JPH05200366A - Sorting device for fruit and vegetable - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To sort fruits and vegetables in the same rank regardless of being high or low in height when girth is same and to enable sorting correspondent to the price thereof by performing rank decision for number counting treatment on the basis of the result of weight measurement and performing rank decision for sorting and discharge or the basis of the result of shape measurement. CONSTITUTION:Fruits and vegetables being the material to be sorted are placed on the tray devices 3 of a sorting conveyor 1 one piece by one piece and carried. The characteristic amount of the material to be sorted is measured in a measurement part. The material to be sorted is classified and discharged to the receiver parts 8a of the classification part 8 of the sorting conveyor 1. An electron scale 4 and sensors 5, 6 for measuring a shape and outputting a shape signal are provided in the measurement part. The signal of the result of rank decision based on weight is sent to a number counting treating means. An arithmetic device 9 is provided which outputs the signal of the result of rank decision based on the shape as a classification discharge signal while being synchronized with progress of the tray devices 3. Discharge actuators 7 are provided in accordance with the respective receiver parts 8a of every rank and turn the trays of the tray devices 3 by being actuated by the classification discharge signal.

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fruits such as apples, peaches, pears, persimmons and tangerines, and tomatoes such as tomatoes, melons and watermelons.
The present invention relates to a sorting device for sorting. There are a grade standard and a class standard as sorting standards for fruits and vegetables. The grade standard indicates the quality of fruits and vegetables, and the class standard indicates the size of fruits and vegetables. This class standard includes a standard classified by shape and a standard classified by weight. A wide variety of general-purpose shape sorters have been proposed for sorting fruit and vegetables, and a typical example of this type of equipment that has been put into practical use at present is in conformity with the actual situation. , Mechanical contact type two-point measurement type (commonly known as gap type)
Shape selecting machines (Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-38268, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 51-86448), and spherical all-surface contact type umbrella type shape sorting machines (Japanese Utility Model Publications 39-33455 and 5).
No. 6-111978), or a light ray type sorting machine for measuring the outer diameter in a non-contact manner (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-33957, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5 (1993) -53957)
No. 5-29760), or a shape sorter for taking an image by using a television camera and calculating the area (Jitsuko Sho 56-11980).
Publications) are known. The contact-type two-point measurement type is one in which the fruit and vegetables are placed sideways and the body diameter is measured at the gap D between the two points, as shown in FIG. Next, the above-mentioned all-contact type is shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 3, the fruits and vegetables are placed vertically in an umbrella shape. Further, the above-mentioned light ray type sorting machine has a characteristic that it does not damage fruits and vegetables because it measures and sorts it in a non-contact manner, and is becoming the mainstream of today's shape sorting machines and is becoming widespread. In this device, the measurement position is limited to the traveling direction (length) and the width direction, so that the fruit and vegetables must be placed vertically and conveyed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the fruit and vegetables are turned upside down and discharged. The camera type is similar to this. [0007] Each of these shape sorters is a mechanism in which dedicated measurement is performed by a measuring device paired with a conveying device (generally referred to as a bucket conveyor or a sorting conveyer), and is different from other measuring devices. Cannot be combined. And, the idea that these devices are configured to measure the weight as well as the shape of the fruit and vegetables to be selected is not shown. On the other hand, the gravimetric type fruit sorter has been improved year by year, and in recent years, a type utilizing an electronic scale has been developed and put into practical use.
This gravimetric type fruit sorter is classified into two types due to its structure. One of them is a weighing mechanism constructed by a bucket (weighing container) on which fruits and vegetables are placed supported by a Roberval mechanism that forms a parallel four-sided link (Actual exploitation 53-14).
8943, JP-A-57-6321, JP-A-57-12864), and the other types are those in which a bucket has a simple cup type and is weighed by supporting it with a scale (actually, Japanese Utility Model Publication 52 No. 159957). According to the discharging method of these devices, the cup is tilted downward as shown in FIG. 5 to drop the fruit and vegetables directly downward, and the bucket is tilted sideways as shown in FIG. Some will be discharged to others. In both of these weight sorters, the bucket and the weighing device are dedicated devices in which they are paired with each other for one specific purpose, that is, weighing, so that both shape and weight can be measured. The idea of constructing is not shown. [0010] Further, even in the same item of fruit and vegetables, depending on the region, those having a high or low taste, that is, having a high sugar content, are preferred.
There is a place where a slightly sweet and sour taste is preferred. [0011] Further, there are two sorting fields, one for a farmer in a sloping mountainous area and one for a farmer in a flat land. [0012] As for the fruit and vegetable produced in different regions as described above, even if fruits of the same kind are harvested in the mountains and fruit in the flatland, Even if the waist circumference is the same size, as shown in FIG. 6, the height (fruit height) is different and the weight is naturally different. When such fruits and vegetables are sorted by shape (fruit diameter), they are in the same class and therefore have the same price, and the farmers who produce tall fruits and vegetables are paid an unreasonably low price for the harvest amount. Injustice occurs. There has been a problem that producers and selection fields are desired to develop a fruit selection device that can correct such injustice and obtain a fair price. On the other hand, in the case of box packaging such as packing, there is a problem that it is desired from the sorting field and the market to sort by shape. The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new sorting apparatus which can meet the demands of producers, fruit sorting fields, and markets. According to the first aspect of the present invention, fruit and vegetables as the objects to be sorted are placed one by one on a large number of tray devices of a sorting conveyor and conveyed. A sorting device that measures a characteristic amount of a sorted object with a measuring unit in the middle of a transport path and, based on the measurement result, sorts and discharges the sorted object to a receiving unit provided in a sorting unit of a sorting conveyor, The measuring unit is provided with an electronic scale that measures the weight of the objects to be sorted on the tray device and outputs a weight signal, and a sensor that measures the shape and outputs a shape signal. The class determination based on the weight of the objects to be sorted and the class determination based on the shape are performed, and the signal of the class determination result based on the weight is sent to the number counting processing means, and the signal of the class determination result based on the shape is used as a sorting discharge signal of the tray device. Same as progress A sorting apparatus for fruit and vegetables which is provided with a calculation device for outputting in synchronization with the output device for tilting the tray of the tray device, which is operated by the sorting discharge signal, in association with each receiving portion for each class. A second aspect of the invention is to carry fruit and vegetables as the objects to be sorted one by one on a large number of tray devices of a sorting conveyer and convey them, and measure a characteristic amount of the objects to be sorted by a measuring unit in the middle of the transportation path. A sorting device for sorting and discharging to a receiving part provided for sorting of a sorting conveyor based on the measurement result, wherein the measuring part measures the internal quality as a grade determination element for the objects to be sorted on the tray device. An internal quality measuring device that outputs a measurement signal, an electronic scale that measures weight as a class determination element and outputs a weight signal, and a sensor that also measures a shape as a class determination element and outputs a shape signal. Providing a grade calculation unit that determines the grade of the item to be sorted from the measurement signal and outputs a grade signal, and performs class determination based on the weight of the item to be sorted and class determination based on the shape from the weight signal and the shape signal. ,Previous The class signal from the class signal and the class determination result based on the weight is sent to the number counting processing means, and the class signal from the class signal and the class determination result based on the shape is used as a sorting discharge signal of the tray device. A sorting device for fruit and vegetables, which is provided with an arithmetic device for outputting in synchronization with the progress, and an ejecting actuating device for actuating by the sorting and ejecting signal and tilting the tray of the tray device is provided corresponding to each receiving portion for each grade and class. Is. An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 is a sorting conveyor, 2 is a conveyor chain,
Reference numeral 3 denotes a tray device of the sorting conveyor 1, which is attached to the conveyor chain 2 in large numbers and carries one to-be-sorted object 23 of fruits and vegetables. The tray device 3 can be formed in various shapes. In that case, the tray device 3
Depending on the shape of the conveyor chain 2, one conveyor chain 2 may be provided on each side, and one or two conveyor chains may be provided on the lower center.
It is desirable to use it appropriately. Reference numeral 4 denotes an electronic scale that measures the weight as a characteristic amount of the object to be sorted 23 and outputs a weight signal in a measuring section in the middle of the conveying path of the sorting conveyor 1. It is arranged to receive the lower surface of the device 3. As the electronic scale 4, an electromagnetic force balance type or a load cell type is used. Reference numeral 5 is a plane shape measuring device as a sensor for measuring a plane shape as a feature amount of the object to be sorted 23 and outputting a shape signal in the measuring unit, which is provided above the traveling path of the tray device 3 downward. The plane shape of the objects 23 to be sorted on the tray device 3 is measured with the upper surface of the tray device 3 as a field of view. This plane shape measuring device 5
The line sensor camera 5a is preferably used. Reference numeral 6 denotes a side surface shape measuring device as a sensor that measures the side surface shape of the object to be sorted 23 and outputs a shape signal. A line sensor or the like is used, and the side surface shape measuring device 6 is provided laterally on the side of the traveling path of the tray device 3. There is. In the present invention, the plane shape measuring device 5
It is preferable to use both the side profile measuring device 6 and the side profile measuring device 6, but either one may be used. Reference numeral 7 is a discharge actuating device for tilting the tray 19 of the tray device 3 at a predetermined position, 8 is a sorting section of the fruit selection conveyor 1, and the sorting section 8 serves as a receiving section for each grade and class. The receiving boxes 8a are provided, and the discharge actuating device 7 corresponds to each of the receiving boxes 8a. The discharge actuating devices 7 are provided in a number larger than the number of sorting groups according to grades, and a plurality of discharging actuating devices 7 are provided in a highly concentrated section, and the receiving boxes 8 are alternately provided from a plurality of places.
It is designed so that many box packing operators can arrange it so that it can be ejected onto a. Reference numeral 9 denotes an arithmetic unit, which is a weight classification value,
It has a preset circuit of shape class division values, and uses both the weight signal from the electronic scale 4 and the shape measuring devices 5, 6 (5, 6; when one of 5 and 6 is used, one of them is used). The shape signal from the shape measuring device) is compared with each standard value to perform class determination based on the weight of the object to be sorted and class determination based on the shape, and the signal of the class determination result based on this weight is used for price adjustment. The tray device 3 of the sorting conveyor 1 by sending the signal of the class determination result by the shape as a sorting discharge signal.
Is output to a predetermined discharge operation device 7 in synchronization with the movement of the. Further, in detail, the main body 13 of the tray device 3 is not fixed to the mounting member 14, and is vertically, forward and backward,
The lower sliding surface 15 of the main body 13 is mounted so as to be freely movable (floatable) to the left and right, and when the lower sliding surface 15 travels on a sliding measurement rail 16 as a weighing platform of the electronic scale 4, the main body 13 is
Is slightly floating with respect to the mounting member 14 and the vertical surface 18 is pushed by the pushing roller 17 rotatably mounted on the vertical surface 18, and the electronic scale 4 measures only the vertically acting load. be able to. The tray 19 of the tray device 3 is shown in FIGS.
1, 12, and 13 are attached to the upper part of the main body 13, the main body 13 is horizontally held by the engaging mechanism 20, and the release lever 21 provided on a part of the attaching member 14 is attached to the operating piece of the discharge operating device 7. When the horizontal contact 22 is released by momentary contact, the tray 19 is tilted together with the main body 13 at a gentle inclination to gently discharge the objects to be sorted 23 to the side, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. Another embodiment is shown in FIG. The tray 19 of the tray device 3 shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 is mounted so as to be tiltable with respect to the main body 13, and an engaging mechanism 20 for engaging the tray 19 with a part of the main body 13.
And the main body 13 has a structure that does not tilt. Therefore, in this case, the tray 19 can be provided by being divided into a plurality of pieces, and in such a configuration, the structure of the mounting member 14 is simple. Unlike the tray of the conventional weight sorter, the tray 19 absorbs light so that its upper surface is optically distinct from fruits and hardly reflects it, and the tray 19 is on the upper side and the side. It has a shallow dish shape so that the appearance of the objects to be sorted 23 can be seen from one side. There are cases where one tray 19 is attached to the main body 13 and cases where the tray 19 is divided into a plurality of pieces and combined with the same number of engaging mechanisms 20 to form one set. When the fruit is discharged, the tray 19 is divided into smaller pieces, and the divided pieces are sequentially tilted and discharged from the front when the fruit is discharged, so that the fruit can be gently discharged without accelerating. The upper surface of the tray 19 is coated with a soft elastic material, which is made up of artificial grass-like naps, in order to obtain the effect of improving the sitting quality of the fruit and the effect of preventing the damage, and the soft elastic member. There is a case in which the air cushion type is formed and attached. In the tray device 3 constructed as described above, when the tray 19 is tilted in the sorting portion 8, the horizontal holding of the tray 19 is released only by instantly contacting the operating piece 22 of the discharging device 7 with the release lever 21. Since there is no discharge trouble in the sorting unit 8 and it can be discharged quickly. Particularly, in the conventional one, a lever, a pin, a roller, a sliding piece, or the like provided so as to project downward or laterally from a bucket is configured to be inclined along the cam or the guide by switching the path with the guide or the cam. Although the discharge operation part is liable to malfunction and the discharge requires a relatively long time and distance, these problems can be eliminated. Furthermore, as described above, the tray 19 can be instantly tilted only by momentarily contacting the operating piece 22 with the release lever 21, so that the conveyor speed can be increased and the capacity can be improved. The above is the description of the embodiment of the first invention. Next, an embodiment of the second invention will be described. The second aspect of the present invention is a combination of the grade element and the grade element of the first aspect of the invention, and the description of the same structure as the first aspect of the invention will be omitted below. Reference numeral 10 is an object to be sorted 2 by applying a television camera.
3 is a color / scratch measuring device that measures color, scratches, etc. as a characteristic amount and outputs a measurement signal, and 11 indicates the internal quality such as sugar content, acidity, or ripeness as a characteristic amount of the selection target 23. It is an internal quality measuring device that measures and outputs a measurement signal. 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes an appearance measuring device that outputs a measurement signal for the appearance state of the apex or infarct as the feature amount of the object to be sorted 23. Color for measuring items as grade judgment elements
The flaw measuring device 10 uses at least two cameras as sensors to select the object to be sorted 23 from two or more directions.
Is attached so as to capture the image of the
It is arranged so as to detect the corresponding color grade by comparing it with the grade classification value preset in the section. At the same time, with the camera as the sensor, the scratch is taken as a flaw (discolored portion) which is not included in the original skin of the fruit and vegetable, and is compared with the grade classification value according to the size to determine the corresponding grade. The internal quality such as sugar content, acidity or maturity is inspected by using an internal quality measuring device 11. For example, in the case of maturity, an optical quality indicating each maturity of each fruit and vegetable is shown. The value of the density difference (required difference in absorbance) ΔOD is compared with the grade classification value preset in the section B of the grade calculation unit to determine the corresponding maturity grade. The appearance state is measured by the appearance measuring device 12 depending on the objects to be sorted, but in the case of an apple, the flower trace of the apex is viewed. The grade model pattern of the humor part is pre-calculated so that the cracked part of the flower trace part is opened and cracked is sweet with honey, and the bulge when the humor ring is closed is judged as unsweet with shibs Set it in the memory of section C and compare it with this to judge the corresponding grade. In the case of a peach, the infarct portion side is viewed instead of the apex portion. If there is a hole in the indentation of the infarction, it is classified as the lowest grade product as a nuclear crack, grade with uniform left and right centering on the suture line as high grade, and grade with uneven left and right grade as lower grade. The model pattern is set in the memory in advance as in the case of the apple, and compared with this to determine the corresponding grade. Colors, scratches, and
Among the items of internal quality and appearance, the grade of the item ranked lowest among the items is determined as the sorting grade of the item to be sorted 23, and the grade signal is sent to the arithmetic unit 9 for class sorting. However, in the second invention, in addition to the internal quality measuring device 11 and the B part of the grade calculating part, the color / scratch measuring device 10 and the A part of the grade calculating part, and the appearance measuring device 12 and the C part of the grade calculating part. Part is not used. Therefore, according to the second aspect of the invention, the internal quality measuring device 11 provided in the measuring section of the sorting conveyor 1 measures the internal quality of the objects to be sorted 23 and sends a measurement signal to the grade calculating section. A grade signal is output by judging the grade of the sorted material. Then, the arithmetic unit 9 in the second aspect of the invention performs the class determination based on the weight of the object to be sorted 23 and the class determination based on the shape based on the weight signal from the electronic scale 4 and the shape signal from the sensors (5, 6), and the grade. The class signal from the B section of the arithmetic unit and the class-specific signal from the class determination result by weight are sent to the number counting processing means inside or outside the arithmetic unit 9, and the class signal and the class based on the shape. A signal according to the class based on the determination result is output to the discharge operation device 7 as a sorting discharge signal in synchronization with the progress of the tray device 3. In the second aspect of the invention, the receiving boxes 8a of the sorting section 8 are provided for each grade and rank, and the discharge operating device 7
Is provided corresponding to each of the receiving boxes 8a. As described above, according to the present invention, a signal based on the result of class judgment based on the weight of the object to be sorted is sent to the number counting means, and a signal based on the result of the judgment based on the shape of the object to be sorted is sorted out. Since the signals to be sorted are sorted and discharged as signals, price adjustment can be performed based on the result of class judgment based on weight. For example, items to be sorted having the same waist circumference (fruit diameter) but different heights can be evaluated fairly. In addition, it has the effect that it can be packaged in a box or the like based on the result of class determination based on the shape and can be shipped as a good-looking product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a conventional contact-type two-point measurement type device, and [FIG. 2] FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a discharging section of a conventional light ray sorter, and FIG. 5 is a drawing of a conventional direct downward discharging apparatus. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of fruits having the same fruit diameter but different heights. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is an overall plan view of an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a combination of a plane shape measuring device, an electronic scale, and a side shape measuring device of an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a side surface shape measuring device of an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a side view of a tray device used in FIGS. 9 and 10, and FIG. 11 FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of the discharge operation part of the tray device, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of the discharge operation part of the tray device of FIG. 11, which is similar to FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is another embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a tray device in which the tray is divided into a plurality of trays, and an explanatory view of sequentially tilting the trays. FIG. 16 is a plurality of trays similar to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of the tray device divided into individual pieces and an explanatory view of sequentially tilting the trays. FIG. 17 is a view showing another embodiment in which the discharge side of the tray is divided. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of the scratch measurement, FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of mounting the internal quality measuring device, and FIG. 20 is an explanatory view of appearance measurement of the apex. [Explanation of symbols] 1 ... sorting conveyor, 2 ... conveyor chain, 3 ...
..Tray device, 4 ... Electronic scale, 5 ... Planar shape measuring device, 5a ... Line sensor camera, 6 ... Side shape measuring device, 7 ... Discharge actuating device, 8 ... Sorting unit, 8a ... Inbox as receiving unit, 9 ... Computing device,
10 ... Color / scratch measuring device, 11 ... Internal quality measuring device, 12 ... Appearance measuring device, 13 ... Main body, 14
... Mounting member, 15 ... Sliding surface, 16 ... Sliding measurement rail, 17 ... Push roller, 18 ... Vertical surface, 1
9 ... Tray 20 ... Engaging mechanism, 21 ... Release lever, 22 ...
-Operating pieces, 23 ... Objects to be sorted.

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[Procedure Amendment] [Date of submission] January 10, 1992 [Procedure Amendment 1] [Amendment target document name] Statement [Amendment target item name] Full text [Amendment method] Change [Amendment content] [Document name] Specification Book [Title of Invention] Sorting device for fruit and vegetables [Claims] [1] Fruit and vegetables as the objects to be sorted are placed one by one on a large number of tray devices of a sorting conveyor and transported, along the transport route. of measuring the characteristic quantity of the object to be sorted matter by the measurement unit, based on the measurement results, a sorting apparatus for sorting discharge the objects to be sorted matter the receiving portion provided in the sorting unit sorting conveyor, the meter
The measuring unit is provided with an electronic scale that measures the weight of the objects to be sorted on the tray device and outputs a weight signal, and a sensor that measures the shape and outputs a shape signal. The class determination based on the weight of the objects to be sorted and the class determination based on the shape are performed, and the signal of the class determination result based on the weight is sent to the number counting processing means, and the signal of the class determination result based on the shape is used as a sorting discharge signal of the tray device. A fruit and vegetable vegetable characterized by being provided with an arithmetic device for outputting in synchronization with the progress, and an ejecting actuating device which is actuated by the sorting and ejecting signal and tilts the tray of the tray device is provided in correspondence with each receiving portion for each class. Sorting equipment. The sensors for measuring the shape are a sensor for measuring a planar shape and a sensor for measuring a side surface shape, and the arithmetic unit compares the respective measurement results with one of the larger values or any one of them. The apparatus for selecting fruit and vegetables according to claim 1, wherein a small value is selected for class determination. [3] Each of the receiving parts of the sorting part is formed in a size corresponding to the sorting amount of the objects to be sorted, and the discharge actuating device is provided in one or two or more in accordance with the size of the receiving part. The apparatus for selecting fruit and vegetables according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. [4] The fruits and vegetables as the objects to be sorted are placed one by one on a large number of tray devices of the sorting conveyor and transported, and the characteristic amount of the objects to be sorted is measured by the measuring section in the middle of the transport route, and the measurement results are displayed. A sorting device for sorting and discharging the objects to be sorted into a receiving portion provided in the sorting portion of the sorting conveyor based on the above-mentioned total
The measurement unit for the sorting of the tray device, and outputs an internal quality measuring apparatus for outputting a measured signal to measure the internal quality of the grade determination factors, the weight signal by measuring the weight of a class determination element An electronic scale and a sensor that similarly measures a shape as a class determination element and outputs a shape signal are provided, and a grade calculation unit that determines the grade of the object to be sorted from the measurement signal and outputs a grade signal is provided. While performing the class determination by the weight and the shape of the object to be sorted from the signal and the shape signal, the class signal from the class signal and the class determination result by the weight to the number counting processing means, And a calculation device is provided which outputs a classification signal according to classification from the classification signal and a classification determination result based on the shape as a sorting discharge signal in synchronization with the progress of the tray device,
A fruit and vegetable sorting device, characterized in that a discharge actuating device that is actuated by the sorting and discharging signal to tilt the tray of the tray device is provided in correspondence with each receiving portion for each grade and class. 5. The sensors for measuring the shape are a sensor for measuring a planar shape and a sensor for measuring a side surface shape, and the arithmetic unit compares the respective measurement results with one of the larger values or one of them. The apparatus for selecting fruit and vegetables according to claim 4, wherein a small value is selected to perform class determination. [6] Each of the receiving parts of the sorting part is formed in a size corresponding to the sorting amount of the objects to be sorted, and the discharge actuating device is provided in one or two or more according to the size of each of the receiving parts. The apparatus for selecting fruit and vegetables according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that. Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention selects fruits such as apples, peaches, pears, persimmons and tangerines, and vegetables such as tomatoes, melons and watermelons. The present invention relates to a sorting device. There are a grade standard and a class standard as sorting standards for fruits and vegetables. The grade standard indicates the quality of fruits and vegetables, and the class standard indicates the size of fruits and vegetables. This class standard includes a standard classified by shape and a standard classified by weight. A wide variety of general-purpose shape sorters have been proposed for sorting fruit and vegetables, and a typical example of this type of equipment that has been put into practical use at present is in conformity with the actual situation. , Mechanical contact type two-point measurement type (commonly known as gap type)
Shape selecting machines (Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-38268, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 51-86448), and spherical all-surface contact type umbrella type shape sorting machines (Japanese Utility Model Publications 39-33455 and 5).
No. 6-111978), or a light ray type sorting machine for measuring the outer diameter in a non-contact manner (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-33957, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5 (1993) -53957)
No. 5-29760), or a shape sorter for taking an image by using a television camera and calculating the area (Jitsuko Sho 56-11980).
Publications) are known. The contact-type two-point measurement type is one in which the fruit and vegetables are placed sideways and the body diameter is measured at the gap D between the two points, as shown in FIG. Next, the above-mentioned all-contact type is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the fruit and vegetables are placed vertically in an umbrella shape. Further, the above-mentioned light ray type sorting machine has a characteristic that it does not damage fruits and vegetables because it measures and sorts it in a non-contact manner, and is becoming the mainstream of today's shape sorting machines and is becoming widespread. In this device, the measurement position is limited to the traveling direction (length) and the width direction, so that the fruit and vegetables must be placed vertically and conveyed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the fruit and vegetables are turned upside down and discharged. The camera type is similar to this. [0007] Each of these shape sorters is a mechanism in which dedicated measurement is performed by a measuring device paired with a conveying device (generally referred to as a bucket conveyor or a sorting conveyer), and is different from other measuring devices. Cannot be combined. And, the idea that these devices are configured to measure the weight as well as the shape of the fruit and vegetables to be selected is not shown. On the other hand, the gravimetric type fruit sorter has been improved year by year, and in recent years, a type utilizing an electronic scale has been developed and put into practical use.
This gravimetric type fruit sorter is classified into two types due to its structure. One of them is a weighing mechanism constructed by a bucket (weighing container) on which fruits and vegetables are placed supported by a Roberval mechanism that forms a parallel four-sided link (Actual exploitation 53-14).
8943, JP-A-57-6321, JP-A-57-12864), and the other types are those in which a bucket has a simple cup type and is weighed by supporting it with a scale (actually, Japanese Utility Model Publication 52 No. 159957). According to the discharging method of these devices, the cup is tilted downward as shown in FIG. 5 to drop the fruit and vegetables directly downward, and the bucket is tilted sideways as shown in FIG. Some will be discharged to others. In both of these weight sorters, the bucket and the weighing device are dedicated devices in which they are paired with each other for one specific purpose, that is, weighing, so that both shape and weight can be measured. The idea of constructing is not shown. [0010] Further, even in the same item of fruit and vegetables, depending on the region, those having a high or low taste, that is, having a high sugar content, are preferred.
There is a place where a slightly sweet and sour taste is preferred. [0011] Further, there are two sorting fields, one for a farmer in a sloping mountainous area and one for a farmer in a flat land. [0012] Even if the same kinds of fruit and vegetable produced in different regions are used, there are two types of fruit and vegetable that are harvested in the mountains and on the plains. For example , even if the waist is the same size, as shown in FIG. 6, the height (fruit height) is different and the weight is naturally different. When such fruits and vegetables are sorted by shape (fruit diameter), they are in the same class and therefore have the same price, and the farmers who produce tall fruits and vegetables are paid an unreasonably low price for the harvest amount. Injustice occurs. There has been a problem that producers and selection fields are desired to develop a fruit selection device that can correct such injustice and obtain a fair price. On the other hand, when packing in a box , such as packing , the appearance of the boxed product is
Since it is indispensable to make the sizes of the same, there is a problem that it is desired from the sorting field and the market to sort by the shape. The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new sorting apparatus capable of simultaneously satisfying the demands of the producer, the sorting field, and the market. To do. According to the first aspect of the present invention, fruit and vegetables as the objects to be sorted are placed one by one on a large number of tray devices of a sorting conveyor and conveyed. A sorting device that measures a characteristic amount of a sorted object with a measuring unit in the middle of a transport path and, based on the measurement result, sorts and discharges the sorted object to a receiving unit provided in a sorting unit of a sorting conveyor, The measuring unit is provided with an electronic scale that measures the weight of the objects to be sorted on the tray device and outputs a weight signal, and a sensor that measures the shape and outputs a shape signal. The class determination based on the weight of the objects to be sorted and the class determination based on the shape are performed, and the signal of the class determination result based on the weight is sent to the number counting processing means, and the signal of the class determination result based on the shape is used as a sorting discharge signal of the tray device. Same as progress A sorting apparatus for fruit and vegetables which is provided with a calculation device for outputting in synchronization with the output device for tilting the tray of the tray device, which is operated by the sorting discharge signal, in association with each receiving portion for each class. A second aspect of the invention is to transport fruit and vegetables as the objects to be sorted one by one on a large number of tray devices of a sorting conveyor, and measure the characteristic amount of the objects to be sorted by a measuring unit in the middle of the transportation route. And sorting the sorting conveyors based on the measurement results
A sorting device that sorts and discharges the objects to be sorted into a receiving part provided in the section, and the measuring unit measures the internal quality as a grade determination element for the objects to be sorted on the tray device and outputs a measurement signal. An internal quality measuring device, an electronic scale that measures weight as a class determination element and outputs a weight signal, and a sensor that similarly measures a shape as a class determination element and outputs a shape signal are provided. A grade calculator is provided for determining the grade of the item to be sorted from the grade signal and outputting a grade signal, performing class determination based on the weight of the item to be sorted and class determination based on the shape signal from the weight signal and the shape signal, and the grade signal. A class-classified signal from the class determination result based on the weight is sent to the number counting processing means, and a class-classified signal based on the class signal and the class determination result based on the shape is used as a sorting discharge signal. -Fruit and vegetable products provided with a computing device that outputs in synchronization with the progress of the device, and an ejection actuating device that operates according to the sorting ejection signal and tilts the tray of the tray device is provided corresponding to each receiving part according to grade and class This is a sorting device. An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 is a sorting conveyor, 2 is a conveyor chain,
Reference numeral 3 denotes a tray device of the sorting conveyor 1, which is attached to the conveyor chain 2 in large numbers and carries one to-be-sorted object 23 of fruits and vegetables. The tray device 3 can be formed in various shapes. In that case, the tray device 3
Depending on the shape of the conveyor chain 2, one conveyor chain 2 may be provided on each side, and one or two conveyor chains may be provided on the lower center.
It is desirable to use it appropriately. Reference numeral 4 denotes an electronic scale which measures the weight of the object 23 to be sorted and outputs a weight signal in a measuring section in the middle of the transport path of the sorting conveyor 1. It is arranged to receive the lower surface of the device 3. As the electronic scale 4, an electromagnetic force balance type or a load cell type is used. Reference numeral 5 is a plane shape measuring device as a sensor for measuring a plane shape as a feature amount of the object to be sorted 23 and outputting a shape signal in the measuring unit, which is provided above the traveling path of the tray device 3 downward. The plane shape of the objects 23 to be sorted on the tray device 3 is measured with the upper surface of the tray device 3 as a field of view. This plane shape measuring device 5
The line sensor camera 5a is preferably used. Reference numeral 6 denotes a side surface shape measuring device as a sensor that measures the side surface shape of the object to be sorted 23 and outputs a shape signal. A line sensor or the like is used, and the side surface shape measuring device 6 is provided laterally on the side of the traveling path of the tray device 3. There is. In the present invention, the plane shape measuring device 5
It is preferable to use both the side profile measuring device 6 and the side profile measuring device 6, but either one may be used. [0019] 7 is a discharge actuating device for tilting the tray 19 of the tray 3 at a predetermined position, 8 is a sorting unit of the sorting conveyor 1, the said sorting unit 8 as another receiving graded classes A receiving box 8a is provided, and a discharge operating device 7 corresponds to each receiving box 8a. The discharge actuating devices 7 are provided in a number larger than the number of sorting categories according to grades, and a plurality of discharging actuating devices 7 are provided in a highly concentrated category, and the receiving boxes 8 are alternately provided from a plurality of locations.
It is designed so that many box packing operators can arrange it so that it can be ejected onto a. Reference numeral 9 denotes an arithmetic unit, which is a weight classification value,
It has a preset circuit of shape class division values, and uses both the weight signal from the electronic scale 4 and the shape measuring devices 5, 6 (5, 6; when one of 5 and 6 is used, one of them is used). The shape signal from the shape measuring device) is compared with each class classification value to perform class determination based on the weight of the object to be sorted and class determination based on the shape, and a signal of the class determination result based on the weight. , A number counting processing means for performing data processing for price settlement, and a signal of a class determination result according to shape as a sorting discharge signal in synchronization with the movement of the tray device 3 of the sorting conveyor 1 to a predetermined discharge operating device 7. It is output. Further, in detail, the main body 13 of the tray device 3 is not fixed to the mounting member 14, and is vertically, forward and backward,
The lower sliding surface 15 of the main body 13 is mounted so as to be freely movable (floatable) to the left and right, and when the lower sliding surface 15 travels on a sliding measurement rail 16 as a weighing platform of the electronic scale 4, the main body 13 is
Is slightly floating with respect to the mounting member 14 and the vertical surface 18 is pushed by the pushing roller 17 rotatably mounted on the vertical surface 18, and the electronic scale 4 measures only the vertically acting load. be able to. The tray 19 of the tray device 3 is shown in FIGS.
1,12,13 to attached to an upper portion of the main body 13 as shown, horizontally to hold the body 13 by the engagement mechanism 20, the actuating piece of the discharge actuating device 7 to the release lever 21 which is provided in a portion of the mounting member 14 22 releases the horizontal holding by momentary contact, and which discharge the objects to be sorted matter 23 to the side of the tray 19 is tilted in a gentle slope with the body 13, FIG. 1
4, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, there is another embodiment. The tray 19 of the tray device 3 shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 is tiltably attached to the main body 13, and an engaging mechanism 20 for engaging the tray 19 with a part of the main body 13.
Configure, body 13 is a structure that does not tilt movement. Therefore, in this case, the tray 19 can be provided by being divided into a plurality of pieces, and in such a configuration, the structure of the mounting member 14 is simple. Unlike the tray of the conventional weight sorter, the tray 19 absorbs light so that its upper surface is optically distinct from fruits, and reflects almost no light, and the upper side and the side. It has a shallow dish shape so that the appearance of the objects to be sorted 23 can be seen from one side. There are cases where one tray 19 is attached to the main body 13 and cases where a plurality of trays 19 are subdivided and combined into a set by combining the same number of engaging mechanisms 20. Those Kowari the tray 19 is capable of Ku out discharge such accelerating the fruit so discharged sequentially inclined moving each divided piece from the direction ahead during discharge of the fruit. The upper surface of the tray 19 is coated with a soft elastic material, which is made up of artificial grass-like naps, in order to obtain the effect of improving the sitting quality of the fruit and the effect of preventing the damage, and the soft elastic member. There is a case in which the air cushion type is formed and attached. In the tray device 3 constructed as described above, when the tray 19 is tilted in the sorting portion 8, the horizontal holding of the tray 19 is released only by instantly contacting the operating piece 22 of the discharging device 7 with the release lever 21. Since there is no discharge trouble in the sorting unit 8 and it can be discharged quickly. Particularly, in the conventional one, a lever, a pin, a roller, a sliding piece, or the like provided so as to project downward or laterally from a bucket is configured to be inclined along the cam or the guide by switching the path with the guide or the cam. Although the discharge operation part is liable to malfunction and the discharge requires a relatively long time and distance, these problems can be eliminated. Furthermore, as described above, the tray 19 can be instantly tilted only by momentarily contacting the operating piece 22 with the release lever 21, so that the conveyor speed can be increased and the capacity can be improved. The above is the description of the embodiment of the first invention. Next, an embodiment of the second invention will be described. The second aspect of the present invention is a combination of the grade element and the grade element of the first aspect of the invention, and the description of the same structure as the first aspect of the invention will be omitted below. Reference numeral 10 is an object to be sorted 2 by applying a television camera.
3 is a color / scratch measuring device that measures color, scratches, etc. as a characteristic amount and outputs a measurement signal, and 11 indicates the internal quality such as sugar content, acidity, or ripeness as a characteristic amount of the selection target 23. It is an internal quality measuring device that measures and outputs a measurement signal. 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes an appearance measuring device that measures the appearance state of the apex or infarct as a feature amount of the object to be sorted 23 and outputs a measurement signal. Color for measuring items as grade judgment elements
The flaw measuring device 10 uses at least two cameras as sensors to select the object to be sorted 23 from two or more directions.
Is attached so as to capture the image of the
It is so arranged that the corresponding color grade is judged by comparing it with the grade classification value preset in the part. At the same time, with the camera as the sensor, the scratch is taken as a flaw (discolored portion) which is not included in the original skin of the fruit and vegetable, and is compared with the grade classification value according to the size to determine the corresponding grade. Measurement of internal quality such as sugar content or acidity, or maturity
Constant is performed using an internal quality measurement device 11, for example in the case of ripeness, optical density difference indicating the degree of maturity of each to each type of fruit Vegetables such (required difference in absorbance) .DELTA.OD value grade operation section of The maturity grade is compared by comparing with the grade classification value preset in the B part. The appearance state is measured by the appearance measuring device 12 depending on the objects to be sorted, but in the case of apples, the flower traces of the apex are viewed. The grade model pattern of the humor part is pre-calculated so that the cracked part of the flower trace part is opened and cracked is sweet with honey, and the bulge when the humor ring is closed is judged as unsweet with shibs Set it in the memory of section C and compare it with this to judge the corresponding grade. In the case of a peach, the infarcted portion side is viewed rather than the apex. If there is a hole in the indentation of the infarction, it is classified as the lowest grade product as a nuclear crack, grade with uniform left and right centering on the suture line as high grade, and grade with uneven left and right grade as lower grade. The model pattern is set in the memory in advance as in the case of the apple, and compared with this to determine the corresponding grade. Colors, scratches, and
Among the items of internal quality and appearance, the grade of the item ranked lowest among the items is determined as the sorting grade of the item to be sorted 23, and the grade signal is sent to the arithmetic unit 9 for class sorting. However, in the second invention, in addition to the internal quality measuring device 11 and the B part of the grade calculating part, the color / scratch measuring device 10 and the A part of the grade calculating part, and the appearance measuring device 12 and the C part of the grade calculating part. Part is not used. Therefore, according to the second aspect of the invention, the internal quality measuring device 11 provided in the measuring section of the sorting conveyor 1 measures the internal quality of the objects to be sorted 23 and sends a measurement signal to the grade calculating section. A grade signal is output by judging the grade of the sorted material. The arithmetic unit 9 in the second invention, an electronic scale 4
Based on the weight signal from the sensor and the shape signals from the sensors (5, 6), the class determination based on the weight of the object to be sorted 23 and the class determination based on the shape are performed. The class-based signal based on the determination result is sent to the number counting processing means inside or outside the arithmetic unit 9, and the class-based signal based on the class signal and the class determination result based on the shape is sorted and discharged. The signal is output to the discharge operation device 7 in synchronization with the progress of the tray device 3. In the second aspect of the invention, the receiving boxes 8a of the sorting section 8 are provided for each grade and rank, and the discharge operating device 7
Is provided corresponding to each of the receiving boxes 8a. As described above, according to the present invention, a signal based on the result of class determination based on the weight of the object to be sorted is sent to the number counting processing means, and a signal based on the result of the determination based on the shape of the object to be sorted is sorted. Since the signals to be sorted are sorted and discharged as an emission signal, price adjustment can be performed based on the result of class judgment based on weight. For example, items to be sorted having the same waist circumference (fruit diameter) but different heights are fairly evaluated. It can, moreover in rank determination result by the shape obtained subjected to packing packaging packing such package
All SANYO the size of the object to be sorted matter in click has an effect of shipped as products for the uniform appearance, thus producers,
It can meet the needs of the sorting field and the market at the same time.
Oh Ru. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a conventional contact type measurement between two points shape election results instrumentation <br/> location, Figure 2 shows conventional full circumference contact plan view of an umbrella-shaped election result apparatus, Figure 3 is a side view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the discharge portion of a conventional light sorting machine, Figure 5 [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an explanatory view of a conventional direct downward discharge device. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an explanatory view of fruits having the same fruit diameter but different heights. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an overall plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a plan view shape measuring apparatus, an electronic scale, and a side shape measuring apparatus of the apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a side surface shape measuring device of an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a tray device used in FIGS. 9 and 10. Side view of the FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a discharge operation part of the tray device of FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a discharge operation part of the tray device of FIG. 11, which is similar to FIG. 12, and FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a tray device showing another embodiment; FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a tray device in which the tray is divided into a plurality of parts; FIG. 16 is a tray similar to FIG. successively tilting movement illustration of bets Leh divided tray device into a plurality, Figure 17 is a view showing another embodiment of dividing the discharge side of the tray, Figure 18 is a color, FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of the scratch measurement, FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of mounting the internal quality measuring device, and FIG. 20 is an explanatory view of appearance measurement of the apex. [Explanation of symbols] 1 ... sorting conveyor, 2 ... conveyor chain, 3 ...
..Tray device, 4 ... Electronic scale, 5 ... Planar shape measuring device, 5a ... Line sensor camera, 6 ... Side shape measuring device, 7 ... Discharge actuating device, 8 ... Sorting unit, 8a ... Inbox as receiving unit, 9 ... Computing device,
10 ... Color / scratch measuring device, 11 ... Internal quality measuring device, 12 ... Appearance measuring device, 13 ... Main body, 14
... Mounting member, 15 ... Sliding surface, 16 ... Sliding measurement rail, 17 ... Push roller, 18 ... Vertical surface, 1
9 ... Tray 20 ... Engaging mechanism, 21 ... Release lever, 22 ...
-Operating pieces, 23 ... Objects to be sorted.

Claims (1)

[Claims] [1] The fruits and vegetables as the objects to be sorted are placed one by one on a large number of tray devices of a sorting conveyor and transported, and the characteristic amount of the objects to be sorted is measured by a measuring unit in the middle of the transport path. Then, based on the measurement result, a sorting device that sorts and discharges the objects to be sorted into a receiving part provided in the sorting part of the sorting conveyor, wherein the meter-side part has the objects to be sorted on the tray device, An electronic scale that measures the weight and outputs a weight signal and a sensor that measures the shape and outputs a shape signal are provided, and class determination based on the weight of the object to be sorted and class determination based on the shape are performed from the respective signals. In addition to the above, a signal of the class determination result based on the weight is sent to the number counting processing means, and a signal of the class determination result based on the shape is provided as a sorting discharge signal and is output in synchronization with the progress of the tray device. Discharge Sorter fruit Vegetables such, characterized in that provided corresponding to the respective receiving portions of different classes of ejection actuation device for tilting the tray actuated tray device by items. The sensors for measuring the shape are a sensor for measuring a planar shape and a sensor for measuring a side surface shape, and the arithmetic unit compares the respective measurement results with one of the larger values or any one of them. The apparatus for selecting fruit and vegetables according to claim 1, wherein a small value is selected for class determination. [3] Each of the receiving parts of the sorting part is formed in a size corresponding to the sorting amount of the objects to be sorted, and the discharge actuating device is provided in one or two or more in accordance with the size of the receiving part. The apparatus for selecting fruit and vegetables according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. [4] The fruits and vegetables as the objects to be sorted are placed one by one on a large number of tray devices of the sorting conveyor and transported, and the characteristic amount of the objects to be sorted is measured by the measuring section in the middle of the transport route, and the measurement results are displayed. On the basis of the sorting device for sorting and discharging the objects to be sorted into the receiving portion provided in the sorting portion of the sorting conveyor, the total side portion has the internal as a grade determination element for the objects to be sorted on the tray device. An internal quality measuring device that measures quality and outputs a measurement signal, an electronic scale that measures weight as a class determination element and outputs a weight signal, and a shape that also measures a class determination element and outputs a shape signal. A sensor is provided, and a grade calculation unit that determines the grade of the object to be sorted from the measurement signal and outputs a grade signal is provided, and class determination based on the weight of the object to be sorted and class determination based on the shape from the weight signal and the shape signal. Along with Sending a class-classified signal from the class signal and the class-determined result based on the weight to the number counting processing means, and sorting the class-classified signal from the class signal and the class-determined result based on the shape to an ejection signal Provided with an arithmetic unit that outputs in synchronization with the progress of the tray device,
A fruit and vegetable sorting device, characterized in that a discharge actuating device that is actuated by the sorting and discharging signal to tilt the tray of the tray device is provided in correspondence with each receiving portion for each grade and class. 5. The sensors for measuring the shape are a sensor for measuring a planar shape and a sensor for measuring a side surface shape, and the arithmetic unit compares the respective measurement results with one of the larger values or one of them. The apparatus for selecting fruit and vegetables according to claim 4, wherein a small value is selected to perform class determination. [6] Each of the receiving parts of the sorting part is formed in a size corresponding to the sorting amount of the objects to be sorted, and the discharge actuating device is provided in one or two or more according to the size of each of the receiving parts. The apparatus for selecting fruit and vegetables according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that.