JP6624763B1 - Apparatus for measuring hardness of semi-solid food, method for measuring hardness of semi-solid food, and method for producing food - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a hardness measuring device capable of easily and accurately measuring the hardness of a semi-solid food. Kind Code: A1 A hardness measuring device for a semi-solid food, comprising: a jig provided with an entry portion; and a jig having a tip end of the entry portion oriented vertically downward with a tip end of the entry portion directed vertically downward. A holder 3 that is disposed at a measurement start position that is in contact with the upper surface of the solid food and is releasably held; a non-contact sensor 4 that detects positional information of the jig 2 and outputs a detection result; A timer 5 for starting measurement of a predetermined time set when a trigger signal is input, outputting an end signal when the predetermined time has elapsed, and starting measurement when the jig 2 is released and starts falling. A trigger signal is output assuming that time is reached, a time when an end signal is input is taken as a measurement end time, and a displacement amount from a measurement start time to a measurement end time of the jig 2 is determined based on a detection result from the sensor 4. Unit 6. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring hardness of semi-solid food, a method for measuring hardness of semi-solid food, and a method for producing food.

  Since the hardness of the whipped cream affects the shape retention and flowering properties, the hardness of the whipped cream is measured. As a method for measuring the hardness of whipped cream, there is a method using a penetrometer (Patent Document 1). In this method, the cone-shaped cone is pointed downward, held at a position where the apex of the cone contacts the whipped cream, released, and dropped vertically, and the falling distance of the cone after a predetermined time, that is, the cone is whipped Measure the depth of penetration into the cream. This method is also used to evaluate the hardness of other semi-solid foods such as butter and ice cream.

JP-A-3-47036

  In the above-described method, the cone is released with one hand, and at the same time the stopwatch is operated with the other hand, the cone is held again after a predetermined time, and then the measuring element of the rack and pinion type measuring gauge is lowered to lower the upper end of the cone. And measure the fall distance. Since the time measurement by the stopwatch and the re-holding are performed manually, the measurement requires skill. Therefore, there is no problem if the measurer is a skilled person, but in a general site such as a factory or a store, there is a large variation in measured values due to a difference in measurers (particularly, a difference in skill level) and a difference in measurement date and time. There is also a problem that the parts of the measuring gauge are worn over time and deteriorate over time.

  An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a hardness measuring device and a hardness measuring method capable of easily and accurately measuring the hardness of a semi-solid food, and a method of manufacturing a food using the hardness measuring method.

[1] a jig having an entry portion,
The jig is arranged at a measurement start position where the tip of the entry part is in contact with the upper surface of the semi-solid food with the tip side of the entry part facing vertically downward, and is held releasably. A holder,
A non-contact type sensor that detects position information of the jig and outputs a detection result,
A timer that starts measuring a predetermined time set when a trigger signal is input, and outputs an end signal when the predetermined time has elapsed,
A trigger signal is output to the timer assuming that the jig is released and starts to fall as a measurement start, and a time when an end signal is input from the timer is taken as a measurement end time, and a detection result from the sensor is output. A determination unit for determining an amount of displacement of the jig from the start of the measurement to the end of the measurement based on the jig.
[2] The apparatus for measuring hardness of semi-solid food according to [1], further comprising a display unit for displaying a determination result of the determination unit.
[3] The sensor always detects the position information of the jig before the jig is released,
The determination unit constantly determines a displacement amount per unit time of the jig based on a detection result from the sensor, and starts the measurement when the displacement amount per unit time becomes larger than a preset threshold. A device for measuring hardness of semi-solid food according to [1] or [2], which is regarded as time.
[4] The apparatus for measuring hardness of a semi-solid food according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the jig has a mass of less than 100 g.
[5] The apparatus for measuring hardness of a semi-solid food according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the mass of the jig exceeds 100 g.
[6] The hardness measuring device for semi-solid food according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the entry portion has a conical shape with a vertex angle of 30 to 50 °.
[7] The hardness measuring device for semi-solid food according to [6], wherein the height of the entry portion is 15 to 60 mm.
[8] The jig is located at the proximal end side of the entry portion, the entrance portion, and a cylindrical rod formed coaxially with the entry portion, and is detachably attached to the proximal end of the rod. With a lid,
[1] to [7], wherein a space communicating with the inner hole of the rod is formed inside the entry portion, and a weight for adjusting the mass of the jig can be accommodated in the space. Any semi-solid food hardness measurement device.
[9] The jig provided with the entry portion is arranged at a measurement start position where the tip of the entry portion comes into contact with the upper surface of the semi-solid food with the tip side of the entry portion facing vertically downward. Holding releasably,
Detecting the position information of the jig by a non-contact sensor,
Releasing the jig and dropping it,
A step of activating a timer assuming that the jig is released and starting to fall as a measurement start time, and measuring a preset predetermined time,
After activating the timer, the end of the measurement when the predetermined time has elapsed, and
Determining the amount of displacement of the jig from the start of the measurement to the end of the measurement based on the position information detected by the sensor.
[10] Always before the jig is released, the position information of the jig is detected by the sensor, and the displacement amount of the jig per unit time is determined based on the detection result by the sensor. [9] The method for measuring hardness of a semi-solid food according to [9], wherein a time when the displacement amount becomes larger than a preset threshold value is regarded as a start of the measurement.
[11] whipping the liquid cream to produce a whipped cream;
Measuring the hardness of the whipped cream using a semi-solid food hardness measuring device according to any one of [1] to [8];
Determining whether the measured hardness is within a desired range,
Producing a food using a whipped cream determined to have the hardness within a desired range.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hardness measuring apparatus and the hardness measuring method of the semi-solid food which can measure the hardness of the semi-solid food simply and accurately, and the manufacturing method of the food using the said hardness measuring method can be provided.

It is a perspective view of the hardness measuring device of the semi-solid food concerning one embodiment. It is a sectional view of the jig of the hardness measuring device of the semi-solid food concerning one embodiment. It is the side view and block diagram which show the state which arranged the jig of the hardness measuring device of the semi-solid foodstuff which concerns on one Embodiment in the measurement start position.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

<Semi-solid food hardness measurement device>
As shown in FIG. 1, a semi-solid food hardness measuring apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a jig 2, a holder 3, a non-contact type sensor 4, a timer 5, and a determination unit 6. And a display unit 7. The sensor 4, the timer 5, and the display unit 7 are each electrically connected to the determination unit 6. Further, the determination unit 6 and the display unit 7 are integrally formed.

Semi-solid foods are foods that exhibit intermediate physical properties between liquid and solid.
Examples of the semi-solid food include whipped cream, meringue, ice cream, foamed food such as bread, fermented cream, and butter.
As the semi-solid food, whipped cream is preferred. In whipped cream, hardness affects physical properties such as shape retention and artificialness, and precise measurement values of hardness are required.On the other hand, hardness tends to change over time, and rapid measurement is required. The effects of the present embodiment can be enjoyed most.

  The jig 2 includes a cone 21 which is an entry portion, a cylindrical rod 22, and a lid 23. The rod 22 is located on the base end side of the cone 21 and is formed coaxially with the cone 21. The lid 23 is detachably attached to the base end of the rod 22. In addition, it is preferable that the cone 21 serving as the entrance portion is provided at the end of the jig 2.

The cone 21 has a conical shape, and expands in diameter at a constant angle (vertical angle) θ from the distal end toward the proximal side (from the vertex 21a of the cone to the bottom surface 21b; see FIG. 2).
The vertex angle θ of the cone 21 is preferably 30 to 50 °, more preferably 35 to 45 °, further preferably 38 to 42 °, and particularly preferably 39 to 41 °. If the apex angle θ of the cone 21 is small, the approach distance becomes long, which is disadvantageous in terms of the amount of semi-solid food prepared for measurement and the homogeneity of semi-solid food stored in the measurement container. Also, when the vertex angle θ of the cone 21 is large, the approach distance is short, and the resolution of the measured value decreases. If the vertex angle θ of the cone 21 is within the above range, both accuracy and workability can be achieved.
The height of the cone 21 (the distance from the vertex 21a to the bottom surface 21b) is determined by the apex angle θ and the maximum approach distance measured, but is preferably 15 mm to 60 mm, more preferably 25 to 55 mm, and particularly preferably 35 to 45 mm.
The bottom surface 21b of the cone 21 is circular. The diameter of the bottom surface 21b of the cone 21 is naturally determined by the vertex angle θ and the height.

As shown in FIG. 2, a space S1 communicating with the inner hole S2 of the rod 22 is formed inside the cone 21, and the weight 24 can be accommodated in the space S1.
In the jig 2, the mass of the jig 2 can be adjusted by removing the lid 23 from the rod 22 and housing the weight 24 in the space S <b> 1 via the inner hole S <b> 2, or discharging the weight 24 from the space S <b> 1. It has become.
The appropriate mass of the jig 2 depends on the type of semi-solid food to be measured. Since the weight of the jig 2 can be adjusted by the weight 24, the jig 2 can be applied to hardness measurement of various semi-solid foods.

  In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the jig 2 is less than 100 g, preferably 80 g or less, more preferably 60 g or less, still more preferably 40 g or less, particularly preferably 20 g or less, and most preferably 12 g. The jig 2 having a mass of less than 100 g is suitable for measuring the hardness of a semi-solid food having a relatively low hardness, for example, a whipped cream or a fermented cream.

  In another preferred embodiment, the mass of the jig 2 exceeds 100 g, preferably 150 g or more, more preferably 200 g or more, particularly preferably 230 g or more, and most preferably 250 g. The jig 2 having a mass exceeding 100 g is suitable for measuring the hardness of a semi-solid food having relatively high hardness, for example, butter or ice cream.

The lid 23 has a disk shape having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the rod 22.
When the sensor 4 is an optical sensor that irradiates the target with light and detects the position of the target by reflected light, a surface 23a of the lid 23 opposite to the rod 22 side can be sensed by the sensor. Reflect light to a degree.

The material of each of the cone 21, the rod 22, and the lid 23 is not particularly limited as long as the hardness and the strength are maintained. For example, aluminum (including an alloy), stainless steel, titanium (including an alloy), synthetic resin, Ceramics, glass, quartz, carbon are examples. Aluminum and synthetic resin are preferred in terms of processability, durability and hygiene. When the sensor 4 is an optical sensor, the material of the lid 23 may be any material as long as the surface 23a reflects the light to such an extent that the sensor can detect the light, and examples thereof include aluminum and synthetic resin.
Examples of the material of the weight 24 include lead, sand, and fat.

The holding tool 3 includes a jig holding unit 8, a support bar 9 erected, a support table 10 for supporting the support bar 9, a first arm unit 11, and a second arm unit 12.
The first arm unit 11 and the second arm unit 12 are respectively attached to the support bar 9 so as to be able to move up and down and to be rotatable. The jig holding unit 8 is attached to the first arm unit 11. The sensor 4 is attached to the second arm 12.
A sample table 13, a level 14, and a horizontal adjustment screw 15 are attached to the support table 10.

The jig holding unit 8 holds the jig 2 releasably.
The jig holding part 8 is formed with a through hole 81 penetrating vertically through the jig holding part 8. The through hole 81 is formed with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the rod 22, and the rod 22 can be inserted therethrough. Further, the jig 2 inserted into the through hole 81 falls vertically downward with almost no friction with the jig holding portion 8. Further, the through-hole 81 is formed with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the lid portion 23. Even if the jig 2 falls vertically downward, the lid portion 23 is caught and prevented from falling, and the jig 2 is cured. It does not come off from the tool holding part 8.
The jig 2 can be mounted on the jig holding part 8 by inserting the rod 22 into the through hole 81 with the lid 23 removed and then attaching the lid 23 to the rod 22.
A clasp 82 is attached to the jig holding unit 8. When the lid 23 of the jig 2 is removed, the rod 22 is inserted into the through hole 81 with the tip side of the cone 21 facing vertically downward, the lid 23 is attached to the rod 22, and the clasp 82 is fastened. 2 is retained. Thereafter, when the clasp 82 is removed, the jig 2 is released and falls.

The sample stand 13 places the semi-solid food 100 stored in the container 110 as shown in FIG.
The sample stage 13 is provided with an adjuster (not shown), and the height can be adjusted. For example, the height of the sample stage 13 is increased when the sample stage 13 is rotated in the first direction, and the height of the sample stage 13 is decreased when the sample stage 13 is rotated in the second direction opposite to the first direction. ing.

In the holder 3, the jig 2 can be arranged at the measurement start position by raising and lowering or rotating the first arm 11 while holding the jig 2 in the jig holder 8. Alternatively, the position of the jig 2 with respect to the upper surface of the semi-solid food 100 can be relatively changed by adjusting the height of the sample stand 13 with an adjuster, and the jig 2 can be arranged at the measurement start position.
As shown in FIG. 3, the “measurement start position” refers to a state in which the tip side of the cone 21 faces vertically downward, and the tip of the cone 21 is placed on the upper surface of the semi-solid food 100 whose hardness is to be measured. This is the contact position.

The sensor 4 is a non-contact type sensor. A non-contact sensor is a sensor that detects position information of an object without contacting the object.
The sensor 4 detects the position information of the target object (the jig 2) and outputs a detection result to the determination unit 6. In the present embodiment, the sensor 4 is located vertically above the jig 2 arranged at the measurement start position, and the distance from the sensor 4 to the surface 23 a of the lid 23 of the jig 2 as the position information of the jig 2. Is detected.
Typically, the sensor 4 always detects the position information of the jig 2 before the jig 2 is released after the jig 2 is arranged at the measurement start position, and outputs the detection result to the determination unit 6.

Examples of the sensor 4 include an optical sensor such as a laser and an LED light, an ultrasonic sensor, an eddy current sensor, and a capacitance sensor.
The sensor 4 may be an imager that images a target. In this case, the position information of the target object can be detected by analyzing the captured image.
As the sensor 4, a sensor (an optical sensor or the like) that irradiates a laser or the like onto an object and detects laser or the like reflected from the object to detect position information of the object is the simplest, most accurate, and preferable. .

  The timer 5 starts measuring a preset predetermined time when the trigger signal 6c is input from the determination unit 6, and outputs an end signal 5a to the determination unit 6 when the predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is set, for example, within a range of 1 to 60 seconds according to the type of the semisolid food to be measured. For example, when the semi-solid food is whipped cream, the time is set to 5 seconds.

  The determination unit 6 includes a difference calculation unit 6a and a comparison unit 6b, as shown in FIG. The difference calculation unit 6a records the position information input from the sensor 4, and calculates, for example, a change amount of the position information per unit time. The comparison unit 6b compares the amount of change calculated by the difference calculation unit 6a with a preset threshold.

The determination unit 6 regards the time when the jig 2 is released and starts to fall as the measurement start time, outputs the trigger signal 6c, and operates the timer 5. The time when the end signal 5a is input from the timer 5 is defined as the end of measurement. Then, based on the detection result from the sensor 4, the displacement amount of the jig 2 from the start of measurement to the end of measurement is determined.
The “displacement amount from the start of measurement to the end of measurement” corresponds to the depth at which the cone 21 has penetrated into the semi-solid food at a predetermined time. The displacement amount from the start of measurement to the end of measurement is, for example, the distance from the sensor 4 at the start of measurement to the surface 23a of the lid 23 and the distance from the sensor 4 at the end of measurement to the surface 23a of the lid 23. Is calculated as the difference between
The determining unit 6 determines the hardness of the semi-solid food based on the amount of displacement from the start of measurement to the end of measurement, if necessary.
The “hardness of the semi-solid food” is a value (no unit) obtained by converting the displacement from the start of measurement to the end of measurement into a numerical value with 0.1 mm as one unit. For example, when the displacement amount is 20.0 mm, the hardness of the semi-solid food is 200.
The determination unit 6 outputs the determination result (one or both of the displacement amount and the hardness of the semi-solid food) to the display unit 7 or the like as necessary.
The display unit 7 displays the result of the determination by the determination unit 6.

Typically, the detection result is always input to the determination unit 6 from the sensor 4, and the determination unit 6 constantly determines the difference calculation unit 6 a based on the detection result from the sensor 4 per unit time of the jig 2. The amount of displacement is calculated, and the comparing unit 6b compares the amount of change calculated by the difference calculating unit 6a with a preset threshold. Then, the comparing unit 6b regards a time when the displacement amount per unit time becomes larger than a preset threshold value as a time when the jig 2 is released and starts to fall, that is, a time when the measurement is started. Then, the determination unit 6 outputs a trigger signal 6c to the timer 5.
While the jig 2 is arranged at the measurement start position and held, the displacement amount per unit time is smaller than a preset threshold. When the jig 2 is released and starts to fall, the displacement amount per unit time increases and exceeds the threshold.
The threshold value is greater than 0 μm / msec, for example, 150 μm / msec.

The determination unit 6 may always output the determination result to the display unit 7. Further, at the end of the measurement (when the end signal 5a is input from the timer 5), a holding signal may be output to the display unit 7 to hold the display on the display unit 7 at the end of the measurement.
The determination unit 6 may always determine the displacement amount of the jig 2 from the start of the measurement based on the detection result from the sensor 4 and output the displacement amount to an arithmetic unit (not shown) such as a computer. By analyzing the determination result by the calculation unit, the displacement amount in the predetermined time can be determined from the displacement amount shorter than the predetermined time, and the hardness can be determined. In particular, in the case of a soft semi-solid food such as a meringue, since the moving distance of the jig in a short time is large and easily deviates from the measurement range, it is useful to be able to determine the hardness from the displacement amount shorter than a predetermined time. is there.

After determining the hardness of the semi-solid food, the determination unit 6 may determine whether the hardness is within a desired range. The determination result (“pass”, “fail”, etc.) may be output to the display unit 7 and displayed.
When the semi-solid food 100 is a whipped cream, the determination unit 6 determines the hardness of the semi-solid food, and then determines, by the hardness, a food suitable for being manufactured using the whipped cream. Is also good. Further, the determination result (“for cake”, “for parfait”, etc.) may be output to the display unit 7 and displayed.
In this case, a mode may be used in which the determination result is notified to the operator by a notification unit such as a buzzer instead of the display unit 7. That is, the determination result can be not only a signal visually recognized by the naked eye but also a signal confirmed by voice or other means.

<Method of measuring hardness of semi-solid food>
The hardness of the semi-solid food 100 can be measured by performing the following steps S1 to S6 with the hardness measuring device 1.
Step S1: a step of arranging the jig 2 at the measurement start position with the tip end side of the cone 21 facing vertically downward and holding it releasably.
Step S2: a step of detecting position information of the jig 2 by the sensor 4.
Step S3: releasing the jig 2 and dropping it.
Step S4: A step of activating the timer 5 and measuring a preset predetermined time by regarding the time when the jig 2 is released and starts to fall as the start of measurement.
Step S5: A step in which a time when a predetermined time has elapsed after the timer 5 is operated is set as a measurement end time.
Step S6: a step of determining the amount of displacement of the jig 2 from the start of measurement to the end of measurement based on the position information detected by the sensor 4.
Hereinafter, the specific operation of each step will be described in detail.

  In step S <b> 1, first, the measurer removes the lid 23 of the jig 2, removes the clasp 82 of the jig holding unit 8, and moves the rod 22 of the jig 2 from the lower opening of the through hole 81. , The tip of the cone 21 is inserted vertically downward, the lid 23 is attached to the jig 2, and the jig 2 is held in a state in which the jig 2 can be moved vertically in the through hole 81. Attach to part 8. Next, the jig 2 is held by holding the clasp 82 of the jig holding unit 8. Separately, the sample stage 13 is leveled by the level 14 and the horizontal adjustment screw 15, and the container 110 filled with the semi-solid food 100 is placed thereon. As shown in FIG. 3, the semi-solid food 100 is completely filled with fray. The upper surface of the semi-solid food 100 is horizontal. Next, one or both of the first arm unit 11 and the adjuster of the sample stage 13 are adjusted, and the jig 2 is arranged at the measurement start position.

In step S2, the measurer adjusts the second arm unit 12 to arrange the sensor 4 vertically above the jig 2 arranged at the measurement start position.
The sensor 4 always detects the distance from the sensor 4 to the surface 23 a of the lid 23 of the jig 2 as position information of the jig 2, and outputs a detection result to the determination unit 6.
The determination unit 6 always calculates the displacement amount of the jig 2 per unit time by the difference calculation unit 6a based on the detection result from the sensor 4, and calculates the change amount calculated by the difference calculation unit 6a by the comparison unit 6b. And a preset threshold value.

  In step S3, the measurer removes the clasp 82 of the jig holder 8. Thereby, the jig 2 is released. The released jig 2 falls vertically downward, and the cone 21 enters the semi-solid food 100.

In step S4, when the displacement amount of the jig 2 per unit time becomes larger than a preset threshold value, the determination unit 6 determines that this time is the time of measurement start (when the jig 2 is released and starts to fall). Assuming that the trigger signal 6c is output, the timer 5 is operated.
The timer 5 measures a predetermined time set in advance.

In step S5, the timer 5 outputs an end signal 5a to the determination unit 6 when a preset predetermined time has elapsed.
The determination unit 6 sets the time when the end signal 5a is input from the timer 5 as the end of measurement.
In step S <b> 6, the determination unit 6 determines the amount of displacement of the jig 2 from the start of measurement to the end of measurement based on the detection result from the sensor 4. The determining unit 6 determines the hardness of the semi-solid food based on the amount of displacement from the start of measurement to the end of measurement, if necessary.

If necessary, the following step S7 may be performed.
Step S7: A step of constantly determining the displacement amount of the jig 2 from the start of the measurement based on the detection result from the sensor 4.
In step S7, the determined displacement amount from the start of the measurement may be constantly output to the display unit 7 and displayed. Further, at the end of the measurement (when the end signal 5a is input from the timer 5), a holding signal may be output to the display unit 7 to hold the display on the display unit 7 at the end of the measurement.

If necessary, the following step S8 may be performed.
Step S8: After step S6, a step of determining whether the determined hardness is within a desired range.
In step S8, the determination result (“pass”, “fail”, etc.) may be output to the display unit 7 and displayed.

When the semi-solid food is whipped cream, the following step S9 may be performed as necessary.
Step S9: After step S6, a step of determining a food suitable for production using the whipped cream according to the determined hardness.
In step S9, the determination results (“for cake”, “for parfait”, etc.) may be output to the display unit 7 and displayed.

<Effects>
As described above, according to the hardness measuring device 1, it is possible to measure the hardness of the semi-solid food only by releasing the jig 2 which is arranged and held at the measurement start position. Since the operation is simple, even non-experts can quickly measure.
Further, since the displacement amount of the jig 2 from the start of the fall of the jig 2 to the elapse of a predetermined time is detected using the timer 5 and the non-contact type sensor 4, it is not necessary to hold the jig 2 again, and There is little variation in measured values due to a shift in hold timing. Further, compared to the case where the time measurement is performed manually, there is less variation in the measured value due to the difference in the measurement time. Therefore, the hardness of the semi-solid food can be accurately measured.
Furthermore, when a contact-type sensor is used, there is a problem of aging due to wear of parts, but since the non-contact type sensor 4 is used, aging of the device can be suppressed.

<Use>
The hardness measuring device 1 can be used, for example, for evaluating the quality of semi-solid foods and for manufacturing foods.
For example, when a whipped cream is manufactured from a liquid cream and a food is manufactured using the whipped cream, the hardness of the whipped cream is measured using the hardness measuring device 1 and the whipped cream is used for manufacturing the food. Determine if you have the appropriate hardness. By using the hardness measuring device 1, the hardness of the whipped cream can be measured quickly and accurately.

As an example of a method of manufacturing a food using the hardness measuring device 1, there is a method including the following steps A1 to A4.
Step A1: a step of whipping a liquid raw material cream to produce a whipped cream.
Step A2: a step of measuring the hardness of the whipped cream using the hardness measuring device 1.
Step A3: a step of determining whether or not the hardness of the whipped cream is within a desired range based on the hardness measured in Step A2.
Step A4: a step of producing a food using the whipped cream determined to have a hardness within a desired range.

In step A1, the method of whipping the liquid cream is not particularly limited, and may be a known method. Steps A1 to A4 do not necessarily need to be applied to all liquid creams, but may be applied to only some liquid creams. For example, steps A1 to A3 are performed by separating a part of the liquid cream, and after confirming that the conditions for whipping (conditions such as stirring time and stirring strength) are suitable, the remaining portion of the liquid cream is checked under the conditions. Alternatively, another liquid cream can be whipped and provided for step A4.
In step A2, the hardness of the whipped cream can be measured, for example, by performing steps S1 to S6 described above.
In step A4, the method for producing the food is not particularly limited, and a known production method can be used depending on the type of the food.

The food to be produced can be selected from various foods produced using whipped cream, and includes, for example, cake, parfait, fresh dorayaki, crepe, pancake, and contessa cream in cream puff.
In addition, whipped creams having different hardness may be required for the same food. For example, in the case of cake, whipped cream is used for sanding, squeezing, nappe, and the like, and the required hardness differs depending on which application is used. In this case, in step A3, it may be determined whether or not the hardness of the whipped cream is within an appropriate range based on the use of the whipped cream in the production of the food.
In the case of sand application, the hardness measured using the hardness measuring device 1 is preferably 140 to 170. If it is within this range, it is difficult to lose its shape.
In the case of drawing, the hardness measured using the hardness measuring device 1 is preferably 170 to 200. Within this range, it is difficult for the skin to be rough and to lose its shape.
In the case of nappe use, the hardness measured using the hardness measuring device 1 is preferably 200 to 230. Within this range, the skin is not easily roughened even when handled with a pallet knife.

  As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Each configuration and the combination thereof in the above-described embodiment are examples, and addition, omission, replacement, and other changes of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the timer 5 is configured separately from the determination unit 6 and the display unit 7 is configured integrally with the determination unit 6, but the timer 5 is configured integrally with the determination unit 6. Alternatively, the display unit 7 may be configured separately from the determination unit 6. Also, all of them may be configured integrally.
Although the example in which the determination result of the determination unit 6 is displayed on the display unit 7 has been described, the determination result of the determination unit 6 may be stored in a storage device such as a data logger.

  Apart from the sensor 4, a non-contact type sensor (hereinafter, also referred to as another sensor) for detecting and outputting distance information from the sensor 4 to the upper surface of the semi-solid food is arranged, and The distance between the tip of the cone 21 and the upper surface of the semi-solid food may be determined based on the detection result of the sensor 4 and the detection result of another sensor. Further, the determination result may be output to the display unit 7 and displayed. In this case, the jig 2 can be arranged at the measurement start position based on the determination result, and the hardness can be measured more accurately.

  The displacement amount per unit time of the jig 2 is always detected, and the time when the displacement amount per unit time becomes larger than a preset threshold value is regarded as the start of measurement. The information may be input to the determination unit 6 and the time when the clasp 82 comes off may be regarded as the start of the measurement.

  The shape of the entry portion is not limited to a conical shape such as the cone 21, but may be another shape, and a semi-solid food having an appropriately changed shape according to the hardness, viscosity, and other characteristics is used. can do. For example, various shapes such as a cylindrical shape having a circular cross section, a shell shape having a circular cross section, a cylindrical shape having a spherical tip, and a spherical shape can be adopted.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. The following comparative examples and examples were performed by beginners who were not familiar with the operation of the penetrometer.

(Comparative Example 1)
A jig of a commercially available penetrometer (“PENETRO METER” manufactured by Nakamura Medical Science Instrument Co., Ltd.) was changed to a jig having the structure shown in FIG. The device.
The whipped cream was made into a whipped cream. This whipped cream was filled into a bottomed cylindrical container having an opening on the upper surface with an inner volume of 100 cc, and the upper surface of the opening was flattened with a spatula.
The container filled with the whipped cream was placed on the sample table of the hardness measuring device, and the jig was placed at a position where the tip of the cone was in contact with the flat and exposed top surface of the whipped cream at the opening of the container. Next, the jig was released with one hand and dropped vertically downward. At the same time as releasing the jig, the stopwatch was actuated with the other hand, and after measuring 5 seconds, the jig was fixed and the fall was stopped. Thereafter, the vertical drop distance (mm) of the jig was measured with a mechanical dial gauge, and converted into a numerical value in which 0.1 mm was defined as one unit to obtain the hardness of the whipped cream.
When the hardness measurement was performed five times by the above procedure, changing the measurer, the standard deviation was 11.49.

(Example 1)
A hardness measuring device having the configuration shown in FIGS. A laser displacement meter (CMOS laser application sensor (manufactured by Keyence Corporation)) was used as a sensor, and an amplifier unit IL-1000 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as a unit in which a judgment unit and a display unit were integrated. A control unit CU-21TA (manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION) was used as a timer, the sensor continuously detected the position information of the jig, and the determination unit continuously measured the displacement amount of the jig per unit time. The threshold value of the displacement amount per unit time was set to 150 μm / millisecond, and the measurement time of the timer was set to 5 seconds.
The whipped cream was made into a whipped cream. This whipped cream was filled in the same container as used in Comparative Example 1, and the upper surface of the opening was flattened with a spatula.
The container filled with the whipped cream was placed on the sample table of the hardness measuring device, and the jig was placed at a position where the tip of the cone was in contact with the flat and exposed top surface of the whipped cream at the opening of the container. Next, the jig was released by releasing the clasp, and the jig was dropped vertically downward. Thereafter, the judgment unit detects the movement of the jig, and the timer automatically operates via the judgment unit. After 5 seconds, the position of the jig (the displacement from the start of the measurement to the end of the measurement of the jig) and the hardness are determined. Fixed display on the display.
When the hardness measurement was performed five times by the above procedure, changing the measurer, the standard deviation was 0.707.

(Example 2)
The hardness of the whipped cream was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, the signal from the determination unit after the jig was released was taken into a computer, and the data of the position of the jig (displacement from the start of measurement) was continuously recorded. did. When the time was plotted on the horizontal axis and the position information was plotted on the vertical axis, a falling waveform was obtained. By using an approximate expression obtained from the waveform and arbitrary position data of the waveform at 0 to 5 seconds, a trial calculation of hardness could be performed in a measurement time shorter than the difference of 5 seconds. The standard deviation of the hardness was 2.083, which was calculated by using the approximate expression as a second-order polynomial and using the position data after 3 seconds. The difference between the average value of the hardness measured in Example 1 and the average value of the hardness calculated in Example 2 was 0.2.

(Example 3)
Hardness was measured in the same manner as in Example 1 for butter harder than the whipped cream. However, the mass of the jig was increased to 260 g by increasing the amount of the weight to be accommodated in the jig. The measurement time was set to 5 seconds.
The standard deviation was 1.304 when the hardness measurement was performed five times in accordance with the above procedure, changing the measurer.

(Example 4)
The hardness of the meringue softer than the whipped cream was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. However, the weight of the jig was reduced to 9 g by reducing the amount of the weight accommodated in the jig. The measurement time was 3 seconds.
When the hardness measurement was performed five times by the above procedure, changing the measurer, the standard deviation was 2.074.

In Comparative Example 1, the variation in the measured value of the hardness of the whipped cream was large due to mechanical interference at the time of locking of the jig after 5 seconds, individual difference in timing, and mechanical play of the dial gauge.
In Example 1, there was less variation in the measured value of the hardness of the whipped cream than in Comparative Example 1.
In Example 2 in which the hardness of butter harder than the whipped cream was measured, and in Example 3 in which the hardness of a meringue softer than the whipped cream was measured, there was little variation in the measured values.

  1 Hardness measuring device for semi-solid food, 2 jig, 3 holder, 4 non-contact type sensor, 5 timer, 6 judging unit, 7 display unit, 8 jig holding unit, 9 support rod, 10 support stand, 11th 1 arm part, 12 second arm part, 13 sample stage, 14 level, 15 level adjustment screw, 21 cone (entry part), 22 rod, 23 lid, 81 through hole, 82 clasp, 100 semi-solid food , 110 containers

Claims (9)

A jig having an entry portion,
The jig is arranged at a measurement start position where the tip of the entry part is in contact with the upper surface of the semi-solid food with the tip side of the entry part facing vertically downward, and is held releasably. A holder,
A non-contact type sensor that detects position information of the jig and outputs a detection result,
A timer that starts measuring a predetermined time set when a trigger signal is input, and outputs an end signal when the predetermined time has elapsed,
The trigger signal is output by regarding the time when the jig is released and begins to fall as the start of measurement, and the time when the end signal is input is regarded as the end of measurement.Based on the detection result from the sensor, the jig is used. A determination unit that determines the amount of displacement from the start of the measurement to the end of the measurement,
The sensor always detects the position information of the jig before the jig is released,
The determination unit constantly determines a displacement amount per unit time of the jig based on a detection result from the sensor, and starts the measurement when the displacement amount per unit time becomes larger than a preset threshold. A device for measuring the hardness of semi-solid foods that is considered as time .   The semi-solid food hardness measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a determination result of the determination unit. The apparatus for measuring hardness of a semi-solid food according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the jig has a mass of less than 100 g. 3. The apparatus for measuring hardness of semi-solid food according to claim 1, wherein the mass of the jig exceeds 100 g. The semi-solid food hardness measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the entrance portion has a conical shape with an apex angle of 30 to 50 °. The device for measuring hardness of a semi-solid food according to claim 5 , wherein the height of the entry portion is 15 to 60 mm. The jig, the entry portion, a cylindrical rod located on the base end side of the entry portion, formed coaxially with the entry portion, and a lid detachably attached to the base end of the rod. With
Inside the entry portion, it said has an inner bore communicating with spatially formed of a rod, in the space, weight for adjusting the mass of the jig is so as to accommodate any of claims 1 to 6 The apparatus for measuring hardness of a semi-solid food according to claim 1. The jig provided with the entry portion is disposed at a measurement start position where the tip of the entry portion is in contact with the upper surface of the semi-solid food, with the tip side of the entry portion facing vertically downward, and can be released. Holding the
Detecting the position information of the jig by a non-contact sensor,
Releasing the jig and dropping it,
A step of activating a timer assuming that the jig is released and starting to fall as a measurement start time, and measuring a preset predetermined time,
After activating the timer, the end of the measurement when the predetermined time has elapsed, and
Based on the position information detected by the sensor, determine the amount of displacement of the jig from the start of the measurement to the end of the measurement, determining the hardness of the semi-solid food ,
Always before the jig is released, the position information of the jig is detected by the sensor, and the displacement amount per unit time of the jig is determined based on the detection result by the sensor. A method for measuring the hardness of a semi-solid food, wherein a time when the value exceeds a preset threshold value is regarded as a time when the measurement is started . Whipping the liquid cream to make a whipped cream;
A step of measuring the hardness of the whipped cream using a semi-solid food hardness measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
Determining whether the measured hardness is within a desired range,
Producing a food using a whipped cream determined to have the hardness within a desired range.

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