Automatic tofu-packing apparatus

Abstract

Tofu is automatically packed at high speed without damaging the tofu, and water is saved through elimination of the need for exposing the tofu to water. An automatic apparatus for packing tofu includes a pack-moving device 2 for conveying a pack P for tofu T, and a tofu-transporting device 3 disposed above the pack-moving device 2 and conveying cut tofu T having a packing size. Both the pack-moving device 2 and the tofu-transporting device 3 are used to move the tofu T and pack P in the same traveling direction, thereby placing the tofu T in a lower pack P from above.

1 . An automatic tofu-packing apparatus comprising:
 pack-moving means for conveying a pack for packing tofu; and   tofu-transporting means disposed above the pack-moving device for conveying cut tofu having a packing size;   wherein both the pack-moving means and the tofu-transporting means are used to move the tofu and pack in a same traveling direction, thereby placing the tofu in a lower pack from above.   
     
     
         2 . An automatic tofu-packing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the two means moves obliquely in a direction intersecting with the other of the two means. 
     
     
         3 . An automatic tofu-packing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the pack-moving means descends at a moment when the tofu is placed in the pack. 
     
     
         4 . An automatic tofu-packing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the pack-moving means moves horizontally and the tofu-transporting means is a thin glide plate inclined obliquely downward. 
     
     
         5 . An automatic tofu-packing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the pack-moving means comprises at least two conveyors, which are a conveyor disposed on a supply side and a second conveyor disposed on a takeoff side for receiving and taking out the pack from the conveyor on the supply side, and a plunging plate for moving the pack from the conveyor on the supply side to the conveyor on the takeoff side and placing the pack on the conveyor on the takeoff side. 
     
     
         6 . An automatic tofu-packing apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising exhausting means connected to the pack-moving means for disposing of defective tofu and its leavings. 
     
     
         7 . An automatic tofu-packing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the tofu-transporting means or exhausting means has a concave portion for partitioning the tofu and a cake of tofu cut in a size for packing.