JP6662751B2 - Internal quality evaluation system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an internal quality evaluation system for evaluating the internal quality of fruits or vegetables with seeds at the center of such mangoes and avocados.

  2. Description of the Related Art An internal quality determination system that irradiates light to a measurement target fruit and vegetable to receive internal transmitted light and performs spectral processing on the transmitted light to determine the internal quality of the measurement target fruit and vegetable is known.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 described below, a tray provided with an opening through which fruits and vegetables can be placed and vertically penetrated, a transport mechanism for transporting the tray in a transport direction, and a measuring light beam for fruits and vegetables from below the transport mechanism. And a pair of left and right light receiving units that receive transmitted light that is transmitted from the light emitting unit to the fruits and vegetables through the opening and transmitted through the fruits and vegetables, and is received by the pair of light receiving units. An internal quality evaluation system (hereinafter, referred to as Conventional Configuration 1) including an evaluation unit that evaluates the internal quality of fruits and vegetables based on the transmitted light has been proposed.

However, in the conventional configuration 1, the pair of light receiving sections are arranged such that the light receiving optical axes are substantially horizontal, that is, the light receiving optical axes are opposed to each other.
When the internal quality of fruits and vegetables having a large seed in the center (hereinafter, referred to as seed fruits and vegetables) such as avocado and mango is evaluated using the above-described conventional configuration 1, it is found that, in the internal region of the seed fruits and vegetables, the direct quality of the seeds is small. In a large area including the upper portion and the vicinity thereof, a sufficient amount of measurement light does not reach from the light projecting portion. That is, the large area of the internal area becomes a blind spot area (that is, an area where the light receiving unit cannot receive a sufficient amount of transmitted light), and the evaluation accuracy of the internal quality deteriorates.

  Further, in the conventional configuration 1, the opening provided in the tray is formed so as to correspond only to the central portion of the fruits and vegetables placed on the tray. Is difficult to evaluate accurately.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses a tray provided with an opening through which fruits and vegetables can be placed and vertically penetrated, a transport mechanism for transporting the tray in a transport direction, and a measurement area in a transport path by the transport mechanism. A light projecting unit for projecting measurement light from the side to the fruits and vegetables, and transmitting light transmitted from the light projecting units to the fruits and vegetables and passing through the fruits and vegetables, surrounding an opening provided in the tray and the openings. A light receiving unit that receives light through a light receiving auxiliary cylinder installed below the tray, and an evaluation unit that evaluates the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables based on the transmitted light received by the light receiving unit. An evaluation system (hereinafter, referred to as Conventional Configuration 2) has been proposed.

However, in the conventional configuration 2, the opening and the light-receiving auxiliary cylinder exist only directly below the fruits and vegetables in plan view.
Therefore, when the internal quality of a seed vegetable is evaluated using the conventional configuration 2, the transmitted light that can be received by the light receiving unit is limited by the presence of the seed, and it is difficult to accurately evaluate the internal quality.

  Also, in Patent Document 3 below, a first measuring unit in a transport path by a transport mechanism measures a first quality of an agricultural product, and a second measuring unit displaced from the first measuring unit in a transport direction. An internal quality evaluation system (hereinafter, referred to as Conventional Configuration 3) configured to measure the second quality of agricultural products is disclosed.

  In the conventional configuration 3, the centers of the optical paths of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are set to be different from each other and do not overlap, and the first measurement unit determines the first quality of one part of the agricultural product. The second measuring unit measures the second quality of another part of the agricultural product.

Patent Document 3 describes that the first quality and the second quality can be different from each other, or both can be the same quality.
That is, as a first quality, the form of measuring the cavities and the like of the apple stem portion of the measured agricultural product and measuring the sugar content, acidity, and the like as the second quality, and as the first quality, the sugar content, acidity, and the inside of the falling flower portion. It is possible to measure the disorder and measure the sugar content / acidity of the central part and the cavity from the central part to the stalk as the second quality. Further, the same quality of different parts of apple as the first and second qualities is possible. It is described that a form for measuring quality (for example, sugar content / acid content) is also possible.

  However, the conventional configuration 3 does not assume that the internal quality of a seed / vegetable having a seed at the center is measured, and it is difficult to accurately evaluate the internal quality of the seed / vegetable.

JP 2012-122876 A Japanese Patent No. 3660810 Japanese Patent No. 4450379

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional technology, and is an internal quality evaluation system that evaluates the internal quality of fruits and vegetables including seeds at the center based on transmitted light, wherein a blind spot region caused by the seeds is generated. substantially prevented, and to provide internal quality evaluation system capable assess the quality of the entire interior of the fruit or vegetable.

The present invention, in order to achieve the above object, is an internal quality evaluation system for determining the internal quality of fruits and vegetables including seeds in the center, a tray having a receiving seat portion on which the fruits and vegetables can be placed, and transporting the tray a transport mechanism for transporting direction, Tohikarisu Ru light projecting unit the measurement light to the upper region than the seed of the fruit or vegetable and the transport one widthwise side of above the transport mechanism in the measurement region in the transport path of the transport mechanism When, across the fruit or vegetable that before Kito light unit is disposed in the conveyance width direction opposite light receiving you receive a transmitted light transmitted through the upper region of the projected by and fruits or vegetables in the fruit or vegetable before Kito light unit and parts in contact with the evaluation unit and the upper surface of the fruit or vegetable in the rotation axis rotatable and is and the measuring area along the conveying width direction of evaluating the internal quality of fruits or vegetables based on the transmitted light received by said light receiving portion So arranged To provide an internal quality evaluation system and a roller.
Preferably, the light-shielding roller is urged by an urging member toward the outer surface of the fruit or vegetable.

Before Kito light unit may be arranged to light projecting optical axis for projecting measurement light to the upper area in a posture facing obliquely downward.
Alternatively, prior to Kito light unit may be arranged to light projecting optical axis for projecting measurement light to the upper region of the fruit or vegetable in a posture along horizontally.

Before Ki受 light unit may be positioned to receive transmitted light that has passed through the upper region in a posture in which the light receiving optical axis is oriented obliquely downward.
Alternatively, before Ki受 light unit may be positioned to receive transmitted light that has passed through the upper region in a posture in which the light receiving optical axis is along horizontally.

The internal quality evaluation system according to the present invention is preferably arranged such that the other light emitting unit that emits the measuring light to the fruits and vegetables from below the transport mechanism and symmetrically with respect to the transport width direction, and the other fruits and vegetables from the other light emitting units And a pair of left and right other light receiving units that receive the transmitted light that has been transmitted through the fruits and vegetables and received with the light receiving optical axis facing obliquely downward.

Internal quality evaluation system according to the present invention includes a tray having a measurement target fruit or vegetable to be placed a receiving seat, and a transport mechanism for transporting the tray in the transporting direction, the transport mechanism in the measurement region from above and conveying and Tohikarisu Ru light projecting unit upward region the measurement light from the seeds of the fruits or vegetables from one widthwise side, and the light receiving portion you receive a transmitted light of the upper region of the fruits or vegetables before Kito light unit, the an evaluation unit for evaluating the internal quality of fruits or vegetables based on the transmitted light received by the light reception portion, is disposed in contact with the upper surface of the fruit or vegetable in and the measurement region is rotatable axis rotating in the conveying width direction Since the light-shielding roller is provided, when evaluating the internal quality of fruits and vegetables having seeds at the center of mango or avocado, the measurement light emitted from the light-emitting unit is directly received by the light-receiving unit. Prevent While reducing the prevention or the presence of a blind area in which the light receiving unit can not receive the transmitted light sufficient amount by the presence of seeds can be reduced as much as possible, while having a simple configuration, fruits or vegetables having seeds Can be evaluated with high accuracy.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an internal quality evaluation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the internal quality determination system. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III in FIG. 2 in a first measurement region of the internal quality evaluation system. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal quality evaluation system taken along a line IV-IV in FIG. 2 in a second measurement region. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first modification of the embodiment in the second measurement region. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the second measurement region of the second modification of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third measurement example of the third embodiment in the second measurement region. Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light shielding roller over which is provided in the internal quality determination system. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a tray in the internal quality evaluation system. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the tray in a state where the fruits and vegetables to be measured are placed. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the tray. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view illustrating a state in which one tray is being conveyed by the conveyance mechanism in a time-series manner.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an internal quality evaluation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 and 2 show a schematic plan view and a schematic side view, respectively, of the internal quality evaluation system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The internal quality determination system 1 according to the present embodiment evaluates the internal quality of fruits and vegetables having seeds at the center such as avocado and mango.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the internal quality evaluation system 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with an opening 135 through which the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured can be placed and vertically penetrated. The tray 100 having the receiving portion 130, the transport mechanism 10 for transporting the tray 100 in the transport direction, and the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured in the first measurement area 10B (1) in the transport path by the transport mechanism 10 A first measuring unit for measuring, a second measuring unit for measuring the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured in a second measuring region 10B (2) different from the first measuring region 10B (1) in the transport direction X, An evaluation unit 91 for evaluating the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables based on the measurement results of the first and second measurement units.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first measuring unit along the line III-III in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first measuring unit includes a first light projecting unit 30 that emits measuring light to fruits and vegetables 300 from below the transport mechanism 10 through an opening 135 of the receiving seat 130. (1) and a pair of left and right first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) for receiving transmitted light emitted from the first light emitting unit 30 (1) and transmitted through the fruits and vegetables 300. ing.

  As the first light projecting unit 30 (1), for example, a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an LED lamp, or the like that can emit light having a wavelength in a near infrared region is used.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pair of first light receiving portions 50a (1) and 50b (1) are arranged such that the light receiving optical axis RX faces obliquely downward, and the center of the receiving seat portion 130 in the conveying width direction. Are arranged symmetrically with respect to one another with reference to a virtual central vertical plane CP extending in the transport direction through the center.

  According to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the “dead area” in which the measurement light emitted from the first light emitting unit 30 (1) cannot be transmitted by the seeds 310 of the fruits and vegetables 300 is minimized. The transmitted light in as many areas as possible inside the fruit and vegetable 300 can be received by the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1).

  That is, one 50a (1) of the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) extends from a region below the seed 310 (hereinafter, referred to as a vegetable lower region) in the inner region of the fruit and vegetable 300. A region located on one side in the conveying width direction (for example, the right side in FIG. 3) from the seed 310 (hereinafter, referred to as a fruit and vegetables first side region), and an area positioned on one side in the conveying width direction and above the seed 310 (hereinafter, referred to as the first region). , A first fruit diagonally upper region).

  On the other hand, the other 50b (1) of the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) is the other side in the transport width direction from the seed 310 to the seed 310 from the lower area of the fruits and vegetables in the internal area of the fruits and vegetables 300 3 through the region located on the left side (hereinafter referred to as the vegetable / vegetables second side region) to reach the region located on the other side and upper side in the transport width direction from the seed 310 (hereinafter referred to as the vegetable / vegetables second oblique upper region). Light transmitted from the region can be received.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inclination angle α of the light receiving optical axis RX of the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) is a conveyance width in a front view along the conveyance direction of the conveyance mechanism 10. The angle is set to 30 to 50 with respect to the horizontal line HL along the direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the internal quality evaluation system 1 according to the present embodiment is optically connected to the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1), and A first spectroscopy device 70 (1) is provided for generating spectroscopic information such as a spectral signal by dispersing the transmitted light from the measurement target fruits and vegetables 300 received by the 1 light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1). .

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first spectroscopic device 70 (1) receives light received by the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1). Are input in a mixed state.
In this case, the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) may be, for example, the front ends of a forked optical fiber whose rear ends are optically connected to the common spectroscope 71.

  Instead, the first spectral device 70 (1) is optically connected to one of the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1), 50b (1) 50a (1), and the one first A first spectroscope (not shown) for one side in the conveying width direction that splits the transmitted light received by the light receiving unit 50a (1) to generate spectral information on one side in the conveying width direction of the fruit and vegetable 300; The other of the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1), 50b (1) is optically connected to the other 50b (1), and the transmitted light received by the other first light receiving unit 50b (1) is dispersed. It is also possible to make a modification so as to have a second spectroscope (not shown) for the other side in the conveying width direction for generating the spectral information on the other side in the conveying width direction of the fruits and vegetables 300.

  According to such a modification, the internal quality of one side in the transport width direction of the measurement target vegetable 300 is determined based on the spectral information from the first spectroscope, and the measurement is performed based on the spectral information from the second spectroscope. It is possible to determine the internal quality of the target vegetable 300 on the other side in the transport width direction.

  In this modified example, the one first light receiving portion 50a (1) has a rear end formed as an end of an optical fiber for one side in the conveyance width direction optically connected to the first spectroscope, and the other first light receiving portion 50a (1). The first light receiving section 50b (1) has a rear end optically connected to the second spectroscope and has a tip end of an optical fiber for the other side in the conveying width direction independent of the optical fiber for the one side in the conveying width direction. Can be done.

Next, the second measuring section will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second measuring unit along the line IV-IV in FIG.

  The second measuring unit is configured to measure an internal quality of a region (hereinafter, referred to as a vegetable upper region) located directly above a seed in which the internal quality is difficult to be measured by the first measuring unit in the internal region of the measurement target vegetable 300. Is measured.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the second measurement unit emits measurement light from above the transport mechanism 10 and from above one side in the transport width direction to an area above the fruits and vegetables. The second light projecting unit 30 (2) and the second light projecting unit 30 (2) are arranged on the opposite side in the conveying width direction with the fruit and vegetables 300 interposed therebetween, and the area above the fruits and vegetables from the second light projecting unit 30 (2). And a second light receiving unit 50 (2) for receiving transmitted light transmitted through the upper region of the fruits and vegetables.

  As the second light projecting unit 30 (2), for example, a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, or the like that can irradiate light having a wavelength in the near infrared region can be used, but the first light projecting unit 30 (1) can be used. ), It is sufficient to project the measurement light in a pinpoint only to the upper region of the fruits and vegetables in which it is difficult to project a sufficient amount of the measurement light, and the second light receiving unit 50 (2) needs to emit the measurement light in a second point. Considering that it is preferable to prevent or reduce the direct reception of the measurement light from the light unit 30 (2) without passing through the fruits and vegetables, it is preferable to use a laser or LED lamp having a high light-collecting property. preferable.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second light projecting unit 30 (2) is arranged such that the light projecting optical axis LX projects obliquely downward so as to project the measuring light to the upper region of the fruits and vegetables. The second light receiving unit 50 (2) is arranged so as to receive the transmitted light transmitted through the upper region of the fruit or vegetable with the light receiving optical axis RX facing obliquely downward.

  According to such a configuration, for the fruits and vegetables 300 of various sizes (diameters) without changing the installation position and the installation posture of the second light emitting unit 30 (2) and the second light receiving unit 50 (2). Thus, the measurement light can be projected from the second light projecting unit 30 (2) to the region above the fruits and vegetables, and the second light receiving unit 50 (2) can receive the transmitted light from the region above the fruits and vegetables.

  Instead, as shown in FIG. 5, the second light projecting unit 30 (2) is arranged so that the projecting light axis LX is horizontally oriented so as to project the measuring light to the upper region of the fruits and vegetables, and It is also possible to arrange the second light receiving unit 50 (2) so as to receive the transmitted light transmitted through the upper region of the fruits and vegetables with the light receiving optical axis RX extending horizontally.

  According to such a configuration, in a state where the influence of the seeds 310 of the fruits and vegetables 300 is reduced as much as possible, the transmitted light transmitted from the second light projecting unit 30 (2) and transmitted through the upper region of the fruits and vegetables is converted into the above-described light. The light can be received by the second light receiving unit 50 (2).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, while arranging the second light projecting unit 30 (2) so that the light projecting optical axis LX is directed obliquely downward, the second light projecting unit 30 (2) projects the measuring light to the upper region of the fruits and vegetables. The second light receiving unit 50 (2) is arranged so as to receive the transmitted light transmitted through the upper region of the fruits and vegetables in a posture in which the light receiving optical axis RX is horizontal, or as shown in FIG. The second light receiving unit 50 (2) is inclined obliquely downward while the unit 30 (2) is arranged so that the light projecting optical axis LX projects horizontally along the horizontal direction with the light projecting optical axis LX. It is also possible to arrange so as to receive the transmitted light transmitted through the upper region of the fruits and vegetables in a posture facing.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the internal quality determination system 1 according to the present embodiment, the measurement light emitted from the second light emitting unit 30 (2) directly receives the measurement light from the second light receiving unit 50 (2). prevent or to be received in has a light roller 60 shielding to reduce.

The shield light roller 60 is rotatable shaft 65 around the rotation along the conveyance width direction, thereby, without inhibiting the transport of the fruits or vegetables 300 by the transport mechanism 10, the second light projecting portion 30 ( The direct optical path from 2) to the second light receiving section 50 (2) is blocked.

Figure 8 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the shield light roller 60.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the shielding light roller 60 includes a roller body 61 of rigid to be supported on the rotary shaft 65, an elastic member 63 such as a sponge which is secured to the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 61 have.

Thus, by forming an elastic body 63 to the outer peripheral portion of the shield light roller 60 in contact with the measurement target fruits or vegetables 300, to improve the adhesion between the light roller 60 shielding the measurement target fresh produce 300, the first effectively prevented or that the second light from the light projecting unit 30 (2) from leaking from between the fresh produce 300 and shielding light roller 60 can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the shielding light roller 60 is biased toward the outer surface of the measurement object fruits or vegetables 300 by the biasing member 75.

According to such a configuration, a change in the size (outer diameter) of one measurement target fruit and vegetable 300 in the transport direction and the size (outer diameter) of the plurality of measurement target fruits and vegetables 300 transported in series by the transport mechanism 10 are performed. ) absorbs individual differences can be effectively prevented or is reduced that the light from leaking from between the measured fresh produce 300 and shielding light roller 60.

  Specifically, the internal quality determination system 1 includes a cylinder 70 fixed to a fixed member such as a housing or a frame, a piston 72 accommodated in the cylinder 70 so as to be able to move in and out of the axial direction, and And the urging member 75 urged in the direction.

The cylinder 70 has a base end portion fixed to the fixing member in a state where an axial direction faces a direction approaching and separating from the outer surface of the fruit and vegetable 300 to be measured, and a tip end having an opening through which the piston 72 is inserted. Part.
In the present embodiment, the cylinder 70 is fixed to the fixing member in a state where the axial direction is along the vertical direction.

  The piston 72 has a proximal end accommodated in the cylinder 70 so as to be movable in the axial direction, a distal end supporting the rotating shaft 65, and an intermediate part between the proximal end and the distal end being the cylinder 70. It is inserted through the opening.

  The urging member 75 is disposed between the proximal end of the cylinder 70 and the proximal end of the piston 72 so as to urge the piston 72 outward in the axial direction toward the outer surface of the vegetable 300 to be measured. It is interposed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the internal quality evaluation system 1 according to the present embodiment is optically connected to the second light receiving unit 50, and is connected to the second light receiving unit 50 (2). A second spectroscopic device 70 (2) is provided for generating the spectral information such as a spectral signal by dispersing the received transmitted light from the vegetable 300 to be measured.

  In this case, the second light receiving unit 50 (2) may be, for example, a front end of an optical fiber optically connected to the second spectral device 70 (2) at a rear end.

  In the present embodiment, the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1), 50b (1) and the second light receiving unit 50 (2) are the spectroscopic devices 70 (1) whose rear ends correspond, Although the tip of the optical fiber optically connected to 70 (2) is used, the present invention is not limited to such a form, and a hyper-spectral camera or a multi-spectral camera may be connected to the pair of first light receiving units 50a ( 1), 50b (1) and the second light receiving section 50 (2). In this case, the spectrometers 70 (1) and 70 (2) are omitted.

The transport mechanism 10 is configured to transport a plurality of the trays 100 in a tray transport direction X in a serial state.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport mechanism 10 includes a driving rotator 11 such as a driving sprocket, a driven rotator 12 such as a driven sprocket, and the driving rotator 11 and the driving rotator 11. A first endless body 15 (1) such as a chain wound on one side in the conveying width direction of the driven rotating body 12, and a chain wound on the other side in the conveying width direction of the driving rotating body 11 and the driven rotating body. Etc. and a second endless body 15 (2).

  In the tray 100, both ends of a front connecting rod 120 and a rear connecting rod 122 that are disposed along the conveying width direction Y (see FIGS. 1 and 3) before and after the tray conveying direction X have the first and second ends. By being connected to the two endless bodies 15 (1) and 15 (2), they are conveyed endlessly by the conveyance mechanism 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the transport mechanism 10 transports the tray 100 in a posture in which the mounting surface of the receiving seat 130 faces upward, and places the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured on the mounting surface. And the first and second measurement areas 10B provided on the downstream side in the transport direction from the placement area 10A to transport the tray 100 with the placement surface facing upward. (1) The tray 100 is transported in a posture in which the mounting surface faces upward, such as 10B (2), and is located downstream of the first and second measurement areas 10B (1), 10B (2) in the transport direction. It has an endless transport path including a provided sorting area 10C and a return area 10D for returning the tray 100 that has passed the sorting area 10C to the placement area 10A in a vertically inverted state.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the second measurement area 10B (2) is disposed downstream of the first measurement area 10B (1) in the transport direction. Alternatively, the second measurement area 10B (2) can be arranged upstream of the first measurement area 10B (1) in the transport direction.

  The evaluation unit 91 evaluates the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured based on the transmitted light received by the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) and the second light receiving unit 50 (2). I do.

  That is, based on the spectral information from the first spectroscopy device 70 (1), the evaluation unit 91 performs the fruit and vegetable lower region, the fruit and vegetable first side region, the fruit and vegetable first oblique upper region, and the fruit and vegetable second side. The internal quality of the region including the first region and the second obliquely upper region of the fruits and vegetables is determined, and further, the internal quality of the upper region of the fruits and vegetables of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured is determined based on the spectral information from the second spectral device 70 (2). .

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the internal quality evaluation system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control device 90, and the control device 90 functions as the evaluation unit 91.

More specifically, the control device 90 previously stores threshold data relating to a specific internal quality such as a sugar content.
Then, the control device 90 receives the spectral information of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured placed on one tray 100 and the threshold data, which are received from the first and second spectral devices 70 (1) and 70 (2). Is evaluated based on the comparison of the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured.

  For example, when the spectral information from the first spectral device 70 (1) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the control device 90 determines that the lower portion of the fruits and vegetables, the first lateral region of the fruits and vegetables, the first oblique upper region of the fruits and vegetables, It is determined that there is an obstacle in any of the two side areas and the second obliquely upper area of the fruits and vegetables.

  In the configuration in which the first spectroscopic device 70 (1) includes the first and second spectroscopes, the control device 90 determines that the spectral information from the first spectroscope is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. It is determined that there is an obstacle in any of the lower fruits and vegetables area, the first fruits and vegetables lateral area, and the first fruits and diagonally upper area, and if the spectral information from the second spectroscope is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the lower fruits and vegetables are determined. It is determined that there is an obstacle in any one of the region, the second lateral region of the fruits and vegetables, and the second obliquely upper region of the fruits and vegetables.

  If the spectral information from the second spectral device 70 (2) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the control device 90 determines that there is a failure in the upper region of the fruits and vegetables.

Here, a detailed configuration of the tray 100 will be described.
FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the tray 100.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the tray 100 with the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured placed thereon, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the tray 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 9 and 10, the tray 100 is supported by the transport mechanism 10 and is connected to the base 110 to be transported. And a receiving seat portion 130 including a mounting surface on which it is to be mounted.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 to 12, the base 110 includes first and second side walls 111 and 112 separated from each other in the conveyance width direction Y of the conveyance mechanism 10. A front connection portion 113 connects the front sides of the first and second side walls 111 and 112 in the conveyance direction, and a rear connection portion 114 connects the rear sides of the first and second side walls 111 and 112 in the conveyance direction. A region surrounded by the first and second side walls 111 and 112 and the front and rear connecting portions 113 and 114 is formed as a hollow penetrating vertically.

  The front and rear connecting rods 120 and 122 along the transport width direction of the transport mechanism 10 are supported on the front side and the rear side in the transport direction of the base 110, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the receiving seat portion 130 is provided with a slit 136 over the entire area in the conveying direction at the center of the receiving seat portion 130 in the conveying width direction, and the slit 136 forms the opening 135. I have.

In the present embodiment, the receiving seat portion 130 is of a medium split type.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 to 12, the receiving seat portion 130 includes pivot shafts 132 (1) and 132 (2) along the transport direction X on both sides in the transport width direction of the base 110. It has a pair of first and second buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) supported to be rotatable.

  The first and second buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) correspond to the placement posture in which the fruits and vegetables 300 can be placed while defining the slit 135 between the opposing edges, from the placement posture described above. The pivoting shafts 132 (1) and 132 (2) are rotated downward, so that the fruits / vegetables 300 placed in the placing posture can be taken down and discharged.

  As in the present embodiment, when the receiving seat portion 130 is a middle crack type having the first and second buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2), the internal quality determination system 1 The first and second buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) are automatically operated when the tray 100 is transported by the transport mechanism 10 to a corresponding sorting position in the sorting area 10C. It is possible to configure such that the fruits and vegetables 300 placed on the tray 100 are dropped to a predetermined sorting unit installed below the transport mechanism 10 by shifting from the placing posture to the discharging posture.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first to third sorting conveyors 200 (1) to 200 (3) are provided as the predetermined sorting section.

  The first to third sorting conveyors 200 (1) to 200 (3) correspond to the internal evaluations “A”, “B”, and “C”, respectively, and are located below the transport mechanism 10 and in a plane. The transport mechanism 10 is disposed so as to intersect with the transport mechanism 10 at different positions in the transport direction X of the transport mechanism 10 when viewed.

  When the predetermined sorting units are provided at three places (in the present embodiment, the first to third sorting conveyors 200 (1) to 200 (3)), the internal quality determination system 1 determines the sorting position. The first to third sorting positions 19 (1) to 19 (3) have first to third sorting positions 19 (1) to 19 (3). Mechanisms 180 (1) to 180 (3) are provided.

  The discharge mechanisms 180 (1) to 180 (3) are operated and controlled by the control device 90 to operate on the tray 100 transported by the transport mechanism 10 and to retract from the tray 100. It is configured to be able to take a state.

For example, it is assumed that the control device 90 evaluates the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables 300 placed on one tray 100 as “A”.
In this case, when the one tray 100 is transported to the first sorting position 19 (1) corresponding to the “A” evaluation, the control device 90 sets the tray provided at the first sorting position 19 (1). The first discharge mechanism 180 (1) is set to the operating state, and the remaining discharge mechanisms 180 (2) and 180 (3) are set to the retracted state.

  FIG. 13 includes a state in which the one tray 100 on which the fruits and vegetables 300 evaluated as “A” is placed is transported by the transport mechanism 10 to the first sorting position 19 (1) corresponding to the “A” evaluation. FIG. 1 shows a time-series schematic side view of the one tray 100.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the tray 100 includes a bucket stop roller 170 supported on the base 110 so as to be rotatable around the axis along the conveyance width direction, and a stopper 172 that rotates around the axis together with the bucket stop roller 170. And an operation lever 174 that rotates around the axis together with the bucket stopper roller 170.

  The bucket stopping roller 170 has a holding position for holding the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) in the mounting posture and an ejection posture of the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) around the axis. And a release position that allows a

  The stopper 172 moves the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) when the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) are in the mounting posture and the bucket stopper roller 170 is in the holding position. When the bucket 131 and the bucket 131 take an engagement position for holding the bucket 131 (1) and 131 (2) in the mounting position and the bucket stop roller 170 is positioned at the release position around the axis, the bucket 131 (1) and 131 (2) are provided directly or indirectly on the bucket stopping roller 170 so as to take a release position allowing the transition from the mounting posture to the discharging posture by its own weight.

  The operation lever 174 is located at the initial position when the bucket stopper roller 170 is located at the holding position, and is located at the operating position when the bucket stopper roller 170 is located at the release position, The bucket stopper roller 170 is provided directly or indirectly.

The internal quality determination system 1 sorts the fruits and vegetables 300 as follows.
When the one tray 100 on which the fruits and vegetables 300 evaluated as “A” is placed reaches the first sorting position 19 (1) by the transport mechanism 10, the control device 90 causes the first discharge mechanism 180 ( 1) is in the operating state.

  Therefore, when the one tray 100 reaches the first sorting position 19 (1), the operation lever 174 of the one tray 100 engages with the first ejection mechanism 180 (1) and operates from the initial position. The bucket stop roller 170 moves to the release position and the stopper 172 moves to the release position.

  As a result, the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) take the discharging posture, and the corresponding fruits and vegetables 300 are discharged downward (in the present embodiment, the first sorting conveyor 200 (1)) (FIG. 13). (B)).

When the one tray 100 passes through the first sorting position 19 (1), the engagement between the first discharge mechanism 180 (1) and the operation lever 174 is released.
Here, the bucket stopping roller 170 is urged toward a holding position by a return spring (not shown), and accordingly, the engagement between the first discharge mechanism 180 (1) and the operation lever 174 is released. Then, the bucket stopping roller 170 returns to the holding position (the operating lever 174 returns to the initial position and the stopper 172 returns to the engaging position, respectively) (see FIG. 13C).

When the one tray 100 is transported by the transport mechanism 10 through the sorting area 10C to the return area 10D, the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) are turned upside down and discharged by their own weight. Transition from the posture to the placement posture.
When the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) shift from the discharging position to the mounting position in the upside-down state, they shift to the mounting position while pushing the stopper 172.

  FIG. 13D shows a state immediately after the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) are shifted to the upside-down state in the discharging posture, and FIG. 13E shows the buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2). 2) shows a state in which the stopper 172 shifts from the discharging position to the mounting position by its own weight while pushing the stopper 172 in the upside down state.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 and the like, the slit 136 has a width narrower than the width of the measurement target vegetable 300 in the lateral direction and has a length equal to or longer than the length of the measurement target vegetable 300 in the longitudinal direction. It is said.

  According to such a configuration, while effectively preventing or reducing the light receiving unit 50 from directly receiving the light from the light projecting unit 30, the light receiving unit 50 transmits the light from the widest possible part of the fruit and vegetable 300 to be measured. Light can be received, and the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured can be accurately evaluated.

  Although there are individual differences in the width in the lateral direction and the width in the longitudinal direction of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured, a numerical value that can cover all of the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured can be obtained in advance by experience values or the like.

  As in the present embodiment, when the slit 136 is provided over the entire area of the receiving seat portion 130 in the transport direction, preferably, the pair of first light receiving portions 50a (1), 50b (1) is provided. ) Are arranged such that the light receiving optical axis RX is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction X in plan view.

According to such a configuration, the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) are upwardly transmitted through the slit 136 without transmitting the fruits and vegetables 300 from the first light emitting unit 30 (1). It is possible to effectively prevent or reduce the direct reception of the light leaking to the fruit and vegetables, whereby the internal quality of the fruit and vegetable 300 can be accurately evaluated.
Note that the term “substantially perpendicular to the transport direction X” refers to a range of ± 10 ° with respect to a transport width direction perpendicular to the transport direction X.

Preferably, the first light projecting unit 30 (1) is located on the center of the slit 136 in the conveying width direction in a plan view.
According to such a configuration, the amount of transmitted light that passes through one side and the other side in the transport width direction of the fruits and vegetables 300 can be made uniform.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the maximum trunk diameter portion 305 is located at the center 300M in the fruit and vegetable longitudinal direction 300L connecting the top portion 301 and the top portion 302 to the top portion 301 or the top portion. In order to be able to accurately evaluate the internal quality of the fruits and vegetables 300 having a maximum body diameter, such as avocado, which has been displaced toward the side 302, the following configuration is employed.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 and the like, the receiving seat portion 130 communicates with the slit 136 at a position 100D displaced from the central portion 100M in the conveying direction of the receiving seat portion 130 to one side in the conveying direction. Further, a through-hole 140 wider than the slit 136 is provided.

  In this way, by providing the through-hole portion 140 in addition to the slit 136 forming the opening 135 in the receiving seat portion 130, the maximum body diameter portion displacement vegetable 300 is placed on the receiving seat portion 130. In this case, the maximum body diameter portion 305 can be positioned on the through-hole portion 140 or close to the through-hole portion 140.

  Accordingly, it is possible to sufficiently secure the amount of the measurement light incident on the maximum body diameter portion 305 from the first light projecting portion 30 (1) by the presence of the through-hole portion 140. It is possible to accurately evaluate the internal quality of the maximum body diameter portion displacement vegetable 300 based on the transmitted light received by the one light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1).

  In the present embodiment, the notch 133 is located at a position displaced from the central portion 100M in the tray transport direction to one side in the tray transport direction among the opposing edges of the first and second buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2). Are provided, and the notch 133 forms the through-hole portion 140.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3, 11, and 12, in the present embodiment, the receiving seat portion 130 is formed in an upper portion where the center portion 100M in the tray conveyance direction and the center portion in the tray width direction are the deepest portions. It has an open concave shape.
With such a configuration, it is possible to stabilize the posture of the fruits and vegetables 300 while being placed on the receiving seat 130.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the mounting surface of the receiving seat 130 has slits and holes corresponding to the slits 136 and the holes 140. The cushioning material 150 is provided, and the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured are placed on the receiving seat 130 via the cushioning material 150.

With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the measurement light from leaking from between the fruits and vegetables 300 and the tray 100 (in this case, between the fruits and vegetables 300 and the buffer material 150) while suppressing damage to the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured. The measurement light from the first light projecting unit 30 (1) is directly received by the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) without passing through the fruits and vegetables 300 to evaluate the internal quality. Can be effectively suppressed.
The buffer material 150 can support the fruits and vegetables 300 in an elastically deformed state when the fruits and vegetables 300 to be measured are placed, and for example, a sponge can be used.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 and the like, the cushioning member 150 includes first and second buckets 131 (1) and 131 (2) provided on the first and second buckets 131 (2), respectively. It has buffer members 150 (1) and 150 (2), and the slit and the through hole are defined between the first and second buffer members 150 (1) and 150 (2).

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the through-hole portion 140 has a curved shape that is convex outward in the tray width direction in plan view. Thus, leakage of measurement light from between the through-hole portion 140 and the fruit and vegetable 300 is prevented.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 and the like, the through-hole portion 140 has a substantially circular shape.

Here, the operation of the internal quality evaluation system 1 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.
In the placement area 10 </ b> A of the transport mechanism 10, an operator places a fruit or vegetable 300 such as avocado as a measurement target on the tray 100.

ON / OFF of the light emission of the first and second light emitting units 30 (1) and 30 (2) is controlled by the control device 90.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the internal quality evaluation system 1 according to the present embodiment, one tray 100 transported by the transport mechanism 10 includes a first and a second measurement area 10B (1). , 10B (2) are provided with first and second measurement area sensors 190 (1), 190 (2), respectively.

  When the control device 90 detects that one tray 100 has reached the first measurement region 10B (1) based on a signal from the first measurement region sensor 190 (1), the control unit 90 sets the first light emitting unit 30 ( 1) to emit light, and spectral information of transmitted light received by the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1) is input from the first spectral device 70 (1).

  When the control device 90 detects that one tray 100 has reached the second measurement area 10B (2) based on a signal from the second measurement area sensor 190 (2), the second light emitting unit 30 (2) is caused to emit light, and the spectral information of the transmitted light received by the second light receiving unit 50 (2) is input from the second spectral device 70 (2).

Preferably, the first measurement space 20 including the one tray 100 that has reached the first measurement area 10B, the first light emitting unit 30 (1), and the pair of first light receiving units 50a (1) and 50b (1). (1) can be in a dark room state.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent disturbance light from affecting the measurement in the first measurement unit as much as possible.

Similarly, the second measurement space 20 (2) including the tray 100 that has reached the second measurement area 10B, the second light emitting unit 30 (2), and the second light receiving unit 50 (2) is set in a dark room state. can do.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent disturbance light from affecting the measurement in the second measurement unit as much as possible.

  Note that the first and second measurement spaces 20 (1) and 20 (2) can be independent spaces from each other, or can be a common single measurement space. .

In the internal quality evaluation system 1 according to the present embodiment, further, one of the trays 100 transported by the transport mechanism 10 includes the first to third sorting positions 19 (1) to 19 (3) in the sorting area 10C. ) Are provided with first to third sorting position sensors 191 to 193 for detecting arrival at the first position.
Instead, the control device 90 moves one measurement target 300 to the first to third sorting positions 19 (1) based on the elapsed time from the passage of the measurement area 10B and the transport speed of the transport unit 10. ~ 19 (3).

  When the control device 90 recognizes that one tray 100 reaches the sorting position (for example, the first sorting position 19 (1)) according to the internal quality evaluation of the fruits and vegetables 300 on the one tray 100, By operating a corresponding discharging mechanism (for example, the first discharging mechanism 180 (1)), the fruits and vegetables 300 on the one tray 100 are lowered (in the present embodiment, the first sorting conveyor 200 (1)). ).

  In the present embodiment, the discharge mechanism 180 operatively controlled by the control device 90 is configured to transfer the fruits and vegetables 300 placed on one tray 100 to the corresponding sorting section. Alternatively, the transfer of the fruits and vegetables 300 from the transport mechanism 10 to the sorting unit can be performed manually by an operator.

  In this case, the internal quality determination system 1 is provided with an evaluation means (not shown) such as a monitor, and when the control device 90 recognizes that one tray 100 has reached the sorting area 10C, the control device 90 90 can be configured to display the evaluation result of the fruits and vegetables 300 placed on the one tray 100 on the display means.

  According to such a configuration, the operator can sort the fruits and vegetables 300 on the one tray 100 based on the evaluation result displayed on the display means.

1 Internal Quality Evaluation System 10 Transport Mechanism 10B (1) First Measurement Area 10B (2) Second Measurement Area 30 (1) First Light Projection Unit 30 (2) Second Light Projection Unit 50a (1), 50b (1) ) First light receiving unit 50 (2) Second light receiving unit 60 Light blocking roller 65 Rotating shaft 75 Biasing member 91 Evaluation unit 100 Tray 300 Fruit and vegetable 310 Seed LX Light projecting optical axis RX Light receiving optical axis

Claims (7)

An internal quality evaluation system that determines the internal quality of fruits and vegetables including seeds at the center,
A tray having a receiving seat on which fruits and vegetables can be placed,
A transport mechanism for transporting the tray in a transport direction ,
And Tohikarisu Ru light projecting unit the measurement light to the upper region than the seed of the fruit or vegetable and the transport one widthwise side above said conveying mechanism in the measurement region in the transport path of the transport mechanism,
The Kito light unit before sandwiching the fruits or vegetables are placed in the transport widthwise opposite side, a front Kito light unit is projected on the fruits or vegetables from and the upper region receiving light section you receive a transmitted light transmitted through the fruit or vegetable ,
An evaluation unit for evaluating the internal quality of fruits or vegetables based on the transmitted light received by the light receiving unit,
An internal quality evaluation system, comprising: a light-blocking roller rotatable around a rotation axis along a conveyance width direction and arranged to be in contact with an upper surface of a fruit or vegetable in the measurement area . 2. The internal quality evaluation system according to claim 1 , wherein the light blocking roller is urged toward an outer surface of the fruit or vegetable by an urging member. 3. Internal quality evaluation system according to claim 1 or 2 before Kito light unit, characterized in that it is arranged so as projection light optical axis for projecting measurement light to the upper area in a posture facing obliquely downward . Internal quality evaluation of pre Kito light unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light projecting optical axis is arranged to project a measuring light to the upper region of the fruit or vegetable in a posture along horizontally system. Internal prior Ki受 light unit according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that it is positioned to receive transmitted light that has passed through the upper region in a posture in which the light receiving optical axis is oriented obliquely downward of 4 Quality evaluation system. Internal quality of the front Ki受 light unit according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that it is positioned to receive transmitted light that has passed through the upper region in a posture in which the light receiving optical axis is along the horizontal 4 Evaluation system. Another light emitting unit that emits measurement light to fruits and vegetables from below the transport mechanism,
A pair of left and right other light receiving units that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the conveyance width direction, and receive the transmitted light that is emitted from the other light emitting unit to the fruits and vegetables and transmitted through the fruits and vegetables in a state where the light receiving optical axis faces obliquely downward. The internal quality evaluation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein:

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