PH12016000197B1 - 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 separatinq portion and moves the fruit through the separating portion, and determination means (11, 12) used to determine whether the arrangment 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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FIUTT PROCES TRG ARPARATIE Ce 4 i. Go N . ba et bo “Thig application bs a idividdonnl wpplication of Application No. 1-2010-000190 | Tp, Hd, Lo fled on June 25, 2000, to ol SE on : GN

BACKGROUND OF THEE JRVENTION or “7 J eo see, WIN

Cy, “ hoo Tha present Invention relates to a frult procesaing Car apparatus for separating a frult having a flesh layer hatween - 0 a peel (an epicarp) and seads, which lg, for example, a stone - fruit such as a peach or an apricot, or a tropical fruit such on 83 & mango or an avocado, inte a flesh portion and a seed - portion. oo

As a fruit processing apparatus for separating a fruit into a desired portion and an undesired portion, an apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000- 93139 is known. The fruit processing apparatus of this document includes a separating cutter arranged in a lower portion of .a housing and a pressing element, which is selectively raised and lowered. The pressing element is arranged above the separating cutter. The separating cutter includes a cylindrical outer annular blade, a core removal blade having a hexagonally tubular shape, which is arranged at the center of the outer annular blade, and a plurality of dividing blades extending radially from the core removal blade toward the outer annular blade. A fruit is mounted on the separating cutter and the pressing element is then depressed to move the fruit through the separating cutter. Specifically, an undesired core portion of the fruit moves through the inner side of the core removal blade and a desired flesh portion of the fruit moves through the outer side of the core removal blade. This separates the two portions of the fruit from each other. The flesh portion is divided into a plurality of sections each having a predetermined shape by means of the dividing blades.

However, if a fruit having a seed in it is to be

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Dts dil ng Chee apparatos didc lodged Tn dapanese Lad d=Opon o

Patan Pubdloation Noo 2000 93049 and the diol Ja mounted al — an Anappropedate postition on the separaling cular, Lhe core ™ remeval lslade may col the seed and cut pieces of the seed may =o 9 be mixed inte a {leah portion, In the case of a fruit having - an excegslvely deformed seed, the core removal blade may also - cut the seed, even If the fruit ls mounted at an appropriate ” position, and cut pieces of the seed may be mixed into the - flesh portion. This may lower the quality of products to a a great extent, particularly when the fruit processing apparatus 1s employed in a food processing production line. ol ©

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it ls an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of processing a fruit without mixing cut seed pieces into a flesh portion.

To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a fruit processing apparatus including an accommodating portion, a separating portion, and a pressing portion is provided. The accommodating portion accommodates a fruit to be processed. The separating portion separates the fruit into a flesh portion and a seed portion when the fruit moves through the separating portion. The pressing portion presses the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion into the separating portion to move the fruit through the separating portion. The apparatus further includes 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.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a fruit processing apparatus including an 2 Co -

denominodat g pro Chain, a0 sepa al Big pan Choad, and a pan dng > partion broprovidod, The acconmodal Tag pod thon ageomiodat eg a fraud to he procesaod, The gaparat)ig portion agoparatad Lh ” rule ito a flash portion and a asad portion When Lhe frafb -

H moves Chrough the separating portlen. The pressing portion i. presaes the frult accommodated in the accommodating portion ~ into the aeparating portion to move the fruit through tha wr separating portion. The apparatus further includes correction on means flor correcting the position or the posture of the fruit = accommodated in the accommodating portion. = — . P.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present 5 invention, a fruit. processing apparatus including an accommodating portion, a separation portion, and a pressing portion is provided. The accommodating portion accommodates a fruit to be processed. The separating portion separates the fruit into a flesh portion and a seed portion when the fruit moves through the separating portion. The pressing portion presses the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion into the separating portion to move the fruit through the separating portion. Clamp means is arranged at a distal end of the pressing portion. The clamp means clamps the seed of the fruit when the pressing portion presses the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion into the separating portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

Fig. 2(b) is a bottom view showing the pusher head illustrated in Fig. 2(a);

Fla. 4 dna Cope view phew Che sopuiead big por bon of wl

Phi apparatus Shaanti ated dy tha. 1 i”

Pig. 4 da a gross-nectdonal view Cakan along The X' =X’ on of ig. 1; : =

I» Flg. 5 da a crosa-aectional view taken along line y/-Y/ oe of Fg. 1; i"

Fig. 6(a) dis a front view ahowing a seed of a mango;

Fig. 6(b) 45 a aide view showing the seed of the mango; =

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a fruit processing apparatus as a whole according to a second embodiment of the present be invention; oO

Fig. 8(a) is a side view showing the pusher head of the — apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7:

Fig. 8(b) is a bottom view showing the pusher head illustrated in Fig. 8(a):

Fig. 8(c) is a side view showing a modification of the pusher head of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 8(d) is a bottom view showing the pusher head illustrated in Fig. 8(c);

Fig. 9(a) is a perspective view showing a first correction member of a first correction cylinder of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7;

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

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

Fig. 9(d) is a perspective view showing a determination member of a determination cylinder of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X”-X” of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y”-Y” of Fig. 7.

DISTAL LED DESC LOW Gl THE PERE BRIO | MIR -

Fy se mbodimant,) =o

A frat embodiment of the present. fnvention, which la a oe mango processing apparatus, Will now be described with pr reference to Fga. 1 to é(b). “ 10 A mango M, which is an object to be processed using the ~ apparatus of the first embodiment, will hereafter be described. -

As 4llustrated in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), the mango M has a flat, - substantially rectangular seed M1, which is located at the r center of the frult. The mango M also has a flesh M2, which 15 is around the seed Ml and covered with a peel. A major part of the flesh M2 is located on two flat side surfaces of the seed M1. There is a hull portion (stem end) M3 connected to the hull of the mango M, which is in a corner of the seed Ml. + The hull portion M3 typically has a flat outline indicated by 20 the solid lines in Fig. 6(b). However, in some cases, the hull portion M2 may have a curved shape, that 1s, a deformed shape, which is indicated by the dashed lines in the drawing.

If the seed M1 of the mango M has such a deformed hull portion

M3 and the mango M is separated into a seed portion and a 25 flesh portion using a conventional fruit processing apparatus, such as the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent

Publication No. 2000-93139, the hull portion M3 is highly likely to be mixed into the flesh portion inadvertently. 30 With reference to Fig 6(a), the surface of the seed Ml is covered with fibers. In Fig 6(b), the fibers are omitted.

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

M4, which has dense and comparatively long fibers, is located 35 in a peripheral portion of the seed Ml close to the hull

Co post bon MA, which da, more apechileally, the vicinity of a =

Gorner of the goed MD casos to Che copie bngdading the hall iy portion M3, Guah Pahoa moat ho pravantod rom bolng nd xed oO

Into Lhe flesh portion when the mango M da soparated Into thy = b goed portion and the floah portion. 2 os

The mango processing apparatus according to the first embodiment will hereafter be described. In the description oo below, frontward, rearward, leftward, rightward, upward, and i. downward directions are defined as indicated by the arrows in f-

Fig. 1. 3

As shown in Fig. 1, a base 1 has rectangular top plate and a palr of leg portions. A support frame 2 having four support pillars extends upward from a corner of the top surface of the base 1. With reference to Figs. 1 and 4, a circular through hole, which extends through the top plate in the up-and-down direction, is formed in a portion of the top plate of the base 1 located on the left side of the support frame 2. A separating portion 3 is arranged in the through hole and functions to separate the mango M into a seed portion and a flesh portion when the mango M moves through the separating portion 3.

As illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5, the separating portion 3 has a cylindrical outer peripheral portion 31, an annular blade 32, which is shaped substantially as an oval cylinder and located at the center of the outer peripheral portion 31, and six dividing blades 33 extending radially from the annular blade 32 toward the outer peripheral portion 31. As illustrated in Fig 3, the annular blade 32 has an extended portion 32a, which is extended outward in the longitudinal direction of the oval shape defined by the annular blade 32.

Two portions of the annular blade 32 are located on the longitudinal axis of the oval shape of the annular blade 32.

Tlie JE Ld Did wiser oe od § iva pro bon Uhall coi onponicl ”

Loo the extondgd poi Clan 4200 and he ag ba ood Lhe aepaoeat Tig - portion 3 dg greater than hi ddatanca 12 between The other o portion, which does not correspond bo the extanded portion 32a, oo and the axis P (see Figs. 3 and 5). When the mange M fs moved oe through the separating portion 3, the extended portion 32a foi prevents the dense fibrous portion M4 of the asced Ml of the = mango M from contacting the annular blade 32. 2

An attachment flange is formed at the upper end of the - outer peripheral portion 31. The separating portion 3 is oO passed through the through hole of the base 1 from above and = immovably attached to the base 1 with the extended portion 32a of the annular blade 32 located rearward. The annular blade 32 and the dividing blades 33 each have a sharp upper end.

With reference to Figs. 1, 4, and 5, a first mounting table 4, which extends leftward from inside the support frame !, is attached to the support frame 2. The first mounting table 4 has a horizontal mounting surface 4a. A second mounting table 5, which extends leftward from the outer rear surface of the support frame 2, is also attached to the support frame 2. The second mounting table 5 has a mounting surface 5a, which inclines downward toward the base 1. The mounting surface 5a of the second mounting table 5 is located higher than the mounting surface 4a of the first mounting table 4. :

An attachment hole 4b, through which a cylindrical accommodation tube 6 is attached, 1s formed in the first mounting table 4. The attachment hole 4b is located above the separating portion 3. When the accommodation tube 6 is mounted in the attachment hole 4b, the axis of the : accommodation tube 6 coincides with the axis P of the separating portion 3. With reference to Figs. 1 and 4, an pape pert Ulan aod Che rccodinnedod bo Coda 0 had fageried sda 7

Boaving a ddaiel er nce bog Cowasd Chis vpper ond, Joaend fon 9 holog Ga are JTorned In two portions ol Lhe accommodab don tube oO 6G Lhatl, face oach olhor Jn oa lad Leand=right direction. = > 9

As dllustrated dn Fg. 1, a pressing cylinder 8 ls ps attached to the outer left surface of the support frame 2 ow through an attachment plate 7. The pressing cylinder 8 has a = sliding table 8a, which 1s slidable in the up-and-down 1 O direction. A pusher 9 serving as a pressing portion, which is Tu formed by a vertical rod 91 and a head 92 arranged at the i. distal end of the rod 91, is fixed to the sliding table 8a. =

As the sliding table 8a slides, the pusher 9 slides in the up- and-down direction and reaches a pressing position or a retreat position. When the pusher 9 is at the pressing position, the head 92 is arranged inside the accommodation tube 6 and the annular blade 32. When the pusher 9 is at the retreat position, the distal end of the pusher 9 is withdrawn to a position above the accommodation tube 6. The direction in which the pusher 9 is pressed coincides with the axis P of the separating portion 3.

With reference to Figs. 1, 2(a), and 2(b), the pusher head 92 is shaped as an oval column and substantially identical with the annular blade 32 of the separating portion 3. The head 92 has such a size that the head 92 can be inserted through the annular blade 32. Three grooves 93a, 93b, 93c, which extend in the left-and-right direction, are formed in parallel in the distal surface of the head 92. A first pressing plate 94a, a second pressing plate 94b, and a third pressing plate 94c are attached to the groove 93a, the groove 93b, and the groove 93c, respectively. The pressing plates 94a to 94c have different vertical dimensions, which are different heights. The first pressing plate 94a has the smallest height and is located rearmost. The third pressing plaie HAG has Lhe quot eat hedghh aiid Io a angoed Toren ~

The second pregshing phate 945, which Daa Che owbddle heiaht, 4a i. located hotween the [irdt pressing plate 94a and tho third o | ox

Four vextical lamp pins 95 project from the distal - surface of the pusher head 92 and serve as clamp moans for w clamping the seed M1 of the mango Ml. Two of tha clamp pins = 95 are arranged between the first pressing plate 94a and the - second pressing plate 94b. The other two clamp pins 95 are & located between the second pressing plate 94b and the third » pressing plate 94c¢. The clamp pins 95 are arranged in such a or manner as to become four points defining a rectangular shape (see Fig. 2(b)). The lengths of the clamp pins 95 are greater than the heights of the pressing plates 94a to 94c.

Non-illustrated first detection means for detecting contact between the pressing plates 94a to 94c and the seed Ml of the mango M, such as a load «cell, is provided in the pressing cylinder 8. When load greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, which is set in advance, acts on the pressing plates 94a to 94c, the first detection means determines that the pressing plates 94a to 94c have come into contact with the seed M1 of the mango M. The first predetermined value is set to a value greater than the load acting on the pressing plates 94a to 94c when the pressing plates 94a to 94c move through the flesh M2 of the mango M.

As illustrated in Fig 1, a shielding cylinder 10 is arranged on the top surface of the base 1 and in front of the separating portion 3. The shielding cylinder 10 has a head : 10a, which is slidable in the front-and-rear direction. A shielding plate 10b, which shields the accommodation tube 6 and the separating portion 3 from each other, is attached to the head 10a. The shielding plate 10b slides in the front- : : 9 i :

andro divest tan ane The head P0a abides and rachis 4 wo shielding poadidon or a non-ahleldling posdtion. When at the Ny ghielding poaltdon, (he ahlelading plate 10h ahlelds the = accommodation tube 6 and the separating portion 3 from cach ox other. When at. the non~ahielding poaltion, the ahielding poss plate 10b does not ahleld the accommodation tube 6 and the by separating portion 3 from each other. In Mg. 1, the o shielding plate 10h is arranged at the non-shielding position. ~

In Figs. 4 and 5, the shielding plate 10b is located at the = shielding position. The accommodation tube 6 and the - shielding plate 10b configure an accommodating portion for accommodating the mango M.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 4, a pair of determination cylinders 11, 12 functioning as determination means are formed on the top surface of the base 1. The determination cylinders ll, 12 are arranged to face each other in the left-and-right direction with the separating portion 3 arranged between the determination cylinders 11, 12. The determination cylinders 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 lla and a head 12a, respectively, each of which is slidable in the left-and- right direction. A needle-like determination member 1llb and a needle-like determination member 12b are attached to the head lla and the head 12a, respectively, and extend toward the axis

P of the separating portion 3 in the left-and-right direction.

As the heads 1la, 12a slide, the determination members 1lb, 12b slide in the left-and-right direction and reach respective determining positions and respective retreat positions. When the determination members 11b, 12b are located at the respective determining positions as indicated by the corresponding double-dotted chain lines in Fig. 4, the distal ends of the determination members 1lb, 12b are located inside the acco Fong peor tion, When tie bet cpm bid Tome members 11D, >

Co dRh ae arranged at the poeapeet bya palace pind fone an

Indicated by Lhe corresponding solid Hines fn Big. 4, the oO distal ends of the determduation wembera Lb, 12h arc = 2 withdrawn from the accommodating portion. o pot

When the determination members 11h, 12b are at the oY determining positions, the distal ends of the determination © members 11lb, 12b are located immediately above the annular - 1Q blade 32 at positions forward from the axis P of the oo separating portion 3. In this state, 1f a mange M having - prescribed standards is accommodated in the accommodating a portion with the hull arranged below, the distal ends of the determination members 11lb, 12b are located at heights corresponding to the hull portion M3 of the seed M1 of the mango M.

Non-illustrated second detection means for detecting contact between the distal ends of the determination members 1llb, 12b and the seed Ml of the mango M is provided in each determination cylinders 11, 12. Each second detection means determines that the distal end of one of the determination members 1llb, 12b has come into contact with the seed M1 when load greater than or equal to a second predetermined value, which is set in advance, acts on the determination member 1lb, 12b. The determination cylinders 11, 12 each output to a non- illustrated control device a determination result of the corresponding second detection means as to whether the distal end of one of the determination members 11b, 12b is held in contact with the seed Ml. The second predetermined value is set to a value greater than the load acting on each determination member 1lb, 12b when the distal ends of the determination members 11b, 12b move through the flesh M2 of - the mango M.

An bap ated dn Plaga. 0 and 4, a uate al Had - crag fon cyl dictar a 14, TA tuned bonbog na correct Ton mein bot

Aare arranged an Che mounting mai face da of The drat mount fing oO abla 4. The first correction cylinders 13, 14 are arranged =

Bo Lo face cach other In the laft-and-right direction with Lha be accommodation tube 6 located between Lhe first correction ~ cylinders 13, 14. The first correction cylinders 13, 14 are - configured identically with each other. - en

With reference to Fig. 4, the first correction cylinder = 13 and the first correction cylinder 14 have a head 13a and a J head 14a, respectively, each of which is slidable in the left- = and-right direction. A needle-like first correction member 13b and a needle-like first correction member 14b are attached to the head 13a and head 14a, respectively, and extend toward the axis P of the separating portion 3 in the left-and-right direction. The distal ends of the first correction members ~13b, 14b are arranged to face the corresponding insertion holes 6a formed in the accommodation tube 6. As the heads 13a, 14a slide, the first correction members 13b, 14b slide in the left-and-right direction to pass through the corresponding insertion holes 6a and reach respective correcting positions or to reach respective retreat positions. When the first correction members 13b, 14b are located at the respective correcting positions as indicated by the corresponding double- dotted chain lines in Fig. 4, the distal ends of the first correction members 13b, 14b are located inside the accommodation tube 6 through the insertion holes 6a. When the first correction members 13b, 14b are arranged at the respective retreat positions as indicated by the corresponding solid lines in Fig. 4, the distal ends of the first correction members 13b, 14b withdrawn from the accommodation tube 6.

When the first correction members 13b, 14b are at the correcting positions, the distal ends of the first correction members 1A, TAL ane Loweadend co lanor ten hay ada bool the > goparat bag port don 4 Than the annular blade 40 ul Lh oO aepdarating portdon 3 wlth reoapect, Loo Lhe Jalt=and=rtght, ~ direction and at. tha position vorreaponding Lo Lhe mds Powlth =

Dooreapscet Lo tha fronteand-rear direction. Howsvoer, with - respact to the left-and-right direction, positions of the fot distal ends of the first correction members 13h, 14b do not correspond to the axis Pp. In this state, 1f the mango M, @ which has the prescribed standards, is accommodated in the = 1Q accommodating portion with the hull arranged below, the distal = ends of the first correction members 13b, 14b are located at ol the height corresponding to the end of the seed Ml of the es mango M opposite to the end of the seed Ml of the mango M corresponding to the hull portion M3.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 5, a second correction cylinder 15, which functions as correction means like the first correction cylinders 13, 14, is arranged on the mounting surface 5a of the second mounting table 5. As illustrated in

Fig. 5, the second correction cylinder 15 has a head 15a, which is slidable toward the upper opening of the accommodation tube 6. A needle-like second correction member 15b, which extends toward the upper opening of the accommodation tube 6 (in other words, toward the axis P of the separating portion 3), is attached to the head 15a. As the head 15a slides, the second correction member 15b slides and reaches a correcting position and n retreat position. When the second correction member 15b is arranged at the correcting position as indicated by the corresponding double-dotted chain lines in Fig. 5, the distal end of the second correction member 15b is arranged inside the accommodation tube 6. When the second correction member 15b is at the retreat position as indicated by the corresponding solid lines in Fig. 5, the distal end of the second correction member 15b is withdrawn from the accommodation tube 6.

When Hi seeonid con pect Bons meshes Thy ba daesitad at hi ol correcting pond tion, tho diatal end of Phe doacond correction - member 10h fa areangad closer Lo Lhe axis Pol the separating = portion 3 than Lhe anmilar blade 32 of the aeparating portion 3 with respect to the front-and-rear direction and at the i" position corresponding to the axis P with reapect to the left- wu and-right direction. However, with respect to the front-and- as! rear direction, the position of the distal end of the second = 1 GC correction member 15h does not correspond to the axis P. In this state, if the mango M, which has the prescribed standards, Oo is accommodated in the accommodating portion with the hull Fe arranged below, the distal end of the second correction member 15b is located at the height corresponding to the end of the seed M1 of the mango M opposite to the end of the seed M1 of the mango M corresponding to the hull portion M3. oo With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, a fruit receptacle 16 : is arranged below the base 1 at a position below the separating portion 3. The fruit receptacle 16 receives the seed portion and the flesh portion of the mango M after these portions of the mango M fall through the separating portion 3.

A process of a mango using the apparatus according to the first embodiment will now be described in detail. (Accommodation Step)

First, the pusher 9, the determination members 1lb, 12b, the first «correction members 13b, 14b, and the second correction member 15b are withdrawn to the respective retreat positions. The shielding plate 10b is arranged at the shielding position. Then, a peeled mango M is placed in the accommodating portion with hull of the mango M facing downward and forward (see Fig. 5). In this manner, the hull of tae aig MOT ao anion Tore Lon Chee grep ait Dig pond Boge 7 and 1h dene Pilvraun port bon Md ba dogat ad glome Ta Lhe oS gxtonded portion 32a ol hie annular blada 32. Aceordlingly, > when Lhe manga Mo da moved thirough Lhe agparaling peetion 3 ©

D> according to a pressing atap later, the annulax blade 3h cuts i. the mango M along, not against, the growing directions of the os fibers of the seed M1. In this atate, the dense fibrous ! portion M4 moves through the extended portion 32a of the = annular blade 32. 16 - (First Correction Step) oO fo

After the mango M 1s received the accommodating portion, the position and the posture of the mango M in the left-and-right direction are corrected with reference to the axis P of the separating portion 3 (see Fig. 4). Specifically, the first correction cylinder 13 is actuated to move the first correction member 13b to the correcting position. The distal end of the first correction member 13b dis thus inserted through the flesh M2 of the mango M in the accommodating portion and contacts the seed M1, thus pressing the seed Ml leftward and toward the axis P. Subsequently, the first correction cylinder 14 is actuated to move the first correction member 14b to the correcting position. The distal end of the first correction member 14b is thus inserted through the flesh M2 of the mango M and contacts the seed Ml, thus pressing the seed M1 rightward and toward the axis P. As a result, the position and the posture of the mango M in the left-and-right direction are corrected. More specifically, the position of the mango M in the left-and-right direction is corrected in such a manner that the position of the seed M1 of the mango M substantially matches with the position of the axis P in the left-and-right direction. Further, the posture of the mango M in the left-and-right direction 40 corrected in such a manner that the inclination of the seed M1 of the mango

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Lhe Tedd tb and pdghe ore fon, oS . (Gocand Correction Ytap) ©

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Next, the position and the posture of Lhe mango M in the it front~and=rear direction are corrected with reference to the - axis P of the separating portion 3 (see Fig. 5). Specifically, = the second coxrection cylinder 15 4s actuated to move the B second correction member 15b to the correcting position. The wn distal end of the second correction member 15b is thus passed ol through the flesh M2 of the mango M in the accommodating LY portion and contacts the seed M1, thus pressing the seed Ml forward and toward the axis P. As a result, the position and the posture of the mango M in the front-and-rear direction are corrected. More specifically, the position of the mango M in the front-and-rear direction is corrected in such a manner that the position of the seed M1 of the mango M substantially matches with the position of the axis P in the front-and-rear direction. Further, the posture of the mango M in the front- and-rear direction is corrected in such a manner that the inclination of the seed M1 of the mango M substantially matches with the inclination of the axis P in the front-and- rear direction.

When the mango M is accommodated in the accommodating portion with the hull facing downward and forward, the mango M easily inclines rearward. The second correction cylinder 15 is employed to correct such rearward inclination of the mango

M. (Determination Step)

Subsequently, it is determined whether the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M in the accommodating portion is apprropd bibeo Top peomdb CF Breg This mango MO os moves Elias 1 bin - gepeirat fog port bon 3 (in ag, 1), dpaye di bled ly, flue . detormdnat fon cylinders 10, 13 ara actuated Lo move Chi oS detomdnat lon mombias 10, 12h Lo the determining poud tions. = 1n thin siate, Lf Lhe gocond dotaction no ans detects thal tho = distal ends of tha determination members 11b, 12h have come = into contact with the seed M1, the determination cylinders 11, w 12 provide the detection result to the control device. The © control device then determines that the arrangement of the o seed Ml inappropriate for permitting the mango M to move = through the separating portion 3. The determination result is w then informed to the operator using an alarm (a beeper) in = order to suspend the subsequent processing.

Contrastingly, when the determination members 1llb, 12b are moved to the determining positions and the second detection means do not detect contact between the distal ends of the determination members 1lb, 12b and the seed Ml, the control device, which receives the determination results from the determination cylinders 11, 12, determines that the arrangement of the seed Ml is appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3. Then, the subsequent processing is permitted. (Pressing Step)

Then, the mango M in the accommodating portion is pressed into the separating portion 3 to separate the mango M into the seed portion and the flesh portion (see Fig. 4 and 5).

Specifically, the pusher 9 is lowered to move the pressing plates 94a to 94c and the clamp pins 95, which are attached to the pusher head 92, into the flesh M2 of the mango M. In this manner, as indicated by the double-dotted chain lines in Figs. 4 and 5, the upper end of the seed M1 is clamped by the clamp pins 95 and the pressing plates 94a to 94c contact the seed M1. 17 i : :

CE

Whig The privreidneg pla loa ada tor ce cies Tile canbaet with hie ~ sed ME, tha Firat detect Ton arn debe gtd gon act, ho cunaing the g¢ontanod device Lo auppeind descent, of Lhe pusher 9, oS

BS AMterwards, the determination members 115, 12b, tho be firat, correction members 13h, I14b, and the second coriection - member 15h are withdrawn to the respective retreat positions. -

Further, the shielding plate 10h 4s returned to the non- = shielding position. Then, the pusher 9 is re-lowered to move -

Lt the mango M toward the separating portion 3 with the seed Ml = . held in a state clamped by the clamp pins 95. As a result, 2 the annular blade 32 cuts the mango M into the seed portion ” and the flesh portion and the dividing blades 33 cut the flesh portion into six sections. The seed portion and the flesh portion, which are obtained by moving the mango M through the separating portion 3, fall into the fruit receptacle 16 and are thus received by the fruit receptacle 16.

The first embodiment has the advantages described below. (1) The mango processing apparatus of the first embodiment determines whether the arrangement of the seed Ml of mango M, which is accommodated in the accommodating portion, is appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3 using the determination cylinders 11, 12. In other words, it is determined in advance whether the seed M1 of the mango M contacts the annular blade 32 of the separating portion 3 when the mango M is moved through the separating portion 3. This allows identification of a mango M having a seed M1 that is arranged inappropriately.

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

This prevents the annular blade 32 of the separating portion 3 from cutting the seed Ml and causing cut seed pieces to be : 18 Co :

ml sed Fata thee heal pont bon, ~ ” (2) When Che datorminat ban members 11h, 126 of Lhe o detardnatdon oyllndars 11, 12 are arcanged ato Lhe determindng = > positions, tha distal andy of the determination mene rs 110, fr 12b are normally located at fhe helghta corresponding to the - hull portion M3 of the -seed M1 of the mango M. In this case, Pp even Jf the hull portion M3 of the seed M1 is deformed as = indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 6(b), it is reliably = 1Q determined whether the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango =

M is appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through w the separating portion 3. ” (3) The apparatus of the first embodiment includes the first correction cylinders 13, 14 and the second correction cylinder 15, each of which corrects the position and the posture of the mango M accommodated in the accommodating portion. As a result, using the first and second correction cylinders 13 to 15, the position and the posture of the mango

M are corrected in such a manner that the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M becomes appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3. (4) The first correction cylinders 13, 14 and the second correction cylinder 15 correct the inclination of the seed Ml of the mango M with reference to the direction in which the ~ pusher 9 presses the mango M, which is the axis P of the separating portion 3. This facilitates correction of the position and the posture of the mango M in such a manner that the arrangement of the seed Ml of the mango M becomes appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3. (5) Correction of the inclination of the seed M1 of the mango M includes correction of the inclination of the seed Ml

: Pn thee Jett ned ahi dlr eet ban by 1 i EY vo eed oan - cylinders La, 04 and convection al The nel fant fon al the mead o

MI In the dronisand rear direct lon by Lhe aeoobd correct fon o cylinder 15. Thin Jwprovad Uhe acowragy of correction of Lhe = po posltion and the posture of fhe mango M in such a manner Lhat ox the arrangement of the seed MI of the mango M hocomed = appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the w separating portion 3. . (6) In the present embodiment, the position and the i posture of the mango M are corrected by the first correction 0 cylinder 13, the first correction cylinder 14, and the second correction cylinder 15 sequentially, not gimultaneously. In this case, compared to a case in which correction by these cylinders is carried out simultaneously, the position and the posture of the mango M is corrected reliably in such a manner that the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M becomes appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separation portion 3. (7) The clamp pins 95 are formed in the head 92 of the pusher 9. Accordingly, when the pusher 9 is lowered, the mango M is pressed into the separating portion 3 with the seed

Ml maintained in a state clamped by the clamp pins 95. This prevents displacement of the mango M when the mango M is pressed into the separating portion 3. (8) The mango M is pressed into the separating portion 3 by causing the pressing plates 94a to 94c, which are arranged in the head 92 of the pusher 9, to contact the seed M1 of the mango M and lowering the pusher 9. This minimizes deformation of the flesh M2. (9) Typically, the end of the seed M1 of the mango M opposite to the end of the seed M1 of the mango M concep bg Con The Tink bo een boi pH oxi onda agonal by, In 7

Phe progent enibadtmeni , Che veo t foal dlwonatong, which aye the ” hudyht a, of Che pressing plates 94a to 940 are Jl Terent, from > ene oanothei, That fa, the pressing plates 94a Lo B4c are = configured appropriately for contacting the end of thy goed M) on of the mango M opposite of the end of the aged Ml po corresponding to the hull portion M3, by

Ja (10) The extended portion 32a is formed in the annular a 1 0 blade 32 of the separating portion 3. Accordingly, when the = mango M is moved through the separating portion 3, the dense ol fibrous portion M4 of the seed M1 of the mango M is prevented Ea from contacting the annular blade 32. This prevents the annular blade 32 from cutting the fibers of the dense fibrous portion M4 and causing cut fiber pieces to be mixed into the flesh portion. [Second Embodiment]

A mango processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will hereafter be described mainly about the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to Figs. 7 to 11.

As illustrated in Fig. 7, in the apparatus of the second embodiment, the support frame 2, the pressing cylinder 8, the second correction cylinder 15, and the shielding cylinder 10 are arranged at positions different from the corresponding positions of the first embodiment. Specifically, the support frame 2 and the pressing cylinder 8 are arranged behind the separating portion 3 and the second correction cylinder 15 and the shielding cylinder 10 are arranged in the support frame 2.

With reference to Figs. 7 and 11, the second correction cylinder 15 is arranged horizontally above the shielding cylinder 10 ba he Super d Fane 2 Thao hvala od he > second corvectlon ay bade bs da al dalle Toward he iy noegonmiodat ion tube G6 dn the fron! and=raar dd prectieon. Aa Lhe ~ haag Tha glides, Lhe second corroctlon member 1061s, which la =o attached to tho head Jha, alidos dn tho front=dnd=year o direction and reaches a correcting poaftion or a retreat foot position. When the second correction member 15k is at the we correcting position as indicated by the corresponding double- © dotted chain lines in Fig. 11, the distal end of the second correction member 15h is passed through an insertion hole 6b, = which is formed in the accommodation tube 6, and extends into oO the accommodation tube 6. When the second correction member uw 15b is at the retreat position as indicated by the corresponding solid lines in Fig. 11, the distal end of the second correction member 15h is withdrawn from the accommodation tube 6.

As illustrated in Figs. 7 and 10, the apparatus of the second embodiment also includes additional first correction cylinders 13’ 14’, in addition to the first correction cylinders 13, 14 identical to the first correction cylinders 13, 14 of the first embodiment. The additional first correction cylinders 13’, 14’ are arranged horizontally and below the corresponding first correction cylinders 13, 14.

The first correction cylinders ~~ 13, 14 are located substantially at the heights equal to the height of the second correction cylinder 15.

With reference to Figs. 8(a) and 8(b), the head 92 of the pusher 9 of the apparatus according to the second embodiment has a rectangular box-like shape having a lower opening. The head 92 includes an upper wall 96a having an elongated rectangular shape, four clamp pins 95 extending downward from the corners of the upper wall 96a, and four side walls 96b, 96c, 96d, S6e, each of which extends between the

! LED conc veepiond big aed facet pid at he eda pha Bs Thin we v side walla OGh, ad, whieh face cach athe Tie Lie Tront- ands . ree direction, have di {Toren dimensions dno Lig vupsnnd=down =o dlvegtion, which aro difrerent hetghos, Uhe Towne onda of thu =

SS bwo alde walls 96c, 96a, which face each other in the left- Ce and=right direction, incline downward in the forward direction. foi

The first correction cylinder 13 and the first = correction cylinders 14 of the apparatus of the second _ embodiment have a head 13a and a head 14a, respectively. Two = needle-like correction members 13b and two needle-like 4 correction members 14b are attached to the head 13a and the = head l4a, respectively (see Fig. 9(a)). The distal ends of the first correction members 13b face the corresponding two of four insertion holes 6a formed in the accommodation tube 6.

The distal ends of the first correction members 14b face the other two of the insertion holes 6a (see Fig. 10). The additional first correction cylinder 13’ and the additional first correction cylinder 14’ have a head 13a’ and a head l4a’, respectively. A first correction member 13b’ and a first correction member 14b’, each of which is shaped like a plate having an L-shaped cross section, are attached to the head 13a’ and the head 14a’, respectively (see Fig. 9(b)). The first correction members 13b, 14b, 13b’, 14b’ all have sharp distal ends.

With reference to Fig. 9(c), the second correction member 15b, which is attached to the head 15a of the second correction cylinder 15 of the apparatus of the second embodiment, is configured by attaching a member having a concave surface to the distal end of a rod. The distal end of the second correction member 15b is arranged to face the insertion hole 6b, which is formed in the accommodation tube 6 (see Fig. 11). : : : 23 oo :

Tho dabei nad ton oy Dino Pb and hee alee nib ned Lo a cylinder TE of the appeeatiin of Cho peseonpd abo fiend fravve a - hoack Tha and a head Joa, raapoctivaly. A dotermiaatdon meander hand a determina fon member 12h, each of which hag an elongated plate-like ahapo, are attached to the head 11a and - the head 12a, respectively (see Flg. 9(b)). The datermination . membars 1ll, 12b have sharp distal ends, os

As illustrated in Fig. 10, the top plate of the base 1 a of the apparatus of the second embodiment has retreat meang = for withdrawing the separating portion 3 from the position py facing the accommodation tube 6, which is, more specifically, - the position immediately below the accommodation tube 6. The retreat means is configured by a pivot device la, which pivots the separating portion 3 downward together with a portion of the top plate of the base 1. The pivot device la arranges the separating portion 3 at a normal position or a retreat position. When the separating portion 3 is at the normal position as illustrated by the corresponding solid lines in

Fig. 10, the separating portion 3 is located immediately below the accommodation tube 6. When the separating portion 3 is at the retreat position, the separating portion 3 is withdrawn from the position immediately below the accommodation tube 6 (see the portion of the top plate of the base 1 illustrated by the corresponding double-dotted chain lines in Fig. 10).

With reference to Figs. 10 and 11, the head 92 of the pusher 9 of the apparatus of the second embodiment is attached to the distal end of the pusher rod 91 through a disk member 97 having a resin layer 97a formed on the surface. The resin layer 97a of the disk member 97 faces the pusher head 92. The disk member 97 has such a size that the disk member 97 can pass through the accommodation tube 6, which is a size greater than the size of the annular blade 32 of the separating ~ 35 portion 3.

‘ Arce ola aiager bing Che appeal tee od Phe creed 7 ambi bent wil herrea tor os dhogpey Thode daiad b, ig i > (Apeommodat ion Huep) =

As dn the accommodation step of the process of the mango i. uaing the apparatus of the firat embodiment, a poeled mango M la placed in the accommodation portion with the hull of the =o mango M facing downward and forward (see Pig. 11). 3 - (Corrections Step) - [ont

After the mango M is received in the accommodating portion, the position and the posture of the mango M in the front-and-rear direction are corrected with reference to the axis p of the separating portion 3 (see Fig. 11).

Specifically, the second correction cylinder 15 is actuated to send the second correction member 15b to the correcting position. The second correction member 15b thus presses the mango M in the accommodating portion forward and toward the axis P. As a result, the position and the posture of the mango M in the front-and-rear direction are corrected. More specifically, the position of the mango M in the front-and- rear direction is corrected in such a manner that the position of the seed M1 of the mango M substantially matches with to the position of the axis P in the front-and-rear direction.

The posture of the mango M in the front-and-rear direction is corrected in such a manner that the inclination of the seed Ml of the mango M substantially matches with the inclination of the axis P in the front-and-rear direction.

Subsequently, the pusher 9 is lowered to cause the pusher head 92 contact the mango M. the head 92 of the pusher 89 then presses the mango M downward to prevent the

Hitec Mo Daoan ToD bndipg, Theo Uh acon oad joe Jon ili "

Phlbe Jo misvead bo thee pet peat posh Eon, - »

Next, Lhe position and tho podture of Lhe mango Min Lhe =

So lefi=and~right, direction are correctod with reference to the i : axia Poof the aeparating portion 3 (see Fig. 10). =

Specifically, the first correction cylinder 13 ia actuated to w move the first correction members 13h to the correcting = position. The distal ends of the first correction members 13h i. are thus inserted through the flesh M2 of the mango M in the 5 accommodating portion and contact the seed Ml, thus pressing a the seed Ml leftward and toward the axis P. Subsequently, the © first correction cylinder 14 is actuated to send the first correction members 14b to the correcting position. The distal ends of the first correction members 14b are thus inserted through the flesh M2 of the mango M and contact the seed Ml, thus pressing the seed M1 rightward and toward the axis P.

Then, the additional first correction cylinder 13’ is actuated to move the first correction member 13b’ to the correcting position. The distal end of the first correction member 13b’ is thus passed through the flesh M2 of the mango M and contacts the seed M1, thus pressing the seed M1 leftward and toward the axis P. Subsequently, the additional first correction cylinder 14’ is actuated to move the first correction member 14b’to the correcting position. The distal end of the first correction member 14b’ is thus inserted through the flesh M2 of the mango M and contacts the seed Ml, ‘thus pressing the seed M1 rightward and toward the axis P.

As a result, the position and the posture of the mango M : in the left-and-right direction are corrected. More specifically, the position of the mango M in the left-and- right direction is corrected in such a manner that the position of the seed M1 of the mango M substantially matches with the ‘position of the axis P in the left-and-right

Adbvectton, mrt her, the pogtbvres ob Lhe medion M0 dn Phe Tedd >

Cand pdght abet ton bp coideat od bn dod oa manned Chat phe -~

Inclination of Pheo agi Ml oo] the Sage M aubgdiant tally - matches with the dncidination of Che axis 1 Ly Lhe Jeft-and- = right. direction. ~ fo (betermination Step) =

After the correction step, it is determined whether the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M in the accommodating > portion is appropriate for permitting the mango M té move o through the separating portion 3. Specifically, the be determination cylinders 11, 12 are actuated to move the determination members 1lb, 12b to the determining positions, ~ 15 as indicated by the corresponding double-dotted chain lines in

Fig. 10. In this state, as in the determination step of the process of the mango using the apparatus of the first embodiment, the determination of whether the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M is appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3 is carried out by using the detection means, which detect whether the distal ends of the determination members 11lb, 12b contact the seed Ml. Specifically, when the determination members 1llb, 12b are at the determining positions, the distal ends of the determination members 1lb, 12b are located slightly closer to the axis P of the separating portion 3 than the annular blade 32 of the separating portion 3 with respect to the left-and- right direction, which is the only difference between the determination step of the second embodiment and the determination step of the first embodiment. (Pressing Step)

After the determination step, the mango M in the accommodating portion is separated into a seed portion and a

Ploah puoi ioan byy pooegeiing Ghee mange Minbar hee dag al Ting ” prot ton 4 (way Figee JO aad TL) »

Gpacifdeal ly, the rat correction members 13L, 14h, x

S00 13h, 14k! are withdrawn to the respective retreat, positions, i and then the determination members 11h, 12b are withdrawn to os the respective retreat positions, The detection means continuously detect whether the diatal ends of the > determination membars 11h, 12b contact the seed Ml of the BN mango M until the determination members 1lb, 12b reach the = retreat positions, In other words, even when and after the o first correction members 13b, 14b, 13h’, 1db’are returned to “1 the retreat positions, the detection of whether the distal ends of the determination members 1lb, 12b contact the seed Ml of the mango M is continued until the determination member 11b, 12b reach the retreat positions. If the contact between the distal ends of the determination members 1llb, 12b and the seed Ml is detected before the determination members 1lb, 12b reach the retreat positions, the pressing step is suspended.

For example, after the first correction members 13b, 14b, 13b’, 14b’ return to the retreat positions, the mango M is no longer supported and thus may incline. In this case, when such inclination causes the contact between the distal ends of the determination members 11b, 12b and the seed Ml, the pressing step is suspended.

After the determination members 11b, 12b are withdrawn to the retreat positions, the pusher 9 is lowered to press the mango M into the separating portion 3 with the upper end of the seed Ml clamped by the clamp pins 95. As a result, the annular blade 32 separates the mango M into the seed portion and the flesh portion and the dividing blades 33 cut the flesh portion into six sections.

The pusher 9 is lowered until the resin layer 97a of the dik menbies 0 cantata Thee aejuaead foie pond bon 0 foe w acatitat ely, hee annabar Blades 0) 0 Thin nol only end ou - cut Ling of fie mig M by The annular blade 32 ahd Lhe -. dividing blades 33 af the separating portdon 3 but alae : 2 pravanta cul plecas of Lhe mango M fron remaining on Lhe geparating portion 3. The aasd portion and the leah portion, i" which are obtained {rom the mango M moving through the td separating portion 3, fall into the fruit receptacle 16 and © are received by the fruit receptacle 16. = | | -

Even when it is determined in the determination step o that the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M in the on accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the mango

M to move through the separating portion 3, there may be cases in which the seed Ml of the mango M contacts the separating portion 3, or the annular blade 32 particularly, when the mango M is pressed into the separating portion 3, for a certain reason such as displacement of the mango M after the determination step. To solve this problem, the apparatus of the second embodiment has additional detection means for detecting contact between the seed M1 and the separating portion 3. When load greater than a predetermined value, which is set in advance, acts on the head 92 of the pusher 9, the additional detection means determines that the seed M1 of the mango M has come into contact with the separating portion 3. When the additional detection means detects the contact between the seed M1 and the separating portion 3, the detection means outputs the detection result to the control device. In response, the control device actuates the pivot device la to move the separating portion 3 to the retreat position. In this manner, after having been pressed downward through descent of the pusher 9, the mango M falls into and are received by the fruit receptacle 16 without moving through the separating portion 3.

This second embod bien td Tan Clie od Taw big advantages Hi wv add EET toe the addvant ages of Che Cleat cba fen, o (LT) yn addivion Lo the rdoat corractdon aylindars 13, cs

Bo day the mango processing apparatus of Che second embodiment oo has the additional first correction cylinders 137, 147, which = are arranged at heights different form the heights at which wo the first correction cylinders 13, 14 are located. This @ facilitates precise correction of the position and the posture = of the mango M, which is received in the accommodating portion. ~ od

Jom (12) When the determination members 1lb, 12b of the ed determination cylinders 11, 12 are arranged at the determining positions, the distal ends of the determination members 1llb, 12b are located slightly closer to the axis P of the separating portion 3 than the annular blade 32 of the separating portion 3 with respect to the left-and-right direction. This improves the accuracy of determination of whether the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M in the accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the mango

M to move through the separating portion 3. 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. (13) Each adjacent pair of the clamp pins 95, which are formed in the head 92 of the pusher 9, are connected tbgether by the corresponding one of the side walls 96b to 96e.

Accordingly, even after repetitive use of the clamp pins 95 to clamp the seed M1 of the mango M, the distal ends of the clamp pins 95 are prevented from being deformed in such a manner that the distal ends of the clamp pins 9 separate form one another. (14) If the mango M is forcibly passed through the

Avganiot ing prod bon 4 doetp bbe the Jaet That dls geasd M0 of he 7 marge Modan come Fnbo contact wl hee seid al 1g port 4 an o

Lhe mangos Moda promeed Toto Che deparat ing portion 3, tho goed oO

MI Ja cut and, ad a road, oul sod placed ara nlxed nto Lhe = boo flesh portion of tha mango M, which has been sepagated from op the seed portion. Since a large number of flaeah portions are ot collacted in tha frult receptacle 16, it ds extremely “ difficult to aelect and remove the flesh portion containing = the cut seed pleces out of the flesh portions in the fruit BN receptacle 16. However; in the apparatus of the second - embodiment, if the additional detection means detects the . contact between the seed Ml of the mango M and the separating we portion 3 as the mango M is pressed into the separating portion 3, the pivot device la moves the separating portion 3 to the retreat position, which is spaced from the position immediately below the accommodation tube 6. Accordingly, in this case the mango M directly falls into and is received by the fruit receptacle 16 without moving through the separating portion 3. The mango M, which received by the fruit receptacle 16 without passing through the separating portion 3, is easy to select and remove out of the large number of flesh portions collected in the fruit receptacle 16. The removed mango M may then be manually separated into a seed portion and a flesh portion. Further, the apparatus of the second embodiment prevents damage to the separating portion 3, which is caused by forcibly passing the mango M through the separating portion 3 despite the contact between the seed Ml of the mango M and the separating portion 3.

The illustrated embodiments may be modified as follows.

Some of the modifications may be combined.

The apparatuses of the first and second embodiments may be used process any fruit having a flesh layer between a © 35 peel (an epicarp) and seeds other than mangos, such as stone

Prorta To Tadbng peaches aed ape beat, oe copbea lh Tinks ~ ob hier Chan mangon, sue die avecados, o "

In Lhe apparatuaes of Uh (eal and second embodiment, = bo the locations and Lhe operating directions of the acparating ie portion 3, the accommodating portion, the pusher 9, the - datermination eylindexs 11, 12, the first correction cylinders 13, 14 (13', 14’), and the second correction cylinder 15 may = be changed as needed. re : =

In the first and second embodiments, the determination i cylinders 11, 12 may be replaced by other determination means - such as a sensor using an electromagnetic wave. In this case, the sensor is employed to determine whether the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M in the accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3.

In the first and second embodiments, the number and the locations of the determination cylinders 11, 12 are not particularly restricted. For example, the determination cylinders 11, 12 may be arranged to face each other in the front-and-rear direction, not in the left-and-right direction, with the separating portion 3 arranged between the determination cylinders 11, 12. Alternatively, three or more determination cylinders may be arranged around the separating portion 3. Further, one or more additional determination cylinders may be formed each at a height different from the heights at which the determination cylinders 11, 12 are located. For example, if one or more additional determination cylinders are arranged above the determination cylinders 11, 12, it is determined more accurately whether the arrangement of the seed M1 of the mango M in the accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3.

Ex

In Lhe rat and seve] vail bend a, hie dated nat Jon o mbes Lh, TAD ol Che detarminat lon wyl Indory 11, 12 may he o formed cach dn a plata=llke ahapo having a diuial portion = »ooextanding dn an up=and-down direction, Thin GRaunts mere co agenrate determination of whether the arrangement of Hho seed foi

Ml of the mange M in the accommodating portion La appropriate + for permitting the mango M to move through the geparating = portion 3. B -

In the first and second embodiments, at least either the o first correction cylinders or the second correction cylinder = may be omitted.

In the first and second embodiments, the first correction cylinders and the second correction cylinder may correct one of the position and the posture of the mango M ‘accommodated in the accommodating portion, instead of correcting both of the position and the posture of the mango M.

In the first and second embodiments, the numbers and the locations of the correction cylinders are not particularly restricted. For example, an additional correction cylinder for correcting the position and the posture of the mango M in a direction other than the front-and-rear direction and the left-and-right direction may be employed. Alternatively, one or more additional correction cylinders may be arranged at heights different form the heights at which the first correction cylinders and the second cylinders are located.

The positions of the distal ends of the first correction members 13b, 14b at the time when the first correction members 13b, 14b of the first correction cylinders 13, 14 are located at the respective correcting positions may be changed as necessary in correspondence with the shape of the seed of a

Food t Too hae provemend on Che shige of Thee mga al fon part bon Hd o (part beudar by, Che anna blade G2) 0 ddd larly, The posit lon oO al Che diatal ond of The second coi raga mele: Thy ab Lh y

Cdme whan Lie nocond correction mambo 1h of thie second = boo correction aylindor 10 da located at the gorrecting position x may be changed as necessary in correspondence with the shape PE of the seéad of a {fruit to he processed or the shape of the separating portion 3 (particularly, the annular blade 32). =

In the correction step of the first and second = embodiments, in which the position and the posture of the o mango M accommodated in the accommodating portion are ~ corrected, the other by which the correction cylinders are actuated is not particularly restricted. That is, the correction cylinders may be operated in any suitable order.

Alternatively, some or all of the correction cylinders may be actuated simultaneously. For example, in the first embodiment, the second correction cylinder 15, the first correction cylinder 13, and the first correction cylinder 14 may be operated sequentially in this order. Alternatively, the first correction cylinders 13, 14 may be actuated simultaneously.

In the first embodiment, the pusher 9 may be lowered to separate the mango M in the accommodating portion into the seed portion and the flesh portion either after or simultaneously when the determination members 11lb, 12b, the first correction members 13b, 14b, and the second correction member 15b are moved to the respective retreat positions.

Alternatively, the determination members 11b, 12b, the first correction members 13b, 14b, and the second correction member 15b may be withdrawn when a predetermined time elapses after the pusher 9 has started to descend. In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined time be shorter than the time elapses from when the pusher 9 starts to descend to when the distal end of the pusher 9 contacts the mango M in .

Fhiee aesoamme bog td por 1 bon, : v o

Ine thie drat and docond embod fment a, the ahiape of hi =o minlar blade 32 of the separatdiug portion 4 In nol = paprtdondarly restricted and may be, for example, a cylindrical i shape or a polygonal tubular shape. Further, the extended = portion 32a of the annular blade 32 may be omitted. w =

In the first and second embodiments, the number, the i. locations, and the shapes of the dividing blades 33 of the i separating portion 3 are not particularly restricted and may a be changed as needed in correspondence with a desired number ~ and desired shapes of flesh portions to be obtained.

Alternatively, the dividing blades 33 of the separating portion 3 may be omitted.

The clamp means for clamping the seed M1 of the mango M is not restricted to the clamp 95 illustrated in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b) or the clamp pins 95 illustrated in Figs. 8(a) and 8(b). For example, a pair of clamp plates may be employed instead of the clamp pins 95. Alternatively, the clamp means may be omitted.

The pressing plates 94a to 94c illustrated in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b) and the side walls 96b to 96e illustrated in Figs. 8(a) and 8(b), which are arranged in the head 92 of the pusher 9, may be changed as necessary or, for example, replaced by pressing pins. Alternatively, the pressing plates 94a to 94c and the side walls 96b to 96e may be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the number, the dimensions, and the shapes of the pressing plates 94a to 94c may be modified.

For example, one or two pressing plates may be employed or four or more pressing plates may be used. The vertical dimensions of the pressing plates 94a to 94c may be all equal

: Ci

Penal eed be a cod bal che ed he pores brig plat on th - tor de, Pai tier, Chee dpe obo thie pean big a To Sie . my heoclieular shapes on polygonal ahapes ach am tr bangnl al 0 shapes or pentagonal shaped, =

D> Ce

In the aecond embodiment, tho head 92 of the pusher 9 rt may be configured as illustrated dn Flos. B8(c) and 0(d). the o pusher head 92 illustrated in Migs. B6(c) and B8(d) has a rectangular box=like pressing member 98 having a lower opening ~ and four clamp pine 85, which are arranged at the corners of - the pressing member 98 and inside the pressing member 98.

Also in this case, as in the case of the pusher head 092 bd illustrated in Figs. B8(a) and 8(b), the clamp pins 95, which clamp the seed Ml of the mango M, are prevented from being deformed in such a manner that the distal ends of the clamp pins 95 separate form one another even after repetitive use of the clamp pins 95.

In the first and second embodiments, the mango M may be pressed into the separating portion 3 by lowering the pusher 9 with the distal end of the pusher 9 held in contact with the flesh M2 of the mango M, instead of or in addition to in : contact the seed M1 of the mango M.

The separating portion 3, the accommodation tube 6, and the head 92 of the pusher 9 may be configured removable and replaceable in correspondence with the type or the standards (the dimensions) of the fruit.

A fruit processing system may be configured by combining one of the apparatuses of the first and second embodiments with first transport means and second transport means. The first transport means transports and supplies a fruit to the accommodating portion of the apparatus. The second transport means transport a flesh portion and a seed portion, which are chtabned by guoeoanbiog The tral Coa pooeslistomdoed pasa df bon - ob alde the appa atin, In this ceo, the Trodt vecepbae le 16 oO ieiy be oil ted, This ayaton anauron of Cholent progoaasiog of ono ol

Yarge amount. off fed ta, The firat and aacond Lranapsert ineans &

Sonay bo gonfdaguraed bay, far example, halt CONVEY, re

Alternatively, a rotary table having a plurality of foes accommodation tubes 6, aach of which accommodates a fruit to = be processed, may be employed as the first transport means. =

In this case, the rotary table 13 rotated to revelve and ~ sequentially switch the accommodation tubes 6 from one another, PY with fruits accommodated in the respective accommodation tubes o 6. on

In the first and second embodiments, the determination step, in which it is determined whether the arrangement of the seed Ml of the mango M in the accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the separating portion 3, may be performed simultaneously with a part of ‘the correction step, in which the position and the posture of the mango 'M in the accommodating portion are corrected. For example, in the second embodiment, the determination step may be carried out simultaneously when the position and the posture of the mango M in the left-and-right direction are corrected.

In the first and second embodiments, the first correction members and the second correction member are not restricted to any particular shapes as long as the correction members are capable of correcting at least one of the position and the posture of the mango M, which is accommodated in the accommodating portion.

In the first and second embodiments, the determination members 12b are not restricted to any particularly shapes as long as the determination members 12b are capable of passing

Clivonagh Chee floah MY od hie manip Mand reaching psi eedist erm ned 7

Coder armin bag past bona, - .

In Lha flea and gegond gmbodinentia; Lhe diotamadnation = > members and the corraction members may be arpsnged in such a os manner that traces formed in the flesh M2 of the mango M i through insertion of the distal ends of the determination a) members and the corraction members in the determination step = and the correction step are each located on any one of the - vertical cutting paths defined by the dividing blades 33. In - this case, since the traces are on the cut cross sections o formed by the dividing blades 33, the product quality of a 1 flesh portion obtained from the mango M is prevented from deteriorating due to the visibility of the traces.

In the second embodiment, when it is detected that the seed Ml of the mango M has come into contact with the separating portion 3, the mango M may be received by an additional fruit receptacle, not the fruit receptacle 16, after the mango M has been moved through the separating portion 3. In this case, a flesh portion that may contain cut seed pieces is prevented from being collected in the fruit receptacle 16.

In the second embodiment, the pivot device la serving as retreat means for withdrawing the separating portion 3 from the position immediately below the accommodation tube 6 may be omitted. Alternatively, the pivot device la may be replaced by a device that withdraws the separating portion 3 from the position immediately below the accommodation tube 6 by sliding the separating portion 3.

The configuration of each one of the components of the first embodiment may be replaced by the configuration of the corresponding one of the components of the second embodiment.

Cie

Thee comidgumrat fon af caeh al The ecogmponenia of Lhe aoconid - cabo fen aay be replaced by tha conf fgurat fan olf iii 9 coi reapunding ong of Lhe componente of Lhe Llret embodiment, wo

Poi example, the configuration of Lhe hoad 32 of the pusher 9 =

Sof the first embodiment may be employed in the second ox embodiment, Alternatively, the first embodiment may employ ps the procedure of the aecond embodiment of withdrawing the we gaparating portion 3 to the retreat position in response to > detection of contact between the seed M1 of the mango M and ~ the separating pertion 3. - on

Claims (1)

1. és 7 'LAIMS = : bo

   _ I. A fruit processing apparatus comprlaing: - an accommodating portion for accommodating a fruit to be roceddsed; i. a separating portion, the separating portion separating the fruit inte a flesh portion and a seed portion when the 2 fruit moves through the separating portion; _ a pressing portion that presses the fruit accommodated in ~ the accommodating portion into the separating portion to move 1 the fruit through the separating portion, } detection means for detecting contact between the seed of Co 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, so that the fruit is not subjected to the separating process. CE EE o a