JP2002086076A - Agricultural product sorting and collection equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide an agricultural product sorting / collecting device capable of satisfactorily performing agricultural product sorting / collecting work while simplifying the configuration of equipment. SOLUTION: The sorting object N is configured to be sorted and transported to a plurality of collecting units 1, provided with a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of each sorting object N, and to be stored in a storage container 3. The total weight of the sorted object group is obtained by adding the individual weights, and the storage containers 3 are transferred in the transport order until the total weight of the selected target weight is less than or equal to the set target weight.
If the total weight becomes equal to or less than the set value, a sortable object N that is appropriate to make the total weight an allowable weight is selected, the selected transferred object is received in the storage container 3, and the storage container 3 is replaced. . Then, the sorted object N determined to be inappropriate is stored in a storage container 3 other than the storage container 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a conveying means for sorting and transferring a sorting object received from a receiving unit to a plurality of collecting units provided according to a plurality of stages of sorting through a sorting information discriminating unit. A container exchange unit that is set at a sorting object storage position in each of the plurality of collection units and performs an exchange operation on a storage container that sequentially receives and stores the sorting objects that are being conveyed; Management means for controlling the operation of the container exchange means is provided, and the management means, based on the discrimination information of each of the selected parts determined by the sorting information determination unit, a plurality of for each of the selected objects. Which of the collection units should be transported is determined as a transport target, so that each sorting object is transported to the collection unit as the determined transport target, and in the storage position of each of the plurality of collection units The storage container is configured to execute a constant weight storage process for managing a group of objects to be sorted having an allowable weight determined based on an allowable condition based on a set target weight in the set storage container. The present invention relates to a sorting and collecting device for agricultural products.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus configured as described above accepts agricultural products such as tangerines and other fruits and vegetables, for example,
While the agricultural product is being transported by the transporting means, for example, discriminating information such as information on the appearance quality and the size and weight of the outer shape of the agricultural product is discriminated in the sorting information discriminating section, and a multi-stage sorting section is performed based on the discriminating information. In order to sort and collect the data, the data is sorted and transported to a plurality of collecting units provided according to a plurality of sorting sections, and collected in storage containers set in the collecting units.

[0003] When the sorting object (agricultural product) is stored in each of the storage containers, the constant weight storage process is executed, and the allowable weight determined based on the allowable condition based on the set target weight in the storage container. Will be managed so that the sorted object group is stored. The allowable conditions include the following conditions. For example, a condition that the total weight of the sorted object group stored in the storage container exceeds the set target weight, or an allowable upper limit that is larger than the set target weight by a set amount, and Also, there are various conditions such as that the allowable lower limit value that is smaller than the set amount is set respectively, and that the total weight falls between them.

[0004] In the agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus having such a configuration, in the related art, a plurality of collecting units for sorting articles to be sorted on the basis of sorting information are provided with separate measuring devices, and the transporting means is provided. In each of the collecting sections while sequentially transporting each of the sorted objects, the sorted objects corresponding to the sorting sections corresponding to the collecting sections are configured to be collected in the storage container in the order in which they are transported, and While measuring the total weight of the objects to be sorted stored in the container by the measuring device for each of the collecting units, based on the measurement result of the measuring device, the group of the objects to be sorted having the allowable weight is stored in the storage container. When the is stored, the supply of the sorting object is stopped.

[0005] As a configuration in which a weighing device is provided in each of the collection units, for example, an automatic weighing box packing device as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-69806 is provided in each of a plurality of collection units in which articles to be sorted are sorted. Some of them were installed separately. The automatic weighing and boxing device is provided with a storage container in a state where the weight is measured by a weighing device, and includes a wide-width large-size belt conveyor, a narrow-size small-size belt conveyor, and the like. While placing and transporting the sorted objects to be dropped and supplied to the storage container and storing them, the total weight of the sorted objects sequentially stored in the storage container is measured by the measuring device, and the measured value is When the value exceeds the set target weight as the allowable weight,
The supply of the sorting object to the storage container by the transfer means is stopped, and the storage container is replaced with a new storage container by a container replacement unit represented by a transfer conveyor or a transfer robot,
Such a collection operation is controlled so as to be repeatedly executed.

[0006] In addition, when the total weight of the objects to be sorted is set to a value close to the set target weight (15 kg) (for example, 1 kg).
Until the weight reaches 4.5 Kg), a large number of sorting objects are stored in a conveying order by a wide-size large-size belt conveyor, and when the total weight reaches the set value, the supply by the large-size belt conveyor is stopped. Then, the dispensing belt conveyor is configured to be supplied one by one into the storage container in the order of transport by the dispensing belt conveyor, and the dispensing belt conveyor is stopped when the total weight of the sorted objects stored in the storage container exceeds the set target weight. In this way, the supply is controlled so that the total weight of the objects to be sorted exceeds the set target weight and becomes as close as possible to the set target weight.

Further, in this kind of agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus, conventionally, the assignment of the corresponding sorting section in a plurality of collecting units is set in a fixed state.
For example, in the case where there are six sorting sections as the number of sorting sections, six sorting sections are provided so as to correspond to each sorting section one by one, and the sorting sections are provided to the respective collecting sections. Was set, and then the assignment was fixed.

[0008]

In the above-mentioned conventional configuration, it is necessary to separately install measuring instruments in a plurality of collecting sections provided corresponding to a plurality of sorting sections, respectively. As a whole, there is a disadvantage that the configuration is complicated and the cost is increased, and it has been desired to reduce the cost of the equipment.

In addition, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the total weight of the stored sorted objects is measured by the measuring device while the sorted objects are placed on the storage container by the belt conveyor, conveyed, dropped, and stored. There are disadvantages as follows. That is, when the measured value of the weighing device reaches the set value, the state is switched to a state in which the sorting object is supplied one by one by the dispensing belt conveyor, and when the supply of the sorting object to the storage container is stopped, The number of objects to be supplied is reduced as much as possible.However, from the time when the measured value of the measuring device exceeds the set target weight to the time when the conveyor is stopped, the There may be a slight delay time due to the processing time for the operation and the processing time for operating the actuator, but due to the delay time, the objects to be sorted that should not be stored are excessively supplied into the storage container. In some cases, the weight difference between the total weight of the objects to be sorted stored in the actual storage container and the allowable weight is increased. In some cases, a plurality of objects to be sorted are supplied in excess, and the weight of the plurality of objects to be sorted may become excessive.

In this kind of agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus, it is sometimes required to sort and process a large amount of agricultural products in a short time. In this case, in order to improve work efficiency, a unit by the transport means is required. Although it is necessary to increase the transport amount per time, in the above-described conventional configuration, when the transport amount per unit time is increased due to the time delay of the control as described above, the weight difference from the allowable weight is reduced. Since there is a further disadvantage, there is a limit to the improvement of the work efficiency, and there is a disadvantage that the sorting and collecting work is difficult to be performed efficiently and satisfactorily.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the assignment of the corresponding sorting sections at a plurality of collection points is set in a fixed state, so that there is the following disadvantage.

[0012] Depending on the distribution of the properties of the agricultural products to be subjected to the sorting information discrimination processing, there may be a sorting section having a low occurrence frequency or a sorting section having a high occurrence frequency among a plurality of sorting sections. Therefore, since the collection amount is larger than the others in the sorting category where the occurrence frequency is high,
It is necessary to take measures such as increasing the number of collection points more than others. However, in the above conventional configuration, it is possible to increase the number of collection points for the sorting section expected to occur more frequently for the predetermined sorting section than for other sorting sections. The distribution state may change due to climatic conditions and the like.If the sorting section having a high frequency of occurrence is different from the predetermined sorting section, the processing capacity of the collection section becomes insufficient with respect to the transport processing capacity, and the There is a possibility that the sorting and collecting work may be difficult to perform satisfactorily, for example, clogging of the conveyance may occur in the sorting section, and the exchange work of the storage container may not be satisfactorily performed.
Incidentally, in order to avoid such disadvantages, it is conceivable to reduce the transport speed of the transport means.However, in this case, there is a disadvantage that the work efficiency is reduced, and in order to avoid the disadvantages, It is conceivable to provide an extra collection point for all the sorting sections. However, in this case, there is a disadvantage that many unnecessary collection points are generated and the installation space is wasted. Therefore, it has been desired to avoid such disadvantages and to make it possible to perform the sorting and collecting work well without lowering the work efficiency while effectively using a small installation space.

The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to simplify the equipment configuration and improve the work efficiency, and to make the allowable weight as accurate as possible in a storage container. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for sorting and collecting agricultural products, which can store the group of objects to be sorted, and can perform the operation of sorting and collecting agricultural products satisfactorily.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for sorting and collecting agricultural products according to the first aspect, wherein the weight of each of the sorted articles in the middle of being conveyed from the receiving section to the plurality of collecting sections. Is provided, and in the constant weight storage process, each of the plurality of storage containers set at the storage position of each of the plurality of collection units is stored therein. Or, the total weight of the sorted object group to be stored is obtained by adding the individual weight of each sorted object measured by the weight measuring means, and the insufficient weight of the total weight with respect to the set target weight is obtained. Until is less than or equal to a set value, the transport means to transport the sorted objects transported toward the collection unit of the transport target so as to be received in the storage container in each collection unit of the transport target in the transport order. And when the insufficient weight becomes equal to or less than a set value, among the sorted objects conveyed toward the collection unit of the transfer target, the total weight of the storage containers in the collection unit of the transfer target is allowed. In the transport process of transporting the transport means so as to transport the selected transported object to be received in the storage container by selecting an object to be sorted which is appropriate to make the weight, and in the transport process, As the selected transported object is received in the storage container in the collection unit of the transfer target, a container replacement process for operating the container replacement unit to replace the storage container with a new storage container is performed. In the transport processing, among the sorted objects transported toward the transport target collection unit, the total weight of the storage containers in the transport target collection unit is set to the allowable value. For the sorted matter is not appropriate for the weight, it is characterized in that it is configured to perform correction processing for received in the receiving container other than the container.

In the agricultural product sorting / collecting apparatus having the above-described configuration, sorting information is determined by the sorting information determining unit for each of the sorted items during the transportation from the receiving unit to the plurality of collecting units. At the same time, the weight is measured by the weight measuring means. Then, the management means controls the operation of the transport means and the container replacing means as described below.

That is, for each of the sorting objects, which of the plurality of collecting sections is to be transported is determined based on the discrimination information discriminated by the sorting information discriminating section, and each sorting object is determined. The sorting means transports sorted objects to the corresponding collecting sections by operating the transporting means so that the selected transporting section is transported to the predetermined collecting section, and the storage set at the storing position of each collecting section. Store in a container. Then, the total weight of the sorted object group stored or scheduled to be stored in the storage container of each of the plurality of collection units is obtained by adding the individual weight of each sorted object measured by the weight measuring means. Until the shortage of the total weight obtained by the addition to the set target weight becomes equal to or less than a set value,
The objects to be sorted conveyed toward the collection unit of the conveyance target are sequentially received and stored in the storage container in the order of conveyance. When the insufficient weight is equal to or less than the set value, among the sorted objects conveyed toward the collection unit of the transfer target, the total weight of the storage containers in the collection unit of the transfer target is an allowable condition based on the set target weight. Selecting an object to be sorted which is appropriate to have the allowable weight determined based on the above, and operating the conveying means to convey the selected object to be received in the storage container, and changing the total weight to the allowable weight. Items to be sorted that are not appropriate to be stored are stored in a storage container other than the storage container by the correction process. Then, as the selected transported object is received by the storage container in the collection unit of the transfer target, and the total weight of the storage container reaches the allowable weight, the storage container is replaced with a new storage container. Activate the container exchange means to perform the operation. At this time, as an object to be sorted that is appropriate for obtaining the allowable weight, for example, an object that minimizes the weight difference between the total weight and the set target weight when the object to be sorted is stored is selected and stored. Becomes possible.

The allowable weight may be, for example, a weight exceeding the set target weight, a weight exceeding the set target weight and a weight difference from the set target weight being equal to or less than the set amount, or a value exceeding the set target weight. On the other hand, it is conceivable to set the weight within a permissible range having a setting range on the large weight side and a setting range on the small weight side.

As an example of selecting an object to be sorted which is appropriate for obtaining the allowable weight, a case where, for example, oranges are selectively collected as agricultural products will be described as follows. When sorting and collecting sorted items (citrus), the sorting information determining unit measures the appearance quality and weight of the sorted items, classifies them into multiple stages based on the weight measurement results, and classifies the same weight. Even in this case, it is further classified into a plurality of stages based on the appearance quality, and the combination is sorted into a plurality of stages of the sorting section and collected, so that the objects collected in the same sorting section are collected. The weight of the sorted product falls within the set range. Therefore, since the average weight of the sorting object collected in each sorting section is known in advance, the setting value is set as a value corresponding to the set number of the sorting objects having the average weight, and As a condition that is appropriate to make the allowable weight, the total weight is a weight exceeding the set target weight,
In addition, if conditions are set such that the weight difference between the total weight and the set target weight is minimized, when the insufficient weight is equal to or less than a set value, a plurality of weights that have been measured and have not reached the corresponding collection unit are measured. A set number of objects to be selected that satisfy the above conditions are selected from the objects to be selected.
For example, assuming that the average weight of the objects to be sorted is 100 g and the set value is 200 g, two objects to be sorted satisfying the above conditions are selected. If the same value as the average weight is set as the set value, one object to be sorted that satisfies the above condition is selected. In this way, one or a set number of objects to be sorted are appropriately selected depending on the condition of the set value.

Therefore, the weight of each of the objects to be sorted is measured by the weight measuring means provided on the way of being conveyed from the receiving section to the plurality of collecting sections, and the measured results are added to store the sorted objects. Since the total weight of the objects to be sorted stored in the container is determined, the number of the weight measuring means is reduced as compared with the conventional configuration in which each of the plurality of collecting units is separately provided with the weight measuring means. Therefore, the configuration of the entire facility can be simplified accordingly.

In addition, an object to be sorted which is appropriate for making the total weight into the allowable weight is selected, and the selected object to be conveyed is received in a storage container. In the storage container in which the selected transported object is stored,
A condition where the total weight of the sorted items is appropriate for the allowable weight,
For example, it is possible to set the weight so as to be the allowable weight that satisfies the allowable condition and that the weight difference from the set target weight is minimized.

In addition, when the selected transported object is stored, it is selected as one to be collected in advance before reaching the corresponding collecting unit, and should be stored due to a response delay or the like as in the prior art. There is no inconvenience such as excessive supply of unsorted objects into the storage container, so that the amount of conveyance per unit time by the conveying means is increased to improve work efficiency, while the selected objects to be conveyed are not changed. Can be reliably stored in the collection unit, and further, a selection is made of an object to be selected that is appropriate for obtaining an allowable weight, and the selected object is received in the storage container. Accuracy when storing the tolerable group of objects to be sorted in the container is further improved, and the sorting and collecting work of agricultural products can be performed favorably.

As a result, while making it possible to simplify the equipment configuration and improve the work efficiency, it is possible to store the group of objects having the allowable weight as accurately as possible in the storage container. It has been possible to provide an apparatus for sorting and collecting agricultural products, which can be performed well.

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the plurality of collecting units change the assignment of the sorting section in addition to the collecting sections corresponding to the sorting sections of all the stages of the plurality of sorting sections. A collecting unit configured to be capable of changing the assignment of the sorting section based on the information on the number of objects to be sorted in each of the plurality of sorting sections in the constant weight storage process. The arrangement is such that the assignment of the sorting section for is changed.

That is, in addition to the collecting sections corresponding to the sorting sections of all the stages of the plurality of sorting sections, a collecting section capable of changing the assignment of the sorting sections is provided.
When performing a constant weight storage process for managing a group of objects of an allowable weight to be stored in a storage container in each of a plurality of collection units, information on the number of objects to be selected in each of a plurality of stages of sorting categories. , The assignment of the sorting section is changed for the collection unit that can change the assignment of the sorting section.

The distribution of property variations in agricultural products to be subjected to the sorting information discrimination processing may change due to climatic conditions and the like. However, even if there is a difference between the collection sections, the collection section that can change the assignment of the sorting section can change the assignment to the sorting section having a high frequency of occurrence each time.

Therefore, the transporting speed of the transporting means is reduced to lower the work efficiency, or a plurality of collecting points are assigned to all the sorting sections, and the collecting section of the sorting section with a low frequency of occurrence is used. The inconvenience that an unnecessary collection unit is generated and the installation space is wasted can be avoided, and it is possible to perform the sorting and collecting work of the sorting target satisfactorily.

According to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the management means is not appropriate for setting the total weight of the storage containers in the collection unit of the transport target to the allowable weight as the correction processing. The selected items are temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit, and as the storage container is replaced with a new storage container, the sorted objects are stored in the new storage container replaced from the temporary storage unit. It is characterized by being constituted.

In the correction process, the objects to be sorted which are determined to be inappropriate for setting the total weight to the allowable weight are temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit, and the storage container is replaced with a new storage container. Along with this, since it is arranged to store in a new storage container replaced from the temporary storage unit, for example, in each collection unit, another storage container for storing the sorted object is installed. The configuration requires a large number of container replacement means, which has the disadvantage of complicating the configuration. However, the configuration is complicated by storing it in a temporary storage unit and storing it in a new storage container. Therefore, the correction process can be properly executed.

According to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, each of the plurality of collecting units is sorted by the transport unit and transported to the storage container set at the storage position. Storage means for temporarily storing the selected objects, the management means, when replacing the storage container with a new storage container, the selected objects to be stored in the new storage container in the storage means. After being stored and exchanged for a new storage container, the sorting object stored in the storage means is stored in a new storage container.

That is, when the storage container set at the storage position is replaced with a new storage container, if the sorted objects are sorted and conveyed and supplied during the replacement, the sorted objects are properly replaced. Since there is a risk of not being stored in the storage container, the storage object is stored in the storage means, and the sorted objects stored after being replaced with the new storage container are stored in the new storage container. Therefore, in this kind of agricultural product sorting and collecting device, even if the transport speed by the transport means is increased to improve the work efficiency,
Container exchange work can be performed appropriately, and sorting and collecting work of agricultural products can be performed well.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus described above, the weight measuring means for measuring the weight of each of the sorted objects being transported from the receiving section to the plurality of collecting sections. Is provided, as the plurality of collecting sections, in addition to the collecting sections corresponding to the sorting sections of all the stages of the plurality of sorting sections, a collecting section capable of changing the assignment of the sorting sections is provided, and the management means In the constant weight storage process, for each of the plurality of storage containers set at the storage position of each of the plurality of collection units, the total weight of the sorted group stored or scheduled to be stored therein, The storage capacity is determined by adding the individual weights of the respective sorting objects measured by the weight measuring means, and as the sorting objects are received in the storage container so that the total weight becomes the allowable weight, the storage capacity is increased. Is configured to operate the container replacing means so as to replace the container with a new storage container, and further, the assignment of the sorting section can be changed based on the information on the number of objects to be sorted in each of the plurality of sorting sections. It is characterized in that it is configured to change the assignment of the sorting section for the collection unit.

In the agricultural product sorting / collecting apparatus having the above-described configuration, sorting information is determined by the sorting information determining unit for each of the sorted items during the transportation from the receiving unit to the plurality of collecting units. At the same time, the weight is measured by the weight measuring means. Then, the management means controls the operation of the transport means and the container replacing means as described below.

That is, for each of the sorting objects, which of the plurality of collecting sections is to be transported is determined as a transport target based on the discrimination information discriminated by the sorting information discriminating section. By operating the conveying means so that the selected objects are conveyed to the specified collection unit, the sorted objects are sorted and conveyed to the corresponding collection units, and the storage set at the storage position of each collection unit. Store in a container. Then, the total weight of the sorted object group stored or scheduled to be stored in the storage container of each of the plurality of collecting units is obtained by adding the individual weight of each sorted object measured by the weight measuring means. The container replacement means is operated so that the storage container is replaced with a new storage container as the sorting target object is received in the storage container so that the obtained total weight becomes the allowable weight.

The allowable weight may be, for example, a weight exceeding the set target weight, a weight exceeding the set target weight and a weight difference from the set target weight being equal to or less than the set amount, or a value exceeding the set target weight. On the other hand, it is conceivable that an allowable range having a setting range on the large weight side and a setting range on the small weight side is set, and the weight is within the allowable range.

Therefore, the weight of each of the objects to be sorted is measured by the weight measuring means provided on the way of being conveyed from the receiving section to the plurality of collecting sections, and the measured results are added, thereby storing the objects. Since the total weight of the objects to be sorted stored in the container is determined, the number of the weight measuring means is reduced as compared with the conventional configuration in which each of the plurality of collecting units is separately provided with the weight measuring means. Therefore, the configuration of the entire facility can be simplified accordingly.

In addition, when the selected transported object is stored, it is selected to be collected in advance before reaching the corresponding collecting unit, and should be stored due to a response delay as in the prior art. There is no inconvenience, such as excessive supply of unsorted objects into the storage container. Can be reliably stored in the collection section, and the sorting and collecting work of agricultural products can be performed favorably.

As the plurality of collecting units, in addition to the collecting units corresponding to all the stages of the sorting stages of the plurality of sorting stages, a collecting unit capable of changing the assignment of the sorting zones is provided. When executing a constant weight storage process that manages a group of objects having an allowable weight to be stored in a storage container in each of the plurality of collection units, the number of objects to be selected in each of the sorting stages in a plurality of stages. The configuration is such that the assignment of the sorting section is changed for the collection unit that can change the assignment of the sorting section based on the information.

The distribution of property variations in agricultural products to be subjected to sorting information discrimination processing may change due to climatic conditions and the like. However, even if there is a difference between the collection sections, the collection section that can change the assignment of the sorting section can change the assignment to the sorting section having a high frequency of occurrence each time.

Therefore, the transporting speed of the transporting means is reduced to lower the work efficiency, or a plurality of collecting points are assigned to all the sorting sections, and the collecting section of the sorting section having a low frequency of occurrence is used. By avoiding the disadvantage that an unnecessary collecting unit is generated and wasting the installation space, it is possible to perform the sorting and collecting work of the sorting target satisfactorily.

As a result, while being able to simplify the equipment configuration and improve the work efficiency, the sorting object group having the allowable weight can be stored as accurately as possible in the storage container, thereby sorting and collecting agricultural products. It has become possible to provide an apparatus for sorting and collecting agricultural products that can perform the work well.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the agricultural product sorting / collecting apparatus described above, the weight measuring means for measuring the weight of each of the sorted objects being transported from the receiving section to the plurality of collecting sections. Is provided, in each of the plurality of collection units, storage means for temporarily storing the sorting object to be transported from the branching point for sorting by the transport means to the storage container set in the storage position is provided, In the constant weight storage process, the management unit is configured to select a plurality of storage containers set at storage positions of the plurality of collection units, for each of the plurality of sorted containers stored or scheduled to be stored therein. The total weight is determined by adding the individual weights of the respective sorted objects measured by the weight measuring means, and the sorted objects are received in the storage container so that the total weight becomes the allowable weight. The storage container is replaced with a new storage container, the container replacement means is operated, and when the storage container is replaced with a new storage container, the new storage container is used. To be stored in the storage means, and after the container exchange process is completed, the selected objects stored in the storage means are stored in a new storage container. It is characterized by.

In the agricultural product sorting / collecting apparatus having the above-described configuration, sorting information is determined by the sorting information determining unit for each of the sorted items during the transportation from the receiving unit to the plurality of collecting units. At the same time, the weight is measured by the weight measuring means. Then, the management means controls the operation of the transport means and the container replacing means as described below.

That is, for each of the selected objects, a destination to be conveyed to which of the plurality of collection units is to be determined based on the discrimination information determined by the sorting information discriminating section, By operating the conveying means so that the selected objects are conveyed to the specified collection unit, the sorted objects are sorted and conveyed to the corresponding collection units, and the storage set at the storage position of each collection unit. Store in a container. Then, the total weight of the sorted object group stored or scheduled to be stored in the storage container of each of the plurality of collecting units is obtained by adding the individual weight of each sorted object measured by the weight measuring means. The container replacement means is operated so that the storage container is replaced with a new storage container as the sorting target object is received in the storage container so that the obtained total weight becomes the allowable weight.

The allowable weight may be, for example, a weight exceeding the set target weight, a weight exceeding the set target weight and a weight difference from the set target weight being equal to or less than the set amount, or a value exceeding the set target weight. On the other hand, it is conceivable that an allowable range having a setting range on the large weight side and a setting range on the small weight side is set, and the weight is within the allowable range.

Accordingly, the weight of each of the objects to be sorted is measured by the weight measuring means provided on the way of being conveyed from the receiving section to the plurality of collecting sections, and the measured results are added, thereby storing the objects. Since the total weight of the objects to be sorted stored in the container is determined, the number of the weight measuring means is reduced as compared with the conventional configuration in which each of the plurality of collecting units is separately provided with the weight measuring means. Therefore, the configuration of the entire facility can be simplified accordingly.

In addition, when the selected transported object is stored, it is selected to be collected in advance before reaching the corresponding collecting unit. There is no inconvenience, such as excessive supply of unsorted objects into the storage container. Can be reliably stored in the collection section, and the sorting and collecting work of agricultural products can be performed favorably.

When the storage container set at the storage position is replaced with a new storage container, if the sorted objects are sorted and transported and supplied during the replacement, the sorted objects can be appropriately replaced. Since there is a possibility that the object to be sorted may not be stored in the storage container, the storage means may be stored in the storage unit, and the sorted objects stored after being replaced with the new storage container may be stored in the new storage container. Therefore, in this kind of agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus, even if the transport speed of the transport means is increased in order to improve work efficiency, it is possible to perform container exchange work properly, and it is possible to perform agricultural product sorting and collecting work. Can be performed favorably.

As a result, while being able to simplify the equipment configuration and improve the work efficiency, the sorting object group having the allowable weight can be stored as accurately as possible in the storage container, thereby sorting and collecting agricultural products. It has become possible to provide a sorting and collecting device for agricultural products that can perform the work well.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus described above, the weight measuring means for measuring the weight of each of the sorted objects being transported from the receiving section to the plurality of collecting sections. Is provided, as the plurality of collecting sections, in addition to the collecting sections corresponding to the sorting sections of all the stages of the plurality of sorting sections, a collecting section capable of changing the assignment of the sorting sections is provided, and the plurality of collecting sections are provided. In each of the units, storage means is provided for temporarily storing the sorted objects to be transported from the branching point for sorting by the transport means to the storage container set at the storage position, and the management means is provided with the constant weight storage. In the process, for each of the plurality of storage containers set at the storage position of each of the plurality of collection units, the total weight of the selected group stored or scheduled to be stored therein, The storage weight is determined by adding the individual weights of the respective sorting objects measured by the weight measuring means, and as the sorting objects are received in the storage container so that the total weight thereof becomes the allowable weight, the storage container Is configured to operate the container replacing means so as to replace the container with a new storage container, and the assignment of the sorting section can be changed based on information on the number of objects to be sorted in each of the plurality of stages of sorting sections. It is configured to change the assignment of the sorting section with respect to the collection unit, and further, when replacing the storage container with a new storage container, storing the sorted objects to be stored in the new storage container in the storage unit. Then, after the container exchange process is completed, the sorting object stored in the storage unit is stored in a new storage container.

In the agricultural product sorting / collecting apparatus having the above-described configuration, sorting information is determined by the sorting information determining unit for each of the sorted items during the transportation from the receiving unit to the plurality of collecting units. At the same time, the weight is measured by the weight measuring means. Then, the management means controls the operation of the transport means and the container replacing means as described below.

That is, for each of the sorting objects, which of the plurality of collecting units is to be transported is determined based on the discrimination information discriminated by the sorting information discriminating unit, and each sorting object is determined. The sorting means transports sorted objects to the corresponding collecting sections by operating the transporting means so that the selected transporting section is transported to the predetermined collecting section, and the storage set at the storing position of each collecting section. Store in a container. Then, the total weight of the sorted object group stored or scheduled to be stored in the storage container of each of the plurality of collecting units is obtained by adding the individual weight of each sorted object measured by the weight measuring means. The container replacement means is operated so that the storage container is replaced with a new storage container as the sorting target object is received in the storage container so that the obtained total weight becomes the allowable weight.

The allowable weight may be, for example, a weight exceeding the set target weight, a weight exceeding the set target weight and a weight difference from the set target weight being equal to or less than the set amount, or a value exceeding the set target weight. On the other hand, it is conceivable that an allowable range having a setting range on the large weight side and a setting range on the small weight side is set, and the weight is within the allowable range.

Therefore, the weight of each of the objects to be sorted is measured by the weight measuring means provided in the course of being conveyed from the receiving section to the plurality of collecting sections, and the measured results are added, so that the storage is performed. Since the total weight of the objects to be sorted stored in the container is determined, the number of the weight measuring means is reduced as compared with the conventional configuration in which each of the plurality of collecting units is separately provided with the weight measuring means. Therefore, the configuration of the entire equipment can be simplified accordingly.

In addition, when the selected transported object is stored, it is selected to be collected in advance before reaching the corresponding collecting section, and should be stored due to a response delay as in the prior art. There is no inconvenience, such as excessive supply of unsorted objects into the storage container. Can be reliably stored in the collection section, and the sorting and collecting work of agricultural products can be performed favorably.

As the plurality of collecting sections, a collecting section capable of changing the assignment of the sorting section is provided in addition to the collecting sections corresponding to the sorting sections in all the stages of the plurality of sorting sections, and the managing means is provided. When executing a constant weight storage process that manages a group of objects having an allowable weight to be stored in a storage container in each of the plurality of collection units, the number of objects to be selected in each of the sorting stages in a plurality of stages. The configuration is such that the assignment of the sorting section is changed for the collection unit that can change the assignment of the sorting section based on the information.

The distribution of property variations in agricultural products to be subjected to the sorting information discrimination processing may change due to climatic conditions and the like. However, the collection unit that can change the assignment of the sorting section can be changed to the sorting section having a higher frequency of occurrence each time.

Therefore, the transporting speed of the transporting means is reduced to lower the work efficiency, or a plurality of collecting points are assigned to all the sorting sections, so that the collecting section of the sorting section with a low frequency of occurrence is used. The inconvenience that an unnecessary collection unit is generated and the installation space is wasted can be avoided, and it is possible to perform the sorting and collecting work of the sorting target satisfactorily.

Further, when the storage container set at the storage position is replaced with a new storage container, if the sorted objects are sorted and transported and supplied during the replacement,
Since there is a possibility that the sorted object may not be properly stored in the storage container, the sorted object is stored in the storage unit, and the sorted sorted object stored after being replaced with the new storage container is stored in the new storage container. It has a configuration. Therefore, in this kind of agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus, even if the transport speed of the transport means is increased in order to improve work efficiency, it is possible to perform container exchange work properly, and it is possible to perform agricultural product sorting and collecting work. Can be performed favorably.

As a result, while enabling the simplification of the equipment configuration and the improvement of the work efficiency, the sorting and collection of agricultural products is made possible by storing the group of objects having the allowable weight in the storage container as accurately as possible. It has become possible to provide a sorting and collecting device for agricultural products that can perform the work well.

[0060]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An apparatus for sorting and collecting agricultural products according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an agricultural product sorting facility configured to measure weight and quality information while transporting a sorting object and to sort based on the measurement result. This equipment sorts and conveys a sorting object (for example, oranges) received from the receiving unit U to a plurality of collecting units 1 provided according to a plurality of stages of sorting through a sorting information determining unit H. Container exchange that performs an exchange operation on the agricultural product transport conveyor 2 as a means and the storage container 3 that is set at the sorting object storage position in each of the plurality of collection units 1 and that sequentially receives and stores the sorting objects being transported. Container transport conveyor 4 as means, agricultural product transport conveyor 2 and container transport conveyor 4
And a control unit 5 as a management means for controlling the operation of.

The sorting information discriminating unit H includes an appearance quality information measuring unit 6 which images the sorting object N conveyed by the agricultural product conveyor 2 and measures its appearance quality information, and the agricultural product conveyor 2. The apparatus is provided with a weight measuring unit 7 for measuring the weight of the conveyed sorting object N, and is configured to determine appearance quality information and weight measurement information as sorting information. Then, based on the information, the control unit 5 determines which one of the plurality of sorting sections corresponds to each of the selected objects, and conveys to each of the plurality of collecting units 1. Kika as a transport target,
Control is performed so that each sorting object N is transported to the collection unit 1 which is a predetermined transport target.

More specifically, based on the appearance quality information, it is determined whether the grade of the sorting object N is A rank (excellent) or B rank (excellent). Based on the determination, it is determined whether the class of the sorted object N is L rank (large), M rank (medium), or S rank (small).
As a plurality of sorting sections for sorting, there are six sorting sections (AL, A) according to a combination of grade and rank.
M, AS, BL, BM, BS) are set in advance, and it is determined which sorting section each sorted object N corresponds to.
In the present embodiment, these six sorting sections correspond to all sorting sections predicted in advance for the sorting object carried by the carrying means.

The plurality of collecting units 1 are configured to include, in addition to the collecting units 1 corresponding to all stages of the sorting sections of the plurality of sorting sections, a collecting section 1 capable of changing the assignment of the sorting sections. The control unit 5 is configured to change the assignment of the sorting section for the collection unit 1 that can change the assignment of the sorting section. That is, a plurality of collection units 1
As shown in FIG. 1, eight collecting units 1 are provided, and the six sorting sections (AL, AM, AS, BL, B
M, BS) in addition to the six collection units 1 corresponding to all of
Two collection units are provided as the collection unit 1a that can change the assignment of the sorting sections, and the control unit 5 controls the two collecting sections based on the information on the number of objects N to be sorted in each of the plurality of sorting sections. Change the assignment of the sorting category for 1. For example, as a result of sorting and transporting in a state where the sorting sections AM and BM are set as the initial settings of the sorting sections for the two collecting units 1, the presence of the sorting object in each of the multiple-stage sorting sections is performed. Based on the number information, for example, if the sorting section having a high frequency of occurrence is AS or BS, the control section 5 assigns the sorting section to the two collecting sections 1 from the sorting sections AM and BM to the sorting section AS or BS. It will be changed to BS.

Next, the structure of the agricultural product transport conveyor 2 will be described. In the agricultural product transport conveyor 2, a plurality of circular dish-shaped buckets 10 are mounted at a predetermined pitch on an endless rotating chain 9 that is stretched and rotated in a fixed direction, and the sorting target N is placed on the bucket 10. It is configured to convey while moving. The bucket 10 is rotatable around an axis Y along the vertical direction, and the endless rotating chain 9
Movably within a predetermined range along each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the object, further, a mounting posture for mounting the sorting object N, and an inclined posture for discharging the sorting object N. It is supported by the endless rotating chain 9 so that the posture can be freely changed.

The supporting structure of the bucket 10 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS.
A bracket 11 having a substantially U-shape in side view as a supporting member is mounted and fixed at a constant pitch.
1. Around the longitudinal direction of the endless rotating chain, that is, around the axis X1 along the transport direction, the bucket 10 is rotatable between a transport state in which the bucket 10 is in the mounting posture and a bucket 10 in an inclined state in which the bucket 10 is in the inclined posture. A tilting member 12 is supported,
In addition, the relay member 13 that supports the bucket 10 so as to be rotatable relative to the tilting member 12 around the axis Y along the vertical direction extends in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the transport direction and in the vertical direction. It is configured to be movably supported within a predetermined range.

FIG. 5 shows a state where the bracket 11 is cut off at the center at the connecting point and the connecting member 13
2 shows a state in which the bucket 10 and the bucket 10 are disassembled. As shown in this figure, a locking member 15 elastically urged by a spring 14 is pivotally supported on the bracket 11 around an axis X2 along the transport direction. By engaging with a locking pin 16 formed on the tilting member 12, the tilting member 12 is maintained in the transporting state, and the bucket 10 is placed in the mounting posture. When the locking member 15 is forcibly rotated by a solenoid SL provided at an appropriate position to release the locked state, the shaft center X1 is provided slightly deviated to one side from the center position, and tilts. The member 12 is configured to be tilted by its own weight around the axis X1 together with the relay member 13 and the bucket 10 to switch to an inclined state (see FIG. 6). Note that the tilting member 12 in the tilted posture is forcibly returned to the transport state by an external operation, for example, a sliding guide by a contact-type guide member or an artificial operation, so that the locking member 15 is moved. It is elastically engaged with the locking pin 16 and automatically maintains that state. The tilting member 12 is provided with an arc-shaped guide portion 17 which regulates the position while slidingly guiding the locking member 15 by the elastic urging force so as not to be largely displaced in the tilting operation state.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the relay member 13 has vertical wall surfaces 13a and 13
b are formed, and a total of four substantially T-shaped engagement holes 18 are formed on the left and right sides of the front and rear vertical wall surfaces 13a and 13b, respectively. The tilting member 12 corresponds to each of the engagement holes 18 Locking pieces 19 are formed to lock them in a state where they are inserted from the inside. Then, the relay member 13 is configured to be supported by the engagement between each engagement hole 18 and the locking piece 19. Further, the locking piece 19 is formed smaller than the engaging hole 18, and in a state where the locking piece 19 is locked in the substantially T-shaped engaging hole 18, along the lateral direction and the vertical direction within a predetermined range. It is configured to engage while allowing movement. In addition, the locking piece 19 is located at the center of the engaging hole 18 in the lateral direction on the inner edge 18a on the upper side of each of the engaging holes 18 where the load is received and supported by the locking piece 19. A pair of small locking projections 20 are formed so that the position can be restricted in a state where the operation is performed, and the operation can be easily performed by manual operation by an operator.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bucket 10
Metal bucket body 10a and bucket body 10a
A rubber mounting pad 10b is mounted on the upper part of the device. As shown in FIG. 2, a circular insertion hole 21 having a predetermined diameter is provided in the upper bucket mounting portion of the relay member 13.
In the insertion hole 21, a plurality of locking claws 22, which are arranged along the circumferential direction at the bottom of the bucket body 10 a, engage with the insertion holes 21 so as to engage with the tip portions 22 a of the plurality of locking claws 22, thereby preventing removal. The bucket 10 is inserted and mounted, and the bucket 10 is supported by the relay member 13 so as to be relatively rotatable around the vertical axis Y in a state in which the bucket 10 is prevented from coming off by this engagement state.

Therefore, the bucket 10 is connected to the relay member 1.
8 can be freely changed and adjusted to three positions along the lateral direction, and can be lifted and moved upward as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. As shown in (b), together with the relay member 13 and the tilting member 12, the tilting operation is configured to be able to be freely tilted so as to discharge the placed sorting object N.

A receiving portion 11a formed on the bracket 11 receives the left and right guide rails 24 erected from the support frame 23 provided along the longitudinal direction of the endless rotating chain 9. The load of the agricultural product transport conveyor 2 is supported while sliding and moving while being stopped and supported,
Further, the sheet is conveyed in a state where the lateral displacement is regulated by the left and right locking portions 11b.

Then, a solenoid S for releasing the locking state of the locking member 15 corresponding to each of the collecting sections 1 is provided.
L is provided, and when the sorting object N mounted and transported on the bucket 10 reaches the corresponding collecting unit 1 based on the measurement result, the control unit 5 controls the solenoid SL provided there.
Is operated to release the locking state of the locking member 15, and the bucket 10 is tilted to discharge the sorting object N laterally outward. Therefore, a discharging means for discharging the sorted objects N is constituted by the tilting operation structure of the solenoid SL and the bucket 10.

The lower side of each collecting unit 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, the storage container 3 having an open upper side is provided in a state where the container 3 is intermittently conveyed on the container conveyance conveyor 4 along a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the agricultural product conveyance conveyor 2. That is, the storage container 3 composed of a cardboard box or the like is moved by the container transport conveyor 4 to the agricultural product transport conveyor 2.
Are transported in tandem, and one storage container 3 is set at the storage position of the sorting object in each of the collecting sections 1 and transported so that the sorting objects that are transported can be sequentially received and stored. It is provided in a stopped state. And
When the objects to be sorted are stored in the storage container 3 so that the total weight thereof becomes the allowable weight, the container conveyance conveyor 4 is set so that a new storage container 3 is set at the storage position instead of the storage container 3. The transfer operation is performed intermittently.

Next, the configuration of the weight measuring section 7 will be described. In the weight measuring section 7, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, mounting support sections 28 formed on both lateral sides of the relay member 13 are mounted on the left and right guide members 27 provided on the fixed side. The relay member 13 is conveyed while being slightly guided upward with respect to the tilting member 12. The placement support portion 28 is placed and guided on the weighing rail 29 provided on the fixed side so as to be continuous with the guide member 27, so that the total weight of the relay member 13, the bucket 10, and the sorting object N is reduced. The weighing rail 29 is supported by the weighing rail 29. The weighing rail 29 is configured to be supported by a substantially Y-shaped support arm 29a. The weight is transmitted to the weighing device 30 as the measuring means, and the weight can be measured. In addition, the relay member 13
Since the weight of the bucket 10 is a predetermined constant value, the weight of the sorting object N can be measured. The weight measurement information as the discrimination information of the sorting object N measured by the weighing device 30 is input to the control unit 5 as shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of the appearance quality information measuring section 6 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the appearance quality information measuring unit 6 includes a color CCD camera 31 that images the object N to be sorted conveyed by the agricultural product conveyor 2 from above.
And an image processing unit 32 that processes the image captured by the CCD camera 31. Further, a reflecting mirror 35 is provided at both left and right sides of the sorting object N, and reflects the image from the lateral side of the sorting object N so as to be captured by the CCD camera 31. Reference numeral 41 shown in the figure is
This is an indirect lighting device for illuminating the sorting object N.
The image processing unit 32 performs image processing on the captured image by using an image processing method that is a known technique, thereby providing appearance as discrimination information such as presence / absence of a flaw on the outer surface of the selected object N and its size. The measurement information is output to the control unit 5.

The control unit 5 is provided with a microcomputer, and receives information inputted from the appearance quality information measuring unit 6 and information inputted from the weighing device 30 and a predetermined class or class. Based on the criterion, it is determined which of the six sorting sections corresponds to which one of the plurality of collection units 1 is to be transported as a transport target. Is controlled to be conveyed to the collection unit 1 as a predetermined conveyance target, and is stored in the storage container 3 set at the storage position of each of the plurality of collection units 1 based on the set target weight based on the allowable condition. The apparatus is configured to execute a constant weight storage process for managing a sorted object group having a predetermined allowable weight to be stored. In this embodiment, the allowable weight determined based on the allowable condition is a weight exceeding a set target weight. Therefore,
The total weight stored in the storage container must exceed the set target weight, but if the weight difference from the set target weight is too large, the weight difference as described above will increase as many agricultural products are processed. Since a large difference is generated as a whole as a result of accumulation, the weight difference is preferably as small as possible.

That is, the control section 5 controls each of the selected objects N transported on the agricultural product transport conveyor 2 and passed through the appearance quality information measuring section 6 and the weight measuring section 7 until they reach the collecting section 1. In the meantime, while determining which sorting section the sorting object N corresponds to, the collection unit 1 to be discharged as the corresponding sorting section is determined. And
Each bucket 10 is determined based on measurement information of a rotary encoder for detecting the amount of movement of the agricultural product conveyor 2 and position detecting means R such as a limit switch provided in each section.
While the transport position of the sorting object N placed on the collection object 1 reaches the corresponding collecting unit 1 while managing the transport position of the sorting object N placed in the corresponding to the above-described determination result, the solenoid SL provided there is provided.
Is operated, the bucket 10 is tilted, and the sorted objects N are discharged laterally outward.

In the constant weight storage process, the control unit 5 selects the plurality of storage containers 3 set at the storage positions of the plurality of collection units 1 and selects the storage containers 3 to be stored therein. The total weight of the group of objects is determined by adding the individual weights of the respective objects to be sorted N measured by the weighing device 30 until the shortage of the total weight with respect to the set target weight becomes equal to or less than the set value. The agricultural product transport conveyor 2 is operated to transport the sorted objects N transported to the transport target collection unit 1 in the transport order so as to be received in the storage containers 3 of the transport target collection units 1, and When the insufficient weight becomes equal to or less than the set value, it is necessary to set the total weight of the storage containers 3 in the collection unit 1 of the transport target to the allowable weight among the sorted objects N transported to the collection unit 1 of the transport target. Appropriate selection In the transport process of selecting the product N and transporting the agricultural product transport conveyor 2 to transport the selected transported product so as to be received in the storage container 3, and in the transport process, the selected transported product is selected. Is received by the storage container 3 in the collection unit 1 of the transfer target, and the container transfer is performed such that the storage container 3 is replaced with a new storage container 3 as the total weight of the storage container becomes the allowable weight. It is configured to execute a container exchange process for operating the conveyor 4. Further, in the transport processing, among the sorted objects N transported toward the transport target collection unit 1 in the transport process, the control unit 5 calculates the total weight of the storage containers 3 in the transport target collection unit 1 as the total weight. With respect to the sorting object N determined to be not appropriate for achieving the allowable weight, a correction process for storing the sorting object N in the storage container 3 other than the storage container 3 is executed.

As shown in FIG. 10, each of the collecting units 1 temporarily stores the sorted objects N being sorted by the agricultural product conveyor 2 and being conveyed to the storage container 3 set at the storage position. Two storage sections Q1 and Q2 are provided which can be switched between a storage state and a discharge state in which the stored sorted objects N are stored in the storage container 3, and the bottom 36 of each of the storage sections Q1 and Q2 is provided. , 37 are configured to be openable and closable by electric motors M1, M2, respectively.
A state in which the bottoms 36 and 37 are closed to temporarily store the sorted objects N, and a state in which the bottom portions 36 and 37 are opened and the stored sorted objects N are discharged toward the storage container 3 installed below. It is configured to be freely switchable. Also, the electric motor M3
The state in which the sorted objects N collected in the collection unit 1 are stored in one storage unit Q1 by the operation of the other storage unit Q2
Storage switching tool 3 that can be freely operated to switch to the storage state
8 are provided. Each of the electric motors M1, M2, M
3 is configured to be controlled based on a control command from the control unit 5.

Next, the transport process, the container replacement process, and the correction process by the control unit 5 will be described in a specific example, taking the collection unit 1 corresponding to the sorting section AM as an example. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit 5 stores all the sorted objects N corresponding to the sorting section (for example, AM) among the sorted objects N transported by the agricultural product transport conveyor 2 in the transport order. While carrying out the work of transporting to the section Q1, the weights measured by the weighing device 30 for each of the transported sorting objects N are added. As described above, when the sorting object N is transported toward the storage unit Q1, as shown in FIG.
The bottom portion 36 of the storage section Q1 is left open so that the sorting object is stored in the storage container 3 as it is.
In addition, you may make it continue collection work, storing the to-be-sorted thing in a storage part. When the shortage of the added weight of the sorted objects N collected in the storage section Q1 with respect to the set target weight (10 kg) becomes equal to or less than a set value (for example, 200 g), in other words, the added weight becomes 9.8 kg. When the total weight exceeds the allowable weight, the sorting section AM, which has not yet reached the collecting section 1 where the weight measurement has already been completed and the self is to be collected at that time, is set as the sorting object that is appropriate to make the total weight allowable. From the corresponding items to be sorted N, two items to be sorted N having a weight closest to the set target weight when further added to the current added weight are selected. Then, the transported object selected as described above is sorted and transported to the storage unit Q1, and when the added weight (total weight) of the sorted objects N stored in the storage container 3 reaches the allowable weight, the storage container 3 The storage processing to the storage is completed. Such processing corresponds to the transport processing.

More specifically, the added weight Wk at the time of selection is 9840 g (insufficient weight is 160 g), and the average weight of the sorted object N corresponding to the unreached sorting section AM is about 100 g. In this case, two objects to be sorted are required to exceed the set target weight (10 kg) and have the smallest difference from the set target weight. After the addition, two selected objects N having a weight closest to the set target weight are selected. That is, the number of selections becomes two. When the explanation is added, the sorting section AM in which the weight measurement has already been completed at that time and the self has not yet reached the collection unit 1 to be collected.
The weight in a combination of two is determined by calculation from among the set numbers of the sorting objects N corresponding to the above, and when the weight is further added to the current added weight, the weight exceeds the set target weight and is set to the set target weight. The two objects to be sorted that are closest to each other are selected.

For example, as shown in FIG.
120 g and 70 g of the sorted objects N are conveyed in that order, and if three pieces are set as the set number, two pieces of 100 g and 70 g are selected,
Do not select 120g. By transferring the selected 100 g of the sorting object N and the 70 g of the sorting object N to the storage section Q1, the added weight becomes 5010 g, and in this case, the weight difference from the set target weight is suppressed to 10 g. When 100g and 120g are stored in order,
The added weight is 5060 g, and the weight difference with respect to the set target weight is larger than in the case where the weight of 100 g and the weight of 70 g are selected. In this way, the sorting object N is stored in a state where the total weight of the sorting object N stored in the storage container 3 exceeds the set target weight and the weight difference from the set target weight is as small as possible. Can be stored.
The set number is not limited to three and may be any number as long as it is larger than the selected number.

On the other hand, the operation of the electric motor M3 is controlled so as to switch the storage switching tool 38 so that the unselected 120 g of the sorting object N is transported to the storage section Q2 (see FIG. 10). This process corresponds to the correction process. At this time, the storage unit Q2 functions as a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores the unselectable sorted objects N. Further, as the selected sorting object N is received in the storage container 3, the storage container 3
Is replaced with a new storage container 3 and the new storage container 3
The container transport conveyor 4 is operated to stop the transport so that is set at the storage position. This processing corresponds to the container replacement processing. During this container replacement process,
The sorting object N to be stored in the new storage container 3 is the storage unit Q2.
Will be stored. Therefore, at this time, the storage unit Q
2 functions as storage means for temporarily storing the sorted objects N being transported to the storage container 3. After that, when the container replacement process is completed, the bottom portion 37 of the storage section Q2 is opened, and the sorting object N is stored in the storage container 3. Thereafter, the transport processing, the container replacement processing, and the correction processing are performed in the same manner.

In this embodiment, the average weight of the sorting object N is about 100 g, and 200 g is set as the set value for the insufficient weight. For example, 100 g is set as this set value. , The selected number becomes one. If four or more values are set as the set number and, for example, 300 g is set as the set value for the insufficient weight, the selected number becomes three. in this way,
The set number and the selected number can be appropriately changed and implemented.

When the added weight of the objects to be sorted N collected in any one of the sorting sections becomes the allowable weight and the storage in the storage container 3 is completed, the control section 5 determines whether or not each of the plurality of stages of the sorting section has been selected. Based on the information on the number of selected objects N,
The configuration is such that the allocation of the two collection units 1 provided as the collection unit 1a that can change the allocation of the sorting section is updated. For example, when one of the collecting units 1 determines that the frequency of occurrence of the added weight of the sorting object N being the allowable weight is higher than that of the other, the two collecting units 1
Update the assignment. The two collection units 1
Are initially set to the sorting categories AM and BM, but different sorting categories, for example, AS and BS.
If it is determined that the occurrence frequency is high, as shown in FIG. 1, the two collection units 1 are set to the sorting sections AS and BS, respectively. By allocating these sorting sections to the collecting section 1 provided in a larger number than the sorting sections in this way, even when the distribution of the sorting sections of the selection target N changes, the spare sections are provided for all the sorting sections. There is no need to provide the collection unit 1, and the objects to be sorted N can be selectively collected while reducing the installation space of the equipment.

[Another Embodiment] Hereinafter, other embodiments will be listed.

(1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the six sorting sections (AL, AM, AS, BL, B) are used as the collecting sections corresponding to the sorting sections of all the stages of the plurality of sorting sections.
M, BS), a total of six collecting units 1 are provided, one for each, and two collecting units are provided as collecting units that can change the assignment of the sorting section. The present invention is not limited to the configuration, and may be implemented in the following various forms. The number of the sorting sections is not limited to six, and may be five or less, or seven or more. As the collecting units corresponding to the sorting sections of all the stages, a configuration may be adopted in which two or more collecting sections are provided instead of one collecting section corresponding to each of all the predicted sorting sections in advance. As a collection unit that can change the assignment of the sorting category,
The number is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more.
Alternatively, a configuration that does not include the collection unit that can change the assignment of the sorting section may be provided. Each of the plurality of collection units set as the collection units corresponding to the selection divisions of all the stages may be configured to be able to appropriately change the selection division to be collected by itself. For example, a specific example using the configuration of the above embodiment will be described.
When the distribution information about the properties of the sorted objects is predicted in advance, for example, if all the sorted objects to be sorted as the sorting category have the A rank and the B rank does not exist, As the sorting category, the sorting object N
It is only necessary to select whether the class is AL, AM, or AS. In this case, the number of classifications becomes three. Therefore, in such a case, prior to the start of the operation, the sorting sections for the six collection units are set to (A
L, AM, AS, BL, BM, BS), for example, (AL, AL, AM, AM, AS,
AS), or change or set sorting category A
The collecting unit corresponding to L and the collecting unit corresponding to the sorting section AS may be one each, and the collecting unit corresponding to the sorting section AM may be set to four, and the configuration may be appropriately changed.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, as the correction processing, the other storage section of the two storage sections Q1 and Q2, which is not collected, is set as a temporary storage section, and the temporary storage section transfers the transfer processing to the temporary storage section. Although the sorting object N that has not been selected is temporarily stored, the correction process is not limited to such a configuration, and may be implemented in various other forms.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of collection units 1 are provided with a collection number 1 for each set number for each sorting section. When the sorting object N is stored in any one of the collecting units 1, the unselected sorting object N is transferred to the other collecting units 1 of the corresponding set number of collecting units 1. It is good also as a structure which stores the selection thing N. In this configuration, as in the above embodiment, each collection unit 1
There is no need to provide a plurality of storage units, and the objects to be conveyed to each collection unit can be stored directly in the storage container.

Further, as shown in FIG.
As a configuration having one collection unit 1 for each sorting section, when the collection unit 1 collects the sorted objects corresponding to the corresponding sorting section in the transport processing, the transport processing is performed. The collection operation is terminated when only the selected objects selected in are collected, and the unselected selected objects N are further conveyed by the conveying means 2 toward the lower side in the conveying direction without being collected. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the toner is returned to the receiving unit through the circulation path and circulated and transported.

(3) In the above embodiment, each collection unit 1
Two storage parts Q that can be switched between storage state and discharge state
1 and Q2, in addition to the function as the temporary storage unit, when the storage container 3 is replaced with a new storage container 3, the sorted objects N to be stored in the new storage container 3
Although the storage means for storing is also used, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration may be adopted in which a dedicated storage unit that functions as the storage means is separately provided. For example,
As shown in FIG. 14, a pair of double-opening-rotating shield plates 39a that can be switched by the electric motors M4 and M5 between a shielded state in which the objects to be sorted collected in the collection unit 1 are temporarily stored and an open state in which they are opened. When the storage container 3 is replaced with the storage container 3, the shield plates 39 a and 39 b are set in a shielded state, and the portion that is closed by the shield plates 39 a and 39 b and stores the sorted objects functions as storage means. The container may be switched to the open state when the container replacement operation is completed.

(4) In the above embodiment, the case where the transport routes by the agricultural product transport conveyor 2 are arranged in a line is exemplified.
Not limited to such a configuration, a configuration in which a plurality of transport paths are provided in parallel may be used. For example, as shown in FIG.
As a configuration in which a plurality of (four rows) agricultural product transport conveyors 2 are arranged in parallel, the weight measuring unit 6 and the quality measuring unit 7 are provided on each transport route, respectively, and the respective sorting sections are provided. The configuration in which the plurality of collection units 1 corresponding to each of the collection units 1 discharges the sorting object N is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, but in this embodiment, the lower side of each of the collection units 1 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, two objects N to be sorted and received in the same sorting section discharged in a plurality of transport paths are placed and transported in a direction orthogonal to the transport path and stored in the storage container 3. Belt conveyors 40a and 40b are provided independently so as to be able to be transported and stopped freely. Further, in each of the collecting sections 1 in each of the transport paths, a switching operation tool 41 for switching on which belt conveyor the object to be sorted N is collected is provided so as to be individually operable by the electric motor M4. I have.

That is, the sorting object N is temporarily stored on the belt conveyor whose conveyance is stopped, and when the added weight reaches the allowable weight, the belt conveyor is operated to be stored in the storage container 3. After that, since the belts are collected on the other belt conveyor, each of the belt conveyors has the same function as the two storage units in the above embodiment.

In this embodiment, when the transport process is performed, the sorted objects N that are appropriate to make the total weight allowable are selected from among the sorted objects N transported in a plurality of rows. Will be selected. To explain with a specific example,
When the sorting object N is collected in the storage section Q3 by the one belt conveyor 40a, the insufficient weight with respect to the set target weight of the added weight of the sorting object N collected in the storage section Q3 is a set value (for example, 200 g). When the following conditions are satisfied, the sorting object N that is appropriate for setting the total weight to the allowable weight is the sorting object corresponding to the sorting section AM whose weight measurement has already been completed and has not yet reached the collection unit 1 at that time. From the sorted objects N, two further sorted objects N having a weight closest to the set target weight when further added to the current added weight are selected. To explain with a specific example, the added weight Wk at the time of sorting is 9810 g (insufficient weight is 190 g),
Assuming that the average weight of the sorting object N corresponding to the unarrived sorting section AM is about 100 g, the set target weight (10
In order for the weight to exceed Kg) and to have the smallest difference from the set target weight, two pieces to be selected are required. Two objects N to be sorted having such weights are selected. That is, the number of selections is two. In addition, at the time, the weight measurement has already been completed, and the self is not yet reached to the collection unit 1 to be collected. The weights are obtained by calculation, and two sortable objects are selected which have a combination that exceeds the set target weight and is closest to the set target weight when the weight is further added to the current added weight. .

For example, as shown in FIG.
20 g and 110 g of the sorted objects N are conveyed in that order, and if the set number is set to, for example, 5, the 110 g and 90 g of the sorted objects N are conveyed in that order in the third row. If it is assumed that 75 g of the sorting object N is conveyed to the fourth row, 120 g of the first row and 75 g of the fourth row are selected, and the others are selected. do not do. 120g of selected objects N and 7
By collecting 5 g of the sorting object N in the storage unit Q3, the added weight becomes 5005 g, and the weight difference from the set target weight is suppressed to 5 g. If 120g and 110g are collected in order, the added weight is 5040.
g, and the weight difference with respect to the set target weight is larger than in the case of selecting 120 g and 75 g. The set number is not limited to five as described above, and may be any number as long as the number is larger than the selected number. The unselected objects N are temporarily stored in the storage section Q4 by the other belt conveyor. At this time, the storage section Q4 corresponds to the temporary storage section, and the unselected objects N are stored in the storage section Q3. , The storage unit Q3 corresponds to the temporary storage unit. Each of the belt conveyors is configured to temporarily store a sorting object N to be stored in the new storage container 3 when the storage container 3 set at the storage position is replaced with a new storage container 3. It will function as a means. The number of rows of the transport path is not limited to four, but may be a two-row configuration, a three-row configuration, or a configuration of five or more rows.

In this embodiment, the average weight of the sorting object N is about 100 g, and 200 g is set as the set value for the insufficient weight. For example, 100 g is set as this set value. Then, as the object to be selected in the selection processing, one object to be selected is selected from the set number (5). If six or more values are set as the set number and, for example, 300 g is set as the set value for the insufficient weight, three items to be selected in the selection process are selected. become. As described above, the set number and the selected number may be appropriately changed and implemented.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, in the constant weight storing process, when the shortage of the total weight with respect to the set target weight becomes equal to or less than a set value, the sorted objects conveyed to the collection unit 1 of the transfer target. Among the N, an object to be sorted N that is appropriate to make the total weight an allowable weight is selected, and only the selected object to be conveyed is received in the storage container 3 set at the storage position. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be any of the following configurations.

The configuration of each unit of the equipment has the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment except that the control contents by the control unit are different as described below. Hereinafter, control contents different from those in the above embodiment will be described. The control unit is configured to store all the sorted objects transported toward the collection unit of the transport target in the collection unit of the transport target in the order of transport, and the control unit calculates the total weight of the sorted object group by the weight. Determined by adding the individual weights of the respective sorted objects measured by the measuring means, and as the sorted objects are received in the storage container so that the total weight becomes the allowable weight, the container replacement process is performed. Configuration. That is, the sorting target objects N are not selected, and are all transported in the transport order toward the transport target collection unit. In this embodiment, when the object to be sorted is received in the storage container so that the total weight becomes the allowable weight and the container replacement process is performed, the object to be sorted to be stored in the new storage container is set to the 2nd. It is preferable to temporarily store in another one of the storage units.

In the above-described embodiment, each of the collecting units is provided with two storing units, and is temporarily stored in another of the two storing units. Instead of the above, a plurality of collection units have the following configuration. That is, as a configuration in which a plurality of collecting units are provided with a set number (two or more) for each sorting section, the total weight becomes the allowable weight in one collecting unit. When the sorting object is received in the storage container and the container exchange process is performed, the sorting object that is subsequently conveyed and is sorted in the sorting section is stored in another collection unit corresponding to the sorting section. . That is, instead of a configuration in which one collection unit is provided with a plurality of storage units for temporary storage, the sorted objects transported to one collection unit are stored in the storage container as they are without being temporarily stored. It is.

In the above-described embodiment or the above-described embodiments, the assignment of the sorting section to the collection unit capable of changing the assignment of the sorting section is performed based on the information on the number of objects to be sorted in each of the plurality of stages of the sorting section. Although the configuration is changed, the configuration does not include a collection unit that can change the assignment of the sorting section instead of such a configuration. That is, the plurality of collecting units 1 are configured to be only the collecting units 1 corresponding to the sorting sections of all stages of the plurality of sorting sections. For example, if the number of sorting sections is 6, a configuration in which six collecting sections 1 are provided corresponding to the respective sorting sections, a configuration in which a set number of collecting sections 1 are provided for each sorting section, and the like.
In short, the configuration is such that the sorting sections corresponding to all the collecting units 1 are determined.

In the above-described embodiments, the transport means (the agricultural product transport conveyor 2) may be a single row or a plurality of rows.

In the above-described embodiments, there is a possibility that a difference of up to one weight from the set target weight may occur in the total weight of the objects to be sorted stored in the storage container 3. There is no possibility that the individual objects to be sorted are excessively stored, and the sorting and collecting work can be performed satisfactorily.

(6) In the above embodiment, the weight information of the sorting object is used as the sorting information by using the weight measuring unit 7 for measuring the weight of the sorting object as the sorting information determining unit. Not limited to such a configuration, a configuration in which the weight information is not used as the sorting information may be used. In this case, the measurement information of the weight measuring unit is used only as information for adding and calculating the total weight in the storage container. Will be.

(7) In the above embodiment, the case where the appearance quality information of the sorting object and the weight of the sorting object are used as the information information for sorting is exemplified, but instead of such a configuration,
For example, a configuration may be provided in which an internal quality information measuring unit that measures internal quality information of agricultural products such as sugar content, acidity, or taste value is used and the measurement information is used. As the internal quality information measuring unit, for example, there is a configuration in which the internal quality information of agricultural products is measured by component analysis using a spectroscopic analyzer. The sorting information determining unit is not limited to the configuration including the appearance quality information measuring unit and the weight measuring unit as described above, and may be any of the appearance quality information measuring unit, the weight measuring unit, and the internal quality information measuring unit. The present invention may be implemented in any one of a configuration including one of them, a configuration including any two of them, and a configuration including all three measurement units. Incidentally, in this embodiment, when the weight information is not used as the sorting information, the measurement information of the weight measuring means is used only as information for adding and calculating the total weight in the storage container.

(8) In the above embodiment, the total weight exceeds the set target weight and the difference from the set target weight is the smallest as the state in which the total weight is appropriate for setting the allowable weight. Although the case where the weight becomes heavy is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the following various states may be set. The total weight is greater than the set target weight and the weight difference from the set target weight is a weight equal to or less than a set amount,
In addition, a case where the difference from the set target weight is the smallest. The case where the total weight does not exceed the set target weight and the difference between the total weight and the set target weight is equal to or less than a set amount, and the difference from the set target weight is the smallest. The total weight is within an allowable range set by an upper limit set on the large weight side with respect to the set target weight and a lower limit set on the small weight side with respect to the set target weight, And a case where the difference from the set target weight is the smallest.

(9) In the above embodiment, the transporting means is constituted by the bucket type conveyor having the bucket capable of placing and transporting the objects to be sorted on the endless rotating chain so as to be tiltable, but is not limited to such a configuration. Alternatively, a transport robot that handles and transports the objects to be sorted while holding them one by one may be used, and the transport configuration is not limited.

(10) In the above embodiment, oranges are exemplified as the sorting target N. However, the present invention is not limited to oranges, but fruits other than oranges such as apples and pears and vegetables such as eggplants may be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a facility for sorting agricultural products.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a bucket support structure.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a bucket support structure.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a bucket support structure.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a disassembled state of the bucket support structure with a part cut away

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a tilted state of the bucket.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a configuration of a weight measuring unit.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a vertical movement state of a bucket in a weight measuring unit.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a configuration of a quality information measuring unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a collection unit.

FIG. 11 is a control block diagram.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a sorting and collecting state.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a collection unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a collection unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a collection unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a collection unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a sorted collection state according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Collection part 2 Transport means 3 Storage container 4 Container exchange means 5 Management means 30 Weight measuring means H Sorting information discriminating part N Sorted object Q1, Q2 Storage means U Receiving part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Takashi Shinoka 64, Ishizukita-cho, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture Inside Kubota Sakai Factory (72) Kunio Nanbu 1-6 Yatsunotsubo, Shoryuji Temple, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto 6 Co., Ltd. F-term in navel (reference) 2F046 AA02 BA06 DA06 FA01 3F079 AC06 CA21 CA29 CA42 CB12 CB25 CB29 CC09 CC12 DA18 DA21 DA28 EA12

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A transporting means for sorting and transporting a sorting object received from a receiving unit to a plurality of collecting units provided according to a plurality of stages of sorting by way of a sorting information determining unit; A container exchange unit that is set at a sorting object storage position in each of the units and that performs an exchange operation on a storage container that sequentially receives and stores the sorted objects to be conveyed, and an operation of the transport unit and the container exchange unit. Management means for controlling, the management means, based on the discrimination information of each of the selected parts determined by the sorting information determination unit, for each of the selected objects, of the plurality of collection units Which is to be transported is set as a transport target, so that each sorting object is transported to a collection unit as a determined transport target, and set at a storage position of each of the plurality of collection units. Agricultural product sorting and collecting device configured to execute a constant weight storage process for managing a sorting object group having an allowable weight determined based on an allowable condition based on a set target weight in a storage container. And a weight measuring unit that measures the weight of each of the sorted objects being conveyed from the receiving unit to the plurality of collecting units is provided, and the managing unit includes: For each of the plurality of storage containers set at the storage position of each of the plurality of collection units, the total weight of the sorted objects group stored or scheduled to be stored therein is measured by the weight measuring unit. Until the total weight of the selected target weight is less than or equal to the set target weight, the selected weight is determined by adding the individual weights of the selected objects. Take a thing The transfer means is operated so as to be transferred so as to be received in the storage container of each collection unit of the transfer target in the transfer order, and when the insufficient weight becomes equal to or less than a set value, the transfer is performed toward the collection unit of the transfer target. Among the sorted objects to be selected, a sorted object that is appropriate to make the total weight of the storage container in the collection unit of the transfer target appropriate to the allowable weight is selected, and the selected transferred object is stored in the storage container. A transport process for transporting the transport unit so as to be transported so as to be received, and in the transport process, the selected transported object is received in a storage container in a collection unit of a transport target, and the storage container is A container replacement process for activating the container replacement means to replace a storage container with a new storage container as the total weight of the storage container becomes the allowable weight, Further, in the transport processing, among the sorted objects transported toward the transport target collection unit, it is not appropriate to set the total weight of the storage containers in the transport target collection unit to the allowable weight. An agricultural product sorting and collecting apparatus configured to execute a correction process for storing the selected items in a storage container other than the storage container. 2. The plurality of collecting units are configured to include, in addition to the collecting units corresponding to all stages of the sorting sections of the plurality of sorting sections, a collecting unit capable of changing the assignment of the sorting sections, In the constant weight storage process, the management unit may change an assignment of a sorting section for a collection unit that can change an assignment of the sorting section based on information on the number of objects to be sorted in each of the plurality of sorting sections. The apparatus for sorting and collecting agricultural products according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured as follows. 3. The management unit according to claim 2, wherein
The sorted objects determined to be inappropriate for setting the total weight of the storage containers in the collection unit of the transport target to the allowable weight are temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit, and the storage container is replaced with a new storage container. The agricultural product sorting and collecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is configured to be stored in a new storage container replaced from the temporary storage portion as the replacement is performed. 4. Each of the plurality of collecting units includes a storage unit for temporarily storing sorted objects in the process of being sorted by the transfer unit and being transferred to a storage container set at the storage position, The management unit, when replacing the storage container with a new storage container, causes the storage unit to store the sorted objects to be stored in the new storage container, and after the container replacement process is completed, the storage unit. The sorting object stored in the storage container is configured to be stored in a new storage container.
4. The sorting and collecting device for agricultural products according to any one of 3. 5. A transporting means for sorting and transporting a sorting object received from a receiving unit to a plurality of collecting units provided according to a plurality of stages of sorting, via a sorting information determining unit, and said plurality of collecting units. A container exchange unit that performs an exchange operation on a storage container that is set at a sorting object storage position in each of the units and sequentially receives and transports the sorting object being transported, and controls the operations of the transport unit and the container exchange unit. Management means for performing the sorting operation, based on the discrimination information of each of the sorting units determined by the sorting information discriminating unit, Whether to be transported is determined as a transport target, and each sorting object is transported to a collection unit that is a determined transport target, and a storage set at a storage position of each of the plurality of collection units. A container for sorting and collecting agricultural products configured to execute a constant weight storage process for managing a group of sorted objects having an allowable weight determined based on an allowable condition based on a set target weight in the container. There is provided weight measuring means for measuring the weight of each of the sorted objects being conveyed from the receiving unit to the plurality of collecting units, and as the plurality of collecting units, In addition to the collecting sections corresponding to the sorting sections of all stages, a collecting section capable of changing the assignment of the sorting sections is provided, and the management means, in the constant weight storing process, at the storage position of each of the plurality of collecting sections. For each of the plurality of storage containers that are set, the total weight of the sorted objects group stored or scheduled to be stored therein is calculated as the individual weight of each sorted object measured by the weight measuring unit. Add As a result, the container replacement means is operated so that the storage container is replaced with a new storage container as the sorting target object is received in the storage container so that the total weight thereof becomes the allowable weight. The agricultural product is further configured to change the assignment of the sorting section for the collection unit that can change the assignment of the sorting section based on the number-of-existing-objects presence information in each of the multiple-stage sorting sections. Sorting and collecting equipment. 6. A transporting means for sorting and transporting the sorting object received from the receiving unit to a plurality of collecting units provided according to a plurality of stages of sorting, via a sorting information determining unit, and said plurality of collecting units. A container exchange unit that performs an exchange operation on a storage container that is set at a sorting object storage position in each of the units and sequentially receives and transports the sorting object being transported, and controls the operations of the transport unit and the container exchange unit. Management means for performing the sorting operation, based on the discrimination information of each of the sorting units determined by the sorting information discriminating unit, Whether to be transported is determined as a transport target, and each sorting object is transported to a collection unit that is a determined transport target, and a storage set at a storage position of each of the plurality of collection units. A container for sorting and collecting agricultural products configured to execute a constant weight storage process for managing a group of sorted objects having an allowable weight determined based on an allowable condition based on a set target weight in the container. There is provided a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of each of the sorted objects being conveyed from the receiving unit to the plurality of collecting units, and in each of the plurality of collecting units, for sorting by the conveying unit. Storage means for temporarily storing the sorted objects transported from the branching point to the storage container set at the storage position, wherein the management means, in the constant weight storage processing, each of the plurality of collection units For each of the plurality of storage containers set at the storage position, the total weight of the sorted object group stored or scheduled to be stored therein is determined for each selected container measured by the weight measuring means. The container is determined by adding the individual weights of the objects, and the container is replaced with a new storage container as the sorted object is received in the storage container so that the total weight thereof is the allowable weight. The storage means is configured to operate the replacement means, and when the storage container is replaced with a new storage container, the sorting object to be stored in the new storage container is stored in the storage means; After being exchanged for
A sorting and collecting apparatus for agricultural products, wherein the sorting object stored in the storage means is stored in a new storage container. 7. A transporting means for sorting and transporting the objects to be sorted received from the receiving unit to a plurality of collecting units provided according to a plurality of stages of sorting through a sorting information discriminating unit; A container exchange unit that performs an exchange operation on a storage container that is set at a sorting object storage position in each of the units and sequentially receives and transports the sorting object being transported, and controls the operations of the transport unit and the container exchange unit. Management means for performing the sorting operation, based on the discrimination information of each of the sorting units determined by the sorting information discriminating unit, Whether to be transported is determined as a transport target, and each sorting object is transported to a collection unit that is a determined transport target, and a storage set at a storage position of each of the plurality of collection units. A container for sorting and collecting agricultural products configured to execute a constant weight storage process for managing a group of sorted objects having an allowable weight determined based on an allowable condition based on a set target weight in the container. There is provided weight measuring means for measuring the weight of each of the sorted objects being conveyed from the receiving unit to the plurality of collecting units, and as the plurality of collecting units, In addition to the collecting sections corresponding to the sorting sections of all stages, a collecting section that can change the assignment of the sorting sections is provided, and in each of the plurality of collecting sections, from the branching point for sorting by the transport means to the storage position. Storage means for temporarily storing the sorted objects transported to the set storage container, wherein the management means sets the storage position of each of the plurality of collection units in the fixed weight storage processing. For each of the plurality of storage containers being stored, the total weight of the group of objects to be sorted stored or to be stored therein is determined by the individual weight of each of the items to be sorted measured by the weight measuring means. The container replacement means is operated so that the storage container is replaced with a new storage container as the sorted object is received in the storage container in a state where the total weight becomes the allowable weight as determined by adding. And, based on the information on the number of objects to be sorted in each of the plurality of stages of the sorting sections, is configured to change the assignment of the sorting sections for the collection unit capable of changing the assignment of the sorting sections. When replacing the storage container with a new storage container, the sorting object to be stored in the new storage container is stored in the storage unit, and after the container replacement process is completed,
A sorting and collecting apparatus for agricultural products, wherein the sorting object stored in the storage means is stored in a new storage container.