JP2003038150A - Bean sprout root-cutting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bean sprout root-cutting device which can more surely cut bean sprout roots without injuring the bean sprouts. SOLUTION: This bean sprout root-cutting device is characterized by being provided with a water tank 3 equipped with a drainage port 19, a pump 9 for sucking out water from the water tank 3 through the drainage port 19 and then supplying the water into the water tank 3, a holding portion 17 in which slits permitting the advance of the bean sprout roots sucked with the pump 9 are formed, and a cutter 11 for cutting the bean sprout roots advanced into the slits. Since the bean sprouts are immersed in the water, the mutual slipperiness of the bean sprouts can be improved and easily loosed. Consequently, the bean sprout roots can surely be cut.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bean sprouts cutting device for automatically cutting roots from harvested bean sprouts.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an apparatus of this type, for example, Japanese Patent Application No.
What was described in the 00-270827 gazette is proposed. In this device, a drum having a slit formed on the inner wall surface is rotated in an inclined state, and the bean sprouts thrown into the drum are sucked to the position of the slit by a suction duct arranged on the side surface of the drum. The slits are formed by arranging triangular rods having a triangular cross section at intervals (2 to 3 mm) approximately equal to the width of the roots of the bean sprouts. Further, the triangular rods are arranged so that the tops of the triangles face the inside of the drum and the side surfaces of the triangles are inclined toward the slits so that the roots of the sprouts can easily enter the slits. Then, the root portion of the sucked bean sprouts that has entered the slit is cut by a cutter.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned device, since the bean sprouts are merely put into the rotating drum and sucked by the air, the bean sprouts cannot be sufficiently unraveled. For this reason, the unraveled clump of bean sprouts may be sucked into the slit, and in such a case, there was a problem that the bean sprout root did not enter the slit and the root could not be cut. Also,
On the inner wall surface of the drum, the top of the triangle faces the inside of the drum, so that there is also a problem that the bean sprouts rotating in the drum hit the top of the triangle and are damaged.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a root cutting device for bean sprouts which can more reliably cut roots without damaging the bean sprouts. .

[0005]

The object of the present invention is to provide a container having a discharge port, a supply unit for supplying a liquid into the container, and a suction unit for sucking the liquid in the container from the discharge port. And a holding portion formed with an opening through which the root of the sprouts sucked by the suction means can enter, and a cutting means for cutting the root of the sprouts that have entered through the opening. Achieved by a cutting device.

The cutting means is provided with a cutting member that can move back and forth in the opening, and the root of the sprouts that has entered the opening is cut by the peripheral edge of the opening and the peripheral edge of the cutting member when the cutting member enters the opening. Preferably.

The cutting member is preferably supported so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction.

It is preferable that the holding portion is formed in a cup shape having a bottom surface and side surfaces, is rotatably supported by an axis perpendicular to the bottom surface, and has an opening formed in the side surface.

It is preferable that the suction means intermittently sucks the liquid in the container.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the root cutting device for bean sprouts according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a root cutting measure of bean sprouts according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 2, and FIG. It is a figure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the root cutting device 1 for sprouts according to this embodiment is a water tank (container) into which sprouts are put.
3, a support base 5 for supporting the water tank 3, and a control unit 7 arranged on the upper surface of the support base 5.

A pump 9 for sucking the water (liquid) in the water tank 3 and returning the sucked water to the water tank 3 again is disposed below the water tank 3 on the support 5. The control unit 7 has a built-in driving means such as a motor 13 for rotating a cutter 11 for cutting bean sprouts, which will be described later, and an operation panel 15 for operating the motor 13 and the pump 9. There is. Further, the control unit 7 is swingably attached about the upper end of the support base 5 as a swing center, and swings integrally with a holding unit 17 and a cutter 11, which will be described later, so that the water tank 3 Bottom outlet 19
Can be opened and closed. In the present embodiment, the pump 9 described above constitutes the supply means and suction means of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the water tank 3 is formed to have a size of, for example, 480 mm in length, 520 mm in width, and 280 mm in depth, and has a rotating shaft 21 connected to the motor 13 of the control unit 7 inside. Hangs down, and four cutters (cutting means) 11 are radially attached to the tip thereof. The rotating shaft 21 is covered with a cylindrical cover member 23, and the tip of the rotating shaft 21 holds the cutter 11.
7 is attached. The holding portion 17 includes a disk portion 17a formed in a disk shape and covering the upper side of the cutter 11, and a side surface portion 17b extending downward from the peripheral edge of the disk portion 17a and contacting the bottom surface of the water tank 3, The discharge port 19 is covered by the holding portion 17.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of radially extending slits (openings) 25 are formed in the disk portion 17a, and these slits 25 do not pass through the entire sprouts but have a width into which the sprouts roots can enter. That is, it is formed to be about 2 to 3 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the disc portion 17a
The upper surface of the, i.e., the surface on the side where the sprouts enter, is provided with a guide portion 17c having a semicircular cross section between the adjacent slits 25, and the root of the sprouts is placed inside the slit 25 by the inclined surface of the guide portion 17c. I will guide you to.

As shown in FIG. 3, a collection chamber 27 for collecting the cut roots of the bean sprouts is formed in the lower portion of the discharge port 19, and a stitch smaller than the roots of the bean sprouts is formed in the collection chamber 27. The formed recovery bag 29 is detachably attached. Further, the recovery chamber 27 is connected to the pump 9 via the discharge pipe 31.

Further, the water sucked by the pump 9 through the discharge pipe 31 is pressure-fed to the water tank 35 through the supply pipe 35. The supply pipe 35 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 33 that can be opened and closed by the control unit 7 described above. Further, the tip of the supply pipe 35 has a first nozzle 37 and a second nozzle 37.
It is branched to a nozzle 39, and water is supplied from these nozzles 37 and 39 into the water tank 3. The first nozzle 37 is provided near the bottom surface of the inner wall surface end of the water tank 3, and a swirl flow is formed by the nozzle 37 along the peripheral surface of the water tank 3.
A vortex is formed in the water tank 3. On the other hand, the second nozzle 39
It is provided near the water surface at the center of the same inner wall surface where the first nozzle 37 is provided, and injects water to the sprouts that float while convection in the center of the water tank 3. Further, each nozzle 37, 39 is provided with an adjusting valve (not shown), and the amount of water injected from each nozzle 37, 39 can be adjusted by adjusting the opening / closing degree of this valve.

Further, on the upper part of the rotary shaft 21, that is, near the water surface, there is provided an impeller 41 having blades composed of four round rods that are mounted radially, and together with the rotary shaft 21, this impeller 41 is provided. By rotating, the sprouts are agitated. In addition, the cover member 23,
A notch 23a is formed at the mounting position of the impeller 41, and a round bar attached to the rotating shaft 21 radially projects through the notch 23a. However, the position of the impeller 41 is arbitrary, and other than near the water surface described above,
For example, it can be provided near the bottom surface.

The opening / closing time of the solenoid valve 33, the rotation speed of the motor 13 and the like can be appropriately adjusted by the operation panel 15. Further, the water tank 3, the discharge pipe 31, the supply pipe 35, and the pump 9 are provided with a cooling device (not shown), and the cooling device is used to increase the temperature in the summer, for example, or to increase the temperature by stirring water. Can be prevented.

Next, the operation of the root cutting device for bean sprouts constructed as described above will be described. First, the bean sprouts for root cutting are put into the water tank 3 into which about 50 liters of water has been injected. At this time, the amount of bean sprouts to be added is appropriately determined according to the amount of water in the water tank 3, but as described above, the amount of water is about 50.
In the case of liter, the amount of bean sprouts is preferably about 1 kg. Subsequently, when the pump 9 is driven by the operation panel 15, the water in the water tank 3 is sucked, the sucked water is pumped into the water tank 3, and the water in the water tank 3 circulates. Here, among the water pumped into the water tank 3, the water jetted from the first nozzle 37 is, as shown in FIG.
Flows along the inner wall surface of the water tank and forms a vortex in the water tank 3. Then, the eddy stirs the introduced bean sprouts. On the other hand, the water jetted from the second nozzle 39 is jetted to the sprouts that convect at the center of the vortex and float to the upper part of the water tank 3, thereby loosening the stiffened sprouts.

When the motor 13 is driven simultaneously with the pump 9, the rotation of the motor 13 causes the cutter 11 and the impeller 41 to rotate. The impeller 41 has, in addition to the above-mentioned vortex,
It plays a role in further promoting the stirring of bean sprouts.

As described above, the bean sprouts in the water tank 3 are attracted to the lower portion of the water tank 3 as the water is sucked by the pump 9 while being stirred. Then, the holding portion 17 at the bottom of the water tank 3
Then, only the root portion enters the slit 25 and is cut by the rotating cutter 11. The cut roots of the bean sprouts are stored in the recovery chamber 27.

As described above, since the electromagnetic valve 33 provided in the supply pipe 35 is intermittently opened and closed, the bean sprouts in the water tank 3 are intermittently sucked into the holding portion 17 accordingly. To be done. That is, the sprouts in the water tank 3 are sucked to the lower portion of the water tank 3 while the electromagnetic valve 33 is open, and float to the upper portion of the water tank 3 when the electromagnetic valve 33 is closed and suction is stopped. As a result, the bean sprouts that have hardened in the vicinity of the holding portion 17 are loosened, and the cutting of the root becomes easier. Solenoid valve 3
As the opening and closing time of 3, the opening time can be set to 9 seconds and the closing time can be set to 2 seconds.

When the above work is performed for a certain period of time and root cutting is completed, the motor 13 and the pump 9 are stopped. After that, the control unit 7 is swung together with the holding unit 17 to open the discharge port 19, and the root accumulated in the collection chamber 27 is taken out together with the collection bag 29 for disposal.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the water tank 3
Since the bean sprouts are thrown into the inside and the bean sprouts are sucked by sucking water to cut the root portion that enters the slit 25 of the holding portion 17, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the bean sprouts thrown into the aquarium 3 are
Immersion in water improves the slippage between the sprouts, making it easier to loosen. Therefore, the bean sprouts can be sucked into the holding portion 17 in a loosened state without solidifying,
As a result, the root easily enters the slit 25, and the root can be cut more reliably. Further, since the sprouts are sucked in water, the sprouts are less likely to be damaged and the freshness of the sprouts can be kept longer than in the case of cutting the roots in the air as in the conventional example. Furthermore, the holding unit 1
7 Guide portion 1 formed between slits 25 on the upper surface
Since the cross-sectional shape of 7c is semicircular, even if the sucked sprouts come into contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the sprouts from being damaged.

Although a rotary cutter is used in this embodiment, a slide cutter may be used, for example. Further, the shape of the slit is not limited to the above-mentioned shape, and the slit may be formed so as to extend along the circumferential direction of the holding portion, for example. Alternatively, a plurality of holes through which the roots of the bean sprouts can enter may be provided.

Further, in the present embodiment, the impeller 41 is attached to the rotary shaft 21 of the cutter 11 and rotated together with the cutter 11, but the cutter 11 is driven by another driving device.
You may make it rotate independently.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the root cutting device for bean sprouts according to the present embodiment.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the holding portion and the cutter, and since the other configurations are the same, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. .

As shown in FIG. 5, in the root cutting device of sprouts according to the present embodiment, the holding portion 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape,
It is arranged in the water tank 3 so as to cover the discharge port 19. The holding portion 51 projects slightly from the water surface, and a plurality of slits 53 extending in the circumferential direction and having a width that allows the roots of the bean sprouts to enter are formed on the side surface thereof.

The rotary shaft 21 hangs down from the control unit 7 in the internal space of the holding unit 51, and a plurality of cutters 55 are attached to the rotary shaft 21. These cutters 55 extend radially from the rotary shaft 21, and the tips thereof rotate along the inner wall surface of the holding portion 51, thereby cutting off the roots of the sprouts that have entered the slits 53.

Next, the operation of the bean sprouts root cutting device configured as described above will be described. When the motor 13 and the pump 9 are driven, the cutter 55 rotates in the holding portion 51, and the water in the water tank 3 is sucked out from the discharge port 19 via the holding portion 51. Along with this, the sprouts in the water tank 3 are sucked into the holding portion 51, and the root portion that has entered the slit 55 is cut by the cutter 55.

Further, like the first embodiment, of the water pumped to the water tank 3 by the pump 9, the water jetted from the first nozzle 37 flows around the holding portion 51 and forms a vortex in the water tank 3. Then stir the bean sprouts. On the other hand, the water jetted from the second nozzle 39 is directed to the sprouts floating above the water tank 3, and loosens the solid sprouts.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the water tank 3 can be obtained.
Since the holding portion 51 extending in the vertical direction is arranged in the central portion of the, the sprouts can be sucked from the upper portion to the lower portion of the aquarium 3, and as a result, the roots of the sprouts can be efficiently cut.

If the following guide plate is provided on the holding portion 51, the root of the bean sprouts can be easily inserted into the slit 53. As shown in FIG. 6A, the holding portion 51 is provided with a disc-shaped guide plate 57 at a position corresponding to each slit 53, and the upper surface of each guide plate 57 has each slit 53.
Is continuous with the bottom edge of.

With this structure, since the guide plate 57 is provided at a position corresponding to the slit, the sucked sprouts can be easily guided to the slit 53. Therefore, the roots of the sprouts can easily enter the slits 53, and the roots of the sprouts can be cut more reliably. The cutter 55 may be, for example, a spiral cutter other than the flat plate cutter described above.

Further, instead of the rotary cutter as described above, a cutter as shown in FIG. 6 (b) may be used. The cutter 59 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is in sliding contact with the inner wall surface of the holding portion 51, and is reciprocally moved in the vertical direction by a motor. Further, at a position corresponding to each slit 53, a slit 59a having a width larger than each slit 53 and extending in the circumferential direction is formed. Then, the cutter 59 moves upward or downward at predetermined time intervals from the initial state in which the positions of the slit 53 of the holding portion 51 and the slits 59a for cutting coincide with each other, and the holding portion 51
The root of the bean sprouts that has entered from the slit 53 is cut by the upper edge or the lower edge of the slit 59a for cutting. When such a cutter 59 is used, the sprouts are prevented from entering the slits 53 in the initial state, so that the sprouts roots can easily enter the slits 53.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a root cutting device for bean sprouts according to this embodiment.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the holding portion, the cutter and the supply pipe, and the other structures are the same. Is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the root cutting device of sprouts according to the present embodiment, the holding portion 61 is formed in a cup shape having a bottom surface and side surfaces, and has a shape slightly smaller than the water tank 3. On the side surface of the holding portion 61, a slit 63 is formed that extends in the circumferential direction and allows the roots of the sprouts to enter. Further, the rotary shaft 21 that hangs in the water tank 3 is connected to the bottom surface of the holding portion 61 and rotates the holding portion 61 in the water tank 3.

A plurality of cutters 65 are provided between the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 61 and the side wall of the water tank 3, and when the holding portion 61 rotates, the roots of the bean sprouts protruding from the outer peripheral surface thereof can be cut. . Further, the supply pipe 67 extends from inside the side wall of the water tank 3 to above the water tank 3, and supplies water from above the water tank 3.

Next, the operation of the root cutting device for bean sprouts constructed as described above will be described. When the motor 13 and the pump 9 are driven, the water in the water tank 3 is sucked out and the holding portion 61 rotates. Subsequently, the rotating holding unit 6
Put the bean sprouts in 1. At this time, since the water in the holding portion 61 forms a vortex due to the rotation, the sprouts in the holding portion 61 are agitated while being rotated by the vortex, and the side surface of the holding portion 61 is agitated by centrifugal force and water suction. Sucked. The bean sprouts thus sucked enter the inside of the slit 63 only at the root part on the side surface of the holding portion 61,
It is cut by a cutter 65 that rotates relative to 1.

On the other hand, the water sucked by the pump 9 is
It is returned from above into the water tank 3 to keep the water level in the water tank 3 constant.

As described above, according to the root cutting device of sprouts according to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can be obtained. That is,
Since the holding portion 61 is formed in a cup shape and rotates in the water tank 3, it is possible to form a vortex inside the holding portion 61. Therefore, the sprouts thrown into the holding part 61 can be efficiently stirred by the vortex, and the holding part 61 can be further stirred by the centrifugal force.
It can be surely sucked to the side. Therefore, the root of the bean sprouts can be cut more reliably.

Further, since the slit 63 is formed on the side surface of the holding portion 61, the suction area of the sprouts can be widened, and as a result, the roots of the sprouts can be efficiently cut.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the root cutting device for bean sprouts according to this embodiment.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the holding portion and the cutter, and since the other structures are the same, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. .

As shown in FIG. 8, the holding portion 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a circular opening 73 is formed in the upper surface thereof. A disc-shaped cutting member 72 can be moved forward and backward with respect to the opening 73 by a link mechanism 74 described below. The water tank 3 is provided on the upper surface of the cutting member 72.
While the rotating shaft 21 hanging inside is fixed, the cutting member 7
A support bracket 75 through which the rotary shaft 21 rotatably passes is in contact with the lower surface of the support bracket 2.
Is swingably connected to one end of the link mechanism 74. On the other hand, the other end of the link mechanism 74 is connected to a driving means such as a motor 76 arranged above the water tank 3 by a gear box 77.
Are reciprocally connected via. Further, the fulcrum 74a of the link mechanism 74 is arranged on the support plate 78 which is bridged over the inner wall surfaces of the holding portion 71 which face each other.

By this link mechanism 74, the cutting member 72
Reciprocates between a first position that enters the opening 73 to close the opening 73 and a second position that exits the opening 73 and is below the second position (the position in FIG. 8). The distance between the first position and the second position is set to a length (about 2 to 3 mm) in which the whole of the sprouts cannot pass but the roots of the sprouts can enter, and the cutting member 72 has the second position. Opening 7 when in position
The roots of the bean sprouts enter the gap formed by the peripheral edge of No. 3 and the peripheral edge of the cutting member 72. In this embodiment, the control unit 7 (FIG. 1) holds the cutting member 72 at the first position for about 2 seconds and at the second position for about 8 seconds, and repeats this process.

Next, the operation of the root cutting device for bean sprouts constructed as described above will be described. First, when the motor 13 for the rotary shaft 21 and the motor 76 for the link mechanism 74 are driven, the cutting member 72 rotates and moves to the second position. As a result, a gap is formed between the opening 73 and the cutting member 72, and the root of the bean sprouts is sucked together with water from this gap. In addition, the sprouts on the cutting member 72 are moved to the peripheral edge of the cutting member 72 by the centrifugal force due to the rotation, whereby the roots of the sprouts can be efficiently guided to the gap.

After about 8 seconds have passed in the second position, the cutting member 72 moves to the first position. At this time, as the cutting member 72 enters the opening 73, the root of the bean sprouts that has entered the gap is cut by the peripheral edge of the cutting member 72 and the peripheral edge of the opening 73. Then, after a lapse of about 2 seconds, the cutting member 72 moves to the first position again and forms a gap for allowing the root of the sprouts to enter.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the cutting member 72 retreats from the opening 73 and moves to the second position, so that a gap is formed between the opening 73 and the cutting member 72. , The roots of bean sprouts are easier to enter. That is, in the case of the slit as in each of the above embodiments, for example, when the sprouts lie on the holding portion, it was difficult to suck the root of the sprouts into the slit. On the other hand, when the gap is formed as described above, the sprouts can be sucked into the gap even when the sprouts are lying on the cutting member 72, so that the sprouts roots can be cut more reliably.
Therefore, even if the root is curled, it is possible to more reliably cut the root.

In this embodiment, the cutting member 72 is moved back and forth with respect to the opening 73 by the link mechanism 74, but the invention is not limited to this, and the cutting member 72 is moved back and forth with respect to the opening 73. Any mechanism can be applied. The number of cutting members 72 is not limited to one, and two or more cutting members 72 may be provided. Further, the above-mentioned first position is the cutting member 72.
It suffices that it is a position where even a part of it can enter the opening 73 and cut the roots of the bean sprouts by the peripheral edge of the cutting member 72 and the peripheral edge of the opening 73, and the state does not necessarily have to completely enter the opening 73.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cutting member 72 is moved to the inside of the holding portion 71, but it may be moved to the outside of the holding portion 71. Further, the time for holding the cutting member 72 at each position is not limited to the above-mentioned time, and can be appropriately determined according to the size of the holding unit 71 or the cutting member 72. Further, the shape of the cutting member 72 is not limited to the disk shape, and may be formed in a tubular shape, for example.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a view showing a root cutting device for bean sprouts according to the present embodiment.
9A is a plan view, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view. In the present embodiment, the right side of FIG. 9 is referred to as the upstream, and the left side is referred to as the downstream.

As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the first
Three root cutting devices for bean sprouts shown in the embodiment are connected (here, the first, second and third devices 8 from the upstream side).
1, 82, 83). Each of the devices 81 to 83 is connected by a water channel provided with gates 85a, 85b, 87a, 87b at both ends, that is, a first and a second water channel 85, 87. Further, the gate 8 is provided on the upstream side of the first device 81.
The supply path 89 provided with 9a is connected, and the bean sprouts are supplied to the supply path 89 by the conveyor 91. On the other hand, on the downstream side of the third device 83, the gate 93a is provided.
Is connected to the discharge path 93. The discharge path 93 has a conveyor 95 for scooping the bean sprouts from the bottom.
Is provided, and a conveyor 97 for discharging is further provided at the tip of the conveyor 95. In addition, each waterway 8
Water flows through 5, 87, the supply path 89, and the discharge path 93, and along with the flow of the water, the sprouts flow from the upstream side to the downstream side.

Next, the operation of the bean sprouts cutting device constructed as described above will be described. First, each device 81-
After driving the motor and pump of 83, the bean sprouts are supplied to the supply path 89 by the conveyor 91 on the upstream side. continue,
The gate 89a of the supply path 89 is opened to guide the sprouts into the first device 81 to cut off the sprouts roots. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the gate 85a on the upstream side of the first water channel 85 is opened to discharge the sprouts in the first device 81 to the first water channel 85. Then, the gate 85a on the upstream side of the first water channel 85 is closed and the gate 85b on the downstream side is opened to guide the sprouts into the second device 82. At this time, if necessary, new sprouts may be supplied from the supply path 91 and the roots may be cut by the first device 81.

Thus, the second and third devices 82, 83
After cutting the roots of the sprouts by passing through, the sprouts are guided to the discharge path 93. Then, after scooping the bean sprouts from the discharge path 93 by the conveyor 95, the discharge conveyor 9
According to 7, it is carried out to the next step, for example, the packing step.

As described above, according to this embodiment, since the three devices 81 to 83 shown in the first embodiment are connected to each other, it is possible to continuously perform the treatment of the roots of the sprouts. Therefore, even a large amount of bean sprouts can be efficiently processed. Further, since the bean sprouts to be treated pass through a plurality of devices, the roots of the bean sprouts can be cut more reliably.

Although the apparatus shown in the first embodiment is used in this embodiment, the apparatus shown in the second, third or fourth embodiment may be used. Further, the number of devices is not limited to three, and two or four or more may be provided.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the water in the water tank 3 is circulated by the pump 9, but for example, the water in the water tank 3 is sucked by the pump, and new water is supplied to the water tank 3 by another water source. Good.

Water is poured into the water tank,
Any liquid that does not affect bean sprouts can be used. Further, when water is used, it is possible to dissolve nutrients with good absorbability in advance, whereby the freshness of the bean sprouts can be kept longer.

The shape of the water tank is not limited to that shown in each of the above embodiments, and a larger water tank or a circular or polygonal water tank may be used.

[0063]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the root cutting device of sprouts of the present invention, the roots of sprouts that suck the sprouts in the container together with the liquid by the suction means and enter the opening of the holding portion. Since it is cut, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the bean sprouts put in the container become easy to be loosened because the bean sprouts are slippery by being immersed in the liquid. Therefore, the bean sprouts can be sucked into the holding portion in a loosened state without being hardened, and as a result, the roots can easily enter the opening and the roots can be cut more reliably. Further, since the bean sprouts are sucked in the liquid, the bean sprouts are less likely to be damaged and the freshness of the bean sprouts can be kept longer than in the case of cutting the roots in the air as in the conventional example.

Further, since the cutting means is provided with a cutting member which can move back and forth with respect to the opening, when the cutting means withdraws from the opening, the root of the sprouts is inserted between the peripheral edge of the cutting member and the peripheral edge of the opening. be able to. This makes it easier for the roots of the bean sprouts to enter, and the roots can be cut more reliably.

At this time, when the cutting member is rotated, the sprouts on the cutting member can be guided to the periphery of the cutting member by centrifugal force, so that the roots of the sprouts can be cut efficiently.

Further, by forming the holding portion into a cup shape having a bottom surface and side surfaces and rotating this, a vortex can be formed in the holding portion. This makes it possible to stir the sprouts thrown into the holding portion and facilitate the entry of the sprouts roots into the openings. As a result, the root of the bean sprouts can be cut more reliably. Further, since the centrifugal force acts on the sprouts in the holding portion, the sprouts can be easily sucked to the side surface where the opening is formed, and as a result, the root can be cut efficiently.

By intermittently sucking the liquid in the container by the suction means, it is possible to intermittently levitate the bean sprouts sucked by the holding portion. Therefore, it is possible to loosen the sprouts that have solidified in the vicinity of the holding portion, and it is possible to more reliably cut off the sprouts roots.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a root cutting device for bean sprouts according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the holding unit of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a root cutting device for sprouts according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the holding portion of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a beech root cutting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a root cutting device for bean sprouts according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

9A and 9B are diagrams showing a root cutting device for bean sprouts according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9A being a plan view and FIG. 9B being a sectional view.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Root cutting device of bean sprouts 3 water tank (container) 9 Pumps (suction means, supply means) 11 Cutter (cutting means) 17,51,61,71 holding part 19 outlet 25 slits (opening) 72 cutting member 73 openings

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A container provided with a discharge port, a supply means for supplying a liquid into the container, a suction means for sucking the liquid in the container from the discharge port, and a bean sprouts sucked by the suction means. A root-cutting device for bean sprouts, comprising: a holding part having an opening through which a root can be inserted; and a cutting means for cutting a root of bean sprouts that has entered through the opening. 2. The cutting means includes a cutting member that can move back and forth with respect to the opening, and the root of the sprouts that has entered the opening has a peripheral edge of the opening when the cutting member enters the opening. The root cutting device according to claim 1, wherein the root cutting device is cut by a peripheral edge of the cutting member. 3. The root cutting device for sprouts according to claim 2, wherein the cutting member is rotatably supported in the circumferential direction. 4. The holding portion is formed in a cup shape having a bottom surface and side surfaces, is rotatably supported by an axis perpendicular to the bottom surface, and the opening is formed in the side surface. The root cutting device for bean sprouts according to claim 1. 5. The root cutting device for sprouts according to claim 1, wherein the suction means intermittently sucks the liquid in the container.