Pineapple Peeling and Cutting Machine

Abstract

The pineapple peeling and cutting machine includes a crown and base cutting system (6), a peeling system (7), and a finishing and delivery mechanism (8). The crown and base cutting system (6) has gripping means (9) for holding and moving the pineapple (1) during cutting and guiding it to the peeling system (7), the gripping means having a pneumatic gripper (11) with two parallel opening arms (12) and a V-shaped claw (13) at the end of each arm (12), both claws (13) facing each other and configured to hold the pineapple (1) therebetween, a pneumatic linear actuator (14) for moving the pneumatic gripper (11), and a crown cutting blade (10) and a base cutting blade (10') for the pineapple (1), both of which are horizontal and height adjustable.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Technical Field] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of the agri-food industry, and in particular relates to a machine for handling and processing fruits in a natural way. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a pineapple peeling and cutting machine, which comprises a crown base cutting system, a peeling system arranged downstream of the crown base cutting system, and a final processing and delivery means arranged downstream of the peeling system.

[0002] [Background technology] Various machines for treating and processing fruit in a natural way are known in the art, for example automatic fruit juicer machines, which are found mainly for oranges, although also for other fruits.

[0003] However, when it comes to the pineapple processing machine market, there is no alternative machine that automatically peels, cuts, and slices pineapples to maximize production, maximize efficiency, and deliver them to the user in a ready-to-consume state.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a pineapple peeling and cutting machine that can peel, slice and cut pineapples fully automatically and efficiently, so that the pineapples can be delivered directly to the consumer in a ready-to-eat state.

[0005] Summary of the Invention The present disclosure relates to a pineapple peeling and cutting machine having an access door (2) to the interior of the machine, a feeder configured to transport pineapples (1) to a crown and base cutting system (6), a peeling system (7) located downstream of the crown and base cutting system (6), and a finishing and delivery mechanism (8) located downstream of the peeling system (7). The machine also has a control system that controls the drive and movement of the crown and base cutting system, the peeling system, and the finishing and delivery mechanism through a series of sensors and control electronics. The design, configuration, and location of the door facilitates cleaning, maintenance, and replacement of the various systems inside the machine.

[0006] The external structure of the machine has controls and buttons for handling different functions and a simple interface that facilitates the user's interaction with the machine, allowing the user to peel and slice pineapple in a quick, intuitive and simple way.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a crown and base cutting system with movable gripping means for holding pineapples from the feeder, moving them along a linear cutting path to separate the crown and base, and driving them to the peeling system. These gripping means specifically include a pneumatic gripper with two parallel opening arms and a V-shaped claw attached to the end of each arm. The claws face each other, firmly and gently gripping the pineapple between them. This system provides a wide opening range to cover a range of different calibers, enabling the processing of all kinds of pineapples. Furthermore, the V-shape of the claws and the designed support geometry allow the pineapple to be grasped firmly but without excessive pressure, preventing unwanted juice from being extracted from the fruit. This means a more secure grip and less force being applied to the center of the pineapple during the cycle.

[0008] In addition to the pneumatic gripper, the gripping means includes a pneumatic linear actuator on which said pneumatic gripper is fixed and movable along a linear cutting path for cutting the crown and base.

[0009] In addition to the movable gripping means, the crown-base cutting system also includes a crown-cutting blade and a base-cutting blade for the pineapple, both horizontal blades positioned in the cutting path of the gripping means, with the height adjustable to accommodate different sizes of pineapples and always spaced apart so that the pneumatic gripper can pass between them in its linear cutting path, thereby achieving the crown-base cut by the linear cutting path of the gripping means passing between the horizontal blades. The height-adjustable blades can accommodate a full range of calibers and maximize performance without wasting any of the pineapples being processed.

[0010] Preferably, both the crown cutting blade and the base cutting blade are V-shaped. This type of blade achieves a gradual cut, avoiding tearing and fiber breakage and improving cutting results.

[0011] According to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the crown-based cutting system includes a movable gripping means and a pneumatic ejector cylinder that is movable perpendicular to the linear cutting path of the peeling system, ejecting the crown placed on the crown-cutting blade after the crown cut is made. In this way, absolute control of the crown ejection time is desired. This ejection movement prevents the crown from getting caught on other moving or fixed elements of the machine.

[0012] Specifically, the pineapple feeder features a first guide hole in the interior door and a second guide hole in the machine's internal structure, which face each other to form a guide or path for holding and guiding the pineapple from the pineapple insertion point to the support base or plate of the crown-base cutting system, which is considered the cycle start point. This feeding method is much simpler, avoids the need for a moving mechanism that could cause jams, and is much more ergonomic for the user. Thus, through this feeder, the pineapple is manually introduced into the machine by the user, passing through a feeding gate located in the machine's door and toward the feeder.

[0013] According to different specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the peeling system includes a cylindrical cutting tube arranged vertically to hold a pineapple positioned therein vertically by a movable gripping means, a vertical movement of a vertical cylindrical pusher positioned above the pineapple to push the pineapple along the cylindrical cutting tube, cutting or peeling the pineapple's outer skin and optionally slicing the pineapple by pressure exerted by a vertical cylindrical pusher, and the cylindrical cutting tube containing therein a pineapple block that is cut or peeled by pressure of the vertical cylindrical pusher.

[0014] Thus, when a pineapple is placed on the peeling system directly onto the cylindrical cutting tube, the claws of the gripping means spread the pineapple apart, and then the vertical cylindrical pusher presses the pineapple onto the cylindrical cutting tube, thus removing all of the outer contour and skin of the pineapple and leaving a fully peeled block of pineapple inside ready for the next step.

[0015] Preferably, the end of the cylindrical pusher is introduced into said cylindrical cutting tube during peeling and copies the shape of the cylindrical cutting tube assembly so as to advance the pineapple along said cylindrical cutting tube.

[0016] According to different specific embodiments, the peeling system can have different elements that improve pineapple processing worldwide.

[0017] First, the peeling system can feature at least one inner tubular blade arranged concentrically inward relative to the main cylindrical cutting tube, which cuts and removes the core of the pineapple as appropriate during the peeling operation. In addition to the inner tubular blade, the peeling system also has at least one inner radial blade arranged radially inward of the cylindrical cutting tube for radially cutting and slicing the resulting pineapple blocks during peeling or cutting, and for securing the inner tubular blade to the cylindrical cutting tube.

[0018] Additionally, the peeling system may feature at least one outer radial blade disposed radially outside the cylindrical cutting tube to effect radial cutting of the outer skin during peeling and to facilitate peeling and ejection from the peeling system.

[0019] Preferably, the peeling system may also include a deflector positioned outside the bottom of the cylindrical cutting tube, which deflects the peel at the end of peeling to facilitate its removal from the peeling system.

[0020] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the final processing and delivery mechanism is movable perpendicular to the linear cutting path of the movable gripping means and the peeling system to move the peeled and sliced ​​pineapple blocks to a ready-to-eat collection bucket, as needed, after peeling or cutting the outer skin.

[0021] According to the above embodiment, in particular, the final processing and delivery mechanism is provided by a horizontal layer blade that reciprocates horizontally, thereby slicing and cutting the pineapple block and depositing the cut pineapple block into a collection bucket. Thus, as the slicing blade slices and cuts the pineapple block from the bottom by its reciprocating horizontal motion, the remaining pineapple block descends and the horizontal layer blade continues to cut slices therefrom.

[0022] Alternatively, the pineapple final processing and delivery mechanism may include a first fixed block having vertically stacked horizontal layering blades spaced apart, the free ends of which form cutting or leading edges, and a second horizontally movable block spaced apart and having slots aligned with the horizontal layering blades of the first block, such that after the pineapple block passes through a peeling system disposed between the first and second blocks of the final processing and delivery mechanism, the second block pushes the pineapple block toward the first block, and the horizontal layering blades of the first block are introduced into the slots of the second block, causing the cutting edges to slice the pineapple block.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To facilitate understanding of the disclosure, one embodiment of the disclosure will now be described, by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to a series of figures.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of a machine with the door closed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1 with the doors open to reveal the main elements.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a partial detailed perspective view showing in detail some elements of the machine of FIGS.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a crown-base cutting system of a machine containing a pineapple to be processed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a gripping means of the crown-base cutting system of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows in detail the pneumatic gripper of the gripping means of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a linear cutting path from the gripping means to the peeling device of a pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a V-shaped crown cutting blade according to a specific embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 9 shows an adjustable shape cutting blade placed on a pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to one embodiment, showing the existing space for positioning the crown once cut and the pneumatic ejection cylinder of said crown.

[0033] FIG. 10 shows a peeling system with four inner tubular blades and four outer radial blades together with a deflector, according to a particular embodiment.

[0034] Figures 11a, 11b and 11c show three exemplary planar sketches of the cuts made in a pineapple block by a peeling system with one, four and six inner tubular blades, respectively.

[0035] FIG. 12 shows a cylindrical pusher end that replicates the shape of a cylindrical cutting tube assembly according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates a final processing and delivery mechanism with horizontal layered blades according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a finishing and delivery mechanism having horizontal layered blade blocks and slots positioned downstream of the peeling system according to another embodiment.

[0038] 15 is a side perspective view of a slotted block of a final processing and delivery mechanism according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14. FIG.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a blade block of the finishing and delivery mechanism according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, with the cutting edge angled relative to the vertical in the upper advanced position.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the blade block to that of FIG. 16, in which the cutting edge is angled relative to the vertical in the bottom advanced position.

[0041] These figures refer to a series of elements.

[0042] 1 pineapple 2 Machine Door 3 Pineapple inlet 4 First guide hole on the inside of the machine door 5 Second guide hole in the machine's internal structure 6 Pineapple Crown-Base-Cutting System 7 Pineapple Peeling System 8 Final processing and delivery mechanism of pineapple 9 Pineapple Grip Means 10 Crown Cutting Blades 10 Base Cutting Blades 11. Pneumatic gripper of gripping means 12 Pneumatic Gripper Arms 13 Pneumatic Gripper Jaws 14 Grip Means Pneumatic Linear Actuator 15 Peeling machine cylindrical cutting tube 16 Peeling machine cylindrical pusher 17 Pineapple Block Exit Channel 18 Inner tubular blade of peeling machine 19 Peeling machine outer radial blade 20 Inner radial blades of peeling machine 21 Deflector of peeling system 22 horizontal layered blades 23 Pineapple Support for Crown-Based Cutting System 24 Pneumatic ejector cylinder 25 Pineapple final processing and delivery mechanism first block 26 Pineapple final processing and delivery mechanism second block 27 Slot in the second block of the pineapple final processing and delivery mechanism 28 Leading edge formed by the end of the horizontal layered blade of the first block Detailed Description of the Invention The object of the present disclosure is a pineapple peeling and cutting machine.

[0043] As can be seen in the different figures, the machine comprises a door (2) for accessing the interior, a feeder that transports pineapples (1) through a feeding gate (3) located at the door (2) to a crown and base cutting system (6), a peeling system (7) located downstream of the crown and base cutting system (6), and finally a final processing and delivery mechanism (8) located downstream of the peeling system (7). This final processing and delivery mechanism discharges the properly processed pineapple blocks (1) into a collection bucket located at an exit channel (17) located at the machine's door (2). Furthermore, the machine comprises a control system that controls the drives and movements of the crown and base cutting system (6), the peeling system (7), and the final processing and delivery mechanism (8) by means of a set of sensors and control electronics.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2 and in more detail in FIGS. 3-9, the crown and base cutting system (6) has movable gripping means (9) for grasping the pineapple (1) from the feeder, moving it along a linear cutting path to separate the crown and base, and driving it to the peeling system (7). These gripping means (9) consist of a pneumatic gripper (11) with two parallel, opening arms (12) and a V-shaped claw (13) attached to the end of each arm (12), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The claws (13) face each other to firmly and smoothly grip the pineapple (1). The special shape of the V-shaped claws distributes pressure more evenly on the pineapple (1), firmly holding the pineapple (1) without applying excessive pressure that would cause juice loss and ultimately reduce yield during machining.

[0045] Furthermore, the gripping means (9) comprises a pneumatic linear actuator (14) on which the pneumatic gripper (11) is fixed and adapted to move along a linear cutting path for cutting the crown and base of the pineapple (1).

[0046] In addition to these movable gripping means (9), the crown-base cutting system (6) presents a crown cutting blade (10) and a base cutting blade (10') for the pineapple (1), both blades (10, 10') being horizontal and positioned in the cutting path of the gripping means (9), both blades (10, 10') being height adjustable so that different sizes of pineapples (1) can be processed. In particular, both blades (10, 10') are height adjustable, but according to a simpler embodiment, the base cutting blade (10') remains fixed and its distance is adjusted by adjusting the height of the crown cutting blade (10). The blades (10, 10') are logically always spaced apart from each other by a distance that allows the passage of a linear cutting path of the pneumatic gripper (11) between the blades (10, 10'), so that the cutting of the crown and base can be performed by the linear cutting path of the gripping means (9) that passes the pneumatic gripper (11) with the pineapple (1) between the horizontal blades (10, 10').

[0047] Alternatively, the base cutting blade (10') can be fixed to the machine and only the crown cutting blade (10) can be adjusted in height in the conventional manner with a set of positioners and knobs, allowing one set of movable elements to process all sizes of pineapples.

[0048] Preferably, both the crown cutting blade (10) and the base cutting blade (10') are V-shaped, as seen in FIG.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figure 9, the crown and base cutting system (6) has a pneumatic ejector cylinder (24) that, in use, moves perpendicular to the linear cutting path of the movable gripping means (9) and the peeling system (7) to eject the crown, which remains positioned on the crown cutting blade (10), towards the machine's waste bucket after the cutting of said crown has been performed. In this case, this additional function results in the crown cutting blade (10) having a larger surface area than the base cutting blade (10') of the pineapple (1).

[0050] Specifically, the pineapple feeder is formed by a first guide hole (4) made in the interior or inner fairing of the door (2) and a second guide hole (5) made in the machine's internal structure or inner fairing. Both guide holes (4, 5) face each other and form a guide or path for holding and guiding the pineapple (1) from the introduction point of the sprocket (1) to the support base (23) or plate of the crown-base cutting system (6), where the pineapple (1) is positioned to be gripped by the gripping means (9). Figure 3 shows in detail these guide holes (4, 5) located on the inside of the door (2) and in the machine's internal structure, respectively. This feeding method is simple, more ergonomic for the user, and avoids moving mechanisms that can cause jams. Therefore, with this feeder, pineapples (1) are manually introduced into the machine by the user and directed toward the feeder through a feeding gate (3) located in the machine's door (2).

[0051] According to different specific embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the figures, the peeling system (7) has a vertically arranged cylindrical cutting tube (15) positioned therein by a movable gripping means (9) for vertically holding a pineapple (1) from which the crown and bottom have been peeled, and cuts or peels its outer skin by pressure exerted by a vertical cylindrical pusher (16) having a vertical movement positioned on the cylindrical cutting tube (15) and the pineapple (1) and pushing the pineapple (1) along the cylindrical cutting tube (15). The cylindrical cutting tube (15) receives the pineapple block (1) therein once cut or peeled by the pressure of the vertical cylindrical pusher (16).

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the control system for actuation and movement, through sensors and control electronics, enables the peeling system (7) to repeat the peeling action as many times as necessary until peeling is achieved. That is, if the pineapple (1) is too hard and the cylindrical cutting tube (15) is unable to cut or peel the skin on the first attempt, the cylindrical cutting tube (15) will perform the action again a certain number of times until peeling is achieved or a failure is given. This is particularly achieved by a pair of magnetic sensors or detectors located on the cylindrical cutting tube (15) that function as Hall sensors to determine its position by measuring the magnetic field.

[0053] Preferably, the cylindrical pusher (16) is provided with a positioning pivot to facilitate attachment to the vertical cylinder of the machine, and also with an anti-rotation device to prevent rotation during severing of the pineapple (1) rind.

[0054] Preferably, as seen in Figure 12, the end of the cylindrical pusher (16) mirrors the shape of the cylindrical cutting tube assembly (15) so that it can be introduced into said cylindrical cutting tube (15) during peeling and the pineapple (1) can be advanced along said cylindrical cutting tube (15).

[0055] According to different specific embodiments, this peeling system (7) can have different elements that improve the overall processing of the pineapple (1).

[0056] First, the peeling system (7) can feature at least one inner tubular blade (18) concentrically arranged within the main cylindrical cutting tube (15). In this way, the inner tubular blade (18) cuts and removes the core from the pineapple block (1) during the peeling operation. The core passes inside the inner tubular blade (18) and falls into the machine's waste bucket. Figure 10 shows this inner tubular blade (18). In addition to this inner tubular blade (18), the peeling system (7) also features at least one inner radial blade (20) arranged radially inside the cylindrical cutting tube (15) for radially cutting and chopping the pineapple block (1) into a number of pieces corresponding to the number of inner radial blades (20) during peeling or peeling, and for securing the inner tubular blade (18) to the cylindrical cutting tube (15). FIG. 10 shows an arrangement of four inner radial blades (20), in which case the pineapple block (1) is cut into four pieces. Alternatively, a different number of inner radial blades (20) can be used, which determines the number of pieces of the pineapple block (1). FIGS. 11a-11c show three planar sketches of the resulting slices of the pineapple block (1) using a peeling system (7) with one inner radial blade (20) cutting the pineapple block (1) into two pieces (FIG. 11a), a peeling system (7) with four inner radial blades (20) cutting the pineapple block (1) into four pieces (FIG. 11b), and a peeling system (7) with six inner tubular blades (20) cutting the pineapple block (1) into six pieces (FIG. 11c).

[0057] Furthermore, the peeling system (7) may comprise at least one outer radial blade (19) arranged radially outside the cylindrical cutting tube (15), which performs radial cutting of the rind during peeling to facilitate peeling and discharge from the peeling system (7). Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which the peeling system has four outer radial blades (19) of the peeling system (7), but alternatively there may be other embodiments with a different number of outer radial blades (19), which adjusts the number of pieces into which the rind is divided during peeling.

[0058] Preferably, as also shown in the embodiment of Figure 10, the peeling system (7) may further comprise a deflector (21) arranged outside the bottom of the cylindrical cutting tube (15), which deflects the peels at the end of peeling to facilitate their discharge from the peeling system (7) into the waste bucket of the machine.

[0059] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the final processing and delivery mechanism (8) is movable perpendicular to the linear cutting path of the movable gripping means and the peeling system to move the peeled and sliced ​​pineapple blocks to a ready-to-eat collection bucket, as needed, after peeling or cutting the outer skin.

[0060] According to the above embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG. 13, the final processing and delivery mechanism (8) can be equipped with a horizontal layering blade (22). According to this implementation, the horizontal layering blade (22) of the final processing and delivery mechanism (8) can move in alternating horizontal motions, i.e., "back and forth" or "forward and backward," to cut the pineapple block (1) into slices and place the already cut pieces in a collection bucket ready to be delivered to the user. In this way, as the horizontal layering blade (22) cuts slices from the bottom of the pineapple block (1) according to its reciprocating horizontal motion, the pineapple block (1) descends, and the horizontal layering blade (22) continues to cut slices from the pineapple block (1). The number of alternating horizontal motions or repetitions of the horizontal layering blade (22) determines the number of horizontal cuts or slices made in the pineapple block (1). Thus, in a forward or backward movement, the horizontal layered blade (22) cuts the slices, and in a backward or forward movement, it feeds the slices into a collection bucket. The advantage of cutting the slices one by one in a horizontally reciprocating motion is that there is less damage to the fibers and therefore less extraction of pineapple juice (1) while cutting the slices. Thus, cutting the slices one by one results in a cleaner cut, with less squeezing and crushing of the pineapple block (1), which results in better processing of the fibers and less extraction of juice.

[0061] Preferably, this horizontal laminar blade (22) has a V-shape to improve the cutting of the slices and provide greater parallelism in the cutting of said slices.

[0062] According to an alternative embodiment to the above, the pineapple finishing and delivery mechanism (8) may comprise a first fixed block (25) having a plurality of vertically stacked and spaced apart horizontal layered blades (22) the free ends of which form cutting edges (28), and a second horizontally movable block (26) spaced apart and having slots (27) corresponding to or corresponding to the horizontal layered blades (22) of the first block (5). According to this arrangement, the pineapple block (1) is located between the first block (25) and the second block (26) of the final processing and delivery mechanism (8) as it passes through the peeling device (7), and the second block (26) during its horizontal displacement presses the pineapple block (1) against the first block (25), so that the horizontal layering blade (22) of the first block (25) is inserted into the slot (27) of the second block (26) and the cutting blade (28) cuts the pineapple block (1) into slices. The advantage provided by this realization is that all desired slices are obtained simultaneously in one horizontal movement.

[0063] According to a particular configuration of the previous embodiment, the horizontal layering blades (22) are configured to form a cutting edge (28) or vertical leading edge, which means that in the horizontal displacement of the second block (26), all the cutting of slices into the pineapple block (1) is done simultaneously. This is achieved by the horizontal layering blades (22) being of the same length and vertically aligned.

[0064] Alternatively, the horizontal layering blades 22 may be configured to form cutting edges 28 that are inclined relative to the vertical, meaning that the horizontal displacement of the second block 26 does not simultaneously cut all of the slices into the pineapple block 1. If the inclination is such that the upper portion of the cutting edge 28 advances relative to the lower portion of the cutting edge 28, the upper portion of the pineapple block 1 is cut first, and the lower portion is cut last. Conversely, if the inclination is such that the lower portion of the cutting edge 28 advances relative to the upper portion of the cutting edge 28, the lower portion of the pineapple block 1 is cut first, and the upper portion is cut last. This inclination can be achieved by using horizontal layering blades 22 of different lengths or by arranging their ends so that they are not vertically aligned. The advantage of either of these two embodiments is that, in addition to obtaining all slices in a single horizontal movement, by first making some cuts and then other cuts (depending on the advanced area of ​​the cutting edge), sequential multiple cuts are obtained from slice to slice, resulting in less squeezing and crushing of the pineapple block (1), which means less abuse of the fibers and therefore less extraction of pineapple juice during processing.

[0065] Alternatively, if the finishing and delivery mechanism (8) does not have blades, the pineapple block (1) is delivered to the collection bucket in a single horizontal movement without being divided into slices, but can also be divided according to the pieces previously made by the inner radial blades (20) as appropriate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of a machine with the door closed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1 with the doors open to reveal the main elements. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a partial detailed perspective view showing in detail some elements of the machine of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a crown-base cutting system of a machine with a pineapple being processed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 5 illustrates a gripping means of the crown-base cutting system of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 shows in detail the pneumatic gripper of the gripping means of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a straight cutting path from the gripping means to the peeling device of the pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a V-shaped crown cutting blade according to certain embodiments. [Figure 9] 1 shows an adjustable shape cutting blade placed in a pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to one embodiment, showing the existing space for positioning the crown once cut and the pneumatic ejection cylinder of said crown. [Figure 10] 1 shows a peeling system with four inner tubular blades and four outer radial blades, along with a deflector, according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 11a] Three planar sketches of the cuts made in a pineapple block by peeling systems with one, four and six inner tubular blades, respectively, are shown as examples. [Figure 11b] Three planar sketches of the cuts made in a pineapple block by peeling systems with one, four and six inner tubular blades, respectively, are shown as examples. [Figure 11c] Three planar sketches of the cuts made in a pineapple block by peeling systems with one, four and six inner tubular blades, respectively, are shown as examples. [Figure 12] 10 illustrates a cylindrical pusher end that replicates the shape of a cylindrical cutting tube assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 13]1 illustrates a final processing and delivery mechanism with horizontal layered blades according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a final processing and delivery mechanism having horizontal layered blade blocks and slots positioned downstream of the peeling system according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of a slotted block of the final processing and delivery mechanism according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is a perspective view of a blade block of the finishing and delivery mechanism according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, with the cutting edge angled relative to the vertical in the upper advanced position. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative blade block embodiment to FIG. 16, in which the cutting edge is angled relative to the vertical in the bottom advanced position.

Claims

1. A pineapple peeling and cutting machine, comprising: an access door (2) to the interior of the machine; a feeder configured to transport the pineapples (1) to a crown-base cutting system (6); a peeling system (7) arranged downstream of the crown-base cutting system (6); a final processing and delivery mechanism (8) located downstream of the peeling system (7); a control system configured to control the drive and movement of the crown-base cutting system (6), the peeling system (7), and the finishing and delivery mechanism (8), The crown base cutting system (6) comprises: a movable gripping means (9) configured to hold and move the pineapple (1) in a linear cutting path, to cut the crown and base of the pineapple, and to guide the pineapple to the peeling system (7), a pneumatic gripper (11) comprising two parallel open arms (12) and a V-shaped claw (13) attached to the end of each arm (12), the claws (13) facing each other and configured to hold the pineapple (1) therebetween; a movable gripping means (9) comprising a pneumatic linear actuator (14) to which the pneumatic gripper (11) is fixed and which is configured to move it in the linear cutting path; a crown cutting blade (10) and a base cutting blade (10') of the pineapple (1), both of which are horizontal and arranged in the cutting path of the gripping means (9), the height of which is adjustable and which are spaced apart from each other by a distance configured to allow the passage of the pneumatic gripper (11) between both blades (10, 10') in a linear cutting path.

2. The pineapple feeder (1) is a first guide hole (4) provided in the interior part of the door (2) and a second guide hole (5) provided in the internal structure of the machine; 2. The pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first guide hole (4) and the second guide hole (5) are opposite to each other, accommodated in each other, and configured to guide the pineapple (1) into the crown-base cutting system (6).

3. A pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crown cutting blade (10) and the base cutting blade (10') are V-shaped.

4. The peeling system (7) comprises a cylindrical cutting tube (15), the cylindrical cutting tube (15) is arranged vertically and is configured to hold the pineapple (1) conveyed by the movable gripping means (9) vertically and peel the pineapple (1) by pushing it with a vertical cylindrical pusher (16) configured to push the pineapple (1) along the cylindrical cutting tube (15); 10. A pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical cutting tube (15) is configured to accommodate the pineapple block (1) therein once cut and peeled.

5. The peeling system (7) comprises: at least one inner tubular blade (18) concentrically disposed inside the cylindrical cutting tube (15) and configured to cut and remove the core of the pineapple (1) when peeling the pineapple; 5. The pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one inner radial blade (20) arranged radially inside the cylindrical cutting tube (15) for fixing the inner tubular blade (18) to the cylindrical cutting tube (15), configured to radially slice the pineapple block (1) when peeling the outer skin of the pineapple block (1).

6. 6. The pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the peeling system (7) comprises at least one outer radial blade (19) arranged radially outside the cylindrical cutting tube (15) and configured to radially cut the outer skin during peeling.

7. 7. The pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the peeling system (7) comprises a deflector (21) arranged on the outside of the bottom of the cylindrical cutting tube (15) and configured to deflect the peel at the end of peeling.

8. 7. The pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the end of the cylindrical pusher (16) is configured to copy the shape of the cylindrical cutting tube assembly (15) and enter therein during peeling of the outer skin.

9. 10. The pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the final processing and delivery mechanism (8) is configured to move perpendicular to the linear cutting path of the movable gripping means (9) and the peeler (7) to deposit the peeled pineapple blocks (1) into a collection bucket.

10. 10. The pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the final processing and delivery mechanism (8) comprises a horizontally reciprocating horizontal layer blade (22) configured to slice the pineapple blocks (1) into the collecting bucket.

11. The pineapple final processing and delivery mechanism (8) comprises: a first fixed block (25) comprising a plurality of horizontally layered blades (22) stacked in a vertically spaced relationship, the free ends of which form cutting edges (28); and a second horizontally movable block (26) having a plurality of slots aligned with the horizontal layering blade (22) of the first block (25) at intervals, configured to push the pineapple block (1) against the first block (25) and introduce the horizontal layering blade (22) into the slots (27), thereby cutting the pineapple block (1) through the leading edge (28) in a slicing manner.

12. 12. A pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the horizontal layered blade (22) is arranged on the first block (25) forming a vertical cutting edge (28).

13. 12. A pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the horizontal layered blades (22) are arranged forming cutting edges (28) inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

14. the crown-base cutting system (6) comprises a pneumatic ejector cylinder (24) movable perpendicular to the movable gripping means (9) and the linear cutting path of the peeling system (7); 10. A pineapple peeling and cutting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to eject the crown placed on the crown cutting blade (10) when cutting the crown.

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