JPH11290052A - Device for cutting off core of vegetable or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for cutting off the cores of vegetables, etc., capable of automatically and continuously cutting off the cores of the vegetables, etc., without stopping the carried vegetables, etc., not clogging a core-cutting cutter, and enabling a safe work. SOLUTION: This device for cutting off the cores of vegetables or the like is provided with a carrying conveyer 2 for loading the vegetables C on many stages 8 and carrying the vegetables C, with a cylindrical core-cutting cutter 25 for cutting off the cores of the carried vegetables, a core-cutting unit 25 supporting the core-cutting cutter 21 in a vertically movable state, and a guide rail 15 for allowing the core-cutting unit 21 to move along the carrying conveyer 2. While projecting members 11 are arranged on the carrying conveyer 2 at a prescribed distance, a catching member 44 for catching the projecting member 11 is disposed in the core-cutting unit 21. Thus, the vegetables, etc., are carried, and their cores are simultaneously cut off using the cutter 25 for cutting off the cores.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for centering vegetables and the like which can be automatically and continuously cut without stopping the center of vegetables and the like conveyed by a conveyor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a centering apparatus for vegetables such as cabbage, an apparatus which has been automated and mass-produced for cutting a core of vegetables and the like conveyed by a conveyor or the like has already been developed.

As such a centering device for vegetables and the like, as shown in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 5-80292, a transport conveyor for transporting vegetables on a plurality of hemispherical trays, and driving the transport conveyor. A driving motor to be driven, and a vertically movable centering cutter for cutting a core of vegetables and the like to be conveyed. The centering cutter has a cylindrical shape made of metal or the like, and the tip of the cylindrical shape has a sharp cutting edge. It is formed as.

Therefore, according to the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, when the conveyor is driven by the drive motor and the vegetables are placed on the hemispherical tray in order so that the core of the vegetables is on the upper side, the cylindrical core is obtained. The centering cutter moves up and down the vegetables and the like coming to the position of the cutting cutter to cut the core. In this centering cutter, first, the cutout core remains in the cylindrical centering cutter, but at the time of the next cutout, the first core is pushed up along the gradient, so that it is discharged to the outside. It has become so. In addition, the above-mentioned conventional apparatus is also provided with an infrared circular spotlight, which irradiates the circular spotlight to the core of vegetables and the like, and corrects the position of the core of vegetables and the like by the operator's hand based on the spotlight. It is also possible.

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional centering apparatus for vegetables and the like, since the drive motor performs an intermittent operation of repeating the driving and stopping, the efficiency of the transport conveyor also repeating the driving and stopping is reduced. In addition to the bad work, there are various problems such as a demand for a drive motor having a complicated structure and an increase in power consumption. Further, the conventional apparatus has a problem that vegetables and the like are shaken or the position of the core is shifted due to an intermittent operation of repeating movement and stop. For this reason, the position of the core of vegetables or the like is corrected by the operator's hand with reference to the spotlight. However, this has a risk that the operator may get his hands caught in the conveyor.

In the conventional apparatus, when the core of vegetables or the like is cut by the centering cutter, the first cut core is pushed up along the slope, but the pushing up is not sufficient, and the cutting is performed continuously. As they went, they also had the problem of causing clogging.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically and continuously cut the core of vegetables and the like conveyed by the conveyor without stopping, without causing clogging of the centering cutter, and It is another object of the present invention to provide a centering device for vegetables and the like that allows an operator to work safely.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centering apparatus for vegetables and the like, which comprises: a conveyor for transporting vegetables on a plurality of mounting tables; A cylindrical centering cutter that cuts the core of vegetables and the like to be conveyed, a centering unit that supports the centering cutter so that it can move up and down, and a guide rail that moves the centering unit along the conveyor. A projection member is provided at predetermined intervals on the transport conveyor, and a locking member for locking the projection member is provided on the centering unit, and the centering unit is moved to move the vegetables by the centering cutter. It is characterized in that the core of a kind or the like is cut off.

According to the apparatus for centering vegetables and the like according to the first aspect, the projecting means provided at a predetermined interval on the conveyor is locked by the locking member of the centering unit. The centering unit is moved along the guide rail. This moving speed is the same as the transfer speed of the transfer conveyor. Therefore, by moving the centering cutter up and down, it is possible to cut the core of vegetables and the like while transporting the vegetables and the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a centering device for holding vegetables and the like is provided on the centering unit, based on the premise of the first aspect of the present invention.
The holding means detects the movement of the centering unit by the detection sensor and holds the vegetables or the like, while detecting that the centering cutter cuts the center of the vegetables or the like and detects the holding. The holding state is released.

According to the apparatus for centering vegetables and the like according to the second aspect, since the holding means for holding the vegetables and the like is provided, even if the vegetables and the like are transported by the transport conveyor. And vegetables do not shake. Further, by holding the vegetables and the like by the holding means, the position of the core of the vegetables and the like is determined.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a centering device for vegetables or the like is provided on the premise of the second aspect of the present invention, in which the locking member is unlocked behind the centering unit. A member is provided, and the release member releases the locked state of the locking member by detecting that the detection sensor has released the holding state of the holding means.

According to the centering device for vegetables and the like according to the third aspect, when the holding state of the holding means according to the second aspect is released, the release is detected by a detection sensor and the release is performed. By operating the member, the locked state of the locking member is released.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a centering device for vegetables and the like is provided on the premise of the third aspect of the present invention, wherein a pressing member for pushing the centering unit back to its original position is provided behind the centering unit. The pressing member pushes back the centering unit by detecting that the detection sensor has released the locked state of the locking member by the release member.

According to the centering device for vegetables and the like according to the fourth aspect, when the locking state of the locking member is released by the releasing member according to the third aspect, the detection sensor detects the release. In order to operate the pressing member, the centering unit is pushed back to the original position.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the centering device for vegetables and the like according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that the core cut inside the cutting edge of the cylindrical centering cutter is returned. It is characterized in that a return prevention part for preventing the occurrence of the backlash is formed.

According to the apparatus for centering vegetables and the like according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the center of the vegetables and the like is cut, the cut core is fed into a cylindrical interior. Since the return preventing portion is formed inside the take-off cutter, the removed core does not return. For this reason, even by the continuous operation of automatically cutting out the cores of vegetables and the like that are automatically and continuously conveyed, the previously cut cores do not interfere.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the centering device for vegetables and the like according to the present embodiment includes a transport conveyor 2 for transporting vegetables and the like, and a base 10 arranged around the transport conveyor 2. An apparatus 1 including a guide rail 15 disposed on the base 10, a centering cutter 25 for cutting a core CS of vegetables and the like, and a centering unit 21 for supporting the centering cutter 25 in a vertically movable manner. It is. Further, behind the centering unit 21, a control unit 51 for controlling the operation of the centering cutter 25 and the like is provided. Here, the case where the vegetables and the like are cabbage C will be described as an example. However, the present invention changes the type of the above-described centering cutter so that the core CS of vegetables other than the cabbage C and the core CS of fruits can be obtained. Etc. can also be cut out.

First, the conveyor 2 is a chain conveyor in which a chain 2a is wound around a front sprocket 4 and a rear sprocket 5. This conveyor 2
Is surrounded by a base 10 having left and right side portions 10a and 10b, a front portion 10c, and a back portion 10d, so that an operator does not directly contact the transport conveyor 2. Sprocket shafts 6 and 7 are provided on the front and rear ends of the base 10, and the front sprocket 4 and the rear sprocket 5 are attached via the sprocket shafts 6 and 7. This conveyor 2
From the vicinity of the rear sprocket 5 to the base 1
The cabbage C is designed so that two workers can be placed side by side through the zero. However, it is of course possible for the workers to face each other and put the cabbage C on. It is also possible to design a small size.

Further, a plurality of mounting tables 8 on which the cabbage C such as vegetables are placed are mounted on the conveyor 2 at regular intervals. Each mounting table 8 is configured by combining a pair of inclined tables 8a and 8b, each of which inclines inward, and is formed by recessing the center of the two inclined tables 8a and 8b. Therefore, the cabbage C is placed upside down so that the core CS of the cabbage C is on top. The pair of inclined tables 8 a and 8 b are attached to the chain 2 a of the conveyor 2 via the attachment 9.

Each of the plurality of mounting tables 8 is provided with a pair of projecting members 11. The pair of protruding members 11 are provided with locking members 44 of the centering unit 21 described later.
It is formed in a rod shape that protrudes beyond the chain 2a of the conveyor 2 toward the left and right side portions 10a and 10b of the base 10. In the present embodiment, the pair of inclined bases 8a and 8b are welded to one side of the pair of inclined tables 8a, 8b, that is, the attachment 9 on the rear side in the conveying direction of the conveyor 2; It may be provided directly on the table 8.

The left and right side portions 10 of the base 10
A pair of guide rails 15 are arranged on the tops 10 a and 10 b, so that the centering unit 21 can be moved along the conveyor 2. An operation panel having an opening / closing door is provided on a rear portion 10d of the base 10, and a detection counter for detecting ON / OFF of a switch of the drive motor M and the number of vegetables and the like is provided. I have. On the other hand, a discharge slope 13 for discharging the cabbage C from which the core CS has been cut is formed in the front portion 10c of the base 10. The base 10 is provided with an air pump (compressor) 63 (see FIG. 10). The centering unit 21 and the control unit 51 are connected to the cover 14.
Are covered by the
Safety is ensured not to be inserted into the hand.

Next, the centering unit 21 has a U-shaped cross section as shown in FIGS.
And is disposed on the guide rail 15 so as to straddle. That is, the centering unit 21 is composed of the top plate 21a and the left and right side plates 21b and 21c, and the lower end of each of the left and right side plates 21b and 21c can slide on the side surface of each guide rail 15. I'm holding it. The guide rail 15 is extended to the vicinity of a control unit 51 arranged at a predetermined interval behind the centering unit 21. Therefore, the centering unit 21 is configured to be movable to the vicinity of the control unit 51 along the conveyor 2 via the guide rail 15. The centering unit 21 is supported by the centering cutter 25 so as to be vertically movable, and is provided with a holding means 35 for holding and positioning the cabbage C.

First, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the centering cutter 25 has a cylindrical shape, and has a large-diameter cylindrical body 26 and a small-diameter cylindrical body connected below the cylindrical body 26. The cylindrical cutter 27 has a cutting edge 27a formed at the tip thereof. The cylindrical cutter 27 has a tapered shape at the inner periphery of a cutting edge portion 27a, and a reverse return preventing portion 29 is formed.
That is, in the cylindrical cutter 25, the inner circumference of the cutting edge portion 27 a gradually decreases toward the upper side, and near the tapered portion 28, a reversion preventing portion 29 for preventing the cut core CS from reverting. Are formed so as to bulge inward. The cylindrical cutter 27 of the present embodiment has a cabbage C
Is cut from the outer periphery thereof, and the diameter H1 of the cylindrical shape is about 54 mm, and the diameter H of the tapered portion is about 54 mm.
2 is about 53 mm, the diameter H3 of the reverse movement preventing portion 29 is about 52 mm, and the diameter H4 on the upper side thereof is about 54 mm.
Is designed. Therefore, this cylindrical cutter 27
When the core CS of the conveyed cabbage C is cut off, the removed core CS is slightly reduced in diameter by the tapered portion 28 of the cylindrical cutter 27, and is pushed up through the reverse return preventing portion 29. , The above-mentioned reverse return prevention unit 2
9 prevents it from turning back. The above-mentioned reversion preventing portion 29 may be provided on the entire inner circumference of the cylindrical cutter 27 or may be provided at a predetermined angle.

On the other hand, the cylindrical body 2 of the centering cutter 25
A discharge port for discharging the cut core CS is formed on the upper side of 6. The discharge port is for discharging to the side of the cylindrical body 26, and a pair of expanding pieces 26a is provided integrally with the cylindrical body 26 at the discharge port. Further, a thickness portion 26b that is thicker than other portions is formed inside the discharge port, that is, inside the upper side of the cylindrical body 26. Therefore, when the cut core CS reaches the outlet, the pair of expanded pieces 26a
Are slightly expanded to both sides, and come into contact with the thickness portion 26b to be discharged to the side of the cylindrical main body 26. Although not shown, the core CS discharged in this way passes through a discharge chute provided inside the cover 14 and is stored in a discharge box provided on the base 10. I have.

Here, as the cylindrical cutter 27,
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer diameter of the cutting edge portion 27 a is reduced toward the distal end, and the cutting edge portion 27 a
A reverse shape may be formed as a step-return portion 30 by forming a step inside. That is, in this example, the inner diameter H5 of the cutting edge portion 27a is about 52 mm, and the inner diameter H6 of the upper side of the reverse prevention portion 30 is about 54 mm.
Therefore, when the core CS of the cabbage C is cut, the cut core CS is instantly pushed up into the inside of the cylindrical shape, and after being pushed up after passing through the reverse return preventing portion 30,
The reverse return preventing section 30 prevents the return. The centering cutter 31 shown in FIG. 9 is the same as that shown in FIG. 8 in that the step-return preventing portion 30 is formed, but the centering cutter 31 has a
4 allows replacement.

The centering cutters 25, 31 of the present embodiment
When cutting the core CS of vegetables and fruits other than the cabbage C, various shapes corresponding to these are prepared in advance and connected to the cylindrical body 26 or the screw 34.
, It is possible to cut out the core CS of vegetables and fruits other than the cabbage C. Further, it is of course possible to provide a discharge hose or the like behind the centering cutters 25 and 31 so as to be able to discharge to the outside, or to equip the discharge hose with a suction device for sucking the cut core CS.

The centering cutters 25, 31
Is vertically movable by a cylinder unit U having a built-in air cylinder 32. That is, the cylinder unit U is disposed on the top plate 21a of the centering unit 21, and a gap is formed in which the centering cutters 25 and 31 and the piston rod 32b of the first air cylinder 32 are inserted. A connection plate 33 for connecting the centering cutters 25 and 31 and the twin piston rod 32b is provided inside the top plate 21a. The first air cylinder 32 is a double-acting type having a twin piston rod 32b, so that the connecting plate 33 can be lowered stably. Therefore, when the first air cylinder 32 is operated and the piston rod 32b is pushed down, the connecting plate 33 is lowered to lower the centering cutters 25 and 31, while, when the piston rod 32b is pushed up, the connecting is performed. By raising the plate 33, the centering cutters 25 and 31 are raised. Further, the first air cylinder 32 is provided with a detection sensor for detecting the lowered position of the centering cutters 25 and 31 and a detection sensor for detecting the raised position, respectively (see FIG. 10). The detection sensor according to the present embodiment is a proximity sensor, but is not limited thereto.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the holding means 35 includes a pair of arm members 36 for holding the cabbage C.
To perform positioning and release operation. The holding means 35 includes a double-acting second air cylinder 37 disposed on the top plate 21 a of the centering unit 21, and two guide shafts inside the left and right side plates 21 a and 21 b of the centering unit 21. 38, and a pair of movable plates 39 is attached to the guide shaft 38.
Are slidably mounted. The pair of movable plates 39 is provided with the pair of arm members 36 for holding the cabbage C from the left and right in the transport direction via a shaft 36a. The piston rod 37a of the second air cylinder 37 is connected to and attached to one of the pair of movable plates 39 (see FIG. 3). A rotating shaft 40 rotatably supported is mounted inside the top plate 21a, and the pair of movable plates 39 is connected to the rotating shaft 40 via a link plate 41a and a joint member 41b.

A detection sensor for detecting the movement of the centering unit 21 is attached to the centering unit 21 (see FIG. 10). When this detection sensor detects the movement of the centering unit 21, the piston rod 37 a of the second air cylinder 37 expands and contracts, and moves one of the pair of movable plates 39. 41a and joint member 4
The rotation shaft 40 rotates via 1b, and the other movable plate 39b also moves synchronously. Therefore, the pair of arm members 36 hold the cabbage C from the left and right in the transport direction so that the core CS of the cabbage C is positioned directly below the centering cutters 25 and 31. Also, the top plate 21a of the centering unit 21
A pair of coil springs 42 serving as urging means for returning the pair of movable plates 39 is disposed in parallel with the second air cylinder 37. Therefore, since the pair of movable plates 39 move against the coil springs 42, the holding by the arm members 36 does not damage the cabbage C.

Further, inside the left and right side plates 21b and 21c of the centering unit 21, a pair of locking members 44 for locking the pair of projecting members 11 are attached as shown in FIGS. Have been. The locking member 44 includes a substantially L-shaped hook member 44b and a linear release bar 44a.
Are rotatably provided to rotate through a predetermined angle via a rotation shaft 45. In addition, a contact member 46 is attached adjacent to the rotation shaft 45 to contact the bent portion of the substantially L-shaped hook member 44b. Also, the release bar 44a
A coil spring (not shown) serving as an urging means is mounted between the centering unit 21 and the left and right side plates 21b and 21c. Then, the tip of the hook member 44a is directed downward to lock the protruding member 11,
On the other hand, the release bar 44b is directed obliquely upward, and when the release bar 44a is pressed, the hook member 44b rotates about the rotation shaft 45, and the projecting member 11
Can be released from the locked state.

Next, a control unit 51 is disposed behind the centering unit 21 as shown in FIGS. The control unit 51 is disposed on the base 10 at a predetermined interval from the centering unit 21. The control unit 51 includes a drive motor M for driving the transport conveyor 2, a centering cutter 25 of the centering unit 21, Control means 61 and the like for controlling the power supply 31 and the like are provided (see FIG. 10).
The drive motor M is of a three-phase AC type,
A drive board 3 is provided on a shaft 3a, and the drive board 3 and the front sprocket shaft 6 are connected via a chain belt 62 to drive the transport conveyor 2. It is. The predetermined interval between the centering unit 21 and the control unit 51 in the present embodiment is approximately 17
It is set to 0 to 190 mm.

The control unit 51 has a U-shaped cross section composed of a top plate 51a and left and right side plates 51b and 51c, and is arranged on the base 10 so as to straddle the transport conveyor 2. Then, as shown in FIG.
a pressing member 55 is provided inside the left and right side plates 51b,
A release member 52 for releasing the locking state of the locking member 44 is attached to each of the insides of the locking members 51c.

First, the release member 52 is a double-acting third
The left and right side plates 51b, 5b are opposed to the release bar 44a of the locking member 44.
A pair is attached inside 1c. Each of the third air cylinders is provided with a detection sensor for detecting that the release bar 44a is pressed. (See FIG. 10). The detection sensor informs a control means 61 (described later) that the piston rod 55a of the third air cylinder has pressed the release bar 44a to release the locked state of the locking member by a signal, and notifies the pressing member 55 of the release. It can be activated.

Next, as the pressing member 55, a single-acting fourth air cylinder for returning the centering unit 21 to the original position is used.
The tip of a is threaded and connected to the rear end of the centering unit 21 by a nut 56. The pressing member 55 is provided with a detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the expansion and contraction state of the piston rod 55a.

Further, the control unit 51 includes
As shown at 0, a control means 61 for controlling the centering unit 21 and the like is provided. The control means 61 is connected to the detection sensors, the air cylinders, the air pump (compressor) 63 and the like, and controls the centering cutter of the centering unit 21 and the like. That is, the control means 61 is composed of a microprocessor and
U is mounted. Then, the centering cutter, the holding means 35, the locking member 44, the pressing member 55, and the like are controlled according to the order of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of actually cutting the core of the cabbage C continuously using the apparatus for centering vegetables and the like according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when the operator turns on the switch of the apparatus to drive the drive motor M, the conveyor 2 is driven from the position near the rear sprocket 5 via the base 10 in order to drive. Place the core C of cabbage C on the mounting table 8
Carry sequentially so that S is on top. In the transport conveyor 2 of the present embodiment, the cabbage C is transported without being stopped, and the pair of projecting members 11 are also moved.

When the loaded cabbage C reaches the position of the pair of locking members 44 on the rear side of the centering unit 21 by the transport conveyor 2, the pair of projecting members 11 is moved to the pair of locking members 44. (Fig. 1
While keeping this locked state, the centering unit 21 moves in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 2 via the pair of guide rails 15 (Step 1: S1). Since the movement of the centering unit 21 in this case utilizes the movement of the conveyor 2, the moving direction is the same as the conveying direction of the conveyor 2, and the moving speed is the same as the conveying speed. is there. The movement of the pressing member 5
5, the piston rod 52a of the fourth air cylinder
Gradually shrinks from its expanded state.

Next, when the centering unit 21 moves, the detection sensor detects that the centering unit 21 has moved and sends a signal to the control means 61, which activates the holding means 35. . Then, the second
Since the movable plate 39 is movable by the air cylinder 37, the cabbage C is clamped by the arm member 36 from the left and right in the transport direction (Step 2: S2). The holding of the holding means 35 prevents the cabbage C from swinging and positions the core CS of the cabbage C.

When the holding means 35 holds the cabbage C,
A detection sensor detects the holding state and controls the control means 61.
The control means 61 operates the first air cylinder 32 to lower the centering cutters 25 and 31 (Step 3: S3). That is, the centering cutter 2 is operated by the operation of the first air cylinder 32 in accordance with the signal.
5 and 31 are lowered to pierce the outer periphery of the core CS of the cabbage C. When this detection is detected by the detection sensor, a signal is sent to the control means 61, and the centering cutters 25 and 31 are instantaneously moved. It is raised (step 4: S4).
Thereby, the core CS of the cabbage C is instantly cut off.
The centering cutters 25 and 31 according to the present embodiment are controlled by the control means 61 so that the center CS of the cabbage C is separated by one every four seconds.
Is set to cut out.

Next, when the centering cutters 25, 31 are raised, the detection sensor detects that the centering cutters 25, 31 have returned to their original positions and sends a signal to the control means 61, which then controls the first. By operating the second air cylinder 37, the holding state of the holding means 35 is released (step 5: S5). Then, when the detection sensor detects the release of the holding state, the release member 52 is operated. That is, each piston rod 52a of the pair of third air cylinders 52 simultaneously presses the release bars 44a of the pair of locking members 44 to release the locked state of the locking members 44 (Step 6: S6). . When the release of the locked state is confirmed, the detection sensor detects the release and sends a signal to the control means 61, and the control means 61 operates the fourth air cylinder which is the pressing member 55. Then, the piston rod 52a pushes the centering unit 21 back to the original position (Step 7: S7).
Is returned to the original position along the guide rail 15.
When the piston rod 55a of the fourth air cylinder 55 is completely extended, a detection sensor detects this extended state and a standby state for cutting the core CS of the next cabbage C from the original position is confirmed. It has become. Therefore, by continuing the above series of operations, the core CS of the cabbage C can be automatically and continuously cut off.

According to the centering device 1 for vegetables and the like of the present embodiment, the cabbage C is placed on the mounting table 8 of the transport conveyor 2.
Is not put, the above series of operations is repeated. However, the apparatus according to the present embodiment continuously converts the cabbage C without stopping the drive motor M.
Since the core CS is cut off, the presence or absence of the cabbage C is detected by the detection sensor, and when there is no cabbage C, the transport conveyor 2 does not need to be stopped. In this regard, the conventional device is
In order to cause the drive motor M to perform an intermittent operation of repeating drive and stop, the drive motor M becomes complicated with a clutch and a brake. However, the device 1 of the present embodiment does not need to be such. However, the centering unit 21 of the present embodiment is provided with a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the cabbage C on the mounting table 8.
The centering cutters 25 and 31 do not move up and down.

The centering device 1 for vegetables and the like according to the present embodiment is a device 1 for automatically and continuously cutting vegetables and the like without stopping them. Therefore, the cut-out core CS must be immediately sent into the cylindrical centering cutters 25 and 31 one after another. In particular, when vegetables and the like are cabbage C in which a large number of leaves are overlapped, when the core CS is cut by the cylindrical centering cutters 25 and 31 as described above, a large number of leaves swell at the same time as the cut. In this regard, the conventional device does not consider such a point,
There was a problem of causing clogging.

However, the centering cutters 25 and 31 according to the present embodiment are provided with the reverse return preventing portions 29 and 3 on the blade edge portion 27a.
When the core CS of the cabbage C is cut because the 0 is formed, the cut core CS is instantaneously fed into the inside of the cylindrical shape, and at the same time, it is prevented from returning. Therefore, when cutting the core CS of vegetables etc. which are automatically and continuously conveyed, the above-mentioned core CS which has been cut does not disturb the core CS of vegetables etc. even if it is continuously operated. CS can be cut off.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the locking member 44, the holding means 35 and the like have been described using an air cylinder. However, the present invention can use other means such as a hydraulic cylinder. is there. Further, in the present embodiment, each detection sensor has been described using the proximity sensor, but the present invention can use other means such as an optical sensor (including an infrared sensor) and a magnetic sensor. .

[0047]

According to the centering apparatus for vegetables and the like of the present invention, since the projecting means provided on the conveyor for carrying vegetables and the like is locked by the locking member of the centering unit, the centering is performed. The unit is moved along the guide rail. Therefore, by moving the centering cutter up and down, it becomes possible to automatically and continuously cut the core of vegetables and the like while transporting the vegetables and the like, and repeatedly move and stop as in the conventional device. As compared with the intermittent operation, the efficiency of the operation of cutting the core of vegetables and the like is improved.

The centering device for vegetables and the like according to the present invention comprises:
Because holding means to hold vegetables etc. is provided,
Even if the vegetables and the like are transported by the transport conveyor, the vegetables and the like do not shake and the core of the vegetables and the like can be reliably cut off by the centering cutter. In addition, by holding the vegetables and the like by the holding means, the position of the core of the vegetables and the like can be positioned. For this reason, as in the conventional apparatus, the worker can reach out on the transport conveyor. There is no need to perform positioning and safety work can be performed.

Further, according to the apparatus for centering vegetables and the like of the present invention, since the above-described centering cutter is provided with a back-return preventing portion inside, the cut center of vegetables and the like can be instantaneously formed into a cylindrical shape. At the same time as it is sent into the inside. Therefore, even when the cores of vegetables and the like that are automatically and continuously conveyed are sequentially cut, the cores of vegetables and the like are continuously and reliably cut without causing clogging by the previously cut core. It becomes possible.

[0050]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a centering device for vegetables and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the conveyor according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view from the front showing the centering unit and the control unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a unit and a control unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the holding means of the one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the centering cutter of the embodiment in a partial cross section.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the centering cutter.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing another example of the centering cutter.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing another example of the centering cutter.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control of a control unit according to the one embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Centering device for vegetables, etc., 2. Conveyor, 2a
Chain, 8 mounting tables, 10 bases, 11 projecting members,
15 guide rail, 21 centering unit, 25, 3
1 centering cutter, 27 cylindrical cutter, 27a blade tip, 28 taper, 29, 30 reverse return prevention, 3
2, 37 air cylinder, 35 holding means, 36 arm member, 39 movable plate, 44 locking member, 44
a release bar, 44b hook member, 51 control unit, 52 release member, 55 pressing member, 61 control means, C vegetable, etc. (cabbage), CS vegetable, etc.,
U cylinder unit, M drive motor

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A transport conveyor for transporting vegetables on a plurality of mounting tables, a cylindrical centering cutter for cutting the core of the transported vegetables and the like, and a vertically movable centering cutter. A centering unit for supporting the centering unit; and a guide rail for moving the centering unit along the conveyor. The conveyor is provided with projecting members at predetermined intervals. A centering device for vegetables and the like, wherein a locking member for stopping is provided, and a core of vegetables and the like is cut off by the centering cutter while moving the centering unit. 2. The centering unit is provided with a holding means for holding vegetables and the like, and the holding means detects a movement of the centering unit by a detection sensor and removes vegetables and the like. The centering device for vegetables and the like according to claim 1, wherein the holding state is released by detecting that the centering cutter has cut the center of the vegetables or the like while holding the body. 3. A release member for releasing the locking state of the locking member is provided at the rear of the centering unit, and the release member is configured such that a detection sensor releases the holding state of the holding means. The centering device for vegetables and the like according to claim 2, wherein the locking state of the locking member is released by detecting the state. 4. A pressing member is provided behind the centering unit to push the centering unit back to an original position.
The centering device for vegetables and the like according to claim 3, wherein the pressing member pushes back the centering unit by detecting that the detection sensor has released the locked state of the locking member by the release member. . 5. A vegetable or the like as set forth in claim 1, wherein a return preventing portion is formed inside the cutting edge of the cylindrical centering cutter to prevent the cut core from returning. Centering device.