KR20070026132A - Apparatus and method for discriminating inflated skin of fruits and vegetables - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for discriminating inflated skin of fruits and vegetables are provided to enable to mount the apparatus on a conveyor to inspect the entire number of fruits and vegetables. An apparatus for discriminating inflated skin of fruits and vegetables includes a sensor member(16), sensors, and a volume recognition controller(26). The sensor member is configured to be in contact with fruits and vegetables with a predetermined speed. The sensors are disposed at the contact surface of the sensor member with aligning its sensitivity axis. The volume recognition controller discriminates inflated skin of fruits and vegetables by using a first sensor output and a second sensor output by contacting the sensor member with the fruits and vegetables from a sensitive direction of the first sensor and the second sensor. The volume recognition controller plots by corresponding the first sensor output and the second sensor output to an X-axis and a Y-axis to obtain plot data.

Description

Volume identification device of fruits and vegetables, and volume identification method of fruits and vegetables {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISCRIMINATING INFLATED SKIN OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES}

1 is a schematic front view of a volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of Figure 1 seen in the direction of the arrow.

3 is an enlarged view of a sensor member.

4 is a schematic diagram showing a state of use of the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an X-Y graph of normal measured fruits and vegetables shown for visualizing a first sensor output by a first sensor and a second sensor output by a second sensor. FIG.

6 is an X-Y graph of a fruit or vegetable under measurement with a volume shown to visualize a first sensor output by a first sensor and a second sensor output by a second sensor.

Fig. 7 is an X-Y graph of a normal measured fruit or vegetable, in which a sensor output value of a first sensor output (weighted sensor output) corresponds to an X axis, and a sensor output value of a second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) to an Y axis.

Fig. 8 is an X-Y graph of a volume of measured fruits and vegetables having a sensor output value of a first sensor output (weighted sensor output) corresponding to an X axis and a sensor output value of a second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) corresponding to a Y axis.

9 is a histogram showing the frequency distribution of normal, volume, and slight volumes of fruit and vegetables (B) measured beforehand by visual observation.

10 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

11 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

12 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view along arrow A of FIG. 12;

14 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

15 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view along arrow A of FIG. 16; FIG.

18 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a view along arrow B of FIG. 18;

20 is a front view of the reference volume member.

21 is a bottom view of the reference volume member of FIG. 20.

22 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operating state of the volume identification device of FIG. 23.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing>

10: volume identification device

12: rotating shaft

14: no arm

16, 16a, 16b: sensor member

18: contact member

20: contact surface

22: stepping motor

24: encoder

26: volume identification control unit

28: shock absorbing member

30: storage mechanism

32: conveying device

34: tray

100: volume identification device

102: support frame

104: conveyor

106: volumetric instrument

108: bridge member

110: encoder

112: suit

114: opening

116: guide rail

118: drive motor

120: standard hardness device

122: rotary drive motor

124: axis of rotation

126: reference volume member

128: reference volume assembly

132: conveying mechanism

134: fastening member

136: elastic member

138: contact surface

138a: tip

140: vibration generating device

B, B1, B2: fruits and vegetables to be measured

E: endpoint

S: starting point

S1, S2: Sensor

T: peak value

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-304697

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-289784

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-170456

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-74705

The present invention relates to a volume identification device for fruits and vegetables and a volume identification method for fruits and vegetables for non-destructively identifying the volume of fruits and vegetables such as fruits and vegetables, for example, citrus fruits such as tangerines.

Background Art Conventionally, in fruits and vegetables such as fruits and vegetables, for example, by measuring the volume of citrus fruits such as tangerine, the quality of the fruits and vegetables can be measured such as the internal quality, fruit storage, and transportation.

On the other hand, the volume (浮 皮) refers to a state in which a gap is formed between the pulp and the pulp, the pulp is swollen, and the pulp is receded.

The fruits and vegetables having a volume have a drawback that they are easily wounded by the scissors used at the time of harvesting, and that the fruit skin is soft, and therefore, it is easy to cause laceration depending on the method of handling.

In addition, fruits and vegetables that have a volume larger than those of normal fruits and vegetables have a larger volume, so if the packaging is carried out as it is, excessive force is applied to the fruits and vegetables, resulting in laceration, decay, and deformation. In some cases, the value of the product may be reduced.

For this reason, conventionally, the identification of whether a fruit or vegetable is a normal fruit or a fruit with a volume is performed.

As such a method, the volume is discriminated based on experience from the human eye or the texture, softness, etc. that the fruit is actually obtained by the inspector.

However, in the method of identifying the volume by the inspector, the accuracy of the identification is not enough and the reproducibility is not good because of the experience, the naked eye and the like of the inspector.

For this reason, in patent document 1, calculation means which calculates a volume value from the irradiation means which irradiates a citrus fruit for measurement light, the light receiving means which spectroscopically receives the light which permeate | transmitted citrus fruits, and received it, and the wavelength of the light received by this light receiving means. A volume discriminating device for citrus fruits has been proposed which includes a means and a judging means for judging a volume by comparing a volume value calculated by the calculating means with a preset set value.

In addition, in Patent Document 2, irradiated light is irradiated from a light source to a fruit or vegetable under measurement having a pulp and a rind. Has been proposed.

Further, in Patent Document 3, the transmission image is imaged by irradiating X-rays to fruits and vegetables, whereby the presence or absence of volume is identified by discriminating the degree of separation between the pulp part and the skin part.

That is, when the voids are formed at the boundary between the skin and the flesh to become a volume, the voids have a larger amount of X-ray transmission than when the voids are in close contact with each other, resulting in a high detection output. Accordingly, the detection pattern output by the X-ray light receiving unit is compared with the comparison pattern detected in the normal error read out from the storage device to determine whether there is a high output, and if there is a high output, the volume is determined.

In addition, Patent Document 4 includes an air compressor for discharging compressed air, a rotating disk having drilled a plurality of through holes at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and a driving device for rotating the rotating disk at a predetermined rotational speed, and chopping The volume determination device comprises a chopping air generating device for generating chopping air, a displacement sensor for detecting micro displacement of the skin, and an arithmetic device for processing the detection signal from the displacement sensor to determine the presence of volume. have.

Then, the presence or absence of the volume is determined by detecting the micro displacement of the skin generated by injecting the chopping air into the skin of the citrus fruit.

In addition, by using a measuring device called a rheometer (for example, Fudokogyosha), a measuring device having a load cell is dropped from above the fruits and vegetables to be measured and introduced into the fruits and vegetables under measurement, thereby identifying the presence or absence of volume. have.

However, in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, in the method of detecting transmitted light passing through a fruit or vegetable under measurement by using a photodetector to determine the quality of the skin in the arithmetic processing unit, a plurality of wavelengths of light received after spectroscopy of the transmitted light In the case of citrus fruits, the thickness of the citrus, the density of the skin, the difference in the cortex, the diffuse reflection in the cavity between the skin and the fruit, the number and the size of the cavity depend, and the precision was not good for practical use.

In addition, as in Patent Document 3, in the method of identifying the presence or absence of volume by irradiating X-rays, an X-ray irradiation apparatus and the like are expensive and complicated apparatuses, and since X-rays are handled, special safety management is required. This increases the cost.

In addition, as in Patent Document 4, the chopping air that digs the peel of the citrus fruit moving on the conveyor at high speed causes the compressor to be enlarged at a very high pressure, thereby increasing the size of the apparatus.

In addition, since it measures by a laser displacement meter, since a citrus fruit is measured when it misses at the time of a measurement, it is measured, and a support mechanism is needed for supporting a citrus fruit, and it becomes a complicated structure.

In addition, in the method of identifying the presence or absence of volume by the rheometer, the surface of the fruits and vegetables is destroyed, and the fruit and vegetable field must destroy the fruits and vegetables whose surface has been destroyed due to the measurement. .

Moreover, in this method, since the presence or absence of the volume by the random outflow of every lot is inevitably identified, the whole fruit inspection cannot be performed and the fruits and vegetables with a volume may be shipped.

In addition, for fruits and vegetables that are continuously conveyed on a conveyor, it is impossible to continuously identify the presence or absence of a volume.

In view of such a phenomenon, the present invention is capable of identifying a stable and accurate volume and destroying the surface of fruits and vegetables in the case of identifying the volume of fruits and vegetables such as oranges and the like which are easily damaged and damaged. It is an object of the present invention to provide a volumetric identification device for fruits and vegetables and a method for identifying the volume of fruits and vegetables, capable of accurately measuring the volume by rubbing a touch on fruits and vegetables, and in addition, continuously identifying the total number of volumes.

The present invention has been invented in order to achieve the problems and objects in the prior art as described above,

Volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

A sensor member having a first sensor and a second sensor having different sensitivity arranged in agreement with the sensitivity axis, and used in contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement;

From the sensitivity direction of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor, to the 1st sensor output by the said 1st sensor and the 2nd sensor output by the said 2nd sensor obtained by contacting with the said fruits and vegetables to be measured. A butch identification device having a volume identification control unit for identifying the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement,

The volume identification control unit,

Plot data is obtained by plotting the first sensor output and the second sensor output corresponding to the X-axis or Y-axis of the X-Y graph, respectively,

And further obtaining an inclination in a desired section of the plot data and identifying the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement by the inclination.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

A sensor member having a first sensor and a second sensor having different sensitivity arranged in agreement with the sensitivity axis, and used in contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement;

From the sensitivity direction of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor, to the 1st sensor output by the said 1st sensor and the 2nd sensor output by the said 2nd sensor obtained by contacting with the said fruits and vegetables to be measured. As a volume identification method using a butch identification device having a volume identification control unit for identifying the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement,

The volume identification control unit,

Plot data is obtained by plotting the first sensor output and the second sensor output corresponding to the X-axis or Y-axis of the X-Y graph, respectively,

And further obtaining a slope in a desired section of the plot data to identify the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement by the slope.

In this configuration, since two first and second sensors having different sensitivitys are arranged on the sensor member so as to match the sensitivity axis, the measurement conditions are achieved without the difference in the intensity and the angle in which these sensors come into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement. Since this is the same, the first sensor output by the first sensor and the second sensor output by the second sensor have no measurement error for each measurement without being different from each other in the measurement conditions, and stable and accurate volume identification is possible. .

Further, the volume identification controller acquires plot data by plotting the first sensor output and the second sensor output in correspondence with the X-axis or the Y-axis of the XY graph, respectively, and further acquires the slope in the desired section of the plot data, If the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement is identified by this inclination, the volume can be identified reliably.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The response of the first sensor and the second sensor is different.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The response of the first sensor and the second sensor is different.

In this way, even when both the first sensor and the second sensor are set to, for example, an acceleration sensor, blood having a normal measured fruit or vegetable or volume due to the difference in responsiveness of the first sensor and the second sensor can be obtained. The characteristics of the measured fruits and vegetables can be accurately identified, and the volume can be reliably identified.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

At least one of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor is a weighted sensor which performs a weighted sensor output, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

At least one of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor is a weighted sensor which performs a weighted sensor output, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

In this way, when the weighted sensor is used for at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor, the characteristic of the measured fruit or vegetable having a normal volume or volume can be accurately understood, and the volume can be reliably identified.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

At least one of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor is an acceleration sensor which performs an acceleration sensor output, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

At least one of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor is an acceleration sensor which performs an acceleration sensor output, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

In this way, when the acceleration sensor is used for at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor, it is possible to accurately grasp the characteristic of the measured fruit or vegetable having normal volume or the fruit to be measured, so that the volume can be reliably identified.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The first sensor and the second sensor,

And the acceleration sensor that performs the weighted sensor output and the acceleration sensor output.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The first sensor and the second sensor,

And the acceleration sensor that performs the weighted sensor output and the acceleration sensor output.

In this manner, when the first sensor and the second sensor are the weight sensors and the acceleration sensors, two sensor outputs can be obtained from two different sensors, so that the volume can be more reliably identified.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The first sensor is the weighting sensor that performs the weighted sensor output,

The second sensor is an acceleration sensor for performing the acceleration sensor output.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The first sensor is the weighting sensor that performs the weighted sensor output,

The second sensor is an acceleration sensor for performing the acceleration sensor output.

In this way, when the first sensor is the weight sensor and the second sensor is the acceleration sensor, the slope obtained from the plot data plotted in correspondence with the X-axis or the Y-axis of the XY graph, respectively, can be accurately obtained, thereby reliably identifying the volume. I can do it.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The X-axis of the X-Y graph is a weighted sensor output,

The Y axis is characterized in that the acceleration sensor output.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The X-axis of the X-Y graph is a weighted sensor output,

The Y axis is characterized in that the acceleration sensor output.

In this way, if the X-axis of the XY graph is weighted sensor output and the Y-axis acceleration sensor output, the slope obtained from the plot data plotted in correspondence with the X-axis or Y-axis of the XY graph, respectively, can be accurately obtained and the volume Identification can be performed.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The predetermined section of the plot data,

And 50% of the peak value of the acceleration sensor output from the origin of the acceleration sensor output.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The predetermined section of the plot data,

And 50% of the peak value of the acceleration sensor output from the origin of the acceleration sensor output.

Thus, the slope obtained from the plot data plotted by mapping the first sensor output and the second sensor output to the X-axis or Y-axis of the XY graph, respectively, from the origin of the acceleration sensor output to 50% of the peak value of the acceleration sensor output. In this case, the difference between the slopes of the measured fruits and vegetables having normal volume and the measured fruits and vegetables can be remarkably recognized, and the volume can be reliably identified.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The volume identification device,

And a sensor member drive mechanism for bringing the sensor member into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The volume identification device,

And a sensor member drive mechanism for bringing the sensor member into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed.

In this way, since the sensor member is brought into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed by the sensor member drive mechanism, the sensor member can be measured at a constant speed from the initial speed to the subordinate degree, and can be measured regardless of the size of the fruits and vegetables under measurement.

Moreover, the 1st sensor output by a 1st sensor and the 2nd sensor output by a 2nd sensor can be obtained stably, and the volume can be correctly identified.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member drive mechanism,

According to the kind and size of fruits and vegetables, it is comprised so that the contact speed with respect to the fruits or vegetables to be measured of the said sensor member may be controlled.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member drive mechanism,

According to the kind and size of fruits and vegetables, it is comprised so that the contact speed with respect to the fruits or vegetables to be measured of the said sensor member may be controlled.

In this way, the speed of contact with the measured fruits and vegetables of the sensor member is controlled according to the type, size, for example, type (kind) and size of the fruits and vegetables under measurement.

Thus, for example, in the case where the fruit or vegetable under measurement is a fruit (variety) that is susceptible to damage such as peach or strawberry, the force of the sensor member to the fruit or vegetable under measurement is weakened by slowing down the speed of contact with the fruit or vegetable under measurement. Can be protected from being damaged.

On the contrary, for example, when the fruit or vegetable under measurement is a hard fruit such as an apple or a pear, the sensor member is brought into contact with the fruit or vegetable under test with a strong force by increasing the speed of contact with the fruit or fruit under measurement of the sensor member. I can grasp it with high sensitivity.

For example, when the size of the fruits or vegetables under test is large, the predetermined contact speed is slowed down (weak the contact force), and when the size of the fruits and vegetables under test is small, the predetermined contact speed is increased rapidly (strong contact force). By this, the measurement accuracy can be improved.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member drive mechanism,

It is characterized in that it is comprised so that the speed at the time of contact with the measured fruits and vegetables of the said sensor member, and the speed at the time of being spaced apart from the fruits and vegetables to be measured are changed.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member drive mechanism,

It is characterized in that it is comprised so that the speed at the time of contact with the measured fruits and vegetables of the said sensor member, and the speed at the time of being spaced apart from the fruits and vegetables to be measured are changed.

In this way, by changing the speed at the time of contact with the measured fruits and vegetables of the sensor member and the speed at the distance from the fruits and vegetables under measurement, the speed of contacting the fruits and vegetables under measurement (route) is lower than By increasing the speed at the time of separation (return), the processing capacity (the number of measurements per hour) can be improved without damaging the fruits and vegetables under measurement, for example, fruits.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member drive mechanism,

The said sensor member is comprised so that it may be controlled so that the speed in the vicinity of the position which is spaced apart from the fruits and vegetables under measurement and return to a contact start position may become slow.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member drive mechanism,

The said sensor member is comprised so that it may be controlled so that the speed in the vicinity of the position which is spaced apart from the fruits and vegetables under measurement and return to a contact start position may become slow.

In this configuration, the sensor member can slow down the final speed to the home when it is separated from the fruit or vegetable under test (return), and thus functions as a brake, so that the impact of the sensor can be alleviated, so that the life of the sensor can be extended.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

By the said sensor member drive mechanism, the shock absorbing member which absorbs the shock of the said sensor member is arrange | positioned at the position which the said sensor member is separated from the fruits and vegetables under measurement, and returns to a contact start position.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

By the said sensor member drive mechanism, the shock absorbing member which absorbs the shock of the said sensor member is arrange | positioned at the position which the said sensor member is separated from the fruits and vegetables under measurement, and returns to a contact start position.

With this arrangement, the shock of the sensor member can be absorbed by the shock absorbing member such as sponge or rubber at the position where the sensor member returns to the contact start position when the sensor member is separated from the fruit or vegetable under measurement (back). have.

In addition, since the shock of the sensor can be alleviated by functioning as a brake, not only can the life of the sensor be extended, but also the stability can be improved and the volume can be accurately identified when performing continuous measurement.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member drive mechanism includes a storage mechanism for storing the sensor member at a position where the sensor member is separated from the fruits and vegetables under measurement and returned to the contact start position.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member drive mechanism includes a storage mechanism for storing the sensor member at a position where the sensor member is separated from the fruits and vegetables under measurement and returned to the contact start position.

Thus, by using an electromagnet as the storage mechanism, for example, the sensor member can be energized when the sensor member is separated from the fruits and vegetables to be measured (by returning home), and the sensor member can be stored at the position returning to the contact start position. Bound by an inertial force can be prevented and the life of a sensor member can be improved.

In addition, by releasing storage by this storage mechanism at the time of contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement (back and forth), it is possible to measure continuously and stably and accurately identify the volume.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member is attached to the tip of the arm member,

The arm member is fixed to a rotating shaft connected to the sensor member driving mechanism so as to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member is attached to the tip of the arm member,

The arm member is fixed to a rotating shaft connected to the sensor member driving mechanism so as to rotate with rotation of the rotating shaft.

By configuring in this way, a volume identification apparatus can be set as the descent mechanism from the top.

For example, even when conveying a fruit or vegetable under measurement by a conveying device such as a conveyor, it is possible to install it without depending on the type of the conveyor. In addition, for example, if a volume identification device is mounted on the left and right sides, Surface measurements are possible, allowing simultaneous identification of the volume at the face of the fruit or vegetable under test.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

And a rotation angle detection mechanism that detects a rotation angle of the rotation shaft connected to the sensor member drive mechanism.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

And a rotation angle detection mechanism that detects a rotation angle of the rotation shaft connected to the sensor member drive mechanism.

With this arrangement, a rotation angle detection mechanism for measuring an angle of, for example, an encoder or the like is provided on the rotation axis, and the dimensions of the fruits and vegetables under measurement can be measured from the angle of the contact point in the state where the sensor member is in contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement. have.

In addition, the size of the fruit or vegetable under measurement can be used for the correction of the hardness data, and the volume can be identified more accurately.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

Before the sensor member is in contact with the fruit or vegetable to be measured to measure the volume of the fruit or vegetable to be measured, the sensor member is in contact with a reference volume member having a predetermined reference hardness, and the volume is measured based on the hardness data of the reference volume member. Characterized in that the data is configured to correct.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

Before the sensor member is in contact with the fruit or vegetable to be measured to measure the volume of the fruit or vegetable to be measured, the sensor member is in contact with a reference volume member having a predetermined reference hardness, and the volume is measured based on the hardness data of the reference volume member. Characterized in that the data is configured to correct.

By configuring in this way, since a sensor member contacts a reference volume member which has a predetermined reference hardness, and corrects volume measurement data based on the hardness data of a reference volume member, the change by the time-dependent change can be correct | amended. The volume can be identified accurately.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

A temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the reference volume member,

And calibrating the volume measurement data based on the temperature data of the reference volume member by the temperature measuring device.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

A temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the reference volume member,

And calibrating the volume measurement data based on the temperature data of the reference volume member by the temperature measuring device.

In this way, since the volumetric measurement data is calibrated based on the temperature data of the reference volume member by the temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the reference volume member, the temperature characteristic of the reference volume member itself can be taken into consideration. The volume can be accurately identified without being influenced by environmental temperatures such as farmland.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

A plurality of sensor members are configured to contact the fruits and vegetables under measurement.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

It is comprised so that the some sensor member may contact with the said fruits and vegetables to be measured.

With this configuration, for example, two-sided measurement can be performed by mounting on the left and right, and the hardness of the fruits and vegetables under measurement can be simultaneously measured with respect to the fruits and vegetables under measurement, so that the volume of the fruits and vegetables under measurement can be accurately identified. Can be.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member driving mechanism for bringing the sensor member into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed is a vibration generating device.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The sensor member driving mechanism for bringing the sensor member into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed is a vibration generating device.

In this configuration, for example, the sensor member is vibrated by reversing the stepping motor or the exciter, and the sensor member is continuously contacted at a predetermined speed against fruits and vegetables that are continuously conveyed on a conveying mechanism such as a conveyor. The volumetric identification of fruits and vegetables can be performed accurately.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

It is comprised so that a sensor member may contact with the fruit or vegetable to be measured conveyed continuously on a conveying apparatus.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

It is comprised so that a sensor member may contact with the fruit or vegetable to be measured conveyed continuously on a conveying apparatus.

By configuring in this way, since the volume identification of the fruit or vegetable to be continuously conveyed can be performed, measurement efficiency improves.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

It is characterized in that it is comprised so that the some sensor member may contact with the measured fruit or vegetable at the position spaced apart at fixed intervals in the conveyance direction with respect to the measured fruit and vegetable which conveys the conveyance apparatus image continuously.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

It is characterized in that it is comprised so that the some sensor member may contact with the measured fruit or vegetable at the position spaced apart at fixed intervals in the conveyance direction with respect to the measured fruit and vegetable which conveys the conveyance apparatus image continuously.

In this configuration, since the plurality of sensor members contact the measured fruits and vegetables at positions spaced apart at regular intervals in the conveying direction to identify the volume, the fruits and vegetables that are continuously conveyed can be accurately measured without missing measurement. The measurement accuracy and measurement efficiency can be improved.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

A plurality of sensor members are provided with respect to the fruit or vegetable under test which is conveyed continuously on the conveying apparatus.

It is characterized in that it is comprised so that it may contact with the fruits and vegetables to be measured alternately from the position to the left and right with respect to a conveyance direction in the position spaced at regular intervals in a conveyance direction.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

A plurality of sensor members are provided with respect to the fruit or vegetable under test which is conveyed continuously on the conveying apparatus.

It is characterized in that it is comprised so that it may contact with the fruits and vegetables to be measured alternately from a position left and right with respect to a conveyance direction in the position spaced at fixed intervals in a conveyance direction.

In this configuration, the plurality of sensor members contact the fruits and vegetables under measurement alternately from the left and right positions with respect to the conveying direction at positions spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction to identify the volume. Measurement fruits and vegetables can be measured accurately without missing measurement, further improving measurement accuracy and measurement efficiency.

In addition, since a plurality of sensor members do not come into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at the same time, interference between the sensors is eliminated and the volume can be accurately identified.

In addition, the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The dimension measuring apparatus which measures the magnitude | size of the measured fruits and vegetables is arrange | positioned in the upstream position which a sensor member contacts with the fruits and vegetables to be measured conveyed continuously on the conveying apparatus,

It is comprised so that the contact start timing with respect to the measured fruits and vegetables of the sensor member by the said sensor member drive mechanism may be controlled based on the dimension data of the measured fruits and vegetables measured by this dimension measuring apparatus.

In addition, the volume identification method of fruits and vegetables of the present invention,

The dimension measuring apparatus which measures the magnitude | size of the measured fruits and vegetables is arrange | positioned in the upstream position which a sensor member contacts with the fruits and vegetables to be measured conveyed continuously on the conveying apparatus,

It is comprised so that the contact start timing with respect to the measured fruits and vegetables of the sensor member by the said sensor member drive mechanism may be controlled based on the dimension data of the measured fruits and vegetables measured by this dimension measuring apparatus.

That is, in the hardness measuring device of the type which lowers and contacts a sensor member, since a fall angle differs, for example in a small orange and a big orange, since the time of a sensor member starts to move and contacts a fruit or vegetable under test, This is different.

For this reason, the dimension measuring apparatus which measures the magnitude | size of the measured fruits and vegetables, for example, a photo sensor, is arrange | positioned in the upstream position which a sensor member contacts, and the dimension data of the fruits and vegetables under measurement are calculated by this dimension measuring apparatus. Thus, the falling trigger (contact start timing) is set.

That is, since the time for blocking the photo sensor is the size of a tangerine, when it is blocked for a long time, it is a big tangerine, and a fall trigger may be late.

In addition, when it is short, since it is a small mandarin orange, it is controlled to start descending early.

As a result, the measurement conditions become the same, and the first sensor output by the first sensor and the second sensor output by the second sensor do not differ from each other in the measurement conditions, and there is no measurement error for each measurement. Identification can be performed.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment (Example) of this invention is described in detail based on drawing.

1 is a schematic front view of a volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables according to the arrow direction, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the sensor member, FIG. 4 is a view of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the use condition of the volume identification apparatus of fruits and vegetables.

1 to 3, reference numeral 10 denotes the volume identification device of fruits and vegetables of the present invention as a whole.

On the other hand, in the present invention, "volume" refers to a state in which a gap is formed between the skin and the flesh of the fruit or vegetable under measurement, the state in which the skin is swollen, or the state of the fruit peeled off, It is included.

In addition, in this invention, "fruits and vegetables" is meant to include all fruits and vegetables, such as fruits, such as citrus fruits, such as a tangerine, other fruits, and vegetables, which may generate such a volume.

In the present invention, "identifying the volume" means identifying the presence or absence of the volume, the degree of the volume, for example, identifying a small volume, a severe volume, or the like. It is meant to include.

As shown in FIG. 1, the volume identification device 10 includes a rotation shaft 12 supported by a support mechanism (not shown), and the arm member 14 is rotated on the rotation shaft 12 by the rotation shaft 12. It is fixed to rotate with rotation of the The sensor member 16 is attached to the tip of the arm member 14.

This sensor member 16 is provided with the contact member 18 in the part which contacts the to-be-measured fruits and vegetables B, such as fruits and vegetables, such as fruit and a vegetable, for example.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, inside the sensor member 16, the first sensor S1 is provided on the contact member 18 side, and the first sensor S1 is aligned with the sensitivity axis. One second sensor S2 is disposed.

In this case, these 1st sensor S1 and 2nd sensor S2 are arrange | positioned so that the sensitivity direction may be located in the contact surface 20 side of the contact member 18. As shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the stepping motor 22 is mounted on the rotational shaft 12 as a rotational drive mechanism to rotate the rotational shaft 12, and the rotational angle of the rotational shaft 12 on the opposite side, that is, the sensor member 16. The encoder 24 for detecting the rotation angle of the () is mounted.

Moreover, these 1st sensor S1, 2nd sensor S2, the stepping motor 22, and the encoder 24 are the volume identification control parts which are control mechanisms for identifying the volume of the measured fruit or vegetable B, such as CPU. It is connected to (26).

In this case, the contact member 18 may be selected from materials of suitable hardness according to the hardness of the fruits and vegetables under measurement, and may be appropriately used. Although not particularly limited, the contact member 18 is harder than the fruits and vegetables under measurement because the measurement is stable. It is preferable to comprise with a material.

As such a contact member 18, for example, when the fruit or vegetable under test is an apple which is hard fruit, it will be made into hardness of about 70 (JIS K6253, no unit) of rubber so that it may become hardness more than the hardness of an apple. It is desirable to.

As such a material, polypropylene resin, a fluororesin, a silicone resin, etc. can be used, for example.

In addition, when the contact surface 20 of the connection member 18 comes into contact with the fruit or vegetable under test B, for example, the sensor member 16 slides on a smooth surface such as an apple, so that accurate measurement is impossible. It is desirable to have minute unevenness to prevent damage and to prevent damage to the surface of the fruits and vegetables under measurement.

Although it does not specifically limit as such a fine unevenness | corrugation, It is preferable to set it as the small spherical shape which has R, Preferably, it is preferable to set it as the spherical shape of 5-40 mm in radius.

In this way, since the stepping motor 22 is used as the rotational driving mechanism, the sensor member 16 is brought into contact with the fruits and vegetables B under measurement at a predetermined speed. Not only can it measure regardless of size, but also the 1st sensor output by the 1st sensor S1 and the 2nd sensor output by the 2nd sensor S2 can be obtained stably, and the identification of the presence or absence of accurate volume is possible. Do.

In this case, in the present invention, " predetermined speed " means all predetermined speeds such as the speed of changing the initial speed to the subordinate degree stepwise, the speed of changing the same from the initial speed to the subordinate degree, in addition to the case from the initial speed to the subordinate degree. It is meant to include.

In this case, the volume identification control section 26 controls the stepping motor 22, which is a sensor member driving mechanism, to control the type and size of the fruits and vegetables B to be measured, for example, the type (type) and size of the fruit. According to this, it is preferable to control the speed at which the sensor member 16 is in contact with the measured fruit or vegetable B. FIG.

For example, in the case where the fruit or vegetable under test B is a fruit (variety) which is easily damaged, such as a peach or a strawberry, the object to be measured is slowed by slowing down the contact speed with the fruit or vegetable B under measurement of the sensor member 16. The sensor member 16 comes into contact with the fruits and vegetables B with a weak force, thereby protecting the fragile article from being damaged.

On the contrary, for example, when the fruit or vegetable B to be measured is a fruit that is relatively hard, for example, an apple or a pear, the speed of contacting the fruit or vegetable B to be measured of the sensor member 16 is measured. By speeding up, the sensor member 16 comes into contact with the measured fruit or vegetable B with a strong force, and can be grasped with high sensitivity.

For example, when the size of the fruits or vegetables B to be measured is large, the constant contact speed is slowed down (weak the contact force), and when the size of the fruits and vegetables B to be measured is small, the constant contact speed is rapidly increased ( By increasing the contact force, the measurement accuracy can be improved.

Moreover, the volume identification control part 26 controls the stepping motor 22 which is a sensor member drive mechanism, and the speed and the measured fruit or vegetable B to contact with the measured fruit and vegetable B of the sensor member 16 are also controlled. It is desirable to be able to change the speed when it is spaced apart from.

Thus, by changing the speed at the time of contact with the measured fruit or vegetable B of the sensor member 16, and the speed at the time of being separated from the fruit or vegetable B to be measured, for example, By speeding up the velocity when it is spaced apart from the fruits and vegetables B to be measured (return) rather than the speed when it is in contact with the (return), the fruits and vegetables B to be measured, for example, citrus fruits such as tangerines, are not damaged. The processing capacity (number of measurements per hour) can be improved.

In addition, the volume identification control part 26 controls the stepping motor 22 which is a sensor member drive mechanism, and is located in the vicinity of the position where the sensor member 16 is spaced apart from the fruit or vegetable under test B, and returns to a contact start position. It is desirable to control the speed to be slow.

In this configuration, when the sensor member 16 is spaced apart from the fruit or vegetable B under measurement (return), the final speed of the return path can be slowed down and functions as a brake, so that the shock of the sensor can be alleviated. It can extend the life.

Moreover, since the encoder 24 for detecting the rotational angle of the rotational shaft 12, ie, the rotational angle of the sensor subsidiary 16, is provided, as shown by the broken line of FIG. The measured size of the measured fruits and vegetables (B) can be measured from the angle of the contact point in contact with the measured fruits and vegetables, and the dimensions of the measured fruits and vegetables (B) can be used for correction of the volume identification data, thereby identifying more accurate volume presence. Can be done.

In this case, the 1st sensor S1 and the 2nd sensor S2 are comprised with two sensors from which a sensitivity differs.

As two first sensors S1 and 2nd sensor S2 from which such a sensitivity differs, it is preferable that it is comprised with the sensor from which the kind of sensor differs.

That is, since the volume is discriminated by using, for example, an acceleration sensor and a weight sensor as the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2, the strength of the sensor member 16 in contact with the fruit or vegetable B to be measured. It can be measured stably regardless of the angle.

Therefore, the strength of contacting the sensor member 16 with the fruits and vegetables B to be measured can be measured even if the amount of rubbing is weak, so that even when measuring citrus fruits such as tangerines that are susceptible to breakage, the surface of the citrus fruits can be measured. The rubbing contact with citrus fruits allows for accurate volume measurement without breaking.

As shown in FIG. 4, the volume identification device 10 configured as described above is driven from the initial position to the arrow in FIG. 4 by the driving of the stepping motor 22 by the control from the volume identification control unit 26. As shown, the arm member 14 rotates at a constant speed in a direction approaching the fruit or vegetable B under test so that the contact surface 20 of the contact member 18 at its tip contacts the fruit or vegetable B to be measured. It is.

At the time of this contact, by the 1st sensor output by the 1st sensor S1 arrange | positioned inside the sensor member 16, and the 2nd sensor output by the 2nd sensor S2, To identify the volume.

With this arrangement, since the first and second sensors S1 and S2 having different sensitivitys are arranged on the sensor member 16 so that these sensors S1 and S2 are measured fruits and vegetables ( Since the measurement conditions are the same without the difference in the strength and the angle in contact with B), the first sensor output by the first sensor S1 and the second sensor output by the second sensor S2 are measured conditions. It is not different and there is no measurement error for each measurement, so that accurate volume measurement can be performed stably.

Hereinafter, the volume identification method of the measured fruit or vegetable B using the volume identification apparatus 10 is demonstrated.

5 or 6 shows a first sensor output (weighted sensor output) by the first sensor (weighting sensor) S1 and a second sensor output (accelerated sensor output) by the second sensor (acceleration sensor) S2. ) Is shown in the XY graph for visualizing, Figure 5 is a normal measured fruits and vegetables, Figure 6 is a volume of the measured fruits and vegetables.

In addition, although not specifically mentioned, identification of the volume with respect to the fruit or vegetable to be measured B is calculated by the volume identification control part 26 automatically.

In addition, in this Example, a mandarin orange was measured as the fruit or vegetable to be measured (B), and volume was distinguished.

The volume identification device 10 in this embodiment uses a weighting sensor as the first sensor S1 and an acceleration sensor as the second sensor S2.

On the other hand, the output by the weight sensor is the weight sensor output, the output by the acceleration sensor is the acceleration sensor output.

First, when the contact surface 20 of the contact member 18 of the sensor member 16 comes in contact with the fruit or vegetable B (mandarin orange) under test, the first sensor output by the first sensor (weighting sensor) S1. (Weighted sensor output) and a second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) by the second sensor (acceleration sensor) S2 are obtained.

In the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the obtained first sensor output (weighted sensor output) and second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) are the voltage (V) data obtained for every 5 kHz. Is sent to the volume identification control section 26 of the volume identification device 10.

Moreover, the curve whose peak value T shows "100" of a sensor output is a 2nd sensor output (acceleration sensor output), and the other gentle curve is a 1st sensor output (weighted sensor output).

On the other hand, the voltage V data sent to the volume identification control section 26 is not limited to every 5 ms. In addition, the configuration and volume identification of the volume identification device 10, for example, every 10 ms, and the like. It can change suitably according to the performance of the control part 26, the magnitude | size, a kind, etc. of the fruits and vegetables to be measured.

At this time, the first sensor output (weighted sensor output) and the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) obtained every 5 ms are the peak values of the value of the voltage V every 5 ms by the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output). The numerical conversion is performed in advance in the volume identification control part 26 so that T may become "100". On the other hand, the numerical value of the Y-axis converted into a sensor output value.

Such numerical conversion is, for example, when the voltage (V) peak value P by the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) is 4 (V), and this value is set to "100", the other value is 100/4 (V). ) = 25, the numerical value can be converted by 25 times the respective numerical values.

In this way, the first sensor output (weighted sensor output) by the first sensor (weighting sensor) S1 converted into a numerical value and the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) by the second sensor (acceleration sensor) S2 are The numerical values obtained by the individual fruits and vegetables under measurement are accumulated in the volume identification control section 26.

In addition, two sensor output values of the first sensor output (weighted sensor output) and the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output), which are numerically converted, are extracted, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first sensor output on the X axis. An XY graph is generated in which the sensor output value of the (weighted sensor output) and the sensor output value of the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) correspond to the Y axis.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first sensor output (weighted sensor output) and the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) shown in Figs. 5 and 6 are converted into numerical values as they are, and the X-axis and Y shown in Figs. Although the XY graph is created by corresponding to the axis (the first first sensor output (weighted sensor output) and the first second sensor output (acceleration sensor output)), for example, the first first sensor. Even if the first sensor output (weight sensor output) and the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) are shifted so that the output (weight sensor output) and the tenth second sensor output (acceleration sensor output) correspond, the XY graph is created. It's okay.

Then, with respect to the peak value T of the second sensor output (acceleration sensor output), the slope between the two points is set to 1/16 (6.25%) as the starting point S and 9/16 (56.25%) as the ending point E. Obtain On the other hand, the start point S and the end point E are not limited to this, but when the measurement result contains a relatively large amount of noise, the start point S is set to 2/16 (12.5%), for example, the measurement environment, Appropriate modification is possible depending on the kind of the fruits or vegetables to be measured (B).

The first and second sensor outputs (weighted sensor outputs) and the second sensor outputs of which the slope between the two points of the start point S and the end point E are first converted into the measured fruits and vegetables B accumulated in the volume identification control section 26 are first converted into weights. (Acceleration sensor output).

In addition, this inclination can be calculated | required as follows, taking the X-Y graph of the measured fruit and vegetable which has the volume shown in FIG. 8 as an example.

Slope = tan ^-1 (Y increase / X increase × (360 / π) -90

Increase of Y = 100 × (9/16) -100 × (1/16)

X increment = (8.87-0) + 5

("+5" is different depending on the ratio of the X and Y axes.)

Tilt = 58.99 °

The slope (angle) thus obtained is also contrasted with the threshold of the histogram showing the frequency distribution of the normal, volume, and slight volumes of the measured fruits and vegetables B, previously identified by the naked eye, as shown in FIG. 9, It is possible to identify whether it is normal or volume.

In addition, in the histogram shown in FIG. 9, the slope between the two points of the starting point S and the end point E calculated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is numerically converted and displayed as a volume value.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the inclination (angle) obtained by the above formula (1) is converted into a volume value as follows (for example, in the case of 58.99 °).

Volume = 58.99 ° × 0.139-4.7

Volume = approximately 3.5

However, this is not particularly limited, for example, the normal measured fruits and vegetables using the value of the inclination (angle) as it is, or the bulk of the measured fruits and vegetables (tangerine) and the fruit filled with "10" are filled. It may be set as (the tangerine), and may be made into a volume value by converting the value of the inclination (angle) to "1"-"10", and is not specifically limited.

Thus, from the histogram showing the frequency distribution of the normal, volume, and some volumes obtained in advance by the naked eye, a threshold for identifying the volume is determined, and within this threshold, two points of the starting point S and the end point E calculated in FIGS. 7 and 8 are determined. Whether or not the measured fruit or vegetable B is normal or volume can be identified by whether the volume value obtained by converting the slope of the liver into a numerical value (in this embodiment, equation 2 is used) is included.

On the other hand, between the histogram showing the frequency distribution of the normal, volume, and slight measured fruits and vegetables (B) identified by the naked eye shown in FIG. 9, and between the two points of the starting point S and the ending point E shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. When the volume value obtained by converting the numerical value of the slope, for example, needs to set high quality of the fruit or vegetable under test (B) to be shipped, for example, if the volume value shown in FIG. 9 is set to identify up to "4.64" as the volume, do.

In this way, the threshold value of whether the fruit or vegetable B to be measured is a volume or normal can be appropriately set according to the situation, whereby the volume can be reliably identified.

10 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device 10 of the present invention.

Since the volume identification device 10 of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the same constituent members are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the volume identification device 10 of this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the sensor member 16 is spaced apart from the fruit or vegetable B under measurement by a stepping motor 22, which is a sensor member driving mechanism, to a contact start position. The shock absorbing member 28 which absorbs the shock of the sensor member 16 is arrange | positioned in the return position (the position of the solid line of FIG. 10).

In this case, the shock absorbing member 28 is not particularly limited as long as the shock absorbing member 28 can absorb shocks. For example, the shock absorbing member 28 may be made of an elastic member such as sponge, rubber, foamed plastic, or spring.

By such a configuration, the sensor member 16 is returned to the contact start position when the sensor member 16 is separated from the fruit or vegetable B under measurement (by returning), for example, to the shock absorbing member 28 such as sponge or rubber. The shock of the sensor member 16 can be absorbed by this.

In addition, by functioning as a brake, not only the shock of the sensor can be alleviated to extend the life of the sensor, but also the stability is improved when performing continuous measurement, and accurate volume identification is possible.

In addition, in the volume identification device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the position where the sensor member 16 is spaced apart from the fruit or vegetable under test B and returns to the contact starting position (solid line position in FIG. 10). In addition, the storage mechanism 30 which stores the sensor member 16 is provided.

Such a storage mechanism 30 is energized when the sensor member 16 is separated from the fruits and vegetables B under measurement (by returning) by using an electromagnet, for example, at a position to return to the contact start position. The sensor member 16 can be stored.

As a result, the sensor member 16 can be prevented from being bound by inertial force, and the life of the sensor member can be improved.

In addition, by releasing storage by the storage mechanism 30 (release of energization) when it comes in contact with the fruits and vegetables B under test (back and forth), the volume can be identified continuously and stably.

The storage mechanism 30 is not particularly limited, and may be a configuration such that the arm member 14 is stored by, for example, a chuck in addition to the electromagnet described above.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the shock absorbing member 28 is arrange | positioned at the storage mechanism 30 side, it is also possible to provide the shock absorbing member 28 on the opposite side to the contact surface 20 side of the sensor member 16. FIG. .

11 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention.

Since the volume identification device 10 of this embodiment is basically the same structure as the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the same structural member is given the same reference numeral, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the volume identification device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, two volume identification devices 10 are disposed on both sides of the fruit or vegetable B under measurement.

Accordingly, two-sided measurement is possible, and the volume of the fruits and vegetables under measurement can be simultaneously measured with respect to the fruits and vegetables under measurement, so that the volume of the fruits and vegetables under measurement can be accurately measured.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the two volume identification devices 10 are arranged on the side of the measured fruit or vegetable B, but the number is not particularly limited, and for example, the side of the measured fruit or vegetable B is for example. In order to be able to measure from four sides of four, the four volume identification devices 10 can be suitably changed, such as arrange | positioning at 90 degrees apart.

12 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a view along arrow A of FIG.

Since the volume identification device 10 of this embodiment is basically the same structure as the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the same structural member is given the same reference numeral, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the volume identification device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, two volume identification devices 10 are arranged on both sides of the fruit or vegetable under test B as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11.

In addition, in the volume identification device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12A, the tray 34 to which the fruits and vegetables under measurement B are continuously conveyed by a conveying device 32 such as a conveyor. The fruits and vegetables under test B, such as fruit, are accommodated in the image, for example.

In this case, as shown to FIG. 12 (b) and FIG. 13, it is the position which replaced with the conveying apparatus 32 with respect to the measured fruit and vegetable B which conveys the conveyance apparatus 32 image continuously. The sensor member 16 is provided, and it is comprised so that it may contact with both sides of the measured fruit and vegetable B when the measured fruit and vegetable B is conveyed.

And when the fruit or vegetable to be measured B which is accommodated in the tray 34 and conveyed by the conveying apparatus 32 is detected by a detection sensor such as a phototube, for example, not shown, a volume identification device ( 10) is operated to continuously measure the volume of the fruit or vegetable under test (B).

By configuring in this way, the volume of the measured fruit or vegetable B which is conveyed continuously can be measured correctly.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, with respect to the measured fruit or vegetable B which is continuously conveyed on the conveying apparatus 32, the plurality of sensor members 16 and 16 are spaced apart at regular intervals in the conveying direction. You may make it contact with the fruits and vegetables to be measured B alternately from a position left and right with respect to a conveyance direction.

By configuring in this way, since the some sensor member 16 and 16 contact | connects with respect to the fruit or vegetable to be measured B alternately from the position left and right with respect to a conveyance direction, in the position spaced apart at regular intervals in a conveyance direction, The volume of the measured fruit or vegetable B which is continuously conveyed can be measured accurately without any measurement omission, and measurement accuracy and measurement efficiency are improved.

As a result, since the plurality of sensor members 16 and 16 do not contact the fruits and vegetables under measurement at the same time, the interference between the sensors is eliminated and the volume can be accurately identified.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, the sensor member 16a contacts the odd-numbered measured fruit or vegetable B1 which conveys the conveyance apparatus 32 image continuously, and the even-numbered object is avoided, for example. The sensor member 16b may be brought into contact with the measured fruit and vegetables B2, whereby the volume may be identified.

In this way, even if the conveyance speed of the conveying apparatus 32 is raised, the sensor members 16a and 16b can be contacted with the fruits and vegetables B1 and B2 to be measured, without causing a large amount of fruits and vegetables to be measured without causing a measurement omission. The volume can be identified reliably.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a view from the arrow A direction of FIG. 16, FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is the arrow B direction of FIG. 20 is a front view of the reference volume member, and FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the reference volume member of FIG.

Since the volume identification apparatus 100 of this embodiment is basically the same structure as the above-mentioned embodiment, the same structural member is attached | subjected with the same reference number, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the volume identification device 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the conveyor 104 is disposed on the support frame 102.

An approximately box-shaped volume measuring mechanism 106 is fixed to the support frame 102 by the mounting leg member 108 so as to be located above the conveyor 104.

Moreover, the volume identification control part 26 is arrange | positioned at the upper part in the volume measuring mechanism 106. FIG.

Moreover, not only the encoder 110 which measures the rotation speed of the rotating shaft of the drive motor (not shown) which drives the conveyor 104 is located in the downstream side of the conveyor 104, but also the downstream end side of the conveyor 104 is arranged. The chute 112 for discharging the fruit or vegetable to be measured B is provided.

And similarly to the Example of FIG. 12, the measured fruits and vegetables B, such as fruit, are accommodated on the tray 34 by which the measured fruits and vegetables B are conveyed continuously by the conveyor 104, for example. have.

In addition, when the measured fruit or vegetable B which is accommodated in the tray 34 and conveyed by the conveyor 104 is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) such as a phototube, the volume identification device 10 operates. The volume of the fruit or vegetable under test (B) is measured continuously.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, in the volume measuring mechanism 106, an opening 114 constituting a passage of the fruits and vegetables B to be conveyed on the conveyor 104 is formed below. have.

18 and 19, two volume identification devices 10 are arranged so as to be located at both sides of the fruit or vegetable B under measurement with the opening 114 therebetween.

These volume identification devices 10 have the same configuration as the volume identification device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the stepping motor 22 rotates the rotational shaft 12. In addition to the mounting, the encoder 24 for detecting the rotational angle of the rotational shaft 12, that is, the rotational angle of the sensor member 16, is mounted on the opposite side.

Further, in the volume identification device 10, similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 10, the volume absorbing device 10 is separated from the shock absorbing member 28 that absorbs the shock of the sensor member 16 and the fruit or vegetable under test B, and returns to the contact starting position. The storage mechanism 30 which stores the sensor member 16 in the position to be provided is provided.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the shock absorbing member 28 is provided on the side opposite to the contact surface 20 side of the sensor member 16. It is also possible to arrange the shock absorbing member 28 on the storage mechanism 30 side.

As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the volume measuring mechanism 106 is guided to the guide rail 116 disposed in the vertical direction and is indicated by the arrows of FIGS. 17 to 19 by the drive motor 118. Similarly, the reference hardness apparatus 120 which can move up and down is disposed.

In this reference hardness apparatus 120, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the reference volume assembly 128 in which a plurality of (four in this embodiment) reference volume members 126 of different hardness are assembled in a cylindrical shape is provided. ).

And this reference volume assembly 128 is connected to the rotating shaft 124 of the rotation drive motor 122, and by rotating, the reference volume member 126 of arbitrary hardness arm 14 of the volume identification apparatus 10 is carried out. ) Is in contact with the sensor member 16 at the tip.

20 and 21 show the reference volume assembly 128 in which the reference volume member 126 is assembled in a cylindrical shape, but is not shown, but the reference volume assembly 128 assembled in the rectangular column shape makes the sensor member. It is preferable because (16) contacts and can measure the hardness data of a reference hardness correctly.

In this configuration, the sensor member 16 contacts the reference volume member 126 having a predetermined reference hardness, and based on the hardness data of the reference volume member 126, the volume measurement data is calibrated. The variation caused by the change can be corrected and the volume can be identified more accurately.

In addition, the reference volume member 126 may be provided with a temperature measurement apparatus (not shown) which measures the temperature of the reference volume member 126.

By doing so, the calibration of the volume measurement data is performed on the basis of the temperature data of the reference volume member 126 by the temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the reference volume member 126, so that the temperature characteristic of the reference volume member itself is considered. Thus, for example, the volume can be accurately identified without being affected by the environmental temperature of the room or farmland.

On the other hand, in this case, as shown in FIG. 22, in the volume discriminating apparatus 10, while the arm member 14 is comprised from the material which has elasticity, it bends outward in a substantially "ku" shape, You may have a degree of elasticity.

In this way, in the case where the fruit or vegetable under measurement B is soft and easy to be damaged, it is possible to effectively prevent damage to the fruit or vegetable under measurement due to the impact caused by contact.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, although the reference hardness apparatus 120 was made to be able to raise and lower in the up-down direction, on the contrary, the reference hardness apparatus 120 was not moved up and down, and the volume identification apparatus 100 which is a lowering mechanism was moved up and down. The sensor member 16 may be in contact with the reference volume member 126 by moving in the direction.

In addition, you may make it possible to move both the reference hardness apparatus 120 and the volume discrimination apparatus 10 up and down relatively.

In addition, although not shown, with respect to the measured fruit or vegetable B which is conveyed continuously on the conveyor 104 which is a conveying apparatus, the magnitude | size of the measured fruit or vegetable B in the upstream position which the sensor member 16 contacts. For example, the sensor member 16 by the sensor member drive mechanism is arrange | positioned, based on the dimension data of the measured fruit or vegetable B measured by this dimension measuring apparatus by arrange | positioning the dimension measuring apparatus which consists of photosensors. The contact start timing with respect to the measured fruit or vegetable B may be controlled.

That is, in the volume identification device 10 of the type which makes the sensor member 16 contact by lowering | falling, since a falling angle differs, for example in a small measured fruit or vegetable (tangerine) and a large measured fruit or vegetable (tangerine), a sensor The time from when the member 16 starts to move to the fruit or vegetable B to be measured is different.

For this reason, a photo sensor is arrange | positioned, for example as a dimension measuring apparatus which measures the magnitude | size of the measured fruit and vegetable B in the upstream position which the sensor member 16 contacts, and it measures by this dimension measuring apparatus. The dimension data of the fruits and vegetables B is calculated, and a fall trigger (contact start timing) is set.

That is, since the time for blocking the photo sensor is the size of the fruits and vegetables under measurement, the falling trigger may be late because the fruits and vegetables under measurement are long, and the falling trigger may be delayed. .

As a result, the measurement conditions become the same, and the first sensor output by the first sensor S1 and the second sensor output by the second sensor S2 do not have different measurement conditions, and there is no measurement error for each measurement. Therefore, volume identification can be performed stably and accurately.

In this case, although the volume identification apparatus 10 which is a descending mechanism can raise to the position of the reference volume member 126, you may stop in the middle and measure big to-be-measured fruits and vegetables B, such as a summer citrus and a melon, in the middle. .

At this time, it is preferable that the volume identification device 10, which is the lowering mechanism, ascends and the photo sensor also rises, so that the photo sensor is always at the height of the contact position of the volume identification device 10, which is the lowering mechanism.

That is, in this way, since the width | variety of the measured fruit or vegetable B of the height which the sensor member 16 contacts can be measured, and descending can be started so that it may contact with the center of the measured fruit or vegetable B, it measures every measurement The volume can be identified stably and accurately without errors.

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the volume identification device of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operating state of the volume identification device of FIG.

Since the volume identification apparatus 100 of this embodiment is basically the same structure as the above-mentioned embodiment, the same structural member is attached | subjected with the same reference number, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the volume identification apparatus 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, it fixed by the fastening member 134, such as a bolt, to the support stand, such as a frame, not shown in the vicinity of conveyance mechanism 132, such as a conveyor. An elastic member 136 having a substantially triangular columnar shape is provided.

In this case, the elastic member 136 may be elastic, and is not particularly limited. For example, the urethane resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, these foamed resins, rubber such as urethane rubber, elastic spring member, or the like. Can be configured.

The sensor member 16 is attached to the tip 138a of the arc-shaped contact surface 138 of the elastic member 136.

Although not shown, this sensor member 16 is arranged with the second sensor S2 arranged in the same manner as in the above embodiment with the first sensor S1 and the sensitivity axis.

In addition, a vibration generating device 140 is attached to the proximal end of the sensor member 16 as a sensor member driving mechanism for bringing the sensor subsidiary 16 into contact with the fruit or vegetable under test B at a predetermined speed. .

The vibration generating device 140 is not particularly limited, but any known vibration generating device such as allowing the stepping motor to be reversed, using a rotating centrifugal force of the rotating motor, or using the action of an electromagnet can be used.

As the vibration generating frequency of the vibration generating device 140, it is preferable to set it as 10-100 Hz, Preferably it is 20-60 Hz.

With such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 24, when the fruit or vegetable B to be measured is conveyed on a conveying mechanism 132 such as a conveyor, the elastic member 136 is bent by the elastic force, thereby contacting the arc-shaped contact surface ( The sensor member 16 provided at the tip 138a of 138 contacts the fruit or vegetable B under measurement.

At this time, the sensor member 16 is vibrated by the vibration generating device 140, and it is constant with respect to the measured fruits and vegetables B, such as fruits and vegetables which are conveyed continuously on the conveyance mechanism 132, such as a conveyor, by shaking. At a speed, the sensor member 16 is in continuous contact, which makes it possible to identify a large volume of fruits and vegetables.

As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the objective of this invention.

According to the present invention, the measurement conditions are not different according to the difference in the strength and the contact angle of the fruits and vegetables, and there is no measurement error for each measurement, so that stable and accurate volume measurement is possible, Even in the case of measuring citrus fruits, such as an orange, for example, an accurate volume measurement is possible by the contact of the citrus fruits, without ruining the surface of the citrus fruits.

According to the present invention, for example, in the fruit packing house of a fruit and vegetable, volume measurement is possible for all fruits and vegetables by mounting on the conveyor of the fruit packing house, and totally inspecting all the fruits and vegetables to control the quality.

Claims (48)

A sensor member having a first sensor and a second sensor arranged in agreement with the sensitivity axis, and used in contact with the fruits and vegetables under test; The first sensor output by the first sensor and the second sensor output by the second sensor obtained by contacting the sensor member with respect to the fruits and vegetables under measurement from the sensitivity direction of the first sensor and the second sensor, A volume identification device having a volume identification control unit for identifying a volume of a fruit or vegetable under measurement, The volume identification control unit, Plot data is obtained by plotting the first sensor output and the second sensor output corresponding to the X-axis or Y-axis of the X-Y graph, respectively, And obtaining a slope in a desired section of the plot data to identify the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement by the slope. The method of claim 1, The volume identification device of fruits and vegetables, characterized in that the response of the first sensor and the second sensor is different. The method according to claim 1 or 2, At least one of the said 1st sensor and said 2nd sensor is a weight sensor which performs the weighted sensor output. The method according to claim 1 or 2, At least one of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor is an acceleration sensor which performs an acceleration sensor output, The volume discriminating apparatus of the fruit or vegetable characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The first sensor and the second sensor, And a weight sensor for performing a weighted sensor output and an acceleration sensor for performing an acceleration sensor output. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The first sensor is the weighting sensor that performs the weighted sensor output, And the second sensor is an acceleration sensor that performs the acceleration sensor output. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The X-axis of the X-Y graph is a weighted sensor output, And the Y axis is an acceleration sensor output. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The predetermined section of the plot data, And from the origin of the acceleration sensor output to 50% of the peak value of the acceleration sensor output. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The volume identification device, And a sensor member driving mechanism for bringing the sensor member into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed. The method of claim 9, The sensor member drive mechanism, And a volume identification device of the fruit or vegetable according to the type and size of the fruit or vegetable. The method of claim 9, The sensor member drive mechanism, And a volume at the time of contact with the measured fruits and vegetables of the sensor member and a speed when separated from the fruits and vegetables to be measured. The method of claim 9, The sensor member drive mechanism, And the sensor member is configured to be controlled so as to slow down at a position near the position where the sensor member is separated from the measured fruits and vegetables and returns to the contact start position. The method of claim 9, And a shock absorbing member for absorbing the impact of the sensor member at a position where the sensor member is separated from the fruits and vegetables under measurement by the sensor member driving mechanism and returns to the contact start position. The method of claim 9, And a storage mechanism for storing the sensor member in a position where the sensor member is separated from the fruits and vegetables under measurement by the sensor member driving mechanism and returns to the contact start position. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The sensor member is mounted to the tip of the arm member, And the arm member is fixed to a rotating shaft connected to the sensor member driving mechanism so as to rotate with the rotation of the rotating shaft. The method of claim 15, And a rotation angle detection mechanism for detecting a rotation angle of a rotation shaft connected to the sensor member drive mechanism. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The sensor member is in contact with a reference volume member having a predetermined reference hardness before contacting the fruit or vegetable under measurement to measure the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement, and correcting the volumetric data based on the hardness data of the reference volume member. A volume identification device for fruits and vegetables, which is configured to be performed. The method according to claim 1 or 2, A temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the reference volume member, And a volume identification device for fruits and vegetables, characterized in that the calibration of the volume measurement data is performed on the basis of the temperature data of the reference volume member by the temperature measuring device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And a plurality of sensor members are in contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement. The method of claim 9, And a sensor member driving mechanism for bringing the sensor member into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed is a vibration generating device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, A volume discriminating device for fruits and vegetables, characterized in that the sensor member is configured to contact the fruits and vegetables under measurement that are continuously conveyed on the conveying apparatus. The method of claim 21, A volume identification device for fruits and vegetables, characterized in that the plurality of sensor members are in contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a position spaced apart at regular intervals in the conveying direction with respect to the fruits and vegetables under measurement conveyed on the conveying apparatus. The method of claim 22, The plurality of sensor members are provided with respect to the measured fruits and vegetables that are continuously conveyed on the conveying apparatus. A volume discriminating device for fruits and vegetables, characterized in that it is configured to contact the fruits and vegetables under measurement alternately from the left and right positions with respect to the conveying direction at positions spaced at regular intervals in the conveying direction. The method of claim 21, The dimension measuring apparatus which measures the magnitude | size of the measured fruits and vegetables in the upstream position which a sensor member contacts with the measured fruits and vegetables which conveys the conveyance apparatus image continuously is arrange | positioned, Based on the dimensional data of the fruits and vegetables under measurement measured by the dimension measuring device, the volume identification device of the fruits and vegetables is configured to control the contact start timing of the fruits and vegetables under measurement by the sensor member drive mechanism. . A sensor member having a first sensor and a second sensor arranged in agreement with the sensitivity axis, and used in contact with the fruits and vegetables under test; The first sensor output by the first sensor and the second sensor output by the second sensor obtained by contacting the sensor member with respect to the fruits and vegetables under measurement from the sensitivity direction of the first sensor and the second sensor, In the volume identification method using a volume identification device having a volume identification control unit for identifying the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement, The volume identification control unit, Plot data is obtained by plotting the first sensor output and the second sensor output corresponding to the X-axis or Y-axis of the X-Y graph, respectively, And obtaining a slope in a desired section of the plot data to identify the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement by the slope. The method of claim 25, And a response of the first sensor and the second sensor is different. The method of claim 25 or 26, At least one of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor is a weight sensor which performs the weighted sensor output, The volume identification method of the fruit or vegetable characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 25 or 26, At least one of the said 1st sensor and the said 2nd sensor is an acceleration sensor which performs an acceleration sensor output, The volume identification method of the fruit or vegetable characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 25 or 26, The first sensor and the second sensor, And a weight sensor for performing a weighted sensor output and an acceleration sensor for performing an acceleration sensor output. The method of claim 25 or 26, The first sensor is the weighting sensor that performs the weighted sensor output, And said second sensor is an acceleration sensor for outputting said acceleration sensor. The method of claim 25 or 26, The X-axis of the X-Y graph is a weighted sensor output, And the Y axis is an acceleration sensor output. The method of claim 25 or 26, The predetermined section of the plot data, And from the origin of the acceleration sensor output to 50% of the peak value of the acceleration sensor output. The method of claim 25 or 26, The volume identification device, And a sensor member driving mechanism for bringing the sensor member into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed. The method of claim 33, wherein The sensor member drive mechanism, The volume identification method of the fruits and vegetables according to the kind and size of fruits and vegetables is configured to control the speed of contact with the measured fruits and vegetables of the sensor member. The method of claim 33, wherein The sensor member drive mechanism, And a speed at the time of contact with the measured fruits and vegetables of the sensor member and a speed when separated from the fruits and vegetables to be measured. The method of claim 33, wherein The sensor member drive mechanism, And the sensor member is configured to be controlled so as to slow down at a position near the position where the sensor member is separated from the measured fruits and vegetables and returns to the contact start position. The method of claim 33, wherein And a shock absorbing member for absorbing the shock of the sensor member at a position where the sensor member is separated from the fruit or vegetable under test by the sensor member driving mechanism and returns to the contact start position. The method of claim 33, wherein And a storage mechanism for storing the sensor member in a position where the sensor member is separated from the fruits and vegetables under measurement by the sensor member driving mechanism and returns to the contact start position. The method of claim 25 or 26, The sensor member is mounted to the tip of the arm member, And said arm member is fixed to a rotating shaft connected to said sensor member driving mechanism to rotate with rotation of said rotating shaft. The method of claim 39, And a rotation angle detection mechanism for detecting a rotation angle of the rotation shaft connected to the sensor member drive mechanism. The method of claim 25 or 26, The sensor member contacts a reference volume member having a predetermined reference hardness before contacting the measured fruit or vegetable to measure the volume of the fruit or vegetable under measurement, and based on the hardness data of the reference volume member, A volume identification method of fruits and vegetables characterized in that it is configured to perform a calibration. The method of claim 25 or 26, A temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the reference volume member, A volume identification method for fruits and vegetables, wherein the volume measurement data is configured to be calibrated based on the temperature data of the reference volume member by the temperature measuring device. The method of claim 25 or 26, And a plurality of sensor members are in contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement. The method of claim 33, wherein And a sensor member driving mechanism for bringing the sensor member into contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at a predetermined speed is a vibration generating device. The method of claim 25 or 26, A sensor for identifying the volume of fruits and vegetables, wherein the sensor member is configured to contact the fruits and vegetables under measurement that are continuously conveyed on the conveying apparatus. The method of claim 45, A volume identification method for fruits and vegetables, characterized in that the plurality of sensor members are in contact with the fruits and vegetables under measurement at positions spaced apart at regular intervals in the conveying direction with respect to the fruits and vegetables under review. 47. The method of claim 46 wherein It is comprised so that the some sensor member may contact the measured fruits and vegetables alternately from the left-right position with respect to a conveyance direction at the position spaced apart at regular intervals in a conveyance direction with respect to the measured fruits and vegetables conveyed on a conveyance apparatus continuously. Volume identification method of fruits and vegetables made with. The method of claim 45, The dimension measuring apparatus which measures the magnitude | size of the measured fruits and vegetables in the upstream position which a sensor member contacts with the measured fruits and vegetables which conveys the conveyance apparatus image continuously is arrange | positioned, Based on the dimension data of the measured fruits and vegetables measured by this dimension measuring apparatus, it is comprised so that the contact start timing of the sensor member by the said sensor member drive mechanism with respect to the measured fruits and vegetables may be controlled, The volume identification method of the fruits and vegetables .

Images