Seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device

Abstract

To provide a seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device that can efficiently separate foreign matter from a seaweed mixture. [Solution] The seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device comprises a container consisting of a fixed body 31 and a rotating body 32, a storage section for storing a seaweed mixture outside the container, and a suction section for sucking the mixture stored in the storage section toward the inside of the container. The rotating body 32 is rotatable relative to the fixed body 31 about an axis C that extends vertically through the center of the rotating annular part. Multiple protrusions are provided on the surface of the rotating annular part facing the fixed body 31. The seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device sucks the mixture toward the inside of the container. As a result, seaweed and seawater enter the inside of the container through the gap between the fixed body 31 and the rotating body 32, and foreign matter remains in the storage section. In this way, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device separates the foreign matter.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating and removing foreign matter from laver. [Background Art]

[0002] An apparatus for separating and removing foreign matter from laver, which separates and removes foreign matter from laver, is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a laver foreign matter separator provided with a cylindrical body including a plurality of annular bodies. The plurality of annular bodies are arranged in a vertical direction. A gap is formed between one annular body and another annular body vertically adjacent to said one annular body. The plurality of annular bodies are divided into a group located at odd-numbered positions and a group located at even-numbered positions from the lower end toward the upper end. The annular bodies belonging to the even-numbered group are rotatable about a vertically extending axis. The annular bodies belonging to the odd-numbered group do not rotate.

[0004] With the annular bodies belonging to the even-numbered group rotated, the laver mixture supplied to the outside of the cylindrical body is sucked toward the inside of the cylindrical body. Among the laver mixture, fresh laver and seawater flow into the inside of the cylindrical body through the gaps between the plurality of annular bodies. On the other hand, foreign matter such as small shrimp and small shellfish in the laver mixture remains outside the cylindrical body. Thereby, foreign matter is separated from the laver mixture. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-285366 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] Raw seaweed can sometimes get stuck in the gaps between multiple ring-shaped bodies. In this case, suction directed towards the inside of the tubular body is hindered, which presents a problem as it becomes difficult to efficiently separate foreign matter from the seaweed mixture.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device that can efficiently separate foreign matter from a seaweed mixture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device according to the present invention comprises a containment body comprising one or more rotating bodies having an annular rotating annular portion, and a fixed body having a pair of fixed annular portions positioned above and below each of the one or more rotating bodies with a gap between them, a storage portion for storing a mixture of seaweed outside the containment body, and a suction portion for sucking the mixture stored in the storage portion towards the inside of the containment body, wherein the one or more rotating bodies are rotatable relative to the fixed bodies about an axis extending vertically through the center of the rotating annular portion, and the pair of fixed annular portions The rotating annular body comprises an upper fixed annular portion located above each of the one or more rotating bodies, and a lower fixed annular portion located below each of the one or more rotating bodies, wherein one or more protrusions are provided on a symmetric surface which is at least one of the upper rotating surface including the portion of the rotating annular portion facing the upper fixed annular portion, the lower rotating surface including the portion of the rotating annular portion facing the lower fixed annular portion, the lower fixed surface including the portion of the upper fixed annular portion facing the rotating annular portion, and the upper fixed surface including the portion of the lower fixed annular portion facing the rotating annular portion.

[0009] According to the present invention, one or more protrusions can push out raw seaweed that is in the gap between the rotating annular part and the fixed annular pair. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can efficiently separate foreign matter from the mixed liquid by suppressing the clogging of raw seaweed in the gap between the rotating annular part and the fixed annular pair.

[0010] In the present invention, the circumferential width of each of the one or more protrusions around the axis may gradually decrease toward the axis. In this case, raw seaweed in the gap between the rotating annular part and the fixed annular pair can be appropriately pushed out of the gap. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can appropriately prevent raw seaweed from getting stuck in the gap.

[0011] In the present invention, the one or more protrusions protrude toward an opposing surface, which includes a portion of the opposing part that faces the target surface, at least one of the rotating annular part, the upper fixed annular part, and the lower fixed annular part, and the adjacent surface of each of the one or more protrusions that is close to the opposing surface may be perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this case, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can efficiently guide the mixed liquid toward the gap between the opposing surface and the adjacent surface to separate the foreign matter.

[0012] In the present invention, the one or more protrusions project toward an opposing surface, which includes a portion of the opposing part that faces the target surface, at least one of the rotating annular part, the upper fixed annular part, and the lower fixed annular part, and the proximity surface of each of the one or more protrusions that is close to the opposing surface may be inclined with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this case, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can separate finer foreign matter compared to the case where the proximity surface is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0013] In the present invention, the gap between the adjacent surface and the opposing surface may be uniform in the radial direction centered on the axis. In this case, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can suppress the multi-directional flow of the mixed liquid that has entered the container through the gap. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can prevent raw seaweed from clogging the container. Furthermore, it can facilitate the cleaning of the inside of the container.

[0014] In the present invention, the gap between the adjacent surface and the opposing surface may widen as it extends radially inward from the axis. In this case, the flow velocity of the mixed liquid flowing through the gap can be increased. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can suck the mixed liquid into the container with a strong suction force, thus shortening the time required for separating foreign matter.

[0015] In the present invention, a plurality of protrusions may be provided on the target surface, and a connecting protrusion may be provided that extends circumferentially around the axis and connects the plurality of protrusions. In this case, the connecting protrusion can make the gap between the rotating annular portion and the fixed annular pair constant in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can stably separate foreign matter.

[0016] In the present invention, a plate that enters the gap between the rotating annular portion and the upper fixed annular portion in a part of the circumferential direction around the axis may be provided on either the rotating annular portion or the upper fixed annular portion. In this case, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can remove raw seaweed stuck between the rotating annular portion and the upper fixed annular portion by scraping it out with the plate.

[0017] In the present invention, the plate body is provided on the rotating annular portion, and the upper fixed annular portion may have a projection at a position opposite to the passage area through which the plate body, which moves in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body, passes. In this case, the projection can prevent foreign objects that get caught on the moving plate body from rotating together with the rotating body.

[0018] In the present invention, a plate that enters the gap between the rotating annular portion and the lower fixed annular portion in a part of the circumferential direction around the axis may be provided on either the rotating annular portion or the lower fixed annular portion. In this case, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can remove raw seaweed stuck between the rotating annular portion and the upper fixed annular portion by scraping it out with the plate.

[0019] In the present invention, the plate body is provided on the rotating annular portion, and the lower fixed annular portion may have a projection at a position opposite to the passage area through which the plate body, which moves in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body, passes. In this case, the projection can prevent foreign objects that get caught on the moving plate body from rotating together with the rotating body.

[0020] In the present invention, the protruding portion may be provided with a groove extending radially along the axis. In this case, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can remove raw seaweed stuck in the gap between the rotating annular portion and the fixed annular pair using the groove.

[0021] In the present invention, the radially outward ends of the fixed annular pair with respect to the axis may protrude radially outward more than the radially outward ends of the rotating annular portion. In this case, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can efficiently guide the mixed liquid into the gap and separate the foreign matter compared to the case where the radially outward ends of the fixed annular pair and the radially outward ends of the rotating annular portion coincide.

[0022] In the present invention, each of the one or more rotating bodies further comprises a bearing portion extending along the axis and a support portion extending radially from the bearing portion toward the rotating annular portion, with respect to a contact body which is at least partially located in the movement trajectory of the support portion when the one or more rotating bodies rotate relative to the stationary body and which contacts the support portion in accordance with the relative rotation of the stationary body. In this case, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device can remove raw seaweed adhering to the support portion with the contact body.

[0023] In the present invention, the storage section may further include a stirring section that rotates in accordance with the relative rotation of the one or more rotating bodies. In this case, the stirring section can stir the mixed liquid stored in the storage section, thereby preventing the sedimentation of raw seaweed and foreign matter in the mixed liquid and allowing for proper separation of foreign matter.

[0024] In the present invention, the stirring section may include an inclined portion inclined with respect to a virtual plane orthogonal to the circumferential direction centered on the shaft. In this case, the laver foreign matter separating and removing apparatus can efficiently stir the mixed liquid by the stirring section. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the laver foreign matter separating and removing apparatus 1. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the inside of a first housing 11. [Figure 3] It is a front view of a separation assembly 25. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the separation assembly 25. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a fixed body 31A. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a rotating body 32A. [Figure 7] It is a bottom view of the rotating body 32A. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 3 as viewed from the direction of the arrow. [Figure 9] It is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 8. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of a rotating annular portion 71C and a fixed annular portion 41 in a modification. [Figure 11] It is a bottom view of a fixed body 31A in a modification. [MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION]

[0026] One embodiment of the laver foreign matter separating and removing apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to are used for explaining technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration and the like of the apparatus described herein are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0027] The upward direction, downward direction, diagonally lower left direction, diagonally upper right direction, diagonally upper left direction, and diagonally lower right direction in Fig. 1 respectively correspond to the upward direction, downward direction, front direction, rear direction, left direction, and right direction of the laver foreign matter separating and removing apparatus 1.

[0028] <Overview of the Nori (seaweed) foreign matter separation and removal device 1> The seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 separates and removes foreign matter such as straw debris, mysid shrimp, shrimp worms, synthetic resin fragments, crustacean fragments, and other seaweeds mixed in with raw seaweed (raw seaweed) from the mixture of raw seaweed and seawater.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 comprises a housing 10. The housing 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12, each being box-shaped. The first housing 11 is located above the second housing 12.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, a storage section 11A for storing the mixed liquid is formed inside the first housing 11. The top lid 11U (see Figure 1), side walls 11S, and bottom wall 11B of the first housing 11 cover the storage section 11A from all sides. The storage section 11A is divided into left and right sections by a partition wall 21. The portion of the storage section 11A to the right of the partition wall 21 is called the first storage section 16. The portion of the storage section 11A to the left of the partition wall 21 is called the second storage section 17. The partition wall 21 is provided with a punching 210 containing a plurality of elongated through holes.

[0031] The second storage section 17 is equipped with water level sensors 18A, 18B, and 18C. Each of the water level sensors 18A, 18B, and 18C has a detection section at its lower end. The heights of the detection sections of the water level sensors 18A, 18B, and 18C are different. The detection section of water level sensor 18A is located at the top, and the detection section of water level sensor 18C is located at the bottom. The height of the detection section of water level sensor 18B is lower than the height of the detection section of water level sensor 18A, and higher than the height of the detection section of water level sensor 18C. The height of the detection section of water level sensor 18B is approximately the same as the height of the housing 30 (described later) of the separation assembly 25.

[0032] The side wall 11S is provided with a seaweed input section 22 and a seawater input section 23 (see Figure 1). The bottom wall 11B is provided with a drain pipe 24, a separation assembly 25, and a foreign matter discharge section 26. The seaweed input section 22 and the seawater input section 23 are each connected to the first storage section 16. The drain pipe 24 is connected to the second storage section 17. The drain pipe 24 is movable in the vertical direction.

[0033] This section outlines the process (separation process) in which foreign matter is separated from the mixed liquid by the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1.

[0034] The mixed liquid is introduced into the first storage section 16 via the seaweed input section 22. Seawater is introduced from the seawater input section 23. As a result, the outside of the housing 30 (described later) of the separation assembly 25 is filled with the mixed liquid. After the water level of the mixed liquid stored in the first storage section 16 exceeds the height level of the detection section of the water level sensor 18B, the separation assembly 25 is started to operate. The separation assembly 25 separates foreign matter from the mixed liquid. The mixed liquid from which the foreign matter has been separated moves downward inside the housing 30 and flows into the second housing 12 for collection. Details of the separation assembly 25 will be described later.

[0035] A portion of the seawater from the mixed liquid stored in the first storage section 16, excluding the raw seaweed, flows into the second storage section 17 via the perforations 210. The seawater stored in the second storage section 17 is discharged through the opening at the upper end of the drain pipe 24. Here, the amount of seawater discharged is adjusted by adjusting the height of the drain pipe 24. This adjusts the concentration of the mixed liquid in the first storage section 16.

[0036] The amount of mixed liquid introduced into the first storage section 16 is adjusted based on the detection results from the water level sensors 18A and 18B. More specifically, the amount of mixed liquid introduced is adjusted so that the liquid level of the mixed liquid is at the height between the respective detection points of the water level sensors 18A and 18B.

[0037] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the separation of foreign matter by the separation assembly 25 began, the amount of mixed liquid introduced into the first storage unit 16 via the seaweed input unit 22 is limited. As a result, the water level of the mixed liquid in the first storage unit 16 decreases. When the water level of the mixed liquid in the first storage unit 16 falls below the height level of the detection unit of the water level sensor 18B, seawater is introduced into the first storage unit 16 via the seawater input unit 23. As a result, the mixed liquid in the first storage unit 16 is diluted.

[0038] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the supply of seawater is stopped. When the liquid level of the diluted mixture falls below the height level of the detection unit of the water level sensor 18C, the drive of the separation assembly 25 is stopped. After the drive of the separation assembly 25 is stopped, the sufficiently diluted mixture flows out into the second housing 12 via the foreign matter discharge unit 26 and is discharged. The separation assembly 25 is washed with seawater supplied from the seawater supply unit 23.

[0039] <Separation Assembly 25> As shown in Figure 3, the separation assembly 25 includes a housing 30, a stirring section 33, a suction case 34, a shaft 35, a drive unit, and the like.

[0040] <Containment Unit 30> The container 30 is positioned above the bottom wall 11B and within the first storage section 16, and is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall 11B. The container 30 has a cylindrical shape with a closed upper end, and a space is formed inside it. A through hole is formed in the portion of the bottom wall 11B above where the container 30 is positioned. This through hole communicates with the space inside the container 30.

[0041] The housing 30 includes fixed bodies 31A, 31B, 31C, and rotating bodies 32A, 32B. The fixed bodies 31A, rotating bodies 32A, fixed bodies 31B, rotating bodies 32B, and fixed body 31C are arranged vertically and in this order downwards. Fixed body 31A is positioned at the top, and fixed body 31C is positioned at the bottom. Fixed bodies 31A, 31B, and 31C each have different shapes. Rotating bodies 32A and 32B have the same shape.

[0042] The fixed bodies 31A to 31C are collectively referred to as fixed body 31. The rotating bodies 32A and 32B are collectively referred to as rotating body 32. The fixed bodies 31 and rotating bodies 32 are arranged alternately in the vertical direction.

[0043] The imaginary line extending vertically through the centers of the fixed body 31 and the rotating body 32 is called the axis C. The circumferential direction around axis C is simply called the circumferential direction. The radial direction around axis C is simply called the radial direction.

[0044] <Fixed body 31> As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the fixed body 31A includes a base 40 having a substantially circular plate shape. A first through hole 46A is formed in the base 40 at a position intersecting the axis C. Second through holes are formed in each of the two positions on either side of the first through hole 46A in the base 40. As shown in Figure 3, a cylindrical portion 46 extending upward is provided on the periphery of the first through hole 46A in the base 40. Cylindrical portions 47 extending upward are provided on the periphery of each of the two second through holes in the base 40. A cap 48 is fitted to the upper end of each of the two cylindrical portions 47.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the lower surface of the base 40 is called the fixed surface 40B. A contact body 300 is provided on the fixed surface 40B. The shape of the contact body 300 is a rectangular parallelepiped with a portion cut out. The long side of the contact body 300 extends along the radial direction. The contact body 300 protrudes downward relative to the fixed surface 40B.

[0046] A fixed annular portion 41 projecting downward is provided on the periphery of the base portion 40. The fixed annular portion 41 extends in an annular shape around axis C. As shown in Figure 9, the lower surface of the fixed annular portion 41 is called the first upper fixing surface 41B.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, a notch 40A is provided at the radially outer end and lower end of the fixed annular portion 41. The notch 40A extends in the circumferential direction. A projection 40P is provided on a part of the notch 40A. The projection 40P protrudes radially outward from the end face of the notch 40A perpendicular to the radial direction. The outer diameter of the projection 40P is equal to the outer diameter of the fixed annular portion 41 excluding the notch 40A.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, a projection 42 is provided on the first upper fixing surface 41B of the fixed annular portion 41. The projection 42 protrudes downward relative to the first upper fixing surface 41B. The projection 42 includes a plurality of partial projections 43 and a connecting projection 44.

[0049] There are six partial protrusions 43. The partial protrusions 43 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the partial protrusions 43 has the same shape. The lower surfaces of the partial protrusions 43 are perpendicular to the vertical direction. The circumferential ends of each of the partial protrusions 43 are inclined and curved with respect to the radial direction. The circumferential width of each of the partial protrusions 43 gradually decreases toward axis C. The circumferential width of the innermost radial portion of each of the partial protrusions 43 is smaller than the circumferential width of the outermost radial portion of each of the partial protrusions 43.

[0050] The connecting projection 44 extends in the circumferential direction and connects to the radially outer ends of each of the multiple partial projections 43. The radial width of the connecting projection 44 is the same throughout its entire circumferential region. As shown in Figure 9, the radially outer end of the connecting projection 44 is located inward from the radially outer end of the fixed annular portion 41. The lower surface of the connecting projection 44 is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0051] The protrusion amounts of the multiple partial protrusions 43 and the connecting protrusion 44 are the same. No steps are formed at the boundary portions of the lower surfaces of the multiple partial protrusions 43 and the connecting protrusion 44. The lower surfaces of the multiple partial protrusions 43 and the connecting protrusion 44 are referred to as the proximity surfaces 42B of the protrusion 42. The proximity surfaces 42B of the fixed body 31A are planar and perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, four protrusions 49 projecting radially outward are provided on the outer surface of the fixed annular portion 41. The four protrusions 49 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the fixed body 31B has a fixed annular portion 51 that extends in an annular shape around axis C. As shown in Figure 2, four protrusions 59 projecting radially outward are provided on the outer surface of the fixed annular portion 51. The four protrusions 59 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, a notch 50A is provided at the radially outer end and upper end of the fixed annular portion 51. A notch 50B is provided at the radially outer end and lower end of the fixed annular portion 51. Notches 50A and 50B extend in the circumferential direction.

[0055] A projection 50P is provided in a part of the notch 50A. A projection 50Q is provided in a part of the notch 50B. The shapes of projections 50P and 50Q are the same as the projection 40P of the fixed annular portion 41.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, the upper surface of the fixed annular portion 51 is called the second lower fixing surface 41U, and the lower surface of the fixed annular portion 51 is called the second upper fixing surface 41B. Protrusions 42 are provided on the second lower fixing surface 41U and the second upper fixing surface 41B. The shape of the respective protrusions 42 on the second lower fixing surface 41U and the second upper fixing surface 41B is the same as the protrusions 42 on the fixing body 31A. Each of the protrusions 42 on the second lower fixing surface 41U and the second upper fixing surface 41B has a plurality of partial protrusions 43 and a connecting protrusion 44. The shape of the plurality of partial protrusions 43 on each of the protrusions 42 on the second lower fixing surface 41U and the second upper fixing surface 41B is the same as the plurality of partial protrusions 43 on the fixing body 31A. The shape of the connecting protrusions 44 on each of the protrusions 42 on the second lower fixing surface 41U and the second upper fixing surface 41B is the same as the connecting protrusions 44 on the fixing body 31A. The upper surfaces of the multiple partial protrusions 43 and connecting protrusions 44 of the second lower fixing surface 41U, and the lower surfaces of the multiple partial protrusions 43 and connecting protrusions 44 of the second upper fixing surface 41B, each correspond to the proximity surface 42B of the protrusion 42. The proximity surface 42B of the fixing body 31B is planar and perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the fixed body 31C has a fixed annular portion 61 that extends in an annular shape around the axis C. As shown in Figure 2, four protrusions 69 projecting radially outward are provided on the outer surface of the fixed annular portion 61. The four protrusions 69 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, a notch 60A is provided at the radially outer end and upper end of the fixed annular portion 61. The notch 60A extends in the circumferential direction. A projection 60P is provided on a part of the notch 60A. The shape of the projection 60P is the same as the projection 40P of the fixed annular portion 41 and the projections 50P and 50Q of the fixed annular portion 51.

[0059] The upper surface of the fixed annular portion 61 is called the third lower fixed surface 41U. A projection 42 is provided on the third lower fixed surface 41U. The shape of the projection 42 of the third lower fixed surface 41U is the same as the projection 42 of the fixed body 31A. The projection 42 of the third lower fixed surface 41U has a plurality of partial projections 43 and a connecting projection 44. The shape of the plurality of partial projections 43 of the projection 42 of the third lower fixed surface 41U is the same as the plurality of partial projections 43 of the fixed body 31A. The shape of the connecting projection 44 of the projection 42 of the third lower fixed surface 41U is the same as the connecting projection 44 of the fixed body 31A. The upper surfaces of the plurality of partial projections 43 and the connecting projection 44 of the third lower fixed surface 41U correspond to the proximity surface 42B of the projection 42. The proximity surface 42B of the fixed body 31C has a planar shape and is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0060] The circumferential positions of protrusions 40P, 50P, 50Q, and 60P coincide. Protrusions 40P, 50P, 50Q, and 60P are aligned in a straight line vertically.

[0061] <Rotating body 32> As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the rotating body 32A has a bearing portion 71A, four support portions 71E, and a rotating annular portion 71C.

[0062] The bearing portion 71A has a cylindrical shape. The shaft C passes through the center of the through hole 710 of the bearing portion 71A. The bearing portion 71A extends along the shaft C. The four support portions 71E each have a rod shape and extend radially outward from the bearing portion 71A. The four support portions 71E are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The rotating annular portion 71C extends in an annular shape with the shaft C as the center. The ends of each of the four support portions 71E are connected to the inner surface of the rotating annular portion 71C.

[0063] The upper surface of the rotating annular portion 71C is called the lower rotation surface 71U, and the lower surface of the rotating annular portion 71C is called the upper rotation surface 71B.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, projections 72 are provided on the lower rotation surface 71U and the upper rotation surface 71B of the rotating annular portion 71C. The projection 72 on the lower rotation surface 71U protrudes upward relative to the lower rotation surface 71U. The projection 72 on the upper rotation surface 71B protrudes downward relative to the upper rotation surface 71B. The projection 72 includes a plurality of partial projections 73 and a connecting projection 74.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, there are six partial protrusions 73. The partial protrusions 73 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The upper surfaces of each of the partial protrusions 73 on the lower rotating surface 71U, and the lower surfaces of each of the partial protrusions 73 on the upper rotating surface 71B, are perpendicular to the vertical direction. The connecting protrusions 74 extend in the circumferential direction and connect to the radially outer ends of the partial protrusions 73. The radially outer ends of the connecting protrusions 74 and the radially outer ends of the rotating annular portion 71C are at the same radial position. The upper surface of the connecting protrusions 74 on the lower rotating surface 71U, and the lower surface of the connecting protrusions 74 on the upper rotating surface 71B, are perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper surfaces of the multiple partial protrusions 73 and connecting protrusions 74 of the lower rotating surface 71U, and the lower surfaces of the multiple partial protrusions 73 and connecting protrusions 74 of the upper rotating surface 71B, are referred to as the proximity surfaces 72U of the protrusions 72. The proximity surfaces 72U of the rotating body 32A are planar and perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0066] Of the multiple partial protrusions 73, the shapes of all but the two partial protrusions 73A that face each other around axis C are the same as the multiple partial protrusions 43 of the fixed annular sections 41, 51, and 61. The shape of the connecting protrusion 74 is the same as the connecting protrusion 44 of the fixed annular sections 41, 51, and 61.

[0067] A plate body 78 is connected to each of the two partial protrusions 73A by screws. The plate body 78 protrudes from the adjacent surface 72U of the protrusion 72 by the thickness of the plate body 78. The shape of the plate body 78 is approximately rectangular. The longer side of the plate body 78 is perpendicular to the radial direction. The radially outer end of the plate body 78 is positioned radially outward from the radially outer end of the rotating annular portion 71C.

[0068] The plate body 78 is provided on the adjacent surface 72U of the partial protrusions 73A, of which there are two on each of the lower rotation surface 71U and the upper rotation surface 71B of the rotating body 32A. Therefore, a total of four plate bodies 78 are provided on the rotating body 32A.

[0069] The shape of the rotating body 32B is the same as that of the rotating body 32A, so its description is omitted. The plate bodies 78 are provided on the adjacent surfaces 72U of the partial protrusions 73A, two of which are provided on each of the lower rotating surface 71U and the upper rotating surface 71B of the rotating body 32A. Therefore, the rotating body 32B is provided with a total of four plate bodies 78.

[0070] <Stirring section 33> As shown in Figure 2, the stirring section 33 is located within the first storage section 16. As shown in Figure 3, the stirring section 33 has an elongated plate shape. The stirring section 33 has a horizontal extension section 33A and two vertical extension sections 33B. The horizontal extension section 33A extends horizontally. The two vertical extension sections 33B extend downward from both ends of the horizontal extension section 33A. The two vertical extension sections 33B are perpendicular to the radial direction.

[0071] <Suction case 34> As shown in Figure 3, the suction case 34 is positioned below the housing 30 and fixed to the lower surface of the bottom wall 11B. The suction case 34 has a case base 34A and a branching portion 34B.

[0072] The case base 34A has a cylindrical main body 340. An axis C passes through the center of the main body 340. An extension 341 extending radially outward is provided at the upper end of the main body 340. An extension 342 extending radially inward is provided at the lower end of the main body 340. Openings are formed at the upper and lower ends of the case base 34A. The horizontal position of the opening at the upper end of the case base 34A coincides with the through hole provided in the bottom wall 11B below the housing 30.

[0073] The branch section 34B is provided on the main body 340 of the case base 34A. The branch section 34B protrudes radially outward from the main body 340. The inner spaces of the case base 34A and the branch section 34B are in communication with each other. A suction section 343 is provided at the lower end of the branch section 34B. The suction section 343 is a fitting for connecting a suction pump.

[0074] <Shaft 35> As shown in Figure 8, the shaft 35 has a rod shape and extends vertically along axis C. The shaft 35 is inserted through the first through hole 46A of the stationary body 31A, the through holes 710 of the bearing portions 71A of the rotating bodies 32A and 32B, and the case base 34A of the suction case 34. The upper end of the shaft 35 protrudes above the stationary body 31A. The lower end of the shaft 35 protrudes below the suction case 34.

[0075] The stirring section 33 is connected to the upper end of the shaft 35. The rotating bodies 32A and 32B are connected to the lower part of the shaft 35. The stirring section 33 and the rotating bodies 32A and 32B rotate around axis C in accordance with the rotation of the shaft 35. The stationary bodies 31A to 31C do not rotate even when the shaft 35 rotates.

[0076] <Drive Unit> The drive unit is located inside or below the suction case 34 and comprises a bearing unit and a motor M. The bearing unit rotatably supports the shaft 35. The rotating shaft of the motor M is connected to the shaft 35 via a plurality of gears. The shaft 35 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor M.

[0077] <Assembly> The drive unit's bearing unit is fixed to the suction case 34. The through hole in the extension 342 of the suction case 34 is closed by the bearing unit. In this state, the extension 341 of the suction case 34 is connected to the lower surface of the bottom wall 11B. The shaft 35 extends upward through the through hole in the bottom wall 11B.

[0078] The stationary body 31A, rotating body 32A, stationary body 31B, rotating body 32B, and stationary body 31C are stacked in this order, facing downwards. The stationary body 31 and rotating body 32 are placed on the bottom wall 11B above the suction case 34. The shaft 35 is inserted from bottom to top through the first through hole 46A of the stationary body 31A and the through holes 710 of the bearing portions 71A of the respective rotating bodies 32A and 32B. The rotating bodies 32A and 32B are connected to the shaft 35.

[0079] As shown in Figure 3, a spacer 311 is sandwiched between the four protrusions 49 of the fixing body 31A and the four protrusions 59 of the fixing body 31B. A spacer 312 is sandwiched between the four protrusions 59 of the fixing body 31B and the four protrusions 69 of the fixing body 31C.

[0080] Screws 313 are inserted from top to bottom through the four protrusions 49 of the fixed body 31A, the four protrusions 59 of the fixed body 31B, the four protrusions 69 of the fixed body 31C, and the through holes provided in the spacers 311 and 312. The lower end of the screw 313 is inserted downward through the bottom wall 11B and fits into a screw hole provided in the extension 341 of the suction case 34.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, the base 40 and fixed annular portion 41 of the fixed body 31A, the rotating annular portion 71C of the rotating body 32A, the fixed annular portion 51 of the fixed body 31B, the rotating annular portion 71C of the rotating body 32B, and the fixed annular portion 61 of the fixed body 31C each form the internal space of the housing 30 in the area enclosed by them. The internal space of the housing 30 and the space inside the case base 34A of the suction case 34 are connected through the through-hole in the bottom wall 11B, forming a single common space. Hereinafter, this space will be referred to as the internal space 100.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, the fixed annular portion 41 of the stationary body 31A is positioned above the rotating annular portion 71C of the rotating body 32A. The lower rotating surface 71U of the rotating body 32A and the first upper fixed surface 41B of the stationary body 31A face each other in the vertical direction, and the proximity surface 72U of the rotating body 32A and the proximity surface 42B of the stationary body 31A face each other in the vertical direction. A gap is formed between the proximity surfaces 72U and 42B. This gap is called the gap G. The connecting projection 74 of the rotating body 32A and the connecting projection 44 of the stationary body 31A are aligned vertically with the gap G in between.

[0083] The radially outer ends of the two plate bodies 78, which are provided on the adjacent surfaces 72U of the two partial protrusions 73A on the lower rotating surface 71U of the rotating body 32A, enter a part of the gap G from the inside and protrude radially outward from the gap G.

[0084] As shown in Figure 8, the lower end of the contact body 300, which is connected to the fixed surface 40B of the fixed body 31A, is located below the upper ends of the four support parts 71E of the rotating body 32A. In other words, a portion of the lower end of the contact body 300 is positioned in the area (referred to as the movement trajectory) through which the four support parts 71E pass when the rotating body 32A rotates.

[0085] The fixed annular portion 51 of the fixed body 31B is positioned below the rotating annular portion 71C of the rotating body 32A. The upper rotating surface 71B of the rotating body 32A and the second lower fixed surface 41U of the fixed body 31B face each other in the vertical direction, and the proximity surface 72U of the rotating body 32A and the proximity surface 42B of the fixed body 31B face each other in the vertical direction. A gap G is formed between the proximity surfaces 72U and 42B. The connecting projection 74 of the rotating body 32A and the connecting projection 44 of the fixed body 31B are aligned vertically with the gap G in between.

[0086] The radially outer ends of the two plate bodies 78, which are provided on the adjacent surfaces 72U of the two partial protrusions 73A of the upper rotating surface 71B of the rotating body 32A, enter a part of the gap G from the inside and protrude radially outward from the gap G.

[0087] The fixed annular portion 51 of the fixed body 31B is positioned above the rotating annular portion 71C of the rotating body 32B. The lower rotating surface 71U of the rotating body 32B and the second upper fixed surface 41B of the fixed body 31B face each other in the vertical direction, and the proximity surface 72U of the rotating body 32B and the proximity surface 42B of the fixed body 31B face each other in the vertical direction. A gap G is formed between the proximity surfaces 72U and 42B. The connecting projection 74 of the rotating body 32B and the connecting projection 44 of the fixed body 31B are aligned vertically with the gap G in between.

[0088] The radially outer ends of the two plate bodies 78, which are provided on the adjacent surfaces 72U of the two partial protrusions 73A on the lower rotating surface 71U of the rotating body 32B, enter a part of the gap G from the inside and protrude radially outward from the gap G.

[0089] The fixed annular portion 61 of the fixed body 31C is positioned below the rotating annular portion 71C of the rotating body 32B. The upper rotating surface 71B of the rotating body 32B and the third lower fixed surface 41U of the fixed body 31C face each other in the vertical direction, and the proximity surface 72U of the rotating body 32B and the proximity surface 42B of the fixed body 31C face each other in the vertical direction. A gap G is formed between the proximity surfaces 72U and 42B. The connecting projection 74 of the rotating body 32B and the connecting projection 44 of the fixed body 31C are aligned vertically with the gap G in between.

[0090] The radially outer ends of the two plate bodies 78, which are provided on the adjacent surfaces 72U of the two partial protrusions 73A of the upper rotating surface 71B of the rotating body 32B, enter a portion of the gap G from the inside and protrude radially outward from the gap G.

[0091] The gap G is uniform throughout the radial direction. The gap G is slightly larger than the thickness of the plate 78.

[0092] A stirring section 33 is connected to the tip of the shaft 35. The horizontal extension 33A of the stirring section 33 is located outward from the radially outer end of the housing 30. The two vertical extensions 33B of the stirring section 33 are positioned radially outward from the fixed annular section 41 of the fixed body 31A, the fixed annular section 51 of the fixed body 31B, the fixed annular section 61 of the fixed body 31C, and the respective rotating annular sections 71C of the rotating bodies 32A and 32B, i.e., the sides of the housing 30. The lower ends of the two vertical extensions 33B are located near the bottom wall 11B.

[0093] The radially outer ends of the fixed annular portion 41 of the fixed body 31A excluding the notch 40A, the fixed annular portion 51 of the fixed body 31B excluding the notches 50A and 50B, and the fixed annular portion 61 of the fixed body 31C excluding the notch 60A, each protrude outward more than the radially outer ends of the respective rotating annular portions 71C of the rotating bodies 32A and 32B. This amount of protrusion is equal to the distance between the radially outer end of the connecting projection 44 and the radially outer ends of the fixed annular portions 41, 51, and 61.

[0094] <Details of the separation process> Raw seaweed and seawater are added to the first storage section 16, and once the outside of the container 30 is filled with the mixture, the motor M is started to operate. The rotating body 32 and the stirring section 33 rotate around axis C relative to the stationary body 31. The rotation of the stirring section 33 agitates the mixture in the first storage section 16. The mixture circulates.

[0095] Suction is initiated by the suction pump connected to the suction unit 343. The mixed liquid outside the container 30 is forcibly sucked into the internal space 100 through the gap G between the stationary body 31 and the rotating body 32, while circulating. At this time, foreign matter larger than the gap G cannot enter the internal space 100 and remains outside the container 30, while only the raw seaweed and seawater pass through the gap G.

[0096] As the rotating body 32 rotates relative to the fixed body 31, the circumferential positions of the multiple partial protrusions 43 of the fixed bodies 31A, 31B, and 31C and the multiple partial protrusions 73 of the rotating bodies 32A and 32B coincide at regular intervals. This allows raw seaweed (especially long pieces of raw seaweed) in the gap G to be pushed out of the gap G. This eliminates clogging of the gap G with raw seaweed.

[0097] As the rotating body 32 rotates relative to the fixed body 31, the plate body 78 moves circumferentially along the gap G. As a result, any raw seaweed remaining in the gap G is scraped out from the entire circumferential area of ​​the gap G and removed from the gap G. This eliminates the blockage of raw seaweed in the gap G.

[0098] A portion of the lower end of the contact body 300, which is connected to the fixed surface 40B of the fixed body 31A, is positioned along the movement trajectory of the four support parts 71E of the rotating body 32A. As a result, during the rotation of the rotating body 32 relative to the fixed body 31A, a portion of the lower end of the contact body 300 contacts the four support parts 71E at regular intervals. This causes the raw seaweed that has become entangled with the four support parts 71E in the internal space 100 to be removed from the four support parts 71E by the contact body 300.

[0099] The projection 40P of the fixed annular portion 41 faces upward relative to the passage area through which the moving plate 78 passes. The projection 50P of the fixed annular portion 51 faces downward relative to the passage area through which the moving plate 78 passes. The projection 50Q of the fixed annular portion 51 faces upward relative to the passage area through which the moving plate 78 passes. The projection 60P of the fixed annular portion 61 faces downward relative to the passage area through which the moving plate 78 passes.

[0100] The protrusions 40P, 50P, 50Q, and 60P capture raw seaweed and foreign objects that get caught on the rotating plate 78. As a result, the protrusions 40P, 50P, 50Q, and 60P prevent the raw seaweed and foreign objects from rotating together with the rotating body 32.

[0101] The mixed liquid, from which foreign matter has been separated, flows through the internal space 100 from the containment body 30 towards the suction case 34. The mixed liquid that flows into the suction case 34 flows out into the second housing 12 via the suction section 343 and is recovered.

[0102] After the separation process is complete, the user can access the internal space 100 by detaching the cap 48 from the fixed body 31A. Therefore, the user can clean the internal space 100 in this state.

[0103] <Operation and effects of this embodiment> Raw seaweed can become uneven in thickness due to the inclusion of foreign matter, which can cause it to stick together and form clumps when it enters gaps G. If these clumps become too large, they may not be able to pass through gaps G and may become stuck near the entrance of gaps G. In this case, the area of ​​gaps G through which the mixed liquid can pass becomes smaller, reducing efficiency.

[0104] Additionally, long pieces of raw seaweed may extend between the outside and inside of gap G. In this case, the raw seaweed may stick to clumps of raw seaweed that have been adsorbed near the entrance and remain in gap G.

[0105] In contrast, the multiple protruding parts 43 and 73 of the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can break down the raw seaweed remaining in the gap G between the fixed body 31 and the rotating body 32 during the process of separating foreign matter from the mixed liquid, push it out of the gap G, and flow it towards the internal space 100. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can efficiently separate foreign matter from the mixed liquid by suppressing the clogging caused by raw seaweed remaining in the gap G.

[0106] The circumferential widths of the partial protrusions 43 and 73 gradually decrease toward the axis C. In this case, the partial protrusions 43 and 73 can appropriately push out the raw seaweed in the gap G between the fixed body 31 and the rotating body 32 and smoothly guide it into the internal space 100 of the containment body 30. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can appropriately suppress the retention of raw seaweed in the gap G.

[0107] The proximity surface 42B of the protruding portion 42 and the proximity surface 72U of the protruding portion 72 are perpendicular to the vertical direction, respectively. In this case, the mixed liquid accumulated in the first storage portion 16 is smoothly guided into the internal space 100 through the gap G. As a result, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 makes it easier for raw seaweed in the mixed liquid to pass through the gap G. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can make it difficult for raw seaweed to remain inside the gap G.

[0108] The gap G between the fixed body 31 and the rotating body 32 is uniform in the radial direction. This allows the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 to allow the mixed liquid that flows into the internal space 100 of the containment body 30 through the gap G to flow in the same direction within the internal space 100.

[0109] The protrusions 42 and 72 include connecting protrusions 44 and 74 in addition to the partial protrusions 43 and 73. Since the connecting protrusions 44 and 74 extend circumferentially around the axis C, the gap G between the fixed body 31 and the rotating body 32 can be kept constant in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can stably separate foreign matter.

[0110] The plate 78 of the rotating body 32 enters the gap G between the stationary body 31 and the rotating body 32 from the radially inward to the radially outward direction. The plate 78 moves circumferentially along the gap G in response to the rotation of the rotating body 32. As a result, even if raw seaweed remains in the gap G between the stationary body 31 and the rotating body 32, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can remove the raw seaweed by scraping it out with the plate 78 that moves in response to the rotation of the rotating body 32. Furthermore, as described above, clumps of raw seaweed may be present near the entrance of the gap G. However, as the rotating body 32 rotates, the plate 78 catches the clumps of raw seaweed present near the entrance of the gap G and returns them to the first storage section 16. This separates them from the gap G.

[0111] Clumps of raw seaweed and foreign matter that cannot pass through the gap G and remain outside the container 30 may get caught on the part of the plate 78 that protrudes outward from the gap G. In this case, the caught clumps of raw seaweed and foreign matter may adhere to the area near the entrance of the gap G and rotate with the plate 78, making it difficult for the mixed liquid to enter the gap G. In contrast, the protrusions 40P, 50P, 50Q, and 60P can capture the clumps of raw seaweed and foreign matter caught on the rotating plate 78 and remove them from the plate 78. Thus, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can prevent clumps of raw seaweed and foreign matter from rotating with the rotating body 32 and accumulating, thereby blocking the gap G, by using the protrusions 40P, 50P, 50Q, and 60P.

[0112] The radially outward ends of the fixed annular sections 41, 51, and 61 protrude radially outward more than the radially outward end of the rotating annular section 71C. As a result, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can efficiently guide the mixed liquid accumulated in the first storage section 16 toward the gap G, compared to the case where the radially outward ends of the fixed annular pair and the radially outward ends of the rotating annular section coincide. Therefore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can efficiently separate foreign matter from the mixed liquid.

[0113] As the rotating body 32 rotates relative to the fixed body 31A, a portion of the lower end of the contact body 300 connected to the fixed body 31A comes into contact with the four support parts 71E. This allows the contact body 300 to remove any raw seaweed that has become entangled with the four support parts 71E in the internal space 100.

[0114] The stirring unit 33 can stir the mixed liquid by rotation. This creates convection in the mixed liquid, which suppresses the settling of raw seaweed and foreign matter in the mixed liquid. Therefore, the seaweed and foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can efficiently separate foreign matter from the mixed liquid. Furthermore, since the stirring unit 33 can be easily attached to and detached from the shaft 35, it is possible to easily replace it with a stirring unit 33 of an appropriate shape depending on the type of mixed liquid, for example.

[0115] <Variation> As shown in Figures 10(A) to 10(E), at least one of the proximity surfaces 72U of the projection 72 (partial projection 73 and connecting projection 74) provided on the rotating annular portion 71C of the rotating body 32A and the proximity surface 42B of the projection 42 (partial projection 43 and connecting projection 44) provided on the fixed annular portion 51 of the fixed body 31B may be inclined with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0116] For example, as shown in Figures 10(A) to 10(C), both the adjacent surfaces 72U and 42B may be inclined with respect to the virtual plane.

[0117] As shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B), the adjacent surfaces 72U and 42B may be parallel. The gap G between the adjacent surfaces 72U and 42B may be uniform in the radial direction.

[0118] As shown in Figure 10(A), the radial inward direction along the gap G may be inclined upward. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10(B), the radial inward direction along the gap G may be inclined downward. Since the mixed liquid is guided downward through the internal space 100 of the container 30, it is more preferable for the gap G to be inclined downward.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(C), for example, the adjacent surfaces 72U and 42B do not have to be parallel. The gap G between the adjacent surfaces 72U and 42B may become wider as it extends radially inward.

[0120] For example, as shown in Figure 10(D), the adjacent surface 72U may be inclined with respect to the virtual plane, and the adjacent surface 42B may be perpendicular to the vertical direction. The radial inward direction along the adjacent surface 72U may be inclined upward. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10(E), the adjacent surface 42B may be inclined with respect to the virtual plane, and the adjacent surface 72U may be perpendicular to the vertical direction. The radial inward direction along the adjacent surface 42B may be inclined downward. In all cases, the gap G between the adjacent surfaces 72U and 42B widens as it moves radially inward.

[0121] Although Figure 10 only describes the gap G between the rotating body 32A and the stationary body 31B, the same may apply to the gap G between the stationary body 31A and the rotating body 32A, the gap G between the stationary body 31B and the rotating body 32B, and the gap G between the rotating body 32B and the stationary body 31C. Furthermore, any adjacent surface having one of the shapes shown in Figures 10(A) to 10(E) may be applied to any of the gap G between the stationary body 31A and the rotating body 32A, the gap G between the rotating body 32A and the stationary body 31B, the gap G between the stationary body 31B and the rotating body 32B, and the gap G between the rotating body 32B and the stationary body 31C. In other words, the shapes of the adjacent surfaces forming the gaps G between the fixed body 31A and the rotating body 32A, the gaps G between the rotating body 32A and the fixed body 31B, the gaps G between the fixed body 31B and the rotating body 32B, and the gaps G between the rotating body 32B and the fixed body 31C may each be different.

[0122] The inclination angles of the adjacent surfaces forming the gaps G between the fixed body 31A and the rotating body 32A, the gaps G between the rotating body 32A and the fixed body 31B, the gaps G between the fixed body 31B and the rotating body 32B, and the gaps G between the rotating body 32B and the fixed body 31C, with respect to the virtual plane, may be the same or different.

[0123] As shown in Figures 11(A) to 11(D), a groove S may be provided in the protruding portion 42. In this case, the resistance component between the raw seaweed remaining in the gap G and the fixed body 31 increases, making it difficult for the raw seaweed to rotate even when the rotating body 32 rotates. In this state, the plate body 78 rotates, so the plate body 78 can scrape the raw seaweed outward more efficiently than when the raw seaweed rotates together with the rotating body 32. Furthermore, the seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device 1 can remove the raw seaweed that has been finely broken down in the gap G by the partial protruding portions 43 and 73 using the groove S1. For example, a groove S1 may be provided that extends from the radially inner end of the partial protruding portion 43 to the radially outer end of the connecting protruding portion 44.

[0124] The depth of the groove S may be less than the amount of protrusion of the projection 42, or it may be the same as the amount of protrusion of the projection 42. A groove S whose depth is less than the amount of protrusion of the projection 42 is a so-called slit. On the other hand, a groove S whose depth is the same as the amount of protrusion of the projection 42 divides the projection 42.

[0125] For example, as shown in Figures 11(A) and 11(C), the groove S1 may extend linearly along the radial direction, or as shown in Figures 11(B) and 11(D), it may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction.

[0126] As shown in Figures 11(A) and 11(B), only groove S1 may be provided, or as shown in Figures 11(C) and 11(D), a groove S2 may be further provided that extends only to the connecting projection 44. In Figures 11(C) and 11(D), grooves S1 and S2 may be provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, or the intervals between grooves S1 and S2 may not be equal.

[0127] The groove S may be provided on all of the protrusions 42 of the fixed bodies 31A, 31B, and 31C, or on only some of them. For example, the groove S may be provided on the protrusion 72 of the rotating body 32, but not on the protrusions 42 of the fixed bodies 31A, 31B, and 31C. The groove S may be provided on all of the protrusions 72 of the rotating body 32, or on only some of them. For example, the groove S may be provided on both the protrusions 42 of the fixed bodies 31A, 31B, and 31C and the protrusions 72 of the rotating body 32.

[0128] Furthermore, the groove S provided on the protruding portion 72 of the rotating body 32 is effective when a plate is provided on the stationary body 31. This is because the resistance between the groove S provided on the protruding portion 72 of the rotating body 32 and the raw seaweed increases, making it easier for the raw seaweed to rotate with the rotating body 32. In this case, the plate provided on the stationary body 31 can efficiently scrape out the raw seaweed that rotates with the rotating body 32.

[0129] The groove S is not limited to extending in a straight line, but may also be curved. The width of the groove S may be the same throughout, or it may vary. For example, the widths of grooves S1 and S2 may be different. The width of the groove S may be uniform throughout the radial direction, or it may vary. For example, the width of the groove S may become wider towards the inside in the radial direction.

[0130] <Other variations> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible. The number of fixed bodies 31 is not limited to three, and the number of rotating bodies 32 is not limited to two. For example, two fixed bodies 31 and one rotating body 32 may be arranged alternately in the vertical direction. As long as the rotating body 32 rotates relative to the fixed bodies 31, for example, the fixed bodies 31 may rotate at a slower rotational speed than the rotating body 32. The circumferential spacing of the multiple partial protrusions 43, 73 does not have to be equal. The number of partial protrusions 43, 73 is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be other numbers (for example, 1 to 7, 9 or more). The number of partial protrusions 43, 73 does not have to be the same, and some or all of them may be different.

[0131] It is sufficient that at least one of the protrusions 42 and 72 is provided. For example, the protrusion 42 may be provided only on at least a part of the fixed body 31, and the rotating body 32 may not have any protrusions. Alternatively, the protrusion 72 may be provided only on at least a part of the rotating body 32, and the fixed body 31 may not have any protrusions. At least a part or all of the protrusions 42 and 72 may consist only of partial protrusions 43 and 73, and may not have connecting protrusions 44 and 74.

[0132] The shapes of the multiple partial protrusions 43, 73 are not limited to the above embodiment and may be other shapes. For example, the width of at least some or all of the multiple partial protrusions 43, 73 in the circumferential direction may be uniform over the entire radial direction.

[0133] The circumferential positions of the multiple partial protrusions 73 of the protrusions 72 on the lower rotating surface 71U and the upper rotating surface 71B of the rotating annular portion 71C may coincide or may differ.

[0134] At least one of the connecting protrusions 44, 74 may be divided at least at one point in the circumferential direction.

[0135] The radially outer end of the rotating annular portion 71C may protrude radially further outward than the radially outer ends of the fixed annular portions 41, 51, and 61. Alternatively, the radial position of the radially outer end of the rotating annular portion 71C and the radially outer ends of the fixed annular portions 41, 51, and 61 may coincide.

[0136] The number of plates 78 provided on each of the rotating bodies 32A and 32B is not limited to the above embodiment and may be any other number (for example, 1-3, 5 or more). The positions on the rotating annular portion 71C of the rotating body 32 where the plates 78 are provided are not limited to the above embodiment. The plates 78 do not have to be provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The shape of each plate 78 is not limited to the above embodiment. The shapes of multiple plates 78 may differ.

[0137] A plate 78 may be further provided on at least one of the fixed bodies 31A, 31B, and 31C. A plate 78 may not be provided on at least one of the rotating bodies 32A and 32B.

[0138] The shape of the contact body 300 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the contact body 300 may be a brush for removing raw seaweed from the four support parts 71E.

[0139] The two vertical extensions 33B of the stirring section 33 do not have to be perpendicular to the radial direction. For example, the two vertical extensions 33B may be inclined with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the radial direction. In this case, the stirring of the mixed liquid by the rotation of the stirring section 33 can be performed efficiently, so that the mixed liquid can be circulated well.

[0140] <Other> The fixed annular portions 41, 51, and 61 are examples of the "fixed annular pair," "upper fixed annular portion," "lower fixed annular portion," and "opposing portion" of the present invention. The first upper fixed surface 41B and the second upper fixed surface 41B are the "upper fixed surface" of the present invention. The second lower fixed surface 41U and the third lower fixed surface 41U are the "lower fixed surface" of the present invention. The adjacent surfaces 42B and 72U are examples of the "adjacent surface," "target surface," and "opposing surface" of the present invention. The upper rotating surface 71B is an example of the "upper rotating surface." The lower rotating surface 71U is an example of the "lower rotating surface." [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1: Seaweed foreign matter separation and removal equipment 11A: Storage section 30: Containment 31: Fixed body 32: Solids of revolution 33: Stirring section 41, 51, 61: Fixed annular section 42, 72:Protrusion 43, 73: Partial protrusion 44, 74: Connecting protrusion 71A: Bearing part 71C: Rotating annular section 71E: Support part 300: Contact body C: Axis

Claims

1. A housing comprising one or more rotating bodies having an annular rotating portion, and a fixed body having a pair of fixed annular portions positioned above and below each of the one or more rotating bodies with a gap between them, The container has a storage section outside for storing the seaweed mixture, A suction unit that draws the mixed liquid stored in the storage unit towards the inside of the container, A seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device equipped with, The one or more rotating bodies are rotatable relative to the stationary body about an axis that extends vertically through the center of the rotating annular portion. The aforementioned fixed annular pair is An upper fixing annular portion located above each of the one or more rotating bodies, A downward fixing annular portion located below each of the one or more rotating bodies, It has, A seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device characterized in that one or more protrusions are provided on a target surface which is at least one of the following: an upper rotating surface of the rotating annular portion that includes the portion facing the upper fixed annular portion; a lower rotating surface of the rotating annular portion that includes the portion facing the lower fixed annular portion; a lower fixed surface of the upper fixed annular portion that includes the portion facing the rotating annular portion; and an upper fixed surface of the lower fixed annular portion that includes the portion facing the rotating annular portion.

2. The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the circumferential width of each of the one or more protrusions, centered on the axis, gradually decreases toward the axis.

3. The one or more of the aforementioned protrusions are The opposing portion, which is at least one of the rotating annular portion, the upper fixed annular portion, and the lower fixed annular portion, protrudes toward the opposing surface, including the portion facing the target surface, The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the proximity surface of each of the one or more protruding parts that is in close proximity to the opposing surface is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

4. The one or more of the aforementioned protrusions are The opposing portion, which is at least one of the rotating annular portion, the upper fixed annular portion, and the lower fixed annular portion, protrudes toward the opposing surface, including the portion facing the target surface, The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjacent surface of each of the one or more protruding parts that is in close proximity to the opposing surface is inclined with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

5. The nori foreign matter separation and removal apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the gap between the adjacent surface and the opposing surface is uniform over the radial direction centered on the axis.

6. The seaweed foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 4, characterized in that the gap between the adjacent surface and the opposing surface widens as it extends radially inward from the axis.

7. Having multiple protrusions, The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the target surface is further provided with connecting protrusions that extend in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis and connect the plurality of protrusions.

8. The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that a plate that enters the gap between the rotating annular portion and the upper fixed annular portion in a part of the circumferential direction centered on the axis is provided on either the rotating annular portion or the upper fixed annular portion.

9. The plate body is provided on the rotating annular portion, The aforementioned upper fixed annular portion is, The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 8, characterized in that it has a projection at a position opposite to the passage area through which the plate body, which moves in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body, passes.

10. The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that a plate that enters the gap between the rotating annular portion and the lower fixed annular portion in a part of the circumferential direction centered on the axis is provided on either the rotating annular portion or the lower fixed annular portion.

11. The plate body is provided on the rotating annular portion, The lower fixed annular portion is, The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 10, characterized in that it has a projection at a position opposite to the passage area through which the plate body, which moves in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body, passes.

12. The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the protruding portion is provided with a groove extending along the radial direction centered on the axis.

13. The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the radially outward ends of the fixed annular pair with respect to the axis protrude radially outward more than the radially outward ends of the rotating annular portion.

14. The one or more rotating bodies described above are, A bearing portion extending along the aforementioned shaft, A support portion extends radially from the bearing portion toward the rotating annular portion, with the axis as the central axis. It further possesses, The nori foreign matter separation and removal device according to claim 1, further comprising a contact body which is positioned at least in part on the movement trajectory of the support portion when the one or more rotating bodies rotate relative to the fixed body, and which contacts the support portion in accordance with the relative rotation of the fixed body.

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