KR20240081773A - Garlic clove removal device - Google Patents

Abstract

The garlic stem removal device, which is an embodiment, accommodates garlic with stems and maintains a gap between a storage unit that injects garlic into the supply unit by the operation of a built-in input unit, a transport member that transports garlic with stems, and the garlic introduced from the storage unit. A supply unit that supplies the garlic to the transfer member while widening at a set interval, an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of garlic from the upper side of the transfer member in the first area and applies it to the processor, and a garlic placed on the upper side of the transfer member in the second area. In relation to this, a cutting unit that performs cutting according to the cutting position approved by the processor, a first spray unit that discharges the garlic (garlic with the stem removed, stem) cut by the cutting unit to the outside of the transfer member by air injection, and an injection unit. The garlic from the storage unit is supplied to the transfer member by controlling the unit, supply unit, and transfer member, and the image acquisition unit is controlled to receive the image of the garlic in the first area, determine the cutting position in the garlic, and use the determined cutting position. and a processor that applies the cutting unit to cause cutting of garlic in the second area.

Description

Garlic Clove Removal Device {GARLIC CLOVE REMOVAL DEVICE}

The embodiment relates to a garlic top removal device, and in particular, the garlic top removal device confirms the position of the garlic top through image analysis, sets a cutting angle according to the confirmed garlic top position, and removes the garlic top at the set cutting angle. It's about devices.

Garlic cloves become peeled garlic when the skin is removed, and even in this peeled garlic state, the top must be removed to be used for food.

Conventionally, workers had to manually remove garlic tops one by one, so it took a lot of time to remove the garlic tops, and not only was there a limit to the amount that workers could process in a given time, but productivity was also low due to excessive labor costs. There was a problem, and the quality of the garlic whose stems were removed was uneven due to manual labor.

To improve this problem, a device that can automatically remove garlic stems has been developed.

The garlic stem removal device disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1595761 also includes a stem cutting member for cutting the stem of the garlic transported by the garlic transport member, a conveyor belt for transporting the garlic, a garlic support body for supporting the garlic, and a garlic stem removal device. A configuration for removing the tops of garlic that is continuously transported by forming a garlic press, etc., continuously on a conveyor belt is disclosed. However, the rather complicated shape of the garlic holder, garlic presser, etc. must be formed directly on the conveyor belt, and it is easy for foreign substances to enter and get caught in the gap between the garlic holder, garlic presser, and conveyor belt, but it is difficult to discharge foreign substances. There was this. In addition, there was a disadvantage in that if foreign substances were stuck in the garlic support body and the garlic pressing body, it was difficult to properly fix the garlic and the garlic top was not cut properly.

The purpose of the embodiment is to provide a garlic stem removal device that confirms the position of the garlic stem through image analysis, sets a cutting angle according to the confirmed garlic stem position, and removes the garlic stem at the set cutting angle.

The garlic stem removal device, which is an embodiment, accommodates garlic with stems and maintains a gap between a storage unit that injects garlic into the supply unit by the operation of a built-in input unit, a transport member that transports garlic with stems, and the garlic introduced from the storage unit. A supply unit that supplies the garlic to the transfer member while widening at a set interval, an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of garlic from the upper side of the transfer member in the first area and applies it to the processor, and a garlic placed on the upper side of the transfer member in the second area. In relation to this, a cutting unit that performs cutting according to the cutting position approved by the processor, a first spray unit that discharges the garlic (garlic with the stem removed, stem) cut by the cutting unit to the outside of the transfer member by air injection, and an injection unit. The garlic from the storage unit is supplied to the transfer member by controlling the unit, supply unit, and transfer member, and the image acquisition unit is controlled to receive the image of the garlic in the first area, determine the cutting position in the garlic, and use the determined cutting position. and a processor that applies the cutting unit to cause cutting of garlic in the second area.

In addition, the processor preferably determines whether the garlic is in a defective state or a good state from the image of the garlic in the first area, and cuts only the garlic in a good state in the second area.

In addition, the garlic stem removal device preferably includes a second spray unit that is operated under the control of a processor to discharge garlic in a defective state between the first and second areas to the outside of the transfer member.

Additionally, the processor preferably lowers the supply speed of the supply unit and the transfer speed of the transfer member when there is garlic in the first area.

Additionally, it is desirable for the processor to make the supply speed of the supply unit and the transfer speed of the transfer member the same.

In addition, the supply unit is preferably provided with a transfer unit that transfers the garlic, and a vibration element that generates and transmits vibration to the transfer unit.

In addition, the cutting unit includes a cutting operation unit that cuts the garlic, and a transfer unit that can transfer the cutting operation unit to the cutting position. The garlic stem removal device includes a cleaning unit that cleans the cutting operation unit, and the processor controls the transfer unit to control the transfer unit. It is desirable to move the cutting operation part to a cleaning unit and clean it.

In addition, the garlic stem removal device preferably includes a drying unit that dries the cleaned cutting operation part, and the processor controls the transfer unit to move the cutting operation part to the drying unit to dry it.

In addition, the transfer member is a conveyor unit that transfers the conveyor belt in one direction, and the garlic stem control device is preferably provided with a wiper unit that removes foreign substances on the surface of the conveyor belt at locations other than the transfer section where garlic is transferred.

In addition, the garlic stem control device is preferably provided with a steam spraying device that generates steam under the control of a processor and sprays it on the surface of the conveying member to clean the garlic conveying member.

In the embodiment, the position of the top of the garlic is confirmed by image analysis, the cutting angle is set according to the confirmed position of the top of the garlic, the top of the garlic is removed at the set cutting angle, and the garlic in a defective state can be discharged and washed. It has the effect of allowing the fluid, stems, and debris to be removed from the cutting operation part by the unit, and the sap, stems, and debris to be removed from the conveyor belt by the wiper unit.

1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a garlic stem removal device according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a control configuration diagram of the garlic stem removal device of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an example of image information and cutting position of garlic (1).

Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail through the drawings. However, this is not intended to be limiting to specific embodiments, and the described embodiments should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar components.

In this document, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “includes,” or “may include” refer to the existence of the corresponding feature (e.g., a numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). , and does not rule out the existence of additional features.

In this document, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or/and B,” or “one or more of A or/and B” may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. . For example, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or “at least one of A or B” (1) includes at least one A, (2) includes at least one B, or (3) it may refer to all cases including both at least one A and at least one B.

As used herein, expressions such as "first", "second", "first", or "second" may describe various elements in any order and/or importance, and may refer to one element as another. It is only used to distinguish from components and does not limit the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, a first component may be renamed a second component without departing from the scope of rights described in this document, and similarly, the second component may also be renamed the first component.

A component (e.g., a first component) is “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” another component (e.g., a second component). When referred to as being “connected to,” it should be understood that any component may be directly connected to the other component or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component). On the other hand, when a component (e.g., a first component) is said to be “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), It may be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between other components.

The expression “configured to” used in this document may mean, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” or “having the capacity to.” It can be used interchangeably with ", "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term “configured (or set) to” may not necessarily mean “specifically designed to” in hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the expression “a device configured to” may mean that the device is “capable of” working with other devices or components.

Terms used in this document are merely used to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, terms defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted to have the same or similar meaning as the meaning they have in the context of related technology, and unless clearly defined in this document, they may be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. It is not interpreted. In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of this document.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the device configuration of a garlic stem removal device according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is a control configuration diagram of the garlic stem removal device of Figure 1.

In Figure 1, a partial side view and a partial top view of a garlic stem removal device are shown. The garlic stem removal device includes a storage unit (10) that receives garlic (1, 2) with stems and injects the garlic (1, 2) into the first supply unit (20) by the operation of the built-in input unit (12); From the first supply unit 20, which widens the gap between the garlic 1 and 2 introduced from the storage unit 10 to the first gap D1 and transfers it to the second supply unit 30, and the first supply unit 20 A second supply unit 30 that supplies the transported garlic 1 and 2 to the conveyor belt (or transfer member) 40 by widening the gap between the transferred garlic 1 and 2 to a second gap D2, which is wider than the first gap D1; A conveyor unit that maintains the conveyor belt 40 at a horizontal or close to horizontal angle in the transfer section and transports the garlic (1, 2) in one direction of the transfer section by the operation of the rotation drive unit 46, and a region S0 an input detection unit 50 that detects the input of garlic 1, 2 from the second supply unit 30 to the conveyor belt 40, and a vertical downward direction from the upper side of the conveyor belt 40 in area S1. An image acquisition unit 52 acquires images of the garlic 1 and 2 and applies them to the processor 100, and air sprays the garlic 2 in a defective state placed on the upper side of the conveyor belt 40 in area S2. Regarding the first spray unit 60 that is discharged to the outside of the conveyor belt 40 and put into the defect collection bin 62, and the garlic 1 placed on the upper side of the conveyor belt 40 in the area S3 A cutting unit 70 that performs cutting according to the cutting position applied from the processor 100, a cleaning unit 80 that cleans the cutting unit 70, and a drying unit 82 that dries the cleaned cutting unit 70. ), a wiper unit 86 for removing garlic essence, stems, or debris stuck on the surface of the conveyor belt 40 by cutting the garlic 1, and the garlic 1 cut by the cutting unit 70. (Garlic (1a) with its stem removed, and its stem (1b)) are discharged to the outside of the conveyor belt 40 by air injection, and each of the stem (1b) and the garlic (1a) with its stem removed is placed in the stem collection container (72). A second injection unit 71 that injects into each of the garlic collection bins 74, an input unit 90 that obtains input from the user and applies it to the processor 100, and receives and displays information from the processor 100. The display unit 92 and the above-mentioned components are controlled to transfer the garlic 1, 2 from the storage unit 10 to the conveyor belt 40, and to check and cut defects in the transferred garlic 1, 2. A processor 100 that performs a positioning function, an ejection function of garlic (2) in a defective state, a function of removing the top of garlic (1) in a good state, and a washing and drying function for the cut portion (70). It consists of: However, the power supply unit (not shown), the input unit 90, the display unit 92, etc. correspond to technologies widely known to those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs, and their detailed description is omitted.

The conveyor unit, which is a transfer member, includes a conveyor belt 40, at least one roller (R1, R2, R3) that maintains the shape of the conveyor belt 40 or limits the transfer section, and moves the conveyor belt 40 in one direction. It is configured to include a rotation drive unit 46 that rotates. The conveyor belt 40 may be made of a light-transmissive material. The conveyor unit corresponds to technology widely known to those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs, and its detailed description is omitted.

In this embodiment, the transfer section is the section from the area S0 to which the garlic is transferred to the area S4.

In this embodiment, the garlic 1 and 2 include garlic 1 in a good state, and garlic 2 in a defective state such as contaminants attached or rotted.

First, the transfer function of the garlic 1 and 2 from the storage unit 10 to the conveyor belt 40 is explained.

The storage unit 10 has a storage space for storing the garlic 1 and 2, and an opening is formed on the side facing the first supply unit 20, and the garlic 1 and 2 are introduced through the opening. The input unit 12 is mounted on the storage unit 10. The input unit 12 is equipped with a feeder screw and a motor that rotates the feeder screw, and inputs the garlic 1 and 2 individually or in plural pieces into the first supply unit 20. The processor 100 controls the input unit 12 to adjust whether the garlic 1 and 2 are input and the input speed or amount.

The first and second supply units (20) and (30) each have a gap between the front and rear between the first and second transfer units (22) and (32) that transfer the garlic (1, 2) and the garlic (1, 2). Configured to include first and second vibration elements 24 and 34 that generate and transmit vibration to the first and second transfer units 22 and 32, respectively, so as to widen to a preset second interval D2. do. The first and second vibration elements 24 and 34 vibrate at different vibration frequencies so that the center of gravity of the garlic 1 and 2 is positioned downward while widening the gap between the garlic 1 and 2. Make sure that it does not roll when supplied to the upper side of the conveyor belt (40). The second gap D2 between the garlic 1 and 2 provided by the second supply unit 20 is the same as the gap between the garlic 1 and 2 on the upper side of the conveyor belt 40.

The second supply unit 20 causes the garlic 1 and 2 to be placed on the surface of the conveyor belt 40 in the area S0.

The processor 100 adjusts the supply speeds of the garlic 1 and 2 by controlling the speeds of each of the first and second transfer units 22 and 32. When the processor 100 operates the first and second supply units 20 and 30, the garlic 1 and 2 rotate so that the garlic 1 and 2 are placed at a second interval D2 on the upper side of the conveyor belt 40. The drive unit 46 is controlled to rotate the conveyor belt 40. The processor 100 controls the second supply unit 30 and the rotation drive unit 46 so that the supply speed of the second supply unit 30 and the rotation (transfer) speed of the conveyor belt 40 are the same or within a certain deviation range. do.

The position where the garlic 1 and 2 supplied from the second supply unit 30 are placed on the conveyor belt 40 is the area S0, which is the start of the transfer section.

In another embodiment, the first and second supply units 20 and 30 may be configured as a single supply unit.

Next, the functions of confirming defects in the transported garlic (1, 2) and determining the cutting position are explained.

Due to the supply operation of the first and second supply units 20 and 30, the input detection unit 50 detects that the garlic 1 and 2 are supplied to the area S0 on the upper side of the conveyor belt 40. sense

The input detection unit 50 irradiates light from the lower side to the upper side of the conveyor belt 40, etc., at each point when the garlic 1, 2 is supplied to the upper side of the conveyor belt 40. A detection signal is generated and applied to the processor 100. The processor 100 can confirm that the garlic 1 and 2 have been supplied to the conveyor belt 40 by the input detection signal from the input detection unit 50. The input detection unit 50 is mounted on the lower side of the area S0 or the lower side of an area adjacent to the area S0.

The image acquisition unit 52 is located on the lower side of the conveyor belt 40 in area S1 and includes a first illumination unit that irradiates light upward and transmits light through the conveyor belt 40, and a first lighting unit that transmits light to the upper side of the conveyor belt 40. It is configured to include a lighting unit including a second lighting unit that is located and irradiates light in a downward direction, and a camera that is located on the lower side of the conveyor belt 40 in area S1 and takes images, and captures the captured images. The included image information is applied to the processor 100. After confirming that the garlic (1, 2) has been placed on the conveyor belt 40 according to the input detection signal from the input detection unit 50, the processor 100 controls the operation of the image acquisition unit 52 to obtain an image. Video information is approved by the unit 52.

When the processor 100 controls the operation of the image acquisition unit 52, the rotation speed of the rotation driver 46 is lower than before so that the image acquisition unit 52 can capture images of the garlic 1 and 2. Control the movement to rotate. That is, the processor 100 determines that the rotation speed of the conveyor belt 40 when the garlic (1, 2) is located in the area (S1) is the same as the rotation speed of the conveyor belt when the garlic (1, 2) is not located in the area (S1). It is set to be lower than the rotation speed of the belt 40 to facilitate image capture. Additionally, when the processor 100 lowers the rotation speed of the conveyor belt 40, the operating speed of the first and second supply units 20 and 30 and the input unit 12 are also reduced.

The processor 100 checks the color, saturation, brightness, etc. of the garlic (1, 2) and the position of the stem (1b) in the image within the image information, and determines whether the garlic (1, 2) is in a defective state or a good state. . The processor 100 may include and operate an artificial intelligence module that determines whether the garlic 1 or 2 is defective or good. The processor 100 determines the defective or good state of each of the garlic 1 and 2 and stores them.

In addition, the processor 100 checks the position of the stem 1b for each piece of garlic 1 in good condition, determines a cutting position for removing the stem 1b, and stores it. The cutting position may be configured with three-axis coordinates, for example.

In addition, the processor 100 can determine the cutting position, such as when the garlic (1, 2) is placed with the stem (1b) in contact with the upper side of the conveyor belt (40) or when the garlic (1, 2) moves. Since there is none, these garlics (1, 2) are also judged to be garlic (2) in defective condition.

Additionally, when the garlic 2 in a defective state is located in the area S2, the processor 100 operates the first spray unit 60 to discharge the garlic 2. The first spray unit 60 is mounted on the outside of the conveyor belt 40 and sprays air in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation (or transfer direction) to discharge the garlic 2 and put it into the defect collection bin 62. Let's do it. Additionally, the processor 100 controls the operation of the first injection unit 60 to stop operation so that the garlic 1 in a good state passes through the area S2.

As the processor 100 controls the operation of the rotation driving unit 46, the garlic 1 in a good state is located in the area S3, and the cutting position of the garlic 1 is applied to the cutting unit 70.

Next, the function of removing the stem from garlic (1) in good condition is explained.

The cutting unit 70 includes a cutting operation unit that cuts the garlic 1, such as an ultrasonic or air nipper, and a transfer unit that can transport the cutting operation unit to the cutting position. For example, the transfer unit transfers the cutting operation unit in 3-axis coordinates, and the cutting operation unit cuts the stem 1b from the garlic 1 while moving according to the movement trajectory (transfer path) of the garlic 1. The processor 100 considers the position where the garlic 1 is placed on the conveyor belt 40 and the transfer or rotation operation of the conveyor belt 40 in the image information from the image acquisition unit 52 in the area S3. The movement (transfer) trajectory and movement (transfer) speed of the garlic 1 are calculated, and the calculated movement trajectory and movement speed are applied to the cutting unit 70, so that the transfer unit can move the cutting operation unit.

The cut portion 70 may be located on the outside of the conveyor belt 40.

As the processor 100 controls the operation of the rotation driver 46, the garlic 1a with the stem 1b cut off and the stem 1b are located in the area S4.

The second injection unit 71 is located outside or above the conveyor belt 40, and is controlled by the processor 100 to spray the garlic 1a and the stem 1b located in the area S4 by air injection. It is discharged to the outside or outside of the conveyor belt 40, and the stem 1b and the garlic 1a from which the stem has been removed are put into the stem collection container 72 and the garlic collection container 74, respectively.

The above-mentioned area (S0) is the input area of garlic (1, 2), area (S1) is the image recording area of garlic (1, 2), and area (S2) is the discharge area of garlic (2) in defective condition. , the area S3 is the cutting area of the stem 1b, the area S4 corresponds to the separated discharge area of the garlic 1a and the stem 1b, and the upper side of the conveyor belt 40 is a separate area. It passes through (S0) to (S4) sequentially.

Next, the washing and drying functions for the cut portion are explained.

Since the cutting operation unit of the cutting unit 70 cuts the garlic 1, foreign substances such as garlic essence, stems, or debris become attached to the cutting operation unit. For this removal, a cleaning unit 80 is provided for cleaning the cutting operation part. The washing unit 80 is configured to include a washing tank containing a washing liquid.

The processor 100 controls the transfer unit to submerge the cutting operation unit in the cleaning liquid in the washing bucket and rotate it left and right to remove foreign substances. Additionally, an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves may be installed in the cleaning tank, and the processor 100 may lock the cutting operation unit in the cleaning tank and then control the operation of the ultrasonic generator to improve cleaning ability.

Next, a drying unit 82 is provided to dry the cleaned cut portion 70. The drying unit 82 sprays air or hot air on the cutting operation part of the cutting unit 70, and the processor 100 controls the transfer unit to remove the cutting operation part from the cleaning unit 80 and move it to the drying unit 82. The drying unit 82 is controlled so that moisture attached to the cutting operation part is dried by air or hot air sprayed by the drying unit 80.

The above washing and drying functions may be performed when no cutting operation is performed for more than a preset time (eg, 5 minutes).

Additionally, an application device may be additionally provided to apply edible oil (eg, camellia oil, cooking oil, etc.) to the dried cutting operation part. The processor 100 controls the transfer unit to move the cutting operation unit from the drying unit 82 to the applicator and controls the applicator to perform the applicator function.

In addition, the wiper unit 86 is mounted in a position other than the garlic transport section, for example, is mounted in contact with the conveyor belt 40, and is attached to the surface of the conveyor belt 40 by cutting the garlic 1. Foreign substances such as garlic juice, stems, or debris are removed during the rotation of the conveyor belt (40).

Additionally, a steam injection device may be additionally provided to clean the garlic transport member such as the conveyor belt 40. The steam spray device is installed in a location other than the garlic transport section, generates steam under the control of the processor 100, and sprays it on the surface of the transport member to perform cleaning.

Figure 3 is an example of image information and cutting position of garlic (1).

Figure 3 is an example of image information and cutting position of garlic (1).

As shown in FIG. 3, in the video image of garlic 1, the red line corresponds to the cutting position determined by the processor 100, and the green portion corresponds to the stem 1b.

As explained above, it is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by anyone skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the claims. Of course, such changes are within the scope of the claims.

20: first supply section 30: second supply section
70: cutting part 100: processor

Claims (10)

a storage unit that accommodates garlic with a stem and injects the garlic into the supply unit by operating the built-in input unit;
A transport member for transporting garlic with a stem;
a supply unit that supplies the garlic to the transfer member while widening the gap between the garlic inputs from the storage unit to a preset interval;
an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of garlic from the upper side of the transfer member in the first area and applies the image to the processor;
a cutting unit that cuts the garlic placed on the upper side of the transfer member in the second area according to the cutting position approved by the processor;
a first spraying unit that discharges the garlic cut by the cutting unit (garlic with the stem removed, stem) to the outside of the transfer member by blowing air;
The input unit, supply unit, and transfer member are controlled so that the garlic from the storage unit is supplied to the transfer member, and the image acquisition unit is controlled to receive the image of the garlic in the first area, determine the cutting position in the garlic, and determine the cut position. A garlic stem removal device comprising a processor that applies to the cutting unit so that cutting of the garlic is performed in the second area. According to claim 1,
The processor determines the bad state and the good state of the garlic from the image of the garlic in the first region, and allows cutting to be performed in the second region only for the garlic that is in the good state. According to claim 2,
The garlic stem removal device is operated under the control of a processor and includes a second spray unit that discharges garlic in a defective state between the first area and the second area to the outside of the transfer member. According to claim 1,
Garlic stem removal device, wherein the processor lowers the supply speed of the supply unit and the transfer speed of the transfer member when there is garlic in the first area. According to claim 1 or 4,
A garlic top removal device, wherein the processor equalizes the supply speed of the supply unit and the transfer speed of the transfer member. According to claim 1,
A garlic stem removal device characterized in that the supply unit includes a transfer unit that transfers garlic, and a vibration element that generates and transmits vibration to the transfer unit. According to claim 1,
The cutting unit includes a cutting operation unit that cuts the garlic, and a transfer unit that can transport the cutting operation unit to the cutting position,
The garlic stem removal device has a cleaning unit for cleaning the cutting operation part,
A garlic stem removal device characterized in that the processor controls the transfer part to move the cutting operation part to the cleaning unit for cleaning. According to claim 7,
The garlic stem removal device has a drying unit for drying the cleaned cutting operation part,
A garlic stem removal device characterized in that the processor controls the transfer unit to move the cutting operation unit to the drying unit and dry it. According to claim 1,
The transfer member is a conveyor unit that transfers the conveyor belt in one direction,
The garlic top control device is a garlic top removal device characterized by having a wiper unit that removes foreign substances from the surface of the conveyor belt at a location other than the transfer section where garlic is transported. According to claim 1,
The garlic stem control device is a garlic stem removal device characterized in that it includes a steam spray device that generates steam under the control of a processor and sprays it on the surface of the transport member for cleaning the garlic transport member.

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