JP6392624B2 - Tofu cutting device and tofu packing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tofu cutting device and a tofu packing device provided with the tofu cutting device.

As a processing apparatus for cutting a material such as tofu into a cubic shape of a predetermined size, for example, apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known. The processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a horizontal blade installed at a predetermined height position on the conveyor. Thereby, when a conveyance conveyor conveys sheet-like tofu etc. horizontally, the tofu etc. conveyed are horizontally cut | disconnected by the horizontal blade into several sheets. Moreover, the processing apparatus of patent document 2 makes the fishing line | wire cutting piece with which the fishing line was stretched horizontally approached the gap | interval of the tofu side surface in a pack so that a fishing line may become the intermediate level of the height of tofu. Then, the fishing line cutter is moved horizontally in the tofu while maintaining the height of the fishing line. As a result, the tofu in the pack is divided into two in the vertical direction.
Patent Document 3 describes a tofu packed land packing device. This pack filling device grips tofu by a pair of positioning plates and conveys it to a position of a packaging pack arranged at a predetermined position on a conveyor. Then, the tofu gripped at the position of the packaging pack is dropped into the packaging pack, whereby the tofu is stored in the packaging pack on land.

JP-A-10-165128 JP 2000-1305064 A JP 2012-140158 A

However, in the processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the tofu is transported while being placed on the transport conveyor, the tofu itself may be bent during horizontal cutting due to the resistance of a plurality of horizontal blades. When the tofu is bent, the cutting position is displaced, and the shape of the tofu after cutting is disturbed. Therefore, it becomes difficult to stably cut the tofu into a uniform shape. Moreover, if the tofu is cut into the shape of a bowl at once, the cut pieces of tofu are likely to fall apart, making it difficult to orderly store them in a packaging pack. On the other hand, in the processing apparatus of Patent Document 2, since one fishing line is used for the cutting blade, there is a possibility that foreign matter may be mixed in tofu when the fishing line is cut. A thick thread can be used to avoid contamination with foreign matter, but in that case the cut surface of tofu becomes rough.
In addition, when cutting the tofu into a square shape by horizontal cutting and vertical cutting (grid cutting), if these cuttings are performed at the same position, the tofu stop time on the processing line becomes longer and it is difficult to increase the throughput. It becomes.

  Therefore, the present invention is a tofu cutting device that can prevent tofu damage, can cut tofu with high accuracy without generating foreign matter, and can orderly store the mold-like tofu in a packaging pack at high speed and with high efficiency. It is another object of the present invention to provide a tofu packing apparatus.

The present invention has the following configuration.
( 1 ) A tofu packing device for cutting tofu placed on a horizontal surface on land, and storing the cut tofu in a packaging pack,
A positioning member that abuts against the side surface of the tofu and positions;
A horizontal cutter arranged so as to be horizontally movable within a height range of an area in contact with the tofu of the positioning member;
A cutter driving unit for driving the horizontal cutter horizontally;
A shutter plate that has the horizontal surface on which the tofu is placed and is horizontally movable;
A shutter plate driving unit that drives the shutter plate to advance and retreat between a tofu support position where the tofu is placed and a non-support position that is separated from the tofu support position;
A horizontal cutting portion that cuts the tofu horizontally into horizontally divided tofu;
A packaging pack supply unit that is disposed immediately below the shutter plate and supplies the packaging pack;
A drive control unit that drives and controls at least the cutter driving unit and the shutter plate driving unit;
A carrier on which the positioning member, the horizontal cutter, and the cutter driving unit are mounted;
A carrier driving unit that horizontally conveys the carrier from a tofu supply position where the positioning member positions the tofu to an upper position of the packaging pack supply unit;
With
At least one of the positioning members is formed with a slit that opens along the horizontal direction,
The drive control unit moves the tofu by moving horizontally until the horizontal cutter is substantially in contact with the positioning member disposed on the end side in the cutting direction of the horizontal cutter with the horizontal cutter inserted through the slit. Packed in tofu, horizontally cut tofu, moved to the non-support position from the tofu support position to drop the horizontally divided tofu and stored in the packaging pack apparatus.
( 2 ) A tofu packing device for cutting tofu placed on a horizontal surface on land, and storing the cut tofu in a packaging pack,
A positioning member that abuts against the side surface of the tofu and positions;
A horizontal cutter arranged so as to be horizontally movable within a height range of an area in contact with the tofu of the positioning member;
A cutter driving unit for driving the horizontal cutter horizontally;
A shutter plate that has the horizontal surface on which the tofu is placed and is horizontally movable;
A shutter plate driving unit that drives the shutter plate to advance and retreat between a tofu support position where the tofu is placed and a non-support position that is separated from the tofu support position;
A horizontal cutting portion that cuts the tofu horizontally into horizontally divided tofu;
A packaging pack supply unit that is disposed immediately below the shutter plate and supplies the packaging pack;
A drive control unit that drives and controls at least the cutter driving unit and the shutter plate driving unit;
A carrier on which the positioning member, the horizontal cutter, and the cutter driving unit are mounted;
A carrier driving unit that horizontally conveys the carrier from a tofu supply position where the positioning member positions the tofu to an upper position of the packaging pack supply unit;
With
Either side of the tofu is an unsupported side where the positioning member does not exist,
The drive control unit moves the horizontal cutter horizontally from the unsupported side surface toward the positioning member disposed on the end side in the cutting direction of the horizontal cutter, and horizontally split tofu obtained by horizontally cutting the tofu Then, the shutter plate is moved from the tofu support position to the non-support position to drop the horizontally divided tofu and store it in the packaging pack.
( 3 ) A vertical cutter for cutting the horizontally divided tofu in the vertical direction ,
The packaging pack supply unit is disposed below the vertical cutter,
(1) or (1) , wherein the horizontally divided tofu positioned by the positioning member is dropped, the horizontally divided tofu being dropped is cut vertically by the vertical cutter and stored in the packaging pack. The tofu packing device according to 2) .
( 4 ) The carrier includes a plurality of positioning members that position the plurality of tofus, and a plurality of the horizontal cutters that respectively cut the plurality of tofus horizontally.
The tofu packing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the cutter driving unit drives a plurality of the horizontal cutters.
(5) the cutter drive unit, while the carrier drive unit conveys the tofu from the tofu supply position to a position above the packaging packs supply unit, the characterized by horizontally cutting the curd (1) The tofu packing device according to any one of to (4) .

  According to the tofu cutting device of the present invention, the tofu can be cut with high accuracy without preventing the tofu from being damaged and without generating foreign matter. Moreover, according to the tofu packing device of the present invention, horizontally divided tofu or tofu cut into a grid can be stored in a packaging pack at high speed and with high efficiency.

It is a figure for demonstrating embodiment of this invention, and is a typical block diagram of the packing apparatus of tofu. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the tofu positioning part, the upstream horizontal cutting part, and the downstream horizontal cutting part of the tofu packing device. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of tofu. It is process explanatory drawing which shows a mode that tofu is positioned from a tofu supply line by the horizontal cutting apparatus of tofu. (A), (B), (C) is process explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a tofu is horizontally cut | disconnected by the horizontal cutting apparatus of a tofu. (A), (B) is process explanatory drawing which shows a mode that horizontally divided tofu is accommodated in a packaging pack. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 3rd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 4th modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 5th modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 6th modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 7th modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of an 8th modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 9th modification. It is an expanded sectional view of the A section in the waveform horizontal cutter shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 10th modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of an 11th modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus of the tofu of a 12th modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the packing apparatus of the tofu containing a vertical cutter. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the packing apparatus of the other tofu containing a vertical cutter. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the packing apparatus of the other tofu containing a vertical cutter. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the packing apparatus of the other tofu containing a vertical cutter. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the packing apparatus of the other tofu containing a vertical cutter. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the other modification of a horizontal cutting device. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the other modification of a horizontal cutting device. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the other modification of a horizontal cutting device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the present invention and is a schematic configuration diagram of a tofu packing device. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configuration example.

<Configuration of tofu packing equipment>
A tofu packing device 100 (hereinafter referred to as a packing device) positions tofu T1 and T2 supplied on the horizontal surface of the tofu supply line 11 on land, and the tofu conveyance direction indicated by a one-dot chain line P in the figure. Convey horizontally. During this horizontal conveyance, the tofu T1, T2 is cut horizontally. Then, the cut horizontally divided tofu is dropped toward the packaging pack 15 arranged in the packaging pack supply unit 13. Thereby, the horizontally divided tofu divided horizontally is stored in the packaging pack 15. Further, when the horizontally divided tofu is dropped toward the packaging pack 15, the horizontally divided tofu may be further cut in the vertical direction so as to be stored in the packaging pack 15 as cocoon-shaped tofu.

  The packing device 100 includes a carrier 17, a carrier driving unit 19, and a shutter plate driving unit 23.

  The carrier 17 is equipped with a horizontal cutting device 200 that horizontally cuts the tofu T1, T2. The carrier 17 is conveyed by the carrier driving unit 19 from the tofu supply position on the tofu supply line 11 that holds the tofu T1 and T2 to the upper position of the packaging pack supply unit 13. Between the tofu supply line 11 and the shutter plate 21, a transfer conveyance path 22 such as a plate or a conveyor is disposed.

  The transfer conveyance path 22 may be arranged without any difference from the preceding and following conveyance paths, but the conveyance surface is arranged at a position lower than the conveyance surface of the tofu supply line 11 and higher than the placement surface of the shutter plate 21. Is preferred. In addition, a large number of blowing holes through which water, air, or the like blows out may be provided on the transport surface. Thereby, the tofu T1, T2 of the tofu supply line 11 can be smoothly moved onto the shutter plate 21.

  The carrier driving unit 19 fixes the hook unit 18 provided on the top of the carrier 17 to the conveyor belt 20 and drives the conveyor belt 20 to move the carrier 17 horizontally.

  The shutter plate drive unit 23 includes a shutter plate 21 and a horizontal movement actuator 67 that drives the shutter plate 21 to advance and retreat horizontally. The shutter plate 21 is disposed below the horizontal cutting device 200 and has a horizontal surface on which the tofu T1 and T2 are placed.

  The shutter plate 21 is disposed at a tofu support position on which the tofu T1 and T2 are placed. Is moved horizontally to an unsupported position away from The shutter plate 21 is returned to the tofu support position after the tofu T1 and T2 are stored in the packaging packs 15 and 15, respectively.

  Although not shown in the pack filling device 100, a vertical cutter for cutting the tofu T1, T2 in the vertical direction as described later is provided between the shutter plate 21 and the packaging pack 15 of the packaging pack supply unit 13. The form arrange | positioned closely may be sufficient.

  The vertical cutter is not limited to a configuration in which a sharp cutting edge is formed on the upper side (forms a so-called “skin”) and is disposed between the shutter plate 21 and the packaging pack 15. , T2 may be cut off. That is, the vertical cutter may be configured to cut the tofu T1, T2 horizontally and then vertically, and the arrangement location thereof may be arbitrary. Further, although not shown, a guide for guiding the horizontally divided tofu falling may be provided on the outer periphery of the vertical cutter.

Next, the horizontal cutting device 200 will be described.
The horizontal cutting device 200 includes a tofu positioning unit 25 that holds and positions the pair of tofu T1 and T2, an upstream horizontal cutting unit 27 that cuts the tofu T1, and a downstream horizontal cutting unit 29 that cuts the tofu T2. Prepare.

(Tofu positioning part)
The tofu positioning unit 25 includes a vertical movement actuator 31 having a cylinder connected to the carrier 17, a central frame 33 to which a piston rod of the vertical movement actuator 31 is connected, a sub horizontal movement actuator 37, and an upstream positioning plate (positioning member). 39). The tofu positioning unit 25 includes a vertical motion actuator 47 having a cylinder connected to the carrier 17, a downstream frame 45 to which a piston rod of the vertical motion actuator 47 is connected, a sub horizontal motion actuator 43, and a downstream positioning plate. (Positioning member) 41.

  The positioning plates 39 and 41 of the tofu positioning part 25 can adjust the grip strength of the tofu appropriately from strong to weak. In some cases, the tofu is positioned so that the gripping strength is weakened or touched with little gripping.

  The center frame 33 has a pair of hanging parts provided along the tofu conveyance direction P. A spacer plate 35 inserted between the facing side surfaces of the pair of tofu T1 and T2 is connected to the drooping portion on the downstream side in the tofu conveying direction P.

  The spacer plate 35 contacts the side surfaces of the tofu T1 and T2, positions the tofu T1 and T2, and supports the tofu T1 and T2 between the upstream positioning plate 39 and the downstream positioning plate 41. In addition, although not shown in figure, it may replace with the spacer plate 35 and the form which provided the positioning plate in the downstream of tofu T1 and provided the positioning plate in the upstream of tofu T2 may be sufficient.

  A sub horizontal motion actuator 37 is connected to the drooping portion on the upstream side in the tofu conveyance direction P. The sub-horizontal actuator 37 has an upstream positioning plate 39 facing the spacer plate 35 connected to the tip of the piston rod.

  The upstream positioning plate 39 can be moved back and forth toward the spacer plate 35 by driving the sub horizontal movement actuator 37, and is positioned by gripping one tofu T <b> 1 with the spacer plate 35. In addition, it is effective especially when tofu is horizontally transported or dropped when tofu is held, but conversely, in the case of horizontal cutting, the tofu is distorted and the cutting accuracy may be lowered. . Therefore, it is preferable that the gripping strength is relaxed at the time of horizontal cutting and the positioning state is set so as to lightly touch the tofu.

  A sub horizontal motion actuator 43 is connected to the downstream frame 45, and a downstream positioning plate 41 facing the spacer plate 35 is connected to the tip of the piston rod of the sub horizontal motion actuator 43.

  The downstream positioning plate 41 can be moved back and forth toward the spacer plate 35 by driving the sub-horizontal motion actuator 43, and is positioned by gripping the other tofu T2 with the spacer plate 35.

(Upstream horizontal cutting section)
The upstream horizontal cutting unit 27 includes a vertical movement actuator 51, an upstream frame 53, an upstream horizontal movement actuator 55 (cutter driving unit), and an upstream horizontal cutter 57.

  In the vertical movement actuator 51, the cylinder is connected to the carrier 17, and the piston rod is connected to the upstream frame 53, and the upstream frame 53 is driven up and down. This is because the upstream horizontal cutter 57 does not interfere with the tofu conveyed from the upstream side by the tofu supply line 11 and the transfer conveyance path 22. If there is no fear of the interference, the vertical movement actuator 51 is not necessary, and the support portion fixed to the carrier 17 may be arranged in place of the vertical movement actuator 51.

  An upstream horizontal motion actuator 55 is provided at the lower part of the upstream frame 53. The upstream horizontal movement actuator 55 is connected to the piston rod with the upstream horizontal cutter 57, and moves the upstream horizontal cutter 57 forward and backward from the start end side in the cutting direction toward the spacer plate 35 disposed on the end side in the cutting direction. I support it freely.

  The upstream horizontal cutter 57 is a metal plate such as aluminum or stainless steel plate, and a blade span equal to or wider than the horizontal width of the side surface of the tofu T1 (the side surface in the vertical direction in FIG. 1) is provided at the downstream end. Yes. As a result, the blade span portion of the upstream horizontal cutter 57 can be brought into contact with the entire horizontal section of the tofu T1.

(Downstream horizontal cutting part)
The downstream horizontal cutting unit 29 includes a support unit 61, a downstream horizontal movement actuator (cutter driving unit) 63, and a downstream horizontal cutter 65.

  The upper end of the support portion 61 is connected to the carrier 17, and the downstream horizontal motion actuator 63 is provided at the lower end of the support portion 61. The downstream horizontal movement actuator 63 is connected to the piston rod with a downstream horizontal cutter 65, and supports the downstream horizontal cutter 65 so as to be movable forward and backward toward the spacer plate 35 disposed on the end side in the cutting direction.

  Similarly to the upstream horizontal cutter 57, the downstream horizontal cutter 65 is a metal plate such as aluminum or stainless steel plate, and is equal to or more than the horizontal width of the side surface of the tofu T2 (the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1). A wide blade span is provided at the upstream end. As a result, the blade span portion of the downstream horizontal cutter 65 can be brought into contact with the entire horizontal section of the tofu T2.

  The spacer plate 35 against which the cutting edges of the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 abut may be provided with resin or rubber that softens the contact of the cutting edges, or may be provided with a concave groove at the abutting position. When a positioning plate is provided instead of the spacer plate 35, a slit serving as a through hole may be formed, and the blade edge may be inserted through the slit a little. In that case, contact between metals can be prevented and damage to the blade edge can be prevented. Further, the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 are sharpened on the cutting edge. Further, in order to reduce the frictional resistance with tofu, the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 may be formed of a thin plate material having a thickness of 1 mm or less, and various surface processing (fluorine resin coating or the like) may be applied to the cutter surface.

(Shutter plate drive)
The shutter plate drive unit 23 includes the shutter plate 21, a horizontal motion actuator 67, and a suspension arm 71 that supports them. In particular, when there are a plurality of product types with different packaging packs 15, the plurality of packaging pack supply units 13 are arranged in parallel. For example, the packaging pack supply unit 13 is provided in parallel according to product types having different pack sizes. In that case, the shutter plate 21 of the shutter plate driving unit 23 is moved to a predetermined position above the packaging pack supply unit 13 corresponding to each product type.

  Although not shown, two sets of the shutter plate drive unit 23, the shutter plate 21, the horizontal motion actuator 67, and the suspension arm 71 that supports them may be provided on the upstream side and the downstream side. In that case, the tofu T1 and the tofu T2 can be individually dropped by separately opening and closing the shutter plates disposed below the tofu T1 and the tofu T2.

  In addition, when the tofu falls, a drop impact mitigating means such as raising the packaging pack 15 to accommodate the tofu, lowering it after the accommodation, or putting water into the packaging pack 15 before the tofu accommodation may be provided as appropriate.

  Further, as a substitute for or in combination with the shutter drive by the horizontal motion actuator 67, a rotation drive type open / close shutter plate can be used. The rotary drive type opening / closing shutter plate is arranged below the tofu, and the opening portion appears or closes above the packaging pack by the rotation operation of the shutter plate by the rotary actuator. This shutter plate may be a single shutter plate or a plurality of shutter plates. Further, the horizontal movement actuator 67 and the rotary movement actuator may be cooperated to drive the shutter plate in combination with horizontal movement and vertical movement.

  Furthermore, it is good also as a structure provided with the fall guide plate which guides the tofu which falls to the packaging pack below the shutter board along the fall path | route of tofu.

  The shutter plate 21 is disposed horizontally below the tofu T1 and T2 gripped between the spacer plate 35, the upstream positioning plate 39, and the downstream positioning plate 41.

  The horizontal movement actuator 67 has the shutter plate 21 connected to the piston rod and horizontally moves the shutter plate 21. Thereby, the shutter plate 21 can be made to appear and disappear freely below the gripped tofu T1, T2.

  The suspension arm 71 is connected to a horizontal motion actuator 67 at the lower end, and supported at the upper end by a ball screw type or rack and pinion type shaft 69 provided alongside the carrier drive unit 19.

  In addition, tofu here is a substantially cube (substantially hexahedron) or a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a side dimension of 20 to 150 mm and a height of 10 to 100 mm as a single pack. The tofu is preferably a substantially cubic (substantially hexahedron) or a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a side of 50 to 120 mm and a height of 20 to 80 mm. The chopped tofu cut off in the form of a ridge is a substantially cubic (substantially regular hexahedron) or a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a side dimension of 10 to 50 mm.

Moreover, the breaking force of tofu is 0.2-20 N / m < ² > (about 20-2000 gf / cm < ² >), From the conditions, such as pinching property and food texture, Preferably it is 0.4-10 N / m < ² > (about 40 to 1000 gf / cm ² ). The tofu to be packed in this configuration includes general cotton tofu, soft cotton tofu, baked tofu, hard tofu, silken tofu, soft tofu, soft pudding tofu, their frozen tofu and freeze-dried tofu, etc. It is targeted. The tofu cutting device of this configuration can also be applied to cutting dough for secondary processed products of tofu such as raw fried, silk fried and fried dough.

  The drive source indicated by each actuator of this configuration is, for example, a linear actuator such as an air cylinder or an electric cylinder, and is not particularly limited as long as the drive source can be linearly reciprocated and positioned. In addition, as a drive source type, a crank type using a linear actuator, an angle control function such as a rotary encoder, various reduction gears, a direct connection type such as a motor or servo motor with an inverter control, or a belt or chain was used. Examples include a motor power transmission system, a linear drive mechanism using a rotary actuator, and the like. However, the drive source of this structure is not limited to these.

  Although not shown, each of the actuators is driven based on a drive signal output from the drive control unit. The drive control unit includes a CPU, a memory, a drive driver for each actuator, etc., and drives each actuator in an integrated manner based on a program and sequence created in advance or based on an instruction input from an operation panel or the like. .

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the tofu positioning unit 25, the upstream horizontal cutting unit 27, and the downstream horizontal cutting unit 29 of the tofu packing device 100. The spacer plate 35, the upstream positioning plate 39, and the downstream positioning plate 41 are extended along an arrangement direction in which a plurality of tofu T1 and T2 are arranged at approximately equal intervals for each one.

  The upstream positioning plate 39 is formed with a rectangular slit 75 that opens along the horizontal direction and through which the upstream horizontal cutter 57 is inserted. Similarly, the downstream positioning plate 41 is formed with a rectangular slit 77 that opens along the horizontal direction and through which the downstream horizontal cutter 65 is inserted.

  The slits 75 and 77 are formed within the height range of the region in contact with the tofu T2 of the upstream positioning plate 39 and the downstream positioning plate 41. Therefore, the upstream horizontal cutter 57 and the downstream horizontal cutter 65 inserted through the slits 75 and 77 protrude to the tofu T1 and T2 side within the height range of the tofu T1 and T2, and horizontally cut the tofu T1 and T2. .

  In the illustrated example, one upstream side horizontal cutter 57 and one downstream side horizontal cutter 65 are arranged for one tofu T1, T2, but this is not restrictive. For example, a plurality of rows of slits arranged in the vertical direction may be provided on the positioning plates 39 and 41, and the tofu T1 and T2 may be cut simultaneously by a plurality of horizontal cutters. Moreover, you may make it the structure which cuts tofu T1, T2 by inserting one horizontal cutter sequentially to several slits. In these cases, horizontally divided tofu divided into three or more layers is obtained. Each positioning plate 39, 41 serves as a stopper when the horizontal cutters 57, 65 are retracted after horizontal cutting, and prevents the tofu from being displaced after horizontal cutting.

  Next, a mechanism for cutting one tofu in the horizontal direction and storing it in the packaging pack by the pack filling device 100 having the above configuration will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of the horizontal cutting apparatus for tofu. In the illustrated example, the configuration of each part will be described for the downstream horizontal cutting unit 29, but the upstream horizontal cutting unit 27 has the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tofu T2 conveyed in the direction of arrow D1 in the drawing is positioned between the spacer plate 35 and the downstream positioning plate 41. A shutter plate 21 is arranged between the packaging pack 15 below the tofu T2.

  With the tofu T2 positioned between the spacer plate 35 and the positioning plate 41, the downstream horizontal cutter 65 is inserted horizontally into the slit 77 formed in the positioning plate 41 (arrow D2 in the figure). After the downstream horizontal cutter 65 is abutted against the spacer plate 35, the downstream horizontal cutter 65 is pulled back horizontally (arrow D3 in the figure). By this operation, the tofu T2 is horizontally divided into two.

  Next, the shutter plate 21 is moved horizontally (arrow D4 in the figure) while holding the tofu T2 divided in two horizontally between the spacer plate 35 and the downstream positioning plate 41, and from below the tofu T2. Evacuate. Then, the tofu T2 is dropped by its own weight in the manner of dropping the daruma and stored in the packaging pack 15. Alternatively, the tofu T2 may be forcibly dropped by retracting the shutter plate 21 and separating the downstream positioning plate 41 from the spacer plate 35.

  The packaging pack 15 in which the tofu T2 is stored is conveyed toward the arrow D5 in the figure, and the next new packaging pack is placed at the position where the tofu T2 falls.

<Procedure for grasping, transporting, horizontal cutting, and packing of tofu with a packing device>
Next, tofu transportation, horizontal cutting, and packing process by the packing apparatus 100 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 4 is a process explanatory view showing a state where the tofu is positioned from the tofu supply line 11 by the horizontal cutting device 200 for tofu.

(Gripping / positioning process)
A drive control unit (not shown) drives the carrier drive unit 19 to move the carrier 17 to the tofu supply line 11 side as shown in FIG. Then, the movement is stopped at a position where the spacer plate 35 is disposed immediately above the tofu T1 and T2 placed on the tofu supply line 11 at a predetermined interval. Next, the vertical movement actuator 31 is lowered to insert the spacer plate 35 between the tofu T1 and T2.

  Then, the drive control unit drives the sub horizontal movement actuators 37 and 43 to move the upstream positioning plate 39 and the downstream positioning plate 41 toward the spacer plate 35.

  As a result, the two side surfaces facing each other of the tofu T1 on the tofu supply line 11 are gripped between the spacer plate 35 and the upstream positioning plate 39 and positioned in the horizontal direction. Similarly, the two side surfaces of the tofu T2 facing each other are gripped between the spacer plate 35 and the downstream positioning plate 41 and positioned in the horizontal direction. In addition, it can suppress that the distortion and damage of tofu arise by setting the force which hold | grips tofu T1, T2 weakly.

(Conveying process, horizontal cutting process)
Next, the drive control unit drives the carrier drive unit 19 to move the carrier 17 toward the packaging pack supply unit. FIGS. 5A, 5 </ b> B, and 5 </ b> C are process explanatory views showing how tofu is conveyed by the horizontal cutting apparatus 200 for tofu.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the drive control unit moves the carrier 17 horizontally to pass the tofu T1 and T2 from the tofu supply line 11 onto the transfer conveyance path 22 and on the shutter plate 21. Move to. Further, the carrier 17 is moved horizontally, and the tofu T1, T2 is slid with the shutter plate 21 disposed below the tofu T1, T2.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the drive control unit drives the upstream horizontal motion actuator 55 and the downstream horizontal motion actuator 63 simultaneously or sequentially while the carrier 17 is moving, so that the upstream horizontal cutter 57 and the downstream horizontal cutter 65 are moved toward the spacer plate 35.

  That is, the drive control unit horizontally moves the upstream horizontal cutter 57 in a state where the upstream horizontal cutter 57 is inserted into the slit 75 formed in the upstream positioning plate 39 and abuts against the spacer plate 35. In addition, the drive control unit horizontally moves the downstream horizontal cutter 65 in a state where the downstream horizontal cutter 65 is inserted into the slit 77 formed in the downstream positioning plate 41 and abuts against the spacer plate 35. Accordingly, the tofu T1 and T2 are horizontally cut while the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 are guided by the slits 75 and 77, respectively.

  After the horizontal cutting of the tofu T1, T2, the drive control unit drives the upstream side horizontal motion actuator 55 and the downstream side horizontal motion actuator 63 simultaneously or sequentially so that the upstream side horizontal cutter 57 and the downstream side horizontal cutter 65 are driven. Separated from the spacer plate 35. Then, the upstream horizontal cutter 57 and the downstream horizontal cutter 65 are extracted from the slits 75 and 77 to form horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a in which the tofu T1 and T2 are horizontally cut.

  The operation of abutting each of the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 against a spacer plate (positioning plate in the case of abutting against a positioning plate described later) 35 is performed with the blade edge of each of the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 being brought into contact with the surface of the abutting spacer plate 35. It will be in the state of substantially contacting.

The “substantially contact” of the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 here means
(1) State in which the cutting edges of the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 are in contact with the surface of the spacer plate 35 (2) State in which there is a slight gap due to manufacturing errors of the dimensions of the apparatus and members (3) Horizontal cutter 57, Each state immediately before the tip of 65 hits the spacer plate 35 or with a predetermined gap left intentionally (so-called “dimension stop” state), leaving a slight uncut portion in the tofu. Shall be included.

  In the following description, “abutment” or “substantially abutment” of horizontal cutters 57 and 65 (the same applies to knife-like cutters 91 (FIG. 17), 92A (FIG. 18), and 92B (FIG. 19) described later). The above meanings (1) to (3) are included. Particularly in the state (3), damage to the tip of the horizontal cutter can be prevented. Further, in that case, a slight uncut portion is produced in the tofu, but it becomes inconspicuous because it is naturally cut by the subsequent handling of the tofu.

(Packing process)
Next, the drive control unit stores the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a in the packaging pack 15, respectively. 6 (A) and 6 (B) are process explanatory views showing how the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a are stored in the packaging pack 15. FIG.

  The drive control unit conveys the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a to above the packaging pack supply unit 13 as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the drive control unit drives the horizontal movement actuator 67 to move the shutter plate 21 from the tofu support position where the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a are placed to the tofu support position. Move horizontally to a remote unsupported position. That is, the shutter plate 21 is pulled out from under the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a.

  Then, the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a are guided by the positioning plates 39 and 41 and fall in the manner of dropping a dart and are accommodated in the packaging packs 15 and 15 prepared in the packaging pack supply unit 13, respectively. The positioning plates 39 and 41 guide the side surfaces of the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a at the time of dropping, thereby allowing the packaging plates 15 and 15 to be accurately dropped.

  Further, the drive control unit drives the sub-horizontal motion actuators 37 and 43 in synchronization with the drive of the shutter plate 21 depending on the size and shape of the tofu, so that the positioning plates 39 and 41 and the spacer plate 35 The holding of the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a in between may be forcibly released.

  Next, the drive control unit drives the packaging pack supply unit 13 to convey the packaging packs 15 and 15 containing the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a to the downstream side in the conveying direction, and to send new packaging packs 15 and 15 to each other. It arrange | positions under the tofu positioning part 25. FIG. The horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a which are transported downstream in the transport direction and stored in the packaging packs 15 and 15 are cut into a grid by a separately provided vertical cutter and packed in the downstream process.

<Effects of Tofu Packing Device 100 and Tofu Horizontal Cutting Device 200>
According to the tofu packing device 100 and the tofu horizontal cutting device 200 configured as described above, the tofu T1 is located between the upstream positioning plate 39 and the spacer plate 35 and between the downstream positioning plate 41 and the spacer plate 35. , T2 are respectively gripped. The tofu T1 and T2 are horizontally cut by the upstream horizontal cutter 57 and the downstream horizontal cutter 65 along the gripping direction while the two side surfaces are gripped.

  Therefore, the tofu T1 and T2 are cut after being positioned while being lightly restrained between the positioning plates 39 and 41 and the spacer plate 35, and the posture and position of the tofu T1 and T2 change due to the cutting. There is no.

  Since the posture and position of the tofu T1, T2 do not change during cutting, the cut surfaces of the horizontally divided tofu T1a, T2a after cutting are parallel to the bottom and bottom surfaces of the tofu T1, T2 with high accuracy. Therefore, each horizontally divided tofu T1a, T2a after horizontal cutting becomes an accurate rectangular parallelepiped, and the shape of the tofu T1, T2 is not chipped.

  Moreover, since the upstream horizontal cutter 57 and the downstream horizontal cutter 65 have a blade span wider than the horizontal width of the two side surfaces of the gripped tofu T1, T2, the horizontal cutter 57, 65 performs a single horizontal movement operation. Tofu T1, T2 can be cut at once. Therefore, the processing capability of horizontal cutting of tofu is enhanced, and the cut surfaces of the horizontally divided tofu T1a and T2a after horizontal cutting become smoother than in the fishing line type or the like.

  Moreover, in this structure, the process of cut | disconnecting the tofu T1, T2 horizontally and the process of cut | disconnecting vertically are each implemented by different operation | movement in a different position. In addition, as will be described later, when a vertical cutter is provided below the shutter plate, the tofu T1, T2 is cut horizontally, and then cut immediately before packing, so that the tofu of the rice cake after becoming the shape of a rice cake is obtained. The distance and time to move (also called dice-like tofu) can be minimized. Therefore, the candy-like tofu that is arranged immediately after cutting can be packed in order without disturbing the arrangement, and the candy-like tofu can be mass-produced continuously with high efficiency. A specific method for cutting the tofu vertically will be described in detail later.

  Further, the drive control unit performs horizontal cutting of the tofu T1 and T2 described above while the carrier 17 moves. For this reason, the throughput of the tofu packing process can be increased as compared with the case where the tofu T1 and T2 are cut in a stationary state.

<Other configuration examples of the horizontal cutting device>
Next, other structural examples in the horizontal cutting apparatus for tofu having the above-described structure will be sequentially described.
(First modification)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of the horizontal cutting device 210 for tofu according to the first modification. In the following description, members common to those in FIG. 3 are given common reference numerals, and the description of the members is simplified or omitted. The configurations of the upstream horizontal cutting portion 27 and the downstream horizontal cutting portion 29 are equivalent as described above. Therefore, the downstream positioning plate 41 described below can be read as the upstream positioning plate 39, the downstream horizontal cutter 65 as the upstream horizontal cutter 57, the slit 77 as the slit 75, and the tofu T2 as the tofu T1.

  The horizontal cutting device 210 of this configuration includes a pair of side regulating plates 81 and 83 in addition to the configuration of the horizontal cutting device 200 shown in FIG. The side regulating plates 81 and 83 are positioning members that regulate the positions of the other two side surfaces orthogonal to the two side surfaces of the tofu T2 sandwiched between the spacer plate 35 and the downstream side positioning plate 41.

  The pair of side regulating plates 81 and 83 are in contact with the side surfaces of the tofu T2 in the same manner as the spacer plate 35 and the downstream positioning plate (hereinafter, abbreviated as positioning plate) 41, and regulate the horizontal movement of the tofu T2. To do.

  According to the horizontal cutting device 210 of this configuration, in addition to the spacer plate 35 and the positioning plate 41, the side surfaces of the tofu T2 are pressed from four sides by providing the pair of side regulating plates 81 and 83. Thereby, at the time of horizontal cutting of the tofu T2 by the downstream horizontal cutter (hereinafter, abbreviated as a horizontal cutter) 65, it is possible to prevent deformation and displacement of the tofu T2 in the direction intersecting the cutting direction in the horizontal plane. Therefore, the tofu T2 can be cut horizontally with higher accuracy.

(Second modification)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view schematically showing the main part of a horizontal cutting apparatus 220 for tofu according to a second modification.

  In the horizontal cutting device 220 of this configuration, a linear concave groove 85 into which the tip of the downstream horizontal cutter 65 is inserted is formed in the spacer plate 35 of the horizontal cutting device 200 shown in FIG. 3 along the horizontal direction. ing. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 200 described above.

  According to the horizontal cutting device 220 of this configuration, the tip of the horizontal cutter 65 is inserted into the concave groove 85 when the tofu T2 is horizontally cut. That is, the tip of the horizontal cutter 65 extends to a position further ahead of the position that is flush with the downstream side surface of the spacer plate 35.

  Therefore, the tofu T2 can be reliably cut from the side surface on the positioning plate 41 side to the downstream side surface on the spacer plate 35 side, and no uncut portion is generated. The concave groove 85 may be a through hole that penetrates the front and back surfaces of the spacer plate 35.

  The cutting edge at the tip of the horizontal cutter 65 in this configuration substantially comes into contact with the bottom surface of the concave groove 85 formed in the spacer plate 35. This substantially contact state includes a state in which a slight gap or a predetermined gap remains as described above. Further, the horizontal cutter 65 is substantially in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the concave groove 85 within the thickness of the spacer plate 35, and in the case of a through hole.

(Third Modification)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting device 230 for tofu according to a third modification.

  The horizontal cutting device 230 of this configuration includes a vertical positioning plate (vertical positioning member) 87 that abuts on the top surface of the tofu T2 of the horizontal cutting device 200 shown in FIG. 3, and a vertical movement that drives the vertical positioning plate 87 in the vertical direction. And an actuator 89. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 200 described above.

  The horizontal cutting device 230 of this configuration positions the tofu T2 sandwiched between the spacer plate 35 and the positioning plate 41 in the vertical direction by the vertical positioning plate 87 when the tofu T2 is horizontally cut.

  The bottom surface of the tofu T2 is in contact with the shutter plate 21, and the horizontal cutter 65 sandwiches the tofu T2 between the vertical positioning plate 87 and the shutter plate 21 so that the tofu T2 is weakly distorted with little distortion. Cut horizontally.

  According to the horizontal cutting device 230 of this configuration, when the tofu T2 is horizontally cut by the horizontal cutter 65, the tofu T2 is positioned in the vertical direction of the cut surface. Thereby, the deformation | transformation of the perpendicular direction of the tofu T2 at the time of a cutting | disconnection is suppressed, and the vertical cutting position of the tofu T2 becomes settled more correctly. Therefore, the tofu T2 is cut into a more uniform thickness.

(Fourth modification)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting apparatus 240 for tofu according to a fourth modification.

  The horizontal cutting device 240 of this configuration is provided with a pair of side regulating plates 81 and 83 which are positioning members in addition to the configuration of the horizontal cutting device 230 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 230 described above.

  According to the horizontal cutting device 240 of this configuration, the entire circumference of the side surface of the tofu T2 is surrounded by the spacer plate 35, the positioning plate 41, and the pair of side regulating plates 81 and 83. The upper and lower surfaces of the tofu T2 are positioned in the vertical direction by the shutter plate 21 and the vertical positioning plate 87.

  As a result, the tofu T2 is cut by the horizontal cutter 65 in a state in which all of the four side surfaces and the upper and lower surfaces are fixed, and the thickness uniformity is further improved.

(Fifth modification)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting apparatus 250 for tofu according to a fifth modification. In this modification, one of the side surfaces of the tofu is an unsupported side surface where no positioning member is present.

  In the horizontal cutting device 250 of this configuration, the positioning plate 41 of the horizontal cutting device 200 shown in FIG. 3 is omitted, and a pair of side regulating plates 81 that are positioning members similar to the horizontal cutting device 210 shown in FIG. , 83. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 200 described above.

  That is, the other three sides of the tofu T2 except for the side facing the horizontal cutter 65 are surrounded by the spacer plate 35 and the side regulating plates 81 and 83.

  According to the horizontal cutting device 250 of this configuration, the tofu T2 is accommodated in the region surrounded by the spacer plate 35 and the side regulating plates 81 and 83, and the position of the tofu T2 in the horizontal plane is regulated. Therefore, when the horizontal cutter 65 is moved toward the spacer plate 35 and the tofu T2 is cut horizontally, the position of the tofu T2 is not shifted. Therefore, the tofu T2 can be cut with high accuracy.

(Sixth Modification)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting device 260 for tofu according to a sixth modified example. Also in this modification, any one side surface of the tofu is an unsupported side surface where no positioning member is present.

  In the horizontal cutting device 260 of this configuration, guide plates 121 and 123 facing the front and back surfaces of the horizontal cutter 65 are added to the horizontal cutting device 250 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 250 described above.

  According to the horizontal cutting device 260 of this configuration, the horizontal cutter 65 can be accurately aligned with the desired cutting height position of the tofu T2 by the guide plates 121 and 123. Further, since the horizontal cutter 65 is guided along the guide plates 121 and 123, the horizontal cutter 65 can be horizontally moved with high accuracy. As a result, the parallelism of the horizontal cut surface of tofu T2 is further increased. Further, even when the horizontal cutter 65 is in the retracted state, the tip of the horizontal cutter 65 is arranged within the range of the guide plates 121 and 123 to assist the insertion operation when inserting into the tofu side. You can also.

(Seventh Modification)
FIG. 13: is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the horizontal cutting apparatus 270 of the tofu of a 7th modification.

  In the horizontal cutting device 270 of this configuration, a positioning plate 41 is added to the horizontal cutting device 260 shown in FIG. 12 described above, and guide plates 121 and 123 are arranged above and below the slit 77 of the positioning plate 41. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 260 described above.

  According to the horizontal cutting device 270 of this configuration, the horizontal cutter 65 can be accurately aligned with the position of the slit 77 by the guide plates 121 and 123, and the horizontal cutter 65 can be horizontally aligned along the guide plates 121 and 123 with high accuracy. Can be moved. Thereby, the parallelism of the horizontal cut surface of tofu T2 is further improved. Further, since the four side surfaces of the tofu T2 are positioned by the positioning plate 41, the spacer plate 35, and the side regulating plates 81 and 83, horizontal cutting can be performed with high accuracy while preventing the tofu T2 from being deformed.

(Eighth modification)
FIG. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting device 280 for tofu according to an eighth modification. This modification is the structure which provided the unsupported side surface without a positioning member in tofu, Comprising: The number of the positioning members which contact tofu is minimized.

  In the horizontal cutting device 280 of this configuration, the positioning plate 41 of the horizontal cutting device 200 shown in FIG. 3 is omitted. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 200 described above.

  According to the horizontal cutting device 280 of this configuration, the spacer plate 35 is disposed on the front side in the cutting direction of the tofu T2, and the tofu T2 can be cut horizontally by abutting the horizontal cutter 65 against the spacer plate 35. Thereby, it becomes a minimum required simple structure, a washing | cleaning location reduces, and it becomes easy to maintain a hygienic state with high cleanliness. Thus, maintainability is improved and running costs can be reduced.

(Ninth Modification)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting device 290 for tofu according to a ninth modification. Each of the horizontal cutters 65 of the tofu horizontal cutting apparatus described above is a flat plate cutter having a rectangular vertical cross section. The horizontal cutter 65 is not limited to the flat plate shape described above, and may be, for example, a corrugated horizontal cutter 95 having a corrugated vertical section as shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion A in the corrugated horizontal cutter 95 shown in FIG. In addition, by making the cut surface of tofu into a corrugated blade, the cut surface of tofu T2 can be corrugated, there is an old handmade feeling, the tofu is easily entangled with the seasoning liquid, and the tofu is easy to pass through.

  When the waveform horizontal cutter 95 is used as the horizontal cutter 65, the slit 78 of the positioning plate 41 is also formed in the same waveform shape as the waveform horizontal cutter 95, or a slit wider than the amplitude of the wave. When the slit 78 has a corrugated shape, the corrugated horizontal cutter 95 can be prevented from shifting in the width direction along the slit 78.

  In the fishing line type, horizontal cutting of the waveform is difficult, but in this configuration, it can be easily cut into the waveform. In addition, by making the horizontal cut into a corrugated cross section, the upper and lower horizontally divided tofu come into mesh with each other when dropped and stored in the packaging pack 15, and it is difficult for the lateral displacement in the packaging pack 15. In particular, in the case of rice cake-like tofu, even if it is shaken during transportation, it is difficult to dance in the packaging pack (it is difficult to move), and it can be a product that is orderly and looks good.

(10th modification)
FIG. 17 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting apparatus 300 for tofu according to a tenth modification.

  The horizontal cutting device 300 of this configuration includes a narrow and narrow knife-like cutter 91 instead of the horizontal cutter 65 of the horizontal cutting device 200 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 200 described above.

  The knife-like cutter 91 has a width in the minor axis direction of the cutter that is narrower than the horizontal width of the side surface of the tofu, and has a cutting edge along the major axis direction of the cutter. The knife-like cutter 91 is connected to the cutter drive mechanism 93, and the drive control unit drives the cutter drive mechanism 93 to cut the tofu T2 horizontally.

  A side regulating plate 81 as a positioning member that comes into contact with the side surface of the tofu T2 is provided on the end side in the horizontal cutting direction of the tofu T2 by the knife-shaped cutter 91. The illustrated cutter driving mechanism 93 is an example, and other known driving mechanisms can be used.

  The drive control unit moves the knife-like cutter 91 along P1, P2, P3, and P4 shown in FIG. In the moving process of P1, the knife-like cutter 91 is inserted through the slit 77 from the origin position and advanced toward the tofu T2.

  In the moving process of P1, the tofu T2 is not brought into contact with the tofu T2, and the side surface of the tofu T2 and the blade span portion of the knife-like cutter 91 are slightly separated and parallel to each other (cutting start position). Next, in the moving step P2, the cutting edge of the knife-like cutter 91 comes into contact with the side surface of the tofu T2, and the knife-like cutter 91 moves in one direction from the cutting start position to the end position of the opposite side face. A smooth and clean cut surface of tofu can be obtained by one moving operation at this time. Moreover, if the shape of the knife-like cutter 91 is made to be a waveform along the blade edge as in the waveform horizontal cutter 95 described above, the cross-section of the tofu can be neatly formed into an uneven cross-section such as a waveform, and the seasoning is often entangled with the tofu. It becomes like this.

  Further, the tofu T2 is advanced while cutting the tofu T2 at the tip of the knife-like cutter 91 in the moving process of P1, and the tofu T2 is horizontally moved by moving the knife-like cutter 91 in the direction orthogonal to the advancing direction in the moving process of P2. It may be cut. The moving process of P2 in that case is at least a distance equal to or longer than the width of the tofu minus the width of the knife-like cutter 91.

  In the moving process of P3, the knife-like cutter 91 is moved backward. In step P4, the knife-like cutter 91 is moved horizontally to return to the origin position.

  The drive control unit causes these processes to be executed by drive control of the cutter drive mechanism 93.

  In the step of horizontally cutting P2, when the tofu T2 is cut by the knife-like cutter 91, the side regulating plate 81 receives the force pushed on the front side in the cutting direction acting on the tofu T2. Thereby, tofu T2 can be prevented from being distorted, displaced or moved along the cutting direction.

  According to this configuration, the size of the horizontal cutter can be reduced and cutting resistance can be suppressed. Therefore, the tofu can be cut accurately with little distortion, and the maintainability for keeping the cutter clean can be improved. In addition, the tofu T2 can be cut in a programmable manner by changing the cutting speed according to the cutting position of the tofu T2 by the drive control of the cutter driving mechanism 93, and the optimum cutting according to the tofu T2 can be easily performed. Furthermore, in this structure, it becomes close to a cutting-type cutting state, and the cut surface of tofu becomes more beautiful than a push-cut type blade.

(Eleventh modification)
FIG. 18 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting apparatus 310 for tofu according to an eleventh modification.

  The horizontal cutting device 310 of this configuration includes a narrow and narrow knife-like cutter 92A instead of the horizontal cutter 65 of the horizontal cutting device 280 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 280 described above.

  The knife-like cutter 92A cuts the tofu T2 horizontally, contacts the spacer plate 35, and then returns to the cutting start side of the tofu T2. At this time, in order to more reliably avoid breaking the cut surface of the tofu T2, for example, the spacer plate 35 is temporarily raised after the knife-shaped cutter 92A is brought into contact with the spacer plate 35 or just before the contact. The tofu T2 is cut out in one direction by the knife-like cutter 92A. After cutting out the tofu T2, the tofu T2 is dropped and stored in the packaging pack 15 in the same manner as described above, and then the knife-like cutter 92A is returned to a fixed position.

  According to this structure, it becomes close to a cutting-type cutting state, and the cut surface of tofu becomes more beautiful than a push-cut type blade. In addition, cutting resistance is small and distortion of tofu is small, so that cutting can be performed accurately.

(Twelfth modification)
FIG. 19 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of a horizontal cutting device 320 for tofu according to a twelfth modification.

  The horizontal cutting device 320 of this configuration has a knife-like cutter 92B in which the cutting direction of the knife-like cutter 92A of the horizontal cutting device 310 shown in FIG. 18 is changed. Accordingly, a side regulating plate 81 is provided on the end side in the cutting direction. Other configurations are the same as those of the horizontal cutting device 310 described above.

  Also with this configuration, cutting with the knife-like cutter 92B brings the cutting-type cutting state closer, and the tofu cutting surface is more beautiful than the push-cutting blade, cutting resistance is low, and distortion can be accurately performed with little tofu distortion. .

<Example of vertical cutter configuration>
Next, configuration examples of the vertical cutter will be sequentially described.
(First configuration example of vertical cutter)
FIG. 20 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of the tofu packing device including the vertical cutter 400.

  The vertical cutter 400 is disposed between the shutter plate 21 and the packaging pack 15 below the tofu T2 gripped between the spacer plate 35 and the positioning plate 41. Although the shutter plate 21, the vertical cutter 400, and the packaging pack 15 are shown in a separated state in the illustrated example for explanation, they are actually arranged close to each other. Further, a drive source (not shown) may move the vertical cutter 400 and the packaging pack 15 up and down relatively with respect to the shutter plate 21 and arrange them at positions close to each other.

  The vertical cutter 400 in the illustrated example is configured as a grid-shaped cutting blade in which a plurality of strip-shaped flat plates 111 are arranged in a grid pattern in plan view. At the intersections of the belt-like flat plates 111, the belt-like flat plates 111 are orthogonal to each other, and a plurality of rectangular spaces 113 surrounded by the belt-like flat plates 111 are defined.

  A cutting edge of the cutting blade is formed on the upper part of the belt-like flat plate 111, and sharpening processing is performed. In addition, in order to reduce the passage resistance of the tofu of the grid-like cutting blade, it may be a blade having a small band width (height) or various surface treatments (fluorine resin coating or the like).

  In the above configuration, the horizontally divided tofu T2 held between the spacer plate 35 and the positioning plate 41 of the horizontal tofu cutting device 200 falls downward by retracting the shutter plate 21. At this time, the spacer plate 35 and the positioning plate 41 are guided and dropped while maintaining the posture of the tofu T2 as it is. The gripping of the spacer plate 35 and the positioning plate 41 may be released when the tofu T2 is dropped.

  The fallen tofu T2 is divided in the vertical direction by the vertical cutter 400 arranged immediately below the tofu T2. The tofu divided in the shape of a bowl is dropped as it is and stored in the packaging pack 15.

  According to the vertical cutter 400 of this configuration, after the tofu T2 is divided in the horizontal direction, it is divided in the vertical direction by the vertical cutter 400 as a series of operations at the same position. Each of these steps can be performed by a single cutting process, and the efficiency is high, and the processing capability is enhanced. Moreover, each tofu in the shape of a bowl can be stored in the packaging pack 15 in an orderly manner without disturbing the arrangement. A drop guide plate for guiding the falling tofu T2 to the packaging pack 15 may be provided on the side (four sides) of the outer periphery of the vertical cutter.

(Second configuration example of vertical cutter)
FIG. 21 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of another tofu packing device including the vertical cutter 400.

  This configuration uses a tofu horizontal cutting device 230 shown in FIG. 9 instead of the horizontal cutting device 200 of the tofu packing device shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the packer shown in FIG.

  According to this configuration, when the tofu T2 falls, the vertical positioning plate 87 is pushed down by driving the vertical motion actuator 89, so that the tofu T2 has the initial speed and acceleration in the manner of the tokoroten thruster. Evenly and reliably, it can drop down vigorously. Thereby, the tofu T2 can be supplied to the vertical cutter 400 in a state in which the posture change and bending of the tofu T2 during the fall are suppressed. Therefore, the tofu can be cut with high accuracy and at high speed, and a chopped tofu with high dimensional accuracy can be obtained.

  Although not shown in the drawings, the vertical positioning plate 87 is provided below the thick member (for example, a resin plate) with a notch into which the grid-like vertical blades enter, so that the cut-shaped tofu of the cut straw is more reliably cut into the pack. It can be dropped.

(Third configuration example of vertical cutter)
FIG. 22 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of another tofu packing device including the vertical cutter 410.

  In this configuration, a vertical cutter 410 having a configuration in which strip-like corrugated plates 115 are arranged in a grid pattern in plan view is used instead of the vertical cutter 400 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the packer shown in FIG.

  According to the vertical cutter 410 of this configuration, the tofu T2 is cut into a waveform in plan view by the corrugated plate 115, and a plurality of tofu having a corrugated cut surface is obtained. In addition, the number of wave fronts of the sea bream tofu can be increased by combining with the corrugated horizontal blade as described in the ninth modification (FIG. 15). As a result, the seasoning liquid is easily entangled with the tofu and cooking aptitude can be further enhanced. Moreover, even if it is shaken during transportation, it is difficult to dance in the packaging pack (it is difficult to move), and it is possible to make the product neatly arranged and looking good.

(Third configuration example of vertical cutter)
FIG. 23 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of another tofu packing device including the vertical cutter 420.

  In this configuration, instead of arranging the vertical cutter 400 between the shutter plate 21 and the packaging pack 15 shown in FIG. 20, a vertical cutter 420 in which a plurality of strip-like flat plates are arranged in a lattice shape in plan view is provided on the bottom surface of the packaging pack 15. Is arranged. In addition, in this structure, although not shown in figure, the drive mechanism which takes in / out the vertical cutter 420 in a pack is provided.

  According to this configuration, the tofu T2 can be divided vertically only by dropping the tofu T2 into the packaging pack 15. In other words, since the tofu T2 can be cut in the packaging pack 15 in the vertical direction, the tofu T2 is shaped like a bowl in the packaging pack 15, and the arrangement of the tofu after cutting is not disturbed. As a result, it is possible to orderly pack the tofu in the shape of strawberries. The drive mechanism (not shown) finally takes out the vertical cutter 420 from the pack, returns it to a predetermined position, and installs the vertical cutter 420 in the next pack again.

(Fourth configuration example of vertical cutter)
FIG. 24 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part of another tofu packing device including the vertical cutter 430.

  In this configuration, instead of the vertical cutter 400 shown in FIG. 20, a vertical cutter 430 in which a plurality of wires 117 are formed in a grid pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions on a plane is used. Other configurations are the same as those of the packer shown in FIG.

  The wires 117 are assembled in a lattice shape, and if the intersections are reinforced, the strength is relatively increased and the risk of breakage is reduced. The wire 117 is made of a thin wire member that has sufficient strength against repeated tofu cutting and is less likely to cause rust and corrosion. As the wire 117, for example, a resin such as a stainless steel thin wire, a metal wire (yarn) such as a sterilizing copper wire, or a resin wire (yarn material) including a resin material such as polyamide, polyethylene, or polyvinylidene fluoride is used. Examples thereof include a coated metal wire and a wire material obtained by combining these.

  In addition, a plurality of wires 117 are configured in a lattice shape, and are not easily broken by a fixing means such as welding or bundling the intersecting portions, thereby reducing the possibility of contamination. If the thinnest possible wire is used, the cut surface of tofu can be cleaned. On the other hand, if you use a spiral wire to form a roughly corrugated cross section or use a thicker wire, you can make the tofu section a little rougher or add moderate irregularities to the tofu section. Thus, the seasoning liquid is easily entangled with the tofu.

  According to this configuration, the portion that comes into contact with the falling tofu is limited to the wire 117 arranged on one plane, so that the resistance when the tofu passes through the vertical cutter 430 can be reduced. For this reason, even when the number of vertical divisions of tofu is large, the tofu does not fall into the packaging pack 15 and the tofu is not clogged on the wire 117.

  Further, by using the wire 117 that is easy to process as the cutter of the vertical cutter 430, it is easy to change the design of the cutter, such as the division mode, the number of cuts, and the cutting direction. As a result, the tofu cutting pattern can be easily changed to a desired pattern.

<Other modifications of the horizontal cutting device>
The horizontal cutting device for tofu described above is configured such that one horizontal cutter 57, 65 and knife-like cutters 91, 92 cut one tofu. However, the horizontal cutting apparatus is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured to cut a plurality of tofu at a time with a single horizontal cutter.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory view schematically showing a main part in another modification of the horizontal cutting device. The horizontal tofu cutting device 330 of this configuration has a plurality of tofu (three tofus as an example in the illustrated example) T1-1, T1-2, and T1-3 between the spacer plate 35 and the upstream positioning plate 39, respectively. Are arranged at equal intervals along the spacer plate 35. Similarly, a plurality of tofu T2-1, T2-2, and T2-3 are arranged at equal intervals along the spacer plate 35 between the spacer plate 35 and the downstream positioning plate 41.

  The plurality of tofu T1-1, T1-2, T1-3, and T2-1, T2-2, T2-3 are cut at a time by one upstream horizontal cutter 57 or downstream horizontal cutter 65. That is, the tip of the upstream horizontal cutter 57 has a blade span wider than the entire width in the arrangement direction of the plurality of tofu T1-1, T1-2, and T1-3, and the slit 75 of the upstream positioning plate 39 has the above-mentioned tofu. Is wider than the total width of the array (the total horizontal length of the sides). Similarly, the tip of the downstream horizontal cutter 65 has a blade span wider than the entire width in the arrangement direction of the plurality of tofu T2-1, T2-2, and T2-3, and the slit 77 has the entire arrangement width of the tofu (the horizontal length of the side surface). Wider than the total).

  Each of the horizontal cutters 57 and 65 is a knife type and has a narrow blade width, and may be configured to sequentially cut a plurality of tofu (see FIG. 17). Moreover, you may make it the front-end | tip and slit 75,77 of each horizontal cutter 57,65 provide a some blade and slit corresponding to each tofu, and operate | move simultaneously.

  In addition, as schematically shown in FIG. 26, a main part of a horizontal cutting device 340, which is still another modification of the horizontal cutting device, the horizontal cutter 65A has a single-edged blade with a concavo-convex tip (comb shape). The tofu may be horizontally cut by inserting the slit 77 only in the convex portion. In any case, it is sufficient that the blade has a wider blade width than the entire array width of the tofu T1-1, T1-2, and T1-3 and T2-1, T2-2, and T2-3.

  Further, as schematically shown in FIG. 27 as a main part in still another modification of the horizontal cutting device 350, the horizontal cutter 65B is formed of a thin plate material, and the end portion is bent and suspended to ensure strength. It is good also as a structure which made the edge part the L-shaped cross section. In this case, since the horizontal cutter 65B can be made thin, the cut surface of tofu becomes more beautiful.

  According to the horizontal cutting devices 330, 340, and 350 having the above configuration, a plurality of tofu can be cut at a time by one horizontal movement of the horizontal cutter 65A. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a horizontal cutter for each tofu, and the mechanism of the horizontal cutting device can be simplified.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified by those skilled in the art based on combinations of the configurations of the embodiments, descriptions in the specification, and well-known techniques. Application is also within the scope of the present invention and is within the scope of protection.

  In addition, the configuration examples of the horizontal cutting devices, the vertical cutters, and the packing device provided with the above-described horizontal cutting devices have been described based on the tofu packing device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, but are limited to the configuration of the illustrated example. Never happen. Further, the blades of the horizontal cutter and the vertical cutter in each of the above-described configuration examples are not particularly limited in terms of surface processing, cross-sectional shape, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Tofu supply line 13 Packaging pack supply part 15 Packaging pack 17 Carrier 19 Carrier drive part 21 Shutter plate 23 Shutter board drive part 25 Tofu positioning part 27 Upstream horizontal cutting part 29 Downstream horizontal cutting part 31 Vertical movement actuator 35 Spacer plate 37 Sub horizontal actuator 39 Upstream positioning plate (positioning member)
41 Downstream positioning plate (positioning member)
43 Sub-horizontal motion actuator 47 Vertical motion actuator 55 Upstream horizontal motion actuator 57 Upstream horizontal cutter 63 Downstream horizontal motion actuator 65 Downstream horizontal cutter 67 Horizontal motion actuator 75, 77, 78 Slit 81, 83 Side restriction plate (positioning Element)
85 Concave groove 87 Vertical positioning plate (vertical positioning member)
89 Vertical Actuator 91 Bar Cutter 93 Cutter Drive Unit 95 Waveform Horizontal Cutter 100 Tofu Packing Device 111 Strip Plate 113 Rectangular Solid Space 115 Strip Corrugated Plate 117 Wire 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 , 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 Tofu horizontal cutting device 400, 410, 420, 430 Vertical cutter T1, T2 Tofu

Claims (5)

A tofu packing device for cutting tofu placed on a horizontal surface on land, and storing the cut tofu in a packaging pack,
A positioning member that abuts against the side surface of the tofu and positions;
A horizontal cutter arranged so as to be horizontally movable within a height range of an area in contact with the tofu of the positioning member;
A cutter driving unit for driving the horizontal cutter horizontally;
A shutter plate that has the horizontal surface on which the tofu is placed and is horizontally movable;
A shutter plate driving unit that drives the shutter plate to advance and retreat between a tofu support position where the tofu is placed and a non-support position that is separated from the tofu support position;
A horizontal cutting portion that cuts the tofu horizontally into horizontally divided tofu;
A packaging pack supply unit that is disposed immediately below the shutter plate and supplies the packaging pack;
A drive control unit that drives and controls at least the cutter driving unit and the shutter plate driving unit;
A carrier on which the positioning member, the horizontal cutter, and the cutter driving unit are mounted;
A carrier driving unit that horizontally conveys the carrier from a tofu supply position where the positioning member positions the tofu to an upper position of the packaging pack supply unit;
With
At least one of the positioning members is formed with a slit that opens along the horizontal direction,
The drive control unit moves the tofu by moving horizontally until the horizontal cutter is substantially in contact with the positioning member disposed on the end side in the cutting direction of the horizontal cutter with the horizontal cutter inserted through the slit. Packed in tofu, horizontally cut tofu, moved to the non-support position from the tofu support position to drop the horizontally divided tofu and stored in the packaging pack apparatus. A tofu packing device for cutting tofu placed on a horizontal surface on land, and storing the cut tofu in a packaging pack,
A positioning member that abuts against the side surface of the tofu and positions;
A horizontal cutter arranged so as to be horizontally movable within a height range of an area in contact with the tofu of the positioning member;
A cutter driving unit for driving the horizontal cutter horizontally;
A shutter plate that has the horizontal surface on which the tofu is placed and is horizontally movable;
A shutter plate driving unit that drives the shutter plate to advance and retreat between a tofu support position where the tofu is placed and a non-support position that is separated from the tofu support position;
A horizontal cutting portion that cuts the tofu horizontally into horizontally divided tofu;
A packaging pack supply unit that is disposed immediately below the shutter plate and supplies the packaging pack;
A drive control unit that drives and controls at least the cutter driving unit and the shutter plate driving unit;
A carrier on which the positioning member, the horizontal cutter, and the cutter driving unit are mounted;
A carrier driving unit that horizontally conveys the carrier from a tofu supply position where the positioning member positions the tofu to an upper position of the packaging pack supply unit;
With
Either side of the tofu is an unsupported side where the positioning member does not exist,
The drive control unit moves the horizontal cutter horizontally from the unsupported side surface toward the positioning member disposed on the end side in the cutting direction of the horizontal cutter, and horizontally split tofu obtained by horizontally cutting the tofu Then, the shutter plate is moved from the tofu support position to the non-support position to drop the horizontally divided tofu and store it in the packaging pack. A vertical cutter that cuts the horizontally divided tofu vertically .
The packaging pack supply unit is disposed below the vertical cutter,
The dropped the horizontal division tofu positioned by the positioning member, the horizontal division tofu middle falling cut perpendicular by the vertical cutter to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that housed in the packaging packs The tofu packing device as described. The carrier includes a plurality of positioning members that position the plurality of tofus, and a plurality of the horizontal cutters that respectively cut the plurality of tofus horizontally.
The tofu packing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutter driving unit drives a plurality of the horizontal cutters. The cutter drive unit, one of the carrier driving unit the tofu supply position while conveying the tofu to a position above the packaging packs supply unit of claim 1, wherein the horizontally cutting the curd or tofu packing apparatus according to item 1.

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