Food cutting device and food cutting method

Abstract

To secure the quality of food which is cut and separated from mass-like food.SOLUTION: A food cutting device 1, which includes a feeding device 3 for feeding mass-like food M and a cutting blade 4, and is configured so that the tip of the food M is cut by relative movement between the feeding device 3 and the cutting blade 4 and a food piece m is separated from the food every time the tip of the food M is fed by a predetermined amount by the feeding device 3, includes: an imaging device 10 for imaging the cut surface of the food M after the food piece m has been separated; and a control device 7 for evaluating the state of the cut surface of the food M on the basis of the imaging result by the imaging device 10, and associating the evaluation result with the food piece m to be subsequently cut and separated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food cutting device and a food cutting method for cutting food, such as a block of meat. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, this type of food cutting device is configured to slice the tip of a block of meat every time a predetermined amount of the block of meat is fed.

[0003] Specifically, this device is configured to measure the cross-sectional area of ​​a block of meat before slicing it, and cut out slices of meat with a thickness according to that cross-sectional area, thereby enabling slices of meat of a fixed weight to be obtained continuously.

[0004] However, the information obtained before slicing is only used to determine the thickness of the sliced ​​meat, and there is no thought of using the information after slicing, such as to evaluate the quality of the sliced ​​meat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4838407 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main object is to make it possible to evaluate the quality of food pieces obtained by cutting and separating a block of food. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In other words, the food cutting device of the present invention is equipped with a feeding device for feeding a block of food and a cutting blade, and is configured to cut the tip of the food and separate food pieces from the food by moving relative to the feeding device and the cutting blade each time a predetermined amount of the tip of the food is fed out by the feeding device, and is characterized by having an imaging device that images the cut surface of the food after the food pieces have been separated, and a control device that evaluates the condition of the cut surface of the food based on the imaging results from the imaging device and links this evaluation result to the next food piece to be cut and separated.

[0008] According to the food cutting device configured in this way, the cut surface of the food after the food pieces are separated is evaluated based on the image result, and the evaluation result is linked to the next food piece to be cut and separated, so that the evaluation result can be used for various purposes after cutting and separation. For example, the image result can be used for image analysis. As a result, for example, the ratio of lean meat to fat of sliced ​​meat can be obtained as an evaluation result, so that information such as fat content that has not been displayed on trays or packaging films can be displayed.

[0009] It is preferable that the feeding device is configured to reciprocate within a predetermined range of movement, the cutting blade is positioned at a middle position of the range of movement of the feeding device, and the imaging range of the imaging device is set at or near the end of the range of movement of the feeding device. This allows imaging of all or almost all of the cut surface of the food after the food pieces have been separated, allowing a more accurate assessment of the quality of the next food piece to be separated.

[0010] It is preferable to provide a positioning member that abuts and positions the tip of the food delivered from the feed device, and to set the imaging range at a position downstream of the positioning member in the direction of movement of the feed device toward the cutting blade. In this case, the cut surface is imaged with the tip of the food released from contact, so that the cut surface can be imaged in a state where it is entirely exposed.

[0011] It is preferable that the position of the cutting blade is fixed while the feeding device is configured to reciprocate vertically within a predetermined range of movement, and the tip of the food fed from the feeding device and positioned by abutting against the positioning member is brought into contact with the cutting blade at a position midway along the feed device's movement toward the upper end of its range of movement to cut and separate the food pieces from the food, and when the feed device moves further upward from this position to a position at or near the upper end of its range of movement, the cut surface of the food from which the food pieces have been separated is imaged by an imaging device, and the feeding device is operated to feed the tip of the food again during or after the feed device is moving toward the lower end of its range of movement. In this case, the cut surface is imaged when the food reaches or is near the upper end of the movement range, so that a wide range of the cut surface can be imaged.

[0012] It is preferable that the imaging range is set at a position higher than the positioning member. In this way, the cut surface is not hidden behind the positioning member when it is imaged, so that the entire cut surface can be imaged.

[0013] It is preferable to obtain area, shape or color information of the cut surface from the imaging results of the cut surface of the food, compare this obtained area, shape or color information with pre-set area, shape or color information, and link this comparison result to the next food piece to be cut and separated as an evaluation result. In this case, the area, shape, or color information of the cut surface linked to the evaluation result can be provided to the purchaser as information regarding the area, shape, or ratio of lean meat to fat of the next food piece to be cut.

[0014] It is preferable that the evaluation result linked to the food piece is attached or displayed on the tray on which the food piece is served or on the film that wraps the tray. This makes it possible to provide the purchaser with various pieces of information that will be helpful when selecting a product.

[0015] The evaluation results preferably include evaluation results of fat content or density. This would allow the fat content or density, which has not previously been indicated, to be displayed on the tray or packaging film.

[0016] It is preferable that the feeding device includes a switching means for switching the feeding direction of each food piece cut and separated from the food, and that the switching means is configured to operate automatically based on the evaluation result associated with each food piece. This makes it possible to automatically sort out food pieces with different evaluation results and remove food pieces that are deemed defective.

[0017] It is preferable that the food pieces associated with evaluation results that satisfy predetermined conditions are sent to a serving process, and the food pieces associated with evaluation results that do not satisfy the predetermined conditions are sent to a position other than the serving process. This allows only food pieces that meet the desired criteria to be plated.

[0018] In addition, the food cutting device of the present invention is equipped with a feeding device for feeding a block of food and a cutting blade, and is configured to cut the tip of the food and separate food pieces from the food by relative movement between the feeding device and the cutting blade each time a predetermined amount of the tip of the food is fed out by the feeding device, and is characterized in that it is equipped with a measuring means for measuring the size of the food before the food pieces are separated, and a control device that links the measurement results obtained by the measuring means to the next food piece to be cut and separated. With a food cutting device configured in this manner, the measurement results obtained by measuring the size of the food before the food pieces are separated are linked to the next food pieces to be cut and separated, so that the measurement results can be used for various purposes after cutting and separation.

[0019] In a configuration which includes a pressing means for pressing the food sent out by the feeding device from a height direction, and in which the food pressed by the pressing means is cut with a cutting blade to separate food pieces, it is preferable that the measuring means measures the height of the food when pressed by the pressing means. In this way, the cross-sectional area of ​​the food before the food pieces are separated can be estimated based on the measured food height, and then by knowing the thickness of the separated food pieces, it is possible to estimate the weight of those food pieces.

[0020] In a configuration which includes a positioning member which abuts and positions the tip of the food delivered from the feeding device, and in which the food is cut while positioned by the positioning member to separate the food pieces, it is preferable that the measuring means is a sensor provided on the positioning member which measures the size of the food. In this case, since the sensor is provided on the positioning member, the size of the food can be measured without complicating the structure and data processing required to measure the size of the food, compared to the configuration using the imaging device described above.

[0021] The sensor is preferably an image sensor or a pressure sensor capable of measuring the area or width of at least a portion of the tip of the food item. This makes it possible to easily measure the size of food without using expensive sensors.

[0022] In addition, the food cutting method of the present invention is a method characterized by comprising a cutting process in which, each time a predetermined amount of the tip of a block of food is fed out, the tip of the food is cut by relative movement with a cutting blade to separate food pieces from the food, an imaging process in which an image of the cut surface of the food after the food pieces have been separated in the cutting process is taken, an evaluation process in which the condition of the cut surface of the food is evaluated based on the imaging results from the imaging process, and a linking process in which the evaluation results from the evaluation process are linked to the next food piece to be cut and separated. This food cutting method can achieve the same effects as the food cutting device described above. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention configured in this manner, it is possible to evaluate the quality of food pieces cut and separated from food, and further, it is possible to display information such as fat content that has not previously been displayed on trays or packaging films. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining the main parts of the food cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view for explaining a main part of the food cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a side view for explaining the periphery of a cut portion of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an image capture screen captured by the imaging device of the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a process of the control device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which information including an evaluation result according to the embodiment is displayed on a pack. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a switching means according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a switching means according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a switching means according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a measuring means according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a food cutting device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the food cutting device 1 of this embodiment is a slicer that continuously cuts a block of meat M, which is a block of food, and conveys the meat pieces m, which are food pieces, as an aggregate of multiple pieces. Note that the object to be cut by the slicer 1 is not necessarily limited to meat, and may be various foods such as processed foods such as cheese, seafood, etc. In addition, based on the transport direction of the collection of chunks of meat M and meat pieces m cut by this slicer 1, the upstream side is defined as the "rear side" and the downstream side as the "front side", and the left side when facing the downstream side is defined as the "left side" and the right side is defined as the "right side".

[0027] (Slicer configuration) 1, this slicer 1 includes a machine base 2 which is the base of the entire device, and a supply section 3, a cutting section 4, a conveying section 5, a storage section 6, and a control section 7 which are provided on the machine base 2. Note that it is not necessary for all of the sections 3 to 7 to be provided on the machine base 2, and for example, the storage section 6 may be installed separately from the machine base 2.

[0028] (machine) 1, the machine base 2 is, for example, a frame having a rectangular shape in a plan view, and supports a supply unit 3, a cutting unit 4, a conveying unit 5, a storage unit 6, and a control unit 7, which will be described later. Note that the shape of the machine base 2 does not necessarily have to be rectangular in a plan view, and may be appropriately changed to various shapes.

[0029] (Supply Department) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the supply unit 3 receives a chunk of meat M and transports the chunk of meat M to the cutting unit 4 in front. The supply unit 3 is a feed device that moves back and forth within a predetermined range of movement by intermittent driving of a motor, air cylinder, etc., and feeds out a predetermined amount of chunk of meat M at a time. The "predetermined amount" is an amount that is set in advance via the control unit 7 described below, and may be a constant amount or may be, for example, a variable amount that changes from time to time. Here, the "amount" is a concept that includes "length," "thickness," or "weight."

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, the supply unit 3 is configured such that a meat box 31 forming an input space for the chunks of meat M can be swung on an arcuate trajectory around a predetermined swing axis 3C in a side view, and a meat feed conveyor 32 on which the chunks of meat M are placed can be intermittently driven by an electric motor, an air motor, or the like. The movement of the meat box 31 is not limited to the swing described above, and may be moved, for example, in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. The means for feeding the chunks of meat M is not limited to a conveyor, and may be, for example, a mechanism for pushing from the rear, or a mechanism using the weight of the chunks of meat M when feeding the chunks of meat M downward. In other words, the specific configuration of the supply unit 3 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the chunk of meat M delivered by the supply unit 3 is positioned when its forward-protruding tip abuts against a receiving plate 8 serving as a positioning member, and in that state is pressed from above by a pressing plate 9 serving as a pressing means.

[0032] (cutting part) As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the cutting unit 4 cuts the chunk of meat M supplied from the supply unit 3. The cutting unit 4 cuts the tip of the chunk of meat M to a predetermined thickness, and specifically, is a cutting blade that is a band knife that rotates around two pulleys. However, the cutting unit 4 is not limited to a band knife, and may be a band saw, or may be configured to rotate one or more blades, such as a round blade or a magatama-shaped blade, around a predetermined rotation axis. The above-mentioned two pulleys are arranged at an interval in the left-right direction, and one of the pulleys is configured to be rotated by an electric motor.

[0033] (Cutting work) In this embodiment, the tip of the chunk of meat M is cut by the relative movement between the supply unit 3 and the cutting blade 4 described above, and the meat piece m is separated from the chunk of meat M.

[0034] More specifically, while the position of the cutting blade 4 is fixed, the supply unit 3 is configured to reciprocate vertically within a predetermined range of movement, and the tip of the chunk of meat M that is sent out from the supply unit 3 and positioned in contact with the receiving plate 8 is cut by being brought into contact with the cutting blade 4 at a position midway along the movement of the supply unit 3 to the upper end side of its range of movement, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, thereby separating meat pieces m from the chunk of meat M. Thereafter, during or after the movement of the supply unit 3 to the lower end side of its range of movement, the supply unit 3 is operated to advance and send out the tip of the chunk of meat M again, and these operations are then repeated.

[0035] (Transportation section) 1 and 2, the conveying section 5 conveys the meat pieces m cut by the cutting section 4 to the storage section 6, and conveys an assembly of a plurality of meat pieces m arranged in a scale-like row (a state in which a plurality of meat pieces m are stacked while being shifted at a predetermined pitch). However, the conveying section 5 may also convey the meat pieces m one by one.

[0036] 3, the transport section 5 here has a rotating drum 51 that receives the meat pieces m cut and separated by the cutting section 4 on its outer periphery, and a transport conveyor 52 that receives the meat pieces m transported by the rotating drum 51, and a rod-shaped body 53 that transfers the meat pieces m from the rotating drum 51 to the transport conveyor 52 is provided between them. However, the specific configuration of the transport section 5 is not limited to this, and it may be, for example, a unit consisting of only the transport conveyor 52.

[0037] (Storage section) 1 and 2, the storage unit 6 stores the meat pieces m transported from the transport unit 5 in a container such as a tray R and carries them out. Note that various configurations may be applied as specific embodiments of the storage unit 6, but one example is one configured to transport the meat pieces m to above the belt 52A advanced above the container, transfer them onto the belt 52A, and drop the meat pieces m into the container by quickly moving the belt 52A to the left, or one configured to arrange the meat pieces m in the container by a hand device having a robot arm.

[0038] Various configurations may be applied to the mechanism for transporting containers such as trays R. One example is a mechanism that transports the container to a predetermined position (such as a position below belt 52A in the advanced state) by a conveyor and stops it, and after the meat pieces m are plated on it, the conveyor is driven again to transport it to another process, or a mechanism that moves the container to various positions by a hand device having a robot arm.

[0039] (Control unit) The control unit 7 is responsible for controlling the operation of each of the above-mentioned units 3 to 6, and is specifically a control device that is a computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc. The control device 7 controls the operating state of the electric motors, air cylinders, etc. provided in each of the above-mentioned units 3 to 6 by the CPU and its peripheral devices working together in accordance with the programs stored in the memory. Note that the characteristic operation of the control unit 7 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0040] (Imaging device) Thus, the slicer 1 of this embodiment further includes an imaging device 10 that captures an image of the cut surface of the chunk of meat M after the meat pieces m have been separated, as shown in FIGS.

[0041] The imaging device 10 captures still or moving images of a preset imaging range 10A, and is specifically a color camera having a color sensor, although the imaging device 10 may also be a monochrome camera or an infrared camera.

[0042] The imaging device 10 may be attached to the machine base 2 described above, or may be attached to one of the members constituting the cutting unit 4, the conveying unit 5, etc. that is fixed to the machine base 2. Furthermore, the imaging device 10 may be attached to a member other than the slicer 1, such as a floor or a ceiling. Also, a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the imaging device 10 may be provided. Examples of such mechanisms include a guide mechanism that movably supports the imaging device 10, or a mechanism that utilizes a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the cutting blade 4 is positioned at a middle position of the movement range of the above-mentioned supply unit 3, and the imaging range 10A of the imaging device 10 is set at or near the end of the movement range of the supply unit 3.

[0044] More specifically, in the direction of movement of the supply section 3 toward the cutting blade 4, the imaging range 10A is set at a position downstream of the above-mentioned receiving plate 8, in other words, above the receiving plate 8, and more particularly, the imaging range 10A is set at a position downstream of the cutting blade 4, in other words, above the cutting blade 4.

[0045] That is, the imaging device 10 images the cut surface after a piece of meat m has been separated from a chunk of meat M and before the next piece of meat m is separated, in other words, it images the surface of the next piece of meat m to be separated.

[0046] (Image capture) With the above-described configuration, the cutting blade 4 separates a piece of meat m from the chunk of meat M at a position midway along the movement of the supply unit 3 toward the upper end of its range of movement, and when the supply unit 3 moves further upward from this position to a position at or near the upper end of its range of movement, the imaging device 10 captures an image of the cut surface of the chunk of meat M after the piece of meat m has been separated.

[0047] 4, the imaging device 10 here captures an image of the entire cut surface of a chunk of meat M. However, the imaging device 10 does not necessarily need to capture an image of the entire cut surface, and a part of the cut surface may be outside the imaging range 10A.

[0048] The imaging results obtained by the imaging device 10 are output to the control device 7. Specifically, the imaging results may be sequentially output from the imaging device 10 to the control device 7 in real time, or a plurality of imaging results may be temporarily stored in the imaging device 10 and output to the control device 7 collectively at a certain timing.

[0049] (Processing and linking of imaging results) The control device 7 then evaluates the state of the cut surface of the chunk of meat M based on the image pickup result by the imaging device 10, and links this evaluation result to the meat piece m to be cut and separated next.

[0050] The functions and operations of the control device 7 will be described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0051] First, when the control device 7 receives an imaging result from the imaging device 10 (S1), the control device 7 performs image processing on the imaging result to obtain information on the captured cross section (hereinafter, referred to as actual cross section information) (S2).

[0052] Specifically, the control device 7 performs image processing such as edge detection of the cut surface shown in the image capture result, binarization of the image capture result, shading adjustment, or contrast adjustment, thereby acquiring at least a part of the area, shape, or color information of the cut surface as actual cut surface information. Note that the "color information" referred to here is information obtained from one or both of the red and white regions of the cut surface, and specifically, is information indicating the fat content or density of the meat piece m to be cut and separated next, such as the ratio of the red and white regions, or the proportion of the red or white regions to the whole. In addition, the information indicating the fat content or density may be acquired as information on the meat piece m to be cut and separated next, or may be acquired as information on an aggregate of a plurality of meat pieces m arranged in a scale-like row, or may be acquired as information on a predetermined length of the chunk of meat M including the cut surface, or may be acquired as information on the whole chunk of meat M.

[0053] A method for acquiring the area of ​​the cut surface can be to identify pixels in which the cut surface is captured from the image capture result and to calculate the area by counting the number of pixels. Another acquisition method can be, for example, a method using machine learning that utilizes artificial intelligence. In this case, for example, a learning model can be generated by machine learning such as deep learning that uses a large number of image capture results of the cut surface as learning data, and the actual area of ​​the cut surface can be acquired using this learning model. In addition, the method for acquiring the area of ​​the cut surface is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and various methods can be applied.

[0054] A method for acquiring the shape of the cut surface may include a method for identifying pixels in which the cut surface is captured from the image capture result, and acquiring the outline of the cut surface from the coordinates of the outermost pixel among those pixels. The shape of the cut surface is not limited to the shape of the entire cut surface, and may be, for example, the shape of lean meat or fatty meat. The method for acquiring the shape of the cut surface is not limited to the above-mentioned one, and various other methods may be applied.

[0055] The color information of the cut surface can be obtained based on, for example, output values ​​from each of the RGB sensors, or density values ​​after binarization, shading adjustment, contrast adjustment, etc. of the imaging results. Another method of obtaining the color information may be, for example, machine learning using artificial intelligence. In this case, a learning model is generated by machine learning such as deep learning using a large number of imaging results of the cut surface as learning data, and the fat content or density of the actual cut surface can be obtained using this learning model. In addition, the method of obtaining the color information of the cut surface is not limited to the above-mentioned one, and various methods may be applied.

[0056] Here, the memory of the control device 7 stores, as ideal cut surface information, at least a part of area, shape, or color information preset as ideal cut surface information, which corresponds to the actual cut surface information acquired in S2. Note that the ideal cut surface information is preferably area, shape, or color information of a piece of meat m that is treated as a good product, and may be information acquired by actually capturing an image of a piece of meat m that is treated as a good product, or may be information arbitrarily input via an input means such as a mouse or a keyboard.

[0057] In the above-mentioned configuration, the control device 7 compares the actual cut surface information acquired in S2 with pre-stored ideal cut surface information (S3), and links this comparison result to the meat piece m to be cut and separated next as an evaluation result (S4). Linking to the meat piece m means linking to an identifier such as a lot number for identifying the meat piece m.

[0058] When acquiring the area of ​​the cut surface in S2, the control device 7 compares the area acquired as the actual cut surface information with the area set as the ideal cut surface information, calculates the difference or ratio between them, and links the difference or ratio to the next piece of meat m to be cut and separated as the evaluation result.

[0059] In addition, as another aspect of the control device 7, the area itself acquired as the actual cut surface information may be linked to the meat piece m to be cut and separated next as the evaluation result. In this case, the comparison step in S3 may be omitted.

[0060] In addition, when acquiring the shape of the cut surface in S2, the control device 7 compares the shape acquired as the actual cut surface information with the shape set as the ideal cut surface information, calculates the degree of agreement between them, and links the degree of agreement to the next piece of meat m to be cut and separated as an evaluation result.

[0061] Furthermore, when acquiring color information of the cut surface in S2, the control device 7 compares the color information acquired as the actual cut surface information (e.g., fat content or density) with the color information set as the ideal cut surface information (e.g., fat content or density), calculates the difference or ratio therebetween, and links the difference or ratio to the next piece of meat m to be cut and separated as the evaluation result.

[0062] In addition, as another aspect of the control device 7, the color information (for example, fat content or density) itself acquired as the actual cut surface information may be linked to the meat piece m to be cut and separated next as the evaluation result. In this case, the comparison step in S3 may be omitted.

[0063] In such a configuration, the slicer 1 may be configured to attach or display information including the evaluation result linked to the piece of meat m to the tray R on which the piece of meat m is served or to the film packaging the tray R, as shown in FIG.

[0064] Specifically, one example is a case in which a labeling device or printing device (not shown) affixes or displays, for example, the fat content or density of the next cut and separated piece of meat m to the tray R on which the piece of meat m is served or to the film packaging the tray R.

[0065] In addition, if a collection of multiple pieces of meat m is served on one tray R, the fat content or density associated with each of the multiple pieces of meat m may be obtained, and the fat content or density obtained by performing a calculation process such as averaging them may be attached or displayed.

[0066] (switching means) Here, the slicer 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a switching means 11 that switches the feed direction of each piece of meat m cut and separated from a chunk of meat M, as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), and this switching means 11 is configured to operate automatically based on the evaluation results linked to each piece of meat m.

[0067] This switching means 11 operates based on a control signal from the control device 7 described above, and switches between a first mode in which the feeding direction of the meat pieces m is toward the tray R, and a second mode in which the feeding direction is toward a location other than the tray R.

[0068] The switching means 11 of this embodiment moves the rod-shaped body 53 constituting the above-mentioned conveying section 5 between a normal position P shown in FIG. 3(a) and a retracted position Q shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0069] The normal position P is set between the rotating drum 51 and the transport conveyor 52, and is a position where the rod-shaped body 53 can receive the meat piece m from the rotating drum 51 and transfer the meat piece m to the transport conveyor 52.

[0070] On the other hand, the retracted position Q is set to a position retracted downstream in the conveying direction of the meat pieces m by the rotating drum 51 from the normal position P, and is a position where the rod-shaped body 53 can receive the meat pieces m from the rotating drum 51 and deliver the meat pieces m to a location other than the transport conveyor 52. In this embodiment, a discharge tray R1 is disposed below the rod-shaped body 53 at the retracted position Q, and the rod-shaped body 53 at the retracted position Q operates to send the meat pieces m to the discharge tray R1. When the discharged meat pieces m accumulate in the discharge tray R1, the worker may manually replace the discharge tray R1 with a new one, or the discharge tray R1 may be automatically replaced with a new one. An example of an automatic replacement mode is when it is detected that a predetermined amount of meat pieces m has accumulated on the discharge tray R1, and by driving the conveyor that transports the discharge tray R1, the discharge tray R1 with the accumulated meat pieces m is removed and a new discharge tray R1 is brought in below the rod-shaped body 53 in the retracted position Q.

[0071] A specific configuration of the switching means 11 is one that moves, for example, the rotation shaft 53x of the rod-shaped body 53, and can be one that is composed of an electric motor or the like for moving this rotation shaft 53x.

[0072] In the above-described configuration, when the control device 7 controls the switching means 11 to the first mode, the rod-shaped body 53 operates in the normal position, and when the control device 7 switches the switching means 11 from the first mode to the second mode, the rod-shaped body 53 moves from the normal position P to the retracted position Q and operates.

[0073] Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the control device 7 judges whether or not the above-mentioned evaluation results satisfy predetermined conditions (S5), and if the predetermined conditions are satisfied, it controls the switching means 11 to the first mode to operate the rod-shaped body 53 at the normal position P (S6), and if the evaluation results do not satisfy the predetermined conditions, it switches the switching means 11 from the first mode to the second mode to move the rod-shaped body 53 from the normal position P to the retracted position Q and operate it (S7).

[0074] The predetermined condition is a condition that is met if the next piece of meat m to be cut and separated is a good product. Examples of such conditions include when the area acquired as the actual cut surface information is within an acceptable range, when the difference or ratio between the area acquired as the actual cut surface information and the area set as the ideal cut surface information is within an acceptable range, when the degree of agreement between the shape acquired as the actual cut surface information and the shape set as the ideal cut surface information is within an acceptable range, or when the fat content or density is within an acceptable range. One or a combination of these may be used as the predetermined condition.

[0075] Thereafter, the control device 7 repeats S1 to S7 until a preset control stop timing is reached or until a stop command is received from the outside.

[0076] As a result, meat pieces m associated with evaluation results that satisfy the specified conditions, in other words, meat pieces m that are treated as good products, are sent to the presentation process, and meat pieces m associated with evaluation results that do not satisfy the specified conditions, in other words, meat pieces m that are treated as defective products (such as scrap meat), are sent to a process or position different from the presentation process.

[0077] In addition, examples of processes or positions different from the plating process include a process for discarding the delivered meat pieces m, a process for processing the meat pieces m into other products such as chopped meat or minced meat, or a dust box or processing device used in these processes.

[0078] According to the slicer 1 configured in this way, the cut surface of the block of meat M after the pieces of meat m have been separated is evaluated based on the image capture result, and the evaluation result is linked to the pieces of meat m to be cut and separated next, so that the evaluation result can be used in the process after cutting and separation. One example of this is the use of the image capture result for image analysis, which makes it possible to obtain the ratio of lean meat to fat in the sliced ​​meat as an evaluation result, and therefore makes it possible to display information such as the fat content rate that has not been displayed on the tray R or packaging film.

[0079] Furthermore, since the cut surface is imaged when the chunk of meat M reaches or is close to the upper end of the movement range of the supply unit 3, it is possible to image the entire cut surface or almost the entire cut surface.

[0080] Furthermore, since the imaging range 10A is set at a position higher than the receiving plate 8, the cut surface is not hidden behind the receiving plate 8 when being imaged, so that the entire cut surface can be imaged.

[0081] Furthermore, the actual cut surface information obtained from the imaging results of the cut surface of the chunk of meat M is compared with predetermined ideal cut surface information, and this comparison result is linked to the next piece of meat m to be cut and separated as an evaluation result, so that the quality of the area, shape, and ratio of lean meat to fat of the next piece of meat m to be cut can be determined, and pieces of meat m that are treated as defective can be removed and only good pieces can be arranged on the tray R.

[0082] In addition, the evaluation results linked to the piece of meat m are affixed or displayed on the tray R on which the piece of meat m is served or on the film that wraps the tray R, thereby providing the purchaser with various information that will be helpful when selecting a product.

[0083] In addition, since the evaluation results include the evaluation results of the fat content or density, it is possible to display the fat content or density on the tray R or packaging film, which has not been displayed conventionally.

[0084] Furthermore, since the switching means 11 automatically operates based on the evaluation result linked to the meat piece m, the meat piece m that is treated as a defective product can be automatically removed.

[0085] (Another embodiment of the slicer according to the present invention) It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, the switching means 11 has been described as moving the rod-shaped body 53 between a normal position P and a retracted position Q, but as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), it may also be configured by a discharge conveyor 112 that can move between a retracted position X retracted from the conveying conveyor 52 that transports the meat pieces m, and a receiving position Y that approaches the conveying conveyor 52 and receives the meat pieces m being transported.

[0087] More specifically, the discharge conveyor 112 is arranged to face the conveying direction of the transport conveyor 52, with its tip end 112a positioned above the transport conveyor 52 and rotating around an axis provided at its base end 112b.

[0088] In this configuration, when the control device 7 controls the switching means 11 to the first mode, the discharge conveyor 112 remains in the retracted position X, and the tip end 112a of the discharge conveyor 112 is separated from the transport conveyor 52. On the other hand, when the control device 7 switches the switching means 11 from the first mode to the second mode, the tip end 112a of the discharge conveyor 112 rotates around the base end 112b and approaches the transport conveyor 52, and the discharge conveyor 112 moves to the receiving position Y. As a result, the meat piece m is transferred from the transport conveyor 52 to the tip end 112a of the discharge conveyor 112, and the meat piece m is discharged by the discharge conveyor 112 to a location other than the tray R.

[0089] In another embodiment using the discharge conveyor 112, the discharge conveyor 112 may be provided perpendicular to the conveying direction of the transport conveyor 52 as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b).

[0090] In this case, the discharge conveyor 112 is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat relative to the transport conveyor 52, and moves between a retreat position X where it is retreated from the transport conveyor 52 and a receiving position Y where it approaches the transport conveyor 52 and receives (or scoops up) the meat pieces m being transported.

[0091] Even in this configuration, by moving the discharge conveyor 112 from the retracted position X to the receiving position Y, the meat pieces m can be transferred to the tip end 112a and discharged.

[0092] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, instead of the rod-shaped body 53 in the retracted position Q described in the above embodiment, a scraper 113 for peeling off meat pieces m from the rotating drum 51 is provided separately from the rod-shaped body 53.

[0093] In this case, when the control device 7 controls the switching means 11 to the first mode, the rod-shaped body 53 operates and the meat piece m transferred by the rotating drum 51 is sent out to the transport conveyor 52, similarly to the above embodiment.

[0094] On the other hand, when the control device 7 switches the switching means 11 from the first mode to the second mode, the rod-shaped body 53 comes to a standstill, and the meat pieces m transported by the rotating drum 51 can be peeled off by the scraper 113 and discharged below, for example, onto a discharge tray or the like.

[0095] In addition, the food cutting device 1 of the present invention may be configured to include a measuring means 12 for measuring the size of the food M before the food pieces m are separated, as shown in Figure 10, and the control device 7 may be configured to link the measurement results obtained by the measuring means 12 to the next food piece m to be cut and separated.

[0096] In this case, the measuring means 12 may be a sensor that is provided on the receiving plate 8 described in the above embodiment and that measures the size of the food M, as shown in FIG.

[0097] Such a sensor may be a line-type image sensor or pressure sensor capable of measuring the area or width of at least a portion of the tip of the food M.

[0098] Another example of the measuring means 12 is one that measures the height of the food M when pressed by the pressing plate 9, which is the pressing means described in the above embodiment.Specifically, one example is a potentiometer, etc. that detects the amount of movement of the pressing plate 9.

[0099] According to the food cutting device 1 configured in this manner, the measurement results obtained by measuring the size of the food M before the food pieces m are separated are linked to the next food pieces m to be cut and separated, so that the measurement results can be utilized for various purposes after cutting and separation. Furthermore, if the quality of the food piece m can be adequately evaluated by linking the above-mentioned measurement results to the food piece m, the food cutting device 1 of the present invention does not need to be equipped with the imaging device 10 described in the above embodiment.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control device 7 has been described as having the functions of an acquisition unit that acquires actual cutting surface information, a storage unit that stores ideal cutting surface information, a comparison unit that compares the actual cutting surface information with the ideal cutting surface information, a linking unit that links the comparison result to the next piece of meat m to be cut and separated as an evaluation result, a judgment unit that judges whether the evaluation result satisfies predetermined conditions, and a switching control unit that controls the switching means 11, but some or all of these functions may be provided in, for example, a cloud server or a server located separately from the food cutting device 1.

[0101] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Food cutting device (slicer) R ···Tray M...Food m...food pieces 2...Machine base 3. Supply section (feed device) 31...meat box 3C... Swinging shaft 32 Meat feeding conveyor 4...Cutting part (cutting blade) 5. Conveyor section 51 Rotating drum 52 Transport conveyor 53 Rod-shaped body 6. Storage unit 7 Control unit (control device) 8...Socket plate 9 Pressure plate 10 Imaging device 10A Imaging range 11...Switching means 112 Discharge conveyor 112a...Tip 112b...Proximal end X...Evacuation position Y Receiving position 113...Scraper 12...Measurement means

Claims

1. A food cutting device comprising a feeding device for feeding a block of food and a cutting blade, configured such that each time the feeding device feeds a predetermined amount of the leading edge of the food, the leading edge of the food is cut by the relative movement of the feeding device and the cutting blade, thereby separating the food piece from the food, An imaging device for imaging the cross-section of the food after the food pieces have been separated, This device is characterized by comprising an imaging device that evaluates the state of the cut surface of the food based on the imaging results and a control device that links this evaluation result to the next food piece to be cut and separated. Food cutting device.

2. The feeder is configured to reciprocate within a predetermined range of motion. The cutting blade is positioned at an intermediate position within the range of movement of the feed device. The imaging range of the imaging device is set at or near the end of the movement range of the feed device. The food cutting device according to claim 1.

3. A positioning member is provided to position the leading edge of the food being fed from the aforementioned feeding device by bringing it into contact with the member. In the direction of movement of the feed device toward the cutting blade, the imaging range is set to a position downstream of the positioning member. The food cutting device according to claim 2.

4. The cutting blade is fixed in position, while the feed device is configured to reciprocate vertically within a predetermined range of motion. The leading edge of the food, which has been fed out from the feeding device and positioned in contact with the positioning member, is brought into contact with a cutting blade at a position midway through its movement towards the upper end of the feeding device's range of motion to cut and separate the food piece from the food. When the feeding device moves further upward from this position to the upper end of the movement range or a position near thereto, the imager captures the cross-section of the food after the food pieces have been separated. The feeding device is configured to be activated to feed the leading edge of the food again while it is moving towards the lower end of its range of motion or after it has moved. The food cutting device according to claim 3.

5. The imaging range is set to a position higher than the positioning member. The food cutting device according to claim 4.

6. The area, shape, or color information of the cross-section of the food is obtained from the imaging results of the cross-section, and this obtained area, shape, or color information is compared with pre-set area, shape, or color information. The results of this comparison are then linked to the next food piece to be cut and separated as an evaluation result. The food cutting device according to claim 1.

7. The evaluation results associated with the food piece are affixed or displayed on the tray in which the food piece is placed or on the film that packages the tray. The food cutting device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned evaluation results include evaluation results for fat content or density. The food cutting device according to claim 1.

9. The system includes a switching means for switching the feeding direction of each food piece that has been cut and separated from the food, This switching mechanism is configured to operate automatically based on the evaluation results associated with each food item. The food cutting device according to claim 6.

10. Food pieces linked to evaluation results that meet the specified conditions are sent to the plating process. The system is configured such that food pieces that are evaluated as not meeting the aforementioned predetermined conditions are sent to a location different from the serving process. The food cutting device according to claim 9.