JPH10128246A - Method for sorting fruit and vegetable - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for sorting fruit and vegetables capable of preventing the occurrence of trouble and erroneous sorting in a discharge operation device section. SOLUTION: The fruit and vegetables 100 placed on many receiving trays 10 individually having color marks are transported in a measuring section and an assorting section along a transportation path 1 of a relatively long distance. The color marks of the receiving trays 10 are read and the prescribed items of the fruit and vegetables are measured in the measuring section. The assorting segments of the fruit and vegetables 100 decided from the results of the measurement are stored in correspondence to the color marks of the receiving trays 10 in an arithmetic unit 3 at every measurement. The color marks of the fruit and vegetable-contg. receiving trays 10 transported to an assorting reader 4 arranged in the position just before the assorting section are read by this reader and the assorting segments corresponding to the color marks stored in the arithmetic unit 3 are read out. Assorting discharge signals are outputted in synchronization with the transportation and movement of the fruit and vegetable-contg. receiving trays from the point of the time of the reading by the assorting reader 4 to the discharge operation device 5 allocated to the read out assorting segments, by which the fruit and vegetables are assorted and discharged together with the receiving trays 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention measures a prescribed item of fruits and vegetables on a conveying surface during the transportation of the fruits and vegetables placed on a free saucer, and sorts the fruits and vegetables into a prescribed sort on the basis of the measured result. The present invention relates to a method for sorting fruits and vegetables for sorting and carrying out.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method of sorting fruits and vegetables is based on a method in which a measuring section and a sorting section are arranged along a transporting means (sorting conveyor) for transporting a tray with fruits and vegetables, and a measuring section measures predetermined items of fruits and vegetables. Determine the sorting section, send a sorting discharge signal in synchronization with the transport movement of the vegetable-containing tray from the time of measurement in the measuring section, to the discharge actuator provided in the sorting section corresponding to the determined sorting section, A method of sorting and discharging fruits and vegetables in a saucer is well known.

[0003] On the other hand, in a sorting facility, the distance between the measuring unit and the sorting unit arranged along the transport means may be inevitably increased depending on the condition of the building.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional sorting method, when sorting and discharging, a sorting and discharging signal is sent to the unloading operation device in synchronization with the transport movement of the plate with fruits and vegetables from the time of measurement by the measuring unit. Therefore, if the distance between the measuring unit and the sorting unit is long as in the above case, the operation timing of the discharge operation device with respect to the receiving tray may be shifted, thereby causing a problem in the discharge operation device unit. However, there is a problem that sorting and discharging to a predetermined discharging position (misselection) may occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide a method for sorting fruits and vegetables which can prevent occurrence of troubles and erroneous sorting in the discharge operation device. .

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method for sorting fruits and vegetables according to the present invention comprises a measuring section and a sorting section along a transport path thereof, and comprises a measuring section and a sorting section. The transporting means having a relatively long distance transports fruits and vegetables placed on a large number of trays each having unique information, and reads the unique information of the trays and measures predetermined items of fruits and vegetables on the trays during the transportation while reading the unique information of the trays. Then, each time the measurement is performed, the sorting unit of the fruits and vegetables is determined by the arithmetic unit from the measurement result, and the determined sorting categories are stored in association with the unique information of the saucer on which the fruits and vegetables are placed, and the sorting unit of the sorting unit The sorter reading device arranged at the immediately preceding position reads the unique information of the saucer containing fruits and vegetables conveyed to the position, and reads the sort category stored in the arithmetic unit in association with the read unique information. Then, a sorting / discharging signal is output to the discharge operating device assigned to the read sorting section in synchronization with the transport movement of the tray containing fruits and vegetables from the time of reading by the sorting / reading apparatus, and the fruits and vegetables are sorted and discharged together with the receiving tray. It is characterized by doing.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 19).

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view, and an outline of the entire sorting apparatus will be described with reference to the drawing.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a conveying means, which comprises a number of trays 10 for placing the fruits and vegetables 100 one by one, and a conveyor device 15 for transporting the trays 10.
In the conveyor device 15, a supply unit 151, a measurement unit 152, and a sorting unit 153 are provided along the transport path from the upstream side. It should be noted that each of the large number of trays 10 has unique information such as code numbering according to a configuration described later.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a reading / measuring unit provided in the measuring unit 152 of the transporting unit 1. The reading unit 21 reads the unique information of the tray 10, the internal quality inspection device 22, and the imaging unit 23.
It is composed of

An arithmetic unit 3 calculates sorting information based on the result of measuring the fruits and vegetables 100, updates and stores the sorting information together with the unique information of the saucer 10, and reads the sorting information from the unique information at the time of sorting. It is configured to output.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a sorting reading device for reading the unique information of the tray 10 at a predetermined position after passing through the reading measuring means 2.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a discharge operation device provided in the sorting section 153 of the conveyor device 15 for each discharge port.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a discharge storage means provided corresponding to the discharge operation device 5 for discharging the tray 10 containing fruits and vegetables 100 discharged in a predetermined sorting section to a predetermined position.

The sorting information calculated by the arithmetic unit 3 includes ripeness (ripening degree) as the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables 100, coloring degree and color uniformity as the degree of coloring of the fruits and vegetables 100, and uniformity and deformation of the colors. , A grade obtained from a grade determination element such as discoloration, and a rank as the size of the fruits and vegetables 100 are shown.

According to the sorting device shown in FIG.
The saucer 10 containing the fruits and vegetables 100 transported by the conveyor device 15 from 1 and measured by the measuring unit 152 is discharged from the conveyor first for those with an unripe or overripe ripeness, and only the appropriate ripe fruits are transported to the front. You. Then, the mature fruits are mixed and discharged with the grades and the coloring categories according to the grades, and are stored. Further, the fruits and vegetables 100 having the grades and the coloring categories mixed and discharged are sorted with the coloring categories according to the grades. Finally, the fruits and vegetables 100 that have been mixed and discharged are classified so as to be sorted according to the coloring section.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of each section will be described.

The conveying means 1 comprises a tray 10 and a conveyor device 15
In the embodiment, the tray 10 and the conveyor device 15 are configured to be transported in a free state without being fixed.

The conveyor device 15 can use a chain conveyor, a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, or the like with a width suitable for conveying the trays 10 in a line. In the embodiment, the conveyor is formed in a straight line, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an arbitrary conveying mode such as horizontal bending and inclination can be used by using a bendable conveyor.

Although the conveying means 1 of the embodiment is of a single-row type, it may be composed of a plurality of different types depending on the amount of sorting.

Next, the tray 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. FIG.

The receiving tray 10 is formed in a circular shape in plan view, and a recessed stick-shaped mounting portion 11 is formed in the center of the upper surface for mounting the fruits and vegetables 100 in a stable state. The shape of the receiving tray 10 and the shape of the placing portion 11 are not limited to the embodiment, and may be a square or a polygonal planar shape, and are preferably set according to the fruits and vegetables 100 to be placed.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a peripheral wall formed at a lower portion of the tray 10, and an inner surface of the peripheral wall 12 is formed in an engagement portion 121 which engages with an engagement member 512 of the discharge operation device 5 described later.

Numeral 13 denotes a color mark as a colored object for giving unique information to each of the trays 10, and a ring-shaped part of the circular tray 10 (for example, a waist circumference) is formed by an elastic molding member or the like. And are detachably arranged. The color marks 13 used in this embodiment are color-coded by setting each of the numbers 0 to 9 to correspond to ten different colors as shown in the color number comparison table of FIG. By setting in this way, for example, when displaying the number of 123, the number can be displayed by arranging the color markers 13 in the order of red, orange, and yellow.

The tray 10 is characterized in that if a large number of detachable color markers 13 are prepared, a desired number of numbers can be easily displayed simply by arranging one or a plurality of color markers 13. Have.

That is, according to the color mark 13, for example, a code number can be given as a unique information to each of a large number of trays 10 to be used repeatedly.

In addition, since the receiving tray 10 is formed in a circular shape, the receiving tray 10 can be easily assembled or dispersed without restricting the conveying posture (direction) of the receiving tray 10.

Further, by combining the circular tray 10 and the ring-shaped color mark 13, it is not necessary to limit the direction for reading, and the transport line can be easily controlled.

In the embodiment, numbers from 0 to 9 are displayed as numbers in ten colors. However, for example, a combination of two colors such as a binary system can be displayed.

Further, the ten colors shown in the embodiment can be constituted by setting the color change from white to black in ten steps in addition to the embodiment.

Further, in the embodiment, the code numbers are assigned in correspondence with the numbers and the colors, but the unique information may be given only by the combination of the color markers 13.

When an optical image pickup means such as a camera is used for the means for measuring the fruits and vegetables 100 and the apparatus for reading the color mark 13, the saucer 10 is made black so that the reflected light is not directed to the sensor of the camera. Is preferred.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the receiving tray 10, which is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, and has a color mark 13 formed of a color band, a color plate, or the like on the outside of the side wall having the engaging portion 121. And the code number is displayed.

The color mark 13 is not limited to the embodiment described above, but may be formed in various shapes such as colored pins and frames.

The reading and measuring means 2 is provided with a color mark 1 of the tray 10.
3 and a reading device 21 for reading the unique information of the saucer 10 displayed by 3 and the internal quality (ripeness,
In the embodiment, an internal quality inspection device 22 for measuring and inspecting the ripeness and an imaging means 23 for imaging the shape and dimensions of the fruits and vegetables 100 and the appearance surface state are arranged.
The order of this arrangement is not limited to the drawing and may be interchanged.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, for example, the reading device 21 is configured such that a color camera using a solid-state image sensor is installed on the side of the transport path, and reads the color mark 13 of the receiving tray 10.

The internal quality inspection device 22 is based on the fact that the disappearance of chlorophyll contained in fruits and vegetables is highly correlated with the maturity. It is configured to measure the amount of reflected light.

That is, the internal quality is measured based on the amount of reflected light when the fruits and vegetables 100 are irradiated with light in a specific wavelength range.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining an optical analysis processing device 220 of the internal quality inspection device 22. According to this block diagram, light from a light source 221 having a specific wavelength region is transmitted by a light projecting fiber 222. It is guided and irradiates the surface of the fruits and vegetables 100, and the reflected light at the time of the irradiation is transmitted by the light receiving fiber 223 and the filter A,
Pass through filter B. The filter A is a filter for passing a wavelength band which does not attenuate the content of chlorophyll, and the filter B is a filter for passing a wavelength band which responds to the content of chlorophyll. From the output values of the two wavelengths that have passed through these filters, the degree of chlorophyll disappearance can be quantified based on a predetermined arithmetic expression.

The image pickup means 23, as shown in FIGS.
The camera device 231 is located at a predetermined position above the transport path of the transport unit 1.
And an illumination device 232 to form an optical imaging unit.

This imaging means is configured to measure the shape and dimensions of the fruits and vegetables 100 and the external surface state, for example, by using the technique of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-42411 proposed and published by the present applicant. be able to.

FIG. 8 shows an example in which the color sensor camera 231a is installed at a predetermined position above the transporting path of the transporting means 1 and the reflection mirror 233 is installed on the side of the transporting path. The upper surface image of the fruits and vegetables 100 and the color mark 13 of the saucer 10 can be captured by the color sensor camera 231a.

Note that a circuit is configured so that signals output from each device of the reading and measuring means 2 are input to the arithmetic unit 31 of the arithmetic unit 3.

The arithmetic unit 3 has an arithmetic processing circuit having a built-in CPU, and is composed of an arithmetic unit 31 and a sorting control unit 32 as shown in FIG.

Based on the result of reading the color mark 13 on the tray 10 by the reading device 21, the arithmetic unit 31
Has a code number extraction circuit 310 for outputting a code number as unique information of the above. This circuit 310 will be described with reference to the schematic block diagram of FIG.

That is, the color signal when the color mark 13 of the tray 10 is picked up by the color sensor camera of the reading device 21 is separated into the three primary colors of RGB by the color identification element 311 having a photodiode. Each color signal is output. The color-specific signals are A / D converted and input to a coding operation unit 312 having a built-in CPU, and a calculation based on a predetermined formula is performed to determine the color of each color mark 13. Is compared with the reference code color to output a code number (unique information).

Although the code number extracting circuit 310 is configured to be included in the circuit of the arithmetic unit 3 in the embodiment, the code number extracting circuit 310 may be configured so as to independently output the code number in combination with the reading device 21.

Further, the arithmetic section 31 compares each measurement value obtained by the measurement by the internal quality inspection device 22 and the image pickup means 23 with a preset sorting section value to sort information (grade, class, etc.). A comparison / determination circuit for calculating class, coloring, and maturity), and an address memory as a storage unit for writing and storing these sorting information together with the extracted code numbers.

In the embodiment, a method of storing data for each address is used, but this storage method is not particularly limited.

When a code number read by a sorting / reading device 4 (a, b, c), which will be described later, is input, the sorting control unit 32 reads out the sorting information and uses the sorting information as a sorting discharge signal. And a discharge control circuit as a shift register for outputting.

The operation of the arithmetic unit 3 will be described in detail later in the description of the operation.

As the sorting / reading device 4, the same device as the above-mentioned reading device 21 can be used, and each of the sorting / reading devices 4 is provided in front of each sorting section for sorting in a predetermined section.

That is, the sorting / reading device 4a sorts overripe and unripe ones from the conveyor device 15 first and sorts only the mature fruits and vegetables 100 by rank. A circuit connected to the sorting control unit 32 for reading is configured. The sorting / reading device 4b has a circuit configured to read grades for sorting the fruits and vegetables 100 discharged in which grades and coloring categories are mixed for each grade according to grades. Sorting reading device 4
c is a fruit and vegetable 10 discharged in a mixture of coloring categories according to grade
A circuit is configured for reading colored sections for sorting 0s by color.

Next, the discharge operation device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 12 is a plan view, and FIG.
It is sectional drawing along 2A-A.

In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes a rotary table, 511
Reference numerals a, b, c,... denote engagement devices each having a protrudable engagement member 512, and are arranged on a peripheral portion of the rotary table 501 around a rotary portion 513 of the rotary table 501 in a predetermined number. The engagement member 512 has a fulcrum pin 514 on one side.
Thus, it is provided so as to protrude from the other side of the operating rod 515 pivotally supported by a part of the turntable 501. Reference numeral 516 denotes a lock rod provided in the vertical direction.
7, and penetrates vertically through holder 518.
The lower portion of the lock rod 516 is connected to the operating rod 515 by a connecting pin 519. 520 is a latch arm, which is supported by a part of the holder 518 by a fulcrum pin 522 via a torsion spring 521;
At the time of non-operation, the engaging portion 516a of the lock rod 516 and the engaging portion 520a of the latch arm 520 are engaged with each other, and the operating rod 515 stands by at the position of the imaginary line (two-dot chain line).

Reference numeral 523 denotes an engagement operating device, which is constituted by combining a solenoid 524 and an operating lever 525, and a distal end portion 525a of the operating lever 525 contacts a part of the latch arm 520 so that the solenoid 52 is engaged.
4 positions are set. Reference numeral 526 denotes a support shaft. The solenoid 524 is mounted via a receiving base 524a, and the rotary table 501 is mounted on a bearing 527.
Through the bracket 528.

In the figure, reference numeral 529 denotes a driving device which uses a motor or the like to rotate the rotary table 501 via a belt 530 or the like. The rotation speed is set such that the transfer speed of the transfer means 2 and the peripheral speed of the rotary table 501 are substantially the same.

Reference numeral 531 denotes a disengagement rail, which is at a predetermined position during rotation of the rotary table 501 and contacts a part of the lock rod 516 to move the engagement member 512 to a fixed position (down position). It is provided at a position where the engagement with the container 1 is released so as to be restored.

According to the discharge operating device 5, when the solenoid 524 is energized by the sorting discharge signal, the operating lever 525 is pushed downward and strikes a part of the latch arm 520, and the lock rod 516 and the latch arm 520 are connected to each other. Release the engagement. When the unlocked lock rod 516 projects upward by the spring 517,
The engaging member 512 of the operating rod 515 connected to the lock rod 516 projects inside the peripheral wall 13 of the container 1 and
31. The container 1 still engaged is discharged from the conveying means 2 onto the unloading conveyor 55 described below by the rotational force of the rotary table 501, and when the container 1 is transferred onto the unloading conveyor 55, the container 1 is disengaged by the disengagement rail 531. The engagement of the container 1 is released, and the container 1 is carried in a predetermined direction by the unloading conveyor 55.

The discharge operation device 5 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a system in which the container 1 is directly pushed out to the side by using a cylinder or a solenoid, or a known sorting device such as a switching lever or an arm type branching device is used. An apparatus can be used, and it is preferable to install an apparatus having an appropriate mechanism in accordance with the throughput of the transporting means 1 and the type of the fruits and vegetables 100.

In the figure, reference numeral 55 denotes a carry-out conveyor, which is a connection conveyor for transferring the tray 10 containing fruits and vegetables 100 discharged from the conveying means 2 by the discharge operation device 5a to the carry-out merging means 6 as shown in FIG. It is provided for use.

The carry-out conveyor 55 may be a simple table. In the embodiment, the carry-out conveyor 55 is used to connect the carry-out storage means 6 and the transfer means 1 described later. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be constituted integrally with.

As the carry-out storage means 6, a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, a slide table, or the like is used. In the embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, an inclined conveyor is connected to the carry-out conveyor 55, and a predetermined length of the end portion is formed in a plane.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a second transport means, which is provided so as to be connected to the terminal end of the unloading storage means 6 in a direction perpendicular to the end portion. The second conveyor 7 can use the same conveyor as the conveyor 15 of the conveyor 1. Also,
Discharge actuating devices 5b for sorting the fruits and vegetables 100 by grade are arranged in the second sorting section 70 on the downstream side, respectively. A sorting / reading device 4b similar to that described above is disposed at a stage preceding the second sorting unit 70 on the side of the conveyance path.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a third conveying means, which has the same structure as the second conveying means 7 and includes a third sorting section 80 on the downstream side.
Discharge actuator 5c for sorting fruits and vegetables 100 by color
Are arranged respectively. Then, the third sorting unit 80
The sorting / reading device 4c similar to that described above is disposed on the side of the conveyance path in the preceding stage.

Numeral 9 denotes a storage device, which is provided in correspondence with each of the discharge operation devices 5c of the third transport means 8, and has a tray 10 containing fruits and vegetables 100 discharged from each of the discharge operation devices 5c.
Are stored for each color, and can be constituted by a roller conveyor or a chain conveyor that can accumulate.

FIG. 16 shows an automatic box packing device 101 connected to the end of the storage device 9 and is preferably arranged in a sorting section having a high distribution rate and concentrated sorting.

The automatic packing apparatus 101 picks up and moves, for example, the fruits and vegetables 100, and picks up and moves them, and stores them in the empty box 15 waiting at a predetermined position.
2 and an elevating lift 103 that raises the empty box 15 and makes the product 200 descend.

On the other hand, in the sorting section where the distribution rate is small and the sorting is performed only in a spotted manner, a box packing table or the like can be arranged and the boxes can be packed manually.

Reference numeral 16 denotes an unloading conveyor for joining the boxed products 200 to the product transport conveyor 17. Each of these conveyors can also be configured using a known transport technique.

Numeral 18 designates an empty tray conveying means provided below the storage device 9, in which a roller conveyor, a slide table and the like are arranged at a downward inclination, and the empty tray 10 in which the fruits and vegetables 100 are picked up is transferred to the third tray. It is configured to be conveyed and conveyed to an empty tray collecting conveyor 19 provided below the conveying means 8.

The empty tray collection conveyor 19 is provided below the unloading and storing means 6 and the transport means 1 with the transport direction reversed, and the end portion 19 is connected to the start end of the transport means 1 and An automatic collection line is configured.

The operation of the sorting apparatus constructed as described above will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 10. The fruits and vegetables 100 on the tray 10 conveyed by the conveying means 1 are separated by the internal quality inspection device 22 and the imaging means 23. And the respective measurement values are input to the calculation unit 31 of the calculation device 3, and the result of reading the color mark 13 of the tray 10 for each fruit and vegetable 100 by the reading device 21 is input to the calculation unit 31. You.

Then, the calculation section 31 reads the result of reading the color mark 13 and the internal quality inspection device 22 and the imaging means 23.
When a signal measured according to (1) is input, the comparison and judgment circuit compares a plurality of items (maturity, coloring, grade, class) for obtaining sorting information from the respective measured values by comparing with a preset division value. Ripeness of 100 fruits and vegetables, coloring classification,
The grade and rank are determined.

On the other hand, as a result of reading the color mark 13 on the tray 10 by the reading device 21, a code number as unique information is output by the code number extracting circuit 310, and the code number and the determined sorting information are output. Are stored in the address memory in combination.

When the fruits and vegetables 100 that have passed through the reading and measuring means 2 are conveyed by the conveying means 1 and pass through the sorting and reading device 4a, a code number based on the color mark 13 of the tray 10 is input to the sorting control unit 32. . Sorting control unit 3
2 recognizes this code number, reads out the maturity and class stored at the corresponding address, and inputs them to the discharge control circuit. The discharge control circuit outputs a sorting signal so as to preferentially sort the overripe and unripe ones from the conveyor device 15 first, and class-wise sorting signals such that the suitable fruits and vegetables 100 are sorted by class. Is output to the corresponding discharge operation device 5a in synchronization with the progress of the tray 10.

The discharging device 5a is operated by the sorting signal, and the fruits and vegetables 100 discharged to the carry-out storage means 6 with the grades and the color classifications mixed according to the rank are sent to the second transport means 7. Then, the tray 10 conveyed by the second conveying means 7 reads the color mark 13 by the sorting and reading device 4b, extracts the code number in the same manner as described above, and reads out the class stored at the corresponding address from the code number. , And outputs the sorting signal for each grade to the corresponding discharging actuator 5b for each grade in synchronization with the progress of the tray 10.

The discharge operating device 5b is operated by the sorting signal according to the grade, and the third conveying means 8
Vegetables and fruits 10 discharged with mixed coloration classification according to grade
0 indicates that the color reading 13 of the tray 10 is read by the sorting / reading device 4c, the code number is extracted in the same manner as described above, the coloring section stored at the corresponding address is read, and the sorting signal for each coloring section is converted to the corresponding coloring section. The output is output to another discharge operation device 5c in synchronization with the progress of the tray 10.

That is, this sorting apparatus is used for measuring the measured fruits and vegetables 1
Of the 00, appropriate grades other than overripe and unripe are classified and classified by grade and color classification for grades, and classified and classified by grade from grades and color classes mixed in the same class. In addition, it is possible to sort by color classification from among mixed color classes of the same grade.

FIG. 17 shows a second embodiment of the sorting apparatus, in which, after being measured by the reading and measuring means 2, the grades are mixed and discharged for the grades of the properly-ripened fruits and vegetables 100, excluding overripe and unripe, and the same grade is output. In this embodiment, the fruits and vegetables 100 having different grades are further classified according to the grades. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 18 shows a third embodiment of the sorting apparatus. The conveyor means 1 can use the same conveyor apparatus as in the first embodiment or a known chain conveyor with buckets.

In this sorting apparatus, an internal quality inspection device 22 and an image pickup device 23 similar to those in the first embodiment are arranged at a predetermined position on the downstream side from the start end of the transporting means 1. A first sorting unit 110 for sorting overripe and unripe fruits and vegetables 100 is provided between the imager and the imaging means 23.

Further, a second sorting section 120 is provided for sorting the downstream side having passed through the image pickup means 23 into different classes (A, B, C) according to grade and class.

According to this sorting device, the fruits and vegetables 100 are detected by the internal quality inspection device 22 to be ripe, and the first sorting unit 110 sorts the unripe and overripe ones.
Only the suitable ones are measured and inspected by the imaging means 23, and the arithmetic unit 3 determines the grade, class and coloring section, and the sorting signal for each grade and each coloring section is output in synchronization with the movement of the fruits and vegetables 100. It can be sorted for each section.

FIG. 19 shows a configuration in which a plurality of conveyor devices similar to those in FIG. 18 are arranged in parallel when the processing amount is large. The number of lines can be arbitrarily set according to the processing amount. preferable. In addition, about the structure of each part, the same thing as the said Example uses the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits description.

Although the embodiment has been described with reference to various examples, the judgment of the degree of maturity is made in accordance with the classification of immature, appropriate, and overripe in the embodiment. It is preferable to arbitrarily set the range including the shipping form.

The fruits and vegetables 100 that have been determined to be immature and sorted can be configured to be returned to a pre-cooling cabinet or the like (not shown) and then carried in.

Further, in the embodiment, the arrangement is made such that the immature and overripe ones are sorted first. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sorting unit for sorting the immature and overripeness is provided on the downstream side of the conveying means 1. You can also. In this case, the control circuit of the arithmetic unit 3 is configured so that the immature and the over-ripened ones are passed through the imaging means 23 without being measured.

[0090]

As described above, according to the present invention, a measuring unit and a sorting unit are provided along the transport path, and the distance between the measuring unit and the sorting unit is relatively long. Conveys fruits and vegetables placed on a large number of saucers with information,
During the transport, the measuring unit reads the unique information of the saucer and measures a predetermined item of fruits and vegetables on the saucer.
The computing device determines the sorting category of the fruits and vegetables from the measurement result, stores the determined sorting category in association with the unique information of the saucer on which the fruits and vegetables are placed, and sorts the sorting section disposed at a position immediately before the sorting section. With the reading device, the unique information of the saucer containing fruits and vegetables conveyed to the position is read, and the sorting unit stored in the arithmetic unit in association with the read unique information is read. A discharge operating device assigned to the output device outputs a sorting / discharging signal in synchronization with the transport movement of the fruit / vegetable tray from the time of reading by the sorting / reading device, and sorts and discharges the fruits / vegetables in a saucer. Since the sorting method is used, the sorting / reading device arranged at the position immediately before the sorting unit despite the relatively long distance between the measuring unit and the sorting unit. As the sorting and discharging signal is output to the discharge actuator in synchronization with the transport movement of the tray with fruits and vegetables from the time of reading, the operation timing of the discharge actuator with respect to the tray does not deviate, and troubles and erroneous sorting at the discharge actuator unit Can be prevented from occurring.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus for carrying out the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of the fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view in which a part of a receiving tray is broken.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a receiving tray.

FIG. 5 is a color number comparison table.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the receiving tray.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a reading measurement unit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a reading measurement unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an optical analysis processing device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an arithmetic unit.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a code number extraction circuit.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a discharge operation device.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along FIG. 12A-A.

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a carrying-out merging unit.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating a carrying-out merging unit.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an automatic box packing device.

FIG. 17 is a plan view for explaining a second embodiment of the sorting device.

FIG. 18 is a plan view for explaining a third embodiment of the sorting device.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a sorting device in which a plurality of conveyor devices are arranged side by side.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Conveying means 10 ... Receiving tray 100 ... Fruits and vegetables 11 ... Placement part 12 ... Peripheral wall 121 ... Engagement part 13 ... Color mark 15 ... Conveyor device 151 ... Supply part 152 ... Measuring part 153 ... Sorting part 2 ... Reading measuring means 21 ... Reading Device 22 Internal quality inspection device 220 Optical analysis processing device 221 Light source 222 Projecting fiber 223 Light receiving fiber 23 Imaging means 231 Camera device 231a Color sensor camera 232 Illuminating device 233 Reflecting mirror 3 Computing device 31 ... Arithmetic operation unit 310 Code number extraction circuit 311 Color identification element 312 Encoding operation unit 32 Sorting control unit 4 Sorting reading device 5 Discharge actuation device 501 Rotary table 511 Engagement device 512 Engagement member 513 ... Rotating part 514 ... Support pin 515 ... Activating rod 516 ... Lock rod 516a ... Lock 517: Spring 518: Holder 519: Connection pin 520: Latch arm 520a: Locking portion 521: Screw spring 522: Support pin 523: Engagement device 524 ... Solenoid 524a: Receiving stand 525 ... Actuating lever 525a: Tip 526 ... Supporting shaft 527 Bearing 528 Bracket 529 Driving device 530 Belt 531 Disengagement rail 55 Unloading conveyor 6 Unloading storage means 7 Second transport means 70 Second sorting unit 8 Third transport means 80 Third sorting unit 9: storage device 110: first sorting unit 120: second sorting unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuo Haraguchi 630 Shinagase-cho, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka Pref.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A measuring unit and a sorting unit which are arranged along a conveying path thereof and are placed on a large number of trays each having unique information by a conveying means having a relatively long distance between the measuring unit and the sorting unit. During the transport, the measuring unit reads the unique information of the saucer and measures a predetermined item of the fruit and vegetable on the saucer, and each time the measurement is performed, the arithmetic unit determines the sorting category of the fruit and vegetable from the measurement result. Then, the determined sorting section is stored in association with the unique information of the saucer on which the fruits and vegetables are placed, and the sorting reader that is disposed immediately before the sorting section, and the saucer containing fruits and vegetables conveyed to the position. Is read from the sorting section stored in the arithmetic unit in association with the read unique information, and the discharge operation device assigned to the read sorting section is provided with the previous information. A method for sorting fruits and vegetables, comprising outputting a sorting and discharging signal in synchronism with the transport movement of the tray with fruits and vegetables from the time of reading by the sorting and reading device, and sorting and discharging the fruits and vegetables with each tray.