7. Core ejection

Subpages

Plunger drive bracket (updated 2026-03-20) — assembly CAD + iso/top/front views; carries four plungers.
Plunger drive system in side panels (updated 2026-03-20) — CAD + side-panel photos; rods, LMK16 bearings, springs, housings.

Introduction

The core ejection system (subsystem 7) removes the pressed orange core from the plug cutter and drops it into the disposal system's core chute. It uses compression-spring-driven plungers mounted on a drive bracket, actuated through linear-bearing-guided drive rods housed in the side panels. The transmission yoke pulls the drive rods back against the springs during the return stroke; on release, the springs push the plungers forward through the filter tube to eject the core.

Colour key & components

Plunger assembly, drive bracket, juice outflow — detail pages TBD. Green housings enclose spring and guide rods; interface with filter/plug-cutter and core chute.

Colour(s)	Component
	Plunger — pushes through filter to eject core (four in parallel)
	Plunger drive bracket — carries plungers; connects to drive rods
	Plunger drive rods — linear actuation; through LMK16 into green housings
	LMK16 linear bearing — guides rods at housing interfaces
	Plunger drive spring — return force; coiled around rod in housing
—	Filter — plunger passes through; juice to Collection. Plug cutter — in Collection; core ejected by this system

Figures

CAD views. Refer to figures in the text as Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.

Figure 1. Exploded — plunger drive bracket, plungers, plunger drive rods, LMK16 linear bearing, plunger drive spring, green housings.

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Recommended figures (contractor clarity)

Add figure: Stroke timeline — plunger position vs yoke angle through press + eject.
Add figure: Core drop path — from plug cutter into core chute (section).
Add figure: Side-panel seal plane — sheet metal joint for juice zone.

Discussion

Core ejection (cycle)

Pressing stroke: Juice to collector Y-section; core remains in plug cutter / filter.
Core ejection: Plunger pushes through filter, ejects core from plug cutter → core falls into core chute (disposal).
Disposal: Peels to sides of peelers; two augers take peels and cores away separately.

Interfaces

Input: Core in plug cutter/filter after pressing stroke (from Collection).
Output: Core ejected → falls into disposal core chute.
Drive: Plunger actuation from drivetrain / transmission (yoke/cam).

Interfaces and tolerances

Known interfaces and tolerances. Links go to related subsystems. Once every subsystem has an overview, subassemblies will be described in detail with how they interface with other components.

Part	Interface / tolerance	Related
Plunger	Passes through filter; ejects core from plug cutter	Collection
Plunger drive bracket	Carries four plungers; connected to plunger drive rods; moves in unison	—
Plunger drive rods	Slide through LMK16 linear bearings; pass into green housings; driven by drivetrain/transmission	Drivetrain, Transmission
LMK16 linear bearing	At housing entry/exit; guides plunger drive rods	—
Plunger drive spring	Coiled around rod in green housing; return force	—
Core (output)	Falls into core chute after ejection	Disposal system
Filter / plug cutter	Housed in collection; plunger interfaces with same station	Collection

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