PH12016000195B1

PH12016000195B1 - Fruit processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: PH12016000195B1
Application number: PH12016000195A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Sato Masaaki
Original assignee: Oshio Ind Co Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-26
Filing date: 2016-05-19
Publication date: 2017-04-17
Also published as: JP5767355B2; PH12016000195A1; JP5989191B2; JP2015164436A; JP2014128284A; PH12016000197A1; PH12010000190B1; JP2011024570A; JP2014144006A; JP5795398B2; PH12016000196A1; JP6067787B2; JP2015165819A; PH12010000190A1; PH12016000196B1; JP5503426B2; PH12016000197B1

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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FRUTT PROCERS TRG APPARATUS BE z Ek Na fon wy “This application fs divigonnl application of Application No. 1-20] wom {1 = . Toy filed on June 25, 2010, Co ea

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION HN

ACKGROU FOTHE INVENTT LP

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The present invention relates to a fruit processing a apparatus for separating a fruit having a flesh layer between oy a peel (an epicarp) and seeds, which is, for example, a stone = fruit such as a peach or an apricot, or a tropical fruit such = a8 a mango or an avocado, into a flesh portion and a seed Go portion. hy

As a frult 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 priocamned dbng he apg ad ie db ac ome dn dapper Lad d=0pei 7

Patant Publication No. 2000-93139 and Che frudt da mounted at - an dnappropriate position on the separating cutter, Lhe core o removal blade may cut Lhe seed and cut places of Lhe scad may = b be mixed into a flesh portion. In the case of a fruit having x an excessively deformed seed; the core removal blade may also Pe cut the seed, even if the fruit 1s 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 = great extent, particularly when the fruit processing apparatus = is employed in a food processing production line. o

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is 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 . oo .

accommedat fog jet ton, a separa bag port fon, and a prosaing ~ portion da provided, The accommodat dng portion accommodations a oo fruit to be processed. Tho geparabing portion separates (hoe . fruit. into a £iesh portion and & seed portion whan tho fruif moves through the aeparating portion. The pressing potion or presses the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion ro into the separating portion to move the fruit through the w separating portion. The apparatus further includes correction = means for correcting the position or the posture of the fruit I. accommodated in the accommodating portion. oe [ice]

In accordance with a third aspect of the present Hw 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 20. 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);

Flog. 4 dna top view ghowlig he separat ng port fon of ~

Fhe apparatus $1 untreated fn 1a, 0: =

Fig. 4 da ua croga~scctional viaw token along ling X' =X’ o . of ig. 1; =

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y'=Y’ o of Fig. 1: cx

Pig. 6(a) 48 a front view showing a seed of a mango; we

Fig. 6(b) 1s a side 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 prasent = invention; o

Fig. 8(a) is a side view showing the pusher head of the fe 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 + 25 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. .

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DETALED DESC TON OF PIE PREOSI SMI ME > [Eda Bmbodiment) - : -

A first embodiment of the present Invention, which 1s a - mango processing apparatus, will now be described with - reference to Figs. 1 to 6(b). te

A mango M, which is an object to be processed using the apparatus of the first embodiment, will hereafter be described. =

As illustrated in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), the mango M has a flat, o substantially rectangular seed M1, which is located at the pet center of the fruit. The mango M also has a flesh M2, which 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 the solid lines in Fig. 6(b). However, in some cases, the hull portion M2 may have a curved shape, that is, 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 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.

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 Ml opposite to the : corner including the hull portion M3. A dense fibrous portion : M4, which has dense and comparatively long fibers, is located in a peripheral portion of the seed M1 close to the hull -

pot tlon Ma, which da, more apecdibeal ly, fhe viainity of 7 corngr of the goed ME glodest Lo he corner dnaloddng Lhe hind = portion M3. Such Pibara mga be prevented rom beading mixed ~ into the flash portdon when the mango M in separated into the seed portion and the flesh portion. i.

The mango procesaing apparatus according to the first He embodiment will hereafter be described. In the description wD below, frontward, rearward, leftward, rightward, upward, and downward directions are defined as indicated by the arrows in =

Fig. 1. ©

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As shown in Fig. 1, a base 1 has rectangular top plate and a pair 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.

:

The dialbance LE batwenn one ol hens port bona ha, rg) apis zl

Lo the extended portion da and the ada 1oal Lhe saparating o portion 3 da greater than the distance 12 botwoen the other » portion, which does not. correspond to the extendasd portion 32a, = and the axis P (zee Figs, 3 and &). When the mango M is movad Cer through the separating portion 3, the extended portion 32a 0 prevents the dense fibrous portion M4 of the seed M1 of the ” mango M from contacting the annular blade. 32. =

An attachment flange is formed at the upper end of the - outer peripheral portion 31. The separating portion 3 is o 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 2, 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, is 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 upper port lon of the accommodation tube 6 has nn tapered shape - having a diameter increasing toward the upper end. Insertion wo holes 6a are formed in two portions of the accommodation tube " 6 that face each other in a left-and-right direction. - : oe

As illustrated in Fig. 1, a pressing cylinder 8 is = attached to the outer left surface of the support frame 2 through an attachment plate 7. The pressing cylinder 8 has a = sliding table 8a, which is slidable in the up-and-down = direction. A pusher 9 serving as a pressing portion, which is - formed by a vertical rod 91 and a head 92 arranged at the w 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 plate 94.0 has Lhe greatest height and is arranged foremost. -

The second pressing plate 94b, which has the middle height, is = located between the first pressing plate 94a and the third N pressing plate 94c (see Fig. 2(a)). = > i

Four vertical clamp pins 95 project from the distal Ty surface of the pusher head 92 and serve as clamp means for clamping the seed M1 of the mango Ml. Two of the clamp pins = 95 are arranged between the first pressing plate 94a and the _ l O second pressing plate 94b. The other two clamp pins 95 are o located between the second pressing plate 94b and the third - pressing plate 94c¢. The clamp pins 95 are arranged in such a . manner as to become four points defining a rectangular shape (see Fig. 2(b)). The lengths of the clamp pins 95 are greater : 15 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-

and-rear direction as the head 10a slides and reaches a = shielding position or a non-shielding position. When at the - shielding position, the shielding plate 10b shields the o accommodation tube 6 and the separating portion 3 from each o other. When at the non-shielding position, the shielding = plate 10b does not shield the accommodation tube 6 and the a separating portion 3 from each other. In Fig. 1, the = shielding plate 10b 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 o shielding plate 10b configure an accommodating portion for io 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 11, 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 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 lla and a head 12a, respectively, each of which is slidable in the left-and- 25. right direction. A needle-like determination member 11lb 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 11a, 12a slide, the determination members 1llb, 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 . 35 ends of the determination members 1lb, 12b are located inside the Accommodating portion. When the determination members Lb, 7 12b are arranged. at the respective retreat positions as © indicated by the corresponding solid lines in Fig. 4, the N distal ends of the determination members 11lb, 12b are = withdrawn from the accommodating portion. oe

When the determination members 11lb, 12b are at the oe determining positions, the distal ends of the determination = members 1lb, 12b are located immediately above the annular . blade 32 at positions forward from the axis P of the = separating portion 3. In this state, if a mango M having o prescribed standards is accommodated in the accommodating od portion with the hull arranged below, the distal ends of the determination members 11b, 12b are located at heights corresponding to the hull portion M3 of the seed Ml of the mango M.

Non-illustrated second detection means for detecting contact between the distal ends of the determination members 11b, 12b and the seed M1 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 11lb, 12b has come into contact with the seed M1 when load greater than or equal to a second predetermined value, : 25 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 11lb, 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.

v

Ano iL Tostpat ed I Flog, 0 and 4, a padi of fbi v poi ection cyldndera 18, da functiondng aa con ragt ion means o arg arranged on Cho mounting surface da ol the {drat mwounling Ny table 4. The {drat correction cylinders 13, 14 are arranged - to face each other in the left-and-right direction with the Cr accommodation tube 6 located Dbetwedn the first correction = cylinders 13, 14. The first correction cylinders 13, 14 are we configured identically with each other. =

With reference to Fig. 4, the first correction cylinder = 13 and the first correction cylinder 14 have a head 13a and a - head 14a, respectively, each of which is slidable in the left- te 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

: etd very it 1, PAL are Jooated bomen for The axda Fool Chin ” gepairdal ing poo ion 3 than the annular blade 3 of tho = gaparating portion 3 with roaspect. to Lhe Joll~and=rlght oO direction and at Lhe position corresponding to Lhe axis with & raspecht fo the front.-and=rear direction. Héwaver, with respect. to the left-and-nright direction, poaitions of the = distal ends of the first correction members 13h, 14b do not Ey correspond to the axis P. In this atate, if the mango M, ft which has the prescribed standards, 1s accommodated in the ~ accommodating portion with the hull arranged below, thé distal ends of the first correction members 13b, 14b are located at o the height corresponding to the end of the seed M1 of the Ww mango M opposite to the end of the seed MI 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.

Fi

When Glie necond cory oot dan member hy Iw Jacatod at Lhe = correcting poaition, the diatal ond of the second correction - member 15b 1s arranged clossr to Lhe axla Poof the aeparating = portion 3 than the annular blade 32 of the separating portion i. 3 with respect to the front-and-rear direction and at the o position corresponding to the axis P with respect to the left- co and-right direction. However, with respect to the front-and- © rear direction, the position of the distal end of the second - 1 0 correction member 15b does not correspond to the axis P. In = this state, if the mango M, which has the prescribed standards, is accommodated in the accommodating portion with the hull @ arranged below, the distal end of the second correction member 15b is located at the height corresponding to the end of the seed Ml of the mango M opposite to the end of the seed Ml of the mango M corresponding to the hull portion M3.

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 11lb, 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 oo | 14 :

Gf Che awange Mobs aan clone to the aeparalb ing port fond - aig Lhe denaag Tilbrons pociton M4 Ta Toddler gloss to tho o extended portion 32a of Lhe annular blade 32, Ahecgordingly, y when the mange M da moved Lhrough the deparating portion 3 = according to a pressing step later, the annulay blade 35 cuts = the mango M along; not against, the growing directions of the oo fibers of the aeed Ml. In this atate, the dense fibroud we portion M4 moves through the extended portion 32a of the = annular blade 32. ~ o (First Correction Step) - foi

After the mango M is 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 axils 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 is 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 MI, 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 is corrected in such a manner that the inclination of the seed M1 of the mango 15 oo

M substantial ly matches with the inclination of Lhe axis Pin v the left-and-right direction. : or : ro (Second Correction Step) = 3 [al

Next, the position and the posture of the mango M in the i front-and-rear direction are corrected with reference to the we axis P of the separating portion 3 (see Fig. 5). Specifically, = the second correction cylinder 15 is actuated to move the . second correction member 15b to the correcting position. The oe distal end of the second correction member 15b is thus passed =z through the flesh M2 of the mango M in the accommodating Pes 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

APPLOpPYTi ale for permitting he mango Mo Lo wove Phvoagh he Z separating portion 3 (seve Fig. 1). dpecitically, Lhe = determination c¢ylinders 11, 12 are actuated Lo move the _ determination members 11h, 12b to the determining positions. =

In this state, if the second detection means detects that the Pr distal ends of the determination members 11h, 12b have come er into contact with the seed Ml, the determination cylinders 11, Le 12 provide the detection result to the control device. The = control device then determines that the arrangement of the seed M1 inappropriate for permitting the mango M to move o through the separating portion 3. The determination result is z then informed to the operator using an alarm (a beeper) in w 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 11lb, 12b and the seed M1, the control device, which receives the determination results from the determination cylinders 11, 12, determines that the arrangement of the seed M1 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 Ml is clamped by the clamp pins 95 and the pressing plates 94a to 94c contact the seed Ml.

EN]

Wiis Che presses dg platen Uda to Whe ie dite contact wlth he | 7 saed MI, the first defection means detects such contact, - canaing the control dovics Lo suspend deacon of Lhe pusher 9. N

Afterwards, the determination members 11h, 12h, the io first correction members 13h, 14b, and the asecond correction x member 158b are withdrawn to the respective retreat positions. =

Further, the shielding plate 10b is returned to the non- = shielding position. Then, the pusher 9 1s re-lowered to move ~ 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, = the annular blade 32 cuts the mango M into the seed portion +e 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 M1 and causing cut seed pieces to be

Co ind sel Fiber tha leah pod bdo, - = (2) When the detoindnat don members 11h, 12h of Lhe determination cylindeva 11, 17 are arranged at Lhe datermining - poaltions, the distal ends of the determination members 11h, ~ 12b are normally located at tha heights corresponding to the = hull portion M3 of the saad MI of the mango M. In this case, oo even if the hull portion M3 of the seed M1 is deformed as @ indicated by the dashed lines in Pig. 6(b), it is reliably - 1 ¢ determined 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. y (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 Ml 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 M1 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 ih de Pest bonne dod dAfiect ton hy Uh Phat, ana eet Fo z ey i NT Pa, 0a and correct bon of Che Tingd ina fon of the dood -

MI dn Lhe fronteands=peai ol bool fon ly the aagond porracilon Ny cylinder 156. This dmpreves she accuracy of correction of the = position and the posture of the mango M In such a manner that oe the arrangement of the seed Ml of the mango M becomes oy appropriate for permitting the mango M to move through the ox separating portion 3. =~ (6) In the present embodiment, the position and the o posture of the mango M are corrected by the first correction = cylinder 13, the first correction cylinder 14, and the second wr correction cylinder 15 sequentially, not simultaneously. 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 conven ng Lov dhe hob bo peop tb dom MA axl onda dbagoial by. In or

Lhe piesant smbadiment, Lhe vertideal dimenalond, which are the = hedghta, of Lhe progsing plates 34a to 94g are different from Wy one another, That fa, Lhe pressing plates 94a Lo 94c are wo configured appropriately for contacting the ond of ihe seed MI . of the mango M opposite of the end of the seed Ml oy corresponding to the hull portion M3, we (10) The extended portion 32a is formed in the annular ~ blade 32 of the separating portion 3. Accordingly, when the ~ mango M is moved through the separating portion 3, the dense ° fibrous portion M4 of the seed M1 of the mango M is prevented l 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 ’t cylbindion 10 dn iho Support bame Thee aged Tha of Thos ”

Coageond goriactlon ey nde Pho ba adbdable foward Lhe = accommodation Lube 6 dn the front —and-rodr diraculon. Nao Lhe - lead 15a alides, the socond correction mamber 155, which ia Ge 5S attached to the head 15a, slides in the {ront-and-recar - direction and reaches a correcting position or a retreat - position. When the second correction member I15b is at the = correcting position as indicated by the corresponding double- = dotted chain lines in Fig. 11, the distal end of the second - correction member 15b is passed through an insertion hole 6b, = which ls formed in the accommodation tube 6, and extends into 5 the accommodation tube 6. When the second correction member Ce 15b is at the retreat position as indicated by the corresponding solid lines in Fig. 11, the distal end of the second correction member 15b 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, 96e, each of which extends between the ’s as] cob ienaponnd ing acl jaca proche ot Ehe champ prog ho The wae ~ afde walla nh, Sad, which face cach other In the fronteanl=- rear direction, have df ferent diwensdons An Lhe upeangd=down =o direction, which are different hodghta., The lower anda of Lhe = two alde walla 96a, 96e, which face each other in the left Ea and=right direction, incline downward in the forward direction. £0

The first correction cylinder 13 and the first = correction cylinders 14 of the apparatus of the second I. embodiment have a head 13a and a head 14a, respectively. Two — needle-like correction members 13b and two needle-like = correction members 14b are attached to the head 13a and the head 14a, 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 14a’, 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).

This dgteambinat bon cylinder TL amd the datarminat Ton z cylinder 12 of Che apparatos of Che aecond ambod iment, hove a head 11a and a head 1da, rospostivaly, A deteiminntion menber 1ih and a decermination member 12b, each of which hag an - olengated plate-like shape, arse attached to the head lla and {Ze the head 12a, respectively (see Fig. 9(b)). The determination Re members 11h, 12b have sharp distal ends. > &

As illustrated in Fig. 10, the top plate of the base 1 _ of the apparatus of the second embodiment has retreat means for withdrawing the separating portion 3 from the position - 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 portion 3. :

. A process of a mango using the apparatus of Lhe mocond ” embodiment will hereafter de described in detail. = . > (Accommodation Step) bn poi

As in the accommodation step of the process of the mango = using the apparatus of the first embodiment, a peeled mango M oa is placed in the accommodation portion with the hull of the e 1 0 mango M facing downward and forward (see Fig. 11). ~ (Corrections Step) po

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 9 then presses the mango M downward to prevent the - -

ipo Mo fy om Inching, Then, the second corvvaet Toa nenmbir 7

Ply As moved to fhe get peal posh ian, o -

Next, the position and Ghee posture of the mange M in the = left-and-right direction are corrected with reforsnce to the co axis P of the separating portion 3 (see Ig. 10). oy

Specifically, the first correction cylinder 13 is actuated to Ei move the firat correction members 13b to the coxrecting = position. The distal ends of the first correction members 13b - are thus inserted through the flesh M2 of the mango M in the o accommodating portion and contact the seed M1, thus pressing = the seed Ml leftward and toward the axis P. Subsequently, the Pe 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 Ml 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 diet fon. FUL Le Che pentane of hey mango Mb thee Ted - and=right, direction ta coriectad To ouch oa mdanng Phat fhe = : inclination of Lhe dead MT of the mango M substantially - matches with tho dnclination of Lhe axda Pin the left-and- = right direction. 0 (Determination Step) be o

After the correction step, 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 w through the separating portion 3. Specifically, the bt determination cylinders 11, 12 are actuated to move the determination members 11b, 12b to the determining positions, 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 11b, 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

Lo specifically, the first correction membaera 13h, 14h, -

Bo 13b', 14h are withdrawn to the respective retreat positions, and then the determination members 11h, 112i are withdrawn to _ the respective retreat positions. The detection means 0 continuously detect whathar the distal ends of the ro determination members 1lb, 12b contact the seed M1 of the ha mango M until the determination members 1lb, 12b reach the = retreat positions. In other words, even when and after the 0 first correction members 13b, 14b, 13h’, 14b’are returned to J the retreat positions, the detection of whether the distal ends of the determination members 1l1lb, 12b contact the seed Ml of the mango M is continued until the determination member 1lb, 12b reach the retreat positions. If the contact between the distal ends of the determination members 1lb, 12b and the seed M1 is detected before the determination members 1llb, 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 1lb, 12b and the seed Ml, the pressing step is suspended.

After the determination members 1lb, 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 M1 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 dlbal membey 97 contacto the aepeoal Ton port fen 3 (Wii es 7 accurately, Lhe annular Dlade 3) Tia not only ensayo = cutting af the mango M by the annular blade 32 and Lhe 0 dividing blades 33 of the separating portion 3 bul alan © prevents cut pleces of the mange M from remaining on the i, separating portion 3. The seed portion and the flesh portion, = which are obtained from the mango M moving through the separating portion 3, fall into the fruit receptacle 16 and @ are received by the fruit receptacle 16. ~ =

Even when it 1s determined in the determination step that the arrangement of the seed Ml of the mango M in the LIT accommodating portion is appropriate for permitting the mango © M to move through the separating portion 3, there may be cases in which the seed M1 of the mango M contacts the separating portion 3, or the annular blade 32 particularly, when the mango M 1s 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 Ml 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. 29 | oo

Thic gocond cnboddninnt Da thie following advantages in 7 addi rion ta the advantages of Che Cheat ombod Drient = ho (11) In addition Lo Lhe first correction cylinders 13, 14, the mango processing apparatus of the accond embodiment be has the additional firat correction cylinders 13’, 14’, which oo are arranged at heights different form the heights at which 0 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. o =“ (12) When the determination members 11b, 12b of the Ho 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 together by the corresponding one of the side walls 96b to OYce. :

Accordingly, even after repetitive use of the clamp pins 95 to © 30 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 oo 130 bc) dpadat fog peor Udon 0 sbeespd tes The fae that dhe gee ME of Che > mange Mo had come dnto contact WwhLh Chie goparat dng portion 3 ano =

Lhe mango M 1a pressed Into Che separating portion 3, tho seed -

MI ds cut and, as oa result, cul need pleces are mixed into the wo flesh portion of the mango M, which liag been scparated from o the seed portion. Since a large number of flesh portions are = collected in the fruit receptacle 16, it is extremely a difficult to select and remove the flesh portion containing = the cut seed pieces out of the flesh portions in the fruit . receptacle 16. However, in the apparatus of the second = embodiment, 1f the additional detection means detects the ot contact between the seed Ml of the mango M and the separating he 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 peel (an epicarp) and seeds other than mangos, such as stone

Civid bs ac hiding poaclioo ad dp deota, on Crop toad NTR NY athier han mangos, ouch ag avocado, : @ oo >

In Lhe apparatvuacd of Lhe ial and gocond enbodinents, 5 the locations and the operating directions of the separating on portion 3, the accommodating portion, the pusher 9, the - determination cylinders 11, 12, the first correction cylinders co 13, 14 (13, 14’), and the second correction cylinder 15 may le) be changed as needed. -

Ho =

In the first and second embodiments, the determination - cylinders 11, 12 may be replaced by other determination means oe 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.

In ihe dtest and aocond eiboddmant a, Uh dobernlngt fon © member 11h, 12 of the determbnntdon yl lndors 31, 12 may bi — formed cach in a plate-like shape having a diatal portion = extending in an up-and-down direction. This ensures more i accurate determination of whether the arrangement of the sced

Ml of the mango M in the accommodating portion is appropriate = for permitting the mango M to move through the separating = portion 3. oo

In the first and second embodiments, at least either the — 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

Prod tt to be proceso on Chee pho of the gapavat.ion portion 3 z (part doula Ty, the annular blade 43), Similarly, the position = of the digital end ol the decond correction member 15b at the "

Lowe when tha dccond correction member 15d of the second + correction gylindeyr 15 Ja located at the correcting position o may be changed as necessary in correspondence with the shape oo of the seed of a fruit to be processed or the shape of the te 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 - mango M accommodated in the accommodating portion are io 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 11b, 12b, the first correction members 13b, 14b, and the second correction member 15b are moved to the respective retreat positions.

Alternatively, the determination members 1lb, 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 : a : ) :

In the tiiat and gocond embodiments, the shape of Lhe . annular hlade 32 of tho aaparating portion 3 13 not = particularly restricted and may be, for example, a cylindrical Le ahape or a polygonal tubular shape. Further, the axtended CE portion 32a of the annular blade 32 may be omitted. =

CE

In the first and second embodiments, the number, the 1d locations, and the shapes of the dividing blades 33 of the ~ separating portion 3 are not particularly restricted and may .’ 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 Tigs. 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

1) vrei | frye Poor or con bab oie of Che pias dig platoon Wha > tor S940, Fart his, fhe ahape ol Clic pressing 946 Lo Dde o may beocdroular shinpes Gr polygonal ahapes such ag triangular Ny shapes or pentagonal dhapau, = i"

In the gecond embodiment, the head 92 of the pusher 9 oy may be configured as illustrated in Figs. 8(c) and B(d). the oe pusher head 92 illustrated in Figs. B8(c) and 8(d) has a o rectangular box«like pressing member 98 having a lower opening and four clamp pins 95, 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 92 Ped illustrated in Figs. 8(a) and 8(b), the clamp pins 95, which clamp the seed M1 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 Ml 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 obtatned Ly pnoceasing Tho fanbt , to a predetermined poabt ion he outside the apparatus, In thio code, the Dud racoptacla 16 =o may ha omft ted, This dydtam cngires ef fiolend processing ol oa .

Large amount, of tralia. Tha flea. and sacond granaport moan = may be configured by, for example, bolt conveyors. ow

Alternatively, a rotary table having a plurality of ex : accommodation tubes 6, each of which accommodates a fruit to oa be processed, may be employed as the first transport means. o

In this case, the rotary table is rotated to revolve and ~ sequentially switch the accommodation tubes 6 from one another, with fruits accommodated in the respective accommodation tubes - 6. Lad

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 fhoongh the Chess M5 af Phe mage Mand poeoelibng poeedetorm bed destermining Doi Jong, 0

In the Lirsal and socond embodiments, tha dieberminaldon = members and the correction members may be arranged in such o Le manner that traces fommed in the flesh M2 of the mango M - through insertion of the distal ends of the determination - members and the correction members in the determination step = and the correction step are each located on any one of the = 1G vertical cutting paths defined by the dividing blades 33. In o this case, since the traces are on the cut cross sections . formed by the dividing blades 33, the product quality of a 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 M1 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 lo.

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.

This configuration of cach af the compeonents gl Tha wecond i ambodiment, may ba replaced hy the configuration of Lhe = corresponding ona of Lhe components of Lhe fleet ambodinent. ol

For example, the configuration of Lhe lead 92 of ha pusher 9 - of the first embodiment may be employed in the second oe embodiment. Alternatively, the first embodiment may employ on the procedure of the second embodiment of withdrawing the separating portion 3 to the retreat position in response to o detection of contact between the seed M1 of the mango M and ~ the separating portion 3. = iy

Lr

Claims

fe. © a CLAIMS oo wir op ~ RE i 3 Lo A frult processing apparatus comprising: oo SE . an accommodating portion for accommodating a fruit to be = processed; oo © a separating portion, the separating portion separating = the fruit inte a flesh portion and a seed portion when the - fruit moves through the separating portion; Fe a pressing portion that presses the fruit accommodated in = the accommodating portion into the separating portion to move wo the fruit through the separating portion; and > correction means for correcting the position or the posture of the fruit accommodated in the accommodating portion, wherein the correction means is inserted through the flesh portion of the fruit and presses the seed of the fruit.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, 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.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, 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.