JP3492979B2 - Automatic vegetable cutter - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic vegetable cutting machine, and in particular, a bent long vegetable such as cucumber which can be cut well along its longitudinal direction. Related to the automatic cutting machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, in a factory for producing processed vegetable foods for producing pickles, long vegetables such as cucumber are cut into appropriate lengths and cut along the longitudinal direction.
It is manually made as a raw material for pickled vegetables. This longitudinal cutting can be done relatively easily by hand if it is a non-bent vegetable, but it is difficult to cut a bent vegetable well in the longitudinal direction, and it requires skill. Has become. On the other hand,
As an automatic vegetable cutting machine, vegetables are cut on the sliding surface of a plane-shaped cutting machine by moving the vegetables back and forth against a cutting blade provided in front of the sliding surface. It is known to have been made. However, in this plane-shaped cutting machine, it was also developed with the purpose of slicing vegetables into a certain thickness and peeling the skin,
It is not suitable for cutting long vegetables in the longitudinal direction.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention is directed to an automatic cutting machine capable of automatically cutting long vegetables such as cucumber along the longitudinal direction, and in particular, bent long vegetables. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cutting machine that can continuously and smoothly cut vegetables from one end to the other end.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the invention of the present application is sent
Feed roller means and a cutting roller arranged behind the feed roller means.
Regarding the automatic vegetable cutting machine equipped with the cutting means 6,
Providing success. The feed roller means are in phase with each other.
A pair of rotating rollers 1, which are arranged so that they can approach and separate from each other.
1 and supporting means 2 and 2 for supporting these rotating rollers
And an urging means for urging the rotating rollers 1 and 1, and a rotating roller.
And driving means 4 for driving la 1, 1. Each support means 2 is
A support shaft that rotatably supports the rotary roller 1 at an end,
A pair of support shafts and rotating rollers 1, 1 supported by the support shafts
Are relatively close to and away from each other. Biasing means for each support
It is installed on the shaft and urges both support shafts toward each other.
It The plurality of rotating rollers 1, 1 are long-shaped ones such as cucumbers.
By sandwiching the vegetable y between the rotating rollers 1 and 1 and rotating them.
And send it to the rear. The cutting means 6 sends out
The cut vegetable y is cut along the longitudinal direction.
It The driving means 4 is a pulley provided on each rotating roller 1.
41 and belts 42a and 42b on both pulleys 41 and 41
And a two-stage pulley 43 that rotates integrally with each other.
Get From the two-stage pulley 43 to one rotating roller 1
The belt 42a in the forward direction and the other rotating roller.
The belt 42b applies a rotational force to the direction 1 in the opposite direction.
By transmitting, the rotating rollers 1 and 1 rotate in opposite directions.
Turn the vegetables (y) that are inserted between
And send it backwards.

A second invention of the present application is the automatic vegetable cutting machine according to the first invention, wherein the feed roller means face each other so that a long vegetable y can be sandwiched therebetween. And at least one pair of rotating rollers 1, 1 arranged in parallel with each other, each rotating roller 1 having two roller portions 1a, 1b, these two roller portions 1a, 1b being axially distant from each other. By providing the portion having the large diameter, the space between the at least four roller portions 1a, 1a, 1b, 1b constituted by the two roller portions 1a, 1b of the at least one pair of rotary rollers 1, 1 is increased. , A long vegetable feeding space k is formed, and the cutting means is a tip portion 61 located substantially in the center of the vegetable feeding space k,
The present invention is provided with a plurality of cutting blades 62 that gradually extend rearward from the tip 61 toward the radially outer side.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a side view showing an internal structure of an automatic vegetable cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
Is a plan view of the same vegetable, FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of an essential part showing the usage state of the automatic vegetable cutting machine, FIG. 4 is a front view of the essential part showing the operating state of the automatic vegetable cutting machine, and FIG. The front view of the roller of the automatic cutting machine, FIG. 6 is a front view showing the usage state of the roller,
FIG. 7A is a front view of the cutting means of the automatic vegetable cutting machine,
(B) is the same top view.

This automatic vegetable cutting machine is provided with a roller means for feeding long vegetables such as cucumber in the longitudinal direction and a cutting means arranged behind the roller means so that the long vegetables can be cut in the long direction. A plurality of pieces (four or more pieces in this example) are cut along the direction.

First, the roller means will be described. The roller means comprises a pair of rotating rollers 1 and 1 arranged so as to be relatively close to and away from each other, and supporting means 2 and 2 for supporting these rotating rollers. , Urging means 3, 3 for urging at least one (both in this example) rotating roller 1, 1.
And a driving means 4 for the rotating rollers 1, 1.

The pair of rotating rollers 1, 1 are arranged so as to face each other so that a long vegetable y (shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) can be sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating shafts 11, 11 of the rotating rollers 1, 1 are horizontally arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other.

Each rotating roller 1 has an upper roller portion 1a,
It is provided with two roller portions including a lower roller portion 1b. In this example, both 1a and 1b are integrally formed to form one roller, but they may be formed separately. It may be formed as a separate body, and the two 1a and 1b may be arranged so as to be able to move toward and away from each other in the axial direction, and at least one of them may be urged to approach each other. The upper and lower two roller portions 1a and 1b are each provided with a substantially conical portion whose diameter increases with increasing distance from each other in the axial direction. That is, the outer diameter of the upper roller portion 1a increases toward the upper side, and the outer diameter of the lower roller portion 1b increases toward the lower side. It is continuous. It should be noted that the substantially conical shape does not mean only a conical shape in a mathematical meaning in which the rate of change of the outer shape is constant, but also means that the rate of change of the diameter is different. Also, the upper and lower two roller parts 1
Although a and 1b have the same size, they may have different sizes.

However, the space between the four roller portions 1a, 1b, 1a, 1b formed by the two upper and lower roller portions 1a, 1b of the pair of rotating rollers 1, 1 has a long shape. A vegetable feeding space k is formed. The feeding space k changes in accordance with the size (outer diameter) of vegetables. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the pair of rotating rollers 1 and 1 are supported by the supporting means 2 so that they can relatively approach and separate from each other.
It is supported by 2 and is biased by biasing means 3 and 3 so as to approach each other.

Each of the supporting means 2 is embodied as a supporting shaft 21 for rotatably supporting the rotary roller 1 at the tip thereof.
The other end of 1 is rotatably supported by a shaft support 22 provided on the base 5. Thereby, the pair of support shafts 21, 21
Also, the rotating rollers 1, 1 supported thereby can relatively approach and separate, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, approach and separate.

The urging means 3 is, in this example, each support shaft 21.
It is provided in. In this example, it is implemented as the winding spring 3 arranged on the shaft support portion 22, and both support shafts 21, 2 are supported.
At the base end side of 1, the two are urged to approach each other. Further, stoppers 23, 23 are provided so that the rotating rollers 1, 1 do not come into contact with each other due to the bias.

Next, the drive means 4 for rotating the rotary rollers 1, 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive means 4 includes a pulley 41 provided on each rotating roller 1 and belts 42a, 42 on both pulleys 41, 41.
and a two-stage pulley 43 that is integrally rotated and is connected via b. By rotating the rotating rollers 1 and 1 in opposite directions, the vegetables y inserted between the rotating rollers 1 and 1 are sent to the rear side. Forward by belt 42a,
The rotation force is transmitted to the other rotation roller 1 in the opposite direction by the belt 42b. A drive shaft such as an electric motor can be directly connected to the two-stage pulley 43 to rotate it, but in this example, the electric motor 44 is provided at a distant position. Specifically, a pulley 45 that rotates coaxially with the two-stage pulley 43, and a pulley 46 provided on the drive shaft of the electric motor 44.
And are connected via a belt 47. When the rotary drive source such as the electric motor 44 is provided close to the rotary roller 1, when the rotary roller 1 and the cutting means to be described later are washed with water, there is a high possibility that water will splash on the electric motor and the like. It is necessary to adopt a simple waterproof structure, but by providing it at a distant position, there is an advantage that a simple waterproof structure is sufficient. It is desirable that the electric motor 44 is capable of changing the number of revolutions by a converter or the like, and further, the electric motor 44 can be implemented as one that can be continuously changed by a rotational torque.
The number of revolutions may not be changed.

The rotary drive means and the power transmission means can be changed as appropriate, and various gears, chains, etc. can be adopted.
In this example, what is connected via the belts 42a and 42b is that the pulleys 41,
Considering that the length between the 41 and the two-stage pulley 43 is slightly changed, it is possible to follow the change in the length by using an elastic belt. As shown in FIG. 4, each rotary roller 1 is provided with pulley grooves in two stages. This is because the left and right rotary rollers 1, 1 have the same shape and can be used for both left and right. If the left and right sides have different shapes, only one pulley groove is required.

Next, behind the rotary rollers 1 and 1, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, a blade 6 as a cutting means is arranged. The cutting tool 6 includes a tip portion 61 located substantially in the center of the vegetable feeding space k, and a plurality of cutting blades 62 that gradually extend rearward from the tip portion in a radially outward direction. The rear end of each cutting edge 62 is supported by a ring-shaped frame 63 in this example, and this frame 63 is supported by the base 5 by a support body 64. It is desirable that the height of the blade 6 be adjustable, and specifically, although not shown, the support 64 may be configured by a shaft body that is expandable and contractable and can be fixed to an appropriate length. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, four cutting blades 62 are provided at equal intervals. In this example, each cutting edge 62 is
Although it is arranged at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the rotating shaft 11 in a front view, the angle can be changed appropriately.
The number of cutting edges 62 may be two, three or more,
When finely cutting, the number may be 5 or more, and they can be exchanged and used as necessary. The cutting edge 62 is linear when viewed from the front, but may be curved.

Here, a method of cutting long vegetables such as cucumber by this device will be described. First, the vegetable y is inserted between the rotary rollers 1 and 1 from its tip. This work
It may be carried out manually, but it may be automatically carried in by using an appropriate chute or a carrying device. In this example, a stage 51 is provided in front of the rotating rollers 1 and 1 in order to prevent the vegetables from dropping onto the two-stage pulley 43 for the convenience of human work.

The rotating rollers 1, 1 are constantly rotating, and the vegetables are fed forward by the rotational force of the rotating rollers 1, 1 simply by inserting the tip of the vegetable y into the vegetable feeding space k. The outer shape of the vegetable y changes gradually, but the rotating rollers 1, 1
Are urged toward each other, the vegetables can be smoothly delivered while the rotary rollers 1, 1 are always in contact with the surface of the vegetable y. The tip of the fed vegetable y is pierced by the tip 61 of the blade 6. When the vegetable y is further sent, each cutting blade 62
It is cut along the longitudinal direction. Where bent vegetables y
Even if there is, the vegetables are fed while being supported by the biased rotating rollers 1 and 1, so that the center of the vegetables is located substantially at the center of the vegetable feeding space k. The center of the thus-fed vegetables y is positioned by the tip 61 of the cutting tool arranged in the approximate center of the vegetable feeding space k. Therefore, the tip 61 of the cutting tool is always located at the center of the vegetable y. Further, since the cutting blades 62 extending obliquely rearward from the tip end portion 61 divide into a plurality of pieces, even a bent vegetable y can be satisfactorily cut into a plurality of pieces along the longitudinal direction. Moreover, each cutting edge 62 extends obliquely rearward, which is advantageous in maintaining the straightness of the vegetables after cutting.

Moreover, since each rotary roller 1 is composed of two upper and lower roller portions 1a and 1b having a substantially conical portion whose diameter increases with increasing distance from each other in the axial direction, as shown in FIG. The vegetables y are fed by being supported by the rotary rollers 1 and 1 at a plurality of locations (preferably four locations), and are fed in such a manner that the center of the vegetables y is more accurately positioned in the approximate center of the vegetable feeding space k. Will be done.
Incidentally, reference numeral 52 in FIG. 6 denotes a pressing plate for preventing the lifting of the vegetables y (particularly, the lifting after cutting). This pressing plate is usually unnecessary, but it is advantageous for realizing reliable feeding and cutting even when the size of the vegetable y is extremely large, and may be used as necessary. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, in a side view, the tip portion 61 of the blade is
Are located on the front side of the maximum outer diameter portion 12 of the roller 1. In this way, since the tip end portion 61 of the cutting tool is advanced to a position close to the central axis 11, the vegetable y is positioned by the tip end portion 61 of the cutting tool immediately after being separated from the rotating rollers 1 and 1, and is bent. Even vegetables can be reliably cut along the longitudinal direction.

The vegetables y cut along the longitudinal direction are sent to the rear of the blade, but at that time, means for carrying the vegetables may be provided at an appropriate place. In this example, the chute 7 as shown in FIG. 1 is provided, but a belt conveyor or the like may be provided. Further, subsequent to this processing, a device for cutting to a predetermined length may be installed in parallel.

Next, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a modified example of the above-described embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8, a rotating roller (not shown in FIG. 8) is moved in parallel to approach. It is designed to be separated. In the above example, the rotary roller 1 is attached to the tip.
The base end of the support shaft 21 provided with is rotatably supported on the base 5. Therefore, when the distance between the rotating rollers 1, 1 is increased, the distance between the upper ends of the rotating rollers 1, 1 is slightly larger than the distance between the lower ends. On the other hand, in this example, the base end of the support shaft 21 is supported by the guide shaft 81 and moved linearly. Then, a spring 82 is provided on the guide shaft 81 to urge the support shafts 21 and 21 to approach each other. As a result, when the distance between the rotating rollers 1, 1 increases, the rotating rollers 1, 1
The intervals between the upper ends of the and the lower ends are always equal to each other.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another roller supporting structure. In this example, the supporting shafts 21 and 2 of the rotating rollers 1 and 1 are shown.
1, an arm 91 extending forward or backward (in this example, forward) is provided, and an end portion of the arm 91 is rotatably supported by a shaft supporting portion 92. As a result, when the distance between the rotating rollers 1, 1 increases, the rotating rollers 1, 1
The spacing between the upper ends of and the lower ends can always be equal.

In addition to the above-described embodiments, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications. For example, although one pair of rollers is provided, a plurality of rollers can be provided in the front-rear direction. Separate rollers may be arranged in three or four directions, and the vegetables may be supported and conveyed at the center of these rollers. Regarding the cutting means, it is possible to carry out assuming that all the blades are located on the same line in the front-rear direction, but it is more reliable to use a blade having the tip portion 61 for a long vegetable, It is possible to cut to the end along the longitudinal direction.

As described above, the first invention of the present application is an automatic cutting machine capable of automatically cutting long vegetables such as cucumber along the longitudinal direction, and in particular, bent long vegetables. Even if there is, it is possible to provide an automatic vegetable cutting machine that can continuously and smoothly cut from one end to the other end. The second invention of the present application has been able to provide an automatic vegetable cutting machine which can more reliably and smoothly cut from one end to the other end.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an internal structure of an automatic vegetable cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of essential parts showing a usage state of the automatic vegetable cutting machine.

FIG. 4 is a main part front view showing a usage state of the automatic vegetable cutting machine.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a roller of the automatic vegetable cutting machine.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a usage state of the roller.

FIG. 7 (A) is a front view of the cutting means of the automatic vegetable cutting machine, and FIG. 7 (B) is a plan view thereof.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of main parts showing a modified example of the automatic vegetable cutting machine.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of main parts showing another modified example of the automatic vegetable cutting machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 rotating roller 1a Upper roller part 1b Lower roller part 3 urging means 6 cutting means 61 Tip 62 cutting edge y vegetables k Vegetable feeding space

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-3-190694 (JP, A) JP-A-7-1392 (JP, A) JP-A-10-165156 (JP, A) JP-A-2-243291 (JP , A) Actual development Hei 5-396 (JP, U) Actual development Sho 62-192894 (JP, U) Actual development Sho 53-152850 (JP, U) Actual development Sho 63-113594 (JP, U) Registered utility model 3017087 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B26D 3/26 B26D 1/02

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A feed roller means and after the feed roller means
Automatic cutting of vegetables with cutting means (6) coordinated to
In the breaking machine, the feed roller means are arranged so that they can approach and separate from each other.
Pair of rotating rollers (1, 1) and their rotating rollers.
Support means (2, 2) for supporting the roller and the rotating roller
A biasing means for biasing (1,1) and a rotating roller (1,1)
The driving means (4) of 1) is provided, and each supporting means (2) can rotate the rotary roller (1) at the tip.
It is a support shaft that supports a pair of support shafts and supports it.
The held rotating rollers (1, 1) can move relatively close to and away from each other.
And the biasing means is provided on each support shaft so that both support shafts approach each other.
The plurality of rotating rollers (1, 1) have a long shape such as cucumber.
Rotate by sandwiching the vegetable (y) between the rotating rollers (1, 1)
By doing so, the cutting means (6) cuts the sent-out vegetables (y) in the longitudinal direction.
The driving means (4) is a pulley provided on each rotating roller 1 and is cut along the direction.
(41) and the belt (42) on both pulleys (41, 41).
a, 42b) which is connected through a two-stage press that rotates integrally
With a pulley (43) , the two-stage pulley (43) is connected to one of the rotating rollers (1).
Then, the belt (42a) rotates the other side in the forward direction.
Belt (42b) reverses to roller (1)
Rotating roller (1,1)
Rotate in opposite directions and are inserted between both (1,1)
Characterized in that the vegetables (y) are sent backward as described above.
Automatic vegetable cutting machine. 2. The feed roller means comprises at least one pair of rotary rollers (1, 1) arranged so as to face each other so as to sandwich a long vegetable (y) therebetween. The rotating roller (1) comprises two roller parts (1a, 1b), and these two roller parts (1a, 1b) are provided with at least these parts by increasing in diameter as they move away from each other in the axial direction. At least four roller parts (1a, 1b) constituted by two roller parts (1a, 1b) in a pair of rotating rollers (1,1)
a, 1b, 1b) forms a long vegetable feeding space (k), and the cutting means has a tip portion (61) located substantially in the center of the vegetable feeding space (k), The automatic vegetable cutting machine according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cutting blades (62) that gradually extend rearward from the tip portion (61) in a radially outward direction.