Fruit and vegetable loading platform, fruit and vegetable conveying platform, automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device
The innovative fruit and vegetable carrier design with a diagonally oriented movable body and buffer system addresses the issue of inertia-induced impact, enhancing the sorting and grading process by minimizing damage and improving transportation efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NIPPON KYODO KIKAKU
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Conventional fruit and vegetable carriers, such as the PK type, discharge fruits and vegetables with significant impact due to inertia, leading to potential damage during transportation.
The fruit and vegetable carrier is designed with a movable body oriented diagonally backward relative to the conveyor direction, featuring a buffer and support structure to mitigate impact upon discharge, and integrated into an automatic sorting device with measuring and grading capabilities.
The solution effectively reduces the impact on fruits and vegetables during discharge by canceling out inertial forces, ensuring minimal damage and enabling efficient sorting and grading.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a fruit and vegetable carrier for loading and transporting fruits and vegetables, a fruit and vegetable transporter equipped with the fruit and vegetable carrier, and a fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device.
Background Art
[0002] For sorting fruits and vegetables, a fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device is used. As one type of fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device, those equipped with a fruit and vegetable carrier called a piano keyboard type (hereinafter referred to as "PK type") (Patent Documents 1 to 3) are known.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Patent Document 3
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the PK type fruit and vegetable carrier, the fruits and vegetables are discharged by the movable body rotating downward. However, in the conventional PK type fruit and vegetable carrier, the fruits and vegetables on the movable body are discharged during transportation, so the fruits and vegetables may be impacted at the discharge destination due to inertia.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide a fruit and vegetable carrier, a fruit and vegetable transporter, and a fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device that can mitigate the impact received by the fruits and vegetables when they fall.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] [Fruit and Vegetable Carrier] The fruit and vegetable carrying body of the present invention is used by attaching it to an endless conveyor of an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device, and comprises a base that is attached to the endless conveyor, a movable body that is rotatably pivoted on the base, and a support body that supports the movable body. The movable body is positioned so as to face diagonally backward with respect to the direction of travel of the endless conveyor when the base is attached to the endless conveyor.
[0007] [Fruit and vegetable transporter] The fruit and vegetable transporter of the present invention transports fruits and vegetables by placing them on a fruit and vegetable carrier attached to an endless transporter, and is equipped with the fruit and vegetable carrier of the present invention as the fruit and vegetable carrier.
[0008] [Automatic fruit and vegetable sorting machine] The present invention provides an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device comprising: a fruit and vegetable transporter for transporting fruits and vegetables on a fruit and vegetable carrier; a measuring means for measuring fruits and vegetables while they are being transported on the fruit and vegetable transporter; a grade determination means for determining the grade of fruits and vegetables based on the measurement results from the measuring means; and a pool conveyor for discharging fruits and vegetables by grade based on the determination results from the grade determination means, wherein the fruit and vegetable carrier is the fruit and vegetable carrier of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] In the fruit and vegetable carrying body, fruit and vegetable conveying body, and automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device of the present invention, the movable body is oriented diagonally backward with respect to the direction of travel of the endless conveying body, thereby canceling out the inertial force acting in the conveying direction and mitigating the impact on the fruit and vegetables when they fall. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an example of a fruit and vegetable holder of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is a perspective view of the fruit and vegetable tray from another angle in Figure 1, and (b) is a perspective view of the fruit and vegetable tray from another angle in Figure 1. [Figure 3] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the movable body in a state supported by a support, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the movable body in a lowered state. [Figure 4](a) is a front view of the fruit and vegetable carrier of FIG. 1, (b) is a rear view of the fruit and vegetable carrier of (a), (c) is a plan view of the fruit and vegetable carrier of (a), (d) is a bottom view of the fruit and vegetable carrier of (a), (e) is a left side view of the fruit and vegetable carrier of (a), and (f) is a right side view of the fruit and vegetable carrier of (a). [Figure 5] Perspective view showing an example from the discharge receiving part to the alignment part of the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device. [Figure 6] Perspective view showing an example from the middle of the dispersion lifting body to the end of the fruit and vegetable carrier of the fruit and vegetable automatic sorting device. [Figure 7] Side view of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] Side view of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] Plan view of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] Plan view of FIG. 6. [Figure 11] Explanatory view showing an example of the return guide.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0011] (Embodiment of the fruit and vegetable carrier) An example of an embodiment of the fruit and vegetable carrier of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As an example, the fruit and vegetable carrier 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(a) and (b) includes a base 2 attached to an endless carrier (in this embodiment, a conveyor chain) 19d, a movable body 3 rotatably supported by the base 2, and a support body 4 that supports the movable body 3.
[0012] The base 2 includes an attachment portion 2a to the conveyor chain 19d and a holding piece 2b that holds the movable body 3 and the support body 4. The holding piece 2b is configured as a set of two pieces and is erected upward on the upper surface of the base 2. In this embodiment, three sets of the holding pieces 2b are provided side by side.
[0013] The holding piece 2b may be provided according to the number of the movable bodies 3. For example, if there are two movable bodies 3, two sets may be provided, and if there are four movable bodies 3, four sets may be provided. A connecting portion 3i of the movable body 3 is disposed between each holding piece 2b (a set of two holding pieces) and is rotatably supported by a first shaft member 5.
[0014] In this embodiment, a case where three movable bodies 3 and three supports 4 are provided is taken as an example, but the number of movable bodies 3 and supports 4 may be more or less than three. Fruits and vegetables are placed on one or two or more movable bodies 3 and move. Each movable body 3 is provided so as to face obliquely rearward with respect to the traveling direction of the conveyor chain 19d when the base 2 is attached to the conveyor chain 19d.
[0015] Specifically, each movable body 3 includes a parallel portion 3a parallel to the support 4 located on the support 4 side and an inclined portion 3b provided obliquely rearward from the parallel portion 3a when viewed from the planar side. The inclined portion 3b includes two regions, a first inclined portion 3c and a second inclined portion 3d. The tip of each movable body 3 is triangular, but the tip may have other shapes such as a square shape.
[0016] When each movable body 3 is viewed from the side, the parallel portion 3a and the first inclined portion 3c are formed as a downward inclined portion that becomes lower from the end on the base 2 side toward the tip side, and the second inclined portion 3d is formed as an upward inclined portion that becomes higher from the boundary position with the first inclined portion 3c toward the tip side.
[0017] The second inclined portion 3d is configured such that the position of the tip is higher than the position of the end on the base 2 side of the parallel portion 3a. By doing so, it is possible to prevent fruits and vegetables from accidentally rolling off from the tip side of the movable body 3. However, if the structure is such that fruits and vegetables do not roll off, the position of the tip may be the same as or lower than the position of the end on the base 2 side of the parallel portion 3a.
[0018] Also, when each movable body 3 is viewed from the front, the upper surface is slightly twisted toward the rear in the traveling direction. By providing this twist in this direction, it is possible to prevent fruits and vegetables from accidentally rolling off from the front side in the conveying direction. However, the twist may be provided as necessary, and if not necessary, a flat shape without twist can also be adopted.
[0019] Furthermore, each movable body 3 is provided with a buffer 3e that comes into contact with the fruits and vegetables discharged from the movable body 3. By contacting the buffer 3e, the falling speed of the fruits and vegetables discharged from the movable body 3 is reduced, and the impact upon falling can be mitigated. The buffer 3e is provided so as to protrude downward from the movable body.
[0020] In this embodiment, the buffer 3e is fan-shaped, but the shape of the buffer 3e may be other than fan-shaped. In this embodiment, the buffer 3e is provided on each movable body 3, but the buffer 3e may be provided on only some of the movable bodies 3.
[0021] In this embodiment, the buffer 3e is provided on the rear end face of each movable body 3 in the direction of travel of the conveying chain 19d. By providing the buffer 3e in this position, the fruits and vegetables discharged from the movable body 3 come into contact with the buffer 3e immediately after discharge. Therefore, compared to the case where the buffer 3e is provided on the forward end face of the conveying chain 19d in the direction of travel of the movable body 3, the falling speed of the fruits and vegetables can be reduced more efficiently, and the impact at the time of falling can be mitigated.
[0022] Furthermore, the buffer 3e can be configured as an integral part of the movable body 3, or it can be configured as a separate component that can be added later.
[0023] Of the three movable bodies 3, a first rib (parallel guide) 3f is provided protruding from the upper surface of the parallel section 3a of the movable body 3R (hereinafter referred to as the "rear movable body") located at the rear in the direction of travel of the conveyor chain 19d, parallel to the direction of travel of the conveyor chain 19d. In the illustrated example, the case where there are four first ribs 3f is shown as one example, but there may be more or fewer first ribs 3f than four. In addition, the first ribs 3f can be oriented diagonally rearward with respect to the direction of travel.
[0024] A second rib (diagonal guide) 3g is provided protruding from the upper surface of the first diagonal portion 3c of the rearward movable body 3R, facing diagonally rearward with respect to the direction of travel of the conveyor chain 19d. In the illustrated example, there are two second ribs 3g, but there may be more or fewer than two second ribs 3g.
[0025] A spill guard (drop prevention part) 3h is provided protruding from the upper surface of the second slanted portion 3d of the rear movable body 3R to prevent fruits and vegetables from falling from the movable body 3 while it is moving. In this embodiment, the spill guard 3h is a triangular prism-shaped member with a right-angled triangular cross-section and is provided along the length direction of the second slanted portion 3d.
[0026] In this embodiment, the case in which the first rib 3f, the second rib 3g, and the spill guard 3h are all provided is shown as an example, but the first rib 3f, the second rib 3g, and the spill guard 3h are not all essential components, and unnecessary components can be omitted as appropriate.
[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the first rib 3f, the second rib 3g, and the spill guard 3h are provided only on the rear movable body 3R is given as an example, but these configurations (first rib 3f, second rib 3g, and spill guard 3h) can also be provided on one of the other movable bodies 3 (the forward movable body 3F or the intermediate movable body 3C), or on multiple of the three movable bodies 3.
[0028] When installed on multiple units, they can be installed on the forward movable unit 3F and the rear movable unit 3R, or on the forward movable unit 3F and the intermediate movable unit 3C, or on the rear movable unit 3R and the intermediate movable unit 3C. The choice of which movable unit 3 to install them on can be determined according to the type and size of the fruits and vegetables being transported.
[0029] The first rib 3f, the second rib 3g, and the spill guard 3h can be directly attached to the movable body 3, but the movable body 3 can also be composed of a core material and a covering material that covers the core material, with the first rib 3f, the second rib 3g, and the spill guard 3h attached to the covering material. In this case, the covering material can be made of an elastic material such as silicone or rubber.
[0030] Each movable body 3 has a connecting portion 3i protruding from the bottom side of the parallel portion 3a. Each connecting portion 3i is positioned between retaining pieces 2b (a pair of retaining pieces) provided on the base portion 2 and is rotatably supported by a first shaft member 5 inserted through the through holes of each connecting portion 3i and each retaining piece 2b. Each movable body 3 is equipped with a biasing spring (not shown) that biases the tip end of the movable body 3 in a direction that causes it to rotate downward.
[0031] The support body 4 is rotatably supported by a second shaft member 6 at the rear end (mounting side) of each retaining piece 2b. As an example, the support body 4 shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) is V-shaped in side view and includes a locking part 4a that engages with the locking groove 3j of the movable body 3 and a release part 4b that releases the locking of the locking part 4a.
[0032] The movable body 3 is locked by engaging the locking part 4a with the locking groove 3j, and the movable body 3 rotates (the tip of the movable body 3 moves downward) when the locking by the locking part 4a is released.
[0033] The fruit and vegetable tray of this embodiment has the appearance shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(f). Figure 4(a) is a front view of the fruit and vegetable tray, (b) is a rear view of the fruit and vegetable tray of (a), (c) is a top view of the fruit and vegetable tray of (a), (d) is a bottom view of the fruit and vegetable tray of (a), (e) is a left side view of the fruit and vegetable tray of (a), and (f) is a right side view of the fruit and vegetable tray of (a).
[0034] The configuration of the fruit and vegetable holder described above is merely an example, and the configuration of the fruit and vegetable holder of the present invention is not limited thereto. The fruit and vegetable holder of the present invention can be modified by adding, replacing, or omitting components to the extent that the intended purpose can be achieved.
[0035] (Embodiment of a fruit and vegetable conveyor and an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device) Next, an example of an embodiment of the fruit and vegetable conveyor and the automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 5 to 10 are schematic diagrams showing an example of an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device equipped with a fruit and vegetable conveyor.
[0036] As an example, the automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device shown in Figures 5 to 10 includes a discharge receiving section 11 for receiving fruits and vegetables discharged from a container 10, an inclined plate 12 provided in front of the discharge receiving section 11, a lifting body 13 provided in front of the inclined plate 12, a feed conveying body 14 provided in front of the lifting body 13, a dispersed inclined body 15 provided in front of the feed conveying body 14, a vibrating body 16 provided in front of the dispersed inclined body 15, a dispersed lifting body 17 provided in front of the vibrating body 16, an alignment section 18 provided in front of the dispersed lifting body 17, and a fruit and vegetable conveying body 19 provided in front of the alignment section 18.
[0037] In this embodiment, four alignment sections 18 and four fruit and vegetable conveyors 19 are provided, and measuring means 20 are provided at the starting end (closer to the alignment section) of each fruit and vegetable conveyor 19 to measure the fruits and vegetables on the fruit and vegetable tray 1.
[0038] Below the four-row fruit and vegetable conveyor 19, multiple pool conveyors 21 are provided in a direction intersecting (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the conveying direction of the fruit and vegetable conveyor 19, allowing fruits and vegetables to be pooled according to their grade. For the sake of explanation, only two pool conveyors 21 are shown in the drawing, but in reality, one or more are provided for each grade.
[0039] Ahead of the pool conveyor 21 in the direction of arrangement, a non-sorting conveyor 22 is provided parallel to the pool conveyor 21 (in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the fruit and vegetable conveyor 19) for discharging fruits and vegetables that were not discharged into any of the pool conveyors 21. A return conveyor 23 is provided at the end of the non-sorting conveyor 22 so that the unsorted fruits and vegetables can be returned to the vibrating body 16.
[0040] The discharge receiving section 11 is a part that receives fruits and vegetables discharged from the container 10 or the like. A belt conveyor or the like can be used in the discharge receiving section 11. The discharge receiving section 11 may be provided with a fall prevention wall (not shown) to prevent fruits and vegetables from falling from the side. The illustrated example is just one example, and the discharge receiving section 11 may be something other than this.
[0041] The discharge receiving section 11 can also be one that does not have a means of sending the fruits and vegetables to the next destination, such as a belt conveyor; in this case, the fruits and vegetables can be sent to the next destination manually. The discharge receiving section 11 can also be omitted. In this case, the fruits and vegetables can be supplied directly from the container 10, etc., to the inclined plate 12.
[0042] The inclined plate 12 is used to send the fruits and vegetables supplied from the discharge receiving section 11 to the lower end (starting end) of the lifting body 13. In this embodiment, a flat plate with a fall prevention wall 12a on the side is used as the inclined plate 12. The inclined plate 12 can also be used in conjunction with the discharge receiving section 11 so that the fruits and vegetables discharged from the container 10, etc., are received by the inclined plate 12 and sent to the lower end of the lifting body 13.
[0043] The illustrated example is just one example, and the inclined plate 12 may be something other than this. The inclined plate 12 can also be omitted. In this case, the fruits and vegetables can be lifted from the container 10, etc., and supplied directly to the body 13.
[0044] The lifting body 13 lifts up multiple fruits and vegetables sent from the inclined plate 12 and supplies them to the conveying body 14. As an example, the lifting body 13 shown in Figures 5, 7, and 9 has multiple receiving members 13a protruding from the outer circumference of the flat belt of a belt conveyor. The width of the protrusion of the receiving members 13a is such that one fruit or vegetable can fit inside, or slightly protrudes.
[0045] The spacing between adjacent support members 13a is such that one fruit or vegetable can fit inside; in other words, the spacing is such that no more than two fruits or vegetables can be placed vertically between the two support members 13a. Therefore, multiple fruits or vegetables placed on a single support member 13a will be aligned in a single line without overlapping on the support member 13a.
[0046] The illustrated example is just one example, and the lifting body 13 may be something other than this. The lifting body 13 can also be omitted. In this case, the fruits and vegetables can be supplied directly from the container 10, etc., to the conveying body 14.
[0047] The aforementioned feeding conveyor 14 supplies the fruits and vegetables lifted by the lifting body 13 to the distributing inclined body 15. In this embodiment, an existing belt conveyor is used as the feeding conveyor 14, but other types of conveyors such as roller conveyors can also be used.
[0048] As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 9, multiple workers can be positioned on the side of the conveying body 14. The workers inspect each fruit and vegetable as it moves along the conveying body 14, and perform primary sorting by removing any damaged or insect-damaged items as appropriate.
[0049] The aforementioned distribution inclined body 15 distributes the fruits and vegetables sent from the feeder / conveyor body 14 and supplies them to the vibrating body 16. In this embodiment, a widening flat plate with a fall prevention wall 15a on the side is used. A distribution guide 15b is provided on the upper surface of the flat plate, allowing the fruits and vegetables supplied to the distribution inclined body 15 to be distributed. Workers operating the feeder / conveyor body 14 can use the distribution guide 15b as a guide to distribute the fruits and vegetables.
[0050] The vibrating body 16 further evenly or nearly evenly distributes the fruits and vegetables supplied from the distribution tilting body 15. The vibrating body 16 is vibrated so that the fruits and vegetables placed on it move laterally. The fruits and vegetables, dispersed laterally by the vibration of the vibrating body 16, are supplied to the distribution lifting body 17 while maintaining their dispersed state.
[0051] The distributed lifting body 17 lifts the fruits and vegetables supplied from the vibrating body 16 and supplies them to the alignment section 18 at the other end. In this embodiment, the distributed lifting body 17 is made of a flat belt of a belt conveyor with a plurality of support members 17a protruding from its outer circumference.
[0052] The basic structure of the distributed lifting body 17, such as the width of the protruding support members 17a and the spacing between adjacent support members 17a, is the same as that of the lifting body 13, but the width is wider than that of the lifting body 13. Similar to the lifting body 13, in the distributed lifting body 17, multiple fruits and vegetables placed on a single support member 17a will be aligned in a single line on the support member 17a without overlapping. The illustrated example is just one example, and the distributed lifting body 17 may be of a different type.
[0053] The alignment section 18 eliminates overlaps in the fruits and vegetables supplied from the distributed lifting body 17 and aligns them in a single line. The purpose of eliminating overlaps in the fruits and vegetables and aligning them in a single line is to prevent the fruits and vegetables from overlapping and hindering accurate measurement when passing through the measuring means 20.
[0054] As an example, Figures 6, 8, and 10 show a system that uses vibration to eliminate overlaps in the fruits and vegetables while moving them forward. In this embodiment, three items of different widths are arranged in series, but more or fewer than three items can be used.
[0055] The three vibrating devices are arranged so that the wider one faces the front and the narrower one faces the back, meaning that the passage through which the fruits and vegetables move narrows as they move towards the back. The fruits and vegetables supplied from the distributed lifting body 17 are guided from the wider vibrating device to the narrower vibrating device, and finally line up in a single row.
[0056] In this embodiment, four alignment units 18, each consisting of three vibrating devices, are arranged side by side, and fruits and vegetables are supplied to these four alignment units 18 in an even or nearly even and balanced manner. The four alignment units 18 are arranged without any gaps between them to prevent fruits and vegetables from falling through the gaps between adjacent alignment units 18.
[0057] The aforementioned fruit and vegetable transporter 19 is a means for transporting fruits and vegetables, and comprises a frame 19a, a transporter 19b installed along the frame 19a, a plurality of fruit and vegetable holders 1 attached to the transporter 19b, and a push-down device 24 provided on the frame 19a.
[0058] In this embodiment, the conveyor 19b is a vertical rotating type in which a conveyor chain 19d is endlessly routed around the outer circumference of sprockets 19c arranged at intervals. Existing chains such as a single-row roller chain or a double-row roller chain can be used for the conveyor chain 19d. Although not shown in the illustration, a motor is connected to the sprocket 19c, and the conveyor chain 19d is rotated by the driving force of the motor.
[0059] Multiple fruit and vegetable racks 1 are attached to the conveyor chain 19d, and are configured to move in the direction of travel as the conveyor chain 19d travels. In this embodiment, the fruit and vegetable racks 1 are the same as those described in the embodiment of the fruit and vegetable rack 1 above, and are attached to the conveyor chain 19d.
[0060] The frame 19a is provided with a push-down device 24 that pushes down the support 4 of the moving fruit and vegetable loader 1 to discharge the fruit and vegetables on the loader 1 to the pool conveyor 21 and the non-sorting conveyor 22. Each push-down device 24 is provided at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the frame 19a. Each push-down device 24 is provided at a position corresponding to each pool conveyor 21 and non-sorting conveyor 22, specifically, one on the front side of each pool conveyor 21 and non-sorting conveyor 22.
[0061] As an example, the push-down device 24 shown in Figures 6, 8, and 10 comprises a rotary solenoid (not shown), a push-down arm 24a fixed to the rotation axis (not shown) of the rotary solenoid, and a push plate 24b provided at the tip of the push-down arm 24a. A class discrimination signal is transmitted to the rotary solenoid, and the push-down arm 24a rotates according to this signal. The push-down device 24 is just an example, and other configurations are also possible.
[0062] The measurement means 20 measures the shape, size, sugar content, etc., of fruits and vegetables during transport, and consists of a camera for taking pictures, a processing circuit, a refractometer, etc. The measurement means 20 can be installed at any position, such as above, to the side, or below the fruit and vegetable transport body 19. Various types of measuring instruments, such as image-type and optical-type measuring instruments, can be used for the measurement means 20.
[0063] In this embodiment, the grade of the fruit and vegetable is determined based on the measurement results by a grade determination means (not shown). The determined grade is transmitted as a grade determination signal to the rotary solenoid of the push-down device 24, and the rotary solenoid that receives the signal operates according to the signal.
[0064] The aforementioned pool conveyor 21 takes over the fruits and vegetables discharged from the fruit and vegetable loading body 1. As an example, the pool conveyor 21 shown in Figures 6, 8, and 10 is a belt conveyor type in which a flat belt is routed around the outer circumference of rollers arranged at intervals.
[0065] The pool conveyor 21 is installed below the four fruit and vegetable conveyors 19, in a direction perpendicular (intersecting) to these fruit and vegetable conveyors 19, so that the fruit and vegetables discharged from the fruit and vegetable loading bodies 1 of each fruit and vegetable conveyor 19 are taken over.
[0066] The pool conveyor 21 is configured to rotate continuously or intermittently in the direction of the arrows in Figures 6 and 10. Although not shown in the illustrations, one or more, preferably three or more, pool conveyors 21 can be provided for each grade. Although not shown in the illustrations, a packing device can also be provided at the end of the pool conveyor 21 to automatically measure the weight and number of fruits and vegetables discharged onto the pool conveyor 21 and pack them.
[0067] The aforementioned non-sorting conveyor 22 is a conveyor for discharging fruits and vegetables that have passed through the final pool conveyor 21 without being able to determine their grade. In this embodiment, a belt conveyor, in which a flat belt is wrapped around the outer circumference of rollers arranged at intervals, is provided parallel to the pool conveyor 21. The fruits and vegetables are discharged to the non-sorting conveyor 22 by a push-down device 24.
[0068] A return conveyor 23 is provided at the end of the non-sorting conveyor 22 to return the fruits and vegetables discharged onto the non-sorting conveyor 22 back to the vibrating body 16. In this embodiment, the return conveyor 23 is provided outside the fruit and vegetable conveyor 19 and parallel to the fruit and vegetable conveyor 19, and the belt of the return conveyor 23 moves in the opposite direction to the fruit and vegetable conveying direction on the fruit and vegetable conveyor 19 (the direction in which the fruit and vegetable load 1 returns to the starting end). A sliding plate 25 is provided between the return conveyor 23 and the vibrating body 16, so that the fruits and vegetables returned by the return conveyor 23 can be supplied to the vibrating body 16.
[0069] The return guide 26 is a guide for returning the movable body 3, which has rotated downward, to its original state, that is, to the state in which the locking portion 4a of the support body 4 is locked into the locking groove 3j of the movable body 3. In this embodiment, a single curved rod as shown in Figure 11 is used.
[0070] The return guide 26 has a shape that rises gently towards the end and then becomes horizontal, allowing the fruit and vegetable holder 1 to return to its original position by moving while in contact with the upper surface of the return guide 26. The structure of the return guide 26 may be other than this.
[0071] The configuration of the fruit and vegetable conveyor and automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device described above is merely an example, and the configuration of the fruit and vegetable conveyor and automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device of the present invention is not limited thereto. The fruit and vegetable conveyor and automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device of the present invention can be modified by adding, replacing, or omitting components to the extent that the intended purpose can be achieved. [Industrial applicability]
[0072] The fruit and vegetable loading body, fruit and vegetable conveying body, and automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device of the present invention can be used for sorting various fruits and vegetables, and are particularly suitable for sorting fruits and vegetables that are relatively resistant to damage, such as cherry tomatoes, kabosu citrus, and chestnuts. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0073] 1 Fruit and vegetable carrier 2 base 2a Mounting part 2b Holding piece 3 Movable body 3a Parallel part 3b Diagonal section 3c First diagonal section 3D Second Diagonal Section 3e buffer 3f First rib (parallel guide) 3g Second rib (angled guide) 3h Spill guard (fall prevention part) 3i connection part 3j Locking groove 3C Intermediate movable body 3F Moving body 3R rear movable body 4 Support 4a Locking part 4b Release part 5. First shaft 6. Second shaft material 10 containers 11 Discharge receiving section 12 Inclined plate 12a Fall prevention wall 13 Lifting body 13a Support material 14. Feed / Conveyor 15 Dispersion gradient body 15a Fall prevention wall 15b Distribution Guide 16. Vibrating Body 17 Dispersive lifting unit 17a Support material 18 Alignment section 19. Fruit and vegetable transporter 19a Frame 19b Carrier 19c sprocket 19d Conveyor chain (endless conveyor) 20 Measuring means 21 Pool Conveyor 22. Non-sorting conveyor 23 Returning Carrier 24. Push-down tool 24a Push-down arm 24b Pressing plate 25 slides 26 Recovery Guide
Claims
1. In a fruit and vegetable carrying body used attached to an endless conveying body of an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device, The system comprises a base to be attached to the endless conveying body, a movable body rotatably supported on the base, and a support body for supporting the movable body. The movable body is positioned such that, when its base is attached to the endless conveyor, it faces diagonally backward with respect to the direction of travel of the endless conveyor. The movable body is provided with a buffer that comes into contact with the discharged fruits and vegetables. The buffer is provided to protrude below the upper surface of the movable body. A fruit and vegetable holder characterized by the following features.
2. In the fruit and vegetable holder according to claim 1, An oblique guide is provided on the upper surface of the movable body, formed diagonally to the rear with respect to the direction of travel of the endless conveyor. A fruit and vegetable holder characterized by the following features.
3. In the fruit and vegetable holder according to claim 1, A fall prevention mechanism is provided on the upper surface of the movable body to prevent fruits and vegetables from falling. A fruit and vegetable holder characterized by the following features.
4. In the fruit and vegetable holder according to claim 1, The movable body is twisted so that it faces the rear in the direction of travel of the endless conveyor. A fruit and vegetable holder characterized by the following features.
5. In the fruit and vegetable holder according to claim 1, A buffer is provided on the rear end face in the transport direction of the movable body. A fruit and vegetable holder characterized by the following features.
6. A fruit and vegetable holder used attached to an endless conveying body of an automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device, The system comprises a base to be attached to the endless conveying body, a movable body rotatably supported on the base, and a support body for supporting the movable body. The movable body is positioned such that, when its base is attached to the endless conveyor, it faces diagonally backward with respect to the direction of travel of the endless conveyor. The upper surface of the movable body is provided with a downward-sloping section and an upward-sloping section. A fruit and vegetable placement area is provided between the aforementioned downward sloping section and the upward sloping surface. A fruit and vegetable holder characterized by the following features.
7. In a fruit and vegetable transporter that transports fruits and vegetables by placing them on a fruit and vegetable carrier attached to an endless transporter, The fruit and vegetable holder is the fruit and vegetable holder described in any one of claims 1 to 6. A fruit and vegetable transporter characterized by its features.
8. An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device comprising a fruit and vegetable transporter that carries and transports fruit and vegetables on a fruit and vegetable transporter, a measuring means for measuring the fruit and vegetables being transported by the fruit and vegetable transporter, a grade determination means for determining the grade of the fruit and vegetables based on the measurement results from the measuring means, and a pool conveyor that discharges the fruit and vegetables according to their grade based on the determination results from the grade determination means, The fruit and vegetable holder is the fruit and vegetable holder described in any one of claims 1 to 6. An automatic fruit and vegetable sorting device characterized by the following features.