JP6630481B2 - Automatic fruit sorting equipment - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus provided with a fruit and vegetable placing body on which fruit and vegetable can be placed upon automatic fruit and vegetable sorting.

  Large-sized fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, oranges, oranges, onions, kiwis, persimmons, etc., large-sized fruits and vegetables such as melons, watermelons, etc. Various fruits and vegetables, such as fruits and vegetables that are easily damaged such as strawberries, are brought to a fruit sorting yard after harvesting, and the operator visually selects the presence or absence of damage, coloring, deformation, etc. at the sorting yard, and shapes, sizes, sugar content, etc. (Equivalent rank) is measured by a measuring instrument, and the fruits and vegetables are discriminated by the same rank based on the measurement result, the fruits and vegetables after the determination are sorted by the same rank, and the sorted fruits and vegetables are shipped in boxes.

  In order to sort the fruits and vegetables, an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus is used. As a fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device, a fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device developed earlier by the present applicant is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5).

  A conventional fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device has a large number of fruit and vegetable carriers mounted on an endless chain, and the fruit and vegetable carrier travels with the rotation of the endless chain and automatically transports the fruits and vegetables placed on the fruit vegetable carrier. can do. The fruits and vegetables placed on the fruit-bearing body are measured in shape and size during transportation, are determined to the predetermined class of predetermined standards, and when further transported, the fruits and vegetables determined by the same class are determined. In accordance with the above, the fruits are sent out to the side in the traveling direction of fruits and vegetables so that they can be sorted by grade.

  The fruit and vegetable loading body is a belt conveyor type in which a belt is rotatably wound around a frame that can be attached to an endless chain.During transport, the belt rotates sideways in the transport direction according to the result of equal grade discrimination, and The fruits and vegetables are sent out in the direction of rotation of the belt (sorted by grade), and the belt is rotated in the reverse direction to return to the original position during the transfer after the feeding (after sorting). As a fruit and vegetable mounting body, there are known ones provided with one belt and two or more belts (for example, Patent Document 6).

JP 2011-173122 A JP 2011-102175 A JP 2011-037550 A JP 2010-115654 A JP 2008-285328 A JP 2014-231057 A

  In the conventional fruit-carrying body, since the upper running portion of the belt is horizontal or substantially horizontal, the fruit on the fruit-carrying body sometimes rolls in the transport direction (the width direction of the belt) during the fruit vegetable transport. If the roll is displaced, in the case of fragrant fruits such as strawberries, they may be scratched or lose their shape. In addition, since the fruits and vegetables conveyed to the measuring unit are sent to the measuring unit with their positions shifted, when the photograph of the fruits is photographed from directly above with the camera of the measuring unit, the difference between the captured image and the actual shape and size of the fruits and vegetables This causes a measurement error and reduces measurement accuracy.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is that during transportation, the fruits and vegetables on the body are hardly rolled to the side in the transport direction, and the fruits and vegetables that can be easily damaged such as strawberries can be transported without being displaced without damaging them. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus having a loading body .

[Fruit vegetable body]
The fruit and vegetable mounting body of the present application is a belt conveyor type in which a belt is reciprocally rotatable around a frame, the frame is attached to an endless chain, and the belt moves in the traveling direction along with the traveling of the endless chain, and the belt It is possible to transport the fruits and vegetables placed on the upper traveling portion in the traveling direction, and the belt is provided in parallel with the fruit and vegetables transport direction as a set of two, said one set of two belts, The outer side in the width direction of the upper running portion of each belt is provided to be inclined upward from the inside upward, so that one fruit can be put on the upper running portion of the two belts. .

The fruit and vegetable mounting body of the present application is a belt conveyor type in which a belt is reciprocally rotatable around a frame, the frame is attached to an endless chain, and the belt moves in the traveling direction along with the traveling of the endless chain, and the belt It is capable of transporting fruit and vegetables placed on the upper traveling portion in the traveling direction, and a belt is provided in parallel with the fruit and vegetable transport direction as a set of three or more, and among the three or more of the set, At least both outer belts are provided so that the outer side in the width direction of the upper running part of each belt is upwardly inclined upward from the inside, and one fruit vegetable is straddled on the upper running part of three or more belts. It may be one that can be used. In this case, the arrangement interval of three or more belts, the height difference, the inclination angle of both outer belts, etc., the bottom surface of the fruit vegetables placed on both outer belts, the upper running part of the inner belt between both outer belts Can be set so as to contact or float without contact.

  The fruit resting body is provided with a backrest above the upper running portion of the belt, and among the upper running portions of the belt, one fruit can be placed on the front side in the fruit fruit sending direction by the belt rather than the backrest. A mounting portion may be provided.

  The fruit vegetable mounting portion may be provided so as to straddle all or a part of two or more belts of each set.

  The backrest is provided so as to extend over two or more belts of each set individually or over all or a part of the two or more belts, and to move in the rotational direction with the reciprocating rotation of the belts. You can also.

  The belt is provided on the frame so as to face diagonally rearward, and when the frame is attached to the endless chain, the running direction of the endless chain is set so as to face diagonally rearward, and the fruits and vegetables placed on the fruit and vegetable mounting portion of the belt Can be sent obliquely rearward in the fruit and vegetable transport direction by rotating the belt obliquely rearward (forward rotation).

[Automatic fruit sorting equipment]
The fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention is an endless chain that circulates in a direction of traveling upward-traveling downward-traveling upward, in a traveling direction thereof, a fruit carrier transporting body provided with a large number of fruit vegetable placing bodies, and an operator transfers fruits and vegetables. The result of discriminating the supply area to be placed, the fruit / vegetables placed in the supply area, the measurement / discrimination area for measuring the shape, size, etc. of the fruit / vegetables placed on the body and discriminating the class, An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus provided with a sorting area for sending to a belt conveyor-type pool conveyor or relay device on the side of the fruit and vegetable traveling direction from the fruit and vegetable placing body in accordance with the above, wherein any one of the fruit and vegetable placing bodies is attached to an endless chain. It is a thing.

  In the pool conveyor, a belt is rotatably circulated, and at least the number of equal grades can be provided on the side of the sorting area in the transport direction with a work interval in the transport direction.

  The pool conveyor is intermittently rotated each time fruit and vegetables are sent from the fruit and vegetable carrier, so that a space for at least one fruit and vegetable can be secured on the pool conveyor, and the fruit and vegetables fed from the fruit vegetable carrier by rotating the belt are included in the pool conveyor. It may be one that can be pulled on the belt.

  The fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device is provided with a button traveling body having a large number of determination buttons for inputting a result of a visual determination performed by an operator who puts the fruit and vegetables on the side of the fruit and vegetable transporting body. The fruit transporter is provided in a section from the fruit vegetable loading area of the fruit transporter to the front of the sorting area, and the button traveling body is configured such that the discriminating buttons run in parallel with the set of belts during traveling thereof. It is better to run at a constant speed.

[Fruit vegetable body]
The fruit and vegetable mounting body of the present application has the following effects according to the configuration.
(1) Since two belts are provided so that the outer side in the width direction of the upper running portion of the belt is upwardly inclined upward from the inside, one fruit and vegetable is straddled on the upper running portions of the two belts. Thus, the belt is supported at two points by the two belts, and is stable, and does not easily roll laterally in the transport direction. In the case of the two-point support, the contact area of the fruit and vegetable on the belt is reduced, so that the fruit and vegetable are not easily scratched by contact with the belt.
(2) Since at least both outer belts of the three or more belts are provided so that the outer side in the width direction of the upper running portion of the belt is inclined upward from the inner side, one fruit vegetable is formed on both outer belts. The belts inside the belts are laid on the upper running section and supported by the belts (in the case of three belts, three points are supported) and stabilized. It becomes difficult to roll. Also in the case of the above-mentioned support, since the contact area of the fruit and vegetable with the belt is narrowed, it is difficult for the fruit and vegetable to be abraded due to the contact with the belt. (3) The fruit and vegetable mounting portion extends over all or a part of two or more belts. In this case, it is easy to put the fruits and vegetables on the fruit and vegetable mounting portion. Because the fruits and vegetables are dispersed and supported by two or more belts, the fruits and vegetables are placed on the belt compared to the conventional fruit and vegetable mounting body where the fruits and vegetables are placed on the upper running part of a horizontal or substantially horizontal belt The contact area is small, and scratches due to contact with the belt are less likely to occur.
(4) In the case where a backrest that moves with the belt is provided behind the fruit and vegetable mounting portion, the backrest can be placed on the fruit and vegetable mounting portion with reference to positioning, so that the fruit and vegetable can be easily placed on the fruit and vegetable mounting portion. . In addition, the fruits and vegetables can be placed in a row or almost in a row on a large number of fruits and vegetables placed on the endless chain, and the loaded fruits and vegetables can be supported from the rear, so that the fruits and vegetables are displaced during transportation. Because it is difficult to carry, it can be conveyed in a line or almost in a line and sent to the measuring and discriminating unit, so the measuring instrument provided above the fruit and vegetable carrier in the measuring and discriminating area, the shape and size of the fruit and vegetables Can be accurately measured, and the measurement accuracy is improved. In addition, when the fed fruits and vegetables are not easily transferred to the pool conveyor or the relay device, the fruits and vegetables are pushed by the backrest, so that the transfer is assured.
(5) When the belt is provided obliquely rearward in the running direction of the endless chain so that the fruits and vegetables can be sent obliquely rearward in the running direction of the endless chain, the inertia of the fed fruits and vegetables in the transport direction is reduced. Fruits and vegetables sent to the pool conveyor or the relay device are hard to roll.

The fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention has the following effects according to its configuration.
(1) Since the fruit and vegetable placing body of the present invention capable of achieving the above effects is provided, the effect of the fruit and vegetable placing body is exhibited.
(2) When pool conveyors are provided in the running direction of the endless chain at least for each rank, fruits and vegetables determined in the same rank can be surely sorted according to the rank.
(3) When the pool conveyor is rotated intermittently each time fruit is fed to secure a fruit receiving area, fruit fed later collides with fruit fed first and pooled on the pool conveyor. And does not suffer any push damage due to collision.
(4) Since the fruits and vegetables can be drawn on the belt by rotating the belt of the pool conveyor, the fruits and vegetables can be handed over reliably.
(5) When a discrimination button for inputting the result of the visual discrimination is provided, scratches and colors of a portion that cannot be measured by the measuring instrument (the bottom side of the fruit and vegetable) are also considered as items of the class classification, so that high accuracy is provided. Can be used to determine the class.
(6) If the button traveling body provided with the discrimination button is provided in a section from the supply area to the front of the sorting area, the button traveling body does not hinder the sorting of fruits and vegetables in the sorting area.

The perspective view which shows an example of a fruit-and-vegetables mounting body when a belt is set as a set of three. FIG. 2 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the fruit and vegetable mounting body shown in FIG. 1. (A) is a top view of the fruit-vegetables mounting body shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a bottom view of (a). FIG. 2 is an end view of a portion of the fruit and vegetable mounting body shown in FIG. 1 excluding a frame. (A) is an explanatory diagram when the belt is rotated forward by a slide pin provided on the bottom surface of the lower traveling portion of the belt, and (b) is a case where the belt is rotated backward by a slide pin provided on the bottom surface of the lower traveling portion of the belt. FIG. (A) is an explanatory view of the case where the belt is rotated forward by a slide pin provided on the bottom surface of the upper running portion of the belt, and (b) is a case where the belt is rotated backward by a slide pin provided on the bottom surface of the upper running portion of the belt. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a fruit and vegetable mounting body in a case where a pair of belts is used. (A) is an end view showing a state where fruits and vegetables are put on a set of three belts, and (b) is an end view showing a state where fruits and vegetables are put on a set of two belts. (A) is a perspective view showing an example in a case where two sets of three belts are provided in a frame, and (b) is a perspective view showing an example in a case where two sets of two belts are provided in a frame. The top view which shows an example of the fruit and vegetable automatic sorter of this invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a guide groove. (A) is a partial side view of the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device of the present invention in which a relay is provided, and (b) is a plan view of a part of the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device provided with a relay.

( Reference example 1 of the fruit-carrying body)
An example of the fruit and vegetable mounting body 1 of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. The fruit and vegetable placing body 1 of the present application is of a belt conveyor type in which a belt 5 is reciprocally rotatable around a frame 3, and the frame 3 is attached to an endless chain 2 (FIG. 10). Accordingly, it moves in the traveling direction, and the fruit vegetables A placed on the upper traveling portion 5x (FIGS. 5A, 6B and 6A, 6B) of the belt 5 can be transported in the traveling direction. It is something. As an example, the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a frame provided with three belts 5a to 5c.

[Fruit vegetable frame]
As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 3 includes a base portion 3a having a polygonal shape in a plan view, and fixed pieces 3b projecting downward at both ends in the width direction of the base portion 3a. The base portion 3a has an elongated hole 6 (FIG. 3B) which is elongated in the longitudinal direction, and a slide pin 7 (FIG. 3B) protrudes from the elongated hole 6 below the base portion 3a. I have to do it. Two fixing holes 3c are opened in each fixing piece 3b so that a fixing member can be inserted and fixed when fixing to the endless chain 2 (FIG. 10). Four support portions 9 for holding the rotating roller 10 (FIG. 1) are provided upright on the base portion 3a. For convenience of description, in the present application, the four support portions 9 are referred to as a first support portion 9a, a second support portion 9b, a third support portion 9c, and a fourth support portion 9d in order from the left in the drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first to fourth support portions 9a to 9d includes upright portions 12a to 12d and inclined portions 13a to 13d. Between the inclined portion 13a of the first support portion 9a and the inclined portion 13b of the second support portion 9b, one roller (two in total) is provided at each of both ends in the longitudinal direction (for convenience of explanation, the "first roller"). ) 10a and 10b are pivotally supported. The first rollers 10a and 10b have one end of the support shaft supported by the inclined portion 13a of the first support portion 9a and the other end supported by the inclined portion 13b of the second support portion 9b. It is supported in a state of being inclined obliquely inward as shown in FIG.

[Rotating roller for fruits and vegetables]
Between the upright portion 12b of the second support portion 9b and the upright portion 12c of the third support portion 9c, there are two stages (four in total) of rotating rollers at both ends in the longitudinal direction (for the sake of convenience, the "second roller"). 10c to 10f are pivotally supported. Each of the second rollers 10c to 10f has one end of its support shaft supported by the upright portion 12b of the second support portion 9b and the other end supported by the upright portion 12c of the third support portion 9c. As shown in FIG.

  Between the inclined portion 13c of the third support portion 9c and the inclined portion 13d of the fourth support portion 9d, one roller (two in total) is provided at each of both ends in the longitudinal direction (for the sake of convenience, the "third roller"). 10g and 10h are pivotally supported. Each of the third rollers 10g and 10h has one end of its support shaft supported by the inclined portion 13c of the third support portion 9c and the other end supported by the inclined portion 13d of the fourth support portion 9d. It is supported in a state of being inclined obliquely inward as shown in FIG.

  Of the rotating rollers 10a to 10h, the rollers 10a, 10c, 10d, and 10g on the forward side in the feeding direction of the conveyor belt are configured to protrude outside the fixed pieces 3b of the frame 3. In this way, by projecting the rollers 10a, 10c, 10d, and 10g on the forward side in the delivery direction outward from the fixed pieces 3b of the frame 3, the gap between the tip of the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 in the delivery direction and the pool conveyor 25 is provided. The gap can be minimized, and it is possible to prevent the fruit Vegetable A from being damaged by fitting the fruit Vegetable A into the gap between the tip of the fruit vegetable placing body 1 in the feeding direction and the pool conveyor 25.

[Vegetables carrying body belt]
An endless belt (referred to as “first belt”) 5a is provided on the outer periphery of the first rollers 10a and 10b, and an endless belt (referred to as “first belt”) is provided on the outer periphery of the second rollers 10c to 10f. An endless belt (referred to as a "third belt") 5c is wound around the outer periphery of the third rollers 10g and 10h. The first belt 5a to the third belt 5c are reciprocating rotary belts 5. In addition, the endless shape referred to here means not only the case where the belt 5 itself is looped around, but also a shape in which the ends of the belt 5 are connected to each other by a connecting means to form a ring, or a plurality of belt pieces are connected to a plurality of belts. It is meant to include a ring formed by connecting with a connecting means.

  The first belt 5a to the third belt 5c are wound around with tension, and each of the upper traveling portion 5x (FIGS. 5A and 5B and FIGS. 6A and 6B) and the lower traveling portion 5y. Are not bent unnecessarily. Here, the upper running portion 5x and the lower running portion 5y are a relative concept. If the upper running portion 5x above the rotating roller 10 goes around below the rotating roller 10, the portion concerned becomes the lower running portion 5y. When the lower traveling portion 5y below the rotating roller 10 wraps around the rotating roller 10, the portion becomes the upper traveling portion 5x. The belt 5 preferably has a cushioning property from the viewpoint of preventing damage to fruit and vegetables. Also, in order to make it easy to wipe off the belt dirt and other dirt due to the infiltration of fruit juice, it is difficult to absorb moisture, for example, an elastic material such as a sponge coated on both front and back surfaces or one surface with a non-water absorbing material or those Are preferred.

[Diagonally backward]
When the frame 3 is attached to the endless chain 2, the forward end of the belt 5 circulated by the rotating roller 10 in the sending direction (the rotating rollers 10 a, 10 c, 10 d, and 10 g side) is connected to the endless chain 2. The fruit vegetables A can be sent obliquely rearward in the traveling direction of the endless chain 2 by the rotation of these belts 5. By allowing the fruit vegetables A to be sent obliquely rearward in the running direction of the endless chain 2, the inertial force acting in the running direction of the endless chain 1 can be reduced, and the rolling of the fruit vegetables A at the time of feeding can be prevented.

[The backrest of the vegetable and the vegetable placement part]
In this reference example , three belts 5a to 5c are set as one set, and the upper running portion 5x of the three belts 5a to 5c (FIGS. 5A and 6B and FIGS. 6A and 6B). Is provided with a backrest 11. The backrest 11 is arranged to straddle three belts 5a to 5c, and a fruit vegetable mounting portion 20 (for example, as shown in FIG. (Indicated by a virtual line). The fruit and vegetable mounting portion 20 is provided so as to straddle the three belts 5a to 5c. When the fruit and vegetable A is placed on the fruit and vegetable mounting portion 20, the fruit and vegetable A is supported at three points of the three belts 5a to 5c. It is like that. By providing the backrest 11, it is possible to prevent the fruit vegetables A from falling backward or displaced rearward in the fruit vegetable sending direction, and to send the fruit vegetables A to the pool conveyor 25 reliably. In addition, it can be used as a mark for positioning when the fruit vegetable A is placed on the fruit vegetable mounting part 20.

  The backrest 11 is connected to all of the three belts 5a to 5c by a fixture (not shown), and when the belts 5a to 5c rotate reciprocally by the slide pins 7 described later, the backrest 11 moves in the reciprocating direction with the movement. It is like that. The backrest 11 and the belts 5a to 5c may be separately rotated. When the backrest 11 and the belts 5a to 5c are separately rotated, the backrest 11 is moved by a backrest moving mechanism (not shown), and the belts 5a to 5c are moved by a belt moving mechanism (the above-described slide pin 7). And the guide groove 21). When the backrest 11 and the belts 5a to 5c are separated from each other, only the backrest 11 can be reciprocally rotated back and forth in the feeding direction, and the belts 5a to 5c can be a one-way circulation type.

  The fruit vegetable mounting portion 20 is provided at or near the center of the three belts 5a to 5c. When the fruit vegetable A is placed, the fruit vegetable A comes into contact with the end of the backrest 11 on the fruit vegetable A side or The backrest 11 is arranged to be close to the end on the fruit vegetable A side. The fruit and vegetable mounting portion 20 may be provided with a mark so that an operator can recognize that the location is the fruit and vegetable mounting portion 20. The arrangement interval of the three belts 5a to 5c, the height difference, the inclination angle of both outer belts, and the like, are such that the bottom surface of the fruit vegetable A placed on both outer belts 5a, 5c is between the outer belts 5a, 5c. Can be set so as to contact the upper running portion of the inner belt 5b or float without contacting the upper running portion.

[Slide pin]
In this reference example , a slide pin 7 is provided on the center belt 5b. The slide pin 7 is a rod-shaped member movable along a guide groove 21 (FIG. 11) provided below the endless chain 2, and a guide roller 22 (FIG. 4) is rotatable at a tip end (lower end) thereof. It is provided in. The slide pin 7 projects below the base 3a of the frame 3 so that at least the lower end of the slide pin 7 fits into the guide groove 21 when the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 is attached to the endless chain 2. Attached to. In this embodiment, the three belts 5a to 5c and the backrest 11 are connected, and the slide pins 7 move along the guide grooves 21 to thereby connect the three belts 5a to 5c and the belts 5a to 5c. The fixed backrest 11 moves.

  The slide pins 7 may be provided on the bottom surface of the lower running portion 5y of the belt 5 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, or may be provided on the bottom surface of the upper running portion 5x of the belt 5 as shown in FIGS. Can also be provided. When the slide pin 7 is provided on the lower traveling portion 5y of the belt 5, when the slide pin 7 moves to the left in FIG. 5A, the belt 5 rotates forward (rotates to the right in FIG. 5A), When the belt 5 moves rightward as shown in FIG. 5B, the belt 5 rotates backward (rotates leftward in FIG. 5A). On the other hand, when the slide pins 7 are provided on the upper running portion 5x of the belt 5, when the slide pins 7 move rightward in FIG. 6A, the belt 5 rotates forward (rotates rightward in FIG. 6A). Then, when the belt 5 moves leftward in FIG. 6B, the belt 5 rotates backward (rotates leftward in FIG. 6B). 6A and 6B, a slit (not shown) is formed in each belt 5, and the slide pin 7 penetrates through the slit to form the base 3a. So that it projects downward.

( Reference example 2 of fruits and vegetables)
As shown in FIG. 7, two belts 5 may be formed as one set. In Figure 7, two of the belts 5a, the width direction outer 5b is different from Reference Example 1 in that it is provided in the downwardly inclined inner configuration of the common portions as in Reference Example 1, effects such configuration of the frame , action and the like can be the same as in reference example 1. For three belts 5a~5c of Reference Example 1, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the fruit vegetable A is supported three points in three of the outer sides of the belt 5a, 5c and inner belt 5b, reference example In the case of No. 2 (in the case of the two belts 5a and 5b in FIG. 7), two points are supported by the two belts 5a and 5b as shown in FIG. 8B.

( Reference example 3 of the fruit-carrying body)
In the above-described reference example , a case where one set of three belts or one set of two belts 5 is provided on the frame 3 is taken as an example. However, as shown in FIGS. Two sets of three belts or two sets of belts 5 can be provided. In this case, the frame 3 can be wider than the reference example . Three or more belts 5 can be provided. In any case, the belts 5 in pairs or in pairs are reciprocated in pairs. The backrest 11 and the fruit and vegetable mounting section 20 are also installed in pairs, and they are moved in the reciprocating direction in accordance with the reciprocating rotation of the set of belts 5.

(Other reference examples of fruits and vegetables)
In the reference examples 1 and 2, the case where the belt 5 is a set of three or two is described as an example, but four or more belts 5 may be set. In this case as well, the outer side of the upper running portion 5x in the width direction of the belt 5 on the front side and the rear side in the transport direction by the endless chain 2 is inclined upward from the inside so as to be higher. However, it is preferred that they are supported not at the surface but at the points. By supporting the fruit and vegetable A not at the surface but at points, the contact area between the fruit and vegetable A and the belt 5 can be reduced, and the fruit and vegetable A can be prevented from being damaged by contact with the belt 5.

(Embodiment 1 of automatic fruit and vegetable sorter)
An example of an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention includes a fruit and vegetable transporter 30 in which a large number of fruit and vegetable bodies 1 are provided on the endless chain 2, and a grade measuring device ("a measuring device" in the present application) provided in the middle of the fruit and vegetable transporter 30. 31) and a belt conveyor-type pool conveyor 25 for receiving the determined fruit and vegetables A sent out from the fruit and vegetable mounting body 1. The fruit and vegetable placing body 1 of the present invention is used in an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus of the present invention. If possible, another reference example , for example, a fruit and vegetable body 1 with four or more belts 5 can be used. Since the fruit and vegetable mounting body 1 is as described in the reference example of the fruit and vegetable mounting body, the description thereof is omitted here.

[Fruit carrier]
As an example, the fruit and vegetable transporting body 30 shown in FIG. 10 is configured such that a large number of fruit and vegetable placing bodies 1 are connected and fixed to two endless chains 2 arranged in parallel at an interval. The endless chain 2 is provided with a drive wheel 32 that is rotated by a motor M ahead of a long frame (not shown) in the longitudinal direction, and is provided with a driven wheel 33 at the rear, and is wound around the outer periphery of the drive wheel 32 and the driven wheel 33. ing. The endless chain 2 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive wheel 32, and the driven wheel 33 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the endless chain 2, thereby circulating and rotating. The endless chain 2 horizontally moves above the driving wheel 32 and the driven wheel 33, then turns the outside of the driven wheel 33 from top to bottom (turns around) to change the direction, and as it is, the driven wheel 33 and the driving wheel 33 32 is a vertical rotation type in which the lower side of the drive wheel 32 is horizontally moved, and the outside of the drive wheel 32 is turned up and down from the bottom to the end and circulates. In the fruit / vegetable carrier 30 of this embodiment, the supply area where the worker places the fruit / vegetable A on the fruit / vegetable placing body 1 and the shape and size of the fruit / vegetable A on the fruit / vegetable placing body 1 are measured to determine the same rank. It is provided with a measurement / discrimination area and a sorting area for sending fruit vegetables A having been classified to the same rank to the pool conveyor 25.

[Measuring instrument]
The measuring device 31 provided in the measurement / determination area of the fruit / vegetable carrier 30 measures the shape, size, sugar content, and the like of the fruit / vegetable A conveyed by the fruit / vegetable carrier 1, and includes a camera and a processing circuit for photographing fruit and vegetable It consists of a refractometer and the like. The measuring device 31 may be arranged above the fruit and vegetable carrier 30 so that the fruit Vegetable A being transported can be photographed and measured from above. A can be measured from the side, or it can be arranged directly below and measured from below. It can be arranged at other positions so that measurement can be performed from different directions. Existing ones can be used for the camera, the processing circuit, the refractometer, and the like, and the measuring instrument 31 can be an image-type or optical-type measuring instrument.

[Distribution mechanism]
The sorting area of the fruit and vegetable transport body 30 has a sorting mechanism. As a sorting mechanism, a guide groove 21 for guiding the slide pin 7 of the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 to rotate the belt 5 is provided. The guide groove 21 is provided below a line on which the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 moves (a fruit and vegetable transport line). As an example, the guide groove 21 shown in FIG. 11 is formed by forming a straight guide 21 a and an oblique guide 21 b provided obliquely with respect to the linear guide 21 a in a flat plate 23. The slide pin 7 of the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 moves along the straight guide 21a, and when the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 on which the fruit and vegetable A to be sorted arrives, the switching lever 34 closes the straight traveling guide 21a and opens the oblique guide 21b. The slide pin 7 is guided by the oblique guide 21b and moves to the side.

  When the slide pin 7 is provided on the lower traveling portion 5y of the belt 5 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the movement of the slide pin 7 causes the belt 5 linked with the slide pin 7 to move. The fruit and vegetables A placed on the belt 5 of the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 are sent out to the pool conveyor 25 by making a forward rotation in the moving direction (transport direction side: pool conveyor 25 side). The switching lever 34 is switched by a rotary solenoid (not shown) provided below the switching lever 34, and the rotary solenoid operates in response to a discrimination signal in the measurement / discrimination area. When the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 in which the slide pin 7 is provided on the upper side surface 5x of the belt 5 as in FIGS. 6A and 6B is used, the orientation of the guide groove 21 in FIG. The direction is reversed.

  A return guide (not shown) for returning the slide pin 7 moved along the oblique guide 21b to the linear guide 21a is provided at the front of the sorting area, and the slide pin 7 is connected to the linear guide 21a along the return guide. When the guide pin 7 is moved back, the belt 5 and the backrest 11 to which the guide pin 7 is connected return to their original positions. The belt 5 and the backrest 11 return to their original positions before the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 returns to the supply area, and when the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 reaches the supply area, a large number of fruit and vegetable placing bodies 1 are placed on the fruit and vegetable placing body 1. The parts 20 are arranged in a line. By arranging the fruit and vegetable placing portions 20 in a line by the time the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 reaches the supply area, the fruits and vegetables A placed on the fruit and vegetable placing portion 20 of the fruit and vegetable placing body are arranged in a line. In this state, it can be sent to the measuring instrument 31 side, and highly accurate measurement / discrimination becomes possible.

[Pool conveyor]
The pool conveyor 25 takes over the fruit and vegetable A sent from the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 that has reached the sorting area. As an example, the pool conveyor 25 shown in FIG. 10 is a belt conveyor type in which a flat belt is wrapped around the outer periphery of rollers arranged at intervals. The pool conveyor 25 has such a length and width that a large number of fruit vegetables A can be pooled. The pool conveyor 25 rotates (intermittently rotates) every time the fruit and vegetable A is sent out from the fruit and vegetable placing body 1, and pools the fruit and vegetable A on the upper running portion 25a (FIGS. 5A and 5B) of the pool conveyor 25. I can do it.

  In this embodiment, the pool conveyor 25 is arranged at two or more sides of the fruit and vegetable transport body 30 so as to be orthogonal to and parallel to the fruit and vegetable transport body 30. The pool conveyor 25 is provided at least as many as the number of grades of the fruit and vegetable A, and the fruit and vegetable A can be sent out to each pool conveyor 25 for each grade. The pool conveyor 25 can be disposed obliquely rearward or obliquely forward with respect to the transport direction of the fruit and vegetable transport body 30. In this case, if a gap wider than the fruit vegetable A is formed between the fruit vegetable transport body 30 and the pool conveyor 25, the fruit vegetable A falls in the gap, so that the relay device 26 (FIGS. 12A and 12B) does not fall. ) Is desirable. Only one pool conveyor 25 can be provided at one location, or a plurality of pool conveyors can be provided. It is desirable to secure at least a work space on the side of the pool conveyor 25 that allows at least an operator to perform a boxing operation.

  It is not necessary for all the pool conveyors 25 to have the same belt width, length, etc., and the pool conveyors 25 that take over a large number of graded fruits and vegetables A increase the number, width, and length. If the length is increased, many fruit vegetables A can be surely pooled. The pool conveyor 25 which takes over the same-level fruit vegetables A having a small number of fruit vegetables A can reliably pool the fruit vegetables A even if the number thereof is reduced, or the width is reduced or shortened.

  The pool conveyor 25 can be rotated at all times. However, when the fruit A is not fed, the pool conveyor 25 is temporarily stopped and kept in a standby state, and when the fruit A is fed from the fruit placing body 1, the pool conveyor 25 rotates by one fruit. It is also possible to control so that a space for the fruit vegetables A is secured. The rotation control of the pool conveyor 25 is also performed by the control means based on the determination result in the measurement / determination area. Each time the fruit vegetable A is fed, it is rotated by one fruit vegetable, so that both the delivery by the fruit vegetable loading body 1 and the pulling (pulling) by the pool conveyor 25 work on the fruit vegetable A, and the delivery of the fruit vegetable A is smooth. Will be performed.

[Fruit vegetable measurement, discrimination button]
Since the automatic measurement by the measuring device 31 is generally performed by irradiating the measurement light to the fruit vegetable A from above or from the side, the scratches, deformation, color unevenness, etc. of the bottom surface of the fruit vegetable A are measured. I can't. In the present invention, the flaws A on the bottom side of the fruit vegetable A, which cannot be automatically measured by the measuring device 31, are visually determined, and the result of the determination can be input by the determination button (FIG. 10) 35. This determination is performed by, when placing the fruit and vegetable A on the fruit and vegetable placing portion 20 of the fruit and vegetable placing body 1, the worker who places the fruit and vegetable A visually checks the bottom side of the fruit and vegetable A for scratches, deformation, color unevenness, and the like. . The operator who has visually discriminated can operate the discrimination button 35 in accordance with the discrimination result when the fruit vegetable A is placed on the fruit vegetable placing part 20 or before placing it on the fruit vegetable placing part 20, so that the discrimination result can be input. It is. The discrimination buttons 35 of this embodiment are provided as a pair, and each set can be discriminated in four patterns (four patterns of pressing only one, pressing both, or not pressing both).

  The discrimination button 35 shown in FIG. 10 is attached to an endless chain for buttons (referred to as a “button running body” in the present application) such as an endless rotating chain or an endless rotating timing belt. The button traveling body 36 is provided in a section on the side of the fruit and vegetable transporting body 30 from the fruit and vegetable loading area to just before the sorting area, and performs circular rotation traveling in the section. The reason why the button traveling body 36 is turned back and rotated in front of the sorting area is to prevent the determination button 35 from obstructing the fruit vegetables A on the fruit vegetable placing body 1 to be sent to the pool conveyor 25. The traveling speed of the button traveling body 36 is equal to the traveling speed of the fruit and vegetable transporting body 30, and in the traveling state, one set of determination buttons 35 runs in parallel with one set of belts.

  The discriminating button 35 of each group is such that if none of the discriminating buttons 35 is operated (not pressed), the fruit A is grade A, if only one discriminating button 35a is pressed, class B is pressed, and if the other discriminating button 35b is pressed only The relationship between the operation of the discriminating button 35 and the class is determined in advance, such as class C and class D when the two discriminating buttons 35a and 35b are pressed. Under this relationship, when the bottom state of the fruit and vegetable A placed on the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 is good, it is visually discriminated as Class A and none of the determination buttons 35 are pressed, and when the bottom state is slightly bad, it is visually discriminated as Class B. Then, the left determination button 35a is pressed, and when the bottom surface is significantly deformed, it is visually determined as class C, and the right determination button 35b is pressed. , 35b to input respective visual discrimination results.

  The fruit vegetables A visually discriminated are transported by the fruit vegetable transport body 30, and the shape, size, and the like are automatically measured by the measuring device 31 in the measurement / discrimination area. As described above, the automatic measurement result is combined with the visual discrimination result input from the discrimination button 35 to comprehensively determine the class. For example, if a fruit vegetable A determined to be A-class by visual discrimination is determined to be S-size by automatic measurement, it is A-size S (AS), and if it is determined to be M-size by automatic measurement, it is A-size M-size. (AM), if it is determined to be L size by automatic measurement, it is comprehensive such as class A L size (AL), if it is determined to be LL size by automatic measurement, it is A class LL size (ALL), etc. Class is determined.

(Embodiment 2 of automatic fruit and vegetable sorter)
In the first embodiment of the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus, the case where the fruit and vegetable A on the fruit and vegetable placing body 1 is directly delivered to the pool conveyor 25 arranged on the side in the transport direction is described as an example. Can be sent to the relay device 26 disposed between the fruit and vegetable transport body 30 and the pool conveyor 25, and can be sent from the relay device 26 to the pool conveyor 25.

  12 (a) and 12 (b) show an example of the relay device 26, which is a belt conveyor type. A belt (flat belt) 28 is rotatably wrapped around two rotating rollers 27. The belt 28 always rotates in the direction of the arrow (fruit fruit delivery direction) at the same speed as the rotation speed of the belt 5 (fruit fruit delivery speed) of the fruit vegetable placing body 1, and the fruit vegetable A delivered by the rotation of the belt 5 runs on the belt 28. It is designed to make it easier for you to transfer to the department. Although the relay device 26 shown in FIG. 12B has the same width as the width of the individual fruit and vegetable placing bodies 1, it may have a length extending over two or more fruit and vegetable placing bodies 1.

Fruit vegetables automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention can be used strawberries and peaches, tomatoes, pears, including scratches attached easily fruiting as persimmon, the conveying and automatic sorting of various fruit vegetables.

1 Fruit and vegetable loading body 2 Endless chain (drive chain)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Frame 3a Base part 3b Fixing piece 3c Fastening hole 5 Belt (of fruit and vegetable body) 5a First belt 5b Second belt 5c Third belt 5x Upper running part of belt 5y Lower running part of belt 6 Slender hole 7 Slide pin 9 Supporting part 9a First supporting part 9b Second supporting part 9c Third supporting part 9d Fourth supporting part 10 Rotating rollers 10a, 10b First rotating rollers 10c to 10f Second rotating rollers 10g, 10h Third rotating rollers 11 Backrest 12a １２12d Upright portion 13a 13d Inclined portion 20 Fruit vegetable mounting portion 21 Guide groove 21a Straight guide 21b Oblique guide 22 Guide roller 23 Flat plate 25 Pool conveyor 25a Upper traveling portion (of pool conveyor) 26 Relay 27 Rotary roller 28 (Relay) Ingredients) Belt 30 Fruit carrier 31 Measuring device 32 Drive wheel 33 Follower Lumpur 34 switching lever 35 determination button 35a, 35b determine button 36 button traveling body A fruit vegetables M Motor

Claims (12)

A large number of fruit and vegetable mounting bodies are placed on a fruit and vegetable carrier attached in the running direction of the endless chain, the fruits being transported are measured, the grade of the fruit is determined, and the determined fruits are loaded according to the determination result. In a fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device that can be sent directly from the body to the pool conveyor on the side of the fruit and vegetable traveling direction or via a relay device in front of the pool conveyor ,
The fruit and vegetable mounting body is of a belt conveyor type in which a belt is wrapped around a frame so that the belt can reciprocately rotate.The frame is attached to an endless chain, moves in the running direction with the running of the endless chain, and runs on the belt. Fruit can be transported in the direction of travel,
The frame is provided with two sets of rotating rollers on a base portion attached to the endless chain, the two sets of rotating rollers are arranged side by side in the running direction of the endless chain, and each set of rotating rollers is rotated at the tip end side in the fruit vegetable sending direction. A roller and a rear end side rotation roller are provided, and the rotation roller on the front end side in the fruit vegetable sending direction is disposed obliquely rearward with respect to the traveling direction of the endless chain than the rotation roller on the rear side in the fruit vegetable sending direction,
Each set of rotating rollers has an obliquely inward downward slope in which the outside in the axial direction is high and the inside is low,
The belt is wound around both rotating rollers of each set of the frame and is provided side by side as a set of two, and the two belts are arranged such that the front end side of the fruit and vegetable feeding direction is obliquely rearward with respect to the running direction of the endless chain. It is attached,
Each of the two belts is provided with a slanting inward slope in which the outer side in the width direction is higher and the inner side is lower, by being wound around the rotating roller on the front end side and the rotating roller on the rear side of each set, a lateral width that can be loaded by straddling one of fruiting on the both belts Waso,
The two belts reciprocately rotate by the movement of the slide pin connected thereto ,
The reciprocating rotation and forward rotation to linearly rotated obliquely rearward with respect to the running direction of the endless chain, a condensate rotation linearly rotated in the back direction, on the upper run of the belts during the forward rotation Fruits and vegetables can be sent out on the upper running part of the pool conveyor diagonally backward in the transport direction or on the relay device in front of the pool conveyor ,
The pool conveyor are arranged two or more at an interval in the longitudinal direction of the fruiting carrier, pool conveyors each are intended to rotate each time the fruit vegetable is fed,
The upper running part of the two belts of the fruit vegetable placing body has a height capable of sending fruit vegetables horizontally or substantially horizontally on the upper running part of the pool conveyor or on the relay device in front of the pool conveyor ,
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. The automatic vegetable sorting apparatus according to claim 1,
The two belts are spaced apart in the width direction,
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. A large number of fruit and vegetable mounting bodies are placed on a fruit and vegetable carrier attached in the running direction of the endless chain, the fruits being transported are measured, the grade of the fruit is determined, and the determined fruits are loaded according to the determination result. In a fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device that can be sent directly from the body to a belt conveyor type pool conveyor on the side of the fruit and vegetable traveling direction or via a relay device in front of the pool conveyor ,
The fruit and vegetable mounting body is a belt conveyor type in which a belt is revolved around a frame so as to be able to reciprocate.The frame is attached to an endless chain, and moves in the running direction along with the running of the endless chain, so that the belt travels on the belt. Fruit can be transported in the direction of travel,
The frame is provided with three or more sets of rotating rollers on a base portion attached to the endless chain, and the three or more sets of rotating rollers are arranged side by side in the running direction of the endless chain, and each set of rotating rollers is a tip side in a fruit vegetable sending direction. A rotating roller and a rotating roller on the rear end side, the rotating roller on the front end side in the fruit vegetable sending direction is disposed obliquely rearward with respect to the running direction of the endless chain than the rotating roller on the rear side in the fruit vegetable sending direction,
Of the three or more sets of rotating rollers, the inner set of both rotating rollers is horizontal or substantially horizontal, and the outer sets of both rotating rollers are inclined inward inclining such that the axially outer side is higher and the inner side is lower. Are located,
The belt is wound around both rotating rollers of each set, and three or more are arranged side by side as one set, and the fruit vegetable delivery direction front end side is provided diagonally backward with respect to the running direction of the endless chain,
Wherein each of the two outer belts out of the three or more belts s, the wound to each of the rotating rollers of the rotating roller and the rear sides of both the outer pair of the distal lateral width direction outside is high, the inner lower provided obliquely inwardly inclined, inner belts of two outer belts are horizontal or substantially horizontal wound on rotating rollers of the rotating roller and the rear side of the set of front end side of the inner, they three a lateral width which can be placed by straddling one fruit vegetables over more belts Waso,
The three or more belts reciprocate synchronously by the movement of the slide pins connected thereto ,
The reciprocating rotation is a forward rotation that linearly rotates obliquely rearward with respect to the traveling direction of the endless chain, and a return rotation that linearly rotates in the returning direction,
Two or more pool conveyors are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the fruit and vegetable transporter, and each pool conveyor rotates each time fruit and vegetables are sent out,
The upper running part of the three or more belts of the fruit vegetable placing body can feed the fruit horizontally or substantially horizontally on the upper running part of the pool conveyor or on the relay device in front of the pool conveyor , and the three The upper surface of the upper running portion of at least the inner belt among the above belts is a height capable of sending fruit vegetables horizontally or substantially horizontally onto the upper running portion of the pool conveyor or onto the relay device.
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 3,
Three or more belt arrangement interval, height differences, the inclination angle of the both outer sides belt, the without or contact as the bottom surface of fruit vegetables which placed on the both outer sides belt comes into contact with the upper run of the inner belt Set to float from the upper run ,
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 4,
The backrest is provided individually on two or more belts or straddling all or a part of the two or more belts, and moves in the rotational direction with the reciprocating rotation of those belts.
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. The fruit and vegetable automatic sorter according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A backrest is provided above a pair of belts,
A fruit-vegetable placing portion on which the fruit-vegetables can be placed on the belt and forward in the fruit-vegetable sending-out direction ahead of the backrest,
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Two or three or more belts of the fruit and vegetable loading body rotate in synchronization with the movement of the slide pin,
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 6 or 7,
The backrest of the fruit and vegetable placing body moves by the movement of the slide pin, and two or three or more belts rotate synchronously with the movement of the backrest,
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The belt of the pool conveyor rotates intermittently every time fruit or vegetables are sent from the fruit or vegetable carrier or the relay device, so that a space for at least one fruit vegetable to be placed on the belt can be secured, and the fruit or vegetable sent from the fruit vegetable carrier or the relay device. That can attract
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
On the side of the fruit and vegetable transporter, a button traveling body provided with a plurality of determination buttons for inputting a visual determination result of the fruit and vegetable to be performed when the worker places the fruit and vegetable on the belt is provided,
The button traveling body is provided in a section from the fruit-carrying area of the fruit-carrying body to the sorting area for sending the determined fruit to the pool conveyor, from the fruit-carrying area for placing the fruit on the fruit-carrying body,
The button traveling body travels at the same speed as the fruit and vegetable transporting body so that the discrimination button runs in parallel with the set of belts during traveling.
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Two or more sets of fruits and vegetables placed on one frame,
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus. In the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Fruit vegetables are strawberries,
An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus.

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