JPH10146181A - Machine for cutting stem of fruit vegetable - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fruit vegetable stem-cutting machine capable of mechanically cutting the stem of a fruit vegetable and removing a liquid oozed out on the cut surface of the stem. SOLUTION: This machine is used by rotating holders 4 fixed to a turntable 3 at their positions, respectively, loading a fruit vegetable A on a holder 4 moved to a loading position, holding the fruit vegetable A in a state where the stem Aa of the fruit vegetable A is slightly upward projected from the holder 4, cutting the stem Aa of the fruit vegetable A with a cutter 5 disposed at a cutting position, removing a liquid oozed out on the cut surface of the cut stem Aa of the fruit vegetable A with a liquid-removing machine 6 disposed at a liquid-removing position, and subsequently discharging the liquid-removed fruit vegetable A with a discharging machine 7 disposed at a discharging position. Thus, the discoloration and deterioration on the cut surface of the stem Aa of the fruit vegetable A in a short period can be inhibited, thereby enabling to prevent the deterioration of the quality and commercial value of the fruit vegetable A. The work for cutting the stem Aa and the work for removing the liquid can mechanically be carried out to save the labors and improve the efficiency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine used in an operation or a step of cutting a stem of a fruit or vegetable in an operation of handling fruit or vegetable such as lettuce, pumpkin, and Chinese cabbage.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the case of shipping fruits and vegetables such as those described above, the stems of the fruits and vegetables A are left with two to three outer leaves Ab of the fruits and vegetables A cultivated by a farmer, for example. After the part Aa is cut off by a cutting tool (not shown) and harvested, the harvested fruits and vegetables A... Are sorted by size (classification), for example, LL, L, M, S, etc. At the same time, for example, two or three of the outer leaves Ab of the fruit and vegetable A are peeled off to slightly protrude the stem Aa, and the protruded stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A is cut off by a cutting tool (not shown). There is a method of packing and shipping.

[0003]

However, when the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A is cut off as described above, the liquid B (emulsion) seeps out from the cut end of the stem Aa, and the liquid B comes into contact with air. Fruits A
Gives the consumer an impression that the freshness of the fruit is poor, and the quality and commercial value of the fruit and vegetable A are impaired. When a water absorbing paper (not shown) is stuck to the end of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A or the liquid B that has oozed out to the end of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A is removed by the operator's hand, The liquid B may remain on the Aa end surface, or the position of the water-absorbing paper may be shifted, making it difficult to reliably remove the liquid B. And fruit and vegetable A
The operation of removing the stalk Aa of the stalk and the operation of removing the liquid B oozing on the end face of the stalk Aa are performed by the operator's hand. It is necessary to process the fruits and vegetables A one by one, and there is a problem that work efficiency is poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention removes a stem of a fruit and vegetable product and removes liquid adhering to or exuding from the end of the stem, thereby suppressing discoloration and deterioration of the end of the stem. And the quality and commercial value of fruit and vegetables can be prevented from being impaired. An object of the present invention is to provide a fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine that can mechanically perform a cutting operation of a stem portion and a liquid removing operation, and can reduce labor and efficiency of the operation.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A large number of fruit and vegetable holding units that hold the fruit and vegetables in a fixed position are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the orbiting route of the fruit and vegetable moving means that moves a large number of fruit and vegetables in the circumferential direction. ,
On the orbiting path of the fruit and vegetable moving means, loading means for loading the fruit and vegetable in a fixed position in the fruit and vegetable holding section is provided, and at the subsequent stage of the loading means, a stem of the fruit and vegetable held in the fruit and vegetable holding section. A cutting means for cutting the portion is provided, and a liquid removing means for removing liquid adhering to the stem end surface of the fruit and vegetable is provided at a subsequent stage of the cutting means, and a fruit and vegetable holding section is provided at a latter stage of the liquid removing means. It is a fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine provided with a removing means for removing the held fruit and vegetable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the fruit and vegetable holding portion is provided with a holding body facing one peripheral surface and the other peripheral surface of the fruit and vegetable. And the one holding body is formed with an insertion hole through which the stem of the fruit vegetable is allowed to protrude, and each of the holding bodies can be relatively moved in a direction in which the fruit vegetable is held in a fixed position. Characterized in that it is a fruit and vegetable stalk cutter.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the liquid removing means wipes and removes liquid adhering to the end face of the stem of the fruit and vegetable. Characterized in that it is a fruit and vegetable stalk cutter.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the liquid removing means suctions and removes liquid adhering to the end face of the stem of the fruit and vegetable by negative pressure. It is a fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine provided with liquid suction means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect, the liquid removing means absorbs and removes a liquid adhering to the stem end face of the fruit and vegetable. Characterized in that it is a fruit and vegetable stalk cutter.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine drives the fruit and vegetable moving means to move a large number of fruit and vegetable holding parts in the orbital direction along the orbital path, thereby causing artificial or mechanical loading. A large number of fruits and vegetables are loaded into each of the fruits and vegetables holding units by means, and for example, the fruits and vegetables are held in a fixed posture in which the stem is upward.
The stem of the fruit and vegetable held in the fruit and vegetable holding section is cut off by the cutting means, and the liquid (eg, emulsion) adhering or oozing to the end of the stem of the fruit and vegetable is removed by the liquid removing means and removed by the removing means. Since the liquefied fruit and vegetables are forcibly removed from the fruit and vegetable holding part, discoloration and deterioration of the stem end face of the fruit and vegetables can be suppressed, and each of loading, cutting, removing and removing operations can be performed. Since the continuous operation is performed, the labor and work of processing a large number of fruit vegetables one by one can be omitted, and labor can be saved and the efficiency can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the stem portion of the fruit and vegetable is projected into the insertion hole of the holder constituting the fruit and vegetable holding portion. After being inserted into the state, the fruits and vegetables are held (fixed) in a fixed posture by relatively moving each of the holding bodies on both sides, so that the size and shape of the fruits and vegetables are not limited. For example, spherical, oval, flat Fruits and vegetables having a shape such as a shape, a vertically long shape and a horizontally long shape, or fruits and vegetables having a skewed stem can be held in a fixed posture. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent the fruits and vegetables from being scratched and the posture and the position from being displaced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect, the fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine further includes a liquid wiping means such as a wiping brush or the like which adheres to the stalk end face of the fruit and vegetable. Is wiped off so that liquid can be reliably prevented from remaining or remaining, and can be wiped in a clean state free of liquid and foreign matter.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect, the fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine is provided with a liquid suction means such as a suction blower or a suction device connected to a vacuum pump. Since the liquid adhering to the end surface of the stem of the object is forcibly sucked, the liquid is reliably sucked and removed, and discoloration or deterioration of the liquid can be suppressed. Since the stem end face of the fruit and vegetable is dried by air contact, the rate of discoloration and deterioration of the stem end face is further suppressed. In addition, since the suction capacity of the liquid suction means is always constant, the liquid removing operation can be performed stably.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine is provided with a liquid absorbing means such as a water absorbing paper, a porous absorbent, and a polymer absorbent in addition to the function of the first or second aspect. Since the liquid adhering to the stem end surface of the fruit and vegetable is absorbed, only the liquid can be reliably absorbed and removed, and the stem end surface is dried, so that discoloration or deterioration can be suppressed.

[0015]

According to the present invention, the stem of the fruit and vegetable held in the fruit and vegetable holding part is cut off by the cutting means, and the liquid adhering or exuding on the end face of the stem is removed by the liquid removing means. Further, it is possible to suppress the discoloration and deterioration of the stem end face of the fruit and vegetable in a short period of time as in the conventional example, and to prevent the quality and commercial value of the fruit and vegetable from being impaired. In addition, since the stalk is packaged or shipped with the new surface exposed, the freshness of the fruit and vegetables can be given to the consumer, and the desire to purchase can be promoted.

In addition, since each of the fruit and vegetable holding parts is moved around and the loading, cutting, removing and removing operations are continuously performed, a large number of fruit and vegetable products are processed one by one as in the conventional example. This can save labor and work, and can mechanically perform the work of cutting off the stem of the fruit and vegetable and the work of removing the liquid, which can save labor and improve efficiency.
In addition, since the fruits and vegetables are held in a fixed position by each holding body constituting the fruits and vegetables holding part, the size and shape of the fruits and vegetables are not limited, and the fruits and vegetables can be used for cutting of various fruits and vegetables. Scratches on the object and displacement of the posture and position can be reliably prevented, and the work can be performed accurately and stably.

Furthermore, when the liquid is wiped off by the liquid wiping means, the liquid adhering to the stem end face is wiped off so as to be swept away, so that the stem end face can be wiped clean without any liquid. . Further, when the liquid is sucked by the liquid suction means, the liquid adhering to the stem end face can be surely removed by suction, and the stem end face is dried by contact with air. The rate of discoloration or alteration of the stem end face is further suppressed. In addition, since the suction capacity of the liquid suction means is always constant,
The removal operation can be performed stably. Further, when the liquid is absorbed by the liquid absorbing means, only the liquid adhering to the stem end face can be reliably absorbed and removed, and since the stem end face is surface dried, it is possible to suppress discoloration or deterioration. Can be.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine used in an operation or a process for cutting off a stem of a fruit and vegetable and removing a liquid (for example, an emulsion) adhering to or exuding from the end of the stem.
2 and FIG. 2, the fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine 1 horizontally rotates a disk-shaped turntable 3 pivotally supported at a central portion on the upper surface side of an apparatus main body 2 in a circumferential direction C. The plurality of holding tables 4 fixed to the side peripheral portion are intermittently moved by a predetermined angle to a loading position a, a cutting position b, a liquid removing position c, and a removing position d set on the circuit path. . The fruits and vegetables A are placed on the holding table 4 moved to the loading position a by artificial means or mechanical means.
And the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable product A is held in a state of slightly projecting above the upper surface side of the holding table 4. The stem Aa of the vegetable A protruding from the upper surface side of the holding table 4 is slightly cut off by the cutting machine 5 arranged at the cutting position b. The liquid B oozing into the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A is removed by the liquid removing machine 6 disposed at the liquid removing position c. In this configuration, the fruit and vegetable A that has been subjected to liquid removal by the removing machine 7 disposed at the removing position d is removed to the side of the apparatus and supplied to the next step (packing step).

In the rotary table 3, the upper end of the main shaft 8, which is non-rotatably fixed vertically with respect to the central part on the upper surface side of the apparatus main body 2, is inserted into an insertion hole 3 c formed in the central part on the lower surface side of the rotary table 3. A bearing member 9 (bearing) fixed to the outer peripheral surface on the upper end side of the main shaft 8 at the lower peripheral edge of the insertion hole 3a
And the turntable 3 is attached to the upper end of the main shaft 8 so as to be horizontally rotatable. A plurality of (for example, six) holding tables 4... Around the main shaft 8 are fixed at a predetermined angle (for example, about 60 degrees) around the upper surface side peripheral portion of the turntable 3. A circling motor 10 with a speed reducer is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the main shaft 8, and the sprockets 11 and 12 and the drive chain 13 are driven by the driving force of the circulating motor 10.
The rotary table 3 is intermittently rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, about 60 degrees) in the rotation direction C via the rotary table C, and each of the holding tables 4 fixed to the upper peripheral edge of the rotary table 3 is set on the rotation path. The movement is stopped at the loaded position a, the cutting position b, the liquid removing position c, and the removing position d. At the four corners on the bottom side of the apparatus main body 2, running wheels 2a with a stopper function are attached so as to be able to run in the front-back and left-right directions (180 degrees direction).

At the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the turntable 3, each of the detectors 14 is vertically suspended at an angle corresponding to each of the holders 4, and at a position facing one of the detectors 14. For example, when a detection sensor 15 such as a limit switch, a proximity switch, a photoelectric sensor, or the like is provided, and when the detection sensor 15 detects the detection object 14, the rotation is performed based on a detection signal output from the detection sensor 15. The driving motor 10 is temporarily stopped, and the driving of the turntable 3 is stopped at a position where the turntable 3 is rotated at a predetermined angle. A foot-operated foot switch 16 disposed on the lower working side of the apparatus main body 2 and a push-button type stop switch 17 disposed on the upper operating side are connected to the entire apparatus via an appropriate control circuit (not shown). And stop. The entire device is continuously driven by intermittent or continuous stepping operation of the foot switch 16, and the entire device is intermittently driven by one pitch by one stepping operation. Stop switch 17
The whole device is stopped or started by the pressing operation of.

The driving and stopping of the orbiting motor 10 may be controlled by a pressing operation of a push button type switch (not shown), and the rotation amount of the sprocket 12 fixed to the lower surface of the turntable 3 may be controlled. For example, it is possible to detect rotation amount detecting means (not shown) such as a rotary encoder and to control driving and stopping of the orbiting motor 10 based on the detection, thereby intermittently rotating the turntable 3 to a predetermined angle. Good.

As shown in FIG. 3, the holding table 4 holds, for example, a fruit vegetable A having a spherical shape, an elliptical shape, a vertical shape, a horizontal shape, or the like, or a fruit product A with a skewed portion Aa. A gate-shaped holding frame 18 formed at a height and width to be set,
And a mounting table 19 formed in a size and shape on which the fruit vegetables A are mounted, and the holding frame 18 is opened frontward and rearward in a direction opposed to a radial direction with respect to a peripheral portion on the upper surface side of the turntable 3. An insertion hole 18b having a slightly larger diameter than the stem portion Aa of the fruit and vegetable A is formed in the central press-contact surface of the upper end side wall portion 18a. Further, instead of the above-described holding frame 18 having the gate shape, a holding frame 18 formed in an upside-down U-shape may be used, and the upper peripheral surface of the fruit and vegetable A is in close contact with the curved surface of the upper end side wall portion 18a. Since the fruits and vegetables A are pressed against the state, the posture and the position of the fruits and vegetables A are stabilized, and the cutting operation of the stem Aa can be performed accurately.

The mounting table 19 is provided on the wall 1 of the holding frame 18.
The cylindrical portion 20 is vertically movably supported on a peripheral edge of the upper surface of the turntable 3 facing the upper surface 8 a, and is vertically fixed to a lower central portion of the lower surface of the mounting table 19. The support shaft 21 is inserted into a hole 3a formed in the peripheral portion on the upper surface side of the turntable 3, and the cylindrical portion 20 is vertically fixed to the peripheral portion on the lower surface side of the hole portion 3a.
The support shaft 21 is inserted into the bearing member 23 formed at the center of the bottom of the loading portion 22 so as to be vertically movable. A spring member such as a coil spring or a spiral spring or an elastic member 24 such as a rubber member is compression-loaded between the opposed peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical portion 20 and the loading portion 22 to maintain the posture and position of the fruit and vegetable A. Due to the elasticity of the elastic member 24 necessary for the
The loading table 19 is urged in a direction in which the upper peripheral surface of the fruit and vegetable A is pressed against the holding frame 18 and the facing surface between the holding frame 18 and the loading table 19 is widened to allow loading and removal of the fruit and vegetable A. And a narrow interval where the fruit and vegetables A are held.

A regulating member 25 fixed to the lower end of the support shaft 21 abuts against the bearing member 23 to regulate the ascending position of the mounting table 19 and is vertically fixed to the lower rear end of the mounting table 19. The guide shaft 26 is vertically movably inserted into the guide hole 3b formed in the turntable 3 to prevent the orientation of the mounting table 19 from being displaced during the vertical movement. Mounting table 1
A pad member 27 having flexibility and / or elasticity, such as urethane rubber or sponge rubber, is fixed (for example, adhesively fixed or adhesively fixed) to the entire upper surface of 9 or a portion that comes into contact with fruit vegetable A. Since the pad member 27 is elastically deformed into a shape corresponding to the lower peripheral surface of the vegetable, the posture and position of the fruit and vegetable product A are stabilized, and it is possible to prevent scratches, dents and the like from being formed.

At the lower part of the loading position a and the removing position d, pneumatic or hydraulic lowering cylinders 28 are fixed vertically corresponding to the holding table 4 moved to the positions a and b. The rod end of the lowering cylinder 28 is
A locking member 29 formed in a size and shape to be locked to a locking projection 30 protruding from one side surface of the regulating member 25 is horizontally fixed. The lowering cylinder 28 is operated in conjunction with the intermittent rotation of the turntable 3 or the stepping operation of the foot switch 16, and is a vertical direction in which the lowering cylinder 28 is locked with respect to the locking projection 30, in which the mounting table 19 is lowered. Locking member 2
9 is moved up and down, the mounting table 19 is returned to the upper limit position (upper imaginary line position), and the raised position where the locking is released from the locking projection 30 and the mounting table 19 is moved to the lower limit position (lower solid line position). ), The locking member 29 is moved up and down to a lowered position where the locked state is maintained with respect to the locking projection 30.
The lowering cylinder 28 disposed on the loading position a side is controlled to operate at a speed lower than the return speed of the mounting table 19, and is moved up and down while the locking member 29 is locked to the locking projection 30.
The returning operation of the mounting table 19 is suppressed to a rising speed at which the fruit and vegetable A is gradually pressed against the wall portion 18a of the holding frame 18.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cutting machine 5 is provided with a support base 31 at the upper end of a main shaft 8 erected on the apparatus main body 2.
Is horizontally fixed, and a mounting frame 32 is erected on the upper surface side peripheral portion of the support base 31 corresponding to the cutting position b, and a disc-shaped lower surface of one end side of the mounting frame 32 facing the upper surface side of the holding table 4 is provided. The rotating blade 33 is pivotally supported, and the rotating blade 33 is protruded above the insertion hole 18b at a height position that is substantially horizontal with respect to the upper surface of the wall portion 18a of the holding frame 18 constituting the holding table 4. The fruit and vegetable A is supported so as to be horizontally rotatable in opposition to the side surface of the stem Aa. A rotation motor 34 with a reduction gear fixed to the upper surface of one end side of the mounting frame 32 is directly connected to the rotary blade 33,
By the driving force of the rotation motor 34, the rotary blade 33 is rotated in a direction in which the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A projecting above the insertion hole 18b of the holding frame 18 is cut off. The cut swarf of the stem portion Aa falls to the lower part of the apparatus and is thrown into a throwing section (not shown) composed of, for example, a case, a tray and the like.

In addition, on the periphery of one end of the mounting frame 32,
A protective cover 35 having an open bottom surface formed to have a size surrounding the rotary blade 33 is attached to prevent chips of the stem Aa from scattering around. At one side edge of the protective cover 35 corresponding to the insertion side of the stem Aa, an opening 35a formed to have a size that allows the stem Aa to be inserted is opened. Further, instead of the rotary blade 33 described above, for example, the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A may be cut by cutting means such as a fixed blade or a cutting tool.

As shown in FIG. 5, the above-described liquid remover 6 has a mounting frame 36 erected on the upper surface side peripheral portion of the support table 31 corresponding to the liquid removal position c, and the upper surface side of the holding table 4. A wiping brush 37 having a large number of resin or natural hairs, wings, or the like planted thereon is pivotally supported on the front surface of one end side of the mounting frame 36 facing the wiping brush 36, and the wiping brush 37 is attached to a holding table. 4
A position that is in contact with the end face of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A protruding above the insertion hole 18b of the holding frame 18 that constitutes a direction perpendicular to or intersecting with the circumferential direction C of the holding base 4. It is rotatably supported with respect to. Mounting frame 36
Motor 38 with a reduction gear fixed to the rear surface of one end of the motor
Is directly connected to the wiping brush 37, and the liquid B oozing on the end face of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A by the driving force of the rotation motor 38.
Rotates the wiping brush 37 in a direction to be wiped toward an inner wall surface on one end side of the protective cover 39 described later.

At the front edge of one end of the mounting frame 36,
A protective cover 39 having an open bottom surface formed to have a size surrounding the wiping brush 37 is attached to prevent the liquid B to be wiped by the rotational force of the wiping brush 37 from scattering around. The liquid B to be wiped is supplied to the protective cover 39.
Flows down to the lower part of the apparatus along the inner wall surface of the drain pipe 40 formed on one end side of the container, and drops into a liquid storage part (not shown) composed of, for example, a tray and a tank.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rejecting machine 7 has a pneumatic type on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the support table 31 corresponding to the reject position d, facing the holding table 4 moved to the same position d. Or, hydraulically remove cylinder 41 is fixed horizontally (radially)
An excluding plate 42 having a concave shape (for example, a rectangular shape or an L-shape) corresponding to one side surface of the fruit or vegetable A is fixed to the rod end of the excluding cylinder 41. The exclusion cylinder 41 is used for the intermittent rotation of the turntable 3 or the foot switch 1.
When the mounting table 19 constituting the holding table 4 is lowered to the lower limit position, the mounting table 1
The removable plate 42 is moved forward and backward to a forward position where the fruit and vegetables A placed on 9 are removed to the side of the apparatus and a retracted position where the revolving operation of the holding tables 4 is allowed. A flexible and / or elastic pad member 43 made of, for example, urethane rubber or sponge rubber is fixed (for example, adhesively fixed or adhesively fixed) to the entire surface of the exclusion plate 42 or a portion that comes into contact with the fruit and vegetable A, and The outer peripheral surface of A is prevented from being scratched, dents and the like. The fruit vegetables A removed from the mounting table 19 are supplied to the next step (packing step) by a transporting means such as a conveyor, a transport case, and a shooter.

The illustrated embodiment is configured as described above, and the stalk Aa of the fruit and vegetable A will be described below using the fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine 1.
An operation for removing the liquid B exuding from the end face of the stem Aa will be described. First, as shown in FIG.
The entire apparatus is driven in conjunction with the stepping operation of the foot switch 16, and the holding tables 4 fixed to the rotary table 3 are intermittently moved to the respective positions a, b, c, d by a predetermined angle. Each outer leaf Ab ... of the harvested fruit and vegetable A is manually
Peel off three to three pieces to slightly protrude the stem Aa. FIG.
As shown in (1), the mounting table 19 of the holding table 4 moved to the loading position a is once lowered, and the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A is inserted into the insertion hole 18a of the holding frame 18 from below by the operator. After that, the mounting table 19 is raised again, the fruit and vegetable A is sandwiched between the holding frame 18 and the mounting table 19, and the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A slightly protrudes above the insertion hole 18a of the holding frame 18. And hold it.

Next, each of the holding tables 4 holding the fruit and vegetables A ...
To the cutting position b, and as shown in FIG.
The rotating blades 33 constituting the cutting machine 5 are continuously rotated, and the stem portions Aa of the fruits and vegetables A projecting above the insertion holes 18a of the holding frame 18 are sequentially cut by the rotating blades 33, and the cut stems are obtained. Chips from the section Aa are fed into a feeding section (not shown) arranged at the lower part of the apparatus.

Next, the holding tables 4 holding the cut fruit vegetables A are moved to the liquid removing position c, and FIG.
As shown in the figure, the wiping brush 37 constituting the liquid removing machine 6 is continuously rotated to apply the wiping brush 37 to the end face of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A projecting upward from the insertion hole 18a of the holding frame 18.
And the liquid B oozing on the stem Aa end face of the fruit and vegetable A
Is wiped by the rotational force of the wiping brush 37. The wiped liquid B is swept toward the outer peripheral side, and the protective cover 3
The liquid B adhered to the inner wall surface of the drain pipe 9 and the inner wall of the drain pipe 40 is allowed to flow under its own weight, and is dropped into a liquid storage unit (not shown) arranged at the lower part of the apparatus.

Next, the holding tables 4 holding the fruits and vegetables A from which the liquid has been removed are moved to the exclusion position d, and the holding tables 4 moved to the same position a as shown in FIG. Table 19
Is once lowered to forcibly remove the fruits and vegetables A placed on the mounting table 19 to the side of the apparatus by the removal plate 42 constituting the removing machine 7 and supply the fruits and vegetables A to the next step (packing step). On the other hand, the mounting table 19 from which the fruit and vegetable A is removed is raised again,
The removed holding table 4 is moved to the loading position a. Less than,
In the same manner as described above, each holding table 4 moved to the loading position A
Are successively loaded into each of the fruits and vegetables A, and the operation of cutting off the stem Aa of the fruits and vegetables A and removing the liquid B oozing out at the end face of the stem Aa is continuously performed.

As described above, the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A held on the holding table 4 is cut off by the cutting machine 5, and the stem Aa is cut off.
Since the liquid B adhering to or exuding from the end face is wiped and removed by the rotating action of the wiping brush 37, discoloration and deterioration of the stem Aa end face of the fruit and vegetable A in a short period of time can be suppressed as in the conventional example. Thus, the quality and commercial value of the fruit and vegetable A can be prevented from being impaired. In addition, since the stalk Aa is packaged or shipped with the new surface exposed, the freshness of the fruit and vegetable product A can be given to the consumer, and the desire to purchase can be promoted.

Further, the holding tables 4 fixed on the rotating table 3 are moved to the respective positions a, b, c, d to orbit, and the fruits and vegetables A
Since the loading operation, the excision operation, the liquid removing operation, and the exclusion operation are continuously performed, a large number of fruits A
, One by one, and the operation of cutting off the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A, and the stem A
The operation of removing the liquid b seeping out from the end face a can be performed mechanically, and labor saving and efficiency improvement of the operation can be achieved. In addition, the holding frame 18 and the mounting table 19 constituting the holding table 4
Since the fruit and vegetable A is sandwiched in a fixed position, the size and shape of the fruit and vegetable A are not limited, and the fruit and vegetable A can be used for stem cutting work, and the fruit and vegetable A is scratched, Displacement of the posture and position can be reliably prevented, and the work can be performed accurately and stably.

FIG. 7 shows that a suction element 44 made of, for example, synthetic rubber, soft resin, or the like is pressed against the end face of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A, and a negative force generated between the opposing faces of the suction element 44 and the stem Aa. 7 shows an example of removing the liquid removing device 6 that suctions the liquid B by pressure. When the holding table 4 is moved to the liquid removing position c on the circulation path, the pressing cylinder fixed to the upper surface on one end side of the mounting frame 36 is shown. 45 is operated to descend and connected to a negative pressure generating means (not shown) such as, for example, an intake blower, a vacuum pump, or the like, on the end face of the stem portion Aa of the fruit and vegetable A inserted into the insertion hole 18b of the holding frame 18. The suction element 44 is pressed, air is sucked from gaps 44a formed between the opposing surfaces of the suction element 44 and the stem Aa, and the fruit and vegetable A is produced by the negative pressure and wind pressure generated on the suction surface of the suction element 44.
The liquid B that has oozed to the end of the stem Aa is forcibly sucked and removed and recovered, so that the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. B can be reliably prevented from remaining. In addition, since the stem Aa end face of the fruit and vegetable A is naturally dried by air contact, the rate of discoloration or alteration of the stem Aa end face is suppressed as compared with the removal with the wiping brush 37 described above. Since the suction force is always constant, the liquid removing operation can be performed stably.

FIG. 8 shows, for example, water-absorbing paper, a porous absorbent,
Another removal example of the liquid removing machine 6 that absorbs the liquid B oozing on the end face of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A by the absorption function of the absorber 46 formed of a polymer absorber or the like is shown. When the holding table 4 is moved to the liquid position c, the pressing cylinder 47 fixed to the upper surface on one end side of the mounting frame 36 is lowered to operate the fruit vegetables A inserted into the insertion holes 18b of the holding frame 18.
The absorbent 46 is pressed against the end of the stem Aa of the fruit vegetable A, and the absorbing function of the absorbent 46 absorbs and removes and recovers the liquid B oozing on the end of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A. The function and effect can be exhibited, and the end surface of the stem a can be prevented from being dried and discolored or deteriorated. When the absorption function of the absorber 46 is reduced, the liquid B absorbed by the absorber 46 is poured out or a new absorber 46 is discharged.
, The absorption function required to absorb the liquid B can be obtained.

FIG. 9 shows the stem portion A of the fruit and vegetable A due to the absorption function of the absorption band 48 made of the same material as the above-mentioned absorber 46.
a shows another removal example of the liquid removing machine 6 that absorbs the liquid B oozing on the end face. When the holding table 4 is moved to the liquid removing position c on the orbital path, the removal table 6 The stretched absorption band 48 is rotated in the direction of the arrow by the driving force of a rotation motor (not shown), and inserted into the insertion hole 18 b of the holding frame 18.
Absorbing band 48 is continuously pressed against stem Aa end face of fruit vegetable A projecting upward, and liquid B that has oozed to stem Aa end face of fruit vegetable A by the absorption function of absorption band 48 is absorbed. Since removal and recovery are performed, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. The liquid removal plate 49 is pressed against the peripheral surface at the end side of the absorption band 48, and the liquid B absorbed and adhered to the absorption band 48 is dropped inside the drain pipe 40 along the liquid removal plate 49, so that the liquid B is absorbed. It is always economical to obtain the absorption function necessary to perform the operation and to save labor and work for replacement.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show each of the holding tables 4... Laid between the endless bands 52, 52 at the respective positions a, b,
2 shows a fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine 1 according to a second embodiment, which works by intermittently moving to c and d. For example, each of the band stretchers 50 and 51 composed of sprockets, pulleys, etc. The endless belts 52, 5 which are pivotally supported at the end portions and which are formed, for example, by chains, belts, etc., are provided between the belt tension bodies 50, 51.
2 and the above-mentioned holding tables 4 are fixed on the upper surface side of each of the mounting tables 53 provided between the endless bands 52, 52 at predetermined equal intervals in the circumferential direction C. I have.
The endless bands 52, 52 are rotated in the circulating direction C via the sprockets 55a, 55a and the drive chain 55b by the driving force of the circulating motor 54 with a speed reducer, and the holding members provided between the endless bands 52, 52 The table 4 is set at the loading position a,
The cutting position b, the liquid removing position c, and the removing position d are intermittently moved.

In the same manner as in the apparatus of the first embodiment,
The fruits and vegetables A are loaded into the holding table 4 moved to the loading position a by the operator's hand, and the holding table 4 is set by the cutting machine 5 disposed at the cutting position b.
The stem portion Aa of the fruit and vegetable A loaded in is cut off. The liquid B exuding on the end face of the stem Aa of the fruit and vegetable A is removed by the liquid removing machine 6 disposed at the liquid removing position c. Since the fruit vegetables A having been subjected to the liquid removal are removed from the holding table 4 by the removing machine 7 arranged at the removing position d,
The same operation and effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

In correspondence with the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment, the fruit and vegetable moving means of the present invention comprises the turntable 3 of the first embodiment, the endless band 52 and the mounting stand 53 of the second embodiment.
In the same manner, the fruit and vegetable holding unit corresponds to the holding table 4 and the holding frame 18 and the mounting table 19, and the loading means is
The cutting means corresponds to the cutting machine 5 and the rotary blade 33, and the liquid removing means corresponds to the liquid removing machine 4 and the wiping brush 37, the suction element 44, and the absorbing means. The elimination means corresponds to the eliminator 7 and the elimination plate 42, and the holding body corresponds to the holding frame 18.
, The liquid wiping means corresponds to the wiping brush 37, the liquid suction means corresponds to the suction element 44, and the liquid absorption means corresponds to the absorber 46 and the absorption band 48. However, the present invention is not limited only to the configuration of the above embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments described above, an example was described in which the fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine 1 was used for the cutting of fruit and vegetable A having a spherical shape such as lettuce, but pumpkin, Chinese cabbage, etc. The fruit and vegetable A having an elliptical shape, a flat shape, a vertically long shape, and a horizontally long shape, or the stem cutting operation of the fruit and vegetable A having a skewed portion Aa can be applied, and the size and shape of the fruit and vegetable A are It is not limited.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1D shows the fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine of the first embodiment.
FIG.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a revolving operation of each holding table.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side view showing a holding structure of the holding table.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a cutting operation of the cutting machine.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a liquid removing operation of the liquid removing machine.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the removing operation of the removing machine.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing an example of removing the liquid removing device by a suction element.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing another example of removal of the liquid removing machine by the absorber.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing another example of removal of the liquid removing machine using an absorption band.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a rear view showing a mounting state of the holding base.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A: Fruit vegetables Aa: Stem part Ab: Outer leaves B: Liquid 1 ... Fruit vegetable stalk cutting machine 2 ... Device body 3 ... Rotary table 4 ... Holding table 5 ... Cutting machine 6 ... Liquid removing machine 7 ... Rejector 18 ... Holding Frame 18b Insert hole 19 Mounting table 33 Rotating blade 37 Wiping brush 42 Excluding plate 44 Suction element 44a Gap 46 Absorber 48 Absorbing band 52 Endless band 53 Mounting table

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of fruit and vegetable holding portions for holding fruit and vegetables in a fixed posture are arranged at predetermined intervals in a circling direction on a circulation path of fruit and vegetable moving means for moving a large number of fruit and vegetables. Loading means for loading fruit and vegetables in a fixed position in the fruit and vegetable holding unit on the orbiting path of the fruit and vegetable moving means, and the fruit and vegetable held in the fruit and vegetable holding unit at a stage subsequent to the loading means. Cutting means for cutting off the stem of the product, and liquid removing means for removing liquid adhering to the stem end surface of the fruit and vegetable provided at a stage subsequent to the cutting means; A fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine provided with a removing means for removing fruit and vegetables held in a holding section. 2. The fruit and vegetable holding section is provided with respective holders opposed to one peripheral surface and the other peripheral surface of the fruit and vegetable, and the stem portion of the fruit and vegetable is provided on the one holder. 2. A fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein each of said holding bodies is provided so as to be relatively movable in a direction in which said fruit and vegetable is held in a fixed posture. 3. A fruit and vegetable stalk cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein said liquid removing means is provided with a liquid wiping means for wiping and removing liquid adhering to a stem end face of said fruit and vegetable. 4. The fruit and vegetable stalk cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said liquid removing means is provided with a liquid suction means for sucking and removing a liquid adhering to the stem end surface of said fruit and vegetable by negative pressure. Machine. 5. A fruit and vegetable cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein said liquid removing means is provided with a liquid absorbing means for absorbing and removing liquid adhering to the end face of the stem of said fruit and vegetable.