JP7282547B2 - Pumpkin cutting method and apparatus, and pumpkin cutting knife used therefor - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a pumpkin cutting method and apparatus for cutting pumpkin into predetermined standard shapes and weights, and a pumpkin cutting knife used therefor.

In recent years, frozen foods, which can be supplied to dining tables while maintaining the freshness of ingredients, have been highly evaluated in terms of hygiene, and the market size is increasing. Such frozen foods need to be cut into pieces that are easy to eat and of uniform weight before shipment from the factory due to market demand.

Frozen squash is generally cut into pieces having a shape of a truncated square pyramid or a truncated triangular pyramid and weighing about 40 g.

The present applicant is aware of the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 as prior art documents relating to cutting processing of vegetables such as pumpkin.

Utility Model Registration No. 3140411 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 50-19535 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-213640

The above Patent Document 1 relates to an automatic chopping machine for pumpkin, and has the following description.
[0009]
The automatic pumpkin chopping machine according to the present invention operates as follows.
The driving device 13 intermittently rotates the table 6 in the clockwise direction N in FIG. A pumpkin K that has been horizontally divided into two by an operator is placed on the pumpkin placing portion 1 before the driving device is driven. Subsequently, when the table 6 is driven to rotate and comes to the indexing position A, the cylindrical surface-shaped blades 2, 2 cut out the upper part of the pumpkin K from above toward the periphery of the part to be hollowed out to hollow out the upper part of the pumpkin K. pierce. Similarly, at the indexing position B, the cylindrical blades 2, 2 are thrust into the pumpkin K from a direction different from the indexing position A in order to hollow out the upper part of the pumpkin K in a circular shape. At the indexing position C, the upper part of the pumpkin shown in FIG. The ejector 4 is pushed up from below the table 6 by the lifting drive device 14, flipping up the top cut-out part 12 of the pumpkin and ejecting it to the outside of the automatic pumpkin chopping machine. The gripping hands 7 (FIG. 4), which until then gripped the pumpkin K, are released by the control device after the work at the indexing position C is completed, and the pumpkin is not gripped ( Figure 3).
[0010]
At the indexing position D, the pumpkin is cut. The frame 8 is provided with a cutting blade 5 for rough cutting attached together with a lifting device 11 at a position corresponding to the indexing position D. As shown in FIG. The cutting blades 5 for rough cutting are arranged radially around the axis of the lifting device 11 over the pumpkin K so as to look down on the whole pumpkin, for example, 4 or 6 or more at intervals of 90 degrees. be able to. Pumpkin K can be divided into 4 or 6 parts at the same time by the roughly chopping blade 5 which is lowered by the operation of the lifting device 11 . Furthermore, at the indexing position E, the cutting blade 5 can also divide the pumpkin into four or six parts at the same time. As a result, the pumpkin can be divided into 8 or 12 parts. Of course, when the cutting by the random cutting blade 5 is finished with the cutting at the index position D and no further cutting is required, it is deactivated by the control device and the cutting at the index position E is not performed.

The above Patent Document 2 relates to a pumpkin cutting machine, and has the following description.
[Gazette, page 1, left column, lines 28 to 35]
A main body 1 has a cylinder 2 below it, and a pressure source operates a piston to move a lifting rod 3 up and down.
A material platform 4 is attached to the upper end of the lifting rod 3, and a material 5 such as pumpkin is placed thereon.
A cutting tool 6 is radially fixed to the main body 1 on the upper part of the lifting rod 3 and has a centering tube 7 having a cutting tool at its center position.
[Gazette, page 1, right column, lines 5 to 11]
Now, the material table 4 is positioned below, and the material 5 such as pumpkin is placed on it. The core is removed by the centering tube 7, and the core is pushed up in order in the tube 7 and sent to the outside of the main body 1 for disposal.

The above Patent Document 3 relates to a food cutting blade for producing stick salad, and has the following description.
[0034]
<Explanation of food cutting blade -2>
As shown in FIG. 3, the food cutting blade 10 has an annular blade 20 and a straight blade 30. As shown in FIG.・・・
[0036]
<Explanation of annular blade -1>
First, the annular blade 20 has at least a first annular blade 21 and a second annular blade 22 . The embodiment further comprises a third annular blade 23 and a fourth annular blade 24 .
[0037]
<Explanation of annular blade -2>
The first annular blade 21 is formed continuously around a predetermined center. The first annular blade 21 is different in ring shape from the second annular blade 22 and the like, which will be described later. Specifically, it is a square with a side of 20 mm. However, the first annular blade 21 may be circular.・・・
[0038]
<Explanation of annular blade -3>
A second annular blade 22 is formed concentrically outside the first annular blade 21 . The annular shape of the second annular blade 22 is a circle or a polygon that inscribes or circumscribes a circle.・・・
[0039]
<Explanation of annular blade - 4>
A third annular blade 23 is formed concentrically outside the second annular blade. The annular shape of the third annular blade 23 is a circle or a polygon that inscribes or circumscribes a circle.・・・
[0040]
<Explanation of annular blade -5>
A fourth annular blade 24 is formed concentrically outside the third annular blade 23 . The annular shape of the fourth annular blade 24 is a circle or a polygon that inscribes or circumscribes a circle.・・・
[0041]
<Explanation of annular blade - 6>
The outside of the fourth annular blade 24 forms the outer edge of the cutting area. The shape of the outer edge may be a circle or a polygon that inscribes or circumscribes a circle, and in an embodiment is... circular.
[0042]
<Explanation of straight blade -1>
Next, the straight blade 30 has at least a second straight blade 32 and a third straight blade 33 . The embodiment further has a first straight blade 31 , a fourth straight blade 34 and a fifth straight blade 35 .
[0043]
<Explanation of straight blade -2>
The first straight blade 31 is formed between the center of the first annular blade 21 and the first annular blade 21 . In the embodiment, there are four first straight blades 31, but depending on the shape and size of the first annular blade 21, there may be three or none. .
[0044]
<Explanation of straight blade -3>
A plurality of second linear blades 32 are formed between the first annular blade 21 and the second annular blade 22 . The second straight blades 32 are formed at equal intervals so as to match the radial direction from the center of the first annular blade 21, and the adjacent second straight blades 32 are not parallel to each other. In the embodiment, there are eight second straight blades 32 formed at 45 degree intervals.
[0045]
<Description of straight blade - 4>
A plurality of third linear blades 33 are formed outside the second annular blade 22 and between the second annular blade 22 and the third annular blade 23 . The third straight blades 33 are formed at equal intervals so as to match the radial direction from the center of the first annular blade 21, and adjacent third straight blades 33 are not parallel to each other. In the embodiment, 16 third straight blades 33 are formed at intervals of 22.5 degrees.
[0046]
<Explanation of straight blade -5>
A plurality of fourth linear blades 34 are formed outside the third annular blade 23 and between the third annular blade 23 and the fourth annular blade 24 . The fourth straight blades 34 are formed at equal intervals so as to match the radial direction from the center of the first annular blade 21, and the adjacent fourth straight blades 34 are not parallel to each other. In the embodiment, there are 16 fourth straight blades 34 formed at intervals of 22.5 degrees.
[0047]
<Explanation of straight blade - 6>
A plurality of fifth linear blades 35 are formed outside the fourth annular blade 24 . The fifth straight blades 35 are formed at regular intervals so as to match the radial direction from the center of the first annular blade 21, and the adjacent fifth straight blades 35 are not parallel to each other. In the embodiment, there are 16 fifth straight blades 35 formed at intervals of 22.5 degrees.
[0048]
<Description of straight blade - 7>
In the embodiment, the third straight blade 33, the fourth straight blade 34, and the fifth straight blade 35 are formed on the same radial line, but are formed on different radial lines with an angle shift. may The same applies to the first straight blade 31 and the second straight blade 32 .
[0051]
<Description of the relationship between vegetables and the annular blade-2>
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in the food cutting blade 10 of the embodiment, the first annular blade 21 approximately corresponds to the thickness of the cucumber K, and the second annular blade 22 or the third annular blade 23 The thickness of the carrot N substantially corresponds to the thickness of the radish D, and the third annular blade 23 or the fourth annular blade 24 substantially corresponds to the thickness of the radish D. Note that the hatched portion in FIG. 5 is the portion that does not become a commercial product when the vegetable V is cut by the food cutting blade 10 (the same applies to FIG. 6).
[0052]
<Description of stick salad manufacturing method-1>
Here, a stick salad manufacturing method for cutting food into sticks using the food cutting blade 10 of the embodiment will be described. When the vegetables V are placed on the food cutting blade 10 of the food cutting device 100 and pressed by the pressing plate 135, the vegetables V start biting into the food cutting blade 10, and by further pressing, the annular blade 20 and the straight It is divided into a plurality of pieces by the blade 30, becomes stick-shaped, and falls into the storage box 113 below. The food cutting blade 10 is used to cut the vegetable V in a lump form in this way, so that a stick salad can be produced.

The apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 cuts the upper portion of the pumpkin K into a circular shape, removes the upper hollowed portion 12, and divides the pumpkin vertically into 8 or 12 pieces for random cutting. Therefore, in order not to waste the upper cut-out portion 12, it must be collected and cut separately.
Ebisu pumpkin weighing about 1 to 2.5 kg can be cut to a predetermined standard (for example, weight of about 40 g in the shape of a square pyramid or triangular pyramid), but Kent pumpkin weighing about 2 to 4 kg With pumpkin, the pieces after cutting are too large and fall outside the above specifications. Kent squash has been bred to a large size and has a good taste, so the demand for processed foods is increasing. Development of an apparatus capable of cutting Kent seed squash within a predetermined standard is desired.

The apparatus of Patent Document 2 is only for vertically dividing the pumpkin into 8 equal parts, and the cut product does not meet the above-mentioned standard (for example, the weight of about 40 g in the shape of a square pyramid or triangular pyramid). Cannot disconnect. This is particularly noticeable in large Kent squash.

The cutting blade of Patent Document 3 mentioned above cuts cucumber K, carrot N, and radish D into a stick shape. In this document, there is no technical idea of cutting a pumpkin into a predetermined standard (for example, a shape of a truncated square pyramid or a truncated triangular pyramid with a weight of about 40 g).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and to provide a pumpkin cutting method and apparatus capable of cutting and processing pumpkin within a predetermined standard without waste, and a pumpkin cutting knife used therefor.

In order to achieve the above object, the pumpkin cutting method according to claim 1 employs the following configuration.
A pumpkin cutting method for cutting a half-cut pumpkin cut in half horizontally as a target product,
a first step of forming an annular incision at a predetermined angle of inclination with one or more first blades so that a certain range of the top of the squash in half can be separated from the rest;
a second step of cutting the half-cut pumpkin in which the annular cut is formed into longitudinal splits with a second knife,
In the second step, the second cutting tool comprises a double-edged annular blade having a regular polygon with a radius R coaxially with the half-cut squash and having upper and lower blades , and a radial direction with the center of the annular blade as a reference. and a plurality of radial blades extending, wherein the radial blades are adjacent to a first radial blade arranged so as to pass from the center point to each vertex of the annular blade of the regular polygon on the outside of the annular blade. There are one or two or more second radial blades that equally divide the area sandwiched between the two first radial blades, and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are double-edged having blades on the upper and lower sides. can be,
In the first step, the tip of the first blade is directed inward from the outer peripheral side of the squash in half and toward the virtual ring having the radius R on the bottom surface of the squash in half. Form the annular cut in the pumpkin.

A pumpkin cutting method according to claim 2 employs the following configuration in addition to the configuration described in claim 1 above.
The inclination angle of the first blade is 60 degrees or less with respect to the bottom surface of the squash in half.

A pumpkin cutting method according to claim 3 employs the following configuration in addition to the configuration described in claim 1 or 2 above.
The annular blade and the virtual ring are regular polygons existing in a region where a virtual circle having a radius of plus or minus 20% of the radius R can exist.

A pumpkin cutting method according to claim 4 employs the following configuration in addition to the configuration according to claim 1 or 2 above.
The annular blade and the virtual ring are regular polygons existing in a region extending from a position inscribed to a position circumscribing the virtual circle having the radius R described above.

In order to achieve the above object, the pumpkin cutting apparatus according to claim 5 employs the following configuration.
A pumpkin cutting device for cutting a half-cut pumpkin cut in half horizontally as a target product,
one or more first cutting tools for forming an annular cut at a predetermined angle of inclination so that a certain range of the top of the squash in half can be separated from the rest;
a second knife for longitudinally cutting the half-sliced squash in which the annular cut is formed,
The second blade is a double-edged annular blade having a regular polygon with a radius R coaxially with the half-cut squash and having upper and lower blades , and a plurality of radial blades extending in the radial direction with the center of the annular blade as a reference. , wherein the radial blades are arranged so as to pass through each vertex from the center point of the regular polygonal annular blade, and the two adjacent first radial blades on the outside of the annular blade There are one or more second radial blades that equally divide the area sandwiched between the blades, and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are double-edged having blades above and below,
The tip of the first blade is directed inward from the outer peripheral side of the squash in half and toward the virtual ring having the radius R on the bottom surface of the squash in half. It is configured to form the annular cut.

In order to achieve the above object, the knife for cutting pumpkin according to claim 6 employs the following configuration.
A knife for cutting pumpkins that cuts a half-sliced pumpkin horizontally half-sliced into longitudinal splits as a target product,
An annular blade having a radius R coaxial with the squash in half, and a plurality of radial blades extending in the radial direction with reference to the center of the annular blade,
The annular blade is a regular polygon existing in a region where a virtual circle having a radius of plus or minus 20% of the radius R can exist, and is a double -edged blade having upper and lower blades ,
As the above radial blade,
a first radial blade passing through each vertex of the polygon;
Outside the annular blade, there are one or more second radial blades that equally divide the area sandwiched between the two adjacent first radial blades , and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are It is a double-edged blade with blades on the top and bottom .

In order to achieve the above objects, the knife for cutting pumpkin according to claim 7 employs the following configuration.
A knife for cutting pumpkins that cuts a half-sliced pumpkin horizontally half-sliced into longitudinal splits as a target product,
An annular blade having a radius R coaxial with the squash in half, and a plurality of radial blades extending in the radial direction with reference to the center of the annular blade,
The annular blade is a regular polygon existing in the region from the position inscribed to the circumscribed position of the virtual circle with the radius R and has a double-edged blade having upper and lower blades ,
As the above radial blade,
a first radial blade passing through each vertex of the polygon;
Outside the annular blade, there are one or more second radial blades that equally divide the area sandwiched between the two adjacent first radial blades , and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are It is a double-edged blade with blades on the top and bottom .

In the pumpkin cutting method according to claim 1, a pumpkin cut in half horizontally is cut in a first step and a second step.
In the first step, an annular notch is formed at a predetermined inclination angle with a first cutting tool so that a certain range of the top of the half-cut squash can be separated from the rest of the squash.
In the second step, the half-cut squash in which the annular cut is formed is cut longitudinally by a second cutting tool.
The second blade has an annular blade and a plurality of radial blades. The annular blade is a regular polygon having a radius R coaxial with the half-cut squash and has a double-edged annular shape having upper and lower blades . The radial blade extends in the radial direction with reference to the center of the annular blade. The radial blades are sandwiched between a first radial blade arranged so as to pass through each vertex from the center point of the regular polygonal annular blade, and two adjacent first radial blades outside the annular blade. There are one or more second radial blades that equally divide the region, and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are double-edged blades having upper and lower blades.
In the first step, when forming the annular cut in the half-cut pumpkin, the tip of the first blade is directed inward from the outer peripheral side of the half-cut pumpkin, and at the bottom surface of the half-cut pumpkin . It is a state toward the virtual ring having the radius R described above.
As a result, the half-cut squash cut in half in the horizontal direction is formed with an annular cut at a predetermined inclination angle so that a certain range of the top can be separated from the rest. In this state, it is cut longitudinally by the annular blade and the radial blade. Therefore, the product can be cut within the standard of a predetermined shape and predetermined weight without waste. Therefore, there is no need to separately cut the cutout portion as in Patent Document 1. In particular, Kent squash, which has been bred to a large size, can also be cut within the above-described predetermined standards.

In the pumpkin cutting method according to claim 2, the inclination angle of the first blade is 60 degrees or less with respect to the bottom surface of the half-cut pumpkin .
Therefore, the product can be cut within the standard of a predetermined shape and predetermined weight without waste. Therefore, there is no need to separately cut the cutout portion as in Patent Document 1. In particular, Kent squash, which has been bred to a large size, can also be cut within the above-described predetermined standards.

In the pumpkin cutting method according to claim 3, the annular blade and the virtual ring are regular polygons existing in a region where a virtual circle having a radius of plus or minus 20% of the radius R can exist.
For this reason, the cut pieces have straight cut edges as if they were cut with a kitchen knife, and the commercial value in the market as processed food can be ensured.

In the pumpkin cutting method according to claim 4, the annular blade and the virtual ring are regular polygons existing in a region from a position inscribed to a position circumscribing the virtual circle having the radius R.
For this reason, the cut pieces have straight cut edges as if they were cut with a kitchen knife, and the commercial value in the market as processed food can be ensured.

The apparatus for cutting pumpkin according to claim 5 cuts the half-cut pumpkin horizontally cut in half by the first blade and the second blade.
The first knife cuts the squash in half at a predetermined angle of inclination so that a certain range of the top can be separated from the rest of the squash.
The second blade cuts the half-cut squash in which the annular cut is formed into longitudinal splits. The second blade has an annular blade and a plurality of radial blades. The annular blade is a regular polygon having a radius R coaxial with the half-cut squash and has a double-edged annular shape having upper and lower blades . The radial blade extends in the radial direction with reference to the center of the annular blade. The radial blades are sandwiched between a first radial blade arranged so as to pass through each vertex from the center point of the regular polygonal annular blade, and two adjacent first radial blades outside the annular blade. There are one or more second radial blades that equally divide the region, and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are double-edged blades having upper and lower blades.
When forming the annular cut in the half-cut squash, the tip of the first blade is directed inward from the outer peripheral side of the half-cut pumpkin and has the radius R at the bottom surface of the half-cut pumpkin . It is in a state of facing the ring.
As a result, the half-cut squash cut in half in the horizontal direction is formed with an annular cut at a predetermined inclination angle so that a certain range of the top can be separated from the rest. In this state, it is cut longitudinally by the annular blade and the radial blade. Therefore, the product can be cut within the standard of a predetermined shape and predetermined weight without waste. Therefore, there is no need to separately cut the cutout portion as in Patent Document 1. In particular, Kent squash, which has been bred to a large size, can also be cut within the above-described predetermined standards.

The knife for cutting pumpkin according to claim 6 has an annular blade and a plurality of radial blades, and cuts a pumpkin cut in half horizontally into longitudinal splits. The annular blade has a radius R coaxial with the squash halves. The radial blade extends in the radial direction with reference to the center of the annular blade. The annular blade is a regular polygon existing in a region where an imaginary circle having a radius of plus or minus 20% of the radius R can exist, and is a double -edged blade having upper and lower blades . As the radial blades, there are a first radial blade and a second radial blade. The first radial blade is provided so as to pass through each vertex of the polygon. One or two or more of the second radial blades are provided outside the annular blade so as to equally divide the region sandwiched between the two adjacent first radial blades. The first radial blade and the second radial blade are double-edged blades having upper and lower blades.
Therefore, the product can be cut within the standard of a predetermined shape and predetermined weight without waste. Therefore, there is no need to separately cut the cutout portion as in Patent Document 1. In particular, Kent squash, which has been bred to a large size, can also be cut within the above-described predetermined standards.

The knife for cutting pumpkin according to claim 7 has an annular blade and a plurality of radial blades, and cuts a pumpkin cut in half horizontally into longitudinal splits. The annular blade has a radius R coaxial with the squash halves. The radial blade extends in the radial direction with reference to the center of the annular blade. The annular blade is a regular polygon existing in a region extending from a position inscribed to a position circumscribing the imaginary circle having the radius R , and is a double-edged blade having upper and lower blades . As the radial blades, there are a first radial blade and a second radial blade. The first radial blade is provided so as to pass through each vertex of the polygon. One or two or more of the second radial blades are provided outside the annular blade so as to equally divide the region sandwiched between the two adjacent first radial blades. The first radial blade and the second radial blade are double-edged blades having upper and lower blades.
Therefore, the product can be cut within the standard of a predetermined shape and predetermined weight without waste. Therefore, there is no need to separately cut the cutout portion as in Patent Document 1. In particular, Kent squash, which has been bred to a large size, can also be cut within the above-described predetermined standards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure explaining the outline of the process of the pumpkin cutting method which is embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the detail of a 1st process and a 2nd process. It is a figure explaining a 2nd blade and a press member. It is a figure explaining an annular blade. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure explaining the structure of the pumpkin cutting apparatus which is embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining a turntable. It is a figure explaining operation|movement of a 1st blade. It is a figure which shows the modification of a 2nd blade.

1 to 7 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

◆ Cutting method [item to be cut]
In this embodiment, a half-cut pumpkin 1 cut in half horizontally is cut as an object.
FIG. 1(A1) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the squash 1 cut in half, which is an object to be cut.
FIG. 1(A2) is a plan view of the squash 1 cut in half, which is an object to be cut.

In this example, the half-cut squash 1 is obtained by removing the core, halving, and deveining the harvested pumpkin fruit.
In the above-mentioned core removal, a core hole 2 penetrating vertically is made in the center of the pumpkin fruit. This removes the core including the calyx and flower drop (central portion on the side opposite to the calyx).
The halving cuts the cored pumpkin fruit in two transversely.
The above-mentioned cotton removal removes the cotton portion of the halved pumpkin that has been cored and cut in half. The portion from which the cotton has been removed becomes a concave surface 3.

Therefore, the half-cut squash 1 has a ball shape with a core hole 2 in the center. The core hole 2 is obtained by removing the core including the calyx or flower drop. A concave surface 3 like a ball is formed by removing cotton on the cut surface side of the halves.

In this embodiment, the squash 1 cut in half is placed at a predetermined position so that the cut surface of the cut halves is the bottom surface 4 so as to face down the ball, and the first step and the second step, which will be described later, are performed.

In this embodiment, the half-cut pumpkin 1 is cut into chunks in the first step and the second step.

[Overview of the first step]
FIG. 1(B1) shows a vertical cross section of the squash 1 cut in half in the first step.
FIG. 1(B2) is a top view of the half-cut squash 1 in the first step. FIG. 2(A) is an end view of a single blade 12 that constitutes the first blade.
FIG. 2(B) explains the first step, and shows a state in which the half-cut squash 1 is viewed from above.

In the first step, one or more first cutting tools 11A and 11B are used to circularly cut the half-cut squash 1 at a predetermined inclination angle α so that the top portion 6 can be separated from the other portion 7 . A notch 5 is formed.

In the first step, first, the half-cut squash 1 is placed on a second blade 21, which will be described later. The second blade has a circular shape large enough to place the bottom surface 4 of the half-cut squash 1 when viewed from above.

▽ The first blades 11A and 11B
In this example, the first blades 11A and 11B are two sets, and two sets are used.
As shown in FIG. 2(A), each of the single blades 12 constituting the first blades 11A and 11B is curved like a shovel so that the upper surface thereof is concave.

The pair of first blades 11A are arranged at a predetermined inclination angle α so as to extend from the outer circumference of the squash 1 inward toward the inside. The pair of first blades 11A advances and retreats toward the half-cut squash 1 while maintaining the inclination angle α. The pair of first blades 11A are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the half-cut pumpkin 1, facing each other, and advance and retreat. The same applies to the other pair of first blades 11B.

▽Formation of Annular Cut 5 As shown in FIG. 2(B), first, two opposing cuts are made in the half-cut squash 1 by a pair of first blades 11A facing each other. Next, in a direction rotated by 90 degrees relative to the half-cut pumpkin 1, another pair of first blades 11B is used to similarly make two opposing cuts. As a result, the four cuts formed by the two sets of first blades 11A and 11B are connected in an annular fashion to form the annular cut 5 described above.

The inclination angle α of the first blades 11A and 11B is preferably 60 degrees or less with respect to the bottom surface 4 of the squash 1 cut in half. It is more preferably 50 degrees or less, and still more preferably 45 degrees or less. This is because if the inclination angle α is too large, the size and shape of the randomly cut pieces become irregular, and there is a possibility that the cut processing cannot be performed within a predetermined standard. This tendency is particularly noticeable in Kent squash, which has been bred to a large size.

The annular notch 5 allows the half-cut squash 1 to be separated from the other portion 7 in a certain area 6 of the top. The fixed area 6 of the top presents a shallow ball upside down with a core hole 2 in the center. A surface corresponding to the annular cut 5 in the fixed range 6 of the top portion is an annular inclined surface that is inclined inwardly from the outer peripheral side. The other portion 7 has an annular shape including the bottom surface 4 of the half-cut pumpkin 1 . A surface corresponding to the annular notch 5 of the other portion 7 is an annular inclined surface that is inclined inwardly from the outer peripheral side.

[Second step]
FIG. 1(C1) shows a vertical cross section of the squash 1 cut in half in the second step.
FIG. 1(C2) is a top view of the half-cut squash 1 in the second step.
FIG. 1(C3) is a top view of the second blade 21 described above.
FIG. 1(C4) shows the pressing member 31 used in the second step.
FIG. 2(C) explains the second step, and shows the squash 1 cut in half as viewed in longitudinal section.
FIG. 3(A) is a top view of the second blade 21. FIG.
FIG. 3B is a cross section of the blade portion of the second blade 21. FIG.
FIG. 3C shows a state of the pressing member 31 viewed from below.
FIG. 3(D) shows a state in which the pressing member 31 is viewed from the side.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the annular blade 22 in the second blade 21. As shown in FIG.

In the second step, the half-cut squash 1 in which the annular cut 5 is formed is cut longitudinally by the second blade 21 .

Second Blade As shown in FIG. 3A, the second blade 21 has an annular blade 22 and a plurality of radial blades inside a circular frame 24 . In this example, the radial blades include a first radial blade 23A and a second radial blade 23B.

▽ Annular blade 22
The annular blade 22 has a radius R coaxial with the squash halves 1 . In this example, the annular blade 22 is a regular polygon having the radius R described above.
As shown in FIG. 4, the annular blade 22 is configured so that the regular polygon exists in a region F from a position I inscribed to a position C circumscribing the virtual circle O of the radius R. preferable. Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which the regular polygon is a regular hexagon, other shapes such as a regular pentagon, a regular heptagon, and a regular octagon can also be adopted. Further, although the annular blade 22 is shown only as a regular hexagon inscribed and circumscribed in the imaginary circle O of the radius R, the point is that any regular polygon existing within the region F may be used.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the annular blade 22 is a double-edged blade having upper and lower blades.

In the second blade 21 shown in FIG. 3(A), the regular polygon of the annular blade 22 is a regular heptagon, and the regular heptagon is inscribed in a virtual circle O having a radius R.

In this way, since the annular blade 22 is a polygon existing in the region F from the position I inscribed in the virtual circle O with the radius R to the position C circumscribed, the cut pieces can be cut with a kitchen knife. It is a linear cut like this, and it can secure the commercial value in the market as a processed food.

The annular blade 22 and the virtual ring can also be polygons existing in a region where a virtual circle having a radius of plus or minus 20% of the radius R can exist.

▽ First and second radial blades 23A, 23B
As shown in FIG. 3A, the first and second radial blades 23A, 23B extend in the radial direction with the center of the annular blade 22 as a reference.
The first radial blade 23A is arranged so as to pass through each vertex of the regular polygon.
One or more of the second radial blades 23B are arranged on the outer side of the annular blade 22 so as to equally divide the region sandwiched between the two adjacent first radial blades 23A. In this example, the region sandwiched between the two adjacent first radial blades 23A is divided into two by one second radial blade 23B.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B are double-edged blades having upper and lower blades.

In the second blade 21 shown in FIG. 3A, the annular blade 22 is a regular heptagon. Therefore, seven first radial blades 23A are arranged so as to pass through seven vertices. In this example, seven second radial blades 23B are arranged so as to halve the region sandwiched between the adjacent first radial blades 23A.

In the second blade 21 of this example, inside the annular blade 22, the cut pieces of the pumpkin cut longitudinally pass through the triangular region formed by the first radial blade 23A and the annular blade 22. This is the first passage space 25A.
On the outside of the annular blade 22, the petal-shaped region formed by the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B, the annular blade 22, and the frame 24 is filled with pieces of pumpkin that have been cut longitudinally. This is the second passage space 25B.

With the second blade 21 of this example, inside the annular blade 22, the half-cut squash 1 is longitudinally split into seven equal parts. The cut pieces of the pumpkin longitudinally cut inside the annular blade 22 pass through the first passage space 25A and fall.
Further, outside the annular blade 22, the half-cut squash 1 is longitudinally split into 14 equal parts. The cut pieces of the pumpkin longitudinally cut outside the annular blade 22 pass through the second passage space 25B and fall.

In this example, in the second step, first, the halved pumpkin 1 with the annular cut 5 formed therein is placed on the second blade 21 with the halved cut surface as the bottom surface 4 so as to face the ball. In this state, the pressing member 31 presses the half-cut squash 1 from above. As a result, the half-cut squash 1 is longitudinally cut by the annular blade 22 and the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B.

▼ Pressing member 31
As shown in FIGS. 3(C) and 3(D), the pressing member 31 includes a disk-shaped substrate 32 and first and second pressing blocks 33A and 33B.

The substrate 32 is circular and has a size equivalent to that of the second blade 21 . An elevating mechanism 34 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 32 for elevating the pressing member 31 to apply a pressing force to the half-cut pumpkin 1 .

The first and second pressing blocks 33A and 33B are arranged to form the annular blade 22 and the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B according to the arrangement of the annular blade 22 and the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B of the second blade 21. The size and shape are set to fit the first and second passage spaces 25A and 25B where 23A and 23B do not exist.

Inside the annular blade 22, the first pressing block 33A is formed in an isosceles triangle shape so as to fit into the first passage space 25A. Therefore, seven first pressing blocks 33A are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction with the apex formed by the isosceles triangle of the isosceles triangle directed toward the center. At the time of vertical split cutting in the second step, the center side of the first radial blade 23A enters the first gap 35A between the first pressing blocks 33A.

The second pressing block 33B is formed in a trapezoid outside the annular blade 22 so as to fit into the second passage space 25B. Therefore, 14 second pressing blocks 33B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction with the upper base of the trapezoid facing the center. At the time of vertical split cutting in the second step, the peripheral sides of the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B enter the second gap 35B between the second pressing blocks 33B.

A third gap 35C is provided between each first pressing block 33A and each second pressing block 33B. The annular blade 22 enters into the third gap 35C at the time of vertical splitting in the second step.

[Details of the first step]
As shown in FIGS. 2(A), 2(B) and 2(C), in the first step, the tips P of the first blades 11A and 11B are directed inward from the outer peripheral side of the half-cut pumpkin 1, and The annular notch 5 is formed in the half-cut pumpkin 1 in a state toward the imaginary ring A having the radius R on the bottom surface 4 of the half-cut pumpkin 1 .
Here, the tip P of the first blades 11A and 11B is the center of the tip of one single blade 12 constituting the first blades 11A and 11B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the virtual ring A is preferably a regular polygon existing in a region F extending from a position I inscribed in a virtual circle O of radius R to a position C circumscribed. Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which the regular polygon is a regular hexagon, other shapes such as a regular pentagon, a regular heptagon, and a regular octagon can also be adopted. Further, although the virtual ring A shows only regular hexagons inscribed and circumscribed in the virtual circle O of radius R, any regular polygon existing within the region F may be used.

The first step is performed in this way, and then the second step is performed as described above. As a result, the half-cut squash 1 cut in half in the horizontal direction is formed with an annular notch 5 at a predetermined inclination angle α so that the fixed range 6 of the top can be separated from the other portion 7 . In this state, it is longitudinally cut by the annular blade 22 and the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B. Therefore, the product can be cut within the standard of a predetermined shape and predetermined weight without waste.

◆Cutting Device FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a cutting device for realizing the above-described cutting method. FIG. 5(A) is a front view, and FIG. 5(B) is a side view.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the turntable 51 provided in the cutting device.

This device is provided with a turntable 51 within a housing 41 .
The turntable 51 is provided with four processing stages 54 on which the above-described squash halves 1 are placed and processed. The machining stage 54 has a circular opening in which the above-described second blade 21 is fitted (the second blade 21 is not shown in FIG. 6).

The apparatus has a first stage S1 on the front side, a second stage S2 on the left side, a third stage D3 on the back side, and a fourth stage S4 on the right side. In this state, the turntable 51 is intermittently rotated in the direction of the arrow Q by 90 degrees around the rotary shaft 53 by the rotation drive means 52 . As a result, each of the processing stages 54 stops temporarily at the positions of the first to fourth stages S1 to S4, respectively, and is configured to take charge of the first to fourth stages S1 to S4 in order.

The first stage S1 is a stage for carrying out a loading operation of placing a half-cut pumpkin 1 to be cut and loaded into the apparatus. At this time, the half-cut squash 1 is placed on the second blade 21 fitted in the processing stage 54 so that the bottom surface 4 faces downward.

The second stage S2 and the third stage S3 are stages for performing the above-described first process.

FIGS. 7A1 and 7A2 are diagrams for explaining the processing in the second stage S2.
In the second stage S2, a pair of first blades 11A are used to make two cuts 5A facing the squash 1 in half. In the figure, reference numeral 61A is an advance/retreat means for advancing/retreating the first blade 11A toward the half-cut squash 1. As shown in FIG.

FIGS. 7(B1) and 7(B2) are diagrams for explaining the processing in the third stage S3.
In the third stage S3, another pair of first blades 11B is used to make two notches 5B facing the squash 1 in half. In the figure, reference numeral 61B is an advance/retreat means for advancing/retreating the first blade 11A toward the half-cut squash 1. As shown in FIG.

The two opposing cuts 5A formed in the second stage S2 and the two opposing cuts 5B formed in the third stage S3 are connected to form an annular cut 5. As shown in FIG.

The fourth stage S4 is a stage for performing the above-described second step.

A pressing member 31 is arranged on the upper part of the fourth stage S4 so as to face the second blade 21 . The pressing member 31 is moved up and down by an elevating mechanism 34 to advance and retreat toward the second blade 21 . At this time, the pressing member 31 presses from above the half-cut squash 1 in which the annular cut 5 is formed in the first step. Thereby, as described above, the halved squash 1 is longitudinally cut by the annular blade 22 of the second blade 21 and the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B.

At this time, inside the annular blade 22, cut pieces of the pumpkin longitudinally cut inside the annular blade 22 pass through the first passage space 25A and drop. In addition, outside the annular blade 22, cut pieces of the pumpkin longitudinally cut outside the annular blade 22 pass through the second passage space 25B and drop. The cut pumpkin pieces that have fallen are guided by a shooter 65 and stored in a predetermined container (not shown).

[Effect of Embodiment]
The above-described embodiment has the following effects due to the above-described configuration.
That is, the half-cut squash 1 cut in half in the horizontal direction is formed with an annular notch 5 at a predetermined inclination angle α so that the top portion 6 can be separated from the other portion 7 . In this state, it is longitudinally cut by the annular blade 22 and the first and second radial blades 23A and 23B. Therefore, the product can be cut within the standard of a predetermined shape and predetermined weight without waste. Therefore, there is no need to separately cut the cutout portion as in Patent Document 1. In particular, Kent squash, which has been bred to a large size, can also be cut within the above-described predetermined standards.
In addition, the cut pieces have straight cut edges as if they were cut with a kitchen knife, and the commercial value in the market as processed foods can be ensured.

<Modifications> Although a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments, and can be implemented in various ways. The intent is to include examples.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the second blade 21. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 8A1 shows an example in which the annular blade 22 is a regular hexagon, and six first and six second radial blades 23A and 23B are provided. In the second step, the half-cut squash 1 is longitudinally cut into 6 equal parts inside the annular blade 22 and longitudinally cut into 12 equal parts outside the annular blade 22 .
FIG. 8(A2) is the same as the one shown in FIG.

FIG. 8B1 shows an example in which the annular blade 22 has a regular heptagonal shape, and seven first and seven second radial blades 23A and 23B are provided. In the second step, the half-cut squash 1 is longitudinally cut into 7 equal parts inside the annular blade 22 and longitudinally cut into 14 equal parts outside the annular blade 22 .
FIG. 8(B2) is the same as that shown in FIG.

FIG. 8(C1) shows an example in which the annular blade 22 is a regular octagon and eight first and eight second radial blades 23A and 23B are provided. In the second step, the half-cut squash 1 is longitudinally cut into 8 equal parts inside the annular blade 22 and longitudinally cut into 16 equal parts outside the annular blade 22 .
FIG. 8(C2) is the same as the one shown in FIG.

In the above embodiment, in the first step, the annular cut 5 is formed by the two pairs of first blades 11A and 11B, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, three or more pairs of first blades may be used to form the annular cut 5, or one first blade may be driven to rotate to form the annular cut 5.

A: virtual ring O: virtual circle R: radius C: circumscribed position I: inscribed position F: area P: tip α: predetermined inclination angle S1: first stage S2: second stage S3: third stage S4: Fourth stage 1: Half cut pumpkin 2: Core hole 3: Concave surface 4: Bottom surface 5: Annular cut 5A: Cut 5B: Cut 6: Fixed range of top 7: Other part 11A: First blade 11B: First blade 12: Single blade 21: Second blade 22: Annular blade 23A: First radial blade 23B: Second radial blade 24: Frame 25A: First passage space 25B: Second passage space 26: Middle extraction blade 31: Pressing member 32: Substrate 33A: First pressing block 33B: Second pressing block 34: Lifting mechanism 35A: First gap 35B: Second gap 35C: Third gap 41: Housing 51: Turntable 52: Rotation drive means 53: Rotating shaft 54: Machining stage 61A: Advance/retreat means 61B: Advance/retreat means 65: Shooter

Claims (7)

A pumpkin cutting method for cutting a half-cut pumpkin cut in half horizontally as a target product,
a first step of forming an annular incision at a predetermined angle of inclination with one or more first blades so that a certain range of the top of the squash in half can be separated from the rest;
a second step of cutting the half-cut pumpkin in which the annular cut is formed into longitudinal splits with a second knife,
In the second step, the second cutting tool comprises a double-edged annular blade having a regular polygon with a radius R coaxially with the half-cut squash and having upper and lower blades , and a radial direction with the center of the annular blade as a reference. and a plurality of radial blades extending, wherein the radial blades are adjacent to a first radial blade arranged so as to pass from the center point to each vertex of the annular blade of the regular polygon on the outside of the annular blade. There are one or two or more second radial blades that equally divide the area sandwiched between the two first radial blades, and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are double-edged having blades on the upper and lower sides. can be,
In the first step, the tip of the first blade is directed inward from the outer peripheral side of the squash in half and toward the virtual ring having the radius R on the bottom surface of the squash in half. A pumpkin cutting method, comprising forming the annular cut in a pumpkin. 2. The pumpkin cutting method according to claim 1, wherein the inclination angle of the first blade is 60 degrees or less with respect to the bottom surface of the half-cut pumpkin . The pumpkin cutting method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular blade and the virtual ring are regular polygons existing in a region where a virtual circle having a radius of plus or minus 20% of the radius R can exist. The pumpkin cutting method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular blade and the virtual ring are regular polygons existing in a region extending from a position inscribed to a position circumscribing the virtual circle having the radius R. A pumpkin cutting device for cutting a half-cut pumpkin cut in half horizontally as a target product,
one or more first cutting tools for forming an annular cut at a predetermined angle of inclination so that a certain range of the top of the squash in half can be separated from the rest;
a second knife for longitudinally cutting the half-sliced squash in which the annular cut is formed,
The second blade is a double-edged annular blade having a regular polygon with a radius R coaxially with the half-cut squash and having upper and lower blades , and a plurality of radial blades extending in the radial direction with the center of the annular blade as a reference. , wherein the radial blades are arranged so as to pass through each vertex from the center point of the regular polygonal annular blade, and the two adjacent first radial blades on the outside of the annular blade There are one or more second radial blades that equally divide the area sandwiched between the blades, and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are double-edged having blades above and below,
The tip of the first blade is directed inward from the outer peripheral side of the squash in half and toward the virtual ring having the radius R on the bottom surface of the squash in half. A pumpkin cutting device configured to form the annular cut. A knife for cutting pumpkins that cuts a half-sliced pumpkin horizontally half-sliced into longitudinal splits as a target product,
An annular blade having a radius R coaxial with the squash in half, and a plurality of radial blades extending in the radial direction with reference to the center of the annular blade,
The annular blade is a regular polygon existing in a region where a virtual circle having a radius of plus or minus 20% of the radius R can exist, and is a double -edged blade having upper and lower blades ,
As the above radial blade,
a first radial blade passing through each vertex of the polygon;
Outside the annular blade, there are one or more second radial blades that equally divide the area sandwiched between the two adjacent first radial blades , and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are A knife for cutting pumpkin, characterized by being a double-edged knife having upper and lower blades . A knife for cutting pumpkins that cuts a half-sliced pumpkin horizontally half-sliced into longitudinal splits as a target product,
An annular blade having a radius R coaxial with the squash in half, and a plurality of radial blades extending in the radial direction with reference to the center of the annular blade,
The annular blade is a regular polygon existing in the region from the position inscribed to the circumscribed position of the virtual circle with the radius R and has a double-edged blade having upper and lower blades ,
As the above radial blade,
a first radial blade passing through each vertex of the polygon;
Outside the annular blade, there are one or more second radial blades that equally divide the area sandwiched between the two adjacent first radial blades , and the first radial blade and the second radial blade are A knife for cutting pumpkin, characterized by being a double-edged knife having upper and lower blades .

Images