Petiole cutting method and petiole cutting device

Abstract

To provide a petiole cutting method and petiole cutting device capable of cutting either or both the upper and lower parts of a petiole extending upward from the outer side of a flower bud and efficiently performing cutting.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A turntable equipped with multiple pedestals is rotated, the turntable is temporarily stopped at any time and broccoli is set on the pedestal during the temporary stop. After that, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped, one or both of cutting of the upper part of a petiole with an upper blade, and cutting of the lower part of the petiole with a lower blade is performed during the temporary stop. After cutting the petiole, the turntable is rotated to discharge the broccoli whose petiole has been cut from the pedestal. After the discharge, the turntable is rotated, and broccoli whose petiole is to be cut next is set on the next pedestal during the temporary stop to perform the next cutting preparation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

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 growing from the stem D. Unnecessary petioles are cut off in the field at harvest time, but several petioles C on the periphery of the flower bud B are left intact and brought to the sorting facility. These petioles C and stems D are cut to the desired length at the sorting facility, then boxed (packaged) and shipped.

[0003] The cutting point of the petiole and the length after cutting vary 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 device for efficiently cutting a petiole, which can cut both or either the upper part of the petiole extending upward outside the flower bud and the part near the base of the petiole to the stem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [How to cut the petiole] In the method for cutting broccoli petioles of the present invention, a turntable is rotated and paused at several points in the rotation direction, and broccoli is set on the turntable while it is paused at the set point. After setting, the turntable is rotated and paused at the petiole cutting point, and while it is paused, the upper part of the broccoli petiole is cut by rotating the upper blade, leaving the part below the cut point on the outer periphery of the flower bud. If necessary, the lower blade is rotated to cut the lower part of the petiole (near the base of the petiole to the stem: the same applies below) and the lower part of the stem. The lower part of the petiole can be cut while the turntable is paused, and the lower part of the stem can be cut while the turntable is paused or rotating.

[0009] After the upper part of the petiole is cut off, the turntable is rotated and the broccoli with the upper part of the petiole cut off is discharged from the turntable, with or without stopping the rotation at a discharge point.

[0010] This cutting method allows the petioles to be cut one after another by repeating the steps of setting the broccoli, cutting both or either of the upper and lower parts of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli.

[0011] Broccoli is set with the florets on top and the stems on the bottom, with the stems sticking out below the turntable. The upper part of the petiole is cut by lowering the upper blade from above the florets to near the florets and rotating at high speed, spreading the upper blade outwards with the centrifugal force and pressing it against the upper part of the petiole from the inside. In this case, the lower part of the petiole below the cut point can be left on the outer circumference of the florets.

[0012] When cutting the upper part of the stalk of the broccoli set on the turntable and when cutting the lower part of the stalk, the flower bud and stem of the broccoli can be held to prevent the broccoli from swaying sideways due to the rotational force of the upper and lower blades.

[0013] [Stalk cutting device] The petiole cutting device of the present invention is equipped with a turntable for transporting broccoli, an upper blade for cutting the upper part of the broccoli petiole, and a discharger for discharging the broccoli from the turntable after the upper part of the petiole has been cut. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at a necessary point. A lower blade can be provided when it is necessary to cut the lower part of the broccoli petiole, and a stalk blade can be provided when it is necessary to cut the stalk.

[0014] There are pedestals on the turntable at several points in the direction of rotation on which the broccoli can be set. The pedestals can be inserted with the florets facing up and the stems facing down, allowing the stems to protrude downward. Broccoli can be set on the pedestals while the turntable is temporarily stopped. Setting can be done manually by an operator or automatically by a robot. The broccoli set on the pedestals is transported as the turntable rotates.

[0015] The upper blade is located above the turntable, and while the turntable is temporarily stopped at the petiole cutting point, it descends to just above the flower bud and spreads outward due to the high speed rotation, making contact with the upper part of the petiole and cutting it off.

[0016] The stalk blade is located below the turntable and, as the turntable rotates, comes into contact with the broccoli stems being transported and is able to cut the stems.

[0017] The lower blade is located below the turntable and rises while the turntable pauses at the petiole cutting point so that it can come into contact with the lower part of the broccoli petiole and cut off the lower part of the petiole.

[0018] The ejection tool is a device that ejects the broccoli with its stems cut off from the base when the turntable rotates after cutting the petioles and stops temporarily at the ejection point. The ejection can be done by pushing up the stalks of the broccoli set on the base from below (pushing them up) or by pulling the broccoli out of the base.

[0019] A conveyor may be provided to transport the broccoli discharged from the base to the next process. In this case, a discharge tool may be provided to send the broccoli discharged from the base onto the turntable to the conveyor. Effect of the Invention

[0020] The petiole cutting method of the present invention has the following effects. (1) The upper blade rotates above the flower bud and spreads from the inside to the outside of the upper part of the petiole, contacting and cutting the upper part of the petiole, so that the upper blade does not come into contact with the flower bud and the flower bud is not damaged. (2) If the upper part of the petiole is cut horizontally or approximately horizontally to the flower bud and the remaining petiole is left next to the flower bud, the flower bud will be less likely to be damaged even by vibrations during shipping. (3) Since it is possible to cut both the upper and lower parts of the petiole or either one of them, the petiole can be cut in a shape (either Figure 1(b) or Figure 2(b)) according to the requirements of the shipping area (sales area). (4) While cutting the stalk of a broccoli plant set on one of several pedestals in the direction of rotation of the turntable, the next broccoli plant whose stalk is to be cut can be set on the next pedestal and prepared for cutting, resulting in efficient cutting work. (5) The broccoli is placed on the base with the floret on top and the stem on the bottom, with the stem protruding below the turntable, making it easy to cut the stem and the lower part of the petiole. (6) If the broccoli floret and stem are held and the upper and lower parts of the petiole are cut, the broccoli will be stabilized without shaking due to the rotational force of the blade, making it less likely to tear or crack, and improving yield.

[0021] The petiole cutting device of the present invention has the following effects. (1) There are bases at several positions in the direction of rotation of the turntable, so that broccoli can be set on these bases and the petioles can be cut repeatedly, resulting in efficient cutting work. (2) Because it is a turntable type, cutting work can be performed within the rotation area of ​​the turntable, making it possible to miniaturize the petiole cutting device. (3) The turntable can be temporarily stopped, making it easier to perform tasks such as setting and cutting the broccoli. (4) When both upper and lower blades are provided, both the upper and lower parts of the petiole can be cut, improving work efficiency. In addition, the petiole can be left as shown in Figure 1(b) and Figure 2(b) according to the demands of the sales area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [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] 1 is a schematic front perspective view of the broccoli setting and discharging state of the petiole cutting device of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective side view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention showing broccoli being discharged. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic plan view of the broccoli setting and discharging states of the petiole cutting device of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the broccoli setting and discharging state of the petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a left side view showing an overview of the broccoli setting and discharging state of the petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 8] An overview of the broccoli setting and discharging status of the petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 9] A plan view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention, in which a conveyor is arranged between two turntables. [Figure 10] A plan view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention, in which conveyors are arranged on each side of two turntables. [Figure 11] (a) is an explanatory diagram of a broccoli stem with a curved lower part, (b) is an explanatory diagram of cutting the curved part of the stem, and (c) is an explanatory diagram after the curved part of the stem has been cut. [Figure 12] (a) is a side view of aligning broccoli stalks, and (b) is a bottom view of (a). [Figure 13] An explanatory diagram of the state in which the centers of the upper blade, lower blade, and broccoli set on the base are aligned on the XX axis. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the upper blade of the petiole cutting device of the present invention when not rotating. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the upper blade of the petiole cutting device of the present invention when rotating. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the lower blade of the petiole cutting device of the present invention when not rotating. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the lower blade of the petiole cutting device of the present invention during rotation. [Figure 18] FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of a base in the petiole cutting device of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a broccoli set on the base in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention with the base standing upright. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the petiole cutting device of the present invention with the base in an upright position. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a plan view of another example of a petiole cutting device of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the petiole cutting device of FIG. 21 . [Diagram 23] An explanatory diagram of the turntable and the pressing tool in the petiole cutting device of Figure 21. [Figure 24] An explanatory diagram of the turntable and the upper blade in the petiole cutting device of Figure 21. [Diagram 25] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the petiole cutting device of FIG. 21 in the vicinity of the ejection tool. [Figure 26] 22 is an explanatory diagram of the petiole cutting device of FIG. 21 when the ejection tool is ejecting broccoli onto a conveyor. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] (First embodiment of the petiole cutting method) The petiole cutting method of the present invention can be carried out using petiole cutting devices of various structures, but in embodiment 1, a case where the method is carried out using the petiole cutting device of Figures 3 to 8 will be described as an example, and in embodiment 2, a case where the method is carried out using the petiole cutting device of Figures 21 to 26 will be described as an example.

[0024] The petiole cutting device in Figures 3 to 8 has pedestals 2 at several points in the rotational direction of a disk-shaped turntable 1. In Figure 9, six pedestals are provided at intervals around the circumference of the turntable 1. The turntable 1 is designed to temporarily stop at several points in the rotational direction, such as the setting point H, the curved part cutting point I, the stem cutting point J, the axis alignment point K, the petiole cutting point L, and the discharge point M.

[0025] Pedestal 2 is ring-shaped so that broccoli A can be inserted from above and set in place. Broccoli A can be set by placing the tops of flower bud B and petiole C facing up and protruding above turntable 1 as shown in Figure 18(b), and placing the bottoms of stem D and petiole C (lower petiole) facing downward and protruding the lower part of the petiole below turntable 1 as shown in Figure 19.

[0026] The petiole cutting method of the present invention uses the petiole cutting device and cuts and removes the upper part of the petiole (the part above approximately the side of the flower bud B: the same applies below) set on the base 2 as shown in Figure 18(b) with an upper blade 3 (Figures 6 to 8, Figure 13) positioned above the base 2. If necessary, the lower part of the petiole can also be cut and removed with a lower blade 4 (Figures 6 to 8, Figure 13) positioned below the base 2. One example of cutting the upper part of the petiole can be performed as follows.

[0027] (1) Turntable 1, which is equipped with buckets (pedestals) 2 at several points in the direction of rotation, is rotated, and while it is temporarily stopped at setting point H (Fig. 9), broccoli is set on pedestal 2 as shown in Fig. 18(b). The broccoli is set by inserting the flower bud B on top and the stem D on the bottom into pedestal 2, with the stem D protruding below pedestal 2. At this time, broccoli A is set as vertically as possible. (2) The broccoli A is transported to a pushing location (not shown) by rotating the turntable 1 and temporarily stopped there. During the temporary stop, the broccoli A is pushed under the base 2 by a pusher 5 (FIGS. 11(a) to (c)) at the pushing location. (3) When the stalk D of the broccoli A transported to the curved portion cutting point I (Fig. 9) by the rotation of the turntable 1 is curved to the side as shown in Fig. 11(a), the curved portion cutting tool (e.g., a fall saw) 6 is raised as shown in Fig. 11(b) to cut the curved portion F (Fig. 11(a)). At this time, when it is necessary to cut the lower part of the petiole of the lower petiole that protrudes below the base 2 as shown in Fig. 11(a), the curved portion cutting tool 6 is further raised as shown in Fig. 11(b) to cut the lower part of the petiole of the lower petiole as well. (4) The stalk D of the broccoli A is transported to the stem cutting point J (Figure 9) by the rotation of the turntable 1, and is cut by the rotation of the disk-shaped stem blade 7 (Figure 9). (5) The stalk D of the broccoli A, which has been transported to the axis alignment point K (Fig. 9) by the rotation of the turntable 1, is clamped from the outside by three axis alignment tools 8 (Fig. 9) as shown in Fig. 12(a) and (b), and the axis of the stalk D is aligned with the center line XX of the base 2. The stalk D is either released from its grip after the axis alignment, or continues to be held as is. (6) The turntable 1 which has rotated to the petiole cutting position L (Fig. 9) is temporarily stopped, and while it is temporarily stopped, the upper blade 3 (Fig. 13) is lowered to just above the flower bud B and the descent is stopped, and the upper blade 3 is rotated at the stopped position, and the centrifugal force caused by the rotation spreads the upper blade 3 outward and downward as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, and it comes into contact with the upper part of the petiole outside the flower bud B as shown in Fig. 15 and cuts the contact point. In this case, the upper end of the petiole which extends to the outer upper part of the flower bud B is cut and removed, and the lower part of the petiole outside the flower bud B is left on the outer periphery of the flower bud B, and the flower bud B is left wrapped by the lower part of the petiole as shown in Fig. 1(b). (7) After cutting the petioles, the turntable 1 is rotated to the discharge position M (Fig. 9) and temporarily stopped, and the broccoli A is discharged from the pedestal 2 during the temporary stop. Discharge can be performed by raising the pedestal 2 as shown in Fig. 20, and discharging the broccoli A from the pedestal 2 by using the momentum of the rising. In this case, if possible, the turntable 1 is not temporarily stopped and the broccoli A is discharged while continuing to rotate. Alternatively, the broccoli A can be discharged in other ways, such as by pushing the stalk D of the broccoli A up and onto the turntable 1 with a pusher (not shown) provided below the turntable 1, or by holding the upper part of the broccoli A (the flower bud side) with a robot arm (not shown) and pulling it out from the pedestal 2. (8) The broccoli A discharged onto the turntable 1 can be sent to the drawer conveyor 11 (Figure 20), or the broccoli A can be discharged directly onto the drawer conveyor 11 (Figure 20) and transported to the next process by the drawer conveyor 11. (9) After the broccoli A has been discharged, the turntable 1 is rotated to move the empty base 2 to the setting location side H (FIG. 9). (10) The next broccoli A to be cut into petioles is placed on the empty pedestal 2, and preparations for the next cutting are made. (11) By repeating the steps (1) to (10) above, cutting operations can be performed one after another.

[0028] The various operations in the petiole cutting method of the present invention will be described below.

[0029] [Broccoli set] Broccoli can be set on the pedestal 2 manually by an operator or by a machine such as a robot. Broccoli is set with the flower bud B on top and the stem D on the bottom, with the stem D protruding below the pedestal 2. The set broccoli A is automatically held on the pedestal 2.

[0030] [Removal of curved part of stem] To cut off the curved portion F (FIG. 11(a)) of the stem D of the broccoli A, the turntable 1 is temporarily stopped at the curved portion cutting point I (FIG. 9), and during the pause, the pusher 5 (FIGS. 4, 6) arranged above the base 2 is lowered as shown in FIG. 11(a) and (b) to press against the flower bud B of the broccoli A. Also, the curved portion cutting tool (e.g., a fall saw (FIGS. 6 to 8, 11(a)) 6 arranged below the base 2 is raised as shown in FIG. 11(b) to press against the stem D, cutting off the curved portion F of the stem D as shown in FIG. 11(c). In this case, by raising the curved portion cutting tool 6 to the lower part of the petiole extending from the stem D, the lower part of the petiole can also be cut as shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0031] [Cutting and removing the stem] After cutting and removing the curved portion F, the turntable 1 is rotated. The length of the stalk D varies depending on the broccoli A. If the broccoli A is left as is, it may be difficult to perform the petiole cutting work that will be performed later, so the lower part of the stalk D is cut and removed to set the length of the stalk D protruding below the base 2 to a specified length. In this case, the turntable 1 is rotated to transport the broccoli A, and the stalk D can be brought into contact with a rotating stalk blade (e.g., a disk blade) 7 (Fig. 9) at the stem cutting point J (Fig. 9) to cut and remove the stalk D. The broccoli A can also be stopped without being transported, and the rotating stalk blade 7 moved toward the broccoli A to cut and remove the stalk D.

[0032] In the above description, the curved portion of the stem is first cut and removed, and then the stem is cut and removed to adjust the length. However, the curved portion and the stem may be cut and removed in the reverse order.

[0033] [Aligning and holding broccoli stems] After cutting and removing the stem D, the turntable 1 is rotated, and the base 2 is moved to the axis alignment point K (Fig. 9), where the turntable 1 is temporarily stopped. During this stop, the axis alignment tools 8 (three evenly spaced in Fig. 12(b)) arranged at the axis alignment point K are slid inward (towards the stem D) to push the stem D from the outside, and the center (including the approximate center) of the stem D is aligned with the arrangement axis XX (Fig. 13) of the base 2, upper blade 3, and lower blade 4 arranged in a straight line above and below. If the center of the stem D does not coincide (including approximately coincidence) with the arrangement axis XX, when the upper blade 3 is rotating and cutting the upper part of the petiole, the broccoli A may be swung sideways by the rotational force of the upper blade 3, causing the flower bud B and the stem D to tear or break. By aligning the axis with the axis alignment tools 8 as shown in Fig. 13 and holding (fixing) the state, the flower bud B and the stem D can be prevented from tearing or breaking.

[0034] The axis alignment and holding of the broccoli can also be performed at a location other than the rotation direction of the turntable, for example, at a stage earlier than that shown in Fig. 11(a). By performing axis alignment and holding at a previous stage, it is possible to prevent the stalk D from being torn or broken by the rotational force of the curved portion cutting tool 6 when the curved portion F of the stalk D is cut with the curved portion cutting tool 6 or when the lower part of the petiole is cut.

[0035] [Cut and remove the upper part of the petiole] The turntable 1 is rotated, the base 2 is moved to the petiole cutting position L (Fig. 9), and the turntable 1 is temporarily stopped. During the temporary stop, the upper support 9 (Fig. 13) arranged above the base 2 is lowered and pressed against the flower bud B as shown in Fig. 14. The upper blade 3 is also lowered to the immediate vicinity of the flower bud B and is lowered between the petioles C that are spreading outward from the flower bud B as shown in Fig. 14. At this time, the upper blade 3 is made not to come into contact with the flower bud B. In this state, when the upper blade 3 is rotated at high speed (for example, 1500 to 4000 rpm: this rotation speed is the same for the following high speed rotations), the tip side (lower side in Fig. 15) of the upper blade 3 spreads outward (toward the broccoli A) due to the centrifugal force of the high speed rotation, and comes into contact with the inner side of the petiole upper part that protrudes above the base 2 as shown in Fig. 15, and the petiole upper part is cut and removed as shown in Fig. 1(b). In this case, the upper part of the petiole is cut and removed at a position approximately to the side of flower bud B, leaving the lower part of the petiole outside flower bud B as shown in Figure 1(b), so that flower bud B is surrounded by the remaining lower part of the petiole, protecting it (making it less likely to be damaged).

[0036] [Returning the upper blade and upper support] After cutting and removing the upper part of the petiole, the upper blade 3 is raised and returned to its original position before it was lowered (the position in Fig. 13), and the high-speed rotation is stopped to stop the downward spreading, and the upper support tool 9 is returned to its original position before it was lowered (the position in Fig. 13). The upper blade 3 can also be returned to its original position before it was lowered after stopping its high-speed rotation.

[0037] [Broccoli ejection] The turntable 1 is rotated when the upper blade 3, upper support 9, lower blade 4, and lower support 10 return to their original positions and the upper blade 3 and lower blade 4 stop rotating. When the base 2 on which the broccoli A is set has rotated to the discharge point M (Fig. 9), the turntable 1 is left rotating or temporarily stopped, and the base 2 is raised (Figs. 6, 19, 20) and the broccoli A is discharged onto the conveyor 11 (Figs. 6, 20). In this case, the base 2 is raised forcefully by a driving body (not shown) such as a cylinder or spring, and the broccoli A can be discharged automatically by the force of the force. The discharged broccoli A is transported by the movement (rotation) of the conveyor 11 to the next process location, where post-processing such as boxing is carried out.

[0038] The broccoli A can be removed from the base 2 by a machine such as a robot, or by a worker manually.

[0039] [Sending empty pedestal] After the broccoli A has been discharged from the base 2, the turntable 1 is rotated to move the empty base 2 to the set position H (FIG. 9) side, and the turntable 1 is temporarily stopped at the set position H.

[0040] [Next set of broccoli, petioles cut off] The broccoli A to be cut off next is set in the same manner as before on the vacant base 2 of the temporarily stopped turntable 1. After setting, the turntable 1 is rotated and temporarily stopped as necessary, and in the same manner as above, the curved portion F of the stalk D is cut and removed, the stalk D is cut to adjust its length, and the central axis XX of the broccoli A is aligned with the arrangement axis XX of the base 2, upper blade 3, and lower blade 4, and then the upper part of the stalk is cut and removed, the lower part of the stalk is cut, and the broccoli A is discharged from the base 2.

[0041] [Cut and remove the lower part of the petiole] To cut the lower part of the petiole, the lower support device 10 (Figure 13) provided below the base 2 is raised and pressed against the bottom surface E of the cut stem D to hold the stem D. While holding the stem D, the lower blade 4 (Figures 13 and 16) provided below the base 2 is raised to the lower part of the petiole, and the lower blade 4 is rotated at high speed, and the centrifugal force moves it toward the broccoli A (swinging it) so that it comes into contact with the lower part of the petiole as shown in Figure 17, and the contact point is cut as shown in Figures 1(b) and 2(b).

[0042] [Returning the lower blade and lower support] After cutting and removing the lower part of the petiole, the lower blade 4 stops rotating at high speed and stops swinging toward the lower part of the petiole. It is also lowered and returned to its original position before it rose (position in Fig. 13). The lower blade 4 can also be returned to its original position before it rose (position in Fig. 13) before stopping its high speed rotation.

[0043] In the petiole cutting method of the first embodiment, the curved portion F of the stem D is cut off, the length of the stem D is adjusted by cutting the lower portion of the stem D, and the position of the central axis of the broccoli A relative to the arrangement axis XX of the base 2, the upper blade 3, and the lower blade 4 is adjusted, but the order of these operations can be changed. Also, some of these operations can be omitted.

[0044] (Embodiment 2 of the petiole cutting method) The second embodiment of the petiole cutting method of the present invention is a method of cutting petioles using the petiole cutting device shown in Figures 21 to 26. The petiole cutting method will be described below.

[0045] The petiole cutting device of Figures 21 to 26 has four pedestals 2 on one turntable 1. The turntable 1 is rotated to cut the petiole as follows. 1. Place the broccoli on the base The turntable 1 is rotated to temporarily stop the base 2 at the setting position H, and the broccoli A is set on the base 2. The setting is performed with the flower bud B on top and the stem D on the bottom, as in the first embodiment. 2. Pushing broccoli into the pedestal and controlling its position The turntable 1 is rotated to temporarily stop the base 2 at the pushing point P, and the pusher 5 (Figure 22) arranged above the turntable 1 is lowered to push the broccoli A below the base 2 while controlling the position of the broccoli A to be vertical (including approximately vertical: the same applies below). 3. Cut the broccoli stems After pushing in the broccoli A and controlling its posture, the stalk blade 7 (Fig. 24) located below the base 2 is moved in the direction of the arrow A to cut and remove the lower part of the stalk D. After cutting and removing the stalk D, the stalk blade 7 returns in the direction of the arrow B. 4. Cut off the top of the broccoli petiole After the stem is cut, the turntable 1 rotates to temporarily stop the base 2 at the petiole cutting point L, and the upper blade 3 arranged above the turntable 1 cuts the upper part of the petiole of the broccoli A. In this case, the ascending / descending body 40 is lowered to descend the upper blade 3 attached to the ascending / descending body 40 and the upper support tool 9 attached below the upper blade 3, and the upper support tool 9 is pressed against the flower bud B. The lower support tool 10 arranged below the turntable 1 holds the stem D of the broccoli A, holding the broccoli A from above and below. In this held state, the upper blade 3 is rotated at high speed, and the centrifugal force causes it to spread downward and outward, contacting the upper part of the petiole and cutting it. 5. Cut off the bottom of the broccoli petiole After the upper part of the petiole is cut, the lower lifting body 62 is raised at the cut point to press the lower blade (e.g., a hole saw) 4 against the bottom surface (cutting surface) of the stalk D, and the stalk D is cut by the rotation of the lower blade 4. Thereafter, the lower lifting body 62 is further raised to press the lower blade 4 against the base of the petiole, and the rotating lower blade 4 cuts the lower part of the petiole. 6. Broccoli draining The turntable 1 is rotated and temporarily stopped at the discharge point M, and a discharge tool (push tool) arranged below the turntable 1 is pushed up to discharge the broccoli A in the base 2 from the base 2 onto the turntable 1. The discharged broccoli A is sent onto the conveyor 11 by a discharge tool (e.g., a brush) 33 (FIG. 26) arranged above the turntable 1.

[0046] An embodiment of the petiole cutting device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 3 to 20 show an example of the petiole cutting device of the present invention. The details will be described below.

[0047] (Embodiment 1 of the petiole cutting device) As shown in Figs. 3 to 8, the petiole cutting device of the first embodiment includes a frame 20, a turntable 1 rotatably arranged in the inner space of the frame 20, a plurality of pedestals 2 attached to the turntable 1, a pressing tool 5 for pressing from above the flower bud B of the broccoli A set on the pedestal 2, a curved part cutting tool 6 for cutting the curved part F (Fig. 11(a)) of the stem D of the broccoli A, a stem blade 7 (Fig. 9) for cutting the stem D of the broccoli A to a desired length, and a cutting tool 8 for cutting the stem D of the broccoli A to a desired length. The machine is equipped with an axis alignment device 8 (Fig. 12(b)) that aligns the axis XX (Fig. 12(a)) with the axis XX (Fig. 13) of the vertically arranged base 2, upper blade 3 and lower blade 4, an upper blade 3 (Figs. 6, 7 and 13) that cuts the upper part of the petiole of the broccoli A (from the side of the flower bud B upward), a lower blade 4 (Figs. 6, 7 and 13) that cuts the lower part of the petiole, a lower support device 10 (Fig. 13) that supports the bottom surface E of the stalk D from below, and a conveyor 11 (Figs. 3 to 10) that transports the broccoli A discharged from the base 2.

[0048] Frame 3 to 8 is formed into a vertically long hollow frame shape by combining a plurality of supports. The frame 20 may have other shapes. The outer periphery of the frame 20 may be surrounded by a peripheral wall.

[0049] [Turntable] The turntable 1 is disk-shaped and is designed to temporarily stop at several points in the direction of rotation. Examples of the temporary stop points are, as shown in Fig. 9, a setting point H where the broccoli A is set on the base 2, a curved part cutting point I where the curved part F (Fig. 11(a)) of the stalk D of the broccoli A set on the base 2 is cut off, a stem cutting point J, an axis alignment point K where the central axis XX of the stalk D of the broccoli A set on the base 2 is aligned with the arrangement axis XX of the upper blade 3, the base 2, and the lower blade 4 arranged in a vertical line, and a petiole cutting point L where the upper and lower parts of the petiole of the broccoli A are cut. The number of temporary stop points can be fewer or more. For example, the machine is not temporarily stopped at the curved part cutting point I and the axis alignment point K, but is temporarily stopped at the discharge point M.

[0050] [pedestal] The pedestals 2 are provided at several locations (six locations in FIG. 9 as an example) in the rotational direction of the turntable 1. Each pedestal 2 is identical, and has a base 22 (FIGS. 18(a) and (b)) fixed to the turntable 1, and a setting section 23 on which broccoli A can be set.

[0051] The base 22 is a flat plate-like base plate with both ends in the width direction bent downward as shown in Figures 18(a) and (b), and is provided with two connectors 24 on the back surface of the base plate as shown in Figure 19. The connectors 24 are arranged on both sides of a block-like mounting portion 25 protruding from the upper surface of the turntable 1, and are rotatably attached to the connectors 24 and mounting portion 25 through a connecting shaft 26, so that the base can rise from a horizontal state as shown in Figure 18(b) to a substantially vertical state as shown in Figures 19 and 20. The base 22 can be forced to rise by a cylinder, a traction spring, or other mechanism, and can be made to automatically return to the horizontal state by releasing the force of these mechanisms.

[0052] The setting part 23 has a circular setting hole 27 (FIG. 18(a)) opened at the approximate center of the base 22, and a disk-shaped elastic plate (e.g., a plate made of rubber or soft resin) 28 is fixed on the circular setting hole 27. In detail, a circular ring 29 is placed on the outer periphery of the elastic plate 28, and the outer periphery is sandwiched between the base 22 and the circular ring 29, and the circular ring 29 is fixed to the base 22 with a fastener 30, thereby fixing the elastic plate 28 to the base 22. The elastic plate 28 has an opening 31 at the center, and cuts 32 are made radially from the opening 31 to the outer periphery. When the broccoli A is pushed into the opening 31 of the elastic plate 28 from above, the opening 31 is pushed downward (to the back side) and spreads outward. This spreading accumulates a restoring force in the elastic plate 28, and the outer periphery of the broccoli A can be held by the restoring force.

[0053] [Top support] An upper support tool 9 (Fig. 13) that presses the flower buds B downward is disposed above the pedestal 2. The upper support tool 9 can have various shapes, but one example, the upper support tool 9 in Fig. 13, is shaped like a suction cup. The upper support tool 9 is attached facing downward to the frame 20 as shown in Fig. 7, and is attached to the lower end of the ascending / descending body 40 so that it rises and falls as the ascending / descending body 40 rises and falls, and when it descends, it can press the flower buds B of the broccoli A set on the pedestal 2 downward from above, as shown in Fig. 15.

[0054] [Curved section cutting tool] The curved portion cutting tool 6 (Fig. 11(a)) is used to cut off the curved portion F (Fig. 11(a)) of the stalk D of broccoli A. The curved portion cutting tool 6 in Fig. 11(a), which is one example, is a rotary fall saw that can be raised and lowered by a lifting tool (not shown) and, when raised, is pressed against the curved portion F of the stalk D to cut off the curved portion F. The curved portion cutting tool 6 may be any type of blade that is capable of cutting off the curved portion F, and may be, for example, a rotary or laterally moving blade.

[0055] [Stem blade] The stalk blade 7 (Fig. 9) cuts the stalk D of the broccoli A and adjusts the length of the stalk D protruding below the base 2. The stalk blade 7 in Fig. 9, which is one example, is a rotating disk that is set on the base 2 and is adapted to come into contact with the stalk D of the broccoli A that moves with the rotation of the turntable 1 so as to be able to cut the stalk D. The stalk blade 7 may be one that rotates on the path along which the stalk D moves to cut the stalk D, but it may also be one that waits beside the path along which the stalk D moves when not being cut and moves sideways to the path along which the stalk D moves when being cut so as to be able to cut the stalk D.

[0056] [Axis alignment tool] The axis alignment tool 8 (Fig. 9, Fig. 12(a)(b)) is used to align the central axis XX (Fig. 12(a)) of the broccoli A set on the base 2 with the arrangement axis XX (Fig. 13) of the base 2, upper blade 3, and lower blade 4 arranged above and below. The axis alignment tool 8 in Fig. 12(a)(b) is, for example, a cylinder, and three of them are arranged at equal intervals around the periphery of the stalk D protruding below the base 2 so that the stalk D can be aligned by pushing it from the outside. The axis alignment tool 8 may be something other than a cylinder. The position of the stalk D pushed by the axis alignment tool 8 may also be other than the part protruding below the base 2 as long as it is a place where alignment is easy, and may be, for example, a part above the base 2.

[0057] [Upper blade] The upper blade 3 is attached facing downward to the frame 20 as shown in Fig. 6, and when not rotating, it is placed on the upper support 9 as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. It is also designed to rise and fall with the rise and fall of the ascending and descending body (e.g., a cylinder) 40 (Fig. 13) attached to the frame 20. When descending, it descends while remaining placed on the upper support 9, and enters between the flower bud B and the petiole C as shown in Fig. 14. After entering, when the upper rotor M1 rotates at high speed, it also rotates at high speed, and the centrifugal force causes the tip side of the blade (the lower end side in Fig. 15) to spread outward (towards the broccoli A) as shown in Fig. 15, so that it can come into contact with the upper part of the petiole of the broccoli A protruding above the base 2 and cut and remove it. After cutting, as the ascending / descending body 40 rises, it rises to above the bud B (its original position) as shown in Figure 13, and when the high-speed rotation of the upper rotating body M1 stops, it stops rotating and closes (returns) to its original state before it spread out (the state in Figure 14), and fits onto the upper support device 9.

[0058] The upper blade 3 may be opened and closed by a mechanical opening and closing operation (not shown) instead of by centrifugal force during rotation.

[0059] [Top support] The upper support tool 9 (Figs. 7 and 13) pushes the flower bud B downward when the upper blade 3 cuts the upper part of the petiole, and is attached facing downward to the frame 20 as shown in Fig. 7. Also, as shown in Fig. 13, it is provided below the upper blade 3 so that it rises and falls as the upper blade 3 rises and falls, and when it descends it comes into contact with the flower bud B of the broccoli A. The upper support tool 9 can be in various shapes, but in the examples shown in Figs. 7 and 13 it is in the form of a suction cup. It is also preferable that it is made of a material that is unlikely to damage the flower bud B when pressed against it, such as rubber or urethane. The upper support tool 9 can also be made capable of rising and falling separately from the upper blade 3.

[0060] [Lower blade] The lower blades 4 are attached facing upward to the frame 20 as shown in Fig. 6, and are triangular plates with sharp tops (Figs. 13 and 16). The lower blades 4 are attached facing upward to the upper surfaces of one longitudinal end of two parallel elongated base plates 64. A weight 67 is attached facing downward to the lower surface of the other longitudinal end of the base plates 64. The base plates 64 are rotatably mounted on a single rotating plate 63 by a support shaft 66. The two lower blades 4 are adapted to rise and fall in conjunction with the rise and fall of a lower lifting body (e.g., a cylinder) 62 (Figs. 13 to 16) attached to the frame 20. When the base plate 64 is stationary (not rotating), it is stopped next to and parallel to the broccoli A set on the pedestal 2 as shown in Figures 13 and 16, but it rotates at high speed with the high speed rotation of the lower rotor M2 (Figure 16), and the centrifugal force causes it to move (swing) inward (towards the broccoli A) as shown in Figure 17, making contact with the lower part of the petiole so that it can be cut and removed. After cutting, it descends with the descent of the lower lifting body 62, and when the high speed rotation of the lower rotor M2 stops, it oscillates back to the original state (parallel state) of Figure 16.

[0061] The lower blade 4 is only required to be able to cut the lower part of the petiole, and is designed not to move any further toward the petiole C or to bite into the stalk D. For this reason, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, a vertical rod 68 is erected on the rotating plate 63, and a horizontal rod 69 is provided on the support shaft 66, so that when the support shaft 66 rotates with the rotation of the rotating plate 63, the vertical rod 68 and the horizontal rod 69 come into contact with each other, preventing the support shaft 66 from rotating any further, and the base plate 64 also from rotating any further, preventing the lower blade 4 from moving any further toward the petiole C.

[0062] The lower blade 4 may also be configured to oscillate by a mechanical operation (not shown) rather than by centrifugal force during rotation.

[0063] [Lower support] The lower support tool 10 (Fig. 13) supports the bottom surface E of the stalk D of the broccoli A and is capable of being raised and lowered separately from the lower blade 4 so that when raised, it abuts against the bottom surface E of the stalk D and supports the stalk D. The lower support tool 10 may be capable of being raised and lowered separately from the lower blade 4, or may be capable of being raised and lowered together with the lower blade 4. The shape and structure of the lower support tool 10 are not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Fig. 13, it has a shape with a protrusion on the top surface of a thick-walled cylindrical base.

[0064] [Arrangement of the base, upper blade, and lower blade] The upper blade 3, base 2 and lower blade 4 are aligned in a line (including approximately in a line) on the arrangement axis XX at the petiole cutting location L where the turntable 1 stops temporarily, as shown in Figure 13.

[0065] [Upper and lower supports hold broccoli] When cutting the upper part of the petiole of broccoli A set on base 2 with upper blade 3, upper support device 9 is pressed against flower bud B of broccoli A as shown in Figure 14, and lower support device 10 (Figure 13) is pressed against bottom surface E of stalk D of broccoli A as shown in Figure 16, supporting broccoli A from above and below and preventing broccoli A from spinning freely when it is cut by rotating upper blade 3 and lower blade 4.

[0066] [Conveyor] The conveyor 11 (Figs. 3 to 10) receives the broccoli A discharged from the base 2 and transports it to the next process. The conveyor 11 can be a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, or any other transport body that can transport the broccoli A. The conveyor 11 can be arranged in any manner, such as placing one unit between the two turntables 1 as in Fig. 9, or placing one unit next to each of the two turntables 1 as in Fig. 10.

[0067] (Embodiment 2 of the petiole cutting device) The petiole cutting device of the second embodiment is as shown in Figures 21 to 26. This petiole cutting device has a disk-shaped turntable 1 inside a frame 20, and bases 2 are provided at four positions in the direction of rotation of the turntable 1. Inside the frame 20, above the turntable 1, there are a pushing tool 5 (Figure 23), an upper support tool 9 and an upper blade 3 (both in Figure 24), and an ejecting tool 33 (Figure 25), and below, there are a disk-shaped stem blade 7, a stem holder 34, and a lower blade 4 (Figure 23).

[0068] Frame As shown in FIG. 22, the frame 20 is formed into a hollow frame shape by assembling a plurality of square timbers lengthwise and crosswise.

[0069] [Turntable] The turntable 1 rotates in the same manner as the turntable 1 of the first embodiment, and is adapted to temporarily stop at four points in the rotation direction. As shown in Fig. 21, the stopping points are a setting point H where the broccoli A is set on the base 2, a pushing point P where the broccoli A set on the base 2 is pushed downward on the base 2, a petiole cutting point L where the upper part of the petiole of the broccoli A set on the base 2 is cut, and a discharge point M where the broccoli A with the petiole cut is discharged from the base 2.

[0070] [pedestal] Pedestals 2 are provided at four locations in the rotational direction of the turntable 1. Each pedestal 2 is the same and is ring-shaped into which broccoli A can be pushed from above. A disk-shaped elastic plate (e.g., made of rubber or soft resin) 28 with radial cuts in the circumferential direction is fixedly arranged on the inside of the pedestal 2. When broccoli A is pushed inside the elastic plate 28, it is pushed downward (backward) and spreads outward, accumulating a restoring force that can hold the outer periphery of broccoli A.

[0071] [Pressing tool] The pusher 5 is located above the base 2, and when the base 2 on which the broccoli A is set stops temporarily at the pushing position P (Fig. 21) due to the rotation of the turntable 1, it descends as shown in Fig. 23 and hits the flower bud B of the broccoli A, pushing the broccoli A downward to stabilize it and correct its posture to vertical. After the broccoli A has been pushed in, the pusher automatically rises and returns to its original position before the descent.

[0072] [Top support] The upper support tool 9 (Fig. 24) is attached to the lower end of the ascending / descending body 40 (Fig. 24), and rises and falls as the ascending / descending body 40 rises and falls, and as it descends, it supports the flower buds B of the broccoli A by pushing them downward. The upper support tool 9 can be in various shapes, but in Fig. 24 it is in the form of a suction cup. It is also made of rubber, urethane, etc., so that the flower buds B are not easily damaged even when it is pressed against them.

[0073] [Upper blade] The upper blade 3 is the same as the upper blade 3 of the first embodiment, and is attached under the ascending and descending body 40 as shown in Fig. 24, and is adapted to ascend and descend with the ascending and descending body 40 and rotate at high speed. When not rotating, it is located on the pressing tool 9 as shown in Figs. 24 and 14, but when rotating at high speed, it spreads outwardly and diagonally downward as shown in Fig. 15 due to the centrifugal force and comes into contact with the upper part of the petiole so that it can cut the upper part of the petiole. After cutting is completed, it is adapted to return to the original state before descending, that is, to be located on the pressing tool 9 as shown in Figs. 24 and 14. In this case, it may stop rotating after cutting and then rise with the ascending body 40, or it may rise while rotating and then stop rotating and be located on the pressing tool 5.

[0074] [Stem blade] The stalk blade 7 (Fig. 23) is a disk-shaped rotating blade similar to the stalk blade 7 (Fig. 9) of embodiment 1, and cuts off the lower portion of the stalk D of the broccoli A pushed in by the pusher 5, aligning the stalk D to the desired length. The stalk blade 7 is located below the turntable 1, ahead of the pushing point P (Fig. 21) in the direction of rotation, and moves back and forth sideways (in the direction of arrows AB in Fig. 23) while rotating, so that the stalk D of the broccoli A pushed in below the base 2 can be cut.

[0075] [Stem holder] The stem holders 34 (Fig. 23) are located below the turntable 1, and four of them are arranged at 90-degree intervals on the outside of the stalk D of the broccoli A set on the pedestal 2. These stem holders 34 can move back and forth from the outside of the stalk D of the broccoli A set on the pedestal 2 to the side of the stem D (inside), and can move inwards to hold the stem D from all four sides. Holding the stem D stabilizes the broccoli A, and prevents the flower bud B and stem D of the broccoli A from cracking or splitting when the upper part of the stalk of the broccoli A is cut by the upper blade 3 (Fig. 24), which rotates at high speed, and the lower part of the stalk is cut by the lower blade 4 (Fig. 23), which rotates at high speed.

[0076] [Lower blade] The lower blade 4 (Fig. 23) is capable of cutting the stem D and the lower part of the petiole of the broccoli A, and various blade shapes can be used, but the lower blade 4 in Fig. 23 is a fall saw with multiple blades in the circumferential direction of the upper edge of a cylinder. The fall saw may be a general-purpose one or a different one. The lower blade 4 is attached to the rotor 36 above the lower lifting body 62 (Fig. 23), rotates with the high speed rotation of the rotor 36, and rises and falls with the rise and fall of the lower lifting body 62, so that when it rises, it hits the bottom of the stem D of the broccoli A and is able to cut the stem D. When it rises further, it is able to cut the lower part of the petiole.

[0077] [Arrangement of upper blade, base and lower blade] The upper blade 3 and the lower blade 4 (Figure 24) are arranged so as to be aligned vertically with the base 2 when the turntable 1 stops temporarily at the petiole cutting position L (including approximately in a row).

[0078] [Broccoli held by upper support and stem holder] When cutting the upper part of the petiole of broccoli A set on the base 2 with the upper blade 3, the upper support device 9 (Figure 24) is lowered and pressed against the flower bud B, and the stem holder 34 (Figure 24) clamps and holds the stem D of the broccoli A, preventing the broccoli A from spinning freely when it is cut by the rotating upper blade 3 and lower blade 4.

[0079] [Extrusion tool] A pusher (not shown) is disposed below the turntable 1, below the discharge point M. The pusher can rise and fall, and pushes up from below the stalks D of the broccoli A, the petioles of which have been cut off and which is set on the base 2 temporarily stopped at the discharge point M, to push (discharge) the broccoli A onto the turntable 1. The shape, structure, and lifting mechanism may be any as long as they are capable of pushing the broccoli A onto the turntable 1.

[0080] [Discharge tool] Above the turntable 1 is the ejector 33 (Fig. 24). The ejector 33 sends the broccoli A (Fig. 26) that has been ejected onto the turntable 1 to the conveyor 11 (Fig. 26). Any brush, roll or other object capable of ejecting the broccoli can be used. The ejector 33 is capable of reciprocating movement above the turntable 1 toward the conveyor 11.

[0081] [Conveyor] The conveyor 11 (Fig. 25) transports the broccoli A sent out by the ejector 33 from the turntable 1 to the next process. The conveyor 11 can be a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, or any other transport body that can transport the broccoli A.

[0082] (Embodiment 3 of the petiole cutting device) The petiole cutting device of the first embodiment is designed to simultaneously cut the upper and lower parts of the petiole, but the petiole cutting device of the present invention may also be designed to cut only the upper part of the petiole by providing only the upper blade 3, or to cut only the lower part of the petiole by providing only the lower blade 4. In this case, the structures and operations of the upper blade 3, upper support 9, lower blade 4, and lower support 10 may be the same as or different from those of the first embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] In the petiole cutting method and apparatus of the present invention, the position (location) at which the petiole is cut by the blades can be changed by changing the lowered position of the upper blade 3 and the raised position of the lower blade 4. By raising the raised position of the lower blade 4, all of the petiole C can be cut and removed as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0084] The shapes, structures, arrangements, order of operation, etc. of the upper blade 3, upper support 9, lower blade 4, stem blade 7, lower support 10, ascending and descending body 40, upper rotating body M1, lower ascending and descending body 62, lower rotating body M2, and various other components in the present invention can be modified in design within the scope that solves the problems of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 Turntable 2 Pedestal 3. Upper blade 4 Lower blade 5 Pressing tool 6 Curved cutting tool 7. Stalk Knife 8 Axis Alignment Tool 9 Upper support 10 Lower support 11 Conveyor 20 Frames 22 Base 23 Set section 24 Connectors 25 Mounting part 26 Connecting shaft 27 (Base) Set Hole 28 Elastic Plate 29 Circular Ring 30 Fastener 31 (Elastic plate) opening 32 (Elastic plate) notch 33 Discharge tool 36 Rotating Body 40 Ascending and descending body 62 Lower Ascending Body 63 Turntable 64 Boards 66 Support shaft 67 Weight 68 Vertical Rod 69 Horizontal rod A. Broccoli B Flower bud C Petiole D. Stem E (of stem) bottom F Curved section H Set point I Cutting point of curved section J Stem cutting point K-axis alignment point L Petiole cut point M Discharge point M1 Upper Rotor M2 Lower rotating body P Pressing point

Claims

1. A turntable having a plurality of pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set position, and while the turntable is temporarily stopped, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals, and the setting is performed with the flower bud and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal; After the setting, the turntable rotates and is temporarily stopped. During the pause, the upper blade cuts off the upper part of the petiole. After cutting the upper part of the petiole, rotate the turntable to eject the broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates and the empty pedestal is moved to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper part of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

2. A turntable having a plurality of pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set position, and while the turntable is temporarily stopped, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals, and the setting is performed with the flower bud and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal; After the setting, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped, during which the upper blade cuts the upper part of the petiole from its inside, After cutting the upper part of the petiole, rotate the turntable to eject the broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates and the empty pedestal is moved to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper part of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

3. A turntable having a plurality of pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set position, and while the turntable is temporarily stopped, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals, and the setting is performed with the flower bud and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal; After the setting, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped, and during the pause, the upper part of the petiole is cut from its inside with the upper blade, leaving the upper part of the petiole around the flower bud; After cutting the upper part of the petiole, rotate the turntable to eject the broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates and the empty pedestal is moved to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper part of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

4. A turntable having a plurality of pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set position, and during the pause, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals, and the setting is performed with the flower bud and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal; After setting, the turntable rotates and pauses, during which the lower blade cuts off the lower part of the petiole. After cutting the petiole, rotate the turntable to remove the broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates and the empty pedestal is moved to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the lower part of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

5. A turntable having a plurality of pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set position, and during the pause, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals, and the setting is performed with the flower bud and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal; After the setting, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped. During the pause, the upper part of the petiole is cut off with the upper blade, and the lower part of the petiole is cut off with the lower blade. After the upper and lower petioles are cut, the turntable is rotated to remove the cut broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates to move the empty pedestal to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper and lower parts of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

6. A turntable having a plurality of pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set position, and during the pause, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals, and the setting is performed with the flower bud and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal; After the setting, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped. During the pause, the upper part of the petiole is cut from the inside with the upper blade, and the lower part of the petiole is cut with the lower blade. After the upper and lower petioles are cut, the turntable is rotated to remove the cut broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates to move the empty pedestal to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper and lower parts of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

7. A turntable having a plurality of pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set position, and during the pause, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals, and the setting is performed with the flower bud and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal; After the setting, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped. During the temporary stop, the upper part of the petiole is cut from its inside with the upper blade, leaving the upper part of the petiole on the outer periphery of the flower bud, and the lower part of the petiole is cut with the lower blade. After the upper and lower petioles are cut, the turntable is rotated to remove the cut broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates to move the empty pedestal to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper and lower parts of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

8. A turntable having a plurality of pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set position, and during the pause, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals, and the setting is performed with the flower bud and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal; After the setting, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped. During the pause, the upper part of the petiole is cut off with the upper blade while supporting the flower bud and stem, and the lower part of the petiole is cut off with the lower blade. After the upper and lower petioles are cut, the turntable is rotated to remove the cut broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates to move the empty pedestal to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper and lower parts of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

9. A turntable equipped with multiple pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set location, and during the pause, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals. The setting is performed with the flower buds and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal. After the setting, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped. During the pause, while supporting the flower bud and stem, the upper part of the petiole is cut from the inside with the upper blade, and the lower part of the petiole is cut with the lower blade. After the upper and lower petioles are cut, the turntable is rotated to remove the cut broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates to move the empty pedestal to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper and lower parts of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

10. A turntable equipped with multiple pedestals is temporarily stopped at a set location, and during the pause, a broccoli is set on one of the pedestals. The setting is performed with the flower buds and the upper part of the petiole protruding above the pedestal and the stem protruding below the pedestal. After the setting, the turntable is rotated and temporarily stopped, and while the turntable is temporarily stopped, the upper part of the petiole is cut from the inside while supporting the flower bud and the stem, so that the upper part of the petiole is left around the flower bud, and the lower part of the petiole is cut with the lower blade. After the upper and lower petioles are cut, the turntable is rotated to remove the cut broccoli from the base. After the broccoli is removed, the turntable rotates to move the empty pedestal to the setting area. During the operation of setting the broccoli on the base, cutting the upper and lower parts of the petiole, and discharging the broccoli from the base, the next broccoli to be cut into petioles can be set on another base to prepare for the next cutting. A method for cutting petioles.

11. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Cut off the bottom of the broccoli stem set on the stand. A method for cutting petioles.

12. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Cut the curved part of the broccoli stem set on the base. A method for cutting petioles.

13. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The central axis of the broccoli set on the base is aligned with the axis of the base and the upper and lower blades arranged above and below it, and then the upper part of the petiole is cut with the upper blade and / or the lower part of the petiole is cut with the lower blade. A method for cutting petioles.

14. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The broccoli stalk is held on the base and the upper part of the petiole is cut with the upper blade and the lower part of the petiole is cut with the lower blade, or both of them are performed. A method for cutting petioles.

15. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The broccoli floret set on the base is pushed under the base, and then the stem and / or the curved portion of the stem are cut. A method for cutting petioles.

16. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The lower blade is raised toward the stalk of the broccoli placed on the base to cut the bottom of the stalk, and then raised again to cut the bottom of the petiole. A method for cutting petioles.

17. The method for cutting petioles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The broccoli after cutting the upper and / or lower petioles is discharged from the platform and sent to a conveyor. A method for cutting petioles.

18. The device is equipped with a turntable with multiple bases on which broccoli can be placed, and an upper blade that cuts the upper part of the stem of the broccoli placed on the base. The base is provided at several points in the direction of rotation of the turntable. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at several points in the rotation direction, and is temporarily stopped at least at the setting point where the broccoli is set and at the petiole cutting point where the upper part of the petiole of the broccoli set on the base is cut, The upper blade is provided above the base so as to be capable of ascending and descending, and is capable of descending to the inside of the upper part of a plurality of petioles to cut the upper part of the petioles from the inside of the upper part of the petioles, and then ascending after the cutting to return to the original state before descending. Broccoli with the petiole tops cut off can be removed from the base. The turntable continues to rotate even after the broccoli is removed, pausing at necessary points. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

19. The device is equipped with a turntable with multiple bases on which broccoli can be placed, and an upper blade that cuts the upper part of the stem of the broccoli placed on the base. The base is provided at several points in the direction of rotation of the turntable. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at several points in the rotation direction, and is temporarily stopped at least at the setting point where the broccoli is set and at the petiole cutting point where the upper part of the petiole of the broccoli set on the base is cut, The upper blade is provided above the base so that it can rise and fall, and it descends to the inside of the upper part of the petiole of several leaves and rotates at high speed inside the upper part of the petiole to cut the upper part of the petiole from the inside, and after cutting, it stops rotating at high speed and rises back to its original state before it descended, Broccoli with the petiole tops cut off can be removed from the base. The turntable continues to rotate even after the broccoli is removed, pausing at necessary points. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

20. The device is equipped with a turntable with multiple bases on which broccoli can be placed, and an upper blade that cuts the upper part of the stem of the broccoli placed on the base. The base is provided at several points in the direction of rotation of the turntable. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at several points in the rotation direction, and is temporarily stopped at least at the setting point where the broccoli is set and at the petiole cutting point where the upper part of the petiole of the broccoli set on the base is cut, The upper blade is provided above the base so that it can rise and fall, and it descends to the inside of the upper parts of the petioles of several petioles, rotates at high speed inside the upper parts of the petioles to cut the upper parts of the petioles from the inside, and leaves the cut petioles on the outer periphery of the flower bud. After cutting, it stops rotating at high speed and rises back to its original state before it descended, Broccoli with the petiole tops cut off can be removed from the base. The turntable continues to rotate even after the broccoli is removed, pausing at necessary points. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

21. The machine is equipped with a turntable with multiple bases on which broccoli can be placed, and a lower blade that cuts the lower part of the broccoli stems placed on the bases. The base is provided at several points in the direction of rotation of the turntable. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at several points in the rotation direction, and at least at the setting point where the broccoli is set and the petiole cutting point where the lower part of the petiole of the broccoli set on the base is cut, The lower blade is provided below the base so that it can rise and fall. It rises to the lower side of the petiole to cut the lower part of the petiole, and then descends to return to its original position before it rose. Broccoli with the petiole already cut off can be removed from the base. The turntable continues to rotate even after the broccoli is removed, pausing at necessary points. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

22. The machine is equipped with a turntable with multiple bases on which broccoli can be placed, and a lower blade that cuts the lower part of the broccoli stems placed on the bases. The base is provided at several points in the direction of rotation of the turntable. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at several points in the rotation direction, and at least at the setting point where the broccoli is set and the petiole cutting point where the lower part of the petiole of the broccoli set on the base is cut, The lower blade is mounted below the base and can be raised and lowered. It rises to the stem side to cut the lower part of the petiole, and then descends to return to its original position before it rose. Broccoli with the petiole already cut off can be removed from the base. The turntable continues to rotate even after the broccoli is removed, pausing at necessary points. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

23. The turntable has a plurality of bases on which broccoli can be placed, an upper blade for cutting the upper part of the stem of the broccoli placed on the base, and a lower blade for cutting the lower part of the stem. The base is provided at several points in the direction of rotation of the turntable. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at several points in the rotation direction, and is temporarily stopped at least at a setting point where a broccoli is set and at a petiole cutting point where the petiole upper part and the petiole lower part of the broccoli set on the base are cut, The upper blade is provided above the base so as to be capable of ascending and descending, and can descend to the inside of a plurality of petioles to cut the upper portions of the petioles from the inside, and can ascend after the cutting to return to the original state before descending; The lower blade is provided below the base so that it can rise and fall. It rises to the lower side of the petiole to cut the lower part of the petiole, and then descends to return to its original position before it rose. Broccoli with the upper and lower petioles cut off can be discharged from the base. The turntable continues to rotate after the broccoli is removed and pauses at the set location. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

24. The turntable has a plurality of bases on which broccoli can be placed, an upper blade for cutting the upper part of the stem of the broccoli placed on the base, and a lower blade for cutting the lower part of the stem. The base is provided at several points in the direction of rotation of the turntable. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at several points in the rotation direction, and is temporarily stopped at least at a setting point where a broccoli is set and at a petiole cutting point where the petiole upper part and the petiole lower part of the broccoli set on the base are cut, The upper blade is provided above the base so that it can rise and fall, and it descends to the inside of the upper part of the petiole of several leaves and rotates at high speed inside the upper part of the petiole to cut the upper part of the petiole from the inside, and after cutting, it stops rotating at high speed and rises back to its original state before it descended, The lower blade is provided below the base so that it can rise and fall. It rises toward the stem to cut the stem, then rises again to cut the lower part of the petiole, and after cutting, it descends to return to its original position before it rose. Broccoli with the upper and lower petioles cut off can be discharged from the base. The turntable continues to rotate after the broccoli is removed and pauses at the set location. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

25. The turntable has a plurality of bases on which broccoli can be placed, an upper blade for cutting the upper part of the stem of the broccoli placed on the base, and a lower blade for cutting the lower part of the stem. The base is provided at several points in the direction of rotation of the turntable. The turntable can be temporarily stopped at several points in the rotation direction, and is temporarily stopped at least at a setting point where a broccoli is set and at a petiole cutting point where the petiole upper part and the petiole lower part of the broccoli set on the base are cut, The upper blade is provided above the base so that it can rise and fall, and it descends to the inside of the upper parts of the petioles of several petioles and rotates at high speed inside the upper parts of the petioles to cut the upper parts of the petioles from the inside, leaving the petioles on the outer periphery of the flower buds after cutting. After cutting, it stops rotating at high speed and rises back to its original state before it descended, The lower blade is provided below the base so that it can rise and fall. It rises toward the stem to cut the stem, then rises again to cut the lower part of the petiole, and after cutting, it descends to return to its original position before rising. Broccoli with the upper and lower petioles cut off can be discharged from the base. The turntable continues to rotate after the broccoli is removed and pauses at the set location. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

26. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, It is equipped with a pusher that pushes the broccoli set on the base downwards. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

27. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, The device is provided with an upper support tool for supporting the broccoli flower buds set on the base from above, and a lower support tool for supporting the stems. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

28. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, A curved part cutting tool is provided for cutting the curved part of the broccoli stem set on the base. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

29. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, A broccoli stem holder is provided for holding the broccoli stems set on the base. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

30. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, It is equipped with a stalk cutting tool that cuts the broccoli stalks set on a base. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

31. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, The apparatus is provided with a pusher that pushes the broccoli, the petioles of which have been cut off, out of the base. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

32. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, The broccoli cutter is provided with an axis alignment tool that aligns the central axis of the broccoli set on the base with the axis of the base and the upper and lower blades arranged above and below the base. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

33. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, Equipped with a conveyor that receives and transports the broccoli discharged from the base. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

34. The petiole cutting device according to any one of claims 18 to 25, The base can be rotated from a horizontal position for setting the broccoli to a vertical position for removing the broccoli with the stems cut off. A petiole cutting device characterized by the above.

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