Petiole cutting method and petiole cutting device

Abstract

To provide a petiole cutting method and a petiole cutting device which can cut off not only an upper portion of petioles of a broccoli without damaging its flower bud but also an unnecessary lower portion of the petioles additionally.SOLUTION: In a petiole cutting method, a broccoli is set on a pedestal with its flower bud upward and its stem downward and with an upper portion of its petioles and the flower bud protruding upwardly from the pedestal and the stem protruding downwardly from the pedestal and then the upper portion of its petioles is cut off on a lateral side of the flower bud by using an upper cutter so that a lower portion of the petioles from a cutting site is left on an outer periphery of the flower bud. Additionally, an unnecessary lower portion of the petioles can be cut off on a lower side of the pedestal by using a lower cutter. The previously described upper portion cutting and lower portion cutting of the petioles may be simultaneously or separately performed. Also, the stem protruding downwardly from the pedestal can be cut off. There is also provided a petiole cutting device which includes: a pedestal on which a broccoli can be set; and an upper cutter with which an upper portion of its petioles protruding upwardly from the pedestal can be cut off. The petiole cutting device can be provided with a lower cutter with which an unnecessary lower portion of the petioles can be cut off on a lower side of the pedestal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a petiole cutting method and apparatus capable of automatically cutting the petioles, stems, and other unnecessary parts of harvested broccoli, cauliflower, and other vegetables (hereinafter collectively referred to as "broccoli"). [Background technology]

[0002] Harvested broccoli A (Fig. 1(a), Fig. 2(a)) has several petioles C extending from the outer periphery of flower bud B. Unnecessary petioles are cut off in the field at harvest time, but several petioles C extending from around stalk D and above the periphery of flower bud B are left intact and brought to the sorting facility. These petioles C and stalks D are cut to the desired length at the sorting facility, then boxed (packaged) and shipped.

[0003] The cutting location and cutting length of the petiole differ depending on the region to which it is shipped. For example, for broccoli A (Hokkaido specification) to be shipped to Hokkaido, the petiole C that protrudes above the outer periphery of the flower bud B is cut at approximately the center in the height direction of the flower bud B as shown in Figure 1(b), leaving the lower part below approximately the center in the height direction of the flower bud B. Also, the stalk D is cut below the petiole C. For broccoli A (Kanto / Kyushu specification) to be shipped to the Kanto and Kyushu regions, the petiole C is cut near the base (at the root) as shown in Figure 2(b), and the stalk D is cut to the desired length.

[0004] Cutting of the petioles C and stems D of broccoli A was previously done manually, but in recent years, a cutting device that can cut automatically has become available (Patent Document 1).

[0005] The automatic cutting device of Patent Document 1 is more efficient than manual cutting. However, because the petiole is cut near the base, part of the petiole does not remain on the outer periphery of the flower bud, leaving the flower bud completely bare. For this reason, it is not possible to cut the petiole according to Hokkaido specifications, which leave the petiole on the outer periphery of the flower bud. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-138590 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] To provide a method and an apparatus for cutting a petiole, capable of cutting the upper part of a petiole extending upward and outside a flower bud beside the flower bud without damaging the flower bud, and cutting the upper part near the base of the petiole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [How to cut the petiole] The method for cutting the petiole of the present invention involves setting the broccoli in a bucket (base) with the flower bud on top and the stem on the bottom, protruding the upper part of the petiole and the flower bud above the base and the stem below the base, and cutting and removing the upper part of the petiole with an upper blade near approximately the center of the height of the flower bud (hereinafter referred to as "side of the flower bud": the same applies in the following explanations), leaving the part below the cut point on the outer periphery of the flower bud. In this case, if the upper blade is lowered and inserted between the petiole and the flower bud, and then spread outward (towards the petiole) to cut the upper part of the petiole, the upper part of the petiole can be cut and removed next to the flower bud without damaging the flower bud with the upper blade.

[0009] The petiole cutting method of the present invention can also cut and remove unnecessary petioles (mainly those petioles that extend axially lower on the stem than the petioles left next to the flower buds: the same applies in the following explanations) from near their base (hereinafter referred to as the "lower part") using a lower blade. Cutting the upper part and lower part of the petiole can be performed simultaneously or separately. In either petiole cutting method, the stem can be cut and removed with a stem blade and left at the desired length.

[0010] The petiole cutting method of the present invention involves moving a base on which broccoli can be set back and forth between a setting location and a cutting location, setting broccoli on the base moved to the setting location, moving the base to the cutting location to cut the broccoli petiole, and returning the base to the setting location after cutting, thereby repeatedly setting the broccoli and cutting the petiole.

[0011] The petiole cutting method of the present invention involves moving two or more petiole cutting devices each equipped with a base on which broccoli can be set, or two or more bases, back and forth or in a circular motion between a setting location where broccoli is set and a cutting location where the petioles of the broccoli set on the bases are cut, and setting a broccoli on one of the petiole cutting devices or on one of the bases, moving the broccoli to the cutting location and cutting the petiole, while in the meantime, setting another broccoli on another petiole cutting device or on another base in preparation for cutting the next petiole.

[0012] The petiole cutting method of the present invention can also be a transport-type petiole cutting method in which a number of pedestals are moved by an endless running body (e.g., a chain), broccoli are set on the pedestals and transported, and the upper parts of the broccoli petioles are cut and removed with an upper blade and the unnecessary lower parts of the petioles are cut and removed with a lower blade during transport.

[0013] [Stalk cutting device] The petiole cutting device of the present invention is provided with a base on which broccoli can be set, and an upper blade. The base can be set with the upper part of the petiole and the flower bud protruding upward and the stem protruding downward. The upper blade can cut the upper part of the petiole protruding above the base next to the broccoli flower bud. This petiole cutting device can also be provided with a lower blade below the base, so that the lower part of the unnecessary petiole can be cut and removed from below the base. In either case, a stem blade can also be provided below the base, so that the stem protruding below the base can be cut and removed while leaving a desired length.

[0014] The petiole cutting device of the present invention may comprise a base on which broccoli can be set, and upper and lower blades arranged above and below, the base being capable of moving back and forth between the space between the upper and lower blades and a set location to the side of them, the broccoli being set on the base which has been moved to the set location, and the base being moved to a cutting location where the broccoli is cut, and this setting of the broccoli and cutting of the petioles can be repeated.

[0015] The petiole cutting device of the present invention may be configured so that two or more petiole cutting devices or two or more pedestals each equipped with a pedestal on which broccoli can be set move back and forth or circulate between a setting location for setting the broccoli and a cutting location, and a broccoli can be set on any one of the pedestals or the pedestal of any one of the petiole cutting devices, and while the broccoli is being cut at the cutting location, another broccoli can be set on another pedestal or the pedestal of another petiole cutting device in preparation for the next petiole cutting.

[0016] The petiole cutting device of the present invention may be configured such that a number of pedestals are attached to a traveling body (e.g., a chain), the pedestals are moved by the movement of the chain, broccoli is set on the pedestals and transported, and an upper blade is installed above the path of the pedestals and a lower blade is installed below, so that the upper blade can cut the upper part of the petiole and the lower blade can cut the unnecessary lower part of the petiole while the broccoli is being transported. In this case, a stem blade can also be installed below the pedestals so that the stems can be cut while the broccoli is being transported. Effect of the Invention

[0017] The petiole cutting method of the present invention has the following effects. (1) It is convenient because the petioles can be cut to suit Hokkaido specifications, Kanto and Kyushu specifications, etc. (2) If you cut and remove the upper part of the petiole next to the flower bud and leave the lower part, the flower bud will be surrounded and protected by the lower part of the remaining petiole, making it less likely to be damaged. (3) In the case of the reciprocating or circulating petiole cutting method, while petioles are being cut with one petiole cutting device, the next broccoli to be cut can be set and prepared in another petiole cutting device, allowing for efficient cutting work. (4) In the case of the conveying type petiole cutting method, the petioles can be cut sequentially while the broccoli is being conveyed, which particularly improves the work efficiency.

[0018] The petiole cutting device of the present invention has the following effects. (1) It is convenient because one petiole cutting device can cut petioles to Hokkaido specifications as well as Kanto / Kyushu specifications. (2) In the case of a reciprocating or circulating type petiole cutting device, while a broccoli is set on one of the petiole cutting devices or bases and the petiole is being cut, a broccoli can be set on the other petiole cutting device or base in preparation for cutting the next broccoli, thereby improving the work efficiency of petiole cutting. (3) The transporting type petiole cutting device can cut the broccoli petioles, which are set on multiple pedestals and transported, one after another while they are being transported, thereby particularly improving the efficiency of the cutting operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of Hokkaido-style petiole cutting, where (a) is an explanatory diagram before cutting and (b) is an explanatory diagram after cutting. [Diagram 2] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of petiole cutting according to the Kanto and Kyushu specifications, where (a) is an explanatory diagram before cutting and (b) is an explanatory diagram after cutting. [Diagram 3] 4(a) to 4(c) are schematic side views of the petiole cutting method and apparatus of the present invention when setting broccoli and cutting the stem. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(c) are schematic side views of the petiole cutting method and apparatus of the present invention when cutting petioles. [Diagram 5] 4(a) to 4(c) are schematic side views of the petiole cutting method and apparatus of the present invention after the petiole has been cut. [Figure 6] (a)(b) Illustrative diagram of broccoli ejection after cutting the stem and petiole. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which broccoli is set on a base in the present invention. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are schematic side views of the individual petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4(a) to (e) are explanatory diagrams of the petiole cutting device of the present invention when it is a reciprocating type. [Figure 10] 4(a) to 4(e) are explanatory diagrams of the present invention in which the base is of a reciprocating type. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory plan view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention in the form of a circulating moving type. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory side view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention, in which the base is of a circulating type. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the conveying type petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an oblique schematic view of a direction changing portion of the conveying type petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 15] 14, (b) is a side view of the same direction changing section, and (c) is an explanatory diagram of the stem cutting section of the conveying type petiole cutting device. FIG. [Figure 16] 4(a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the arrangement of an upper blade, a base, and a lower blade in the petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base in the petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the pedestal of FIG. 17 with broccoli set thereon. [Figure 19] 1 is a perspective view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention with the base attached to a chain and set on a rail. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention with the base tilted, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the base tilted to eject broccoli. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the upper blade of the petiole cutting device of the present invention is waiting above the broccoli. [Figure 22] An explanatory diagram of the state in which the upper blade and upper support tool in the petiole cutting device of the present invention have been lowered and the upper support tool has been pressed against a broccoli floret. [Figure 23] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the upper blade and the upper support tool in the petiole cutting device of the present invention have been lowered and the upper blade is open toward the petiole. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower blade in a standby state in the petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Diagram 25] 1 is a perspective view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention in a state where the lower blade is swung toward the stem. [Figure 26]4 is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the lower part of the petiole is cut by the lower blade of the petiole cutting device of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] (Embodiment of petiole cutting method) The petiole cutting method of the present invention is a method in which broccoli is set on a base, with the flower buds and petioles protruding above the base and the stem protruding below the base, and the upper part of the petiole is cut with an upper blade. If necessary, unnecessary petioles can be cut and removed from the lower part with a lower blade. There are various embodiments of this petiole cutting method. Various embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] (Embodiment 1 of the petiole cutting method: Individual petiole cutting method) The petiole cutting method of the first embodiment is an individual petiole cutting method in which broccoli is cut one by one using one petiole cutting device. Various types of petiole cutting devices can be used, but the following description will be given as an example using the petiole cutting devices shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0022] 3(a)-(c) includes a base 1, an upper blade 2 and an upper support 3 disposed above the base 1, and a lower blade 4 and a lower support 6 disposed below the base 1. A stem blade 5 is also disposed below the base 1. The base 1 is capable of reciprocating along a guide rail 7 between the upper blade 2 and lower blade 4 disposed above and below and between the sides of the upper blade 2 and lower blade 4.

[0023] Pedestal 1 is an openable / closable type, it opens as shown in Figure 3(a) when broccoli A is set, and closes as shown in Figure 3(b) after it is set. Pedestal 1 can be opened and closed by an operator operating a switch, or it can be set to open and close automatically when it detects that broccoli A has been set.

[0024] The upper blade 2 and the upper support 3 rise and fall together with the ascending and descending body 8, and the lower blade 4 and the lower support 6 rise and fall together with the ascending and descending body 10.

[0025] When stationary, the upper blade 2 is placed on top of the upper support 3 as shown in Figure 3(a), and as shown in Figure 4(a), it descends in this state and enters between the flower bud B and the petiole C. After entering, as the upper rotor 9 rotates at high speed, the upper blade 2 also rotates at high speed, and the centrifugal force causes it to spread outward (towards the broccoli A) as shown in Figures 4(b) and (c), and it comes into contact with the top of the petiole C of the broccoli A protruding above the base 1 as shown in Figure 7, so that the top can be cut off and removed.

[0026] The lower blade 4 rises as the lower lifting body 10 rises, and rotates at high speed as the lower rotating body 11 rotates at high speed. The centrifugal force causes the lower blade 4 to move inward (towards the broccoli A) as shown in Figures 4(a) to (c), allowing the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C to be cut and removed from below the base 1.

[0027] The stem blade 5 is located below the guide rail 7 (below the base 1) and is located on the front side (left side in Fig. 3(a)-(c)) in the direction of movement of the base 1 than the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4, which are arranged above and below. The stem blade 5 is a disk-shaped blade that rotates.

[0028] When the upper support tool 3 descends, it presses against the flower bud B as shown in Figures 4(a) to (c), and when the lower support tool 6 ascends, it presses against the bottom surface of the stalk D as shown in Figures 4(a) to (c). These pressures prevent the broccoli A from spinning freely due to the rotational force of the upper blade 2 and lower blade 4.

[0029] The base 1 does not have to be of the openable / closable type. The upper blade 2 and the upper support 3 may be raised and lowered separately, and the lower blade 4 and the lower support 6 may be raised and lowered separately.

[0030] [Broccoli set] In the petiole cutting method using the petiole cutting device M of Fig. 3(a)-(c), broccoli A is inserted (pushed) one by one as shown in Fig. 3(b) into the base 1 moving to the left of the upper blade 2 and lower blade 4 along the guide rail 7 as shown in Fig. 3(a). In the set state as shown in Fig. 7, the upper part of the petiole C and the flower bud B protrude above the base 1, and the lower part of the petiole C and the stem D protrude below the base 1. The setting can be done manually by an operator or by a machine such as a robot (this setting method is the same for the following settings). The base 1 with the broccoli A set on it closes as shown in Fig. 3(b) by an operator operating a switch or automatically to hold the broccoli A.

[0031] [Cutting and removing the stem] As shown in Fig. 3(b), the base 1 holding the broccoli A is moved to the right as shown in Fig. 3(c) along the guide rail 7. During this movement, the stalk D of the broccoli A protruding below the base 1 hits the stalk blade 5 and is cut and removed as shown in Fig. 3(c).

[0032] [Cut and remove the upper part of the petiole] After cutting the stem D, the base 1 moves to the right along the guide rail 7 as shown in Fig. 3(c) and automatically stops between the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4 as shown in Fig. 4(a). In this state, the ascending and descending body 8 is lowered to press the upper support 3 against the flower bud B, and the upper blade 2 is lowered between the flower bud B and the petiole C spreading outwardly therefrom, so that the upper blade 2 does not come into contact with the flower bud B. After that, when the upper rotor 9 is rotated at high speed (for example, 2000 to 4000 rpm: this rotation speed is the same for the following high speed rotations), the centrifugal force of the high speed rotation causes the lower part of the upper blade 2 to spread outward (towards the broccoli A), and the upper part of the petiole C protruding above the base 1 is cut and removed as shown in Figs. 4(b) and (c). In this case, the cut is made to the side of the flower bud B, leaving the lower part of the petiole C enveloping the flower bud B as shown in Fig. 1(b), and the flower bud B is surrounded by the remaining petiole C, making it less likely to be damaged. The method for cutting the upper part of the petiole C is the same as in the following petiole cutting. The upper blade 2 can also be mechanically opened outward and returned to its original state (the same applies to the following petiole cutting method).

[0033] [Cut and remove the lower part of the petiole] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the lower rotor 11 is raised by the lower lifting tool (e.g., a cylinder) 10, and the lower support tool 6 is pressed against the bottom surface E (FIG. 21) of the cut stem D as shown in FIG. 22, and the lower blade 4 is set next to the lower part of the petiole C. In this state, the lower rotor 11 is rotated at high speed to rotate the lower blade 4 at high speed, and the centrifugal force of the high speed rotation moves the lower blade 4 inward (toward the broccoli A) as shown in FIG. 4(c), and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C is cut and removed from under the base 1 as shown in FIG. 1(b). The cutting and removal of the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C can be performed simultaneously with the cutting and removal of the upper part of the petiole C. In this case, by supporting the flower bud B with the upper support tool 3 and supporting the stem D with the lower support tool 6 as shown in FIG. 22, the broccoli A can be prevented from spinning freely due to the rotational force of the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4.

[0034] [Returning the upper and lower blades] After cutting and removing the upper part of the petiole C and the unnecessary lower part of the petiole C, the ascending and descending body 8 is ascended as shown in FIG. 5(b) to return the upper blade 2 and the upper support tool 3 to their original positions before they were descended. At this time, as the upper rotor 9 stops rotating, the upper blade 2 closes inward and fits onto the upper support tool 3. The lower ascending and descending body 10 is descended to return the lower blade 4 and the lower support tool 6 to their original positions before they were ascended. At this time, as the lower rotor 11 stops rotating, the lower blade 4 spreads outward as shown in FIG. 5(b)(c) to return to its original position. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, the lower support tool 6 moves away from the bottom surface E of the stem D.

[0035] [Broccoli ejection] As shown in Figure 6(a), the base 1 is tilted, the base 1 is opened, and broccoli A is discharged from the base 1 onto the discharge conveyor 12. The discharged broccoli A is transported by the discharge conveyor 12 to the next process location and boxed. Broccoli A can be automatically discharged when the tilted base 1 is opened, or it can be pulled out and discharged by a machine such as a robot, or manually by a worker. The discharge conveyor 12 in Figure 6(a) is a belt conveyor, and is disposed at the right end of the guide rail 7 (the end of the base 1 in the direction of movement) in a direction perpendicular to the guide rail 7. The discharge conveyor 12 may be a conveyor other than a belt conveyor.

[0036] After the broccoli A has been discharged, the base 1 returns to its original position (FIG. 6(b)) along the guide rail 7. The next broccoli A to be cut into petioles is set on the returned base 1. The above operations can be repeated thereafter.

[0037] (Embodiment 2 of the petiole cutting method: Individual petiole cutting method) The petiole cutting method of the second embodiment is also an individual petiole cutting method in which one petiole cutting device is used to cut broccoli one by one, and the petiole cutting device is as shown in Fig. 8(a)(b). The basic configuration of the petiole cutting device M in Fig. 8(a)(b) is the same as that of the petiole cutting device M in Fig. 3 to Fig. 6, except that a base 1 is fixed between an upper blade 2 and an upper support tool 3, and a lower blade 4 and a lower support tool 6, which are arranged vertically with a gap between them.

[0038] [Broccoli set] In this cutting method, broccoli A is set on the base 1 in Fig. 8(a) as shown in Fig. 8(b). The setting is performed as shown in Fig. 7 with the petiole C and flower bud B protruding upward and the stem D protruding downward.

[0039] [Cutting the stem] Broccoli A can be set on the base 1 without cutting the stem D, or it can be cut and then set. The cutting can be done manually by an operator, or by a stem cutting tool (not shown) arranged near the petiole cutting device M.

[0040] [Cut and remove the upper part of the petiole] The upper blade 2 and upper support tool 3 are lowered from above the base 1 on which the broccoli A is set, the upper support tool 3 is pressed against the flower bud B, and the upper blade 2 is lowered between the flower bud B and the petiole C extending outward from it. After that, the upper rotor 9 is rotated at high speed, spreading the lower part of the upper blade 2 outward (towards the broccoli A), and the upper part of the petiole C protruding above the base 1 is cut and removed as shown in Figure 1(b).

[0041] [Cut and remove the lower part of the petiole] The lower blade 4 and the lower support 6 below the base 1 are raised, and the lower support 6 is pressed against the bottom surface E (Fig. 21) of the stem D, and the lower blade 4 is brought close to the bottom of the base 1. The lower blade 4 rotates the lower rotor 11 at high speed, and the centrifugal force of the lower blade 4 moves it close to the bottom of the unnecessary petiole C until it comes into contact with the bottom of the unnecessary petiole C, and the bottom of the petiole C that has come into contact is cut off from below the base 1.

[0042] [Return of upper blade, upper support tool, lower blade, and lower support tool] After cutting the petiole, the upper blade 2 and the upper support tool 3 are returned to the positions before they were lowered, and the lower blade 4 and the lower support tool 6 are returned to the positions before they were raised.

[0043] [Broccoli elimination] After the petiole is cut, the broccoli A is removed (removed) from the base 1. The removal can be done manually by a worker or by a robot arranged near the petiole cutting device M.

[0044] [Repeat the above steps] Repeat the above process to cut the petioles C of the broccoli A one by one.

[0045] (Embodiment 3 of the petiole cutting method: Petiole cutting method with reciprocating petiole cutting device) The petiole cutting method of the third embodiment uses two petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 as shown in Fig. 9(a)-(e). The two petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 are the same. One of the petiole cutting devices M1 has a base 1a in the vertical center of a single housing 13, an upper blade 2a on the base 1a, and a lower blade 4a below the base 1a as shown in Fig. 9(b)-(e). The other petiole cutting device M2 has a base 1b in the vertical center of a single housing 13, an upper blade 2b on the base 1b, and a lower blade 4b below the base 1b as shown in Fig. 9(b)-(e). The bases 1a and 1b, the upper blades 2a and 2b, and the lower blades 4a and 4b are the same. This is a petiole cutting method in which the two petiole cutting devices M1, M2 are arranged side by side, and one of the petiole cutting devices M1 is moved back and forth between the set location S and the cutting location T1, and the other petiole cutting device M2 is moved back and forth between the set location S and the cutting location T2, in which the two petiole cutting devices M1, M2 alternately cut the petioles C of broccoli A.

[0046] [Broccoli set] As shown in Figure 9(b), broccoli A is set on the base 1a of the petiole cutting device M1 which has been moved to the setting location S. In the set state, as shown in Figure 7, the upper part of the petiole C and the flower bud B protrude above the base 1a, and the lower part of the petiole C and the stem D protrude below the base 1a.

[0047] [Cut and remove the upper part of the petiole] After the petiole cutting device M1 with the broccoli A set thereon is moved to the cutting location T1 as shown in Fig. 9(c), the upper part of the petiole B is cut and removed with the upper blade 2a as shown in Fig. 1(b). In addition, the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C is cut and removed with the lower blade 4a as shown in Fig. 1(b).

[0048] [Broccoli removal and return] The broccoli A with the upper and lower parts of the stems C cut off is discharged from the base 1a to empty the base 1a, and then the stem cutting device M1 is returned to the setting place S. This discharge can also be performed manually or mechanically (the same applies to the discharge in the following embodiments).

[0049] [Preparing the next broccoli] Before (while) the petiole cutting device M1 returns to the set location S, the next broccoli A is set on the base 1b of the other petiole cutting device M2 that has been moved to the set location S as shown in Fig. 9(d), and the petiole cutting device M2 is moved to the cutting location T2 as shown in Fig. 9(e) to cut and remove the upper part of the petiole C of the broccoli A and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C. After cutting, the broccoli A is discharged from the base 1b to empty the base 1b, and then the petiole cutting device M2 is returned to the set location S.

[0050] In the same manner as described above, the upper and lower parts of the stalk C of the broccoli A set on the base 1a of the petiole cutting device M1 and the upper and lower parts of the stalk C of the broccoli A set on the base 1b of the petiole cutting device M2 are cut and removed in sequence. In this petiole cutting method, the stalk D of the broccoli A set on the base 1a or 1b can also be cut and removed by the stem blade 5 while leaving a desired length. The stem blade 5 can be installed at any position in the housing 13 of each of the petiole cutting devices M1 and M2, or installed separately from the housing 13. The installation of the stem blade 5 is the same in the following embodiments.

[0051] (Embodiment 4 of the petiole cutting method: petiole cutting method with reciprocating base movement) The petiole cutting method of the fourth embodiment uses two petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 as shown in Fig. 10(a)-(e). The petiole cutting device M1 has a base 1a, an upper blade 2a, and a lower blade 4a, which are separately arranged and fixed at a cutting place T1, and the base 1a can be moved back and forth between the upper blade 2a and the lower blade 4a at the cutting place T1 and a set place S. The petiole cutting device M2 has a base 1b, an upper blade 2b, and a lower blade 4b, which are separately arranged and fixed at a cutting place T2, and the base 1b can be moved back and forth between the upper blade 2b and the lower blade 4b at the cutting place T2 and a set place S. The petiole cutting method of this embodiment is a petiole cutting method involving reciprocating movement of the base, in which the petiole C of broccoli A set on base 1a is cut at cutting location T1, and the petiole C of broccoli A set on base 1b is cut at cutting location T2.

[0052] Broccoli A is set as shown in Fig. 7 on pedestal 1a at setting place S as shown in Fig. 10(b). The pedestal 1a is moved to cutting place T1 as shown in Fig. 10(c), and the upper part of the petiole C is cut and removed with upper blade 2a, and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C is cut and removed with lower blade 4a. The cut broccoli A is ejected from pedestal 1a to empty pedestal 1a, and the empty pedestal 1a is returned to setting place S.

[0053] Before the empty base 1a returns to the setting location S, another base 1b is moved to the setting location S as shown in Fig. 10(d), the next broccoli is set on that base 1b as shown in Fig. 7, and it is moved to the cutting location T2 as shown in Fig. 10(e), after which the upper part of the petiole C is cut and removed with the upper blade 2b and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C with the lower blade 4b. After cutting, the broccoli A is discharged from the base 1b to empty it, and the empty base 1b is returned to the setting location S.

[0054] Thereafter, in the same manner as above, the petioles C of the broccoli A set on the pedestals 1a and 1b are repeatedly cut and removed in sequence.

[0055] With this cutting method, the stem D of the broccoli A set on the base 1a or 1b can also be cut and removed with the stem blade 5 while leaving a desired length.

[0056] (Embodiment 5 of the petiole cutting method: petiole cutting method using a circulating petiole cutting device) The petiole cutting method of embodiment 5 is a petiole cutting method using a circulating petiole cutting device, in which the petiole cutting device is moved in a circulating manner to cut the petioles of broccoli set on a base.

[0057] In this cutting method, as shown in Figure 8(a), two petiole cutting devices are used, with an upper blade 2 and an upper support tool 3 arranged above a base 1 and a lower blade 4 and a lower support tool 6 arranged below, and as shown in Figure 11, the two petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 are moved in a circular motion from the waiting area W to the setting area S to the cutting area T to the discharge area U to the waiting area W and then back to the setting area S.

[0058] At the setting location S, a broccoli A is set on the base 1a of the petiole cutting device M1 as shown in Fig. 7, and the petiole cutting device M1 is moved to the cutting location T, where the upper blade 2 (Fig. 8(a)) of the petiole cutting device M1 is lowered toward the base 1a and rotated to cut and remove the upper part of the petiole C as shown in Fig. 1(b). The lower blade 4 is raised toward the base 1a and rotated to cut and remove the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C from below the base 1a as shown in Fig. 1(b). At this time, the upper support tool 3, which descends simultaneously with the upper blade 2, supports the flower bud B, and the lower support tool 6, which descends simultaneously with the lower blade 4, supports the stalk D.

[0059] After the petioles are cut, the petiole cutting device M1 is moved to the discharge location U, the broccoli A with the petioles cut is discharged from the base 1a to empty the base 1a, and the petiole cutting device M1 is sent to the waiting location W. Prior to this, the petiole cutting device M2 waiting at the waiting location W is moved to the setting location S.

[0060] While (before) the petiole cutting device M1 with its pedestal 1a emptied arrives at the waiting place W, the next broccoli A is set on the pedestal 1b of the other petiole cutting device M2 that has been moved to the setting place S, and the petiole cutting device M2 is moved to the cutting place T, where the upper part of the petiole C of the broccoli A is cut and removed with the upper blade 2 and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C with the lower blade 4. After the petiole cutting, the petiole cutting device M2 is moved to the discharge place U, where the broccoli A is removed from the pedestal 1b of the petiole cutting device M2 and the pedestal 1b is emptied. The petiole cutting device M2 is sent to the waiting place W. Before that, the petiole cutting device M1 is moved to the setting place S so that the next broccoli A can be set on the pedestal 1a of the petiole cutting device M1.

[0061] Thereafter, the process of cutting the stems of the broccoli A set on the base 1a of the petiole cutting device M1 and the process of cutting the stems of the broccoli A set on the base 1b of the petiole cutting device M2 are repeated in sequence.

[0062] Even with this petiole cutting method, the stem D of the broccoli A protruding below the base 1a (1b) can be cut and removed to the desired length with a stem blade 5 before cutting off the upper part of the petiole C and the unnecessary lower part of the petiole C.

[0063] In this embodiment, two petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 are moved in a circulating manner, but it is also possible to move three or more petiole cutting devices in a circulating manner and cut and remove the petioles C in sequence using these three petiole cutting devices.

[0064] (Embodiment 6 of the petiole cutting method: petiole cutting method with circulating and moving base) The petiole cutting method of embodiment 6 is a petiole cutting method with a circulating base movement, in which separate upper blade 2 and lower blade 4 are arranged and fixed one above the other at the cutting location T, as shown in Figure 12, and two bases 1a, 1b can be circulated from a waiting location W - a set location S - between the upper blade 2 and lower blade 4 arranged one above the other at the cutting location T - a discharge location U in that order.

[0065] At the setting location S, the broccoli is set on the base 1a as shown in Figure 7, and the base 1a is then moved to the cutting location T and stopped between the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4. In this stopped state, the upper blade 2 is lowered and rotated to cut and remove the upper part of the petiole C protruding above the base 1a as shown in Figure 1(b). In addition, the lower blade 4 is raised and rotated to cut and remove the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C protruding below the base 1a. At this time, the upper support tool 3 supports the flower bud B, and the lower support tool 6 supports the stem D.

[0066] The base 1a is moved to the discharge location U, the broccoli with the stems cut off is discharged from the base 1a to empty the base 1a, and the empty base 1a is sent to the waiting location W. Before that, the base 1b that was in the waiting location W is moved to the setting location S.

[0067] Before (while) the empty pedestal 1a arrives at the waiting area W, the next broccoli A is set on another pedestal 1b at the setting area S as shown in Fig. 7. The pedestal 1b is moved to the cutting area T, and the upper part of the stalk C of the broccoli A is cut and removed as shown in Fig. 1(b), and the lower part of the unnecessary stalk C is cut and removed by the lower blade 4 as shown in Fig. 1(b).

[0068] The base 1b is moved to the discharge location U, the broccoli A is removed from the base 1b to empty the base 1b, and the base 1b is returned to the waiting location W.

[0069] As described above, the pedestals 1a, 1b are circulated, broccoli A is set on each of the pedestals 1a, 1b, and the upper part of the petiole C and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C are cut and removed in sequence and repeatedly.

[0070] Even with this cutting method, the stem D can be cut and removed to a desired length using the stem blade 5 before cutting the petiole C.

[0071] In this embodiment, two pedestals 1a and 1b are circulated, but three or more pedestals can also be circulated.

[0072] (Embodiment 7 of the petiole cutting method: conveyor-type petiole cutting method) The petiole cutting method of embodiment 7 is a conveying petiole cutting method in which, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, a number of bases 1 attached to a horizontally rotating endless running body (e.g., a chain: hereinafter referred to as "chain") 20 are moved by the movement of the chain 20, broccoli A is set on the bases 1 as shown in Figure 7, and while being transported or temporarily stopped, an upper blade 2 (Figure 14) on the moving path of the base 1 descends and rotates at high speed to cut and remove the upper part of the petiole C as shown in Figure 1(b), and a lower blade 4 (Figure 14) on the moving path of the base 1 rises and rotates at high speed to cut and remove the unnecessary lower part of the petiole C as shown in Figure 1(b).

[0073] In this conveying type petiole cutting method, when the base 1 moves, the upper blade 2 moves synchronously with the movement of the base 1 while descending toward the base 1 and rotating at high speed to cut off the upper part of the petiole C. In addition, the lower blade 4 moves synchronously with the movement of the base 1 while ascending toward the base 1 and rotating at high speed to cut off and remove the unnecessary lower part of the petiole C.

[0074] In this conveying type petiole cutting method, the upper part of the petiole C and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C can be cut and removed while the base 1 is temporarily stopped. In this case, the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4 do not need to move synchronously, and can be lowered or raised at a predetermined position to cut and remove.

[0075] In this cutting method, the stem D protruding below the base 1 can also be cut and removed by the stem blade 5 (FIG. 14) located on the path of movement of the base 1, leaving a desired length.

[0076] When simultaneously cutting off the upper part of the stalk C of broccoli A with the upper blade 2 and the unnecessary lower part of the stalk C with the lower blade 4, by pressing the upper support tool 3 (Figure 4) against the flower bud B of broccoli A and holding the stalk D of broccoli A with the lower support tool 6 (Figure 3(a)) to hold the broccoli A from above and below, it is possible to prevent the broccoli A from spinning freely due to the rotational force of the upper blade 2 and lower blade 4, which are rotating at high speed.

[0077] The base 1 continues to move with the movement of the chain 20 even after the petioles are cut, and is discharged at an inclination at the discharge location onto the discharge conveyor 12, and continues to move even after it is empty.

[0078] (Embodiment of petiole cutting device) The petiole cutting device of the present invention can be implemented in various embodiments. These embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0079] (Embodiment 1 of the petiole cutting device: Individual petiole cutting device) As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the petiole cutting device of the first embodiment includes a base 1 on which a broccoli A can be set, an upper blade 2 capable of cutting the upper part of a petiole C of the broccoli A set on the base 1, and a lower blade 4 capable of cutting the lower part of an unnecessary petiole C. The upper blade 2 is arranged and fixed on the base 1 so as to be movable up and down, and the lower blade 4 is arranged and fixed below the base 1 so as to be movable up and down. The base 1 is reciprocally movable along a guide rail 7 from a position outside the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4 as shown in Fig. 3(a) to a position between the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4 as shown in Fig. 3(a). In addition, as shown in Fig. 3(a), a stalk blade 5 is arranged and fixed below the guide rail 7 outside the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4. The stalk blade 5 is disc-shaped and rotatable, and is configured to cut the stalk D of the broccoli A by rotation as shown in Fig. 3(c).

[0080] [pedestal] The base 1 is capable of setting broccoli A thereon as shown in FIG.

[0081] [base] The base 30 of the pedestal 1 is U-shaped with side walls 33 rising upward on both sides in the width direction of a square bottom plate 32 (Fig. 20(a)), and a through hole 34 (Fig. 20(a)) is opened in the center of the bottom plate 32. A bracket 35 (Fig. 19) that can be attached to the chain 20 (Fig. 19), and wheels 37 (Fig. 17) that are placed on rails 36 parallel to the chain 20 are attached to the bottom plate 32, so that the pedestal 1 can move on the rails 36 as the chain 20 runs.

[0082] [Main unit] The main body 31 (Fig. 17) of the pedestal 1 is in the shape of a square box, and is placed on the base 30. It is rotatably attached to the base 30 by a connecting pin 38, and can be rotated from the horizontal state in Fig. 19 to the standing state in Fig. 20(a). By standing it up as in Fig. 20(a), the broccoli A with its stems cut off can be easily discharged from the pedestal 1 onto the discharge conveyor 12 (Fig. 20(b)).

[0083] There is a circular insertion hole (setting hole) 39 (Fig. 17) in the centre of the main body 31. The setting hole 39 is large enough that broccoli A can be set by inserting (pushing) it with the flower bud B on top and the stem D on the bottom as shown in Fig. 7. The setting hole 39 communicates with the through hole 34 (Fig. 20(a)) of the base 30 as shown in Fig. 17. The inner circumferential surface 39a of the setting hole 39 has a height in the vertical direction and slopes downward from the top to the bottom, with the inner diameter gradually becoming smaller (thinner) downward, making it easy to insert the broccoli A.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 17, two approximately semicircular opening and closing plates 40 are disposed at opposing positions on the periphery of the upper surface of the set hole 39. The two opening and closing plates 40 are connected by two connecting plates 41, which are pulled toward each other by a traction device (e.g., a spring) not shown. The two opening and closing plates 40 are configured to open and close so that when broccoli A is pushed into the set hole 39, they are pushed outward (expanded in diameter), and when the broccoli A is discharged, they return to their original position (reduced in diameter). By configuring them to open and close, it becomes easier to push the broccoli A into the set hole 39 from above, and when the broccoli A has been pushed in, the two opening and closing plates 40 come into contact with the outer periphery of the broccoli A, thereby holding the broccoli A from the outside.

[0085] [Ascending and descending body] 16(a), the lifting body 8 in Fig. 8(a) has a motor 44 and an upper rotor 9 attached to a plate-shaped upper base 43 which is attached to a pair of upper support shafts 42 so that they can be raised and lowered. The upper base 43 can be raised and lowered along the two upper support shafts 42 by an elevating mechanism (not shown). The upper rotor 9 rotates at high speed in conjunction with the high-speed rotation of the motor 44.

[0086] [Upper blade] The two upper blades 2 in Fig. 16(a) are long and thin, with cutting edges 2c on the outer side in the width direction, and are attached to an upper rotor 9 attached to a lifting body 8. When the upper rotor 9 is stationary, the upper blades 2 are housed on top of the suction cup-like upper support 3 as shown in Fig. 21, but when the upper rotor 9 rotates at high speed, they rotate at high speed and spread outward and downward due to centrifugal force as shown in Fig. 23, and when the high-speed rotation stops, they close to the original state as shown in Fig. 22.

[0087] The upper blade 2 (Fig. 16(a)) descends toward the base 1 as shown in Fig. 22 as the upper base 43 descends, enters the inside of the petiole C from the upper end thereof which protrudes upward and to the outside of the flower bud B as shown in Fig. 23, and spreads outward (towards the petiole C) due to the centrifugal force as the upper rotor 9 rotates at high speed, so that the blade tip 2c comes into contact with the upper part of the petiole C and cuts the upper part of the petiole C next to the flower bud B. After cutting, it rises above the flower bud B (to its original position) as shown in Fig. 21, and closes (returns) to its original state (the state in Fig. 21) before it spreads out when the high-speed rotation stops.

[0088] The upper blade 2 can also be opened and closed by a mechanical opening and closing operation (not shown) rather than by centrifugal force during rotation.

[0089] [Top support] The upper support tool 3 (Figure 16(a)) is shaped like a suction cup with a flared base, and descends together with the upper blade 2 as the ascending body 8 descends, so that it can be pressed against the flower bud B protruding above the base 1, as shown in Figure 22.

[0090] [Downward ascending body] 16(c), the lower lifting body 10 has a motor 52 and a lower rotating body 11 attached to a plate-shaped lower base 51 which is attached so as to be able to rise and fall to a pair of lower support shafts 50. The lower base 51 can be raised and lowered along the two lower support shafts 50 by an elevating mechanism (not shown). The lower rotating body 11 rotates at high speed in conjunction with the high speed rotation of the motor 52.

[0091] [Lower blade] The two lower blades 4 in Fig. 16(c) are triangular plates with a sharp upper portion, with a blade tip 4c on the inside in the width direction. The lower blades 4 are attached facing upward to the upper surface of one longitudinal end of two parallel elongated base plates 54 which are rotatably attached by a support shaft 53 to the lower rotor 11 attached to the lower lift body 10. A weight 55 is attached facing downward to the lower surface of the other longitudinal end of the base plates 54.

[0092] When the lower rotor 11 is stationary, the two lower blades 4 are parallel as shown in Figure 16(c), but as the lower rotor 11 rotates at high speed, they rotate at high speed and the centrifugal force causes them to swing inward (towards the broccoli A) as shown in Figures 25 and 26, so that the blade tips 4c come into contact with the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C. When the high-speed rotation of the base 1 stops, the blades return to their original state (parallel state) as shown in Figure 16(c).

[0093] The lower blade 4 may also be configured to oscillate by a mechanical operation (not shown) rather than by centrifugal force during rotation.

[0094] [Lower support] The shape and structure of the lower support tool 6 (Fig. 8(a)) are not particularly limited, but for example, it has a shape with a protrusion on the upper surface of a thick-walled cylindrical base as shown in Fig. 21. This lower holding tool 6 is attached to the lower lifting body 10 (Fig. 16(c)) and rises together with the lower blade 4 as the lower lifting body 10 rises and falls, pressing against the bottom surface E (Fig. 21) of the cut stalk D of broccoli A that protrudes below the base 1 as shown in Fig. 22. Before the lower holding tool 6 presses against it, the stalk D has been cut to a predetermined length by the stalk blade 5 as shown in Fig. 16(b).

[0095] [Upper and lower supports hold broccoli] When the upper blade 2 is used to cut the upper part of the stalk C of broccoli A set on the base 1 as shown in Figure 16(b), the upper support tool 3, which descends as the upper blade 2 descends, is pressed against the flower bud B of the broccoli A as shown in Figure 22, and the lower support tool 6, which rises as the lower blade 4 rises, is pressed against the bottom surface E (Figure 16(b)) of the stalk D of the broccoli A as shown in Figure 22, thereby supporting the broccoli A from above and below and preventing the broccoli A from spinning freely due to the rotational force of the upper blade 2 and lower blade 4.

[0096] (Embodiment 2 of the petiole cutting device: Individual petiole cutting device) The petiole cutting device of the second embodiment has a basic configuration similar to that of the first embodiment (Figs. 3 to 6), but differs in that it does not have the guide rail 7 of Figs. 3 to 6, and instead has a fixed base 1, as shown in Fig. 8(a), with an upper blade 2 arranged above it so as to be able to rise and fall, and a lower blade 4 arranged below it so as to be able to be raised and lowered, all integrated into one unit. The structures and operations of the upper blade 2, upper support 3, lower blade 4, and lower support 6 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0097] (Embodiment 3 of the petiole cutting device: Reciprocating petiole cutting device) The petiole cutting device of embodiment 3 has two petiole cutting devices M1 and M2, each of which has upper blades 2a and 2b arranged above bases 1a and 1b and lower blades 4a and 4b arranged below, arranged apart horizontally as shown in Figure 9(a) as shown in Figure 9(b) to (e), and the petiole cutting device M1 moves back and forth between the set location S and the cutting location T1, and the petiole cutting device M2 moves back and forth between the set location S and the cutting location T2.

[0098] The petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 are equipped with the upper blades 2a and 2b, the lower blades 4a and 4b, as well as the upper support 3 and the lower support 6 as shown in Fig. 8(a). The individual configurations of the upper blades 2a and 2b, the lower blades 4a and 4b, the upper support 3, and the lower support 6 may be the same as or different from those of the individual petiole cutting device of the first embodiment, but the following explanation will be given for the case where the same ones are used.

[0099] In this embodiment, the petiole C can be cut as follows. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the broccoli A is set on the base 1a of the petiole cutting device M1 moved to the setting place S with the flower bud B on top and the stem D on the bottom as shown in FIG. 7. The petiole cutting device M1 is moved to the cutting place T1 as shown in FIG. 9(c), and the upper part of the petiole C protruding above the base 1a is cut by the upper blade 2a as shown in FIG. 1(b), and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C protruding below the base 1a is cut by the lower blade 4a as shown in FIG. 1(b). In addition, the stem D protruding below the base 1a is cut by the stem blade 5 while leaving a desired length. After cutting, the broccoli A is discharged from the base 1a to empty the base 1a, and the petiole cutting device M1 is returned to the setting place S.

[0100] While (before) the petiole cutting device M1 returns to the set place S, another petiole cutting device M2 is moved to the set place S as shown in FIG. 9(d), and the next broccoli A is set on the base 1b of the petiole cutting device M2 in the same manner as described above. The petiole cutting device M2 is moved to the cutting place T2 as shown in FIG. 9(e), and the upper part of the petiole C and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C can be cut in the same manner as described above. Furthermore, the stem D protruding below the base 1b can be cut by the stem blade 5 while leaving a desired length. After these cuts, the broccoli A can be discharged from the base 1b, and the petiole cutting device M2 can be returned to the set place S. The petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 can be reciprocated along a guide rail (not shown). The reciprocating movement can be performed by an operator operating a switch, or automatically.

[0101] The steps of setting the broccoli A on the base 1a of the petiole cutting device M1 and the base 1b of the petiole cutting device M2, and cutting the petioles of the set broccoli A can be repeated as described above.

[0102] (Embodiment 4 of the petiole cutting device: A petiole cutting device with a reciprocating base) In the petiole cutting device of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10(a), the bases 1a and 1b, the upper blades 2a and 2b, and the lower blades 4a and 4b are separate, and the upper blade 2a and the lower blade 4a are arranged and fixed vertically at the cutting place T1, and the other upper blade 2b and the lower blade 4b are arranged and fixed vertically at the cutting place T2. In addition, of the two bases 1a and 1b, one base 1a can be moved back and forth between the setting place S and the cutting place T1, and the other base 1b can be moved back and forth between the setting place S and the cutting place T2. The bases 1a and 1b can be moved back and forth along a guide rail (not shown). The back and forth movement can be performed automatically or by the switch operation of the operator.

[0103] In this embodiment, in addition to the bases 1a, 1b, upper blades 2a, 2b, and lower blades 4a, 4b, there are also provided an upper support 3 and a lower support 6. These may be the same as those in embodiment 1 or different, but the following explanation is for the case where the same ones are used.

[0104] According to the petiole cutting device of this embodiment, the petiole C can be cut as follows. As shown in FIG. 10(b), the broccoli A is set on the base 1a moved to the setting place S with the flower bud B on top and the stem D on the bottom as shown in FIG. 7. The base 1a is moved to the cutting place T1 as shown in FIG. 10(c), and the upper part of the petiole C protruding above the base 1a is cut by the upper blade 2a as shown in FIG. 1(b), and the unnecessary lower part of the petiole C is cut by the lower blade 4a as shown in FIG. 1(b). In addition, the stem D protruding below the base 1a is cut by the stem blade 5 while leaving a desired length. After cutting, the broccoli A is removed from the base 1a to empty the base 1a, and the empty base 1a is returned to the setting place S.

[0105] While (before) the base 1a returns to the setting place S, another base 1b is moved to the setting place S as shown in FIG. 10(d), and the next broccoli A is set on the base 1b in the same manner as described above. The base 1b is moved to the cutting place T2 as shown in FIG. 10(e), and the upper part of the petiole C and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C can be cut in the same manner as described above. Furthermore, the stem D protruding below the base 1b can be cut with the stem blade 5 while leaving a desired length. After these cuts, the broccoli A can be removed from the base 1b to empty the base 1b, and the empty base 1b can be returned to the setting place S. In this manner, the setting of the broccoli A on the bases 1a and 1b, the movement of the set broccoli A to the cutting places T1 and T2, and the cutting of the petiole C at the cutting places T1 and T2 can be repeated.

[0106] (Embodiment 5 of the petiole cutting device: A circulating mobile petiole cutting device) In the fifth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11(a), two petiole cutting devices are prepared, each equipped with a base 1 on which broccoli A can be set, an upper blade 2 arranged on the base 1, and a lower blade 4 arranged under the base 1. As shown in Fig. 11(a), the two petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 are circulated in the order of a waiting place W - a setting place S where broccoli A is set on the base 1 - a cutting place T where the petiole C is cut - a discharge place U where the broccoli A is discharged from the base 1 - the waiting place W, and the petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 can be made to circulate on a guide rail (not shown) so as to temporarily stop at the setting place S and the discharge place U during the circulating movement.

[0107] The petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 can be the individual petiole cutting device of embodiment 1 or petiole cutting devices of other structures, but the following explanation is for the case where the individual petiole cutting device of embodiment 1 is used.

[0108] According to this embodiment, while either of the petiole cutting devices M1, M2 (for example, M1) is temporarily stopped at the set location S, broccoli A is set on the base 1a of the petiole cutting device M1, and while temporarily stopped at the cutting location T, the upper part of the petiole C is cut off with the upper blade 2a and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C is cut off with the lower blade 4a, and while passing through or temporarily stopped at the discharge location U, the broccoli A with the petiole cut is discharged from the base 1a to empty the base 1a, and the empty base 1a is returned (moved) to the original set location S, and the next broccoli A can be set on the base 1a.

[0109] The above-mentioned cutting operation can be repeated by the petiole cutting devices M1 and M2. The upper blades 2a and 2b, the upper support 3, the lower blades 4a and 4b, and the lower support 6 operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The petiole cutting devices M1 and M2 are provided with the upper support 3 above the pedestals 1a and 1b, and the lower support 6 below the pedestals 1a and 1b, so that the upper support 3 can push the flower bud B of the broccoli A downward, the lower support 6 can support the stem D, and the broccoli A can be held from above and below, so that the upper blades 2a and 2b and the lower blades 4a and 4b can simultaneously cut the upper part of the petiole C and the unnecessary lower part of the petiole C without the broccoli A spinning idle.

[0110] (Embodiment 6 of the petiole cutting device: A petiole cutting device with a circulating movable base) In the petiole cutting device of the sixth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4 are arranged and fixed separately from the base 1 at the cutting place T, and the two bases 1a and 1b are circulated between the waiting place W, the setting place S, the space between the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 3 at the cutting place T, the discharge place U, and the waiting place W. In this case, the circulated movement is also performed along the guide rail. The circulated movement can be performed automatically or by the operator operating a switch.

[0111] The bases 1a, 1b, upper blade 2, and lower blade 4 can be the same as those in the petiole cutting device of embodiment 1, or can have a different structure, but the following explanation is for the case where the same ones are used.

[0112] According to this petiole cutting device with a circulating movable base, broccoli A is set on the base 1a at the setting place S, and the base 1a is moved to the cutting place T and temporarily stopped between the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4. While stopped, the upper blade 2 is lowered and rotated at high speed to cut the upper part of the petiole C protruding above the base 1a as shown in Fig. 1(b) as shown in Fig. 7, and the lower blade 4 is raised and rotated at high speed to cut the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C protruding below the base 1a as shown in Fig. 1(b) as shown in Fig. 7. In this case, the stem D protruding below the base 1a as shown in Fig. 7 can also be cut by the stem blade 5 arranged below the base 1a.

[0113] The base 1a is moved to the discharge location U, the broccoli A with the stems cut off is discharged from the base 1a to empty the base 1a, and the empty base 1a is returned to the set location S.

[0114] While (before) the emptied base 1a returns to the setting place S, the next broccoli A is set on another base 1b at the setting place S in the same manner as described above, and the base 1b is moved to the cutting place T, where the upper part of the stalk C of the broccoli A protruding above the base 1b as shown in Fig. 7 is cut off as shown in Fig. 1(b). In this case, too, the lower part of the unnecessary stalk C protruding below the base 1b as shown in Fig. 7 can be cut off by the lower blade 4 as shown in Fig. 1(b). Also, the stalk D protruding below the base 1b can be cut off by the stalk blade 5, leaving the desired length.

[0115] The base 1b is moved to the discharge location U, the broccoli A is removed from the base 1b to empty the base 1b, and the empty base 1b is returned to the setting location S. By repeating this process, the bases 1a and 1b are cyclically moved, and the petioles C of the broccoli A set on each of the bases 1a and 1b can be repeatedly cut.

[0116] In this embodiment, two pedestals 1a and 1b are used, but three or more pedestals can also be circulated.

[0117] (Embodiment 7 of the petiole cutting device: conveyor-type petiole cutting device) 13 to 15, the petiole cutting device of the seventh embodiment has a number of bases 1 attached to an endless running body 20 at regular intervals, and the bases 1 are moved by the movement of the endless running body 20. An upper blade 2, an upper support tool 3, a lower blade 4, a stem blade 5, and a lower support tool 6 are arranged on the moving path of the endless running body 20. The endless running body 20 can be a chain or other running body as long as it can move the bases 1, but the case of a chain will be described below as an example.

[0118] [Endless traveling body: Chain] The chain 20 is similar to a general-purpose chain, and is wound around the outer periphery of two disk-shaped sprockets 60, 61 (Figs. 13 and 14) arranged side by side, and rotates horizontally in conjunction with the horizontal rotation of both sprockets 60, 61. Both sprockets 60, 61 may be driving sprockets, or one may be a driving sprocket and the other a driven sprocket.

[0119] An example of the base 1 is shown in Figures 17 to 20(a) and (b), and its structure and operation are as explained in the seventh embodiment of the petiole cutting method. The base 30 of this base 1 is attached to the chain 20 as shown in Figure 19, and the wheels 37 (Figures 17 and 18) are placed on the rails 36 (Figure 19) so that it can move on the rails 36 as the chain 20 moves.

[0120] [Upper rotating disc, lower rotating disc] An upper rotating disk 63 and a lower rotating disk 64 are attached to a rotating shaft 62 of one of the sprockets 60 (FIG. 13) as shown in FIG. 14. The upper rotating disk 63 is attached above the sprocket 60, and the lower rotating disk 64 is attached below the sprocket 60. The upper rotating disk 63 and the lower rotating disk 64 are adapted to rotate in the same direction as the rotating shaft 62 rotates.

[0121] [Ascending and descending body, descending and ascending body] As shown in Fig. 14, a plurality of ascending and descending bodies 8 (Fig. 16(a)) are attached below the upper rotating platen 63, and a plurality of lower ascending and descending bodies 10 (Fig. 16(c)) are attached below the lower rotating platen 64. The ascending and descending bodies 8 are attached to a pair of upper support shafts 42 protruding downward from the upper rotating platen 63, and are raised and lowered along the upper support shafts 42 by a lifting mechanism (not shown). The lower ascending and descending bodies 10 are attached to a pair of lower support shafts 50 protruding downward from the lower rotating platen 64 (Fig. 14) so ​​as to be able to ascend and descend, and are raised and lowered along the lower support shafts 50 by a lifting mechanism (not shown). The ascending and descending bodies 8 and the lower ascending and descending bodies 10 may have other configurations.

[0122] [Upper blade] The shape, structure, operation, etc. of the upper blade 2 are not limited as long as it can cut the upper part of the petiole C, but an example is as shown in Figure 16(a). This upper blade 2 has a cutting edge 2c on the outer edge of the elongated plate-like base. The upper blades 2 are attached to a lifting body 8 so that they rise and fall as the lifting body 8 rises and falls, and are attached as a pair to an upper rotating body 9 attached to the lifting body 8. When stationary (not rotating), they are placed on top of an upper support 3 (Figure 16(a)) attached to the upper rotating body 9.

[0123] The upper blade 2 descends as the ascending body 8 descends. As it descends, it enters the inside of the petiole C outside the flower bud B as shown in Figure 22, and when the upper rotor 9 rotates at high speed in this state, centrifugal force causes the lower part to spread outward as shown in Figure 23, making contact with the upper part of the petiole C so that it can be cut and removed. Once the upper part of the petiole C has been cut off, it ascends together with the ascending body 8. It rises above the flower bud B as shown in Figure 21, and when the high-speed rotation of the upper rotor 9 stops, it closes inward and fits onto the upper support 3 (returning to its original state).

[0124] [Lower blade] The shape, structure, operation, etc. of the lower blade 4 are not specified as long as it is capable of cutting off the unnecessary lower portion of the petiole C. As an example, as shown in Figure 16 (c), a cutting edge 4c is provided on one side of a roughly triangular base that is sharp upward, and the cutting edges 4c of both lower blades 4 are attached to two elongated bases 54 with their cutting edges facing opposite directions.

[0125] The two base plates 54 are attached to the lower lifting body 10 and rise and fall with the rise and fall of the lower lifting body 10, and are rotatably attached at their approximate longitudinal center portions to the lower rotating body 11 by a support shaft 53 so as to rotate with the rotation of the lower rotating body 11. The lower blade 4 is attached to the upper surface of one longitudinal end of each of the two base plates 54, and a weight 55 is attached to the lower surface of the other end.

[0126] The two lower blades 4 are parallel as shown in Fig. 16(c) when the lower rotor 11 is stopped (not rotating), but when the lower rotor 11 rotates at high speed, the centrifugal force causes them to approach each other as shown in Fig. 25 (swinging them toward the petiole C), and they come into contact with the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C of the broccoli A set on the base 1, so that they can cut off the lower part of the unnecessary petiole C as shown in Fig. 26. When cutting is completed, the rotation of the lower rotor 11 stops, and the rotation of the two base plates 54 also stops, so that the two base plates 54 return to being parallel as shown in Fig. 24, and the lower blades 4 also return to the parallel state (original state) before rotation.

[0127] [Top support] As shown in Fig. 16(a), the upper support tool 3 is attached to the upper rotating body 9. The upper support tool 3 descends as the ascending / descending body 8 descends, pressing from above against the flower bud B of the broccoli A set on the pedestal 1 as shown in Fig. 22, and then rises as the ascending / descending body 8 rises, separating it from the flower bud B. The upper support tool 3 in Fig. 16(a) has a suction cup shape that spreads downward, but may have other shapes and structures as long as it can press against the flower bud B when the stalk C is cut by the rotating upper blade 2 and lower blade 4 to prevent the broccoli A from spinning freely. It is also preferable to form the upper support tool from a material that does not easily damage the flower bud B when it is pressed against it, such as rubber or urethane.

[0128] [Lower support] As shown in Figure 16(c), the lower support 6 is attached to the lower rotating body 11. The lower support 6 rises as the lower lifting body 10 rises, pressing against (piercing) from below against the bottom surface E (Figure 21) of the stalk D of the broccoli A set on the pedestal 1, and descends as the lower lifting body 10 descends, separating it from the stalk D. The lower support 6 in Figure 21 has protrusions protruding from the upper surface of a thick ring-shaped base material, but the lower support 6 may have other shapes and structures as long as it can support the stalk C of the broccoli A.

[0129] [Stem blade] A stalk blade 5 (Fig. 14) for cutting the stalk D of broccoli A to a desired length is fixedly positioned below the base 1 attached to the chain 20 (Fig. 14) and in front of the sprocket 60 (Fig. 13). The stalk blade 5 is of a rotating type that comes into contact with the stalk D and cuts the lower part of the broccoli A when the broccoli A set on the base 1 is transported along with the movement of the chain 20. The stalk blade 5 shown in the figure is a disk-shaped rotating blade that is electrically rotated, but it may be of another shape or structure.

[0130] [Pedestal passage] As shown in FIG. 14, there is a space between the ascending and descending body 8 and the descending and descending body 10, and this space serves as a base passage through which the base 1 attached to the chain 20 and the broccoli A set on it can pass.

[0131] [Example of use of conveyor-type petiole cutting device] An example of the use of the above-mentioned conveying type cutting device is as follows. (1) As shown in FIG. 13, an operator inserts broccoli A into base 1 which is moving due to the movement of chain 20 and sets it there. (2) The set broccoli A is transported in the direction of the arrow (leftward) in Figure 13 as the chain 20 moves. When the broccoli A approaches the stalk blade 5 (Figure 14) and comes into contact with the rotating stalk blade 5, the stalk D is cut. (3) After the stalk is cut, the chain 20 continues to run, and when the broccoli A set on the base 1 approaches the direction change section (sprocket 60), the ascending / descending body 8 descends and the upper support tool 3 comes into contact with the top of the flower bud B of the broccoli A. At this time, the lower ascending / descending body 10 rises, and as it rises, the lower support tool 6 rises as well, piercing the bottom surface E of the stalk D that was previously cut by the stalk blade 5 and supporting the stalk D from below. As a result, the broccoli A is held from above and below and becomes stable. (4) In the supported state, the two descending upper blades 2 enter between the flower bud B and the petiole C protruding outward therefrom, and after entering, they open outward due to the centrifugal force of the high-speed rotation, striking the upper part of the petiole C and cutting the petiole C. When the lower rotor 11 rotates at high speed, the centrifugal force rotates the base plate 54, causing the lower blades 4 to swing inward as shown in Fig. 25 and strike the petiole C, cutting off the unnecessary lower part of the petiole C as shown in Fig. 26. (5) When the petiole C is cut, the ascending / descending body 8 ascends, and the upper rotor 9 and the upper support 3 also ascend, and the upper support 3 separates from the flower bud B and returns to its original position before it descended. The upper rotor 9 stops rotating and the upper blade 2 settles on the upper support 3. The lower ascending / descending body 10 descends, and the lower rotor 11 and the lower support 6 also descend, and the lower support 6 separates from the stalk D of the broccoli A and returns to its original position, the two base plates 54 stop rotating and return to being parallel, and the two lower blades 4 also become parallel. (6) The broccoli A from which the petiole C and stalk D have been cut off is transported while still set on the base 1, and during transport the base 1 stands up and turns sideways as shown in Figure 20(b), and the broccoli A is discharged from the base 1 and falls onto the discharge conveyor 12. The broccoli A can be discharged from the base 1 automatically, manually by an operator, or mechanically (for example, by a robot). (7) The above operations (1) to (6) are automatically repeated every time a piece of broccoli A set on each pedestal 1 is transported. [Industrial Applicability]

[0132] In the above embodiment, both the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 4 are provided, but it is also possible to provide only the upper blade 2 so that only the upper part of the petiole can be cut, or to provide only the lower blade 4 so that only the base of the petiole can be cut. The upper blade 2 and the upper support 3 can also be made to rise and fall separately and rotate separately. The lower blade 4 and the lower support 6 can also be made to rise and fall separately and rotate separately. By changing the lower position of the upper blade 2 and the raised position of the lower blade 4, it is also possible to change the cutting position (location) of the petiole by these blades. By raising the raised position of the lower blade 4, all of the petiole can be cut and removed from the lower part as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0133] The shapes, structures, arrangements, operations, and order of operations of the upper blade 2, upper support 3, lower blade 4, stem blade 5, lower support 6, ascending and descending body 8, upper rotating body 9, lower ascending and descending body 10, lower rotating body 11, and other various components in the present invention can be modified in design within the scope that solves the problems of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 Pedestal 1a Pedestal 1b Pedestal 2. Upper blade 2a upper knife 2b Upper blade 2c (top blade) cutting edge 3 Upper support 4 Lower blade 4a Lower blade 4b Lower blade 4c (lower blade) cutting edge 5. Stalk blade 6 Lower support 7 Guide rail 8 Ascending and descending bodies 9 Upper Rotating Body 10 Lower ascending body 11 Lower Rotor 12 Discharge conveyor 13. Cabinet 20 Endless traveling body (chain) 30 (pedestal) base 31 (Pedestal) Main Body 32 Bottom plate 33 Side wall 34 Through hole 35 Bracket 36 Rail 37 wheels 38 Connecting pin 39 Insertion hole (setting hole) 39a (Set hole) inner surface 40 Opening plate 41 Connecting plate 42 Upper support shaft 43 Upper Base 44 Motor 50 Lower support shaft 51 Lower Base 52 Motor 53 Support shaft 54 Substrate 55 weight 60, 61 sprockets 62 (sprocket) rotating shaft 63 Upper Turntable 64 Lower Turntable A. Broccoli B Flower bud C Petiole D. Stem E (of stem) bottom M Petiole cutting device M1 Petiole cutting device M2 petiole cutting device S Set Location T Cutting location T1 Cutting location T2 Cutting location U Discharge location W Waiting Area

Claims

1. Place the broccoli on the base with the flower buds on top and the stems on the bottom, so that the tops of the petioles and the flower buds protrude above the base and the stems protrude below the base. The upper part of the petiole is cut and removed next to the flower bud with the upper blade above the base, so that the part of the petiole below the cut point is left on the outer periphery of the flower bud. The method for cutting a petiole is characterized by the above.

2. Place the broccoli on the base with the flower buds on top and the stems on the bottom, so that the tops of the petioles and the flower buds protrude above the base and the stems protrude below the base. An upper blade above the base is lowered between the upper part of the broccoli stalk set on the base and the flower bud, and the upper blade is spread from the flower bud side to the flower bud side to cut and remove the upper part of the broccoli stalk next to the flower bud, so that the part of the stalk below the cut point is left on the outer periphery of the flower bud. A method for cutting petioles.

3. Place the broccoli on the base with the flower buds on top and the stems on the bottom, so that the tops of the petioles and the flower buds protrude above the base and the stems protrude below the base. The lower blade below the base is used to cut and remove the lower part of the unnecessary petiole from below the base. The method for cutting a petiole is characterized by the above.

4. Place the broccoli on the base with the flower buds on top and the stems on the bottom, so that the tops of the petioles and the flower buds protrude above the base and the stems protrude below the base. The upper part of the petiole is cut and removed next to the flower bud with the upper blade above the base, leaving the lower part of the petiole on the outer periphery of the flower bud; The lower blade below the base is used to cut and remove the lower part of the unnecessary petiole from below the base. The method for cutting a petiole is characterized by the above.

5. Place the broccoli on the base with the flower buds on top and the stems on the bottom, so that the tops of the petioles and the flower buds protrude above the base and the stems protrude below the base. The upper part of the petiole is cut and removed next to the flower bud with the upper blade above the base, leaving the lower part of the petiole on the outer periphery of the flower bud; The lower blade below the base is used to cut and remove the lower part of the unnecessary petiole from below the base. The stem protruding below the base is cut off with a stem cutting tool below the base. A method for cutting petioles.

6. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The broccoli is set on the base of a petiole cutting device, and the upper part of the petiole of the broccoli is cut off by an upper blade of the petiole cutting device, and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole is cut off by a lower blade of the same petiole cutting device, one by one. A method for cutting petioles.

7. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Two or more petiole cutting devices each having a base are moved back and forth or circulated between a setting location and a cutting location, During the movement, at a setting location, broccoli is set on a base, and the upper part of the broccoli petiole is cut off with an upper blade on the moving path, and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole is cut off with a lower blade on the moving path, and the broccoli after the petiole is cut off is discharged from the base to empty the base. Return the petiole cutter with the emptied base to the set location. While any one of the petiole cutting devices is moving back and forth or circulating, a broccoli can be set on the base of the other petiole cutting device, and the next broccoli can be prepared for movement. A method for cutting petioles.

8. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Two or more pedestals are moved back and forth or circulated between the setting location and the cutting location, During the movement, at a setting location, broccoli is set on a base, and the upper part of the broccoli petiole is cut off with an upper blade on the moving path, and the lower part of the unnecessary petiole is cut off with a lower blade on the moving path, and the broccoli after the petiole is cut off is discharged from the base to empty the base. Return the pedestal with the emptied pedestal to its set location; While any one of the pedestals is moving back and forth or circulating, broccoli can be set on the other pedestal to prepare for the movement of the next broccoli. A method for cutting petioles.

9. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The base is moved by the movement of the endless traveling body, and the broccoli is set on the base and transported by the movement of the endless traveling body. During the conveyance, an upper blade located on the conveying path and above the base is lowered to cut the upper part of the broccoli stem, and a lower blade located on the conveying path and below the base is raised to cut the lower part of the unnecessary broccoli stem. A method for cutting petioles.

10. The present invention is provided with a base on which the upper part of the petiole and the flower bud can be set so as to protrude upward and the stem can be set so as to protrude downward, and an upper blade is disposed above the base, The upper blade can cut and remove the upper part of the petiole that protrudes above the base next to the flower bud. The petiole cutting device is characterized by the above.

11. The present invention is provided with a base on which the upper part of the petiole and the flower bud can be set so as to protrude upward and the stem can be set so as to protrude downward, and an upper blade is disposed above the base, The upper blade can be lowered between the top of the broccoli petiole and the flower bud, and can spread out from the flower bud side to the petiole side to cut and remove the top of the broccoli petiole next to the flower bud. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

12. The present invention is provided with a base on which the upper part of the petiole and the flower bud can be set so as to protrude upward and the stem can be set so as to protrude downward, and a lower blade disposed below the base, The lower blade is used to cut and remove the lower part of the petiole from the bottom of the base. The petiole cutting device is characterized by the above.

13. A base on which the upper part of the petiole and the flower bud can be set so as to protrude upward and the stem can be set so as to protrude downward; The cutting tool is provided with an upper blade capable of cutting and removing the upper part of the leaf stalk protruding above the base beside the flower bud, and a lower blade capable of cutting the lower part of the unnecessary leaf stalk from below the base. The petiole cutting device is characterized by the above.

14. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, The cutting tool is provided with a base on which the upper part of the petiole and the flower bud can be set so as to project upward and the stem can be set so as to project downward, an upper blade and a lower blade arranged above and below the base, a guide rail that can move the base back and forth between the upper blade and the lower blade and to the side of the upper blade and the lower blade, and a stem blade that cuts the broccoli stem that is moved by the movement of the base. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

15. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, The machine is equipped with a base on which the top of the petiole and the flower bud can be set so that they protrude upwards and the stem can protrude downwards, an upper blade that can cut off the top of the petiole of the broccoli plant set on the base, and a lower blade that can cut off the bottom of the unwanted petiole. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

16. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, Two or more petiole cutting devices equipped with a base are capable of circulating or reciprocating between a set location and a cutting location; The petiole cutting device can set broccoli on a base at a setting location, The moving path of the petiole cutting device includes an upper blade capable of cutting the upper part of the broccoli petiole and a lower blade capable of cutting the lower part of the unnecessary petiole, After cutting the petiole, the petiole cutting device can discharge the broccoli and empty the base, then return to the set location. While any one of the petiole cutting devices is moving circulatingly or reciprocatingly, the next broccoli to be cut is set on the base of the other petiole cutting device, so that the next broccoli can be prepared for movement. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

17. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, Two or more pedestals are made circulatable or reciprocating between the setting place and the cutting place, While the pedestal is moving, you can place broccoli on the pedestal at the set location. The cutting area has an upper blade capable of cutting the upper part of the broccoli stem and a lower blade capable of cutting the lower part of the unnecessary stem, and the base can be emptied by discharging the broccoli after cutting the stem and returned to the setting area. While any one of the bases is moving circulatingly or reciprocatingly, the next broccoli to be cut can be set on the other base, so that the next broccoli can be prepared for movement. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

18. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, A base is attached to the endless traveling body and moves as the endless traveling body moves, and the broccoli set on the base is transported by the movement of the base. A conveying path for the base, with an upper blade above the base and a lower blade below the base, The upper blade descends toward the base to cut off the upper part of the broccoli stems being transported, and the lower blade ascends toward the base to cut off the lower part of the unnecessary broccoli stems being transported. After cutting the petiole, the broccoli can be removed from the base. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

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