A processing device for vegetables

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of vegetable cutting processing, in particular to a processing device for vegetables, comprising a processing bin and a peeling bin, characterized in that: an arrangement bin is arranged in the processing bin, a cutting bin is arranged in the processing bin, the arrangement bin is communicated with the processing bin, a plurality of probes are arranged in the cutting bin, a plurality of telescopic knives are slidably arranged on the cutting bin, and an arrangement unit is arranged in the arrangement bin. When in use, the device effectively solves the processing problem of lettuce roots caused by high lignification degree and rough fibers through the integrated detection and self-adaptive cutting system. The device realizes the automatic orientation and orderly conveying of lettuce through the arrangement bin and the dividing piece, avoids the efficiency bottleneck of manual placement one by one, and lays the foundation for continuous processing. Secondly, the probe array dynamically detects the length of the hardened area of the root, and the telescopic knife is driven by the cutting unit to accurately cut off the corresponding distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vegetable cutting and processing technology, specifically to a processing device for vegetables. Background Technology

[0002] Vegetable cutting and processing is a key pre-processing step in industrialized food production. Mechanized cutting operations standardize raw material processing, significantly improving subsequent processing efficiency, ensuring consistent final product specifications, and meeting the objective requirements of large-scale packaging, storage, and transportation. This technology has extremely wide applicability, covering most vegetable categories, including root vegetables, leafy vegetables, and fruit vegetables. Depending on their individual physical characteristics and final product form, specific processing methods such as slicing, shredding, dicing, or deseeding and peeling are used. In existing processing procedures, for lettuce, the main operations include: first, trimming the raw material by precisely removing the fibrous root and overripe top to obtain uniformly sized stem segments; then, thoroughly removing the hard outer skin and coarse fibrous layer through peeling; finally, according to different end-product requirements such as salads, pre-cut vegetables, or ready-to-eat meals, the peeled lettuce stems are shaped and cut, such as into slices, strips, or cubes.

[0003] In the current lettuce cutting and processing process, the root must be removed before peeling. This is because the lettuce root has a high degree of lignification, coarse fibers, and significant hardness. Direct mechanical peeling not only exacerbates blade wear and equipment load but also easily causes conveyor blockage and processing instability, thus affecting the continuity and processing accuracy of the entire process. Therefore, in actual operation, the root must be removed before peeling. However, since existing mechanical equipment cannot identify and adapt to the different degrees of hardening of lettuce roots, this step still mainly relies on manual labor. Manual cutting results in high labor intensity for operators due to the hardness of the root, and it is difficult to maintain uniform cutting movements, leading to low work efficiency. At the same time, manual judgment of the cutting position is prone to deviation, often resulting in excessive removal of edible stem segments or residual coarse fibers. In addition, the discontinuity between manual pre-cutting and mechanical peeling further leads to poor process connection and reduced material flow efficiency. To address this, we propose a vegetable processing device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the technical problems this application aims to solve is that, since existing mechanical equipment is difficult to identify and adapt to the different degrees of hardening of lettuce roots, this step still mainly relies on manual labor. Manual cutting results in high labor intensity for operators due to the hard texture of the roots, and it is difficult to maintain uniform cutting movements, leading to low work efficiency. At the same time, manual judgment of the cutting position is prone to deviation, often resulting in the removal of too many edible stem segments or the retention of coarse fibers. In addition, the lack of continuity between manual pre-cutting and mechanical peeling and segmentation further leads to poor process connection and reduced material flow efficiency.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a vegetable processing apparatus, including a processing chamber and a peeling chamber. The processing chamber contains an arranging chamber and a cutting chamber, which are connected. The cutting chamber contains multiple probes and multiple telescopic blades slidably mounted on it. The arranging chamber contains an arranging unit for orienting lettuce fed into the arranging chamber and then feeding the arranged lettuce into the cutting chamber. The cutting chamber contains a cutting unit connected to the probes and telescopic blades. The cutting unit controls the probes to descend and insert into the lettuce root, determines the length of the fibrous portion of the root based on the number of probes that cannot be inserted, and then drives the telescopic blades to move a distance corresponding to the length to cut off the fibrous portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, the arranging unit includes a dispensing component disposed on a processing chamber for dispensing lettuce. The processing chamber is provided with a locking component for locking the dispensing component after dispensing. The arranging chamber is provided with a dividing component for dividing and arranging the lettuce within the arranging chamber.

[0007] In some embodiments, the dispensing component includes a dispensing port formed on the side wall of the processing chamber. A separation dispensing plate is provided inside the processing chamber and is connected to an arranging chamber. Multiple pressure rods are slidably disposed at the bottom of the arranging chamber. A bearing plate is provided at one end of each pressure rod inside the arranging chamber. A pneumatic chamber is provided at the bottom of the arranging chamber. A piston plate is slidably disposed inside the pneumatic chamber and is connected to one end of each pressure rod. A compression spring is provided inside the pneumatic chamber and is connected to the piston plate, with the compression spring located on the side of the piston plate away from the pressure rods. A lifting chamber is provided at the bottom of the separation dispensing plate and is connected to the pneumatic chamber via a conduit. A second piston plate is slidably disposed inside the lifting chamber and a warning plate is provided on the second piston plate. The warning plate is slidably connected to the separation dispensing plate, and a compression spring is sleeved at one end of the warning plate inside the lifting chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the locking member includes multiple locking grooves formed in the arranging chamber, a positioning plate is provided in the locking groove, a locking rod is slidably arranged on the positioning plate, a limit plate is provided at one end of the locking rod, a limit spring is sleeved on the locking rod between the limit plate and the positioning plate, a locking groove for cooperating with the locking rod is formed on the bearing plate, a wedge block is provided on the locking rod, a sliding rod is slidably arranged at the bottom of the arranging chamber, the sliding rod passes through the multiple locking grooves, a pushing block for cooperating with the wedge block is provided at one end of the sliding rod located in the locking groove, a pushing chamber is provided at the bottom of the arranging chamber, a piston plate is slidably arranged in the pushing chamber, the sliding rod passes through the pushing chamber and connects to the piston plate, the sliding rod is slidably connected to the pushing chamber, a return spring is sleeved at one end of the sliding rod located in the pushing chamber, and a compression airbag communicating with the pushing chamber is provided in the arranging chamber.

[0009] In some embodiments, the dividing element includes a displacement chamber disposed within an arrangement chamber, the displacement chamber being slidably connected to the arrangement chamber and the cutting chamber. The sidewall of the displacement chamber has multiple extension grooves, and multiple extension guides are disposed within the displacement chamber. Two sliding seats are slidably disposed on the extension guides, and connecting rods are rotatably disposed on the sliding seats. The connecting rods pass through the extension grooves, and dividing rods are slidably disposed on the two connecting rods. A bidirectional lead screw is rotatably disposed on the extension guides, with one end of the bidirectional lead screw passing through the extension guides and passing through the two sliding seats. Both ends of the bidirectional lead screw are threadedly connected to the two sliding seats respectively. A synchronous worm gear is disposed at the end of the bidirectional lead screw located outside the extension guides. A synchronous worm gear, meshing with the synchronous worm gear, is rotatably disposed within the displacement chamber, and the synchronous worm gear is driven to rotate by a motor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cutting unit includes a limiting member disposed in the cutting chamber to limit the lettuce pushed into the cutting chamber. The cutting chamber is provided with an inserter to drive a probe to be inserted into the root of the lettuce. The cutting chamber is provided with a moving member to drive a telescopic gate to move.

[0011] In some embodiments, the limiting member includes a receiving chamber disposed outside the cutting chamber, an electric push rod is disposed inside the receiving chamber, a connecting plate is disposed on the electric push rod, a plurality of limiting plates are disposed on the connecting plate, the limiting plates are slidably connected to the side of the cutting chamber, a shrinkage groove is formed on the limiting plate, a telescopic rod is disposed inside the shrinkage groove, a pressure plate is disposed on the telescopic rod and slidably connected to the shrinkage groove, a pressure spring is sleeved on the telescopic rod, and limiting airbags communicating with the shrinkage groove are disposed on the opposite side walls of the limiting plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the insert includes an L-shaped plate disposed on a cutting chamber, an electric push rod II disposed on the L-shaped plate, a synchronization plate disposed on the electric push rod II, a lifting plate disposed on the synchronization plate, a through slot being formed on the cutting chamber at a position corresponding to the lifting plate, the lifting plate being slidably connected to a probe, a locking plate being disposed on the probe, a recoil spring being sleeved on the probe between the locking plate and the lifting plate, a top plate being disposed on the lifting plate directly above the probe, and a plurality of pressure sensors cooperating with the probe being disposed on the side of the top plate opposite to the probe.

[0013] In some embodiments, the movable component includes a plurality of cutting slots formed on the cutting chamber, a plurality of fixed plates are provided on the cutting chamber, a movable screw is rotatably provided on the fixed plates, the movable screw is threadedly connected to a telescopic gate, the movable screw is driven to rotate by a motor, and an electrically openable discharge plate is provided at the bottom of the cutting chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, a collection chamber is provided inside the processing chamber below the discharge plate.

[0015] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The design effectively solves the processing challenges of lettuce roots due to their high degree of lignification and coarse fibers by integrating a detection and adaptive cutting system. The device achieves automatic orientation and orderly transport of lettuce through arrangement chambers and segmentation components, avoiding the efficiency bottleneck of manual placement and laying the foundation for continuous processing. Secondly, a probe array dynamically detects the length of the hardened area of ​​the root, and the cutting unit drives a telescopic blade to precisely cut the corresponding distance, replacing the operation that relies on manual experience. This not only significantly reduces labor intensity but also fundamentally avoids the problems of excessive removal of edible stem segments or coarse fiber residue, improving raw material yield and finished product consistency. Furthermore, the entire process, from arrangement, detection, cutting to waste discharge, is completed continuously within a sealed chamber, eliminating the connection delays and posture misalignments caused by traditional manual pre-cutting and mechanical peeling and segmentation operations. This ensures the stability and efficiency of the processing flow while reducing the direct wear of the hard root material on subsequent peeling blades and the risk of equipment jamming, thereby achieving an overall improvement in processing accuracy, production continuity, and equipment durability. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the dissection processing chamber structure;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the explosive structure of the lifting chamber of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing component of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the arrangement compartment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram of area A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the segment structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the displacement chamber of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the insert structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 9 Enlarged structural diagram of area B in the middle;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting component structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the containment chamber structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure plate structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Processing chamber; 2. Peeling chamber; 3. Arrangement chamber; 4. Cutting chamber; 5. Probe; 6. Telescopic gate; 7. Arrangement unit; 8. Dispensing component; 81. Dispensing port; 82. Separating dispensing plate; 83. Pressure rod; 84. Bearing plate; 85. Pneumatic chamber; 86. Piston plate one; 87. Compression spring one; 88. Lifting chamber; 89. Piston plate two; 810. Compression spring two; 811. Warning plate; 9. Locking component; 91. Locking groove; 92. Positioning plate; 93. Locking rod; 94. Limiting plate; 95. Limiting spring; 96. Locking groove; 97. Wedge block; 98. Sliding rod; 99. Pushing block; 910. Pushing chamber; 911. Piston plate three; 912. Return spring; 913. Compression airbag; 10. Dividing component; 101. Displacement chamber; 102. Extension groove; 103. Extension 104. Guide rail; 105. Sliding seat; 106. Connecting rod; 107. Dividing rod; 108. Two-way lead screw; 109. Synchronous worm gear; 100. Synchronous worm; 11. Cutting unit; 12. Limiting component; 121. Receiving chamber; 122. Electric actuator one; 123. Connecting plate; 124. Limiting plate; 125. Shrinkage groove; 126. Telescopic rod; 127. Pressure plate; 128. Pressure spring; 129. Limiting airbag; 13. Insert; 131. L-shaped plate; 132. Electric actuator two; 133. Synchronous plate; 134. Lifting plate; 135. Through groove; 136. Positioning plate; 137. Recoil spring; 138. Top plate; 139. Pressure sensor; 14. Moving component; 141. Cutting groove; 142. Fixed plate; 143. Moving lead screw; 144. Discharge plate; 15. Collection chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Example 1: Please refer to Figures 1-13This invention provides a technical solution: a vegetable processing device, including a processing chamber 1 and a peeling chamber 2. The processing chamber 1 is provided with an arranging chamber 3 and a cutting chamber 4. The arranging chamber 3 is connected to the processing chamber 1. The cutting chamber 4 is provided with a plurality of probes 5 and a plurality of telescopic blades 6 slidably disposed on the cutting chamber 4. The arranging chamber 3 is provided with an arranging unit 7 for orienting lettuce fed into the arranging chamber 3 and feeding the arranged lettuce into the cutting chamber 4. The cutting chamber 4 is provided with a cutting unit 11 connected to the probes 5 and the telescopic blades 6. The cutting unit 11 is used to control the probes 5 to descend and insert into the root of the lettuce, and to determine the length of the fibrous part of the root based on the number of probes 5 that cannot be inserted. Then, the telescopic blades 6 are driven to move a distance corresponding to the length to cut off the fibrous part.

[0034] The arranging unit 7 includes a dispensing component 8 installed on the processing chamber 1, through which lettuce is dispensed. The processing chamber 1 is provided with a locking component 9, which is used to lock the dispensing component 8 after dispensing. The arranging chamber 3 is provided with a dividing component 10, through which the lettuce in the arranging chamber 3 is divided and arranged.

[0035] The dispensing component 8 includes a dispensing port 81 opened on the side wall of the processing chamber 1. A separation dispensing plate 82 is provided inside the processing chamber 1, and the separation dispensing plate 82 is connected to the arranging chamber 3. Multiple pressure rods 83 are slidably disposed at the bottom of the arranging chamber 3. A bearing plate 84 is provided at one end of each pressure rod 83 inside the arranging chamber 3. A pneumatic chamber 85 is provided at the bottom of the arranging chamber 3. A piston plate 86 is slidably disposed inside the pneumatic chamber 85, and the piston plate 86 is connected to one end of each pressure rod 83. A compression spring 8 is provided inside the pneumatic chamber 85. 7. The compression spring 87 is connected to the piston plate 86, and the compression spring is located on the side of the piston plate 86 away from the pressure rod 83. The bottom of the separation and release plate 82 is provided with a lifting chamber 88, which is connected to the pneumatic chamber 85 through a conduit. A piston plate 89 is slidably arranged in the lifting chamber 88, and a warning plate 811 is provided on the piston plate 89. The warning plate 811 is slidably connected to the separation and release plate 82. A compression spring 810 is sleeved on one end of the warning plate 811 inside the lifting chamber 88.

[0036] The locking component 9 includes multiple locking grooves 91 formed within the arrangement chamber 3. A positioning plate 92 is disposed within each locking groove 91. A locking rod 93 is slidably mounted on the positioning plate 92. A limit plate 94 is provided at one end of the locking rod 93. A limit spring 95 is sleeved on the locking rod 93 between the limit plate 94 and the positioning plate 92. A locking groove 96 is formed on the bearing plate 84 to cooperate with the locking rod 93. A wedge block 97 is provided on the locking rod 93. A sliding rod 98 is slidably mounted at the bottom of the arrangement chamber 3, and the sliding rod 98 passes through multiple locking grooves. The sliding rod 98 is located in the locking groove 91, and one end of the sliding rod 98 is provided with a push block 99 that cooperates with the wedge block 97. The bottom of the arrangement chamber 3 is provided with a push chamber 910. A piston plate 3 911 is slidably arranged in the push chamber 910. The sliding rod 98 passes through the push chamber 910 and is connected to the piston plate 3 911. The sliding rod 98 is slidably connected to the push chamber 910. One end of the sliding rod 98 located in the push chamber 910 is fitted with a return spring 912. The arrangement chamber 3 is provided with a compression airbag 913 that communicates with the push chamber 910.

[0037] In operation, the staff first feeds the processed lettuce one by one into the sorting bin 3 through the separating feed plate 82. Once inside the bin 3, the lettuce is pressed down by gravity onto the support plate 84, causing it to descend. This descent of the support plate 84 drives the piston plate 86 to overcome the spring force of the compression spring 87, thus pushing the hydraulic medium in the pneumatic chamber 85 through the conduit into the lifting chamber 88. This, in turn, pushes the piston plate 89 in the lifting chamber 88 to overcome the spring force of the compression spring 810, causing the warning plate 811 to rise. The warning plate 811 then enters a single feed inlet of the sorting feed plate, preventing staff from accidentally feeding multiple lettuce into the same inlet. The lettuce overlaps due to the opening. After the lettuce is arranged in the arrangement chamber 3, the displacement chamber 101 moves. The movement of the displacement chamber 101 is driven by the drive device, which is the prior art. This causes the compression airbag 913 to disengage from the compression, and further causes the piston plate 911 and the sliding rod 98 to reset under the push of the return spring 912. At this time, the push block 99 on the sliding rod 98 no longer pushes the wedge block 97 backward. Therefore, the locking rod 93 will extend from the locking groove 91 under the push of the limiting spring 95 and enter the locking groove 96 on the bearing plate 84 to limit the bearing plate 84 and prevent the bearing plate 84 from losing pressure and bouncing up during the displacement of the lettuce, causing the lettuce to get stuck between the two bearing plates 84 during the movement.

[0038] The design is based on a pneumatic-hydraulic linkage feedback mechanism triggered by the weight of the support plate 84. This mechanism automatically raises the warning plate 811 to physically isolate adjacent feeding inlets, fundamentally preventing the stacking or misalignment of lettuce caused by negligence during manual feeding. This ensures that each lettuce is placed independently and orderly in the arrangement chamber 3, laying a reliable material foundation for subsequent precise processing. Secondly, the locking component 9 utilizes the mechanical linkage triggered by the lettuce's own weight to automatically and securely lock the support plate 84 after the lettuce is in place. This eliminates the accidental reset or shaking of the support plate 84 due to pressure changes during material transfer, thereby ensuring the stability of the lettuce's posture and position during the transfer from the arrangement chamber 3 to the cutting chamber 4. This effectively prevents production interruptions or processing errors caused by material movement jams. Overall, this design achieves a seamless transition from intermittent manual feeding to continuous mechanical arrangement and transmission. It not only significantly reduces the labor intensity and operational complexity of operators but also ensures the continuity and stability of material flow in the pre-processing stage through highly automated mechanical logic.

[0039] The dividing component 10 includes a displacement chamber 101 disposed within the arranging chamber 3. The displacement chamber 101 is slidably connected to the arranging chamber 3 and the cutting chamber 4. Multiple extension grooves 102 are formed on the side wall of the displacement chamber 101. Multiple extension guide rails 103 are disposed within the displacement chamber 101. Two sliding seats 104 are slidably disposed on each extension guide rail 103. A connecting rod 105 is rotatably disposed on each sliding seat 104. The connecting rod 105 passes through the extension grooves 102, and dividing rods are slidably disposed on the two connecting rods 105. 106. A bidirectional lead screw 107 is rotatably mounted on the extension guide rail 103, with one end of the bidirectional lead screw 107 passing through the extension guide rail 103. The bidirectional lead screw 107 passes through two sliding seats 104, and both ends are threadedly connected to the two sliding seats 104 respectively. A synchronous worm gear 108 is provided at one end of the bidirectional lead screw 107 outside the extension guide rail 103. A synchronous worm 109 that meshes with the synchronous worm gear 108 is rotatably mounted inside the displacement chamber 101. The synchronous worm 109 is driven to rotate by a motor.

[0040] Before the lettuce is added, the synchronous worm gear 109 rotates under the drive of the motor, which drives the synchronous worm wheel 108 to rotate, thereby controlling the rotation of the bidirectional lead screw 107. The rotation of the bidirectional lead screw 107 drives the sliding seats 104 located at both ends to move towards each other, thereby driving the connecting rod 105 to drive the dividing rod 106 to extend from the extension groove 102. The extended dividing rod 106 cooperates with the connecting rod 105 to divide the arrangement chamber 3 into independent spaces, which facilitates the subsequent arrangement of multiple lettuce. At the same time, the extended dividing rod 106 can also maintain stability when pushing the lettuce into the cutting chamber 4. After the lettuce is sent into the cutting chamber 4, the synchronous worm gear 109 is driven in the opposite direction to control the dividing rod 106 to retract and return to the arrangement chamber 3, which is convenient for the arrangement of the next batch of lettuce.

[0041] The dynamically retractable segmented structure provides a key benefit for the automated continuous processing of lettuce. Before feeding, the segmenting rod 106 extends via the linkage 105 mechanism, forming a series of isolated independent positioning spaces within the arrangement chamber 3. This ensures that each lettuce maintains a stable and separated posture during transport, effectively preventing material from stacking, jamming, or becoming misaligned during flow. When pushing the lettuce into the cutting chamber 4, the extended segmenting rod 106 moves synchronously with the displacement chamber 101, continuously constraining the relative position of the lettuce physically. This ensures that the lettuce smoothly enters the subsequent workstation in a neat and oriented state, greatly improving the continuity and reliability of material transfer between processes. After transport, the segmenting rod 106 automatically retracts, allowing the arrangement chamber 3 to quickly return to a state where it can receive the next batch of material. This achieves a "arrangement-transportation-reset" cycle, significantly improving the flow efficiency per unit time and creating stable and repeatable positioning conditions for subsequent root-based precise detection and adaptive cutting using the probe 5.

[0042] The cutting unit 11 includes a limiting member 12 disposed in the cutting chamber 4, which limits the lettuce pushed into the cutting chamber 4. The cutting chamber 4 is provided with an insert 13, which drives the probe 5 to be inserted into the root of the lettuce. The cutting chamber 4 is provided with a moving member 14, which drives the telescopic gate 6 to move.

[0043] The limiting component 12 includes a receiving chamber 121 disposed outside the cutting chamber 4. An electric push rod 122 is disposed inside the receiving chamber 121. A connecting plate 123 is disposed on the electric push rod 122. A plurality of limiting plates 124 are disposed on the connecting plate 123. The limiting plates 124 are slidably connected to the side of the cutting chamber 4. A shrinkage groove 125 is formed on the limiting plate 124. A telescopic rod 126 is disposed inside the shrinkage groove 125. A pressure plate 127 is disposed on the telescopic rod 126 and slidably connected to the shrinkage groove 125. A pressure spring 128 is sleeved on the telescopic rod 126. Limiting airbags 129 communicating with the shrinkage groove 125 are disposed on the opposite side walls of the limiting plate 124.

[0044] The insert 13 includes an L-shaped plate 131 disposed on the cutting chamber 4. An electric push rod 132 is disposed on the L-shaped plate 131. A synchronization plate 133 is disposed on the electric push rod 132. A lifting plate 134 is disposed on the synchronization plate 133. A through slot 135 is opened on the cutting chamber 4 at a position corresponding to the lifting plate 134. The lifting plate 134 is slidably connected to the probe 5. A locking plate 136 is disposed on the probe 5. A recoil spring 137 is sleeved on the probe 5 between the locking plate 136 and the lifting plate 134. A top plate 138 is disposed on the lifting plate 134 directly above the probe 5. Multiple pressure sensors 139 that cooperate with the probe 5 are disposed on the top plate 138 on the side opposite to the probe 5.

[0045] The movable component 14 includes multiple cutting slots 141 formed on the cutting chamber 4. Multiple fixed plates 142 are provided on the cutting chamber 4. A movable screw 143 is rotatably provided on the fixed plate 142. The movable screw 143 is threadedly connected to the telescopic gate 6. The movable screw 143 is driven to rotate by a motor. An electrically openable discharge plate 144 is provided at the bottom of the cutting chamber 4.

[0046] When the lettuce enters the cutting chamber 4, the electric push rod 122 drives the connecting plate 123 and the limiting plate 124 on the connecting plate 123 to rise and enter the cutting chamber 4, isolating the multiple lettuce in the cutting chamber 4 from each other. When the limiting plate 124 rises, it will contact the inner wall of the cutting chamber 4 and push the pressure plate 127 into the shrinkage groove 125 under the pressure of the inner wall, which will increase the air pressure in the shrinkage groove 125. This will cause the limiting airbags 129 on the opposite side walls of the limiting plate 124, which are connected to the shrinkage groove 125, to expand, so that the separated lettuce is in the middle of the two limiting plates 124, thereby avoiding the error of the probe 5 being inserted into the edge of the lettuce.

[0047] Once the lettuce is secured, the electric actuator 132 operates, causing the synchronous plate 133 and the lifting plate 134 to descend. This further lowers the probe 5 on the lifting plate 134, bringing it into contact with the lettuce inside the cutting chamber 4. Under pressure, the probe 5 is forced to insert into the lettuce. Because the root of the lettuce becomes harder after lignification, the probe 5 that is in contact with the lignified part cannot be inserted into the lettuce and moves in the opposite direction under pressure, contacting the pressure sensor 139 on the top plate 138. The probe 5 at the insertion point will not contact the pressure sensor 139, and the pressure sensor 139 under pressure will send a signal. The controller determines the length of the fibrous root portion based on the number of pressure sensors 139 under pressure. Then, the controller drives the moving screw 143 to rotate, causing the telescopic blade 6 to move a distance corresponding to the length. After reaching the specified distance, the fibrous portion is cut off. After the cutting is completed, the discharge plate 144 opens, and the fibrous portion is discharged from the cutting chamber 4 under the action of gravity. Then, the probe 5 and the limiting plate 124 are reset in sequence. The cut lettuce will enter the peeling chamber 2 under the push of the next batch of lettuce. During the cutting, the channel between the peeling chamber 2 and the cutting chamber 4 is closed.

[0048] The design utilizes a pneumatic linkage mechanism to allow the limiting airbag 129 to expand adaptively after the limiting plate 124 rises, thus firmly clamping each lettuce from both sides. This effectively prevents displacement or skew during detection and cutting, providing a reliable positioning basis for subsequent precision operations. Next, through the probe array 5 combined with feedback from the pressure sensor 139, objective and quantitative detection of the lignified root length of each lettuce is achieved, completely replacing operations relying on manual subjective judgment. This fundamentally eliminates the problem of overcutting or fiber residue caused by human error, significantly improving yield and product consistency. Finally, based on the detection results, the telescopic gate 6 is driven to perform precise displacement and cutting at the corresponding distance, achieving adaptive cutting. Waste material is immediately discharged through the discharge plate 144 after cutting, while the processed lettuce is automatically pushed to the subsequent peeling station. The entire process is continuous, requiring no manual transfer, thus greatly improving material flow efficiency and production cycle time. Simultaneously, it ensures that the hard root material is removed before entering the peeling process, reducing wear and jamming risks in subsequent equipment. Overall, it achieves a comprehensive improvement in processing accuracy, automation level, and process stability.

[0049] Example 2: Please refer to Figure 14The present invention provides a technical solution: a collection chamber 15 is provided in the processing chamber 1 below the discharge plate 144. The collection chamber 15 can collect the cut-off lignified parts. The design realizes the immediate and targeted collection and isolation of waste. By directly introducing the cut lignified roots into and concentrating them in a special container, this structure effectively avoids the splashing, scattering or cross-mixing of hard fiber debris with the processed vegetables in the processing area, thereby physically eliminating the risk of secondary pollution of waste to subsequent processes.

[0050] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0051] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A vegetable processing apparatus, comprising a processing chamber (1) and a peeling chamber (2), characterized in that: The processing chamber (1) is provided with an arrangement chamber (3) and a cutting chamber (4). The arrangement chamber (3) is connected to the processing chamber (1). The cutting chamber (4) is provided with multiple probes (5). Multiple telescopic gates (6) are slidably arranged on the cutting chamber (4). The arrangement chamber (3) is provided with an arrangement unit (7) for orienting the lettuce fed into the arrangement chamber (3) and sending the arranged lettuce into the cutting chamber (4). The cutting chamber (4) is provided with a cutting unit (11) connected to the probes (5) and the telescopic gates (6). The cutting unit (11) is used to control the probes (5) to descend to insert into the root of the lettuce and determine the length of the fibrous part of the root based on the number of probes (5) that cannot be inserted. Then, the telescopic gates (6) are driven to move a distance corresponding to the length to cut off the fibrous part. The arrangement unit (7) includes a dispensing component (8) set on the processing chamber (1) for dispensing lettuce. The processing chamber (1) is provided with a locking component (9) for locking the dispensing component (8) after dispensing. The arrangement chamber (3) is provided with a dividing component (10) for dividing and arranging the lettuce in the arrangement chamber (3). The delivery component (8) includes a delivery port (81) opened on the side wall of the processing chamber (1). A separation delivery plate (82) is provided inside the processing chamber (1). The separation delivery plate (82) is connected to the arrangement chamber (3). Multiple pressure rods (83) are slidably arranged at the bottom of the arrangement chamber (3). A bearing plate (84) is provided at one end of the pressure rod (83) inside the arrangement chamber (3). A pneumatic chamber (85) is provided at the bottom of the arrangement chamber (3). A piston plate (86) is slidably arranged inside the pneumatic chamber (85). The piston plate (86) is connected to one end of the pressure rod (83). A compression spring is provided inside the pneumatic chamber (85). In section 1 (87), the compression spring 1 (87) is connected to piston plate 1 (86), and the compression spring is located on the side of piston plate 1 (86) away from pressure rod (83). A lifting chamber (88) is provided at the bottom of the separation and delivery plate (82). The lifting chamber (88) is connected to the pneumatic chamber (85) through a conduit. A piston plate 2 (89) is slidably arranged in the lifting chamber (88). A warning plate (811) is provided on the piston plate 2 (89). The warning plate (811) is slidably connected to the separation and delivery plate (82). A compression spring 2 (810) is sleeved at one end of the warning plate (811) inside the lifting chamber (88). The locking component (9) includes multiple locking grooves (91) formed in the arrangement chamber (3). A positioning plate (92) is provided in the locking groove (91). A locking rod (93) is slidably arranged on the positioning plate (92). A limit plate (94) is provided at one end of the locking rod (93). A limit spring (95) is sleeved on the locking rod (93) between the limit plate (94) and the positioning plate (92). A locking groove (96) is formed on the bearing plate (84) to cooperate with the locking rod (93). A wedge block (97) is provided on the locking rod (93). A sliding rod (98) is slidably arranged at the bottom of the arrangement chamber (3). The sliding rod (98) passes through multiple... The locking groove (91) has a sliding rod (98) located inside the locking groove (91) with a push block (99) that works with the wedge block (97) at one end. The bottom of the arrangement chamber (3) has a push chamber (910). A piston plate (911) is slidably arranged inside the push chamber (910). The sliding rod (98) passes through the push chamber (910) and is connected to the piston plate (911). The sliding rod (98) is slidably connected to the push chamber (910). A return spring (912) is sleeved on one end of the sliding rod (98) located inside the push chamber (910). The arrangement chamber (3) has a compression airbag (913) that communicates with the push chamber (910).

2. The vegetable processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dividing component (10) includes a displacement chamber (101) disposed within the arranging chamber (3). The displacement chamber (101) is slidably connected to the arranging chamber (3) and the cutting chamber (4). Multiple extension grooves (102) are provided on the side wall of the displacement chamber (101). Multiple extension guides (103) are disposed within the displacement chamber (101). Two sliding seats (104) are slidably disposed on the extension guides (103). A connecting rod (105) is rotatably disposed on the sliding seat (104). The connecting rod (105) passes through the extension groove (102). Slidably disposed on the two connecting rods (105) are... A dividing rod (106) is provided with a bidirectional lead screw (107) rotatably mounted on the extension guide rail (103). One end of the bidirectional lead screw (107) passes through the extension guide rail (103). The bidirectional lead screw (107) passes through two sliding seats (104) and is threaded to the two sliding seats (104) at both ends. A synchronous worm gear (108) is provided at one end of the bidirectional lead screw (107) outside the extension guide rail (103). A synchronous worm (109) that meshes with the synchronous worm gear (108) is rotatably mounted inside the displacement chamber (101). The synchronous worm (109) is driven to rotate by a motor.

3. The vegetable processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cutting unit (11) includes a limiting member (12) disposed in the cutting chamber (4), which limits the lettuce pushed into the cutting chamber (4). An insert (13) is provided on the cutting chamber (4), which drives the probe (5) to be inserted into the root of the lettuce. A moving member (14) is provided on the cutting chamber (4), which drives the telescopic gate (6) to move.

4. The vegetable processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting component (12) includes a receiving chamber (121) disposed outside the cutting chamber (4). An electric push rod (122) is disposed inside the receiving chamber (121). A connecting plate (123) is disposed on the electric push rod (122). A plurality of limiting plates (124) are disposed on the connecting plate (123). The limiting plates (124) are slidably connected to the side of the cutting chamber (4). A shrinkage groove (125) is opened on the limiting plate (124). A telescopic rod (126) is disposed inside the shrinkage groove (125). A pressure plate (127) is disposed on the telescopic rod (126) and slidably connected to the shrinkage groove (125). A pressure spring (128) is sleeved on the telescopic rod (126). Limiting airbags (129) communicating with the shrinkage groove (125) are disposed on the opposite side walls of the limiting plate (124).

5. The vegetable processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: The insert (13) includes an L-shaped plate (131) disposed on the cutting chamber (4), an electric push rod (132) disposed on the L-shaped plate (131), a synchronization plate (133) disposed on the electric push rod (132), a lifting plate (134) disposed on the synchronization plate (133), a through groove (135) is provided on the cutting chamber (4) at a position corresponding to the lifting plate (134), the lifting plate (134) is slidably connected to the probe (5), a locking plate (136) is disposed on the probe (5), a recoil spring (137) is sleeved on the probe (5) between the locking plate (136) and the lifting plate (134), a top plate (138) is disposed on the lifting plate (134) directly above the probe (5), and multiple pressure sensors (139) that cooperate with the probe (5) are disposed on the top plate (138) on the side opposite to the probe (5).

6. The vegetable processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The moving part (14) includes multiple cutting slots (141) opened on the cutting chamber (4), multiple fixed plates (142) are provided on the cutting chamber (4), a moving screw (143) is rotatably provided on the fixed plate (142), the moving screw (143) is threadedly connected to the telescopic gate (6), the moving screw (143) is driven to rotate by a motor, and an electrically openable discharge plate (144) is provided at the bottom of the cutting chamber (4).

7. The vegetable processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: A collection chamber (15) is provided inside the processing chamber (1) below the discharge plate (144).

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