PH12010000190B1 - Fruit processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A fruit processing apparatus includes an accommodating portion (6, 10b) for accommodating a fruit (M) to be processed, a separating portion (3) for separating the fruit into a flesh portion and a seed portion when the fruit moves through the separating portion, a pressing portion (9) that presses the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion into the separating portion and moves the fruit through the separating portion, and determination means (11, 12) used to determine whether the arrangement of a seed (M1) of the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the fruit to move through the separating portion.

Description

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Ll ee TE a The present wc Or berate Lee Le Fr Spe vl ciate foo separ at dog oa fois having ab SU yen he we Ch aopoel an enicarpd ancl seeds, woalol 15, dor wromgnlo, 0 mt one

Prot wach es a peack or an ape loot, or ¢ treo.ooal rte. ca as orange or oan avocaao, inlo a flepn portion nd oo gerd

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As a fruit processing apparatus for separating a Lrall roo oa desired portion and an undesired portinn, on appuars!s disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No, Joo 543109 is known. The fruit processing acparaius al Chis document ircludges a separating cutler arranges In & Lowey portion of a housing and a pressing element, wiri~n +s se cotively raised and lowered. The pressing element 18 arranged ahove the separaling cuiter. The separaling rutloer 2G includes a cylindrical outer annular bladsz, a coro zemoval clade having a hexagonally tubular shape, whicn 1s arranged a- the center of the outer annular blade, and a plurality of dividing plades extending radially from the cere remsval clade teward the outer annular blade. A fruit is mounted orn the 75 separating cutter and the pressing element iz Lhen depressed to move the fruit through the separating culter. Specifically, an undesired core portion of the fruit moves through the innar side of the core removal blade and & desired flesh porzion of the fruit moves through the outer side of the core removal blade. This separates the two portions of Lire fruit from sank other. The flesh portion is divided into a plurality of sections cach having a predetermined shape by means of the dividing blades. | 2 ; 2 33 " Hewever, if a fruit naving a seed in it = te bo ]

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Pro masand pia oo Dhes prort pon In we as Foon ho an evoeadive ly ce formed seed, the core perma ab be nei ee ee :

Cul the seed, even Sf he frail ode nounied ator appro tare position, and cut plecos of the secd may co mid Lion The lesb portion. This may lower Lhe quality of promis i000 ;

S00 great extent, particularly wien the frult process nog plana. as ig employed in a {ood processing production 1 one.

SUMMARY OF 'I'RE INVENTION 16 Accordingly, JL is an objective of the pressnt Inver Lion

Le provide an apparatus capable of vriocessirg 2 Foiit wilhoot mixing cut secd pieces inte & flesh portion.

To achieve the feoregoing and in accordanoe with a [lrsv : aspect of Lhe present invertion, a fruit processing apparatus including an accommodating gortion, a separating noriicn, ana a pressing portion is provided. The accommodating cortion accommodates a fruit to be processed. The separating portion separates the fruit into a flesh portion and z ssed poriion when the fruit moves through Lhe separating rortion. The 3 pressing portion presses the fruit accommodated in (he accommodating portion into the separating portion to move tha fruit through the separating portion. The apparatus farther : includes determination means employed to delermine wheiner Zhe 33 arrangement of a seed cf the fruit accommodstod in Lhe accommodating porticn is appropriate for vermitting the fruit tc move through the separating portion.

In accordance with a second aspect of the presont invention, a fruit processing apparatus including an ;

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Coomove ss nhroagls Une separ al rns On ea, sie eke oe he to ryeceen Lhe fruit accomodate Doin hee acsormedat ce en pO inlet separation portion Lo move Tne brut Thea be sepiracing portion, The appaldius tur Ulior Ane andes sovaeriion means for corract ng the position or the routine of The Load accommodated in the accomncdating poriion.

In accordance with a third aspect ol the present invention, a fruit processing apparatus Jnoluding on accommodal ing portion, a separation portion, and a pressing . 1% pertion is provided. The accommodating vortion acorrnodares a fruit to be processed. The separaling portion Senaratcs the fruit inte a (lesh portion and a seed portion when the fruit moves through the separating poriion. Ihe pressing uornlon presses the fruit accommodated in the accommouating post. on 2D into the separating portion to move the fruit thiough the geparating portion. Clamp means 1s arranged al a d'stal =na of Lhe pressing portion. The clamp mears clamps Lhe seed of the fruit when the pressing porticn presses the fruit accommodated in Lhe accommodating porticn Into tho Separating porticn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTICN OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a fruit processing apparatus ; as a wnole according to a first embodiment of the present : invention;

Fig. 2(a) is a side view showing the pusher hoad of the ; apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1; :

Fig. 2{(b} is a bottom view showing the pusher nead 25 1llustrated in Fig. 2{a};

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Fig. €tay de a front view showing a ceed of mary

Flog. G{bY is a side view showing tne secd oo Loe naa of

Fig, 7 lo a Glagram SNOwing & LIulT prone io] oa ei ate 1 as a whole according to a soocnd embodiment of Che poet inverviaon;

Fig. 8{a) is a cide view showing the vuoeacr wad of abe apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 8{b) is a bottom view showing the pusher saad illustrated in Fig. 8{a):

Fig. 8(c}) is a side view showing a mocaficavion of Lhz pusher head of the apparatus illustrated in Fig.

Fig. 8{(d) is a boliom view showing the pusner neod iiriustrated in Fig. §(¢);

ZC Fig. 9{a) 1s a perspective view showing a firs: correction member cf a first correction ¢ylinder of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9(b) is a perspeclive view showing a first correction member of an additional first correction oyilinder of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9(c) 1s a perspective view showing a scoord ccrrecticn member of a second correction cylinder of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9{(d) 1s a perspective view showing a Jetermirs.ion member of a determination cylinder of the apparatus : illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taker along line n”-»" of I'ig. 7; and i

Fig. 11 is a cress-sectional view taken along line Yo-y” of Fig. 7.

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Arne embodiment or Une prosert Sree bl nt en

FANG Proves Sing apheratie, Wilhonow be ese cp Ihesd obi reference to Figs, 1 Te bby. 14 A mango M, which 1s an object to he processed onan the spparatus of Lhe lirst embodiment, will nevealtor re dest dE

As {liustrated in Figs. 6fa) and 6(b), the meng M Laas Gr Jha substantially rectangular secd M1, which is located at he center of the fruit. The mango M alse has a facah MI, whioh 1% is around the seed M1 and covered with a peo. A ma on Dar. of the flesh M2 is located on two flat side surfaces of Tho secd M1. ‘There is a hull poruion {stem 2nar M2 conmeared Lo : the hull of the mange M, which is in a corner of ihe secd MIL

The hull portion M3 typically has a flat outline ‘pdiccied Ly the soiid lines in Fig. 6(b). However, in some Tascs, The hull portion M2 may have a curved shape, that ig, a detormes shape, which is indicated by the dashed Jines in the drawing. if the seed M1 of the mango M has such a deformed hulls portion

M3 and the mango M is separated into a seed gorbion ana o 73 flesh portion using a conventional fruil processing apparanus, such as the apparatus disclcsed in Japanese laild-Coon Jatint

Publication No. 2000-93132, the hull perticn M2 13 highly likely to be mixed into the flesh perticn inadvertently.

With reference to Fig. 6{a), the surface of the seed Ml is covered with fibers. In Fig. 6{b), the fibers are ominzed.

The fibers grow toward a corner cof Lhe seed M1 opposite to the corner including the hull portion M3. A dense fibrous portion 3

M4, which has dense and comparatively long fipers, i= localss ] in a peripheral pertion of the seed M1 close to the hull :

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Vp Lhe ler a rer on whe Phe neat pe i So a Ch ' cecd vor bien ard the These por Tio.

THe Marga process ing app aratas according oe thes pda choad ment will hereatier be desoribods Ir the des pd peLow, frontward, rearward, lellward, vightwazd, npwand, Avid

So downwatd directions are defined as indicated by ole av ow ASY

Fig. 1. :

As shown in Tig. 1, a base 1 has a rectangulisng Low plats snd a pair of leg portions. A supporl frame I maving Toa 16 support pillars extends upward from a cornea: of tne top surface of the base 1. With reference to Tiga, 4 ano i, 2 circular through hole, which extends through the top viare il (ne up-and-down direction, is formed in a poriion oi Tne Lon plate of the base 1 located on the leit side of the supoor: frame 2. A separating portion 3 is arranged In tre throogn hole and functions to separate the mange M into a sead partion and a flesh portion when the mango M moves Lhrough tres separating pertion 3.

As illustrated in Figs. 3 Lo 5, the separailng portion 3 : has a cylindrical outer peripheral portion 31, ar annalar blade 32, which is shaped substantially as an oval oylinder and located at the center of the cuter peripreral poriicr 31, and six dividing blades 33 extending racially from ths annuaar ! 20 blade 32 toward the outer peripheral portion 31. As : illustrated in Fig. 3, the annular blade 32 has an outended portion 32a, which is extended outward in the _cngltudingl : direction of the oval shape defined by the annular blaoe 37. ;

Twe portions of the annular blade 32 are located on the : longitudinal axis of the oval shave of the annular Blade 27.

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Plhroann the worarating pool aoo A, tne coma padent tno prevents Lhe dosages froroas vot lon Md ol te seen Eee merge Fofrom contacting The annetar blaue SO id Aroattoacrment flange Ds formed aT the upped end or nad cuter peripheral portion 31. The sepavaling portion Tos passed Lhrough the through hole of the base 1 Zoom aboso ood

Semovaply atvacned to the base 1 win the exionuacd wootion oo of the annular plade 32 located rearward. The anna clas ; 1% 37 and the dividing blades 33 cach have a sharo uppor seni. : with reference te Figs. 1, 4, «nd 5, & ficsl mount ood table 4, which extends leftward from inside the suppor trame 2, 1s attached to the support frame 2. The first mounting 70 Lable 4 has a horizontal mounting surface 4a. A ssoond rnounting table 5, which extends leftward from the ocuisr reay ; surface of the suppert frame 2, is alse atiacned to the support frame 2. The second mounting table 5 has a mounting surface 5a, which inclines downward toward the pase I. The 25 mounting surface 5a of Lhe second mounting table & is _ooated higher than the mounting surface 4a of the first mounting cable 4.

An attachment hole 4b, through which a cylindrical : accommodation tube 6 is attached, is formed in the firsl mcunting table 4. The attachment hole 4b is located above ine : sgparating portion 3. When the accommodation tule © 1s i mounted in the attachment hole 4b, the axis of the accommodation tube 6 coincides with the axis F of the ] separating portion 3. With referance Lo Figs. 1 and 41, an ; ) i

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Nu do Tust rated tr Fig. a preniorg sybase nu attached to the outer felt suctace of The Suton bon ; through an ac tachment plate 7. The preseivag oy dndes Bone sliding table fa, which is slidable in Cho nyse dow in alrection. A pusher 9 serving ef a pressing poston, whicon 1s formed by a vertical rod 2% and a head 372 orrapoed ob one distal end of the rod 91, is fixed lo Tho saiding tants Ba,

As the sliding Lable 8a slides, the pusher & = ‘der in the ue and-down direction and reaches a pressing position or o retreat position. Wher tne pusher @ Is at ire nre=seing cositlon, the head 92 is arranged inside ne acoImraual ior tube 6 and Lhe annular hlade 32. When the pusher 10 at tne re.reat position, the distal end of {he pusher Y is wilhdzawn :

Lo a position above the accomrcdaticn tube &. Ine difeolion : ir which the pusher 9 is pressed cecincides with the axis 7 cf the separating portion 3.

With reference to Figs. 1, 2{a;, ard Zip), lhe pusher head 92 is shaped as an oval column and substantially identical with the annular blade 32 of the separating poilion ; 3. The head 92 has such a size that the head 52 car be inserted through the annular blade 32. Three grooves 33a, Y30, 93c¢c, which extend in the left-and-righ: direction, are formoa : in parallel in the distal surface of the head SZ. Lh first pressing plate S4a, a second pressing plete 94b, and a Lhlrd pressing plate 94c are attached to the grooves 92a, “he groove 93b, and the groove 93c, respectively. The pressing plates 94a to 24c have different vertical dimensions, which are ; different heights. The first pressing plete 91s has the i 2% smallest height and is located rcarmost. The third pressing : &

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G% are ad canged between Lhe first pressing plate Desosnd on second pressing plate G4p. The other twee Siam pate 50 as located hetween the sccond pressing plate wb aud od fois pressing plate 9c. The clamp pins 95 are arrang- 1 Tro =u a mannsr as Lo become four points defining a rectongular shag. (see Pig. 2(b)). The lengths of tne clamp pirs G5 ave Quoulor 15% than the heights of Lhe pressing plales Bda to Hic,

Non-illustrated first detection means tov dousolring contact between the pressing plates 94a to %4c anu toe secd Mi of the mango M, such as a load cell, is provicaea nn the 2¢ pressing cylinder 8. When load grester than or cgual to 2 first predetermined value, which is set in advance, acts on the pressing plates 94a to 94c¢, the first deteclics means ; determines that the pressing plates 84a te %95c have come iar contact with the seed M1 of the mange M. The first predetermined value is set to & value greater thar tho icad acting on the pressing plates 94a to 9%4c¢ when tho press oy plates 94a to 94c¢ move through the flesh MZ of the mango M.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, a shielding cylincer 17 is : arranged on the top surface ¢f the base 1 ara in front cf n= separating portion 3. The shielding cylinder 10 nas a head 10a, which is slidable in the front-snd-rear direction. & shiclding plate 10b, which shields the accommodation tube f and the separating portion 3 from each other, is zitachei oo i the head 10a. The shielding plate 10k slides ir the front- }

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Grboor when at che none clic boing poor ain, bd cro bi plate 10h dees nod shicla the ao oonmme Gath Lure ca sevatating portion 4 fron each ornecs tno Fog. i, ne shacldine plate 10h is arranges at ihe ner saioldios pond bv Figs. 4 and 5, the shielding poate 1s veld a Te 100 shielding position. The acoomecdation turns 6 ard fhe shielding plate 10b configure an accommodar ln Proto dt fa

Accommodating the mango M.

With reference ro Pigs. 1 and 4, a pair of determnailll 15 cylinders 11, 12 functioning as det rmination means ares Lolmen cn the top surface of the base ". The dererminetlor oplinders 11, 12 are arranged to face each other in the lalt-snd-zight : diroction with the separating portion 3 arranged bofween the derarmination cylinders 11, 12. "he determinauion cylindecs : 20 11, 12 are configured identically with each other.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, the determination cylinder 11 and the determination cylinder 12 have a head "la and a head ; 12a, respectively, each of which is slidsnle In the IeflT-and- 2% right direction. A needle-like determinaticn member 11io and a : needle-like determination member 12p are attached to tpae head ; ila and the head 12a, respectively, and extend toward The avis

F of the separating portion 3 in the lefi-and-right direction.

As the heads 1la, 12a slide, the determinaticn members 11b, : 30 12b slide in the left-and-right direction and reach respeclive determining positions and respective retreat positions. When “he determination members 1ib, 12h are located at tre respective determining positions as indicated by the corresponding double-dotted chain lines in Fig. £4, tne diz-wal ; 35% ends of the determination members lle, 12k are ‘ccatesd irside !

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Prin eed dey td eee oh ecb } . , ' ; ral end od tee cl Teadnino den mera re Pho : : wit nvavn Drom the ce comien at ine pear Uo !

When the devesmioat ion members Dh, bor was oe ee detcrnmining positions, the distal ens of Tho se Camis members 11h, 100 are located immealanely wove choo ba “0 blude 37 at positions forwara from Lhe axis Door ore separating portion 3. In this state, If & mong Mov ; prescribed standards 1s accommodated in Tho ace ome et 174 portion with tie hull arranged below, the alsiel eno: wf thes derermiration members 11lb, 12b are located at noights

Tn morresponding to the hull portion ME of the socal Mi ob Lhe mange M. :

Non-illustrated second deteccticn mears for detesting : contacl belween the distal ends of the determina. ion members : 17b, 12b and the seed M1 of the mange M is provides Ln esin determination cylinders 11, 12. Each second detaotion nears determines that the distal end of one of tha determination members 1lb, 12b has come inte contact with the sead M1 when lead greater than or equal to a second predetermined value, 2% which is set in advance, acts on the determination momioor 200, 12. The determination cylinders 11, 12 each ouivul to a 1om- illustrated control device a determination result of thao corresponding second detection means as to whether rhe distal i 2nd of one cof the determination memkers 1lb, 17% is rela in I contact with the seed M1. The second predetermined value is set to a value greater than the lcad zaacbing on each g determination member 11b, 12b when the distal ends of hs determination members ilk, 12b move through the flash M2 of the mango M. ] : 11 1

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Flinders bd, Vd. ibe Lies ocpgention aplinches Dan coviligured ident inal ty with vac mther with reference to Fig. 4, the first CeCe nT bie 13 and the first correction cylinder 14 have «o load Tia and a head 1da, respectively, each of which is »lidelis ia ire ot and-r ight direction. A needle like Zire: correction membol 130 and a necdle-like first correction member 2b are Lttached 19 to “he head 133 and head 14a, respectively, and Omena Lowar: ; the axis P of tho separating portion 3 in thz lorr-ano-riost direction. The distal ends of the first correction members : 13h, 14b are arranged to face the corresponding lrsartion holes 6a formed in the zccommodation tube 6. As Lhe hoods Ga, : ida slide, the first correction members P2k, idk slide in ins ; left-and-right direction to pass through the correspinding insertion holes 6a and reach respective correcting positions : or to reach respective retreat pesitions. When tho First : correction members 13b, 14p are located at the respective : 24% correcting positions as indicated by the corresponding deninlos dotted chain lines in Fig. 4, the distal ends of the Zirst correction members 13b, 14b are located insides tho accemmodation tube 6 through the insertion holes fa. Wnen Lhe first correction members 13, 14k are arranged at ine : 20 respective retreat positions as indicated by the corresponding solid lines in Fig. 4, the distal ends of the first Correction members 13b, 14b are withdrawn from the accommodation tubs ©

When the first correction members 13k, 14h are at lhe i correcting pesitions, the distal ends of the Zirst correction :

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Ajo atl conde af the Lirvss correct Don nembers Dob BI nn con tessa bo She axis PL Ip tale state, pi ch en 1, whisn nes the proscribed standards, oowooore catalan the accomodating portion with the has! coyange doe tow, LEE SIR snds of the first correction members 3b, Taboave sooatedd Ju tne height corresponding to the end of the sed DD 57 the mango M opposite te the end of the secd M1 of tno mars M corresponding to the hull portion M3. 1a with raferconce to Figs. 1 and 5, a szoona correst.on cylinder 15, which funclions as correciicn means like tne first correction cylinders 13, 14, is arranged on Lhe moaning : surtace Sa of the second mounting table 5H. Az i)Jlustratea 10

Fig. bY, the second correcticn cylinder 15 has a head 1ta, which 1s slidable toward the upper opening of tho : accommodation tube 6. A needle-like secend correction member : 15h, which extends toward the upper opening of iro accommodation tube 6 (in other words, toward tae axis ¥ of the 2% eeparating portion 3), is attached tc Lhe heaa 18a. As the ! read 1%a slides, the second correction member 25% sliaes and reaches a correcting positien and n retreat position, When the second correction member 15b is arranged at tne correccing pesition as indicated by the corresponding douc.e-cootied chain lines in Fig. 5, the distal end cf the sccond correction 3 merber 1lbb is arranged inside the accommodaticr tube 6. When : the sscond correction member 15b is al the retreat posiiion as indicated by the corresponding solid lines in Fig. %, tho distal end of the second correction member 15% Ie withdrawn i 2h frem the accommodation tube ¢€. ; 1z i

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Loooportion souhian dle annular boade 50 ob tae sep her pe cd

Aowith respect tothe fron and pea direorion oad ob ip position corresponding to he axis oowith respec ten EL and-Laght Airecrion., lowever, With pegpess Lo Loe doen sha fear divestion, the position of the aistal end ob dee coro

S00 correction member 14) dess not correspond footpe azis Poo bn this «tate, if the mango IM, which has lane prescibecd stands nn, is accommodated in the accommodaling poriior witn tao Toll arranged below, the distal sna of the second correction mambo 15h is located at Lhe height corresponding te the eno of the ©5 secd M1 cf the mango M cpposite to the end of the seed MIoof the mango M corresponding to the hull porricon Mas.

With reference to Figs. 4 and 3, a fruit jyeceotaile "0 is arranged below the base 1 at a2 position helsw the separating portion 3. The fruit receptacie 16 receives Lhe seed pertion and the flesh portion of the mange M after hese portions of the mango M fall through the separating porilon 3.

A process of a mango using the apparatus acooraing to 2% the first embodiment will now be described in cetail. {Accommodation Step)

First, the pusher 9, the determinaticn members ilk, Zk, : 20 the first correction members 13k, 14h, and the second correction member 15b are withdrawn to the respective retroars : cositions. The shielding plate 10b is arranged at the shielding position. Then, a peeled mango M iz placea in The accemmocating portion with the hull of the mango i facing 38% downward and forward {see Fig. 5). In this manner, the [oll

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Chie mange Moe dong, net agaist, the growing Aloo td a filers of fhe secd MEL Tn this state, Lhe ders fobs portion MA moves through the extended port pon seal th anndoac boade 307. (First Correction Step)

After the mango M is received in the asoornnodating portion, Lhe position and Lhe postures of the wangs YM nubs “nL leil-and-right direction are corrceted woTn relorvence Toone axis P of the separating porticn 3 {sec rig. 4). Specifically, the first correction cylind=t 13 is actua'ed to nove The lirst correction member 13k to the correcling position. The diztal snd of the first correction member 13b is Thus ins=zrtzd through the flesh M2 of the mango M in Lhe accommodat ing : portion and contacts the seed M1, thus pressing the seed M1 : leftward and toward the axis P. Subsequently, the first correction cylinder 14 is actuated to move the first correction member 14b tc the correcting pesiticn. The distal z5% end of the first correction member 14p is thus inserted through the flesh M2 of the mango M and coriacis the seed Mo, thus pressing the seed M1 rightward and toward the axis =. &¢ a result, the position ard the posture of the manac M ir the left-and-right direction are correctea. Fore scecizZically, the position of the mango M in the left-and-rignt airection 1s corrccted in such a manner that the position of Lhe seed 11 of ; the mango M substantially matches with The position of the axis P in the left-and-right direction. ‘uriher, the posture : of the mange M in the left-and-right direction Is correcuisd in 3b such a manner thet the incliraticn ¢f the seed MI of the rmunge ;

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Srvent oe gnd-rear direct ban are corrected with rete reo Te axis Poof the separating porvion 3 (eee Pio. Sr. Lperiil Lhe,

Lhe second correction cylinder Io So suluste ss Cowl th

I cocci correct ien member 15h to the correct ing posi obon. he distal end of the second correction member Tol on nae pad throagh the [lesh M2 of the mange M ir Lhe accommodst o) pert oon and contacts the seed ML, thug pressing the seo 7H forward and toward the axis PF. As a result, the pos’lion and

To the posture of the mango M in the front-and-zear Jdiveoricon are corrected. More specifically, the position of the marys 1a the front-snd-rear direction is correcied in sushi oo manner : that the position of the szed MI of the mango M suzsuaalislly : matches with the position cf Lhe axis P in the Zront-and-rcar direction. Further, the posture of the mange M tn Tho Fronts ana-rear direction is corrected in such a manner that ung : inclination of the seed Ml of the mango M substantially ; matches with the inclination of the axis P in the front-and- ; rear direction.

When the mango M 1s accommodated in the accommodating : portian with the hull facing downward and forward, the margo ll easily inclines rearward. The second correction cylindey 1° is employed to correct such rearward inclination si the mango 30M. (Determination Step) ]

Supsequently, it is determined whether the arrangesmont 3 32 of the seed MI of the mange M in the accommodating portion os ! le 1

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Airral ends oof che determina bon menaeo ns Llhy To bie cane

Srnto contact with the seed MI, Che determination ond en bo Co

Provrovide the detection resullotoe the control dese Lae control device then determines that Lhe arrangement oo. ihe seed M1 is dipappropriate tor permitting Tha mare Bho mons through the separating portion 3. The determination resn. i 13 rhen informed to Lhe operator using an alarm (a Looper) in srder Lo suspend the subsequent processing. oh Contrastingly, when the determination monbe rs Jr, Loo are moved to the determining positicns ana ihe second detcction means do not detect contact between Lhe distal opas 0f the determination members 11h, 12b and the szad LL, “he control device, which receives the determination results Loon 2 the determination cylinders 11, 12, determines that vhs arrangement of the seed M1 is appropriate for permi=iing fhe mango M to move through the separating porticn 2. Then, the : subsequent processing is permitted. ; {Pressing Step) ;

Then, the mango M in the accommodating wortion ia : presscd inte the separating portion 2 to separate the mange ™ into the seed portion and the flesh portion (see Tig. 4 and 5,.

Specifically, the pusher 9 is lowered to move thé pressing piales 94a to 94c and the clamp pins 95, wnicn are attached to the pusher head S62, into the {flesh M2 of the mange HM. In this manner, as indicated by the double-dotted chain lires in Figs. : 4 znd 5, the upper end of the seed Mi is clamped by Las clamp 3Z pins $5 and the pressing plates 94a to 24c contact the seen Mi 17 1

. > see by 1 Cpe at Cl i So cobb, SEN qe 1 :

CU he eb de IE do eo ! Siteorwardds, Lhe dele bat ong members vie id, ih

Firat corres ton member 23h, This, ool Uh doe ond en nen rember 15h are wit hirawn Ue tho respoonlve Sobre at nln

Farther, Lhe shielding plate J0b 1s rovarnon Lo Das nh shielding position. “hen, tho pusher 9 to po Merri bo hen

Une mange M toward Lhe separating portion Fowitho ine soon UH held in a stale clamped by the clamp pins 55. Ac a ren)! the annular plade 32 culs the mango IM Into the s=en poo rion and the flesh portion and the dividing iludes 3% oof the fied) portion into six sections. The sced poriion and The Tlesh “5 portion, which arc obtained by moving fos mango HM throwan roo separating pertion 3, fall into the fruit receptacle Lt and are thus received by tne frult receptacle 56. ;

The first embodiment has the advanteges descoinad Lolo. (1) The mango processing apperatus of the first embodiment determines whether the arrangement of the seen M1 : of the mango M, which is accommodated in the accommodating pertion, is appropriate for permitting the manage M Ln move through the separating portion 3 using the determination : cylinders 17, 12. In other words, it is determined in advance whether the seed M1 of the mango M contacts the annular blads 32 of the separating portion 3 when tne mango M is moves ; through the separating portion 3. Tnis allows identification 32 of a mango M having a seed M1 that is arranged iracprepriatery. ;

Accordingly, the mango M may be removed from the accommoadalirg portion and prevented from being processed or the arrangement of the mango M may be corrected in ihe accommodating portion. ;

This prevents the annular blade 3? of the separating cortion = 1 from cutting the seed Ml and causing cut seca pieces To be

Sob be hy

Coben ad Polonia Sa es io. :

Joo a Jd Yl, 0 paso bn J nv Coe . [asd don a, he dota] eran Gf fhe Gade nes bo a.

Lob mre veered by Tooat ed at the neta cor yesn oad nr os Ee

Lull post fon MY of the seed ML of the nargs fo Ta thar oan,

Coen 10 thee hell owortaon M3 ool the mood MD Dn dodo Eo irvedicat ea by Lhe deshed lines In Flo. ob), Gi wo 00 isn 0 16 oetermined whetner ths arrangement of the goed 41 of the moo

M is app opriate for permitting the mango M to moves Tha oeyn

Lie separating portion 3. 13} The apparatus of the first embodiment includes lhe 18 first correction cylinders 12, 14 ana the second ooryast ooo cylinder 1b, cach of which corrects the positicn ard Lhe posture of Lhe mango M accommodated in the accommoant no : porticn. Ag a result, using the first and scoond correction cylinders 13 to 15%, the position enc the posture ol Tne alin 24 Mare corrected in such a manner that the arrangemsnt ol Lie seed ML of the mango M becomes apprepriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3. {4) The first correction cylinders 13, 14 and the zecons correction cylinder 15 correct the inclination of the zoed MI 2f {he mango M with reference to the directicon in which the pusher 9 presses the mango M, which is the axis P of tho seperating portion 3. This facilitates correction oI Lae position and the posture of the mango M in such a manner that the arrangement of the seed Ml of the mange M becomes ; appropriate for permitting Lhe mango M to move through tha separating portion 3. {9) Correction of the inclinaticn of the sesd Mi ~f the : 25% mange M includes correction of the inclination of tne sed ML 3

, le i Poot Chorale oe, : Co ,

Cod Pa, be edd 1 1 eo I ;

Foo Dee be ah rear hee o . Cy

Neds tn Tha pe ves Ele ae Cr co bi Joos lL dO arg hee [ro tarre or bh wang i toh a ol

Che art angen nt of thee seed BD 00 the para JT bed ees

APPrOpT bade Sor permit Trg the marae Mote aoe tig she separating port ior 3,

IRE 0h) on the present compoadiment, ho pres lan ay ten posture of the mango M are corrected py tne [lisse corpeltaoon cylinder 13, the first correction ovlincer Ld, ard the seca correction cylinder 1% sequentially, not simaltancousiy. 0 this case, compared Lo a case in whicn correction ly Theos

Th cylinders is carried our simultancousiy, the positica and ihe posture of the mange M is correctec relichly jn zal 2 marys: that the arrangement of the sced MT of the mange M becomes appropriate for permitting the mango M to move thrcadqn Lhe separating portion 3. {7} The clamp pins 9% are formed in the head 42 of the pusher 9. Accordingly, when the pusher 2 is lowered, tha mange M is pressed into the separating portion 3 with the soad

Ml maintained in a state clamped by Lhe clamp pins 25. ‘ais 2% prevents displacement of the mange NM when the mangas Mois pressed into the separating pertion 3. (8) The mango M is pressed into the separating portion 2 oy causing the pressing plates 94a to 94c, wihi.ch are arranged in the head 92 of the pusher 9, to contact the seed MI ol the mango M and lowering the pusher 2. This minimizes deformation of the flesh Mz. (3) Typically, the end of the secd M1 of the marge M 3 opposite to the end of the seed MI of the mange !

: ,

Co Coreg Ce hoa ; vo Te :

Lo ol Lt chao , : ! : i i : ! ! ’ boon boro, en he pr gt ri co ‘ !

Spe are Dies Thal de, te peered poole Ta 1 t a : ConTigul ed Appropriately Tor cone sna Pee ced en Sn

Sf rhe mares MM Gp voy je ened of Tin condo corresponding Co the hell portion Me (10) "he extended portaen 20a ta Formed ini Sha 1 lade 32 of Lhe separating portion 3. Rooordingoy, win he mange M is moved through the separating poziiog 5, the ors fibrous portion M4 of the seed ML of the mango II fe poovanies from contacting the annular blade 32. This proventu tre annular blade 32 from cutting the fibers of the denne tibroas 1% porlior M4 end causing cut fiber pleces Lo be mlaon “nto The flash portion. [Second Fmbodiment]

A mango processing apparatus according to oo ssccnd : empodiment of the present invention will hereafter oo described mainly about the differences from the Tire: : embodiment, with reference to Figs. 7 to LI.

Zz As illustrated in Fig. 7, in the apparatus of the scound embodiment, the support frame 2, the pressing cylinder &, the : second correction cylinder 15, and the shielding ocyiinder lu are arranged at positions different from the corresponding vositions of the first embodiment. Specifically, ths support frame 2 and the pressing cylinder 8 are arrarged hehind Tho separating pcrtion 3 and the second correction coylirdzr 15 ana the shielding cylinder 10 are arranged in the support frame 2. :

With reference to Figs. 7 and 11, the second correction . 3: cylinder 15 is arranged horizontally above the shielding L

' ,

I , [I | oot , | : ' . i pe Coo bane BE Po ' cro ctole dt e Td [I wet a by | . ‘

Gud J a idee, Phe ce rand eo nese dene eg Hb oh “ at Cached to toe bora Va, abies da cee donb es 0 divest ier and peechos oo cece Da par iaay Da eed position. When the second correct Vor tember Che Soh

SOT pos den as indicates oy the coraeruon Te dean es dotted chain lines in Pig, 11, the discal end of the coon Hd

Lo correction membar lbh ls passed through an insertion hte ery which fs formed in Lhe accommodation tube €, ard cxtords in he accommodation tube 6. When the second correct on aemlbon 15h is art the retreat position as Indicated hy ile corresponding solid lines ir Fig. 11, th= distal ens ol The scecond correction member 15h is withdrawn [rom he accommedat fon tube 6.

As illustrated in Figs. 7 and TC, the apgaretus of tne second embodiment alse includes additional {irst correction cylinders 13’ 14’, in addition to the first correcting cylinders 13, 14 identical to the first correction cy indsrs 13, 14 of the first embodiment. The additional first correction cylinders 13’, 14’ are arranged horizontally and below the corresponding first correction cylinders 13, Ld. 73 The first correction cylinders 13, 14 are lccated : substantially at the heights equal to the heignl cor Lae ssooind : correction cylinder 15. :

With reference to Figs. 8{a! and 8b), Lhs head 52 of the pusher 9 of the apparatus accerding to the second embodiment has a rectangular box-like shape having az lower opening. The head 92 includes an upper wall 26a having an elongated rectangular shave, four clamp pins 25 extending downward from the corners of the upper wall %¢a, and four sidc walls 9¢b, S6c, 96d, 36e, each of which extends pelween the

Coo ed ae te a i CL, ed, Ee : : eo nd dn, be nbn .

Ai, wh are i tere ab Lede Ch Co Co oy wor atte walls O00, Sie, whois See cach ter ono DH ail abt direction, Anchen downward do fhe nh ees ba

The fivel correction cylinder 14 ang he top! correction cylinders 14 of the apperalios of Ue woos 1 cubediment Nave a head 13a and @ head du, genie Lovely. Two recdie- like corrvection membors 1%o ard two reeds treo correction members 14b are attached to Lhe oad bs oand The head 14a, respectively (see Tig. O(a). The diste. onan ol the first correction members 13h face the corresunnding Lwe of four insertion holes 6a formed in the socermoautioen tube ©

The c¢istal ends of the first correction members 74m Lava the other twe of the insertion holes 6a {sec fig. 10. The additional first correcticn cylinder 13’ and the additiong’ first correcticn cylinder 14° have a head 13a’ and A head S407, : “0 respectively. A first correction member 13k7 ana a Tirst correction member 14b’, each of which is shaped lies a plate having an L-shaped cross section, are attached to the hoad 13a’ and the head l4a’, respectively (See Fig. %{bj)). The first correction members 13b, 14b, 13b’, 14b’ =11 have shero : distal ends.

With reference to Fig. %ic), the secona corroation member 1bb, which is attached to tne head 15a of Lae second correction cylinder 15 of the apparatus of the second embodiment, is configured by attaching a memizer having a 3 concave surface to the distal end of & rod. The cistal ena of b the second correction member 15b is arranged to Zace Lae insertion hole éb, which is formed in the accommodation tibas 0 (see Tig. 11). ;

‘ ,

Tio ee ea be ' pee Vo Capt ei Sr. Co. ) se : Lo en eb Ten ob pe LL SE ;

Poole nr bebe ded peg oo te, nd | ol i" clone cn plates be Sages, coo a Tua Te po

Che need Dy, pope Uae by ioe [ig. Sibir Te hay cant Ln meas Ph, TED have sharp distas ends,

Ar lilustrated in orig. 10, the Lop plate 0 oe ane af the apparatus ol tne second emboalment Lan pol eat means for withdrawing the separating portion 3 from dhe rosin oon facing the accommodation tule 6, which Js, nore suooal cally, the position immediately below the accommodation Tone 0. The retreat means is configured by a pivot device la, whan pooits the separating portion 3 downward Logelher wlth a portion of tho top plate of the base 1. The pivot device ia crlangss Lhe : separating portion 3 ai a normal position or a volo ; position. When the separating portion 3 is at tag noiral pesiltion as illustrated by the corresponding solid rings ix

Fig. 10, the separating portion 3 is located immed: ateiyv be ow ; the accommodation tube 6. When the separating portich I ois ul the retreat position, the separating portion 3 1s witndiawn : from the position immediately below the accommodatlicn tubo § (see the portion of the top plate of the base 1 illnstrated Ly the corresponding double-dotted chain lires in Dig. 10}.

With reference to Figs. 10 and 11, the read 50 of the pusher 3 of the apparatus of the second embodiment 13 attached : to the distal end of the pusher rod $I through & aLsk memos 97 having a resin layer %7a formed con the surface. The resin layer 87a of the disk member 97 faces the pusher head §2. The disk memper 97 has such a size that the disk member 97 can ; pass through the accommodation tube 6, which is a sizo griave: ; than the size of the annular blade 32 of the separating 1 3% portion 3.

p , . , Go th eee a CL ; . ! '

Cae a Dobe ae ier no

Cho oamnoda ton he

As dn hee ACCOmINAl Ton Bien od Phe eras een od Fe vetng he apparatus ol the Dronst cube mer, a pees be beara iu placed in the accommodating pullion wlon oe bedded To

PO paras Mofacing downward and Forward (see ig. 1h. (Correcrion Stop)

After the mango M is received in rhe acocrmroantang hn portion, the position and the posture of wie panos HM in Le fyont-and-rear direction are corrected with reference to tha axis PP of the separating porticn 3 (see Fig. li.

Specifically, the second correction cylinaer 1: is actuated To send Lhe second correction member 150 to the correcting position. The sccond correction memper 15b thas presses too mange M in the accommodating portion forward and toward Lhe ; axis P. As a result, the position and the posture of the mango M in the front-and-recar direction are corrected. ore specifically, the position of the mango M in "ne frant-and- : 2% rear direction is corrected in such a manrer that the posit:on of the sced Ml of the mango M substantially marches with to the position of the axis P in the front-and-rear direction.

The posture of the mango M in the front-and-icar direction is : corrected in such a manner that the inclination of the secd M] 2 of the mango M substantially matches with the inciinatior of : he axis FP in the front-and-rear direction.

Subsequently, the pusher 9 is lowered rc cause the pusher head 92 to contact the mange M. The head $2 oI the . vcusher 2 then presses the mango M downward to prevent Lhe z5 i p ) ea Yoon nh ET loa, ol [I Hated toe Uh Co . '

Flees, Uh po dee aac Dae py Ae ne oh ' Pot am Lt de dees rie cn pee es wa bio ne C cme bot Lhe sepearat bos pon sian a dee Log TH

Poeciiloally, he Chpst coped don oye as en Lt es mee Lhe Tirst cor ection pegs babe bo the cna 70 ny vonicion., The distal ends of woe first OOo edie nd are Lhus Lnserted Uhrough the flesh MID of tne mange 100 oh acconmnodat ing portion and contact the geod MI, Thus pressing “he seod ML leftward and toward the axis I. Sapuooera by, Tr first correction aylinder 14 1s actuated ro send the fars® correction members 14b to the correcting vosition. Tro drvsicl “tends of the firs. correction members 14k aro Thos jas) oo througn the flash M2 of the mango WM and ocaract the zea chr, thus pressing the seed M1 rightward and toward the anio b.

Then, the additional first correcticn cylinder 137 1s actua.ed : to move the first correction member 13’ tc ine corracting position. The distal end of the first corrcation momber 130 is thug passed through the flesh M2 of the mange ¥ and contacts the sced M1, thus pressing the seed M. leizwora and toward the axis P. Subsequently, the additicral first correction cylinder 14' is actuated to move the first : correction member 14b’ te the correcting position. he «lisial end of the first correction member 14d’ is tnus Inserted : through the flesh M2 of the mango M and contacts vhs seea M1, ; thus pressing the seed M1 rightward and toward ine axis EF.

As a result, the position and the pcsture of the mango I in the left-and-right direction are ccrrected. Mors : specifically, the position cf the mango M in the le’t-anc- right direction is corrected in such & manner thal tne 1 pozitior of the seed M1 of the mango M substantiai.y maichas with the position of the axis P in the lefi-and-right i

’ ’

Pie he iy | oo pe | [I ! a ICE Co Ch Co no : 1 I ET ch Sn Coe ' : ‘

Hal eve wing Phe dbo baat a ob 1h Co cL x oo . Saphir ret Son (Doternnnat jon Step)

Arley the correc=isn ater, if ls deiarmine: wip LPs fi avrangement of the seed MI of rhe mange Moin the orm odnt ans portion is appropriate for permitting Lhe gang 1000 move through che separating portion 3. specifica’ ly, tos determination cylinders 11, 12 are actuared to move oh determination members 110, 12h to the detormining positions, ©5 as indicated by the corresponding double-norted chain ones IT

Sig. 10, In this state, as in the determination step of ths process of the mango using the apparatus of Lhe firvat embodiment, the determination of whether lhe aryvanuemant ol the seed M1 of the mango M is appropriate Zor permitting tlh mango M to move through the separating portion I 1:2 carri.o out by using the detection means, which detect whsthar the distal ends of the determination members 11k, 1Zb contact the seed M1. Specifically, when the determination members 1h, 12k are at the determining pesitions, the dislLal onde af ine 23 delermination members 11b, 12b are located slighiuly clossr to the axis P of the separating portion 3 than the annul haads 32 of the separating portion 3 with respect to the left-and- ; right direction, which is the only difference batwoen ithe : determination step of the second embodiment and tne : determination step of the first embodiment. {Pressing Step)

After the determination step, the mango ¥ in Lhe ; 3% gccommodating portion is separated into a seed portion and a i

Co

Ha | vbr be pt Ca Fy EE vol poo i. : Cg Coad i

Spee cdlaesday, the arnt cones tanked ro, ,

Tob, TI wre wit harawn Lo be ponpa toe pe be Ly anc ther Uae determina don members The, 100 re 00 hor ee the loopect bve retreat position. The dele She me continuously devect wiedher the distal orcs of ne

Se lerminat for members 1b, 12h contact the cod Mor rhe wange Mountil the deterrinpal oon members lab, Toe oth id retreat positions. In otner words, even wher one Avro the first correction members 13h, 14b, 13b7, 1407 oe owaines oo

Lhe retreat positions, the detection of whoiher the conse ends of the determination members 1lp, 170 contacl tio soc BD 1% of Lhe mango M is continued until the determination neoioers 1ib, 17h reach the retreal pesitions. If tne conrad Loetwesn the distal ends of Lhe determination methels ib, or and he seed M1 is derected before the determinalicr memos Tih, 100 reach the retreat positions, the pressing step 1s suspended. 2{ For example, aftcr the first correction members 13p, lup, 1507, 4b’ return to the retreat positions, the mange M is ne Longe: supported and thus may incline. In this case, when such inclination causes the contact between the distal encgs of Lhe determination members 11k, 1Z2b and tha seed M1, Lhe pressing srep is suspended.

After the determination members 11b, “2h ars wilhdrewn : to the retreat positions, the pusher § is lowcred to press the ! mango M inte the separating portion 3 with the ugpsr end of : 3% the seed M1 clamped by the clamp pins 25. As & resu.t, ihe annular blade 32 separates the mango M into the seed portion and the flesh portion and the dividing klades 23 cut the {lezh portion intc six sections.

Tne pusher 9 is lowered until the resin laver 7a oI Lhe :

So . , : i tod vo Ee i] Car ha L .

Peale, Ye atric bb eel !

Caer he ge ls ti brie de ss

Crab osha Ue se pe bel peer pee bate

Creve eal pened ol Ue tare Bd ret oH soperab tag por oaen do Te eed perio Flos tee which are obtained from toe macdo Momeviner ana separating portion 3, fel ince the frudt yeoopioe Te FE aa are received by the fruit receptacle le. 10

Fven wher it is actermred in the detzonlna. ic ane) thal the arrangement of Lhe soed ML of the mange 5p are done accommodating portion is appropriate for permilc lng © he mandy

M to move through the separating portion 3, thers my po ooo in which the seed Mi of the mango M contacts The separating portion 3, or the annular blade 3Z particularly, wher Too mango M is pressed into Lhe separating portion 3, 107 ou certain reason such as displacement ci the mance I alter The determination step. To solve this problem, ithe appiralus of the sccend embodiment has additional detection means Tov delecting contact between the seed M1 and the separating vertion 3. When load greater than a predetermined valasg, which is set in advance, acts on the head 92 of the pusher 3, ; the additional detection means determines that the seed M1 of : the mangc M has come into contact with the separating portinn : 3. When the additional detection means detects The contac petween the secd M1 and the separating portion 3, the detection means outputs the detecticn result To the control : device. In response, the control device actuates the pivot 20 device la to move the separating portion 3 to tho retrcatl position. In this manner, after having been pressed downward ; through descent cf the pusher 9, the mange NM falls into and are received by the fruit receptacle 16 withoul moving through the separating portion 3. j or ro Coens boon : i Co

Code! cy ! fy . ," Peg no Co .

Colt adit ron Le te ool i! Co, by 11, he mamas erodes End apparatus ob Thee ser abe con

Boe Lhe oki danal first cooayes don opbbasoer a Fa cat wn roomy ranged at hedghts datrerept from the Iogr Cow toe firel correc ion cylinders 13, Th ore Doosan A

Tai litates precise correction of no posloion cane poste 16 of Lhe mange M, which is vcopived In tho aor wea? fog por ao (12) When the determination mempers "lon, 100 of to determination cylinders 11, 12 are arranged ar the LOT ETL positions, Lhe distal ends of the determination mewbers Lh, ©5 1rb are located slightly closer to the axis I' ol thc separating portion 3 than the annular blade 52 of tho separating portion 3 with respect to the Loft ~ana=y ary ; direction. This improves the accuracy of determinat. on of ; wnather the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mange It In The accommodating portion is appropriate for permitiing tho Tango

M te move through the separating portion I. This reduces the likelihood that the seed M1 of the mango M contacts the separating portion 3 when the mango M is pressed into the : separating portion 3. 2 (13) Bach adjacent pair cf the ciamp pins 9%, which are formed in the head 92 of the pusher 9, are connected Togethor : ty the corresponding one of the side walls %6bh 15 die.

Accordingly, even after repetitive use of the clamp pins 23 Lo 30 clamp the seed M1 of the mango M, the distai ends of tne cleng pins 95 are prevented from being deformed In such a mennor that the distal ends of the clamp pins 5 separate fiom ons another. : (14) If the mango M is forcibly passed through Lhe ] ;

«0 coo bee boy be Loa : ! ate 1 Po Che Crt Ca EET . ; nt a EE Pn Te i :

Filogo out na, ae co ae bt ee re ; Co ! t Coen veo Ue ot ine anes 1, whi oan beeen eo : po

Lhe seed port don. SAIN e we bongs candor of phe sl nee collectoad in the fruit receptacle Ta, JU fo cat on

Ai frien te selest and remove Lhe Licosh post oo nr ong

Loe cut ceed nieces out ol the [lesh porcicn To the Tre receptacle 16. Hewover, 1n the avparatus of bao ie ra embadiment, 1f the additional detection neon Gero The corpact between the seed M1 oi the mango M ard lee sesonrol ng portion 3 as (he mango Mig pressed into the Separating ’ portion 2, the pivot device la moves The separating ports on» 1% to the retreat position, which is spaced from Lae position immediately below the accommadaticn tube 6. Anoodl gly, in this case, the mango M dircctly fells inte ann wo recsived by the fruit receptacle 16 without moving through the soparating portion 3. The mango M, which is received bv the bet receptacle 16 without passing through the serarat._u: worbion is easy to select and remove out of the large numba of flesh ; pertions collected in the fruit receptacle 16. The removed mango M may then be manually scparated into a ced pulilon and a flesh portion. Further, the apparatus cf the second embcdiment prevents damage to the separating vorticn 5, which is caused by forcibly passing the mange M through the : separaling poriion 3 despite the contact belween ths seed Mi of the mango M and the separating portion 3.

The illustrated embodiments may be modified as follows.

Some of the modifications may be compined. ]

The apparatuses of the first and second empodiments may be used to process any fruit heving a flesh laver hetween a ; 32 peel {an epicarp) and seeds cther than mangos, such as stuns

Co pot Peo ge re abe oo ba rider, no i

Pre ble as pra cba on pod Chr ord Foe : Uh alah ated Ue operat ran in Coed. oo ne Cel a portion 5, the a nna bay LOTT Lal, Te pe yu

Aetermination cylinders Hl, to, Chic Tara coor den Di Cad hee 12, 14 (130, 47), and the second CAT TOC Len cy barrie ED de

Le charged as needed.

Tn the first and second embodiments, Thoe det cond ration cylinders 11, 12 may be replaced by othel detepmlipe bio mans auch as a sensor using an electiomaghollc wave. Troha case, the sensor is emploved Lo determine whether ne avrangenoart ol 1% “he seed M1 of Lhe mango M in the accommodating porilor io appropriate for permitting the mange M te move Throoal wae soparating portion 3.

In the first and second embodiments, tae nuncoo énd Lhe 20 Gocations of Lhe determinaticn cylinders io, i arg nol particularly restricted. For example, the detcrmination cylinders 11, 12 may be arranged to face each cther in the front-and-rear direction, not in the left-and-r.ght alrectiarn, with the separating portion 3 arranged bctwesr the determination cylinders 11, 12. Alternatively, throes or mors determination cylinders may be arrangad around tho separating portion 3. Further, cne or more additional determination cylinders may be formed each at a height aifferent Irom Tne heights at which the determination cylinders 11, 12 are located. For example, if cone or more additional determination cylinders are arranged above the determinaticn cylinders 11, 12, it is determined more accurately whether the crrapgement of the seed Ml cf the mango M in the accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the mange M te move trniough the 3% separating portion 3.

oo

Coot rr al a fe wl ho, : {ote he Co

Cone cael en 0 hae ek Pape boa nn a a ' Caner ne up at down aire bao La po orate determination of whether The arial odme pote a

MY of the marcas Moon the accotanods? Frog Jerboa nn te fea permii ving nn mango Moto move Lhireugh th Cpl porlicn S$.

Ir “he first and secons embodiments, ol Teas other in firse correction cylinders ox Lhe scoond coryctoor Jobin] may ne omitted. in the First and sccond embodiments, (he Tifa correction cylinders and the second correction ovlirdsr may correst one of Lhe position and the posture ol nd mange V accerrodated in Lhe accommodating vortion, insta of correcting both of the position and the pesture of tho mange bn op

In the first and second embodiments, the numbers and the iocations of the correction cylinders are not parcicularly restricted. For example, an additicnal correction ay’ ndel {or correcting the position and the posture of the mango Kin a direction other than the front-and-rear diircctior and the left-and-righl direction may be emplcyed. Alternztively, ong or more additional correction cylinders may pa arranged at heights different from the heights at which ths lirst correction cylinders and the second cylinders are located.

The positions of the distal ends of the first correctic members 13k, 14h at the time when tne first correction membres 13b, 14b of the first correction cylinders 12, 14 are LoCaigd at the respeclive correcting positions may pe changed as ; 25 necessary in correspondence with the shape of ithe seed 0f 4 :

BB 2

Pro. ee bee va ee to Pope oo bol | ; perth lew an ly, the etn eb CL 1 , cL Le dsb any bt oi oo bol

Poe when che Soroned carpe cre enter bo ob te “ Cenvestdon oylanger Toda booahod wi she conte be Co may be changed as neconaaly dn Covrerpondenee wt ley cl the seed of @ lruit to be processed or he Diep OF Fh soparating portion 3 (particularly, tne avaclag bo aie oo fo In the correction step of the first ans 2s0002 embodimen.s, in which the pesition ana The postalrs of thas mango M accommodated in the accommodating portion ave corroczed, the order by which the correction oyinders Loo actuated is not partimularly restricted. That 13, the 1: cerroction cylinders may be operabeg in any sullabie croc.

Alternatively, some or all of the correction cyindors may be actuated simultaneously. For example, in tho Zizst anboalner, the second correction cylinder 15, the first correstacy cylinder 13, and the first ccrrection cylinder 14 may bs operated seguentially in this order. Alternatively, the Iirsl correction cylinders 13, 14 may bc actuated simditanecusly.

In the first embodiment, the pusher @ may bo lowered Lo separate the mange M in the accommodating porzicn into the seed portion and the flesh pcrtion either after or simultansously when the determinaticn mempers 11n, 12h, the first correction members 13k, 1ldb, and tre soccona corrceotion member 15b are meved to the respective retrezat positions.

Alternatively, the determination members lb, 1Zik, the [irzz 32 correction members 13h, 14, and the second correcTion mombar 1b may be withdrawn when a predetermined tims elapses after the pusher 2 has started to descend. In this casc, it ig vreferablie that the predetermined time ke shorter than Lhe

Lime Lhat elapses from when the pusher § starts Le descend io when the distal end of the pusher 9 contacts the mings M In a; : so : anette eh ' EET I ' CY ! ’ . [I Leb ge bore i :

Co Co Forge ope hy Co

Cog Cocca bo sep “he second embodiment, the ead Gb Te je boop

Mev dee vention ea ay Crebrated Gn Fiae. Bees ape odo he puso head He illustrates fn Faas. icy anh cod boa cectangular box-like pressing maelee! G3 naving = loans Syed

To and fear clamp pins 95, whion are airanded 40 Te ores +. 4 the vreszing member 98 and inside the pressiog mento Gi

Also in this case, as in the case of the pusher head oo

Sllustrated in Figs. 8(a) and #(b), the clamp pins wh, wiio0 clamp the seed M1 of the manao M, are prevent es fron being 1: deformed in such a manner that the distal ends of tne ofan. pine °% separate from one another even after repel Tove Que OT tne clamp ping 8b.

In the first and second emgpodiments, the mange I msy Da 2¢ oressed inte the separating portion 3 by lowering ile pushes 5 with the distal end of the pusher 9 neld in coriacst with the flesh M? of the mango M, instead of or in addition to in contact the seed M1 of the mango M.

The separating portion 2, the accommodation tave 6, and the head 92 of the pusher 9 may be configured removable and replaceable in correspondence with the type cr tne slandaris (the dimensicns) of the fruit. 30 A fruit processing system may be configured by comgining one of Lhe apparatuses cof the first and second embodiments with first transport means and second transport means. The first Lransport means transports and supplies a fruit to tre accommodating portion of the apparatus. The second Lranspors : means transports a flesh portion and a secd vorticn, which are i y

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Alterac Sucely, a rotary tebde hoving a nina ats accomadation tales 6, coach ot whi he seco Goates Lt vol

Fe processed, may be enployed «Wm Lhe Final Tyan) en tora dn

Cn hos cane, Lhe yotary table Ds orotatod toons deed sequentially switen the accommodation tubes © (rom ac ant hoe, wilh fraits accommodated in the resportive accommo Ton Lathes (.

In the first and second embodiments, the determonat on 1% step, in which it is determined whether tne arrangenont of Lr seed M1 of the mango M in the accommedating Lorin ©: appropriate {or permituing the mango M to move chirough the separating portion 3, may be performed simultareovsly with a part of the correction step, in which the position and the 0 posture of the mango M in the accommodating portion ave corrected. For example, in the secend empodiment, tno determination step may be carried oul simultarecusly when toe position and the posture of the mango M in the lef.-ard-r ght direction are corrected. 75 in the first and second embodiments, the first correction members and the second correction member zrs nol restricted to any particular shapes as long as tne correation members are capable of correcting at least cone of the posiliar and the posture of the mango M, which is accommodated in the acccmmodating portion.

In the first and second embodiments, Lhe determination members 120 are not restricted to any pariicular shapes as long as the determination members 12b arc capaile of passing

:

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Shireaagn Insert lon of the aiatal cde of th ela tot meres and the correction membeos Sno thio deioieorat to ne and the correction step are cach Tocated on ary ome al Tne li vertical cutting paths detined by the divi tion Wien Sel In

This case, since the Traces are on Lhe cur cross cen ions formed by the dividing blades 33, the prodact cualiny of ou (lesh poriion obtained from Lhe mango Mois provenied fro deteriorating due to the visibility of Fhe Lraoos. ih

Ir the second embodiment, wher it ig aetected thal tno sced M1 of the mange M hes come into contact with tne separating portion 3, the mango M may pe roowived by on additional fruil receptacle, not Lhe fruit receptacic if, after the mange M has keen moved through the sevara.ing portion 3. In this case, a flesh porticn that may contalr cut seed picces is prevented from being collected ir tie fruit receptacle 16. 2h In the second embodiment, the pivot device la scrvirg as retrcat means for withdrawing the separating por.iocn 2 from the position immediately below the accommodation Lube H may bo omitled. Alternatively, the pivot device 1a may be replaced by a device that withdraws the separating portion 3 from the position immediately below the accommodation tupce & oy sliding the separating portion 3.

The configuration of each one cof the components ol Ths : first embodiment may be replaced by the configuraticn cif the corresponding one of the components of the second embodiment.

ks

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Ensen ment. Alternat rue ly, Che firot en! cello ane po :

Dire prod eine of the cocond cmbodient of ws bane I. separating port oon 2a the retreat pos LUC or Le pete detection ol contact between the secd M1oof the merce Woo

So the separating portien

Claims (7)

1. A fruit processing apparatus comprising: an accommodating portion for accommodating a fruit to be ; processed; a separating portion, the separating portion separating tHe sn fruit into a flesh portion and a seed portion when the fruit moves io 3 4 through the separating portion; and a pressing portion that presses the fruit accommodated in tje accommodating portion into the separating portion to move the fpuit through the separating portion, the apparatus being characterized by further comprising determination means employed to determine whether the arrangement of a seed of the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the fruit to move through the separating portion.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising correction means for correcting the position or the posture of the : fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the correction means corrects inclination of the seed of the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion with reference to the pressing direction of the pressing portion.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the correction of the inclination includes correction of inclination of the seed in a first direction and correction of inclination of the seed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, vherein clamp means is arranged at a distal end of the pressing portion, the clamp means clamping the seed of the fruit when the pressing portion presses the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion into the separating portion.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising detection means for detecting contact between the seed of the fruit and the separating portion when the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion is pressed into the separating portion, wherein, if contact between the seed and the separating portion is detected by the detection means, the fruit is collected after having been passed through the separating portion separately from a fruit that has moved through the separating portion without detection of contact between a seed of the fruit and the separating portion.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: detection means for detecting contact between the seed of the fruit and the separating portion when the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion is pressed into the separating portion; and retreat means for withdrawing the separating portion from a position facing the accommodating portion, wherein, if contact between the seed and the separating portion is detected by the detection means, the retreat means : withdraws the separating portion from the position facing the accommodating portion.

CLAIM CORRESPONDENCE TABLE

IPOPHL in JPO application application substantially the same as granted claim 1 in the JPO application.

2 2 Claim 2 in the IPOPHL application is substantially the same as granted claim 2 in the JPO application.

3 3 Claim 3 in the IPOPHL application is substantially the same as granted claim 3 in the JPO application.

Claim 4 in the IPOPHL application is substantially the same as granted claim 4 in the JPO application.

5 Claim 5 in the IPOPHL application is substantially the same as granted claim 5 in the JPO application.

1 Claim 6 in the IPOPHL application is narrower in scope than granted claim 1 in the JPO application.

7 1 Claim 7 in the IPOPHL application is narrower in scope than granted claim 1 in the JPO application.

TT pee been deleted.

FT ps been deleted.