JP2020038043A - Food machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a food machine that allows deterioration in capability of a vacuum pump 13 and/or clogging of an air filter 30 to be easily known automatically and objectively.SOLUTION: A food machine includes: a processing tank 2 in which food is stored; decompression means 3 equipped with a vacuum pump 13 in an exhaust passage 9 from the processing tank 2; pressure restoring means 4 equipped with an air filter 30 in an air supply passage 29 to the processing tank 2; and control means. In a state that there is no storage material that reduces tank volume in the processing tank 2, a decompression operation for decompressing the processing tank 2 with the decompression means 3 and a pressure restoring operation for restoring the pressure in the processing tank 2 with the pressure restoring means 4 can be performed. Deterioration in the capability of the vacuum pump 13 is determined on the basis of a decompression time in the decompression operation, and/or clogging of the air filter 30 is determined on the basis of a pressure restoring time in the pressure restoring operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to various food machines provided with a pressure reducing means having a vacuum pump and a pressure reducing means having an air filter.

  As a food machine having a decompression unit and a decompression unit, for example, a vacuum cooling device is known. The vacuum cooling device is a device that promotes evaporation of water from food in the processing tank by depressurizing the inside of the processing tank with a decompression means, and cools the food with the latent heat of vaporization. After cooling, the inside of the processing tank is returned to the atmospheric pressure by the pressure recovery means. The pressure reducing means includes a vacuum pump in an exhaust path from inside the processing tank, and the pressure reducing means includes an air filter in an air supply path into the processing tank. As disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a food machine capable of sterilizing the inside of a treatment tank and a decompression system is also known.

JP 2011-200488 A

  The performance of the vacuum pump of the decompression means is reduced due to accidental troubles such as clogging of dust and deterioration over time. However, conventionally, it has not been possible to objectively and automatically determine the reduction in capacity. It is preferable to be able to know the decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump during daily cooling operation.However, since the decompression time varies depending on the amount of food, the temperature, and the ratio of the food in the tank, it is easy to know the decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump. Could not.

  On the other hand, the air filter of the pressure recovery means is clogged with use, and periodic replacement is desired from the viewpoint of an increase in pressure recovery time and hygiene, but the progress of clogging differs depending on the installation environment of the device. . It is preferable that the time for replacing the air filter can be easily known. However, conventionally, it has not been possible to objectively and automatically determine whether the air filter is clogged. As in the case of the above-mentioned vacuum pump, the pressure recovery time varies depending on the ratio of food in the tank (in other words, the free volume remaining in the tank), so that clogging of the air filter could not be easily known. .

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a food machine capable of automatically and easily knowing about a reduced capacity of a vacuum pump and / or clogging of an air filter.

  Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the invention according to claim 1 has a processing tank in which food is stored, and a vacuum pump is provided in an exhaust path from inside the processing tank. A pressure reducing means, a pressure recovery means provided with an air filter and an air supply valve in an air supply path into the processing tank, and a control means for controlling the respective means, the control means comprising: It is possible to execute a pressure reducing operation of reducing the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure reducing means and a pressure reducing operation of reducing the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure reducing means in a state in which there is no container that reduces the volume in the tank. Determining a reduction in the capacity of the vacuum pump based on the decompression time during all or part of the depressurization operation, and / or determining the air pressure based on the decompression time during all or part of the decompression operation. Determining filter clogging It is a food machine which is characterized.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a pressure reducing means provided with a vacuum pump in an exhaust path from inside the processing tank, and a pressure reducing means provided with an air filter in an air supply path into the processing tank. In a food machine capable of performing a decompression operation and a decompression operation in a processing tank, a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump is determined based on the decompression time during the decompression operation, or an air filter is determined based on the decompression time during the decompression operation. Can be determined. This determination is made in a state where there is no container in the processing tank that reduces the volume in the tank, and is not affected by the amount and temperature of the food, the ratio of the food in the tank, and the like. In this way, it is possible to automatically and easily know about a reduction in the capacity of the vacuum pump and / or clogging of the air filter.

  The invention according to claim 2 is provided with a heat exchanger and a valve in addition to the vacuum pump in an exhaust path from the inside of the processing tank, and the processing from the processing tank side of the exhaust path with respect to the valve. The apparatus further comprises a steam supply means for supplying steam into the tank, wherein the control means reduces the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure reducing means as the pressure reducing operation in a state where there is no container in the processing tank to reduce the volume in the tank. An air exclusion step, a steam supply step of restoring the pressure in the processing tank by the steam supply means, a sterilization step of maintaining the inside of the processing tank at a sterilization temperature or higher at a sterilization time, and a steam removing step of reducing the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure reducing means. Step, and a pressure-reducing step of reducing the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure-reducing means as the pressure-reducing operation. Of the vacuum pump 2. The food machine according to claim 1, wherein a clogging of the air filter is determined based on a pressure reduction time and / or a pressure recovery time in all or a part of the pressure recovery process. is there.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the air elimination step, the steam supply step, the sterilization step, the steam removal step, and the decompression step are sequentially performed, and the inside of the processing tank and the pressure reducing system (the section from the processing tank to the valve) are executed. ) Sterilization is possible. Further, in the sterilization operation, it is possible to determine a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump on the basis of the pressure reduction time in the air removing step, or to determine whether the air filter is clogged based on the pressure recovery time in the pressure recovery step. Since the sterilization operation is performed in a state where there is no container in the processing tank that reduces the volume in the tank, the determination is not affected by the amount and temperature of the food, the ratio of the food in the tank, and the like. In this way, it is possible to automatically and easily know about a reduction in the capacity of the vacuum pump and / or clogging of the air filter.

  The invention according to claim 3 is that, in the depressurizing operation, the pressure in the processing tank is reduced to a first set pressure in the processing tank, and during the depressurizing operation, the pressure in the processing tank is increased to a first measurement start pressure. From measuring the time until it drops to the first measurement end pressure, if the time is longer than the reference decompression time, it is determined that the capacity of the vacuum pump is reduced, the first measurement start pressure is atmospheric pressure The first measurement end pressure is set at a pressure lower than the first measurement start pressure and the first set pressure or more. Item 3. A food machine according to item 2.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, whether or not the capacity of the vacuum pump is reduced is determined based on whether or not the pressure reduction time from the first measurement start pressure to the first measurement end pressure is longer than the reference pressure reduction time. Can be easily determined.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pressure ranges are set between the atmospheric pressure and the first set pressure, and the control unit measures, for each of the pressure ranges, a time for passing through the pressure range. The food machine according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the time is longer than a reference decompression time for the pressure range.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to confirm a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump in a plurality of pressure ranges.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the reference decompression time is changed based on the temperature of water supplied to the vacuum pump and / or the number of revolutions of the vacuum pump. 2. A food machine according to item 1.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the capability of the vacuum pump can be more accurately determined in consideration of the temperature of water supplied to the vacuum pump and / or the number of rotations of the vacuum pump.

  Further, the invention according to claim 6, before the decompression operation, the pressure in the processing tank is reduced to a second set pressure, the control means, during the decompression operation, the pressure in the processing tank, Measure the time from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure, if the time is longer than the reference pressure recovery time, determine that the air filter is clogged, the second measurement start pressure Is set at the second set pressure or higher, and the second measurement end pressure is set at a pressure exceeding the second measurement start pressure and at atmospheric pressure or lower. Item 6. The food machine according to any one of items 1 to 5.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, whether the air filter is clogged is determined based on whether the pressure recovery time from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure is longer than the reference pressure recovery time. Can be easily determined.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the foodstuff machine of this invention, it can objectively automatically and simply know about the reduced capacity of a vacuum pump and / or the clogging of an air filter.

It is a schematic structure figure showing a food machine of one example of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the sterilization operation of the food machine of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the air elimination process of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a pressure recovery step in FIG. 2.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a food machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The food machine 1 of the present embodiment is a vacuum cooling device, and includes a processing tank 2 in which food is stored, and a decompression unit 3 that suctions and discharges gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside to depressurize the processing tank 2. A decompression means 4 for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank 2 to decompress the inside of the processing tank 2, and a steam supply means 5 for supplying steam to the processing tank 2 via an exhaust passage 9 of the decompression means 3. And control means (not shown) for controlling the means 3 to 5.

  The processing tank 2 is a hollow container that can withstand reduced pressure in the internal space, and can be opened and closed by a door. The processing tank 2 is typically formed in a substantially rectangular box shape, and an opening at the front can be opened and closed by a door. The food can be taken in and out of the processing tank 2 by opening the door, and the opening of the processing tank 2 can be closed airtight by closing the door. The door may be provided on both the front and back of the processing tank 2.

  The processing tank 2 has a pressure sensor 6 for detecting the pressure in the processing tank 2, a temperature sensor 7 for detecting the temperature in the processing tank 2, and a product temperature for detecting the temperature of the food contained in the processing tank 2. A sensor 8 is provided.

  The decompression unit 3 is a unit that sucks and discharges a gas (air or steam) in the processing tank 2 to the outside to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2. In the present embodiment, the pressure reducing means 3 includes a steam ejector 10, a heat exchanger 11 for condensing steam, a check valve 12, and a water ring type vacuum pump 13 in an exhaust path 9 from inside the processing tank 2. .

  The steam ejector 10 is provided with a suction port 10a connected to the treatment tank 2, and is capable of ejecting steam from an ejector steam supply path 14 from an inlet 10b to an outlet 10c by a nozzle. By ejecting steam from the inlet 10b to the outlet 10c, the gas in the processing tank 2 is also suctioned and discharged to the outlet 10c via the suction port 10a. By operating the opening and closing of the ejector steam supply valve 15 provided in the ejector steam supply passage 14, the operation of the steam ejector 10 can be switched.

  The heat exchanger 11 is an indirect heat exchanger that exchanges heat without mixing the fluid in the exhaust passage 9 and the cooling water. By the heat exchanger 11, the steam in the exhaust path 9 can be cooled and condensed by the cooling water.

  The vacuum pump 13 is of a water seal type, and is operated while supplying water called water seal, as is well known. Water can be supplied to the vacuum pump 13 through a sealed water supply valve 16. The sealed water supply valve 16 is opened and closed in conjunction with the start and stop of the vacuum pump 13.

  A water supply system to the heat exchanger 11 and the vacuum pump 13 will be described. In the present embodiment, normal-temperature water and cold water can be supplied to the heat exchanger 11 and the vacuum pump 13 by switching. Cold water is water that has been cooled to a predetermined temperature by a chiller (not shown), and room temperature water is water that cannot be cooled as such.

  In the case of the illustrated example, switching between the normal temperature water and the cold water is performed by a normal temperature water supply valve 18 provided in the normal temperature water supply passage 17 and a cold water supply valve 20 provided in the cold water supply passage 19. The room temperature water supply passage 17 downstream from the room temperature water supply valve 18 and the cold water supply line 19 downstream from the cold water supply valve 20 are joined to form a common water supply passage 21. The common water supply channel 21 is branched into a heat exchange water supply channel 22 to the heat exchanger 11 and a sealed water supply channel 23 to the vacuum pump 13. The sealed water supply channel 23 is provided with a sealed water supply valve 16.

  The heat exchanger 11 is supplied with water through a heat exchange water supply channel 22 and discharged through a heat exchange drainage channel 24. The heat exchange drainage channel 24 is branched into a cold water return channel 25 and a drain outlet channel 26, the cold water return channel 25 is provided with a cold water return valve 27, and the drain outlet channel 26 is provided with a drain outlet valve 28. . Either one of the cold water return valve 27 and the drain outlet valve 28 is opened or both are closed.

  The pressure recovery means 4 is means for introducing outside air into the depressurized processing tank 2 to recover the pressure inside the processing tank 2. In this embodiment, the pressure recovery means 4 includes an air filter 30 and an air supply valve 31 in an air supply path 29 into the processing tank 2 in order. When the air supply valve 31 is opened while the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced, outside air is introduced into the processing tank 2 through the air filter 30, and the pressure in the processing tank 2 can be restored. The air supply valve 31 is preferably composed of a valve whose opening can be adjusted.

  The steam supply means 5 is a means for supplying steam into the processing tank 2 via the exhaust path 9 described above. In this embodiment, the steam supply means 5 supplies steam (saturated steam) into the exhaust path 9 from between the heat exchanger 11 and the check valve 12. That is, a sterilization steam supply passage 32 is connected to the exhaust passage 9 between the heat exchanger 11 and the check valve 12, and steam can be supplied from the sterilization steam supply passage 32 into the exhaust passage 9. It is said. Whether the steam is supplied or not is switched by a sterilizing steam supply valve 33 provided in the sterilizing steam supply path 32. In the illustrated example, the sterilization steam supply path 32 upstream of the sterilization steam supply valve 33 and the ejector steam supply path 14 upstream of the ejector steam supply valve 15 are a common steam supply path 34. ing.

  The control means is a controller for controlling the means 3 to 5 and the like based on the detection signals of the sensors 6 to 8 and the elapsed time. Specifically, the vacuum pump 13, the ejector steam supply valve 15, the sterilization steam supply valve 33, the sealed water supply valve 16, the room temperature water supply valve 18, the cold water supply valve 20, the cold water return valve 27, the drain outlet valve 28, In addition to the air valve 31, the pressure sensor 6, the temperature sensor 7, the product temperature sensor 8, and the like are connected to the controller. Then, as described below, the controller performs the cooling operation of the food in the processing tank 2 and the processing tank 2 and the pressure reducing system (from the processing tank 2 to the check valve 12) in accordance with a predetermined procedure (program). Section) can be executed.

  In addition, the control unit also functions as a determination unit that determines a reduction in the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 and / or clogging of the air filter 30. That is, in the food machine 1, in a state where there is no container in the processing tank 2 that reduces the internal volume of the processing tank 2, a depressurizing operation of depressurizing the processing tank 2 by the decompression means 3 and a decompression operation of the processing tank 2 by the decompression means 4. The decompression operation can be executed, but the control means controls the decompression time (more specifically, the entire pressure range from the decompression start pressure to the decompression end pressure or a partial pressure Based on the pressure reduction time passing through the region, it is determined whether or not the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 has decreased, and / or the pressure recovery time in all or a part of the pressure recovery operation (more specifically, the pressure recovery time from the pressure recovery start pressure). The clogging of the air filter 30 is determined based on the pressure recovery time during which the pressure passes through the entire pressure range or a partial pressure range up to the pressure end pressure. This determination process is executable in the sterilization operation in this embodiment.

  The cooling operation is performed in a state where the food is stored in the processing tank 2. In the cooling operation, the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced by the pressure reducing means 3, the food in the processing tank 2 is cooled to a desired temperature, the pressure reducing means 3 is stopped, and the inside of the processing tank 2 is Repressurize until In the cooling operation, while the inside of the processing tank 2 is being depressurized by the decompression means 3, the opening degree of the air supply valve 31 may be adjusted as required to adjust the decompression speed in the processing tank 2. In the cooling operation, while the pressure in the processing tank 2 is restored by the pressure recovery means 4, the opening degree of the air supply valve 31 may be adjusted as required to adjust the pressure recovery rate in the processing tank 2.

  The sterilization operation is performed in a state where no food is stored in the processing tank 2. In the food machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in the sterilization operation, a determination process for determining a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 and / or a determination process for determining whether the air filter 30 is clogged is performed. In order to perform the sterilization operation, the sterilization operation is performed in a state in which there is no container in the processing tank 2 that reduces the volume in the tank, more specifically, in a state in which at least food is not stored in the processing tank 2. Preferably, in addition to food, food containers and utensils such as wagons for loading the food containers are not stored in the processing tank 2 (that is, the processing tank 2 is typically empty). Further, even when an intake strainer is provided at an exhaust port from the inside of the processing tank 2 during the cooling operation or a dew avoiding plate is provided in the processing tank 2, these suction strainers and the dew avoiding plate are used during the sterilization operation. It is better to remove it. However, in some cases, small objects such as sensors are small relative to the internal volume of the processing tank 2, and may be arranged in the processing tank 2.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a sterilization operation of the food machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the air removing step S1 in the sterilization operation, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the pressure recovery step S6 in the sterilization operation.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the sterilization operation, an air exclusion step S1, a steam supply step S2, a sterilization step S3, a heat exchange cooling step S4, a steam removal step S5, and a decompression step S6 are sequentially performed. Hereinafter, each step will be described.

{Air removal process S1}
In the air removing step S1, the inside of the processing tank 2 is depressurized by the pressure reducing means 3 to remove air from the inside of the processing tank 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the processing tank 2 is depressurized by operating the vacuum pump 13 (S11). At this time, the air supply valve 31, the ejector vapor supply valve 15, and the sterilization vapor supply valve 33 are in a closed state. At the start of the air elimination step S1, the normal-temperature water supply valve 18 and the sealed water supply valve 16 are opened with the cold-water supply valve 20 closed, and normal-temperature water is supplied to the vacuum pump 13. Further, the cold water return valve 27 and the drain outlet valve 28 are in a closed state, and water is not passed through the heat exchanger 11.

  In this manner, while the room temperature water is supplied to the vacuum pump 13, the inside of the processing tank 2 is depressurized by the vacuum pump 13. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 becomes lower than the cold water switching pressure (for example, 200 hPa), the vacuum The supply of water to the pump 13 is switched from room temperature water to cold water (S12, S13). More specifically, the cold water supply valve 20 may be opened while the normal temperature water supply valve 18 is closed.

  Thereafter, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 becomes equal to or lower than the first set pressure (for example, 30 hPa), the cold water supply valve 20 and the sealed water supply valve 16 are closed, the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, and the air elimination step is completed (S14). , S15). However, after the vacuum pump 13 is stopped (after the series of initial pressure reduction operations S11 to S15), the processing is performed by the steam supply means 5 until the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 reaches a predetermined recompression pressure (for example, 900 hPa). After the steam is supplied into the tank 2 and the pressure is restored, the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced by the pressure reducing means 3 until the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 becomes a predetermined reduced pressure (for example, 30 hPa) while the steam supply is stopped. The pressure may be reduced (S18). In any case, finally, the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, and the supply of water to the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, thereby ending the air removing step.

  In addition, at the time of depressurization after the steam supply into the processing tank 2 (at the time of depressurization from the above-described predetermined decompression pressure to the predetermined decompression pressure), room temperature water or cold water may be passed through the heat exchanger 11 at a predetermined timing. When room temperature water is allowed to pass through the heat exchanger 11, the water used in the heat exchanger 11 is discharged to the drain outlet channel 26 by opening the drain outlet valve 28. On the other hand, when passing cold water through the heat exchanger 11, the water used in the heat exchanger 11 is returned to the cold water tank (cold water supply source) via the cold water return path 25 by opening the cold water return valve 27. It is.

  In the air elimination step S1, it is possible to determine a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 based on the decompression time in all or part of the air elimination step S1. In the present embodiment, as described above, in the air elimination step S1 (initial pressure reduction operation S11-S15), the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced from the atmospheric pressure to the first set pressure. Judgment of performance deterioration.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when starting the decompression in the processing tank 2 by operating the vacuum pump 13, the controller starts measuring the decompression time (S <b> 11). When the pressure reaches the first set pressure, the measurement of the decompression time is ended (S14, S15). That is, when the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced from the atmospheric pressure to the first set pressure, the pressure reduction time from the start to the end of the pressure reduction is measured. During this time, no water is passed through the heat exchanger 11, so that a decompression time that is not affected by the heat exchanger 11 can be measured. If the pressure reduction time (measurement time) measured in this way exceeds the reference pressure reduction time, it is determined that the performance of the vacuum pump 13 has decreased. It is determined that the capability of the user has not decreased (S16). The determination result (especially the determination result indicating that the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 is reduced) is output to a predetermined output device to notify the user (S17). For example, it displays on a touch panel, turns on a lamp, or sounds a buzzer.

  By the way, regarding the time measurement for determining the performance of the vacuum pump 13, the pressure at the start of the time measurement (first measurement start pressure) is set to the atmospheric pressure, and the pressure at the end of the time measurement (first measurement end). Pressure) is set to the first set pressure, but it is not always necessary to determine the pressure from the atmospheric pressure to the first set pressure. That is, if the first measurement start pressure is set at atmospheric pressure or less, and the first measurement end pressure is set at a pressure less than the first measurement start pressure and at the first set pressure or higher. Can be changed as appropriate. In any case, the time until the pressure in the processing tank 2 decreases from the first measurement start pressure to the first measurement end pressure is measured. If the time is longer than the reference decompression time, the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 is reduced. It is determined that it has decreased, and the result is output and notified.

  In addition, if the first measurement start pressure and the first measurement end pressure are set between the atmospheric pressure and the cold water switching pressure, the sealed water remains at room temperature, so that it is possible to determine that the influence of the sealed water temperature is small. Becomes Similarly, if the first measurement start pressure and the first measurement end pressure are set between the chilled water switching pressure and the first set pressure, the sealed water remains cold water, so that the influence of the sealed water temperature is small. Becomes possible.

{Steam supply process S2}
In the steam supply step S2, steam is supplied into the processing tank 2 through the exhaust path 9 by the steam supply means 5, and a predetermined transition temperature (or a saturated pressure (transition pressure) corresponding to the transition temperature) is generated in the processing tank 2. ). Specifically, the steam supply valve 33 for sterilization is opened, the exhaust gas 9 flows backward from the primary side of the check valve 12, and steam is supplied into the processing tank 2. When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 becomes equal to or higher than the transition temperature (for example, 84 ° C.), the process proceeds to the next step. Note that the transition temperature is set so that the inside of the processing tank 2 is lower than the atmospheric pressure even after the pressure recovery by the steam.

{Sterilization process S3}
In the sterilization step S3, the steam supply means 5 is controlled to maintain the inside of the processing tank 2 in a set temperature range (for example, 84 to 86 ° C). Specifically, when the temperature exceeds the upper limit temperature (for example, 86 ° C.) of the set temperature range, the sterilization steam supply valve 33 is closed, and when the temperature falls below the lower limit temperature (for example, 84 ° C.), the sterilization steam supply valve 33 is opened. , The inside of the processing tank 2 is maintained within the set temperature range. During this time, the time during which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 is equal to or higher than the sterilization temperature (for example, 80 ° C.) is measured by a timer. When the time during which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 is equal to or higher than the sterilization temperature has reached the sterilization time (for example, 10 minutes), the sterilization steam supply valve 33 is closed, and the sterilization process S3 ends. In the sterilization step S3, the inside of the processing tank 2 and the region from the processing tank 2 to the check valve 12 can be sterilized with steam.

<< Heat exchange cooling process S4 >>
In the heat exchange cooling step S4, the heat exchanger 11 heated in the steam supply step S2 and the sterilization step S3 is cooled. Specifically, the normal-temperature water supply valve 18 and the drainage outlet valve 28 are opened while the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, and normal-temperature water is supplied to the heat exchanger 11. By passing water through the heat exchanger 11, the heat exchanger 11 is cooled. Then, when water is passed through the heat exchanger 11 for the heat exchange cooling time, the drain outlet valve 28 is closed, and the heat exchange cooling step S4 is completed.

{Steam removal process S5}
In the steam removing step S5, the steam remaining in the processing tank 2 is discharged to the outside. Specifically, as in the air elimination step S1, the vacuum pump 13 is operated with the room temperature water supply valve 18 and the sealed water supply valve 16 opened to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2. At this time, the cold water return valve 27 and the drain outlet valve 28 are closed, and the water does not flow through the heat exchanger 11. However, in some cases, the room temperature water may be passed through the heat exchanger 11 by opening the drain outlet valve 28.

  Thereafter, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 becomes equal to or lower than the cold water switching pressure, the water supply to the vacuum pump 13 is switched from room temperature water to cold water. More specifically, the cold water supply valve 20 may be opened while the normal temperature water supply valve 18 is closed. At this time, in the steam removing step S5, the chilled water return valve 27 is opened, the chilled water is passed through the heat exchanger 11, and the chilled water used in the heat exchanger 11 is returned to the chilled water tank.

  In this manner, the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced, and when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 becomes equal to or lower than the second set pressure (for example, 45 hPa), the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, and the water sealing valve 16 and the cold water The water supply valve 20 and the cold water return valve 27 are closed, and the process proceeds to the next step.

{Pressure recovery step S6}
In the pressure recovery step S6, the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced to atmospheric pressure by the pressure recovery means 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the air supply valve 31 is opened (S61), and the pressure inside the processing tank 2 is restored to the atmospheric pressure (S66). The opening degree of the air supply valve 31 in the pressure recovery step S6 is a predetermined opening degree, such as being always fully opened.

  In the pressure recovery step S6, clogging of the air filter 30 can be determined based on the pressure recovery time in all or a part of the pressure recovery step S6. In the present embodiment, as described above, the pressure in the processing tank 2 is reduced to the second set pressure in the immediately preceding step (steam removing step S5), but during the pressure recovery from the second set pressure to the atmospheric pressure. The clogging of the air filter 30 is determined based on the pressure recovery time passing through the predetermined pressure range.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, after opening the air supply valve 31, the controller monitors the detection pressure of the pressure sensor 6, and the inside of the processing tank 2 becomes equal to or higher than the second measurement start pressure (for example, 50 hPa). Then, the measurement of the pressure recovery time is started (S62, S63), and when the inside of the processing tank 2 reaches the second measurement end pressure, the measurement of the pressure recovery time is ended (S64, S65). That is, in the process of returning the pressure in the processing tank 2 from the predetermined pressure (second set pressure) to the atmospheric pressure, the pressure recovery time from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure is measured. If the pressure recovery time (measurement time) measured in this way exceeds the reference pressure recovery time, it is determined that clogging of the air filter 30 has occurred. It is determined that clogging of the air filter 30 has not occurred (S67). The determination result (particularly the determination result indicating that the air filter 30 is clogged) is output to a predetermined output device to notify the user (S68). For example, it displays on a touch panel, turns on a lamp, or sounds a buzzer.

  By the way, regarding the time measurement for determining the clogging of the air filter 30, here, the pressure at the start of the time measurement (second measurement start pressure) is set to a pressure higher than the second set pressure, and at the end of the time measurement. (The second measurement end pressure) is lower than the atmospheric pressure. However, the second measurement start pressure may be the second set pressure, or the second measurement end pressure may be the atmospheric pressure. That is, if the second measurement start pressure is set at the second set pressure or higher, and the second measurement end pressure is set at a pressure exceeding the second measurement start pressure and at or below atmospheric pressure Can be changed as appropriate. In any case, the time until the pressure in the processing tank 2 rises from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure is measured. If the time is longer than the reference pressure recovery time, the air filter 30 is checked. It is determined that there is a blockage, and the result is output and notified.

  If the second measurement start pressure is set to a pressure higher than the second set pressure and the second measurement end pressure is set to a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, the pressure in the tank at the time of starting the pressure recovery and the change in the atmospheric pressure are changed. Alternatively, it is possible to perform the determination while suppressing the influence of the device installation environment (altitude).

  According to the food machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the sterilization operation, a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 is determined based on the decompression time in the air removal step S1, and the air filter 30 is determined based on the recompression time in the pressure recovery step S6. Can be determined. Since the sterilization operation is performed in a state where there is no container in the processing tank 2 that reduces the volume in the tank, the determination is not affected by the amount and temperature of the food, the ratio of the food in the tank, and the like. In addition, during the sterilization operation performed every day (for example, at the end of the day or after a predetermined batch process), not at the timing of the periodic inspection, it is easy to confirm the deterioration of the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 and the clogging of the air filter 30. can do.

  The control means of the food machine 1 can be connected to a computer of a management center (a facility for remotely monitoring one or a plurality of food machines 1) via a communication line, and the judgment result of the food machine 1 can be monitored by the management center. Is also good. In this case, when the management center confirms that the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 has deteriorated or confirms that the air filter 30 is clogged, it can dispatch a serviceman or request maintenance of the user.

  Next, a description will be given of a modified example of the capability determination of the vacuum pump 13 and the determination of clogging of the air filter 30 in the above embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, whether or not the performance of the vacuum pump 13 has been reduced is determined based on whether the pressure reduction time from the first measurement start pressure to the first measurement end pressure is longer than a predetermined reference pressure reduction time. The reference decompression time may be changed based on the water sealing temperature of the pump 13 or the rotation speed of the vacuum pump 13. For example, a reference pressure reduction time can be calculated from a pumping capacity curve of the vacuum pump 13 according to the sealing water temperature and the number of rotations (frequency) to determine the capacity. In this case, the sealing water temperature to the vacuum pump 13 may be set in the sealing water supply channel 23 or the vacuum pump 13. Further, the rotation speed of the vacuum pump 13 can be calculated from the frequency of the inverter that drives the vacuum pump 13. By considering the temperature of water supplied to the vacuum pump 13 and the number of rotations of the vacuum pump 13, the capability of the vacuum pump 13 can be more accurately determined.

  In the above-described embodiment, the decrease in the performance of the vacuum pump 13 is determined based on the decompression time from the atmospheric pressure to the first set pressure (or the decompression time passing through the pressure range set therebetween). A plurality of pressure ranges may be set between one set pressure. In that case, the time required to pass through the pressure range may be measured for each pressure range, and it may be determined whether the time is longer than the reference decompression time for the pressure range.

  For example, the first decompression time (measurement time) from atmospheric pressure to 500 hPa is compared with the first reference decompression time, and the second decompression time (measurement time) from 500 hPa to 100 hPa is compared with the second reference decompression time. The third decompression time (measurement time) from 100 hPa to 30 hPa may be compared with the third reference decompression time to determine in which region the decompression speed is slower. In other words, as a characteristic of the vacuum pump 13, how the pressure decreases when the pressure is reduced from the atmospheric pressure to a predetermined pressure is determined. And so on.

  The food machine 1 of the present invention is not limited to the configuration (including control) of the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. In particular, (a) the processing tank 2 in which food is stored, (b) the pressure reducing means 3 provided with the vacuum pump 13 in the exhaust path 9 from the processing tank 2, and (c) the processing tank 2. The air supply path 29 includes an air filter 30 and an air supply valve 31 provided with a pressure recovery means 4, and (d) control means for controlling each of the means 3 and 4. In the state where there is no container in the processing tank 2 for reducing the volume in the tank, a pressure reducing operation for reducing the pressure in the processing tank 2 by the pressure reducing means 3 and a pressure reducing operation for reducing the pressure in the processing tank 2 by the pressure reducing means 4 are executed. It is possible to determine a reduction in the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 based on the decompression time during all or a part of the depressurization operation, and / or to determine whether the air is decompressed based on the decompression time during the entire or part of the decompression operation. If it is determined that the filter 30 is clogged, the other components are appropriately changed. Possible it is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 is determined in the initial pressure reduction operation (S11-S15) in the air elimination step S1 in the sterilization operation, and the air filter 30 is checked in the final pressure recovery step S6. Although clogging is determined, only one of the capacity determination of the vacuum pump 13 and the clogging determination of the air filter 30 may be executed.

  Further, the determination can be made not only in the sterilization operation but also in a dedicated test operation. In this case, in the test operation, similar to the air removal step S1 in the sterilization operation, after the pressure reduction step from the atmospheric pressure to the predetermined pressure, the pressure reduction step from the predetermined pressure to the atmospheric pressure is performed in the same manner as the pressure recovery step S6 in the sterilization operation. It may be performed, and the capacity of the vacuum pump 13 may be determined in the pressure reduction step, and / or the clogging of the air filter 30 may be determined in the pressure recovery step S6. In the case of the dedicated test operation, the steam supply step S2, the sterilization step S3, the heat exchange cooling step S4, and the steam removing step S5 in the sterilization operation can be omitted. It goes without saying that the dedicated test operation is also performed in a state where there is no container in the processing tank 2 that reduces the volume in the tank.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a shutoff valve (a manual valve may be used instead of a solenoid valve or an electric valve) may be used instead of the check valve 12. In either case, the shut-off valve may be opened and closed (the start / stop of the vacuum pump 13 and the open / close of the shut-off valve are linked) as in the case of the opening and closing of the check valve 12. In addition, it is preferable to connect the sterilization steam supply path 32 to the exhaust path 9 on the primary side (the processing tank 2 side) of the shutoff valve.

  In the above-described embodiment, other configurations can be appropriately changed as long as the decompression unit 3 includes the vacuum pump 13. For example, in the above embodiment, the installation of the steam ejector 10 can be omitted. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the position of the valve (the check valve 12 or the shut-off valve) is not limited to between the heat exchanger 11 and the vacuum pump 13, but may be, for example, between the processing tank 2 and the heat exchanger 11. Good. In any case, the sterilization steam supply path 32 may be connected to the exhaust path 9 (or the processing tank 2) on the processing tank 2 side of the valve. In addition, a valve (a check valve 12 or a shutoff valve) is provided between the processing tank 2 and the heat exchanger 11, and a region between the processing tank 2 and the processing tank 2 to the valve (the check valve 12 or the shutoff valve) is provided. When sterilizing with steam, the heat exchange cooling step S4 may be omitted, or the heat exchange cooling step S4 is started simultaneously with or during the steam removing step S5 to cool the heat exchanger 11. Is also good.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the presence or absence of the decrease in the performance of the vacuum pump 13 is determined. However, the degree of the decrease in the performance may be determined in some cases. In other words, it is also possible to determine how much the measured decompression time is later than the ideal decompression time and output the result.

  Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the presence / absence of clogging of the air filter 30 is determined, but the degree of clogging may be determined in some cases. That is, it is also possible to determine how much the measured pressure recovery time is later than the ideal pressure recovery time and output the result.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a vacuum cooling device has been described. However, if the pressure reducing device 3 having the vacuum pump 13 and the pressure reducing device 4 having the air filter 30 are provided, a device other than the vacuum cooling device may be used. The present invention is similarly applicable to various food machines 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Food machine 2 Processing tank 3 Decompression means 4 Decompression means 5 Steam supply means 6 Pressure sensor 7 Temperature sensor 8 Product temperature sensor 9 Exhaust path 10 Steam ejector (10a: suction port, 10b: inlet, 10c: outlet)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Heat exchanger 12 Check valve 13 Vacuum pump 14 Ejector supply line 15 Ejector supply valve 16 Sealed water supply valve 17 Room temperature water supply line 18 Room temperature water supply valve 19 Cold water supply line 20 Cold water supply valve 21 Common water supply line 22 Heat Water supply channel 23 sealed water supply channel 24 heat exchange drain channel 25 chilled water return channel 26 drain outlet channel 27 chilled water return valve 28 drain outlet valve 29 air supply channel 30 air filter 31 air supply valve 32 sterilization steam supply channel 33 sterilization supply Steam valve 34 Common steam supply path S1 Air elimination process S2 Steam supply process S3 Sterilization process S4 Heat exchange cooling process S5 Steam removal process S6 Repressurization process

Claims (6)

A processing tank in which food is stored,
A pressure reducing means provided with a vacuum pump in an exhaust path from inside the processing tank;
A pressure recovery means provided with an air filter and an air supply valve in an air supply path into the processing tank,
Control means for controlling each of the means,
The control means includes a pressure reducing operation for reducing the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure reducing means in a state where there is no container in the processing tank for reducing the volume in the tank, and a pressure reducing operation for reducing the pressure in the processing tank by the pressure reducing means. Pressure operation can be performed, and based on the decompression time during all or a part of the depressurization operation, a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump is determined, and / or during all or part of the decompression operation. A food machine characterized in that clogging of the air filter is determined based on a pressure recovery time. In the exhaust path from inside the processing tank, in addition to the vacuum pump, a heat exchanger and a valve are provided,
The exhaust path further includes a steam supply unit that supplies steam from the processing tank side to the processing tank side with respect to the valve,
The control means includes an air elimination step in which the pressure in the processing tank is reduced by the pressure reducing means as the pressure reducing operation in a state where there is no container in the processing tank to reduce the volume in the processing tank; A steam supply step of restoring the pressure, a sterilization step of maintaining the inside of the treatment tank at a sterilization temperature or higher at a sterilization time, a steam removing step of depressurizing the inside of the treatment tank by the decompression means, and the treatment by the decompression means as the decompression operation. A pressure-reducing step for restoring the pressure in the tank,
The control unit determines whether the capacity of the vacuum pump is reduced based on the pressure reducing time in all or a part of the air removing step, and / or based on the pressure reducing time in all or a part of the pressure reducing step. The food machine according to claim 1, wherein clogging of the air filter is determined. In the decompression operation, the pressure in the processing tank is reduced to a first set pressure,
The control means, during the decompression operation, measures the time until the pressure in the processing tank decreases from the first measurement start pressure to the first measurement end pressure, and if the time is longer than a reference decompression time, the Judging that the capacity of the vacuum pump is decreasing,
The first measurement start pressure is set at or below atmospheric pressure,
The food machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first measurement end pressure is set at a pressure lower than the first measurement start pressure and at or above the first set pressure. . A plurality of pressure ranges are set between the atmospheric pressure and the first set pressure,
The control means measures, for each of the pressure ranges, a time required to pass through the pressure range, and determines whether or not the time is longer than a reference depressurization time for the pressure range. Food machine as described. The food machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reference decompression time is changed based on a temperature of water supplied to the vacuum pump and / or a rotation speed of the vacuum pump. Before the decompression operation, the inside of the processing tank is reduced to a second set pressure,
The control means measures the time until the pressure in the processing tank increases from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure during the pressure recovery operation, and if the time is longer than the reference pressure recovery time. Determining that the air filter is clogged,
The second measurement start pressure is set at the second set pressure or more,
The food machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second measurement end pressure is set at a pressure exceeding the second measurement start pressure and at or below atmospheric pressure. .

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