JP2014008543A - Cutting method and cutting device of food - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cutting method and a cutting device of food which can cut the food contactlessly, and can improve productivity by efficiently cutting the food.SOLUTION: A cutting device 10 includes a conveying means 20 which can convey food 11; and a plurality of liquid jetting means 45A and a plurality of liquid jetting means 45B which are arranged side by side in directions Y1, Y2 orthogonal to a conveying direction X1 of the conveying means 20 and cut the food 11 by jetting a jet flow of a liquid on the food 11. The plurality of liquid jetting means 45A and the plurality of liquid jetting means 45B are arranged side by side in the orthogonal directions Y1, Y2. In a cutting method of the food using the cutting device 10, the food 11 is cut by jetting the jet flow on the food 11 from the plurality of liquid jetting means 45A and the plurality of liquid jetting means 45B.

Description

  The present invention relates to a food cutting method and a food cutting device, and more particularly to a food cutting technique for cutting food without contact by a liquid jet.

  Devices that automatically cut foods such as vegetables using a rotating cutting blade are known. In this type of cutting apparatus, when the cutting blade is used for a long time, the cutting blade is soiled and the soiling is attached to food. For this reason, it is common practice to remove the cutting blade and periodically clean it. In particular, when a clean cut surface is required and food with a short expiration date (for example, vegetables such as lettuce) is cut, a cutting blade is used from the viewpoint of ensuring hygiene on the cut surface (suppressing the increase in microorganisms) or maintaining appearance quality. Measures are taken such as increasing the frequency of cleaning or operating the device while rinsing the surface of the cutting blade with water.

  Thus, in a cutting device using a cutting blade, it is necessary to frequently attach and detach the cutting blade for cleaning, and handling is very troublesome. Further, a measure for cutting food while washing the cutting blade with water is effective, but it is difficult to completely eliminate contamination of the food by the cutting blade as long as the cutting blade and the food come into contact with each other. Furthermore, since the apparatus has a complicated structure so that the cutting blade can be attached and detached, it also takes time to clean the apparatus. In addition, since food is restrained so that the food does not move with respect to the rotating cutting blade, creases occur in the food (for example, vegetables), and this crease is the quality of the cut food. Reduce.

  In this regard, if the food is cut using a high-pressure liquid, the food can be cut in a non-contact manner, so that the above-described problem that occurs when a cutting blade is used is eliminated. Conventionally, a technique for cutting food using a high-pressure liquid is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the food cutting system of Patent Literature 1, as shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Literature 1, the primary cooling device (11) (the numbers in parentheses indicate the symbols described in Patent Literature 1. The same applies hereinafter. ) To obtain the cooling liquid (11a), and then the ultrahigh pressure cooling liquid (12a) is obtained by the ultrahigh pressure cooling liquid production apparatus (12). Next, a low temperature ultrahigh pressure liquid (13a) is obtained by the secondary low temperature cooling device (13), and this low temperature ultrahigh pressure liquid (13a) is introduced into the injection nozzle (21) in the low temperature processing chamber (15). Then, the member to be cut (20) is cut with the low temperature ultra high pressure liquid (13a).

  According to this food cutting system, the member to be cut (food) can be cut in a non-contact manner by using the low temperature ultrahigh pressure liquid (13a). Moreover, since cutting is performed in a low temperature environment, quality deterioration of frozen food can be suppressed.

  By the way, a technology capable of cutting food more efficiently is demanded while productivity improvement in food production is required.

JP-A-10-58400

  However, in the food cutting system of Patent Document 1, although cutting in a low temperature environment can be realized when cutting frozen food, the cutting method is to cut a low temperature ultrahigh pressure liquid (13a) from a nozzle for injection (21). It is a simple method of simply spraying the member (20), and a specific configuration for efficiently cutting food is not disclosed.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to cut a food in a non-contact manner and to cut the food efficiently to realize an improvement in productivity. And providing a food cutting device.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention is grasped by the following configuration.
The method for cutting food according to the present invention is a method for cutting food using a transport unit capable of transporting food and a plurality of liquid ejecting units provided in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport unit. A cutting method is characterized in that the food is cut by ejecting a liquid jet to the food from each of the plurality of liquid ejecting means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to continuously cut a plurality of portions of food using a plurality of liquid ejecting units arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction without stopping the conveying unit. Accordingly, the food can be cut without contact, and the food can be efficiently cut to improve productivity.

  The food cutting method according to the invention is characterized in that the food is cut by jetting a liquid jet to the food from each of the plurality of liquid ejecting means provided in a plurality of rows in the transport direction. .

  According to this configuration, since the plurality of liquid ejecting units are provided in a plurality of rows in the transport direction, the food can be cut more efficiently.

  The food cutting method according to the invention is characterized in that the food is cut by reciprocating the plurality of liquid ejecting means in the plurality of rows in the orthogonal direction.

  According to this configuration, the degree of freedom of the cutting shape can be increased by reciprocating the plurality of liquid ejecting units in a plurality of rows in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. At the same time, the movement trajectory of the liquid ejecting means relative to the conveying means can be secured for a long time, and the food can be cut even more efficiently.

  The food cutting method according to the invention is characterized in that the food is cut into a substantially square shape by reciprocating the plurality of rows of liquid ejecting means in the orthogonal direction.

  According to this configuration, the food can be continuously cut into so-called rhinoceros.

  In the food cutting method according to the invention, the plurality of rows of the liquid ejecting means are reciprocally moved so as not to intersect each other with respect to the movement trajectory of the liquid ejecting means with respect to the conveying means. A narrow portion having a narrow width is formed on the substrate.

  According to this structure, after a cutting process, a narrow part is naturally shredded by the water flow of a water washing process, etc. This naturally broken portion gives the cut food a hand-cut feeling (remains). Such a hand-cut feeling reduces the impression that food is made industrially and gives the consumer a delicious and fresh impression. Therefore, a product with high appearance quality can be provided to consumers.

  In the food cutting method according to the invention, the liquid jetting means ejects the liquid jet intermittently, so that the food that has passed through the liquid ejecting means has a cut portion that is cut and an uncut portion that is not cut. The portions are alternately formed.

  According to this structure, after a cutting process, a non-cut | disconnecting part is naturally shredded by the water flow of a water washing process, etc. Since the cut food is given a hand-cut feeling due to the naturally broken parts, a product with high appearance quality can be provided to the consumer.

  The food cutting method according to the invention is characterized in that the food is cut into a contour of an arbitrary shape by controlling the operation of the liquid ejecting means and the operation of the conveying means.

  According to this structure, since a foodstuff is cut | disconnected by the outline of arbitrary shapes, a pleasantly shaped foodstuff can be provided to a consumer.

  The food cutting device of the present invention is a food cutting device for cutting food conveyed by a conveying means, and is provided side by side in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveying means, and the food cutting device A plurality of liquid ejecting means for injecting a jet to cut the food; a driving means for moving the plurality of liquid ejecting means in the orthogonal direction; and the plurality of liquid ejecting means by controlling the driving means And a control means for controlling the operation.

  According to this configuration, the operation of the plurality of liquid ejecting units can be controlled by the control unit, and the food can be cut into various cutting shapes, and the food can be cut more efficiently.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to cut | disconnect food without contact, the food cutting method and food cutting apparatus which can cut | disconnect food efficiently and can implement | achieve productivity improvement can be provided.

It is a front view of the food cutting device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the food cutting device, as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the front-end | tip part of a liquid injection means. It is a figure explaining the 1st cutting method concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the 2nd cutting method. It is a figure explaining the 3rd cutting method. It is a figure explaining the 4th cutting method. It is a figure explaining the 5th cutting method. (A) is a figure which shows the outline of the foodstuffs cut | disconnected using the 5th cutting method, (b) is a figure which shows the outline of another shape, (c) is a figure which shows the outline of another shape. .

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same number is attached | subjected to the same element through the whole description of embodiment. The drawings are viewed in the direction of the reference numerals.

(Configuration of cutting device)
First, a food cutting apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a food cutting device (hereinafter simply referred to as a “cutting device”) 10 includes a conveying means 20 capable of conveying food 11 and a liquid jet 12 from above toward the conveying means 20. It consists of the injection unit 40 for injecting. Moreover, you may provide the cover body 13 which prevents the jet flow 12 from scattering in the cutting device 10 as needed. In the present invention, “food” refers to various fresh foods such as vegetables, fish and meat, various processed foods, or the like, for example, so as to be easily placed on the conveying means 20, for example, in two equal parts. Including those cut into minutes. In particular, vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, green beans, radishes and carrots are suitable. The “liquid” is a sanitary liquid for food, and includes water or a liquid having a bactericidal action / bacteriostatic action.

  In this example, the conveying means 20 is a belt conveyor, and includes a support 21, a base 22 supported by the support 21, a drive shaft 23 provided at one end of the base 22 in the horizontal direction, and a horizontal direction of the base 22. A driven shaft 25 provided at the other end, a drive shaft 23, a mesh belt 26 wound around the driven shaft 25, and a drive means 27 that drives the drive shaft 23 to run the belt 26. Further, a liquid storage section 28 is provided under the base body 22, and the jet 12 (used liquid 31) that has passed through the mesh of the belt 26 accumulates in the liquid storage section 28.

  The belt 26 can be selected from various mesh belts such as a wire mesh net belt. The belt 26 travels in the transport direction indicated by an arrow X1 (hereinafter referred to as “transport direction X1”) by the driving force of the drive means 27, and can load the food 11 and transport it in the transport direction X1. In the present embodiment, the transport direction X1 is set to the forward rotation direction of the belt 26.

  Examples of the driving unit 27 include an electric motor and a pneumatic motor. The type of the driving unit 27 is arbitrary. In addition, when the belt 26 is required to have high operation accuracy, it is preferable to use a servo motor for the driving unit 27.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the injection unit 40 includes a support body 41 provided in the vicinity of the side of the base body 22, and a plurality (two in this example) of driving means 42 </ b> A and 42 </ b> B provided on the support body 41. And moving means 43A and 43B driven by the driving means 42A and 42B, respectively, and liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B provided in the moving means 43A and 43B, respectively.

  The liquid ejecting units 45A and 45B communicate with the liquid supply unit 15. The liquid supply means 15 can be configured by, for example, a tank disposed above the ejection unit 40. Liquid is stored in the liquid supply means 15, and the liquid supply means 15 can always supply liquid to the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B.

  The plurality of driving units 42A and 42B are provided side by side along the transport direction X1. An electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or the like can be used as the driving means 42A and 42B. The type of the drive means 42A, 42B is arbitrary, but similarly to the drive means 27, when high operation accuracy is required for the liquid ejecting means 45A, 45B, a servo motor or the like is used for the drive means 42A, 42B. Is preferred.

  The moving means 43A and 43B are provided in the driving means 42A and 42B, respectively. The moving means 43A and 43B have cylindrical bodies 46A and 46B and moving bodies 47A and 47B. The cylindrical bodies 46A and 46B extend above the belt 26 along a direction (hereinafter, referred to as “orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2”) orthogonal to the conveyance direction X1 indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2. The moving bodies 47A and 47B are movable in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2.

  Inside the cylindrical bodies 46A and 46B, a mechanism for moving the moving bodies 47A and 47B in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2 is incorporated. Such a mechanism can be constituted by a so-called ROBO Cylinder or the like. For example, a ball screw is connected to the driving means 42A and 42B, the ball screw is accommodated in the cylindrical bodies 46A and 46B, a ball nut is fitted into the ball screw, and the moving bodies 47A and 47B are fixed to the ball nut. Thereby, the moving bodies 47A and 47B can be moved in the orthogonal direction Y1 or the orthogonal direction Y2 by rotating the driving means 42A and 42B forward or reverse. Note that the configuration of the moving means 43A and 43B is not particularly limited as long as the moving bodies 47A and 47B can be moved in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2.

  The liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B are, for example, nozzles that eject high-pressure liquid pressurized by a plunger pump, and can cut the food 11 by the ejected jet 12 (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the liquid ejecting means 45 </ b> A and 45 </ b> B, the inner diameter (nozzle diameter) d of the ejection port for ejecting the jet 12 can be set to an arbitrary size, but is about 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm. Is preferred. Further, the ejection pressure of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B is set according to the specifications required for the cutting device 10 (see FIG. 2), but considering the cost and practicality of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B, 2000 atm. As described above, more desirably, 2000 atmospheres to 5000 atmospheres is suitable. In addition, it is desirable that the liquid ejecting units 45A and 45B can be adjusted in height within a range from the belt 26 to a predetermined height (for example, about 30 cm).

  Returning to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B are composed of a liquid ejecting means 45A and a liquid ejecting means 45B disposed on the opposite side to the transport direction X1 with respect to the liquid ejecting means 45A. Become.

  A plurality (three in this example) of liquid ejecting means 45A are provided on the lower surface of the moving body 47A. The plurality of liquid ejecting units 45A are provided side by side in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2. Here, the plurality of liquid ejecting units 45A are arranged at equal intervals with a pitch (center distance) P1.

  On the other hand, a plurality (three in this example) of liquid ejecting means 45B are provided on the lower surface of the moving body 47B. The plurality of liquid ejecting means 45B are also provided apart in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2 and arranged at equal intervals with a pitch (center distance) P2. Here, the pitch P1 and the pitch P2 are set to the same size.

  As described above, in the cutting apparatus 10, a plurality (three in this example) of liquid ejecting means 45A (45B) are arranged at equal intervals in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2, and a plurality of liquid ejecting means 45A (45B) arranged in this way are provided. ) Are provided in a plurality of rows (two rows in this example) in the transport direction X1. The liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B are configured to be movable in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2 by the driving means 42A and 42B via the moving means 43A and 43B. However, in FIG. 2, the plurality of liquid ejecting units 45 </ b> A and the plurality of liquid ejecting units 45 </ b> B are shifted by a distance Q in the orthogonal directions Y <b> 1 and Y <b> 2. The size of the distance Q is arbitrary, but in this example, it is set to about ½ of the pitches P1 and P2. Thereby, in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2, each liquid ejecting means 45B can be disposed at an intermediate position between two adjacent liquid ejecting means 45A.

  Here, a configuration for controlling the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B and the conveying means 20 will be described. The cutting device 10 can be provided with a control means 16 for controlling the operation of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B and the operation of the conveying means 20. The control means 16 controls the drive means 42A and 42B to control the moving direction (orthogonal direction Y1 or orthogonal direction Y), the moving speed, and the stroke length S when reciprocating the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B. . Further, the control unit 16 can operate the liquid ejecting units 45A and 45B independently of each other by individually controlling the driving units 42A and 42B. Further, the control means 16 can individually control the jetting timing, jetting time, etc. of the jet 12 for each of the liquid jetting means 45A, 45B. Further, the control unit 16 controls the driving unit 27 to control the start / stop of travel, the travel speed, the travel direction (the forward rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction that coincides with the transport direction X1) with respect to the operation of the belt 26. can do.

(Food cutting method)
Next, the cutting method of the foodstuff which cuts the foodstuff 11 using the cutting device 10 is demonstrated based on FIGS.

(First food cutting method)
As shown in FIG. 4, in the first food cutting method, the food (in this example, cabbage) 11 is transported in the transport direction X1 by the belt 26, and a plurality of liquid ejecting means provided in a plurality of rows in the transport direction X1. By continuously jetting the jet 12 (see FIG. 1) from each of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B to the food 11 while reciprocating the 45A and 45B integrally in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2, the food 11 Disconnect. For example, the stroke length S1 of the liquid ejecting means 45A and the stroke length S2 of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B are set to the same size, and the moving speed of the liquid ejecting means 45A and the moving speed of the liquid ejecting means 45B are the same. The driving means 42A and 42B (see FIG. 2) are controlled by the control means 16 (see FIG. 2) so that the speed is as follows. Further, the stroke lengths S1 and S2 are set to be approximately the same as the distance Q, and the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B are reciprocated at a substantially constant moving speed. Thereby, the movement trajectories 48A and 48B of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B with respect to the belt 26 are zigzag-shaped, and both ends (both ends of the stroke) of the movement trajectories 48A and 48B intersect. As a result, the shape of the cut food 17 becomes a substantially square shape, and the food 11 is cut finely.

  According to the first food cutting method, since the food 11 is cut while moving the liquid ejecting means 45A, 45B in the orthogonal directions Y1, Y2, the food 11 on the belt 26 is not stopped without stopping the conveying means 20. On the other hand, many places can be cut simultaneously. Therefore, the food 11 can be cut without contact, and the food 11 can be cut more efficiently to improve productivity. On the other hand, in a cutting apparatus using a cutting blade, it is necessary to temporarily stop the conveying means, change the type of the cutting blade, or change the position and orientation of the food, resulting in poor productivity. In this regard, according to the first food cutting method, by controlling the reciprocating movement of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B, the food 11 can be cut into various cutting shapes (in this example, without stopping the conveying means 20). Since so-called rhinoceros can be continuously cut, productivity can be improved.

(Second food cutting method)
In the first food cutting method described above, the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B are reciprocated in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2. However, the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B are different in type of food 11 and required cut shape of the food 11 Depending on the situation, it is not always necessary to move the object.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in the second food cutting method, the elongated food 11 (in this case, green beans) with the longitudinal direction oriented in the orthogonal directions Y1, Y2 is conveyed in the conveying direction X1 by the belt 26, The food 11 is cut by the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B whose positions are fixed. In this example, the movement trajectories 48A and 48B are parallel to each other along the transport direction X1 and are separated by a distance Q. As a result, the food 11 is cut to a length of the distance Q, and a food 17 that is cut short and accurately can be obtained.

  According to the second food cutting method, the food 11 on the belt 26 can be efficiently cut using the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B whose positions are fixed.

(Third food cutting method)
In the first food cutting method described above, the movement trajectories 48A and 48B of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B are crossed. In addition, the food 11 is cut so that the movement trajectories 48A and 48B are not crossed. Also good.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the third food cutting method, the liquid ejecting means 45 </ b> A so that the movement locus 48 </ b> A of the liquid ejecting means 45 </ b> A and the movement locus 48 </ b> B of the liquid ejecting means 45 </ b> B meander without crossing each other. , 45B are reciprocated to form a narrow portion 51 that is locally narrow in the cut food (lettuce in this example) 17. For example, the control means 16 so that the stroke length S1 of the liquid ejecting means 45A is slightly larger than the stroke length S2 of the liquid ejecting means 45B, and the period L1 of the movement locus 48A is longer than the period L2 of the movement locus 48B. The reciprocating movement of each of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B is controlled by (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the narrow part 51 where the width W is locally narrowed in the cut food 17 is formed.

  According to the third method for cutting food, the narrow portion 51 of the cut food 17 is naturally shredded by the water flow in the water washing step. This naturally broken portion gives the food a hand-cut feeling (remains). Such a hand-cut feeling reduces the impression that food is made industrially and gives the consumer a delicious and fresh impression. Therefore, a product with high appearance quality can be provided to consumers.

(Fourth food cutting method)
In the first to third food cutting methods described above, the jet 12 (see FIG. 1) is continuously ejected from the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B. In addition, the jet 12 (see FIG. 1) from the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B. 1) may be intermittently injected.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in the fourth food cutting method, in the first cutting method described above, the injection of the liquid injection means 45A and 45B is stopped near both ends of the stroke of the liquid injection means 45A and 45B. The food 11 (lettuce in this example) is cut by controlling the operation of the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B (see FIG. 2) so as to eject from the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B except near both ends of the stroke. To do. Thereby, the cut | disconnected cutting part 52 and the non-cut | disconnected non-cut | disconnecting part 53 come to be formed alternately in the foodstuff 11 which passed liquid ejecting means 45A, 45B.

  According to the fourth food cutting method, the non-cut portion 53 is naturally cut off by the water flow in the water washing step. This naturally broken portion gives the food a hand-cut feeling, so that a product with high appearance quality can be provided to the consumer as in the third food cutting method.

(Fifth food cutting method)
In the first to fourth food cutting methods described above, the belt 26 is run in a certain direction (conveying direction X1) to cut the food 11, but in addition to this, the belt 26 is reversed or the belt 26 is stopped. Or you may.

  For example, in the fifth food cutting method, the driving means 27, 42A, and 42B (see FIG. 2) are controlled by the control means 16 (see FIG. 2), and as shown in FIG. The food (for example, lettuce) 11 is cut into a contour (in this case, a heart-shaped contour) 55 by controlling the operation of the ejecting means 45A and 45B (see FIG. 2). That is, the belt 26 travels in the forward direction (conveying direction X1) or the reverse direction (conveying direction X2), and the liquid ejecting means 45A and 45B (see FIG. 2) are arbitrarily moved in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2. The movement trajectories 48A and 48B with respect to the food 11 draw an arbitrary contour 55. Thereby, the foodstuff 11 can be cut out to the outline 55 of arbitrary shapes. The contour 55 includes a heart-shaped contour shown in FIG. 9A, a star-shaped contour shown in FIG. 9B, a crescent-shaped contour shown in FIG. Various shapes can be selected.

  According to the fifth method for cutting food, since the food 11 is cut into an arbitrary contour 55, a pleasant food can be provided to the consumer.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, it cannot be overemphasized that the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments. Further, it is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the embodiment, as an example of the arrangement of the liquid ejecting means, three liquid ejecting means 45A (45B) are arranged in the orthogonal directions Y1 and Y2, and the three liquid ejecting means 45A (45B) arranged in this way are arranged. Although two rows are provided in the transport direction X1 and a total of six liquid ejecting units 45A and 45B are arranged, the number and arrangement of the liquid ejecting units are not particularly limited to the embodiment and are arbitrary. is there.

  In the embodiment, the reciprocating movement of the liquid ejecting units 45A and 45B is exemplified by the relationship between the stroke lengths S1 and S2, the relationship between the periods L1 and L2, and the like. It can be set arbitrarily according to the type, cutting shape, size, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Food cutting device 11 Food 12 Jet 16 Control means 17 Cut food 20 Transport means 42A Drive means 42B Drive means 45A, 45B Liquid injection means 48A, 48B Movement locus 51 Narrow part 52 Cut part 53 Uncut part 55 Contour X1, X2 transport direction Y1, Y2 orthogonal direction (direction orthogonal)
W width

Claims (8)

A food cutting method for cutting food using transport means capable of transporting food and a plurality of liquid ejecting means provided in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport means,
A method for cutting food, wherein the food is cut by jetting a liquid jet to the food from each of the plurality of liquid ejecting means.   2. The food cutting according to claim 1, wherein the food is cut by jetting a liquid jet to the food from each of the plurality of liquid ejecting units provided in a plurality of rows in the transport direction. Method.   The food cutting method according to claim 2, wherein the food is cut by reciprocating the plurality of liquid ejecting means in the plurality of rows in the orthogonal direction.   The food cutting method according to claim 3, wherein the food is cut into a substantially square shape by reciprocating the plurality of liquid ejecting means in the plurality of rows in the orthogonal direction.   By reciprocating the plurality of liquid ejecting means in the plurality of rows so as not to cross the movement trajectory of the liquid ejecting means with respect to the conveying means, a narrow portion that is locally narrowed in the cut food is formed. It forms, The cutting method of the foodstuff of Claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned.   By intermittently ejecting the liquid jet from the liquid ejecting means, in the food that has passed through the liquid ejecting means, a cut portion that is cut and a non-cut portion that is not cut are alternately formed. The food cutting method according to claim 3, wherein the food is cut.   The food cutting method according to claim 3, wherein the food is cut into a contour of an arbitrary shape by controlling the operation of the liquid ejecting means and the operation of the conveying means. A food cutting device for cutting food conveyed by a conveying means,
A plurality of liquid ejecting means that are provided side by side in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport means, and inject a jet of liquid onto the food to cut the food;
Driving means for moving the plurality of liquid ejecting means in the orthogonal direction;
A food cutting apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the operation of the plurality of liquid ejecting means by controlling the driving means.

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