搬送ライン２０２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ライン２０２の一方の側方側に、水平方向に複数の光源２０４ａ〜２０４ｅが配置されている。そして、搬送ライン２０２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ライン２０２の他方の側方側に受光部２０６が配置されている。これによって、図１５の二点鎖線で示したように、光源２０４ａ〜２０４ｅから照射された測定光が、青果類２０８の果肉内部を透過して反対側から出射して、この透過光を受光部２０６で受けて、別途図示しない解析装置によって解析することによって、内部品質を測定評価するように構成されている。
【０００９】
しかしながら、この青果類の評価装置２００では、上記の単一透過光式の青果類の評価装置１００に比較して、複数の光源２０４ａ〜２０４ｅを用いるので、透過光を多くすることができ、サイズ、果肉、果皮の厚さなどの比較的大きな青果類に対して対応することができるようになっている。
しかしながら、この青果類の評価装置２００では、搬送ライン２０２上を青果類２０８が測定中においても搬送移動しており、しかも、水平方向に複数の光源２０４ａ〜２０４ｅが配置されている。従って、搬送ライン２０２上を搬送移動中の青果類２０８の測定時、特に測定開始、測定終了時において、受光部２０６には、周辺に配置された光源、例えば、光源２０４ａ、２０４ｅからの直接光や、青果類２０８からの反射光、隣接する青果類２０８からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの透過光以外の光が受光されることになり、測定評価の精度が低下することとなっていた。
【００１０】
このような現象を回避するためには、測定時間を短縮することで低減することができるが、一般的に測定時間を短くすることによって、測定評価の精度が低下することになる。
なお、上記の単一透過光式の青果類の評価装置１００においては、光源１０４が単一であるので、比較的このような現象は少ないが、それでも、このような透過光以外の光が受光されることになっている。
【００１１】
さらに、この青果類の評価装置２００においても、サイズ、果肉、果皮の厚さなどの比較的大きな青果類に対しては対応できるが、比較的サイズが小さく、果実や果皮が薄い果実に対しては、照射すべき光量と受光すべき光量とが強すぎて正確な測定ができなかった。
本発明は、このような現状に鑑み、搬送ライン上を搬送移動中の青果類の測定時において、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されることがなく、測定評価の精度が極めて向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことの可能な青果類の評価装置および青果類の評価方法を提供することを目的とする。
【００１２】
また、本発明は、様々なサイズ、果肉、果皮の厚さの青果類に対しても、測定評価の精度が極めて向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことの可能な青果類の評価装置および青果類の評価方法を提供することを目的とする。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、前述したような従来技術における課題及び目的を達成するために発明なされたものであって、本発明の青果類の評価装置は、搬送ライン上を搬送される青果類に対して、光源から測定光を照射して、青果類を透過した透過光を受光部において受光することによって、青果類の内部品質を評価する青果類の評価装置であって、
前記搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、前記搬送ラインの一方の側方側に、前記搬送ラインに対して上下方向のみに配置した複数の光源と、
前記搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、前記搬送ラインの他方の側方側に配置した受光部とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、本発明の青果類の評価方法は、搬送ライン上を搬送される青果類に対して、光源から測定光を照射して、青果類を透過した透過光を受光部において受光することによって、青果類の内部品質を評価する青果類の評価方法であって、
前記搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、前記搬送ラインの一方の側方側に、前記搬送ラインに対して上下方向のみに配置した複数の光源から青果類に対して測定光を照射して、
前記搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、前記搬送ラインの他方の側方側に配置した受光部によって、青果類を透過した透過光を受光することによって、青果類の内部品質を評価することを特徴とする。
【００１５】
このように構成することによって、搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ラインの一方の側方側に、前記搬送ラインに対して上下方向のみに配置した複数の光源から青果類に対して測定光を照射するので、搬送ライン上を搬送移動中の青果類の測定時、特に測定開始、測定終了時において、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されることがなく、測定評価の精度が極めて向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００１６】
また、本発明は、前記複数の前記搬送ラインに対して上下方向のみに配置される光源が、前記搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙと測定光の入射方向の光軸がなす角度αが、９０°以内の範囲において配置されていることを特徴とする。
このように複数の前記搬送ラインに対して上下方向のみに配置される光源が、搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な方向Ｙと測定光の入射方向の光軸がなす角度αが、９０°以内の範囲であれば、受光部に受光されるのは、青果類を透過する透過光のみである。従って、青果類を反射する反射光などが受光部に受光されることなく、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００１７】
また、本発明の青果類の評価装置は、前記光源と受光部との間には、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されないように、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光を遮光する遮光板が配設されていることを特徴とする。
また、本発明の青果類の評価方法は、前記光源と受光部との間に配設した遮光板によって、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されないように、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光を遮光することを特徴とする。
【００１８】
このように構成することによって、光源と受光部との間に配設した遮光板によって、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が遮光される。これによって、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００１９】
また、本発明は、前記遮光板が、前記搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘの方向に平行に配置された遮光板部材を備えることを特徴とする。
このように構成することによって、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘの方向に平行に配置された遮光板部材によって遮光される。従って、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２０】
また、本発明は、前記遮光板が、前記搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘの方向に平行に配置されるとともに、搬送ラインの幅方向Ｙに一定間隔離間して平行に配置された複数の遮光板部材を備えることを特徴とする。
このように構成することによって、複数の遮光板部材によって、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、効率良く遮光されることになり、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２１】
また、本発明は、前記搬送ラインの幅方向に一定間隔離間して平行に配置された複数の遮光板部材の長さが、青果類の外形に沿った下端部を有する長さであることを特徴とする。
このように構成することによって、搬送ラインの搬送方向に青果類の外形に沿ったトンネル形状の青果類の通過経路が形成することになり、遮光板部材によって、搬送ラインを搬送される青果類を傷つけることがない。しかも、遮光板部材によって、搬送ライン上の青果類の位置、姿勢に影響がすることなく、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２２】
また、遮光板部材の下端部と青果類との間から、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、受光部に受光されることがないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
また、本発明は、前記遮光板が、前記搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙに配置された側方遮光板部材を備えることを特徴とする。
【００２３】
このように構成することによって、隣接する青果類からの反射光を側方遮光板部材によって遮光することができ、しかも、この側方遮光板部材によって、光源から照射される測定光の照射経路が形成されることになり、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、効率良く遮光されることになり、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２４】
また、本発明は、前記遮光板が、青果類の上方外形に沿った形状の上方遮光板部材を備えることを特徴とする。
このように構成することによって、上方遮光板部材によって、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、受光部に受光されることがないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２５】
しかも、搬送ラインの搬送方向に青果類の外形に沿ったトンネル形状の青果類の通過経路が形成することになり、遮光板部材によって、搬送ラインを搬送される青果類を傷つけることがなく、遮光板部材によって、搬送ライン上の青果類の位置、姿勢に影響がすることなく、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２６】
また、本発明は、前記遮光板には、光源からの測定光を青果類に照射するためのスリットが形成されていることを特徴とする。
このように構成することによって、光源からの測定光が遮光板に遮光されることなく、遮光板に形成されたスリットを介して、青果類に照射することができ、青果類を透過した透過光が、効率良く受光部に受光されるので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２７】
また、本発明は、前記遮光板が、青果類のサイズに応じて上下動自在に構成されていることを特徴とする。
このように構成することによって、サイズの異なる青果類に対しても、遮光板によって、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、効率良く遮光されることになり、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２８】
また、本発明は、前記複数の前記搬送ラインに対して上下方向のみに配置される光源が、青果類のサイズ、種類に応じて、青果類に測定光を照射する光源が選択されるように構成されていることを特徴とする。
このように構成することによって、様々なサイズ、果肉、果皮の厚さの青果類に対しても、測定光、透過光の光量を調整することができ、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００２９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態（実施例）を図面に基づいてより詳細に説明する。
図１は、本発明の青果類の評価装置の第１の実施例の上面図、図２は、図１のＡ−Ａ線での断面図である。
図１において、１０は、全体で本発明の青果類の評価装置（以下、単に「評価装置」と言う）を示している。
【００３０】
図１および図２に示したように、評価装置１０は、例えば、コンベアなどの搬送ライン１２上に、搬送方向Ｘに連続して所定間隔離間して配置された搬送トレイ１４を備えている。この搬送トレイ１４の上面には、外方向に傾斜したテーパー面１４ａを有しており、このテーパー面１４ａ上に、例えば、被評価体であるミカン、リンゴなどの青果類１６が載置されて、搬送方向Ｘに連続して搬送されるようになっている。
【００３１】
そして、この搬送ライン１２の途中には、評価装置部１８が設けられている。評価装置部１８は、搬送ライン１２を囲繞するようにフレーム２０が設けられている。
搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ライン１２の一方の側方側に、光源２２が配置されている。この場合、光源２２は、搬送ライン１２に対して上下方向のみに複数の光源（この実施例では、３個の光源）２２ａ〜２２ｃが、一定間隔離間するように配置されている。
【００３２】
また、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ライン１２の他方の側方側に、受光部２４が配置されている。
これによって、図１および図２の一点鎖線で示したように、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃから照射された測定光（近赤外光）が、青果類１６の果肉内部を透過して反対側から出射して、この透過光を受光部２４で受けて、別途図示しない解析装置によって解析することによって、内部品質を測定評価するように構成されている。
【００３３】
すなわち、青果類１６から出射される透過光は、それぞれの青果類によって吸収スペクトルが異なり、これにより青果類の糖度、酸度、熟度などの内部品質を計測して予め解析装置に入力されたデータと比較することによって、青果類の内部品質を評価することができるようになっている。
このように構成することによって、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ライン１２の一方の側方側に、搬送ライン１２に対して上下方向のみに配置した複数の光源２２ａ〜２２ｃから青果類１６に対して測定光を照射するようになっている。
【００３４】
従って、搬送ライン１２上を搬送移動中の青果類１６の測定時、特に測定開始、測定終了時において、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃからの直接光や、青果類１６からの反射光、隣接する青果類１６からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの透過光以外の光が受光部２４に受光されることがなく、測定評価の精度が極めて向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００３５】
この場合、複数の搬送ライン１２に対して上下方向のみに配置される光源２２ａ〜２２ｃは、図１に示したように、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙと測定光の入射方向の光軸がなす角度αが、９０°以内の範囲において配置されているようにするのが好ましい。
すなわち、このように複数の搬送ライン１２に対して上下方向のみに配置される光源２２ａ〜２２ｃが、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙと測定光の入射方向の光軸がなす角度αが、９０°以内の範囲であれば、図１に示したように、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃから照射された測定光が、青果類１６に反射して受光部２４に至ることがなく、受光部２４に受光されるのは、青果類１６を透過する透過光のみとなる。
【００３６】
従って、青果類１６を反射する反射光などが受光部２４に受光されることがなく、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
なお、この場合、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃの数、配置位置は、角度αが上記の範囲内であれば、特に限定されるものではなく、青果類１６の種類、サイズなどに応じて適宜選択すればよい。
【００３７】
また、このように複数個の光源２２ａ〜２２ｃを備えることによって、サイズ、果肉、果皮の厚さなど大きい青果類に対しても、十分な測定光、透過光の光量を確保することができ、正確な測定評価を行うことができる。
さらに、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃから測定光を投射する際には、青果類１６の種類による透過率、サイズに応じて光量を調節するのが好ましい。このような照射光量の調節は、青果類１６の種類、サイズに応じて、例えば、ミカン、トマトなどの小径の青果類１６に対しては、光源１灯のみ、モモ、リンゴなどの中型の青果類１６に対しては光源２灯、スイカ、メロンなどの大型の青果類１６に対しては、光源３灯を点灯するなど、点灯させる光源２２ａ〜２２ｃの個数を、図示しない制御装置で変更する構成にすればよい。
【００３８】
また、点灯させる個数を調節する際に、青果類１６に対して、様々な角度から投射できるように、例えば、１個置き、２個置きのように光源２２ａ〜２２ｃを点灯させるようにしてもよい。また、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃは、青果類１６のサイズ応じて、青果類１６のセンターで集光するように角度（向き）を変えることができるようにしても良い。
【００３９】
図３は、本発明の青果類の評価装置の第２の実施例の上面図、図４は、図３のＡ−Ａ線での断面図、図５は、遮光板の拡大斜視図である。
この実施例の評価装置１０は、基本的には、図１および図２に示した評価装置１０と基本的には同様な構成であり、同一の構成部材には同一の参照番号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
【００４０】
この実施例の評価装置１０では、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃと受光部２４との間には、搬送ライン１２の上方に、青果類１６を透過する透過光以外の光が受光部２４に受光されないように、青果類１６を透過する透過光以外の光を遮光する遮光板３０が配設されている。
この遮光板３０は、この実施例では、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘの方向に平行に配置されるとともに、搬送ライン１２の幅方向Ｙに一定間隔離間して平行に配置された複数の遮光板部材３２を備えている。
【００４１】
すなわち、この実施例では、光源２２側から、搬送ライン１２の幅方向Ｙに一定間隔離間して平行に、４枚の遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄが、搬送ライン１２の上方に、図示しない固定部材によって、光源２２と受光部２４を結ぶ線上に位置するように配置されている。
また、図３および図５に示したように、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄの長さがそれぞれ、青果類１６の外形に沿った下端部３３ａ〜３３ｄを有する長さであるように構成されている。
【００４２】
なお、搬送ライン１２を搬送されてくる青果類１６に対して、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄによって傷をつけないようにするためには、このような遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄの下端部３３ａ〜３３ｄの位置は、青果類１６の外形に沿った長さか、または僅かに、青果類１６の外形よりも青果類１６の内側の長さにするのが、望ましい。
【００４３】
さらに、図４および図５に示したように、これらの遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄには、光源２２からの測定光を青果類に照射するためのスリット３４ａ〜３４ｄが形成されている。
なお、このスリット３４ａ〜３４ｄの幅Ｌとしては、青果類１６の大きさ、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃから投射される測定光の光量などに応じて、適宜設定されるものであり、特に限定されるものではない。
【００４４】
このように構成することによって、複数の遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄによって、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃからの直接光や、青果類１６からの反射光、隣接する青果類１６からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類１６を透過する透過光以外の光が、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘの方向に平行に配置されるとともに、搬送ライン１２の幅方向Ｙに一定間隔離間して平行に配置された遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄによって、効率良く遮光される。
【００４５】
従って、青果類１６を透過する透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
しかも、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄの長さがそれぞれ、青果類１６の外形に沿った下端部３３ａ〜３３ｄを有する長さであるので、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘに青果類１６の外形に沿ったトンネル形状の青果類の通過経路が形成することになり、遮光板部材によって、搬送ラインを搬送される青果類１６を傷つけることがない。しかも、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄによって、搬送ライン１２上の青果類１６の位置、姿勢に影響がすることなく、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００４６】
また、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄの下端部３３ａ〜３３ｄと青果類１６との間から、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃからの直接光や、青果類１６からの反射光、隣接する青果類１６からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類１６を透過する透過光以外の光が、受光部に受光されることがないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００４７】
さらに、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄには、光源２２からの測定光を青果類に照射するためのスリット３４ａ〜３４ｄが形成されているので、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃからの測定光が遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄに遮光されることなく、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄに形成されたスリット３４ａ〜３４ｄを介して、青果類１６に照射することができ、青果類１６を透過した透過光が、効率良く受光部に受光されるので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００４８】
なお、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄは、搬送ライン１２上を搬送移動している青果類１６に傷をつけないようにするために、また、搬送ライン１２上の青果類１６の位置、姿勢に影響を及ぼさないようにするために、軟質の材料で、光源２２から投影される測定光を遮光できる材料から構成すれば良く、特に限定されるものではないが、例えば、ゴム、布、合成樹脂フィルムなどが使用可能である。また、図示しないが、遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｄを、例えば、スダレ状のものから構成することも可能である。
【００４９】
さらに、青果類１６の種類、サイズに合わせて、遮光板３０を、図示しない、例えば、サーボモータなどの駆動機構によって、上下動可能に構成するようにすれば良い。このように構成することによって、サイズの異なる青果類１６に対しても、遮光板３０によって、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、効率良く遮光されることになり、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００５０】
図６は、本発明の青果類の評価装置の第３の実施例の上面図、図７は、図６のＡ−Ａ線での断面図、図８は、遮光板の拡大斜視図である。
この実施例の評価装置１０は、基本的には、図３〜図５に示した第２の実施例の評価装置１０と基本的には同様な構成であり、同一の構成部材には同一の参照番号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
【００５１】
この実施例の評価装置１０では、遮光板３０が、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘの方向に平行に配置されるとともに、搬送ライン１２の幅方向Ｙに一定間隔離間して平行に配置された複数の（この実施例では、３枚の）遮光板部材３２a〜３２ｃを備えている。
また、光源２２側の遮光板部材３２aには、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙに配置された一対の側方遮光板部材３２ｅ、３２ｆを備えている。この側方遮光板部材３２ｅ、３２ｆの間の離間距離は、前述したスリット３４ａ〜３４ｄの開口幅と同じ距離となっている。
【００５２】
この側方遮光板部材３２ｅ、３２ｆの青果類側の側辺３２ｇ、３２ｈがそれぞれ、青果類１６の外形に沿った外形３３ｅ〜３３ｆを有するように構成されている。また、これらの側辺３２ｇ、３２ｈには、搬送ライン１２上を搬送方向Ｘに移動する際に、青果類１６が移動しやすいように、複数の切り込み３５ａ、３５ｂが形成されている。
【００５３】
このように構成することによって、隣接する青果類１６からの反射光を側方遮光板部材３２ｅ、３２ｆによって遮光することができ、しかも、この側方遮光板部材３２ｅ、３２ｆによって、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃから照射される測定光の照射経路が形成されることになり、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、効率良く遮光されることになり、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００５４】
図９は、本発明の青果類の評価装置の第４の実施例の上面図、図１０は、図９のＡ−Ａ線での断面図、図１１は、遮光板の拡大斜視図である。
この実施例の評価装置１０は、基本的には、図３〜図５に示した第２の実施例の評価装置１０と基本的には同様な構成であり、同一の構成部材には同一の参照番号を付して、その詳細な説明を省略する。
【００５５】
この実施例の評価装置１０では、遮光板３０が、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘの方向に平行に、受光部２４側に配置された遮光板部材３２ｂを備えている。
そして、図１０および図１１に示したように、この遮光板部材３２ｂの上端から、光源２２側に向かって、青果類１６の上方外形１６ａに沿って傾斜した曲面（弧状）形状の上方遮光板部材３２ａを備えている。また、この上方遮光板部材３２ａには、スリット３４ａが形成されている。なお、上方遮光板部材３２aとしては、その曲面形状を維持するために、遮光板部材３２ｂよりも硬質の部材から構成すればよい。
【００５６】
このように構成することによって、遮光板部材３２a、３２ｂによって、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃからの直接光や、青果類１６からの反射光、隣接する青果類１６からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類１６を透過する透過光以外の光が、効率良く遮光される。
従って、青果類１６を透過する透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００５７】
しかも、遮光板部材３２ｂと、青果類１６の上方外形１６ａに沿って傾斜した曲面形状の上方遮光板部材３２ａによって、搬送ライン１２の搬送方向Ｘに青果類１６の外形に沿ったトンネル形状の青果類の通過経路が形成することになり、遮光板部材３２ａ、３２ｂによって、搬送ラインを搬送される青果類１６を傷つけることがない。しかも、遮光板部材３２a、３２ｂによって、搬送ライン１２上の青果類１６の位置、姿勢に影響がすることなく、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００５８】
さらに、遮光板部材３２a、３２ｂには、光源２２からの測定光を青果類に照射するためのスリット３４ａが形成されているので、光源２２ａ〜２２ｃからの測定光が遮光板部材３２aに遮光されることなく、上方遮光板部材３２aに形成されたスリット３４ａを介して、青果類１６に照射することができ、青果類１６を透過した透過光が、効率良く受光部に受光されるので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００５９】
以上、本発明の好ましい実施例を説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されることはなく、例えば、遮光板の遮光板部材の配置、形状は上記の実施例のものに限定されるものではなく、透過光以外の光を受光部に入射しないように遮光できる形状、配置であればよく、種々の形状、配置のものを適用することができるなど本発明の目的を逸脱しない範囲で種々の変更が可能である。
【００６０】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙにおいて、搬送ラインの一方の側方側に、搬送ラインに対して上下方向のみに配置した複数の光源から青果類に対して測定光を照射するので、搬送ライン上を搬送移動中の青果類の測定時、特に測定開始、測定終了時において、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されることがなく、測定評価の精度が極めて向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００６１】
また、本発明によれば、複数の搬送ラインに対して上下方向のみに配置される光源が、搬送ラインの搬送方向Ｘに対して垂直な幅方向Ｙと測定光の入射方向の光軸がなす角度αが、９０°以内の範囲であるので、受光部に受光されるのは、青果類を透過する透過光のみである。従って、青果類を反射する反射光などが受光部に受光されることがなく、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００６２】
また、本発明によれば、光源と受光部との間に配設した遮光板によって、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が遮光される。これによって、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が受光部に受光されないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００６３】
また、本発明によれば、搬送ラインの搬送方向に青果類の外形に沿ったトンネル形状の青果類の通過経路が形成することになり、遮光板部材によって、搬送ラインを搬送される青果類を傷つけることがない。しかも、遮光板部材によって、搬送ライン上の青果類の位置、姿勢に影響がすることなく、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。また、遮光板部材の下端部と青果類との間から、光源からの直接光や、青果類からの反射光、隣接する青果類からの反射光などの青果類周辺からの青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、受光部に受光されることがないので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００６４】
また、本発明によれば、隣接する青果類からの反射光を側方遮光板部材によって遮光することができ、しかも、この側方遮光板部材によって、光源から照射される測定光の照射経路が形成されることになり、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、効率良く遮光されることになり、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
【００６５】
また、本発明によれば、光源からの測定光が遮光板部材に遮光されることなく、遮光板部材に形成されたスリットを介して、青果類に照射することができ、青果類を透過した透過光が、効率良く受光部に受光されるので、さらに測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能である。
さらに、本発明によれば、遮光板が、青果類のサイズに応じて上下動自在に構成されているので、サイズの異なる青果類に対しても、遮光板によって、青果類を透過する透過光以外の光が、効率良く遮光されることになり、測定評価の精度が向上し、正確な測定評価を行うことが可能であるなどの幾多の顕著で特有な作用効果を奏する極めて優れた発明である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１は、本発明の青果類の評価装置の第１の実施例の上面図である。
【図２】図２は、図１のＡ−Ａ線での断面図である。
【図３】図３は、本発明の青果類の評価装置の第２の実施例の上面図である。
【図４】図４は、図３のＡ−Ａ線での断面図、図５は、遮光板の拡大斜視図である。
【図５】図５は、遮光板の拡大斜視図である。
【図６】図６は、本発明の青果類の評価装置の第３の実施例の上面図である。
【図７】図７は、図６のＡ−Ａ線での断面図である。
【図８】図８は、遮光板の拡大斜視図である。
【図９】図９は、本発明の青果類の評価装置の第４の実施例の上面図である。
【図１０】図１０は、図９のＡ−Ａ線での断面図である。
【図１１】図１１は、遮光板の拡大斜視図である。
【図１２】図１２は、従来の単一透過光式の青果類の評価装置の上面図である。
【図１３】図１３は、図１２のＡ−Ａ線での断面図である。
【図１４】図１４は、従来の透過光式の青果類の評価装置の上面図である。
【図１５】図１５は、図１４のＡ−Ａ線での断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１０評価装置
１２搬送ライン
１４ａテーパー面
１４搬送トレイ
１６ａ上方外形
１６青果類
１８評価装置部
２０フレーム
２２光源
２２ａ〜２２ｃ光源
２４受光部
３０遮光板
３２遮光板部材
３２ａ〜３２ｆ遮光板部材
３２ｇ側辺
３３ａ〜３３ｃ下端部
３３ｅ外形
３４ａスリット
１００評価装置
１０２搬送ライン
１０４光源
１０６受光部
１０８青果類
２００評価装置
２０２搬送ライン
２０４ａ光源
２０６受光部
２０８青果類
Ｌ幅
Ｘ搬送方向
Ｙ幅方向
α 角度[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus and an evaluation of fruit and vegetables for optically and nondestructively evaluating (measuring) the internal quality of fruits and vegetables such as sugar content, acidity, and maturity. Regarding the method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various techniques for measuring the internal quality of fruits and vegetables such as fruits and vegetables such as sugar content, acidity, and ripeness from the outside without destroying the fruits and vegetables have been proposed.
As a method for nondestructively measuring the internal quality of fruits and vegetables, there are methods of irradiating fruits and vegetables with near-infrared light, and methods using reflection and methods using transmitted light have been proposed. ing.
[0003]
This method is suitable for measuring reflected light such as peaches, pears and apples with relatively thin epidermis, and the measurement light that has passed through the thin epidermis is reflected by the flesh surface layer and received by the light receiver. This is a method for measuring and evaluating internal quality by analyzing light. However, in the method using the reflected light, since the reflected light in the vicinity of the pulp surface layer portion is received, only the internal quality near the skin can be obtained from the analysis of the obtained reflected light.
[0004]
On the other hand, the evaluation method using transmitted light is suitable for measuring, for example, citrus fruits with relatively thick epidermis, oranges and other citrus fruits, melons, and watermelons. In this method, the transmitted light is received and analyzed by the light receiving unit, and the internal quality is measured and evaluated. This method of using transmitted light analyzes light transmitted through the pulp of fruits and vegetables, and has the advantage that the properties of the pulp can be more accurately evaluated than the method of using reflected light. Are used (see Registered Utility Model No. 3049026, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-139442, etc.).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, as a transmitted light type evaluation apparatus using such transmitted light, a single transmitted light type fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 has been conventionally used.
That is, in the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus 100, the light source 104 is disposed on one side of the transport line 102 in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 102 such as a conveyor. In the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 102, the light receiving unit 106 is disposed on the other side of the transport line 102. As a result, the measurement light emitted from the light source 104 is transmitted through the pulp of the fruits and vegetables 108 and emitted from the opposite side, and the transmitted light is received by the light receiving unit 106 and analyzed by an analysis device (not shown). Is configured to measure and evaluate internal quality.
[0006]
However, in the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus 100 using such a single light source 104, a watermelon is exclusively used for a watermelon, and a mandarin orange is exclusively used for a mandarin orange. For example, the size is relatively large and the fruit and skin are thick. For example, when measuring a mandarin orange, which is a fruit with a relatively small size and a thin fruit or peel, the amount of light to be irradiated and the amount of light to be received are too strong, and accurate measurement can be expected. There wasn't. On the other hand, when watermelon was measured on the mandarin orange line, the amount of light was too weak to expect accurate measurement. That is, if the amount of light is too much or too little, the measurement will be inaccurate. For this reason, for example, even if a watermelon line is vacant in winter, it is difficult to divert it to a mandarin orange.
[0007]
Also, if only diversion of watermelons and mandarin oranges with different harvest times, it can be dealt with by purchasing two evaluation devices and changing the devices for each season, but frequent recombination between varieties with overlapping harvest times. When it is necessary, in order to measure a wide variety of products in one line, it is necessary to prepare as many evaluation devices as the number of devices, which entails enormous costs and makes it difficult to secure a storage location.
[0008]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, an over-evaluated fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus in which a plurality of light sources are arranged in the horizontal direction so that large fruits and vegetables such as size, pulp, and skin thickness can be evaluated. 200 have been proposed.
In the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus 200, a plurality of light sources 204 a to 204 e are arranged in the horizontal direction on one side of the transport line 202 in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 202. Yes. In the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 202, the light receiving unit 206 is disposed on the other side of the transport line 202. As a result, as indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 15, the measurement light emitted from the light sources 204a to 204e passes through the pulp of the fruits and vegetables 208 and is emitted from the opposite side, and this transmitted light is received by the light receiving unit. The internal quality is received and evaluated by an analysis device (not shown), and the internal quality is measured and evaluated.
[0009]
However, in this fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus 200, since a plurality of light sources 204a to 204e are used as compared with the single transmission light-type fruit and vegetables evaluation apparatus 100, the transmitted light can be increased and the size can be increased. It is possible to cope with relatively large fruits and vegetables such as flesh and skin thickness.
However, in the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus 200, the fruits and vegetables 208 are transported on the transport line 202 even during measurement, and a plurality of light sources 204a to 204e are arranged in the horizontal direction. Therefore, when measuring the fruits and vegetables 208 that are moving on the transfer line 202, particularly at the start and end of the measurement, the light receiving unit 206 receives direct light from the light sources arranged in the vicinity, for example, the light sources 204a and 204e. In addition, light other than transmitted light from the periphery of the fruits and vegetables such as reflected light from the fruits and vegetables 208 and reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables 208 is received, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is reduced. It was.
[0010]
In order to avoid such a phenomenon, it can be reduced by shortening the measurement time, but generally the measurement evaluation accuracy is lowered by shortening the measurement time.
In the single transmitted light type fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus 100 described above, since the light source 104 is single, there is relatively little such phenomenon, but light other than the transmitted light is still received. Is supposed to be done.
[0011]
Furthermore, the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus 200 can cope with relatively large fruits and vegetables such as size, flesh, and skin thickness, but is relatively small in size and thin with fruits and skins. However, the amount of light to be irradiated and the amount of light to be received were too strong to perform accurate measurement.
In view of the current situation, the present invention, when measuring fruits and vegetables that are being transported on the transportation line, such as direct light from the light source, reflected light from the fruits and vegetables, reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables No other light than the transmitted light from the surroundings of the fruits and vegetables is received by the light receiving unit, the accuracy of the measurement evaluation is greatly improved, and the evaluation device for fruits and vegetables and the evaluation of the fruits and vegetables that can perform accurate measurement evaluation It aims to provide a method.
[0012]
Further, the present invention provides a fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus and fruit and vegetable that can perform accurate measurement and evaluation with extremely improved accuracy of measurement and evaluation even for fruits and vegetables of various sizes, flesh and skin thickness. The purpose of this is to provide a method for evaluating the kind.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention was invented in order to achieve the above-described problems and objects in the prior art, and the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus according to the present invention is directed to fruit and vegetables conveyed on a conveyance line. A fruit and vegetable evaluation device that evaluates the internal quality of fruits and vegetables by irradiating measurement light from a light source and receiving transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables at a light receiving unit,
In the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line, on one side of the transport line, Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line A plurality of light sources arranged in
And a light receiving portion disposed on the other side of the transport line in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line.
[0014]
Further, in the method for evaluating fruits and vegetables of the present invention, the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the conveyance line are irradiated with measurement light from the light source, and the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables is received by the light receiving unit. A method for evaluating the quality of fruits and vegetables,
In the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line, on one side of the transport line, Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line Irradiate the fruits and vegetables from the multiple light sources placed in
In the width direction Y 1 perpendicular to the transport direction X 1 of the transport line, the light receiving unit disposed on the other side of the transport line receives the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables, thereby It is characterized by evaluating quality.
[0015]
By configuring in this way, in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line, on one side of the transport line, Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line As the fruits and vegetables are irradiated with measurement light from a plurality of light sources arranged in the direct light from the light sources or fruits and vegetables during measurement of the fruits and vegetables being transported on the transportation line, especially at the start and end of the measurement, Light other than the transmitted light from the surroundings of fruits and vegetables, such as reflected light from fruits and vegetables and adjacent fruits and vegetables, is not received by the light receiving unit, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is greatly improved, and accurate measurement evaluation Can be done.
[0016]
Further, the present invention provides the plurality of Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line The light source arranged in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line The angle α between Y and the optical axis in the incident direction of the measurement light Is arranged within a range of 90 ° or less.
Like this Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line The light source arranged in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line The angle α between Y and the optical axis in the incident direction of the measurement light However, if the angle is within 90 °, only the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is received by the light receiving unit. Therefore, the reflected light or the like that reflects the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0017]
In the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention, between the light source and the light receiving unit, light other than the transmitted light that transmits the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit. The light-shielding plate which shields the light of this is arrange | positioned.
In the fruit and vegetable evaluation method of the present invention, the fruit and vegetables are controlled so that light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit by the light shielding plate disposed between the light source and the light receiving unit. It is characterized in that light other than transmitted light that is transmitted is shielded.
[0018]
By configuring in this way, the shading plate disposed between the light source and the light receiving unit allows the surroundings of fruits and vegetables such as direct light from the light source, reflected light from fruits and vegetables, and reflected light from adjacent fruits and vegetables. Light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is blocked. Thereby, since light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0019]
In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the light shielding plate includes a light shielding plate member arranged in parallel with the direction of the conveyance direction X of the conveyance line.
By configuring in this way, light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables around the fruits and vegetables such as the direct light from the light source, the reflected light from the fruits and vegetables, and the reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables is transported. The light is shielded by a light shielding plate member arranged in parallel to the line conveyance direction X. Accordingly, since light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0020]
In the present invention, the light shielding plate is arranged in parallel with the direction of the conveyance direction X of the conveyance line, and a plurality of light shielding plate members arranged in parallel with a certain distance apart in the width direction Y of the conveyance line. It is characterized by providing.
By configuring in this way, a plurality of light shielding plate members transmit the direct light from the light source, the reflected light from the fruits and vegetables, the reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables and the like from the surrounding fruits and vegetables. Light other than light is effectively shielded, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, so that accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0021]
Further, in the present invention, the length of the plurality of light shielding plate members arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval in the width direction of the transport line is a length having a lower end portion along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables. Features.
By configuring in this way, a tunnel-shaped fruit and vegetable passage along the outer shape of the fruit and vegetables is formed in the conveying direction of the conveying line, and the fruits and vegetables conveyed through the conveying line by the light shielding plate member are formed. It will not hurt. Moreover, the light-shielding plate member improves the accuracy of measurement evaluation without affecting the position and posture of fruits and vegetables on the transport line, and enables accurate measurement evaluation.
[0022]
Moreover, the fruits and vegetables from around the fruits and vegetables such as the direct light from the light source, the reflected light from the fruits and vegetables, and the reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables are transmitted between the lower end of the light shielding plate member and the fruits and vegetables. Since no light other than the transmitted light is received by the light receiving unit, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the light shielding plate includes a side light shielding plate member arranged in a width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line.
[0023]
By comprising in this way, the reflected light from adjacent fruit and vegetables can be light-shielded by a side light-shielding board member, and also the irradiation path | route of the measurement light irradiated from a light source by this side light-shielding board member As a result, light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is efficiently shielded, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, so that accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0024]
Moreover, this invention is characterized by the said light-shielding board being provided with the upper light-shielding board member of the shape along the upper external shape of fruits and vegetables.
With this configuration, the upper light shielding plate member allows the light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables from the surroundings such as the direct light from the light source, the reflected light from the fruits and vegetables, and the reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables. Since the light other than is not received by the light receiving unit, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0025]
In addition, a tunnel-shaped fruit and vegetable passage along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables is formed in the conveying direction of the conveying line, and the shading plate member does not damage the fruits and vegetables that are conveyed on the conveying line and blocks light. The plate member improves the accuracy of measurement evaluation without affecting the position and posture of the fruits and vegetables on the transport line, and enables accurate measurement evaluation.
[0026]
In the invention, it is preferable that a slit for irradiating fruits and vegetables with measurement light from a light source is formed in the light shielding plate.
By configuring in this way, the measurement light from the light source can be irradiated to the fruits and vegetables through the slit formed in the light shielding plate without being shielded by the light shielding plate, and the transmitted light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables However, since the light receiving unit efficiently receives light, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0027]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the light shielding plate is configured to be movable up and down according to the size of fruits and vegetables.
With this configuration, even for fruits and vegetables of different sizes, light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is efficiently shielded by the light shielding plate, thereby improving the accuracy of measurement evaluation. It is possible to perform an accurate measurement evaluation.
[0028]
Further, the present invention provides the plurality of Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line The light sources arranged in the above are configured such that a light source for irradiating the fruits and vegetables with measurement light is selected according to the size and type of the fruits and vegetables.
By configuring in this way, the amount of measurement light and transmitted light can be adjusted even for fruits and vegetables of various sizes, flesh and skin thickness, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is improved and accurate. Measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments (examples) of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a whole fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as “evaluation apparatus”).
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the evaluation apparatus 10 includes a transport tray 14 that is continuously spaced in the transport direction X at a predetermined interval on a transport line 12 such as a conveyor. On the upper surface of the transport tray 14, there is a tapered surface 14 a that is inclined outward. On the tapered surface 14 a, for example, fruits and vegetables 16 such as mandarin oranges and apples that are evaluation objects are placed. , And is continuously conveyed in the conveying direction X.
[0031]
In the middle of the transport line 12, an evaluation device unit 18 is provided. The evaluation device section 18 is provided with a frame 20 so as to surround the transport line 12.
A light source 22 is disposed on one side of the transport line 12 in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 12. In this case, the light source 22 is Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line 12 In addition, a plurality of light sources (in this embodiment, three light sources) 22a to 22c are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval.
[0032]
In addition, in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 12, the light receiving unit 24 is disposed on the other side of the transport line 12.
As a result, as indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIGS. 1 and 2, the measurement light (near infrared light) emitted from the light sources 22a to 22c passes through the pulp of the fruits and vegetables 16 and is emitted from the opposite side. The transmitted light is received by the light receiving unit 24 and analyzed by an analysis device (not shown) to measure and evaluate the internal quality.
[0033]
That is, the transmitted light emitted from the fruits and vegetables 16 has a different absorption spectrum depending on the fruits and vegetables, thereby measuring the internal quality such as sugar content, acidity, and ripeness of the fruits and vegetables and inputting the data into the analyzer in advance. It is possible to evaluate the internal quality of fruits and vegetables.
With this configuration, in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X 1 of the transport line 12, on one side of the transport line 12, Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line 12 The fruits and vegetables 16 are irradiated with measurement light from a plurality of light sources 22a to 22c arranged in the above.
[0034]
Therefore, at the time of measuring the fruits and vegetables 16 being transported on the transport line 12, particularly at the start and end of measurement, direct light from the light sources 22a to 22c, reflected light from the fruits and vegetables 16, and adjacent fruits and vegetables 16 Light other than the transmitted light from the periphery of fruits and vegetables such as reflected light from the fruit and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit 24, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is greatly improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0035]
In this case, multiple Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line 12 As shown in FIG. 1, the light sources 22 a to 22 c arranged in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 12 The angle α between Y and the optical axis in the incident direction of the measurement light However, it is preferable to be arranged within a range of 90 °.
That is, multiple in this way Only in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer line 12 The light sources 22a to 22c arranged in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 12 The angle α between Y and the optical axis in the incident direction of the measurement light Is within the range of 90 °, the measurement light emitted from the light sources 22a to 22c is not reflected by the fruits and vegetables 16 and reaches the light receiving unit 24, as shown in FIG. Only the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables 16 is received by.
[0036]
Therefore, the reflected light that reflects the fruits and vegetables 16 is not received by the light receiving unit 24, the accuracy of the measurement evaluation is further improved, and the accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
In this case, the number and arrangement position of the light sources 22a to 22c are not particularly limited as long as the angle α is within the above range, and may be appropriately selected according to the type and size of the fruits and vegetables 16. Good.
[0037]
In addition, by providing a plurality of light sources 22a to 22c in this way, sufficient amount of measurement light and transmitted light can be ensured even for large fruits and vegetables such as size, flesh and skin thickness. , Accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
Furthermore, when projecting measurement light from the light sources 22a to 22c, it is preferable to adjust the amount of light according to the transmittance and size depending on the type of fruits and vegetables 16. Such adjustment of the amount of irradiation light depends on the type and size of the fruits and vegetables 16, for example, for small-sized fruits and vegetables 16 such as mandarin oranges and tomatoes, only one light source, medium-sized fruits and vegetables such as peaches and apples. The number of light sources 22a to 22c to be lit is changed by a control device (not shown), such as turning on three light sources for large fruits and vegetables 16 such as two light sources, watermelons, and melons. What is necessary is just composition.
[0038]
Further, when adjusting the number of lights to be turned on, the light sources 22a to 22c may be turned on, for example, every other piece or two pieces so that the fruits and vegetables 16 can be projected from various angles. Good. In addition, the light sources 22 a to 22 c may be configured to change the angle (orientation) so as to collect light at the center of the fruits and vegetables 16 according to the size of the fruits and vegetables 16.
[0039]
3 is a top view of the second embodiment of the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the light shielding plate. .
The evaluation apparatus 10 of this embodiment has basically the same configuration as the evaluation apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components. Detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0040]
In the evaluation apparatus 10 of this embodiment, light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables 16 is not received by the light receiving unit 24 between the light sources 22a to 22c and the light receiving unit 24 above the transport line 12. A light shielding plate 30 that shields light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables 16 is disposed.
In this embodiment, the light shielding plate 30 is arranged in parallel with the direction of the conveyance direction X of the conveyance line 12 and a plurality of light shielding plates arranged in parallel with a certain distance in the width direction Y of the conveyance line 12. A member 32 is provided.
[0041]
That is, in this embodiment, four light shielding plate members 32 a to 32 d are arranged above the transport line 12 in parallel with a predetermined distance from the light source 22 side in the width direction Y of the transport line 12. Are arranged so as to be located on a line connecting the light source 22 and the light receiving unit 24.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the lengths of the light shielding plate members 32 a to 32 d are configured to have the lower ends 33 a to 33 d along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables 16. .
[0042]
In order to prevent the fruits and vegetables 16 conveyed through the conveying line 12 from being damaged by the light shielding plate members 32a to 32d, the lower end portions 33a to 33d of the light shielding plate members 32a to 32d are used. It is desirable that the position of the fruit and vegetables 16 is a length along the outline of the fruits and vegetables 16 or slightly longer than the outline of the fruits and vegetables 16.
[0043]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, slits 34 a to 34 d for irradiating fruits and vegetables with measurement light from the light source 22 are formed in these light shielding plate members 32 a to 32 d.
The width L of the slits 34a to 34d is appropriately set according to the size of the fruits and vegetables 16, the amount of measurement light projected from the light sources 22a to 22c, and is particularly limited. is not.
[0044]
By comprising in this way, the surroundings of fruits and vegetables, such as the direct light from light sources 22a-22c, the reflected light from fruits and vegetables 16, and the reflected light from adjacent fruits and vegetables 16, by several light-shielding plate members 32a-32d. Light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables 16 is arranged in parallel with the direction of the conveyance direction X of the conveyance line 12 and is arranged in parallel with a certain interval in the width direction Y of the conveyance line 12. The light shielding plate members 32a to 32d are efficiently shielded from light.
[0045]
Therefore, since light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables 16 is not received by the light receiving portion, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
In addition, since the lengths of the light shielding plate members 32 a to 32 d are the lengths having the lower end portions 33 a to 33 d along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables 16, the length of the light shielding plate members 32 a to 32 d is along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables 16 in the transport direction X of the transport line 12. Thus, a tunnel-shaped fruit and vegetables passage route is formed, and the shading plate member does not damage the fruit and vegetables 16 conveyed on the conveying line. In addition, the light shielding plate members 32a to 32d can improve the accuracy of measurement evaluation without affecting the position and posture of the fruits and vegetables 16 on the transport line 12, and can perform accurate measurement evaluation.
[0046]
Further, direct light from the light sources 22 a to 22 c, reflected light from the fruits and vegetables 16, reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables 16 from between the lower end portions 33 a to 33 d of the light shielding plate members 32 a to 32 d and the fruits and vegetables 16. Since light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables 16 from the periphery of the fruits and vegetables such as the light and the like is not received by the light receiving unit, the accuracy of the measurement evaluation is further improved, and the accurate measurement evaluation can be performed. is there.
[0047]
Furthermore, since the light shielding plate members 32a to 32d are formed with slits 34a to 34d for irradiating the fruits and vegetables with the measurement light from the light source 22, the measurement light from the light sources 22a to 22c is transmitted to the light shielding plate members 32a to 32d. The fruits and vegetables 16 can be irradiated through the slits 34a to 34d formed in the light shielding plate members 32a to 32d without being shielded by 32d, and the transmitted light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables 16 is efficiently received by the light receiving unit. Therefore, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0048]
The light shielding plate members 32a to 32d affect the position and posture of the fruits and vegetables 16 on the transport line 12 so as not to damage the fruits and vegetables 16 that are transported on the transport line 12. In order to prevent the measurement light from being projected, the material may be made of a soft material that can shield the measurement light projected from the light source 22, and is not particularly limited. For example, rubber, cloth, synthetic resin film Etc. can be used. Further, although not shown, the light shielding plate members 32a to 32d can be formed of, for example, a saddle-shaped member.
[0049]
Further, according to the type and size of the fruits and vegetables 16, the light shielding plate 30 may be configured to be movable up and down by a driving mechanism such as a servo motor (not shown). By configuring in this way, even for the fruits and vegetables 16 having different sizes, the light shielding plate 30 can efficiently shield light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables. It is possible to improve and perform accurate measurement evaluation.
[0050]
6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a light shielding plate. .
The evaluation apparatus 10 of this embodiment has basically the same configuration as the evaluation apparatus 10 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and the same components are the same. Reference numerals are assigned and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0051]
In the evaluation apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the light shielding plates 30 are arranged in parallel with the direction of the conveyance direction X of the conveyance line 12 and are arranged in parallel with a certain distance in the width direction Y of the conveyance line 12. (In this embodiment, three) light shielding plate members 32a to 32c.
Further, the light shielding plate member 32 a on the light source 22 side includes a pair of side light shielding plate members 32 e and 32 f arranged in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line 12. The distance between the side light shielding plate members 32e and 32f is the same as the opening width of the slits 34a to 34d described above.
[0052]
The side edges 32g and 32h on the fruit and vegetables side of the side light shielding plate members 32e and 32f are configured to have outer shapes 33e to 33f along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables 16, respectively. In addition, a plurality of cuts 35a and 35b are formed in these side edges 32g and 32h so that the fruits and vegetables 16 can easily move when moving on the transport line 12 in the transport direction X.
[0053]
With this configuration, the reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables 16 can be shielded by the side light shielding plate members 32e and 32f, and the light sources 22a to 22c can be obtained by the side light shielding plate members 32e and 32f. The measurement light irradiation path is formed, and light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is efficiently shielded. Further, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is improved and accurate measurement is performed. An evaluation can be performed.
[0054]
9 is a top view of the fourth embodiment of the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the light shielding plate. .
The evaluation apparatus 10 of this embodiment has basically the same configuration as the evaluation apparatus 10 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and the same components are the same. Reference numerals are assigned and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0055]
In the evaluation apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the light shielding plate 30 includes a light shielding plate member 32b disposed on the light receiving unit 24 side in parallel with the conveyance direction X of the conveyance line 12.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the upper light shielding plate having a curved surface (arc shape) inclined along the upper outer shape 16a of the fruits and vegetables 16 from the upper end of the light shielding plate member 32b toward the light source 22 side. A member 32a is provided. Further, a slit 34a is formed in the upper light shielding plate member 32a. The upper light shielding plate member 32a may be made of a member harder than the light shielding plate member 32b in order to maintain the curved surface shape.
[0056]
With this configuration, the light shielding plate members 32a and 32b allow direct light from the light sources 22a to 22c, reflected light from the fruits and vegetables 16, reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables 16, and the like from around the fruits and vegetables. Light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables 16 is efficiently blocked.
Therefore, since light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables 16 is not received by the light receiving portion, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0057]
Moreover, the tunnel-shaped fruit and vegetables along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables 16 in the transport direction X of the transport line 12 by the light-shielding plate member 32 b and the curved upper-shaped light shielding plate member 32 a inclined along the upper outer shape 16 a of the fruits and vegetables 16. As a result, a light path 16 is not damaged by the light shielding plate members 32a and 32b. In addition, the light shielding plate members 32a and 32b can improve the accuracy of measurement evaluation without affecting the position and posture of the fruits and vegetables 16 on the transport line 12, and can perform accurate measurement evaluation.
[0058]
Further, since the slits 34a for irradiating the fruits and vegetables with the measurement light from the light source 22 are formed in the light shielding plate members 32a and 32b, the measurement light from the light sources 22a to 22c is shielded by the light shielding plate member 32a. Without being able to irradiate the fruits and vegetables 16 through the slits 34a formed in the upper light shielding plate member 32a, the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables 16 is efficiently received by the light receiving unit. The accuracy of measurement evaluation is improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0059]
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement and shape of the light shielding plate member of the light shielding plate are not limited to those of the above embodiment. In addition, any shape or arrangement that can shield light other than transmitted light so as not to enter the light receiving portion may be used, and various shapes and arrangements can be applied. It can be changed.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line, on one side of the transport line, Only in the vertical direction relative to the transfer line As the fruits and vegetables are irradiated with measurement light from a plurality of light sources arranged in the direct light from the light sources or fruits and vegetables during measurement of the fruits and vegetables being transported on the transportation line, especially at the start and end of the measurement, Light other than the transmitted light from the surroundings of fruits and vegetables, such as reflected light from fruits and vegetables and adjacent fruits and vegetables, is not received by the light receiving unit, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is greatly improved, and accurate measurement evaluation Can be done.
[0061]
Also, according to the present invention, a plurality of Only in the vertical direction relative to the transfer line The light source arranged in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line The angle α between Y and the optical axis in the incident direction of the measurement light However, since it is within a range of 90 °, only the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is received by the light receiving unit. Accordingly, the reflected light that reflects the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit, and the accuracy of the measurement evaluation is further improved, so that accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0062]
Further, according to the present invention, by the light shielding plate disposed between the light source and the light receiving unit, the surroundings of fruits and vegetables such as direct light from the light source, reflected light from fruits and vegetables, reflected light from adjacent fruits and vegetables Light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is blocked. Thereby, since light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0063]
In addition, according to the present invention, a tunnel-shaped fruit and vegetable passage along the outer shape of the fruit and vegetables is formed in the conveying direction of the conveying line, and the fruits and vegetables conveyed through the conveying line by the light shielding plate member. It will not hurt. Moreover, the light-shielding plate member improves the accuracy of measurement evaluation without affecting the position and posture of fruits and vegetables on the transport line, and enables accurate measurement evaluation. Moreover, the fruits and vegetables from around the fruits and vegetables such as the direct light from the light source, the reflected light from the fruits and vegetables, and the reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables are transmitted between the lower end of the light shielding plate member and the fruits and vegetables. Since no light other than the transmitted light is received by the light receiving unit, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0064]
Further, according to the present invention, the reflected light from the adjacent fruits and vegetables can be shielded by the side light shielding plate member, and the irradiation path of the measurement light emitted from the light source by the side light shielding plate member is also provided. As a result, light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is efficiently shielded, and the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, so that accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
[0065]
Further, according to the present invention, the measuring light from the light source can be irradiated to the fruits and vegetables through the slit formed in the light shielding plate member without being shielded by the light shielding plate member, and transmitted through the fruits and vegetables. Since the transmitted light is efficiently received by the light receiving section, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is further improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the light shielding plate is configured to be movable up and down in accordance with the size of the fruits and vegetables, the light transmitted through the fruits and vegetables by the light shielding plate is also provided for fruits and vegetables of different sizes. It is an extremely excellent invention that has many distinctive and distinctive effects such as that light other than the light is effectively shielded, the accuracy of measurement evaluation is improved, and accurate measurement evaluation can be performed. is there.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for evaluating fruits and vegetables according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a second embodiment of the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a light shielding plate.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a light shielding plate.
FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a light shielding plate.
FIG. 9 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a light shielding plate.
FIG. 12 is a top view of a conventional single transmitted light type fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a top view of a conventional transmitted light type fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Evaluation equipment
12 Transport line
14a Tapered surface
14 Transport tray
16a Upper profile
16 Fruits and vegetables
18 Evaluation unit
20 frames
22 Light source
22a-22c light source
24 Light receiver
30 Shading plate
32 Shading plate member
32a to 32f light shielding plate member
32g side
33a-33c lower end
33e Outline
34a slit
100 Evaluation equipment
102 Conveyance line
104 Light source
106 Light receiver
108 Fruits and vegetables
200 Evaluation equipment
202 Transport line
204a Light source
206 Light receiver
208 Fruits and vegetables
L width
X Transport direction
Y width direction
α angle

Claims

Evaluation of fruits and vegetables that evaluate the internal quality of fruits and vegetables by irradiating measurement light from the light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the transportation line and receiving the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit A device,
In the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line, on one side of the transport line, a plurality of light sources arranged only in the vertical direction with respect to the transport line ;
A fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus comprising: a light receiving portion arranged on the other side of the transport line in a width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line.

The plurality of light sources arranged only in the vertical direction with respect to the transport line have an angle α formed by the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line and the optical axis in the incident direction of the measurement light is 90 The fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is disposed within a range of within ±.

Between the light source and the light receiving unit, a light shielding plate for shielding light other than transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is disposed so that light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit. The fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein

The fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light shielding plate includes a light shielding plate member disposed in parallel with a conveyance direction X of the conveyance line.

The light-shielding plate includes a plurality of light-shielding plate members that are arranged in parallel with the conveyance direction X of the conveyance line and arranged in parallel with a certain interval in the width direction Y of the conveyance line. The apparatus for evaluating fruits and vegetables according to claim 4.

6. The length of the plurality of light-shielding plate members arranged parallel to each other in the width direction of the transport line is a length having a lower end portion along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables. The fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus described in 1.

The fruit and vegetables according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the light shielding plate includes a side light shielding plate member arranged in a width direction Y perpendicular to a transport direction X of the transport line. Evaluation device.

The fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light shielding plate includes an upper light shielding plate member having a shape along an upper outer shape of the fruits and vegetables.

The fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein a slit for irradiating the fruit and vegetables with measurement light from a light source is formed in the light shielding plate.

The fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the light shielding plate is configured to be movable up and down in accordance with the size of the fruit and vegetables.

The plurality of light sources arranged only in the vertical direction with respect to the transport line are configured such that a light source that irradiates the fruits and vegetables with measurement light is selected according to the size and type of the fruits and vegetables. The fruit and vegetable evaluation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

Evaluation of fruits and vegetables that evaluate the internal quality of fruits and vegetables by irradiating measurement light from the light source to the fruits and vegetables conveyed on the transportation line and receiving the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables at the light receiving unit A method,
In the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line , measurement light for fruits and vegetables from a plurality of light sources arranged on one side of the transport line only in the vertical direction with respect to the transport line Irradiate
In the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line, the light receiving unit arranged on the other side of the transport line receives the transmitted light that has passed through the fruits and vegetables, thereby A method for evaluating fruits and vegetables characterized by evaluating quality.

The plurality of light sources arranged only in the vertical direction with respect to the transport line have an angle α formed by the width direction Y perpendicular to the transport direction X of the transport line and the optical axis in the incident direction of the measurement light is 90 The method for evaluating fruits and vegetables according to claim 12, wherein the fruits and vegetables are arranged within a range of 0 °.

The light shielding plate disposed between the light source and the light receiving unit shields light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables so that light other than the transmitted light that passes through the fruits and vegetables is not received by the light receiving unit. 14. The method for evaluating fruits and vegetables according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

The light-shielding plate includes a plurality of light-shielding plate members that are arranged in parallel with the conveyance direction X of the conveyance line and arranged in parallel with a certain interval in the width direction Y of the conveyance line. The method for evaluating fruits and vegetables according to claim 14.

16. The length of the plurality of light shielding plate members arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval in the width direction of the transport line is a length having a lower end portion along the outer shape of the fruits and vegetables. The method for evaluating fruits and vegetables described in 1.

The fruit and vegetables according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the light shielding plate includes a side light shielding plate member arranged in a width direction Y perpendicular to a transport direction X of the transport line. Evaluation methods.

The fruit and vegetables evaluation method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the light shielding plate includes an upper light shielding plate member having a shape along an upper outer shape of the fruits and vegetables.

The fruit and vegetable evaluation method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein a slit for irradiating the fruit and vegetables with measurement light from a light source is formed in the light shielding plate.

The fruit and vegetable evaluation method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the shading plate is configured to be movable up and down according to the size of the fruit and vegetables.