Agricultural product inspection and processing equipment

Abstract

To provide an inspection processing device for an agricultural product capable of performing an inspection of a surface condition of the agricultural product and sterilization treatment of the agricultural product.SOLUTION: An inspection processing device for an agricultural product according to the embodiment includes: a moving part for moving the agricultural product in a predetermined direction; an inspection part for irradiating the agricultural product with inspection light and inspecting a surface condition of the agricultural product; and a processing part for irradiating the agricultural product with processing light and performing sterilization treatment of the agricultural product. The inspection light includes at least one of UVA and UVB. The processing light includes at least UVC.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an inspection and processing apparatus for agricultural products. [Background technology]

[0002] In the food market, awareness of food safety is increasing due to the implementation of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), etc. The food market also faces issues such as food waste due to spoilage.

[0003] In this case, by subjecting agricultural products to heat treatment or treating them with chemicals such as chlorine or hypochlorous acid, putrefactive bacteria and the like adhering to the surface of the agricultural products can be sterilized. If putrefactive bacteria and the like can be sterilized, it becomes easier to maintain the freshness of the agricultural products. However, these methods raise new problems, such as deterioration of the agricultural products due to heat and health risks posed by chemicals remaining on the agricultural products. For this reason, a technique has been proposed in which agricultural products are irradiated with ultraviolet light to sterilize putrefactive bacteria and the like adhering to the surface of the agricultural products.

[0004] Here, before harvest, agricultural products may have scratches on their surfaces, such as those caused by insects. Therefore, harvested agricultural products are inspected at the production site for scratches, and only those that meet the standards are shipped. However, scratches may occur on the surface of agricultural products during transportation from the production site to the market. Furthermore, there may be cases where damaged agricultural products are overlooked during inspection at the production site.

[0005] If spoilage bacteria attach to blemishes on produce during transportation from production areas to markets, the produce may spoil. Furthermore, if spoiled produce comes into contact with other non-spoiled produce, the other produce may also spoil. In this case, even if the spoiled produce is irradiated with ultraviolet light to sterilize the spoilage bacteria adhering to the produce, it is not possible to restore the spoiled parts.

[0006] Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of an inspection and processing device for agricultural products that can inspect the surface condition of agricultural products and sterilize the agricultural products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-153456 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an agricultural product inspection and processing device that can inspect the surface condition of agricultural products and sterilize the agricultural products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An agricultural product inspection and processing device according to an embodiment includes a moving unit that moves the agricultural product in a predetermined direction; an inspection unit that irradiates the agricultural product with inspection light to inspect the surface condition of the agricultural product; and a processing unit that irradiates the agricultural product with treatment light to sterilize the agricultural product. The inspection light includes at least one of UVA and UVB. The treatment light includes at least UVC. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an agricultural product inspection and processing device that can inspect the surface condition of agricultural products and sterilize agricultural products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an inspection processing apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an irradiation unit. [Figure 3]3 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation unit in FIG. 2 as viewed from the direction of line AA. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic views illustrating an irradiation unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a discharge lamp. [Figure 6] 10 is a graph illustrating an example of a spectral distribution curve of an irradiation unit equipped with a discharge lamp. [Figure 7] (a) is a visible light image of a mandarin orange with water rot, and (b) is an inspection light image of a mandarin orange with water rot. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating an inspection processing apparatus according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In each drawing, arrows X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the X and Y directions are horizontal directions, and the X direction is the direction of movement of agricultural produce 100. For example, the Z direction is vertical. In addition, in this specification, "sterilization" includes not only reducing the number of bacteria or viruses present, but also sterilization that kills bacteria or viruses.

[0013] An agricultural product inspection processing device 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as inspection processing device 1) irradiates inspection light and processing light onto agricultural products. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an inspection processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection processing apparatus 1 includes, for example, a supply unit 10, a movement unit 20, an inspection unit 30, a processing unit 40, a storage unit 50, and a controller 60.

[0014] Supply unit 10 is provided, for example, near the upstream end of transfer unit 20. For example, supply unit 10 stores a plurality of agricultural products 100 therein and supplies the stored agricultural products 100 to transfer unit 20.

[0015] For example, the supply unit 10 includes a hopper that randomly stores multiple agricultural products 100, and a supply device that removes the agricultural products 100 stored in the hopper and supplies them to the moving unit 20. The supply device may be, for example, a chute equipped with a shutter, a vibrator, and the like. Note that the configuration of the supply unit 10 is not limited to the example shown. The supply unit 10 may be any device that can supply the agricultural products 100 to the moving unit 20 without overlapping the agricultural products 100. Furthermore, supply unit 10 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. When supply unit 10 is omitted, for example, an operator may supply agricultural products 100 to transfer unit 20.

[0016] The agricultural product 100 may be, for example, a plant that is artificially cultivated and harvested, or a plant that grows and harvests in the wild. The agricultural product 100 may be obtained, for example, by farming, in which cultivated plants are systematically cultivated and harvested, by harvesting plants that grow naturally in the wild (wild plant harvesting), or by so-called semi-cultivation, in which plants grow and harvest in an intermediate state between cultivated and wild. There are no particular limitations on the use of the agricultural product 100, and various uses are conceivable, such as for food, medicine, and ornamental purposes.

[0017] In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the agricultural product 100 is a citrus fruit. Citrus fruits include, for example, mandarin oranges, grapefruits, hassaku oranges, yuzu, kabosu, sudachi, lemons, etc. However, the citrus fruits are not limited to those exemplified.

[0018] The moving unit 20 moves the agricultural product 100 in a predetermined direction. For example, the moving unit 20 has a placement unit 20a on which the agricultural product 100 is placed, and moves the placement unit 20a with the agricultural product 100 placed thereon in a predetermined direction. The moving unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 moves the placement unit 20a with the agricultural product 100 placed thereon in the X direction. For example, the moving unit 20 moves the agricultural product 100 from a supply position (the position of the supply unit 10) for the unprocessed agricultural product 100 to a discharge position (the position of the storage unit 50) for the processed agricultural product 100a.

[0019] As illustrated in Fig. 1, moving unit 20 may be, for example, a conveyor. When moving unit 20 is a conveyor, placement unit 20a may be, for example, a belt. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates a case in which moving unit 20 moves agricultural product 100 in a horizontal direction, but moving unit 20 may also move agricultural product 100 in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal or in a vertical direction.

[0020] 1 illustrates an example in which moving unit 20 is a conveyor, but moving unit 20 may have a table on which agricultural produce 100 is placed, and may rotate or turn the table on which agricultural produce 100 is placed in a predetermined direction. In this case, the table serves as the placement unit.

[0021] Furthermore, the surface (placing surface) of the placing section 20a can contain a material that has high reflectivity for the processing light irradiated from the processing section 40. In this way, a portion of the processing light that does not enter the agricultural product 100 can be reflected by the surface of the placing section 20a and made to enter the agricultural product 100. This improves the utilization efficiency of the processing light irradiated from the processing section 40, and ultimately improves the sterilization effect.

[0022] Inspection unit 30 irradiates inspection light onto agricultural produce 100 to inspect the surface condition of agricultural produce 100. Inspection unit 30 inspects whether or not water rot or scratches, which will be described later, have occurred on the surface of agricultural produce 100, for example.

[0023] In the direction of movement of the agricultural produce 100 by the moving unit 20 (X direction), the inspection unit 30 can be provided between the supply unit 10 and the processing unit 40. That is, the inspection unit 30 can be provided upstream of the processing unit 40. The inspection unit 30 can also be provided between the processing unit 40 and the storage unit 50. That is, the inspection unit 30 can also be provided downstream of the processing unit 40.

[0024] However, if the inspection unit 30 is provided upstream of the processing unit 40, it is possible to irradiate processing light onto agricultural produce 100 that is determined not to have water spoilage or the like in the inspection by the inspection unit 30, and not irradiate processing light onto agricultural produce 100 that is determined to have water spoilage or the like in the inspection by the inspection unit 30. This makes it possible to conserve energy and extend the life of the processing unit 40.

[0025] As will be described later, the inspection light emitted from the inspection unit 30 is light in the ultraviolet range. Because light in the ultraviolet range has a sterilizing effect, the inspection unit 30 can also perform sterilization to a certain extent. In other words, if the inspection unit 30 is provided upstream of the processing unit 40, the processing light can be irradiated onto agricultural produce 100 that has already been sterilized to a certain extent by the inspection light. This improves the sterilization effect.

[0026] The inspection unit 30 includes, for example, an irradiation unit 31, an imaging unit 32, a gas supply unit 33, a sensor 34, and a removal unit 35. Irradiation unit 31 irradiates agricultural product 100 with inspection light. Details regarding inspection light will be described later.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the irradiation unit 31. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation unit 31 in FIG. 2 as viewed from the direction of line AA. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the irradiation unit 31 includes, for example, a light-emitting module 31a, a cooling unit 31b, a circuit board 31c, and a housing 31d.

[0028] At least one light-emitting module 31a can be provided. The irradiation unit 31 illustrated in FIG. 3 is provided with a plurality of light-emitting modules 31a. The plurality of light-emitting modules 31a can be arranged, for example, in the Y direction. The light-emitting modules 31a can be provided inside the housing 31d. The number of light-emitting modules 31a can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the agricultural produce 100.

[0029] The light emitting module 31a includes, for example, a substrate 31a1 and a plurality of light emitting elements 31a2 (corresponding to an example of a first light emitting element). The substrate 31a1 has a plate-like shape. The planar shape of the substrate 31a1 is, for example, a rectangle. The material of the substrate 31a1 can be, for example, an inorganic material such as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy, or a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material. In this case, in consideration of the dissipation of heat generated in the light-emitting element 31a2, the substrate 31a1 is preferably formed using a material with high thermal conductivity. Examples of materials with high thermal conductivity include ceramics such as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, highly thermally conductive resins, and metal core substrates. Note that the highly thermally conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon mixed with a filler such as aluminum oxide.

[0030] 3, the substrate 31a1 is attached to the heat dissipation unit 31b1 using a fastening member such as a screw. In this case, an elastic heat transfer sheet or a layer made of silicone grease may be provided between the substrate 31a1 and the heat dissipation unit 31b1. This facilitates transfer of heat generated in the light emitting element 31a2 to the heat dissipation unit 31b1, thereby preventing the temperature of the light emitting element 31a2 from exceeding the maximum junction temperature.

[0031] Furthermore, the substrate 31a1 can be bonded to the heat dissipation unit 31b1 using, for example, an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. If the substrate 31a1 is bonded to the heat dissipation unit 31b1 using an adhesive with high thermal conductivity, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the substrate 31a1 and the heat dissipation unit 31b1, and therefore the heat generated in the light-emitting element 31a2 can be easily transferred to the heat dissipation unit 31b1. Furthermore, the configuration of the light-emitting module 31a is simplified.

[0032] The plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2 are provided on the surface of the substrate 31a1 opposite to the heat dissipation portion 31b1 side. The light-emitting surfaces of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2 face toward a window 31d5 provided in the housing 31d. The inspection light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2 is irradiated onto the agricultural product 100 through the window 31d5.

[0033] The plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2 are arranged in a row. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2 can be arranged in a matrix. The arrangement and number of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2 are not limited to those illustrated in Fig. 3, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the size, shape, etc. of the agricultural produce 100.

[0034] Here, the inspection light emitted from the light emitting element 31a2 will be described. If the agricultural produce 100 is a citrus fruit, so-called water rot may have occurred on the surface of the agricultural produce 100. Citrus fruit generally have oil vesicles measuring approximately 1 mm in size on their surfaces. These oil vesicles contain organic compounds such as flavonoid compounds and coumarin compounds. Therefore, if the surface of the agricultural produce 100 is damaged during transportation from the production area to the market, for example, the oil vesicles may rupture, exposing the organic compounds to the air, or workers or equipment may come into contact with the ruptured parts of the oil vesicles. In this case, spoilage may occur on the surface of the agricultural produce 100 if spoilage bacteria or the like enter through the ruptured parts of the oil vesicles. This type of spoilage is called "water rot." Furthermore, if a part of the agricultural produce 100 that has not experienced water rot comes into contact with a part of the agricultural produce 100 that has experienced water rot, the contacted agricultural produce 100 may also experience water rot.

[0035] Generally, the color of the areas where water rot has occurred will turn brown, but there is not much difference in color from the areas where water rot has not occurred. Also, the size of the areas where water rot has occurred may be small. For this reason, it is difficult to detect water rot using visual inspection by workers or image processing using visible light.

[0036] When ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength strikes the organic compounds contained in the oil vesicles, the organic compounds enter an excited state and emit fluorescence. For example, when ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 350 nm or more and 375 nm or less strikes the flavonoid compounds contained in the oil vesicles of mandarins and other fruits, fluorescence with a wavelength of approximately 540 nm is emitted. For example, when ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 320 nm or more and 330 nm or less strikes the coumarin compounds contained in the oil vesicles of yuzu and lemon, fluorescence with a wavelength of approximately 390 nm is emitted.

[0037] Therefore, by using light-emitting element 31a2 that emits ultraviolet light with an appropriate peak wavelength depending on the type of citrus fruit and the type of organic compounds contained in the oil cells, it becomes easy to produce fluorescence in areas where water rot has occurred. Furthermore, since scratches on the surface of agricultural produce 100 cause the organic compounds contained in the oil cells to leak, scratches on the surface of agricultural produce 100 can be detected even if water rot has not occurred.

[0038] There are no particular limitations on the light-emitting element 31a2 as long as it can emit ultraviolet light having a predetermined peak wavelength. For example, the light-emitting element 31a2 can be a light-emitting diode or a laser diode that emits ultraviolet light having a predetermined peak wavelength. Note that light-emitting elements 31a2, such as light-emitting diodes and laser diodes, have narrow spectral characteristics. Therefore, multiple types of light-emitting elements 31a2 with different peak wavelengths can be provided. For example, it is possible to provide a light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 350 nm or more and 375 nm or less, and a light-emitting element that emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 320 nm or more and 330 nm or less. This improves versatility for different types of citrus fruits and different types of organic compounds contained in oil vesicles.

[0039] While the above description has been given assuming that the agricultural produce 100 is a citrus fruit, the same applies when the agricultural produce 100 is other plants, such as other fruits or vegetables. Because the cells of other plants also contain organic compounds, irradiating ultraviolet light onto the organic compounds leaking from wounds on the plant's surface can cause fluorescence. For typical agricultural products, irradiation with ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 350 nm or more and 450 nm or less can cause fluorescence. However, as with the coumarin compounds mentioned above, the appropriate wavelength for producing fluorescence may vary depending on the type of organic compound. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the appropriate wavelength for producing fluorescence and the wavelength of the produced fluorescence in advance, for example, by conducting experiments.

[0040] The cooling section 31b includes, for example, a heat dissipation section 31b1 and a blower section 31b2. 3, for example, a plurality of heat dissipation portions 31b1 can be provided. When a plurality of heat dissipation portions 31b1 are provided, for example, the plurality of heat dissipation portions 31b1 can be arranged side by side in the Y direction. Note that it is also possible to provide a single heat dissipation portion 31b1. In other words, at least one heat dissipation portion 31b1 can be provided.

[0041] The heat dissipation section 31b1 has, for example, a block-shaped base on which the light emitting module 31a is attached, and a plurality of fins. The heat dissipation section 31b1 is made of, for example, a material with high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum alloy.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the air blower 31b2 supplies gas G to a plurality of fins provided on the heat dissipation unit 31b1. The gas G is, for example, air contained in the atmosphere in which the inspection processing device 1 is installed. The air blower 31b2 is provided inside the housing 31d. The air blower 31b2 is attached, for example, to the inner wall of the housing 31d. The air blower 31b2 is provided, for example, on the opposite side of the heat dissipation unit 31b1 from the light-emitting module 31a side. The air blower 31b2 can be, for example, an axial fan.

[0043] 2, the circuit board 31c is provided inside the housing 31d. The circuit board 31c is provided, for example, near the end of the housing 31d opposite the side where the light-emitting module 31a is provided. The circuit board 31c, for example, switches the plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2 on and off, controls the power applied to the plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2, and switches the supply of the gas G by the blower 31b2 on and off.

[0044] The housing 31d is box-shaped and has an internal space for accommodating, for example, the light-emitting module 31a, the cooling unit 31b, and the circuit board 31c. A plurality of exhaust ports 31d1 may be provided on the side of the housing 31d. The housing 31d may also be provided with a power connector 31d2, a communication connector 31d3, a filter 31d4, and the like.

[0045] The window 31d5 is provided at the end of the housing 31d on the side where the light-emitting module 31a is provided. The window 31d5 transmits the inspection light emitted from the light-emitting module 31a (light-emitting element 31a2). The window 31d5 is made of, for example, ultraviolet transmitting glass, acrylic resin, or the like.

[0046] Although the irradiation unit 31 provided with the light emitting element 31a2 has been described, the irradiation unit may be any unit capable of emitting ultraviolet light having a predetermined wavelength. FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an irradiation unit 131 according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the irradiation unit 131 includes, for example, a reflector 131a and a discharge lamp 131b. Reflector 131a reflects inspection light emitted from discharge lamp 131b and directed away from agricultural product 100, so that the light is directed toward agricultural product 100. Reflector 131a is, for example, a concave mirror.

[0047] The discharge lamp 131b is provided inside the reflector 131a. At least one discharge lamp 131b can be provided. For example, the discharge lamp 131b irradiates inspection light including wavelengths in the ultraviolet range. The discharge lamp 131b can be, for example, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, an excimer lamp, an excimer fluorescent lamp, or a flash lamp.

[0048] In the following, as an example, a case where the discharge lamp 131b is a xenon flash lamp will be described.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the discharge lamp 131b. As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge lamp 131b includes, for example, an arc tube 131b1, an electrode 131b2, and a trigger electrode 131b3.

[0050] Arc tube 131b1 is cylindrical and has a configuration in which the overall length (length in the tube axis direction) is longer than the tube outer diameter. Arc tube 131b1 is, for example, cylindrical. The length in the tube axis direction and the tube outer diameter of arc tube 131b1 can be changed appropriately depending on the size of agricultural produce 100, etc. For example, when agricultural produce 100 is a general agricultural product, the length in the tube axis direction of arc tube 131b1 can be approximately 40 cm to 200 cm. The tube outer diameter of arc tube 131b1 can be approximately 6 mm to 30 mm. Arc tube 131b1 is formed from a light-transmitting material such as quartz glass, for example.

[0051] A discharge medium is sealed in the internal space of the arc tube 131b1. The discharge medium can be, for example, a simple gas such as xenon, or a mixed gas in which xenon is mixed with one or more other rare gases (e.g., argon, neon, krypton, etc.). The pressure of the discharge medium is, for example, 10 kPa or more and 200 kPa or less. The pressure of the discharge medium can be determined from the standard state of the gas (SATP (Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure): temperature 25°C, 1 bar).

[0052] A pair of electrodes 131b2 are provided in the internal space of the arc tube 131b1. One electrode 131b2 is provided at each end of the arc tube 131b1 in the tube axis direction. The pair of electrodes 131b2 face each other. One end of the electrode 131b2 is provided in the internal space of the arc tube 131b1, and the other end of the electrode 131b2 is exposed from the end of the arc tube 131b1. The electrode 131b2 can be, for example, a so-called cold cathode electrode. The electrode 131b2 is formed from, for example, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, titanium, or the like.

[0053] The trigger electrode 131b3 is provided to facilitate the generation of a discharge between the pair of electrodes 131b2. The provision of the trigger electrode 131b3 allows a large potential gradient to be formed between the trigger electrode 131b3 and at least one of the electrodes 131b2. This makes it easier for dielectric breakdown to occur in the internal space of the arc tube 131b1, making it easier for a discharge to occur between the pair of electrodes 131b2.

[0054] The trigger electrode 131b3 is provided outside the arc tube 131b1. The trigger electrode 131b3 can be formed, for example, by winding a linear member around the outer surface of the arc tube 131b1. The thickness of the linear member used to form the trigger electrode 131b3 is approximately 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm. The material of the trigger electrode 131b3 can be the same as the material of the electrode 131b2, for example.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of a spectral distribution curve of the irradiation unit 131 equipped with the discharge lamp 131b. The spectral distribution data was measured in an atmosphere at a temperature of 25°C using, for example, a spectrometer (model number: C7473-36) manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics KK The length of arc tube 131b1 in the tube axis direction was 300 mm, the outer diameter of arc tube 131b1 was 12 mm, and the inner diameter of arc tube 131b1 was 10 mm. The discharge medium was xenon gas alone. The pressure of the discharge medium at 25°C was 40 kPa.

[0056] As can be seen from FIG. 6, if the irradiation unit 131 has the discharge lamp 131b, it is possible to irradiate inspection light containing wavelengths in the ultraviolet region (for example, a wavelength band of 200 nm or more and 400 nm or less).

[0057] That is, if the irradiation unit 131 has discharge lamps 131b, the spectral characteristics will be wider, which will improve versatility for the types of agricultural produce 100 and the types of organic compounds contained in the oil vesicles and cells of the agricultural produce 100. Furthermore, the configuration of the irradiation unit 131 can be simplified, which will allow for reduced manufacturing costs and miniaturization.

[0058] Next, returning to FIG. 1, the imaging unit 32, the gas supply unit 33, the sensor 34, and the removal unit 35 provided in the inspection unit 30 will be described. The imaging unit 32 detects the fluorescence generated on the surface of the agricultural produce 100 due to the inspection light irradiated from the irradiation unit 31 (131). For example, the imaging unit 32 converts the amount of generated fluorescence into an electrical signal and transmits it to the controller 60. There are no particular limitations on the imaging unit 32 as long as it is capable of detecting light in the ultraviolet range. The imaging unit 32 can be, for example, a CCD camera (Charge Coupled Device Camera).

[0059] Gas supply unit 33 is provided to remove dust adhering to agricultural produce 100 and components released from agricultural produce 100. Gas supply unit 33 supplies gas to at least one of the space between moving unit 20 (placing unit 20a) and irradiation unit 31 (131) and the portion of irradiation unit 31 (131) from which inspection light is emitted. Gas supply unit 33 can also supply gas to moving unit 20 (placing unit 20a) and agricultural produce 100.

[0060] Gas supply unit 33 may be, for example, a blower that injects gas, a blower, or other air-sending device. The gas is not particularly limited as long as it has little effect on the quality of agricultural produce 100. The gas may be, for example, air, nitrogen gas, or the like.

[0061] The gas supply unit 33 can supply gas continuously, at predetermined time intervals, when a sensor detects dust or the like, or at the discretion of the operator. Also, instead of or together with the gas supply unit 33, a device for sucking dust or the like can be provided.

[0062] Although gas supply unit 33 is not necessarily required, the provision of gas supply unit 33 can prevent dust adhering to agricultural produce 100 and components released from agricultural produce 100 from adhering to the inspection light emission portion of irradiation unit 31 (131). This can prevent the amount of inspection light irradiated from gas supply unit 33 from decreasing over time.

[0063] The sensor 34 detects the position of the agricultural produce 100. The sensor 34 is provided, for example, to determine the timing of irradiation by the irradiation unit 31 (131), to switch between starting and stopping irradiation, and to determine the timing of gas supply by the gas supply unit 33. The sensor 34 can be provided, for example, upstream of the irradiation unit 31 (131) and in the vicinity of the irradiation unit 31 (131). There are no particular limitations on the type of the sensor 34. The sensor 34 can be, for example, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like. The sensor 34 is not necessarily required, but if the sensor 34 is provided, the timing of irradiating the inspection light and the timing of supplying the gas can be optimized.

[0064] Removal unit 35 removes agricultural produce 100 that has been determined to have an abnormality on its surface during inspection by inspection unit 30 from transfer unit 20 (mounting unit 20a). The removal section 35 has, for example, a discharge section 35a and a storage section 35b. Discharge unit 35a discharges agricultural produce 100 determined to have water rot, scratches, etc. from transfer unit 20 (mounting unit 20a). Discharge unit 35a may be, for example, a rotating arm or air blowing device that pushes out agricultural produce 100, or a suction device that sucks in agricultural produce 100. Storage section 35b stores, for example, agricultural produce 100 discharged from transfer section 20 (placement section 20a). Storage section 35b may be, for example, a container.

[0065] Note that removal unit 35 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. For example, a worker can remove agricultural produce 100 that is determined to have water rot or scratches. However, if removal unit 35 is provided, productivity can be improved and labor can be saved.

[0066] Furthermore, although the above example illustrates a case where one irradiation unit 31 (131) is provided above the moving unit 20 (mounting unit 20a), the irradiation unit 31 (131) can also be provided below or to the side of the moving unit 20 (mounting unit 20a). Furthermore, multiple irradiation units 31 (131) can be provided to irradiate the agricultural product 100 with inspection light from multiple directions. In this case, an imaging unit 32 can be provided for each of the multiple irradiation units 31 (131). If multiple irradiation units 31 (131) and imaging units 32 are provided, a wider area of ​​the surface of the agricultural product 100 can be inspected.

[0067] The processing unit 40 irradiates the agricultural product 100 with processing light to sterilize the agricultural product 100 . The processing unit 40 includes, for example, an irradiation unit 41, a gas supply unit 43, and a sensor 44. Irradiation unit 41 irradiates agricultural product 100 with processing light. The irradiation unit 41 includes, for example, a light emitting module 41a, a cooling unit 31b, a circuit board 31c, and a housing 31d. At least one light emitting module 41a may be provided. The arrangement and number of the light emitting modules 41a may be the same as, for example, the light emitting modules 31a described above. The light-emitting module 41a has, for example, a substrate 31a1 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 41a2 (corresponding to an example of second light-emitting elements). That is, the elements of the processing unit 40 other than the light-emitting element 41a2 can be the same as the elements of the inspection unit 30 described above. The arrangement and number of the plurality of light-emitting elements 41a2 can be the same as the arrangement and number of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31a2 described above, for example.

[0068] The aforementioned light-emitting element 31a2 emits ultraviolet light with a predetermined peak wavelength to generate fluorescence in water-stained or damaged areas on the surface of the agricultural produce 100. In contrast, light-emitting element 41a2 emits ultraviolet light to reduce or eliminate bacteria and viruses adhering to the surface of the agricultural produce 100. In this case, a shorter peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light can improve the sterilization effect. Therefore, it is preferable that the peak wavelength of the processing light be shorter than the peak wavelength of the inspection light. For example, light-emitting element 31a2 can be capable of emitting UVA (ultraviolet A region) or UVB (ultraviolet B region), while light-emitting element 41a2 can be capable of emitting UVC (ultraviolet C region). For example, light-emitting element 41a2 can be a light-emitting diode or laser diode capable of emitting ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less.

[0069] As mentioned above, discharge lamp 131b can irradiate light containing wavelengths of, for example, 200 nm or more and 400 nm or less. That is, discharge lamp 131b can irradiate not only UVA and UVB but also UVC. Therefore, the above-mentioned irradiation unit 131 can be used as irradiation unit 41. For example, multiple irradiation units 131 can be arranged in the direction of movement of agricultural produce 100 (X direction). Also, it is possible to provide a single irradiation unit 131 and perform inspection and sterilization using a single irradiation unit 131 by slowing down the conveying speed of agricultural produce 100 or stopping the conveyance of agricultural produce 100.

[0070] 6, discharge lamp 131b also emits light in the near-infrared region (for example, a wavelength band of 700 nm or more and 960 nm or less). Irradiating the surface of agricultural produce 100 with light in the near-infrared region can suppress evaporation of liquid components from the surface of agricultural produce 100. This helps maintain the freshness of agricultural produce 100.

[0071] As described above, the inspection light may contain at least one of UVA and UVB, and the processing light may contain at least UVC. The inspection unit may have at least one of a plurality of light emitting elements 31a2 and at least one discharge lamp 131b. The processing unit may have at least one of a plurality of light emitting elements 41a2 and at least one discharge lamp 131b.

[0072] 1, storage unit 50 stores processed agricultural produce 100a. Storage unit 50 may be, for example, a container provided near the downstream end of transfer unit 20. Storage unit 50 may also be provided with a chute or a vibrator to facilitate the discharge of agricultural produce 100a from transfer unit 20.

[0073] The controller 60 controls the operation of each element provided in the inspection processing device 1. The controller 60 has, for example, a calculation unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory. The controller 60 is, for example, a computer. The storage unit can store, for example, a control program that controls the operation of each element provided in the inspection processing device 1 and an image processing program that performs image processing on data detected by the inspection unit 30 (imaging unit 32).

[0074] For example, when the sensor 34 detects that agricultural product 100 has been brought into the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation unit 31 (131), the controller 60 controls the irradiation unit 31 (131) to irradiate the agricultural product 100 with inspection light. For example, controller 60 performs image processing on the data obtained by inspection unit 30 (imaging unit 32) to determine the occurrence of water rot, scratches, etc. For example, controller 60 can determine the surface condition of agricultural produce 100 based on the size and position of the area where water rot, scratches, etc. have occurred.

[0075] Figure 7(a) is a visible light image of a mandarin orange suffering from water rot. Figure 7(b) is an image of a mandarin orange with water rot taken with an inspection light. The peak wavelength of the inspection light is set to 360 nm. As mentioned above, the color of the water-stained area is not significantly different from the color of the non-water-stained area. Therefore, as can be seen from Figure 7(a), it is difficult to identify the water-stained area in the image taken using visible light.

[0076] As mentioned above, when ultraviolet light with a specific peak wavelength is irradiated onto an area where water rot has occurred, fluorescence is generated. Therefore, as can be seen from Figure 7(b), it is easy to identify areas where water rot has occurred in the image taken with the inspection light.

[0077] Therefore, by processing the image captured by the inspection light, it is possible to easily detect the occurrence of water-related damage, scratches, etc., as well as the size and location of the areas where water-related damage, scratches, etc. have occurred. That is, inspection processing device 1 according to this embodiment can inspect the surface condition of agricultural produce 100 and sterilize agricultural produce 100.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating an inspection processing apparatus 1a according to another embodiment. As described above, if multiple irradiators 31 (131) are provided and inspection light is irradiated onto the agricultural produce 100 from multiple directions, a wider area of ​​the surface of the agricultural produce 100 can be inspected. However, doing so would complicate the configuration of the inspection processing device 1 and increase manufacturing costs. In this case, it would also be possible to provide an inverting device or the like that changes the orientation of the agricultural produce 100. However, providing an inverting device or the like could complicate the configuration of the inspection processing device 1 and reduce processing speed.

[0079] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the inspection processing apparatus 1a is provided with a transport unit 220, a transport unit 221, a processing unit 40, and an inspection unit 230. Although not shown to avoid complication, the inspection processing device 1a may also be provided with a supply unit 10, a storage unit 50, and a controller 60, similar to the inspection processing device 1 described above.

[0080] Conveying section 220 and conveying section 221 may be, for example, similar to the above-described conveying section 20. A supplying section 10 may be provided near the upstream end of conveying section 220. A storage section 50 may be provided near the downstream end of conveying section 221. As shown in Figure 8, conveying section 220 is located above conveying section 221. Therefore, agricultural produce 100 conveyed by conveying section 220 can be transferred to conveying section 221. Note that a chute or the like can be provided between conveying section 220 and conveying section 221, and agricultural produce 100 can be transferred via the chute or the like. When agricultural produce 100 is transferred from conveying section 220 to conveying section 221, the direction of agricultural produce 100 changes.

[0081] The inspection unit 230 includes, for example, an irradiation unit 231, an imaging unit 32, a gas supply unit 33, a sensor 34, and a removal unit 35. Irradiation unit 231 can be provided, for example, above the portion where agricultural produce 100 is transferred from conveyance unit 220 to conveyance unit 221. Irradiation unit 231 irradiates agricultural produce 100 being conveyed by conveyance unit 220 and agricultural produce 100 being conveyed by conveyance unit 221 with inspection light.

[0082] The configuration of the irradiation unit 231 may be the same as, for example, the configuration of the irradiation unit 31 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, or the configuration of the irradiation unit 131 illustrated in FIG. 4. However, the irradiation unit 231 irradiates a wider area with inspection light than the irradiation unit 31 (131). For example, the irradiation unit 231 may have multiple light-emitting modules 31a or multiple discharge lamps 131b lined up in the movement direction (X direction) of the agricultural produce 100. Alternatively, the irradiation unit 231 may have, for example, two irradiation units 31 (131) lined up in the movement direction (X direction) of the agricultural produce 100.

[0083] For example, two imaging units 32 may be provided. In this case, one imaging unit 32 detects fluorescence generated on the surface of agricultural produce 100 being transported by transport unit 220. The other imaging unit 32 detects fluorescence generated on the surface of agricultural produce 100 being transported by transport unit 221. As described above, when agricultural produce 100 is transferred from conveying section 220 to conveying section 221, the orientation of agricultural produce 100 changes, so a wider area of ​​the surface of agricultural produce 100 can be inspected by two imaging sections 32. This also prevents the configuration of inspection processing device 1a from becoming complicated and the processing speed from decreasing.

[0084] The same can be done for the processing section that irradiates the processing light. For example, the processing section can be provided above the section where the agricultural product 100 is transferred from the conveying section 220 to the conveying section 221. The processing section then irradiates the agricultural product 100 being transferred by the conveying section 220 and the agricultural product 100 being transferred by the conveying section 221 with processing light. When the agricultural product 100 is transferred from the conveying section 220 to the conveying section 221, the orientation of the agricultural product 100 changes, allowing a wider area of ​​the surface of the agricultural product 100 to be sterilized.

[0085] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0086] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0087] (Appendix 1) a moving unit for moving the produce in a predetermined direction; an inspection unit that irradiates the agricultural product with inspection light and inspects the surface condition of the agricultural product; a processing unit that irradiates the agricultural product with processing light and sterilizes the agricultural product; Equipped with the inspection light includes at least one of UVA and UVB; The processing light includes at least UVC.

[0088] (Appendix 2) 2. The agricultural product inspection and processing device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit is provided upstream of the processing unit in the direction of movement of the agricultural product.

[0089] (Appendix 3) 3. The agricultural product inspection and processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a removal unit that removes from the moving unit the agricultural product that has been determined to have an abnormality on its surface during inspection by the inspection unit.

[0090] (Appendix 4) 4. The agricultural product inspection and processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit has at least one of a plurality of first light-emitting elements and at least one discharge lamp.

[0091] (Appendix 5) 5. The agricultural product inspection and processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing section has at least one of a plurality of second light-emitting elements and at least one discharge lamp. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 inspection processing device, 1a inspection processing device, 20 moving unit, 30 inspection unit, 31 irradiation unit, 31a light emitting module, 31a2 light emitting element, 32 imaging unit, 35 removal unit, 40 processing unit, 41 irradiation unit, 41a light emitting module, 41a2 light emitting element, 60 controller, 100 agricultural product, 131 irradiation unit, 131b discharge lamp, 230 inspection unit, 220 moving unit, 221 moving unit

Claims

1. a moving unit that moves the agricultural products in a predetermined direction; an inspection unit that irradiates the agricultural product with inspection light and inspects the surface condition of the agricultural product; a processing unit that irradiates the agricultural product with processing light and sterilizes the agricultural product; Equipped with the inspection light includes at least one of UVA and UVB; The processing light includes at least UVC.

2. The agricultural product inspection and processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the inspection unit is provided upstream of the processing unit in the direction of movement of the agricultural product.

3. 3. The agricultural product inspection and processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a removal unit that removes from the transfer unit the agricultural product that has been determined to have an abnormality on its surface by the inspection by the inspection unit.

4. 3. The agricultural product inspection and processing device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit has at least one of a plurality of first light-emitting elements and at least one discharge lamp.

5. 3. The agricultural product inspection and processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing section has at least one of a plurality of second light-emitting elements and at least one discharge lamp.

Images