CN115067453A - Food processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a food processing device which can realize the improvement of the freshness maintenance and the quality maintenance of food. The food processing apparatus according to the embodiment irradiates the food stored in the storage portion capable of transmitting the light in the ultraviolet region with the light in the ultraviolet region. The food processing apparatus includes: a first irradiation unit having a first light emitting element for irradiating the light in the ultraviolet region, and irradiating the light in the ultraviolet region to one side of the food accommodated in the accommodation unit; a second irradiation unit having a second light emitting element for irradiating the ultraviolet region, and irradiating the ultraviolet region to the other side of the food accommodated in the accommodating unit; and a moving unit that moves relative positions of the first and second irradiation units and the food stored in the storage unit. The second irradiation portion is provided at a position separated from the first irradiation portion in a moving direction based on the moving portion.

Description

Food processing device

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a food processing apparatus.

Background

In the food market, safety awareness of food is increasing with coping with Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Point (HACCP), and the like. In addition, there are also problems in the food market such as food loss due to rotting and the like.

In this case, the food can be consumed for a longer period of time by adding a preservative to the food or by heat-sterilizing the food. However, if this is done, new problems arise such as risks to health, or impairment of the umami taste or flavor of the food.

Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the surface of food to sterilize bacteria, microorganisms, and the like adhering to the surface of food.

However, even if only the surface of the food is irradiated with ultraviolet light, bacteria, microorganisms, and the like adhering to the surface of the food may not be completely sterilized. Further, when ultraviolet light is irradiated to the surface of food, the food may be deteriorated, or the color may be changed, or the umami taste or flavor may be deteriorated.

Therefore, there is room for improvement in maintaining freshness and quality of food.

[ Prior art documents ]

[ patent document ]

[ patent document 1] Japanese patent No. 6716291 publication

Disclosure of Invention

[ problems to be solved by the invention ]

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a food processing apparatus that can maintain freshness and improve quality of food.

[ means for solving problems ]

The food processing apparatus according to the embodiment irradiates the food stored in the storage portion capable of transmitting the light in the ultraviolet region with the light in the ultraviolet region. The food processing apparatus includes: a first irradiation unit having a first light emitting element for irradiating the light in the ultraviolet region, and irradiating the light in the ultraviolet region to one side of the food accommodated in the accommodation unit; a second irradiation unit having a second light emitting element for irradiating the ultraviolet region and irradiating the other side of the food accommodated in the accommodation unit with the light of the ultraviolet region; and a moving unit that moves relative positions of the first and second irradiation units and the food stored in the storage unit. The second irradiation portion is provided at a position separated from the first irradiation portion in a moving direction based on the moving portion.

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a food processing apparatus capable of maintaining freshness and quality of food can be provided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a food processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the irradiation part.

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation part in fig. 2 as viewed from the direction of line a-a.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view for illustrating a processing apparatus of another embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view for illustrating a processing apparatus according to still another embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a material of the housing portion of the treatment object and the transmittance of ultraviolet rays.

[ description of symbols ]

1. 1a, 1 b: processing apparatus

10: supply part

20. 20a, 120: moving part

30. 130, 130: irradiation part

31: light emitting module

31 a: substrate

31 b: light emitting element

32: cooling part

32 a: heat dissipation part

32 b: air supply part

33: circuit board

34: frame body

34 a: exhaust port

34b, 34 c: connector with a locking member

34 d: filter

34 e: window (Refreshment window)

35: sensor with a sensor element

40: containing part

50: controller

100. 100 a: treated article

120: moving part

131: air blower

220: reversing part

A. B, C: film

A-A: wire(s)

G: gas (es)

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a food processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1, the food processing apparatus 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as processing apparatus 1) includes, for example, a supply unit 10, a moving unit 20 (corresponding to an example of a first moving unit), a moving unit 120 (corresponding to an example of a second moving unit), an irradiation unit 30 (corresponding to an example of a first irradiation unit), an irradiation unit 130 (corresponding to an example of a second irradiation unit), a storage unit 40, and a controller 50.

The supply unit 10 may be provided near the end of the moving unit 20 on the carrying-in side. The supply unit 10 accommodates a plurality of processing objects 100 as processing targets therein, and supplies the accommodated processing objects 100 to the moving unit 20 one by one. For example, the supply unit 10 may include a hopper for storing a plurality of processed objects 100 in a stacked state and a supply device for taking out the processed objects 100 stored therein and supplying the taken out objects to the moving unit 20.

The configuration of the supply unit 10 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. The supply unit 10 may supply the processing objects 100 to the moving unit 20 without overlapping the processing objects 100 with each other.

The supply unit 10 is not essential and may be omitted. When the supply unit 10 is omitted, for example, the operator may supply the processing object 100 to the moving unit 20.

Here, the processed object 100 may be a food accommodated in an accommodating portion through which light in the ultraviolet region can pass. That is, the processing apparatus 1 irradiates the food accommodated in the accommodating portion, which is capable of transmitting the light in the ultraviolet region, with the light in the ultraviolet region.

The storage section may be a packaging film, a tray, a container, or the like that can transmit light in the ultraviolet region.

The food is, for example, agricultural products, meat raw materials, fresh fish raw materials, processed foods, etc.

Further, the "agricultural product" may be, for example, a plant cultivated and harvested by humans or a plant grown and harvested in nature. "agricultural products" can also be obtained by farming for cultivating and harvesting cultivated plants in a planned manner, harvesting of plants naturally growing in nature (harvesting of wild plants), so-called semi-cultivation for growing and harvesting in an intermediate state between cultivation and wild, and the like. The use of the "agricultural product" is not particularly limited, and various uses such as food, medicine, and ornamental use can be considered.

The "processed food" is, for example, a home dish, a lunch, salad, etc.

The food is not limited to the exemplified food, and may be any food having a consumption period, for example.

The moving unit 20 moves the food items stored in the storage unit. For example, the moving unit 20 moves the processing object 100 from the supply position of the processing object 100 to the irradiation position of the light in the ultraviolet region by the irradiation unit 130. The moving unit 20 may be a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, or the like.

The moving unit 120 moves the food items stored in the storage unit. For example, the moving unit 120 moves the treatment object 100 from the irradiation position with the light in the ultraviolet region by the irradiation unit 130 to the discharge position to the storage unit 40. The moving unit 120 has, for example, the same structure as the moving unit 20. In this case, the length or shape of the moving part 120 may be the same as or different from that of the moving part 20.

Further, the case where the moving unit 20 and the moving unit 120 move the processing object 100 in the horizontal direction is exemplified, but the moving unit 20 and the moving unit 120 may move the processing object 100 in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

As shown in fig. 1, a gap is provided between the end of the moving part 20 on the discharge side and the end of the moving part 120 on the carry-in side. The size of the gap in the moving direction of the processing object 100 is not particularly limited as long as the processing object 100 can be transferred from the moving part 20 to the moving part 120 and the irradiation part 130 can irradiate the processing object 100 with light in the ultraviolet region.

The irradiation portion 30 is provided on one side of the food stored in the storage portion in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the processed object 100 (the moving direction of the food stored in the storage portion). The irradiation unit 30 may be disposed above the moving unit 20, for example. The irradiation unit 30 is provided, for example, between the supply unit 10 and the irradiation unit 130 in the moving direction of the processing object 100.

The irradiation unit 30 irradiates one side of the processing object 100 moved by the moving unit 20 with light in an ultraviolet region. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the irradiation unit 30 irradiates light in an ultraviolet region to the upper side of the processing object 100.

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the irradiation part 30.

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation part 30 in fig. 2 as viewed from the a-a line direction.

As shown in fig. 2, the irradiation unit 30 includes, for example, a light emitting module 31, a cooling unit 32, a circuit board 33, and a housing 34.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a plurality of light emitting modules 31 may be provided. The plurality of light emitting modules 31 may be arranged in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the processing object 100, for example. The plurality of light emitting modules 31 may be disposed inside the frame 34. The number of light emitting modules 31 may be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the treatment object 100. That is, at least one light emitting module 31 may be provided.

In this case, if a plurality of light emitting modules 31 having a predetermined size are provided, the same light emitting module 31 can be used for processing devices 1 having different sizes. When a failure or the like occurs in the light emitting element 31b (corresponding to an example of the first light emitting element), only the light emitting module 31 in which the light emitting element 31b having a failure or the like is provided may be replaced. Therefore, reduction in manufacturing cost, facilitation of stock management, improvement of maintainability, reduction in maintenance cost, and the like can be achieved. In addition, since the size of the light emitting module 31 does not become excessively large, the light emitting module 31 is easily manufactured, and the light emitting module 31 is easily handled.

The light emitting module 31 includes, for example, a substrate 31a and a plurality of light emitting elements 31 b.

The substrate 31a has a plate shape. The planar shape of the substrate 31a may be a quadrangle, for example. The material of the substrate 31a may be, for example, an inorganic material such as alumina or aluminum nitride, an organic material such as phenol paper or epoxy glass, or a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material. In this case, considering heat dissipation of heat generated in the light emitting element 31b, the substrate 31a is preferably formed using a material having high thermal conductivity. For example, the substrate 31a may be formed of a ceramic such as alumina or aluminum nitride, a high thermal conductive resin, a metal core substrate, or the like. The high thermal conductive resin is, for example, a resin obtained by mixing a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon with a filler containing alumina or the like.

As shown in fig. 3, the substrate 31a can be attached to the heat dissipation portion 32a using a fastening member such as a screw. In this case, a heat transfer sheet having elasticity, a layer containing silicone grease, or the like may be provided between the substrate 31a and the heat dissipation portion 32 a. If a heat transfer sheet having elasticity, a layer containing silicone grease, or the like is provided, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap between the substrate 31a and the heat dissipation portion 32 a. Therefore, the heat generated in the light-emitting element 31b is easily transmitted to the heat dissipation portion 32a, and thus the temperature of the light-emitting element 31b can be suppressed from exceeding the maximum junction temperature.

The light emitting element 31b has a longer life than a high-pressure mercury lamp or the like, but the amount of light decreases with time. In addition, it is also considered that the light emitting element 31b is out of order. When the substrate 31a is detachably provided to the heat dissipation portion 32a by a fastening member, replacement of the light emitting module 31 and the like become easy.

The substrate 31a may be bonded to the heat dissipation portion 32a using an adhesive or the like having high thermal conductivity, for example. When the substrate 31a is bonded to the heat dissipation portion 32a using an adhesive having high thermal conductivity, the heat generated in the light-emitting element 31b is easily transferred to the heat dissipation portion 32a because the gap between the substrate 31a and the base can be suppressed from being generated. In addition, the structure of the light emitting module 31 becomes simple.

The plurality of light-emitting elements 31b are provided on the surface of the substrate 31a opposite to the heat dissipation portion 32 a. The plurality of light emitting elements 31b are electrically connected to a wiring pattern provided on the surface of the substrate 31 a. The light emitting surfaces of the light emitting elements 31b face a window 34e provided in the housing 34. The light in the ultraviolet region emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements 31b is irradiated to the outside of the irradiation portion 30 through the window 34 e.

The plurality of light emitting elements 31b are arranged side by side. For example, as shown in fig. 3, a plurality of light emitting elements 31b may be arranged in a matrix. The arrangement form and number of the plurality of light emitting elements 31b are not limited to those exemplified in fig. 3, and may be appropriately changed according to the type, size, planar shape, and the like of the treatment object 100.

The light-emitting element 31b (first light-emitting element) is not particularly limited as long as it can emit light having a peak wavelength of 260nm to 300 nm. For example, the light emitting element 31b may be a light emitting diode or a laser diode capable of emitting light having a peak wavelength of 260nm to 300 nm.

That is, the irradiation unit 30 has a light emitting element 31b that irradiates light in the ultraviolet region, and can irradiate light in the ultraviolet region to one side of the food stored in the storage unit.

The plurality of light emitting elements 31b may be chip-shaped light emitting elements, for example. In this case, the plurality of light emitting elements 31b may be mounted On a wiring pattern provided On the substrate 31a by Chip On Board (COB). In addition, a sealing portion covering the plurality of light emitting elements 31b may be provided.

The plurality of light emitting elements 31b may be surface mount light emitting elements, for example. The plurality of light emitting elements 31b may be light emitting elements having a lead wire, such as a shell type light emitting element.

However, if the plurality of light-emitting elements 31b are chip-shaped light-emitting elements, the plurality of light-emitting elements 31b can be provided in a narrow area. Therefore, the light emitting module 31 and the irradiation unit 30 can be downsized.

The cooling unit 32 includes, for example, a heat radiating unit 32a and an air blowing unit 32 b.

As shown in fig. 3, a plurality of heat dissipation portions 32a may be provided, for example. When a plurality of heat radiating portions 32a are provided, for example, the plurality of heat radiating portions 32a may be arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the treatment object 100.

Further, the case where a plurality of heat dissipation portions 32a are provided is exemplified, but one heat dissipation portion 32a may be provided. That is, at least one heat dissipation portion 32a may be provided.

However, if a plurality of heat dissipation portions 32a having a predetermined size are provided, the same heat dissipation portion 32a can be used for processing devices 1 having different sizes. Therefore, reduction in manufacturing cost, facilitation of stock management, and the like can be achieved. Further, since the size of the heat dissipation portion 32a does not become excessively large, the heat dissipation portion 32a can be easily manufactured, and the heat dissipation portion 32a can be easily handled.

The heat dissipation portion 32a includes, for example, a block-shaped base on which the light emitting module 31 is mounted, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins. The heat dissipation portion 32a may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum alloy.

The air blowing unit 32b supplies the gas G to the plurality of heat radiating fins provided in the heat radiating unit 32 a. The gas G may be, for example, a gas G contained in an atmosphere in which the processing apparatus 1 is installed. The gas G is, for example, air.

As shown in fig. 2, the air blowing unit 32b is provided inside the housing 34. The air blowing unit 32b may be attached to an inner wall of the housing 34 via a bracket, for example. The air blowing part 32b is provided on the side of the heat dissipation part 32a opposite to the light emitting module 31 side.

The air blowing unit 32b may be provided outside the housing 34, for example. However, if the air blowing part 32b is provided inside the housing 34, the distance between the air blowing part 32b and the heat radiating part 32a can be shortened, and thus the cooling efficiency can be improved. The gas G discharged from the blowing section 32b can be introduced into the heat dissipation section 32a through the inner wall of the housing 34. That is, the gas G discharged from the blowing section 32b can be suppressed from being diffused. Therefore, the gas G discharged from the blowing section 32b can be efficiently supplied to the plurality of heat dissipation fins provided in the heat dissipation section 32 a.

The air blowing unit 32b is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an axial flow fan. If the blower 32b is an axial fan, the amount of supply of the gas G can be increased, and thus the cooling efficiency can be improved.

For example, at least one of the air blowing parts 32b may be provided for one of the heat radiating parts 32 a. The number of the air blowing portions 32b may be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the heat radiating portion 32a, the amount of heat generated in the light emitting module 31, and the like.

As shown in fig. 2, the circuit board 33 is provided inside the housing 34. The circuit board 33 may be provided, for example, in the vicinity of an end portion of the housing 34 on the side opposite to the side on which the light-emitting module 31 is provided. The circuit board 33 can be mounted on the inner wall of the housing 34, for example.

The circuit board 33 switches, for example, on and off of the plurality of light emitting elements 31b, or switches supply and stop of the gas G by the heat dissipation portion 32 a.

The housing 34 has a box shape and has a space for accommodating the light emitting module 31, the cooling unit 32, and the circuit board 33. The outer appearance of the frame 34 may be, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or a substantially cubic shape.

A plurality of exhaust ports 34a may be provided on a side surface of the frame 34. The plurality of exhaust ports 34a may be disposed at positions opposite to the cooling part 32.

The connector 34b, the connector 34c, the filter 34d, and the like may be provided at an end portion of the frame 34 opposite to the side where the light emitting module 31 is provided.

The connector 34b may be provided to electrically connect a power supply or the like provided outside the irradiation unit 30 to the circuit board 33. The connector 34b may be a power connector, for example.

The connector 34c may be provided, for example, to electrically connect a control device or the like provided outside the irradiation unit 30 to the circuit board 33. The connector 34c may be a connector for communication, for example.

At least one filter 34d may be provided. When air is blown by the air blowing unit 32b, the gas G existing outside the housing 34 is introduced into the housing 34 through the filter 34 d. The filter 34d can prevent dust and the like contained in the atmosphere in which the irradiation unit 30 is installed from entering the inside of the housing 34. Further, if intrusion of dust or the like into the interior of the housing 34 can be suppressed, inclusion of dust in the exhaust gas from the irradiation section 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, adhesion of dust and the like to the processing object 100 can be suppressed.

The window 34e is provided at an end of the frame 34 on the side where the light emitting module 31 is provided. The window 34e is formed of a material that transmits light in the ultraviolet region and is resistant to light in the ultraviolet region. The window 34e may be made of, for example, ultraviolet transmitting glass (ultraviet transmitting glass), acrylic resin, or the like.

The irradiation unit 130 is provided at a position separated from the irradiation unit 30 in the moving direction of the processing object 100 by the moving units 20 and 120. The irradiation unit 130 may be provided, for example, below a gap between the end of the moving unit 20 on the discharge side and the end of the moving unit 120 on the carry-in side. The irradiation unit 130 irradiates light in the ultraviolet region to the other side of the treatment object 100 transferred from the moving unit 20 to the moving unit 120. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the irradiation unit 130 irradiates light in the ultraviolet region to the lower side of the processing object 100.

The irradiation portion 130 is provided on the other side of the food accommodated in the accommodation portion in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the processed object 100 (the moving direction of the food accommodated in the accommodation portion). The irradiation section 130 may have the same structure as the irradiation section 30, for example. For example, the irradiation unit 130 includes a light emitting element 31b (corresponding to an example of the second light emitting element) that irradiates light in an ultraviolet region, and can irradiate light in the ultraviolet region to the other side of the food accommodated in the accommodation unit.

The light-emitting element 31b (second light-emitting element) is not particularly limited as long as it can emit light having a peak wavelength of 260nm to 300 nm. For example, the light emitting element 31b may be a light emitting diode or a laser diode capable of emitting light having a peak wavelength of 260nm to 300 nm.

Since the irradiation unit 130 irradiates the treatment object 100 located above with light in the ultraviolet region, the window 34e provided in the irradiation unit 130 faces upward. Therefore, dust and the like easily adhere to the window 34 e. When dust or the like adheres to the window 34e, light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 31b is blocked by the dust or the like, and the intensity of light reaching the processing object 100 is weakened. Therefore, the freshness or quality of the lower side of the food items stored in the storage portion may be lower than the freshness or quality of the upper side of the food items.

Therefore, the irradiation unit 130 may be further provided with an air blower 131. For example, the air blowing device 131 blows air pressurized by a compressor or the like to the window 34e provided in the irradiation section 130. In this case, the air blowing device 131 may eject air at a predetermined timing, or may eject air at any time during the operation of the processing apparatus 1.

The blower 131 may be provided in the irradiation unit 30.

In addition, a sensor 35 for detecting the position of the treatment object 100 may be further provided. The sensor 35 may be provided, for example, to determine the irradiation timing by the irradiation unit 30 or the irradiation unit 130, or to switch between the start and stop of irradiation. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the sensor 35 may be disposed on the upstream side of the irradiation part 30 and in the vicinity of the irradiation part 30.

In addition, the sensor 35 may be further disposed on the upstream side of the irradiation portion 130 and in the vicinity of the irradiation portion 130. In this case, the sensor 35 may be provided only on the upstream side of the irradiation unit 30, and the irradiation by the irradiation unit 130 may be controlled based on a signal from the sensor 35 provided on the upstream side of the irradiation unit 30, the moving speed of the processing object 100, and the distance between the irradiation unit 30 and the irradiation unit 130.

The form of the sensor 35 is not particularly limited. The sensor 35 may be, for example, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like.

The storage unit 40 stores the processed object 100 a. The storage portion 40 may be, for example, a dish (container) provided near the end of the moving portion 120 on the discharge side. Further, the housing portion 40 may be provided with a vibration device or the like for facilitating the discharge of the processing object 100a from the moving portion 120.

The controller 50 controls the operations of the respective elements provided in the processing apparatus 1. The controller 50 includes an arithmetic element such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a memory element such as a semiconductor memory. The controller 50 is, for example, a computer. The storage device may store, for example, a control program for controlling the operation of each element provided in the processing apparatus 1.

For example, when the sensor 35 detects that the processing object 100 is carried into the irradiation region of the irradiation unit 30 or 130, the controller 50 irradiates the irradiation unit 30 or 130 with light in the ultraviolet region. At this time, the controller 50 may temporarily stop the moving unit 20 or 120 or temporarily decrease the moving speed. When the irradiation of the light in the ultraviolet region is completed, the controller 50 may restart the movement or restore the movement speed.

In the processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the light in the ultraviolet region irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 is irradiated to one side of the processing object 100 (for example, the upper side of the processing object 100), and the light in the ultraviolet region irradiated from the irradiation unit 130 is irradiated to the other side of the processing object 100 (for example, the lower side of the processing object 100). Therefore, the light in the ultraviolet region can be irradiated to substantially the entire region of the processing object 100, or even substantially the entire region of the food accommodated in the accommodating portion. Therefore, improvement in maintaining freshness of the food can be achieved.

In this case, it is also conceivable to irradiate the ultraviolet ray region light to one processing object 100 from a plurality of directions at the same time. For example, it is also possible to face the irradiation unit 30 and the irradiation unit 130. However, if this is done, there is a possibility that a region is generated in which light from the ultraviolet region of the irradiation part 30 and light from the ultraviolet region of the irradiation part 130 are irradiated at the same time. For example, the light from the ultraviolet region of the irradiation part 30 and the light from the ultraviolet region of the irradiation part 130 are easily irradiated to the side surface of the thick food at the same time. Therefore, in a region where light in the ultraviolet region is repeatedly and simultaneously irradiated, there is a possibility that food may be deteriorated, or color may be changed, or delicate flavor or taste may be deteriorated.

In the processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the irradiation unit 130 is provided at a position apart from the irradiation unit 30 in the moving direction of the processing object 100. Therefore, even if a region where light in the ultraviolet region is repeatedly irradiated is generated, deterioration of food or the like can be suppressed. Therefore, the quality of the food can be maintained.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view for illustrating a processing apparatus 1a according to another embodiment.

As shown in fig. 4, the processing apparatus 1a includes, for example, a supply unit 10, a moving unit 20a, an irradiation unit 30, an irradiation unit 130, an accommodation unit 40, and a controller 50.

The moving unit 20a moves the processing object 100 from, for example, a supply position of the processing object 100 to a discharge position to the accommodating unit 40. For example, the moving part 20a may integrate the moving part 20 and the moving part 120.

The moving unit 20a can transmit light in the ultraviolet region irradiated from the irradiation unit 130. For example, the moving portion 20a may be a belt conveyor having a belt through which light in the ultraviolet region can pass, a belt conveyor having a mesh belt, or the like. In this case, the attenuation of the light in the ultraviolet region irradiated from the irradiation unit 130 is considered, but the attenuation amount may be obtained in advance. Therefore, the irradiation unit 130 may irradiate light in the ultraviolet region in consideration of the attenuation amount.

In the case where the moving unit 20a is a roller conveyor, the irradiation unit 130 may be provided at a position where light in the ultraviolet region irradiated from the irradiation unit 130 can pass through the rollers.

The processing apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment can simplify the structure of the processing apparatus 1a, reduce the cost, and reduce the size.

Further, as in the processing apparatus 1, light in the ultraviolet region can be irradiated to substantially the entire region of the food accommodated in the accommodating portion. Therefore, improvement in maintaining freshness of the food can be achieved.

In addition, even if a region is generated in which light in the ultraviolet region is repeatedly irradiated, food deterioration and the like can be suppressed. Therefore, the quality of the food can be maintained.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view for illustrating a processing apparatus 1b according to still another embodiment.

As shown in fig. 5, the processing apparatus 1b includes, for example, a supply unit 10, a moving unit 20, a moving unit 120, a reversing unit 220, an irradiation unit 30, an accommodating unit 40, and a controller 50.

The reversing unit 220 is provided between the moving unit 20 and the moving unit 120 in the moving direction of the processing object 100. The reversing unit 220 is provided between the moving unit 20 and the moving unit 120 in the moving direction of the processed object 100 (the moving direction of the food stored in the storage unit), and reverses the position of the processed object 100 (the food stored in the storage unit). The reversing unit 220 receives the processing object 100 carried out from the moving unit 20, reverses the object up and down, and delivers the object to the moving unit 120. The reversing unit 220 may be, for example, a reversing conveyor.

If the reversing unit 220 is provided, the irradiation unit 30 may be provided on one side of the moving unit 20 and the irradiation unit 130 may be provided on the side of the moving unit 120 where the irradiation unit 30 is provided, in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the processed object 100 (the moving direction of the food stored in the storage unit). That is, the irradiation unit 30 may be provided above the moving unit 20, and the irradiation unit 30 may be provided above the moving unit 120. If the irradiation unit 30 is provided above the moving unit 20 and the moving unit 120, dust and the like are less likely to adhere to the window 34e provided in the irradiation unit 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 31b from being blocked by dust or the like and the intensity of the light reaching the processing object 100 from being weakened.

Further, as in the processing apparatus 1, light in the ultraviolet region can be irradiated to substantially the entire region of the food accommodated in the accommodating portion. Therefore, improvement in maintaining freshness of the food can be achieved.

In addition, even if a region is generated in which light in the ultraviolet region is repeatedly irradiated, food deterioration and the like can be suppressed. Therefore, the quality of the food can be maintained.

In the above, the case where the moving unit 20, the moving unit 20a, and the moving unit 120 are conveyors has been exemplified, and the moving unit may be a disk or the like that rotates in the horizontal direction, for example. In this case, the irradiation unit 130 may be provided at a position apart from the irradiation unit 30 in the rotation direction of the disk (the moving direction of the processing object 100).

In addition, although the case where the irradiation units 30 and 130 are arranged in the vertical direction has been described above, the irradiation units 30 and 130 may be arranged in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

In addition, although the above description has been given of the case where the moving unit 20, the moving unit 20a, and the moving unit 120 for moving the processing object 100 are provided, a moving unit for moving the irradiation unit 30 and the irradiation unit 130 may be provided. That is, the moving unit may move the relative positions of the irradiation unit 30 and the irradiation unit 130 and the food stored in the storage unit, for example.

Next, peak wavelengths of ultraviolet rays emitted from the light emitting element 31b (first light emitting element) for the irradiation section 30 and the light emitting element 31b (second light emitting element) for the irradiation section 130 will be described.

Fig. 6 is a graph illustrating a relationship between the material of the housing portion of the treatment object 100 and the transmittance of ultraviolet rays.

As can be seen from fig. 6, the transmittance of ultraviolet rays in the housing portion changes depending on the wavelength of ultraviolet rays transmitted therethrough. When the transmittance of ultraviolet light changes, the intensity of ultraviolet light reaching the surface of food also changes.

When the material (films a to C) of the housing portion changes, the transmittance of ultraviolet rays in the housing portion changes, but in general, the transmittance of ultraviolet rays in the long wavelength region becomes higher than the transmittance of ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of 254nm irradiated from a mercury lamp.

As described above, the peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting element 31b for the irradiation section 30 and the light emitting element 31b for the irradiation section 130 is 260nm to 300 nm. In such a wavelength range, as is clear from fig. 6, even if the material of the housing portion changes, the transmittance of ultraviolet rays in the housing portion can be improved as compared with ultraviolet rays having a peak wavelength of 254nm emitted from a mercury lamp. As a result, if the light emitting element 31b is used to irradiate ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 260nm to 300nm, the intensity of ultraviolet light reaching the surface of the food can be increased, and therefore, the freshness and quality of the food can be maintained.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. In addition, the embodiments described above may be implemented in combination with each other.

Claims (4)

1. A food processing apparatus for irradiating a food contained in a containing part capable of transmitting light in an ultraviolet region with light in the ultraviolet region, the food processing apparatus comprising:

a first irradiation unit having a first light emitting element for irradiating the ultraviolet region, the first irradiation unit irradiating the ultraviolet region to one side of the food accommodated in the accommodating unit;

a second irradiation unit having a second light emitting element for irradiating the ultraviolet region and irradiating the other side of the food accommodated in the accommodation unit with the light of the ultraviolet region; and

a moving part for moving the relative positions of the first and second irradiation parts and the food accommodated in the accommodating part,

the second irradiation portion is provided at a position separated from the first irradiation portion in a moving direction based on the moving portion.

2. Food processing device according to claim 1,

the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element irradiate light having a peak wavelength of 260nm to 300 nm.

3. Food processing device according to claim 1 or 2,

the moving part moves the food stored in the storage part,

in the direction crossing with the moving direction of the food stored in the storage part,

the first irradiation part is arranged at one side of the food in the containing part,

the second irradiation part is arranged at the other side of the food accommodated in the accommodating part.

4. Food processing device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

a first moving part for moving the food accommodated in the accommodating part;

a second moving part for moving the food stored in the storage part; and

a reversing part which is arranged between the first moving part and the second moving part in the moving direction of the food in the containing part and reverses the position of the food in the containing part,

in the direction crossing with the moving direction of the food stored in the storage part,

the first irradiation part is disposed at one side of the first moving part,

the second irradiation portion is provided on a side of the second moving portion on which the first irradiation portion is provided.

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