JP2020156428A - Food production system and food production method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a food production system and a food production method, capable of arranging accurately an injection material on a desired position of a pasty food material.SOLUTION: A food production system 1 includes a delivery device 3, a separation unit 4, and an introduction device 5. The delivery device 3 receives a pasty food material sent at a first gauge pressure, and sends out the pasty food material at a second gauge pressure lower than the first gauge pressure. The separation unit 4 separates the pasty food material sent out from the delivery device 3. The introduction device 5 introduces an injection material into the pasty food material sent out from the delivery device 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a food manufacturing system and a food manufacturing method for separating pasty foods.

In an automatic production system for foods containing paste-like foods (for example, hamburgers), a large amount of paste-like foods stored in a hopper or the like is separated by a predetermined amount, and the separated paste-like foods are molded as necessary. After receiving the processing of, it is sent to the latter stage.

In recent years, consumer tastes have become more diversified, and further ingenuity is required for foods provided by automatic production systems. For example, it is required that a hamburger steak having an appropriate flavor and texture and having a rounded shape as a whole is produced by an automatic production system so as to be close to a handmade hamburger steak (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). Further, in order to obtain a juicy and good texture, a quality improving agent such as jelly is mixed with the food material (see, for example, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-250734 JP-A-2007-209283 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-67338

However, the pasty foodstuffs provided by the conventional automatic production system have not always been able to sufficiently satisfy consumers.

For example, because the filling pressure of the pasty foodstuff with respect to the molding mold is too high, the foodstuff after molding may become harder or softer than necessary, and the water and oil contained in the foodstuff May unintentionally separate. In addition, when the paste-like food is filled in the mold with an appropriate amount of air inside to obtain a soft texture, it is difficult to keep the filling amount of the paste-like food with respect to the mold to be constant, and after molding. The weight of pasty foods tends to vary.

Further, when an injection substance such as jelly, cheese, lard, beef tallow or butter is mixed in a food material, it is not easy to accurately arrange the injection substance at a desired position of the food material. In particular, when the paste-like food is sent out by applying high pressure, the paste-like food has a very high density and the paste-like food continues to be under high pressure. Therefore, the injection needle is used at a desired location of the paste-like food. It may not be possible to insert the food properly, or the injection substance discharged from the injection needle into the paste-like food material may not be localized at a desired location in the paste-like food material. If the injectable material is not properly placed in the targeted position inside the pasty food, the injectable material cannot fully fulfill its originally expected role. In addition, there is a concern that the injected substance introduced into the pasty food material may be unintentionally exposed on the surface of the food material, deteriorating the appearance of the pasty food material after molding.

In addition, when the paste-like food is sent to the subsequent stage using a conventional device using a gear pump or the like, the characteristics such as the flavor of the paste-like food are significantly lost in the delivery process, and the large device and the maintenance load are large and complicated. You may need to use a device that has a configuration.

For example, when the pasty food contains solid food (for example, bamboo shoots), the pasty shape is maintained while maintaining the shape of the solid food so that the texture (for example, texture, texture and throat) provided by the solid food is not impaired. It may be desirable to send the ingredients to the latter stage. However, in a device that sends out foodstuffs using a gear pump, the solid foodstuffs are finely cut or crushed due to the structural characteristics of the gear pump, so that the texture may be significantly impaired. Further, even when the pasty food does not contain the solid food, the paste food may be kneaded more than necessary by the gear pump, and the flavor other than the texture may be impaired more than expected.

The present disclosure provides a technique for accurately arranging the injected substance at a desired position of the pasty food material in consideration of the above circumstances. The present disclosure also provides a technique for molding a paste-like food material so as to have a desired amount and provide an appropriate texture. The present disclosure also provides a technique for delivering pasty foodstuffs while preventing damage to the foodstuffs by using a device having a simple structure.

One aspect of the present invention is a delivery device that receives the paste-like food material sent at the first gauge pressure and sends out the paste-like food material at a second gauge pressure lower than the first gauge pressure, and a delivery device that sends the paste-like food material. The present invention relates to a food manufacturing system including a separating device for separating the paste-like food material afterwards and an introduction device for introducing an injection substance into the paste-like food material after being sent out from the delivery device.

The food manufacturing system includes a supply pipe and a discharge pipe connected to a delivery device, the delivery device receives the pasty food from the supply pipe and sends the pasty food to the discharge pipe, and the delivery device sends out from the supply pipe. The pasty food may be sent out to the discharge tube with the inflow of the past food into the apparatus blocked.

The delivery device includes a guide pipe and a plunger provided so as to be movable along the guide pipe, and the paste-like foodstuff may be sent out from the delivery device according to the movement of the plunger.

In the food manufacturing system, the delivery device is a hollow peripheral wall portion, and communicates the internal space extending in the first direction, the first port communicating the external space with the internal space, and the external space with the internal space. A peripheral wall portion having a second port provided at a position different from that of the first port in the first direction, and a first plunger and a second plunger arranged in an internal space so as to face each other in the first direction. A first plunger and a second plunger provided so as to be movable in the first direction and a drive unit for moving the first plunger and the second plunger in the first direction are provided, and the drive unit includes the first plunger and the first plunger. The first plunger and the second plunger are arranged so that at least one of the two plungers is moved so that the space or contact surface between the first plunger and the second plunger exists at a position facing the first port. The first plunger and the second plunger are moved from the first plunger drive state to the second plunger drive state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are separated from each other, and the first plunger and the second plunger in the internal space are transferred. Due to the negative pressure generated in the region between, a pasty food is introduced between the first plunger and the second plunger via the first port, and the first plunger and the second plunger are moved to move the second plunger. At least a part of the pasty food between the first plunger and the second plunger is arranged so as to face the second port while keeping the first plunger away from the second plunger from the driving state. The first plunger and the second plunger are moved to the third plunger drive state, and at least one of the first plunger and the second plunger is moved to bring the first plunger and the second plunger closer to each other, and the third plunger is moved. The first from the driving state to the fourth plunger driving state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are arranged so that the space or contact surface between the first plunger and the second plunger exists at a position facing the second port. The plunger and the second plunger may be transferred, and the pasty foodstuff between the first plunger and the second plunger may be sent out through the second port.

The separation device includes a first molding mold having a first storage space and a second molding mold having a second storage space, and the first space section screen of the first molding mold that partitions the first storage space and At least one of the second space section screens of the second molding mold for partitioning the second storage space has at least a partially tapered surface, and the paste-like food material after being sent out from the delivery device is the first. The molding space composed of the storage space and the second storage space is filled, and the separating device may separate the pasty foodstuff filled in the molding space.

The introduction device may introduce the injection substance into the pasty food material in the molding space.

The first molding die is arranged below the second molding die, and the first molding die and the second molding die are provided so as to be movable in the horizontal direction and arranged in each of the first horizontal region and the second horizontal region. The first molding dies are the first left-split type and the first right-split type that are arranged in the horizontal direction, and the first left-split type and the first right-split type in which the distance between them in the horizontal direction is variable. The distance between the first left split mold and the first right split mold in the horizontal direction is the first separation distance in a state where the first mold and the second mold are arranged in the first horizontal region. In this state, the molding space is filled with paste-like ingredients, the first molding die and the second molding die are arranged in the second horizontal region, and the first left split die and the first right in the horizontal direction. The pasty food material may be released from the molding space in a state where the distance from the split mold is larger than the first separation distance.

The second molding mold includes a second left split type and a second right split type that are arranged in the horizontal direction, and includes a second left split type and a second right split type in which the distances from each other in the horizontal direction are variable. With the distance between the second left split mold and the second right split mold in the horizontal direction being the second separation distance, the molding space is filled with paste-like ingredients, and the first mold and the second mold are the first. 2 The horizontal distance between the second left split type and the second right split type may be larger than the second separation distance in the state of being arranged in the horizontal region.

In the food manufacturing system, with the first molding die and the second molding die arranged in the first horizontal region, the first space section screen, the second space section screen, or the first space section screen and the second space section A mold release agent applying device for applying the mold release agent to both of the screens may be further provided.

The food manufacturing system further includes a relay guide unit that connects the delivery device and the separation device and supplies the pasty food material delivered from the delivery device to the separation device, and the separation device is supplied via the relay guide unit. The pasty food may be separated.

The introduction device may introduce the injection substance into the pasty food material at the relay guide unit.

The food manufacturing system may further include a supply device that delivers the pasty food to the delivery device while applying a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure of the environment in which the separation device is placed.

The injected substance may be a substance that exhibits a gel state in at least a part of the temperature range of 5 ° C. or higher.

Another aspect of the present invention is a step in which the delivery device receives the pasty food material sent at the first gauge pressure and delivers the pasty food material at a second gauge pressure lower than the first gauge pressure, and from the delivery device. The present invention relates to a food manufacturing method including a step of separating a pasty food material after being sent out by a separating device and a step of introducing an injection substance into the pasty food material after being sent out from a sending device by an introduction device.

The delivery device receives the paste-like food from the supply pipe and sends the paste-like food to the discharge tube, and the delivery device blocks the inflow of the paste-like food from the supply pipe to the discharge tube and paste-like food into the discharge tube. Ingredients may be sent out.

In the food manufacturing method, the delivery device is a hollow peripheral wall portion, and communicates the internal space extending in the first direction, the first port communicating the external space with the internal space, and the external space with the internal space. A peripheral wall portion having a second port provided at a position different from that of the first port in the first direction, and a first plunger and a second plunger arranged in an internal space so as to face each other in the first direction. A first plunger and a second plunger provided so as to be movable in the first direction and a drive unit for moving the first plunger and the second plunger in the first direction are provided, and the drive unit includes the first plunger and the first plunger. The first plunger and the second plunger are arranged so that at least one of the two plungers is moved so that the space or contact surface between the first plunger and the second plunger exists at a position facing the first port. The first plunger and the second plunger are moved from the first plunger drive state to the second plunger drive state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are separated from each other, and the first plunger and the second plunger in the internal space are transferred. Due to the negative pressure generated in the region between, a pasty food is introduced between the first plunger and the second plunger via the first port, and the first plunger and the second plunger are moved to move the second plunger. At least a part of the pasty food between the first plunger and the second plunger is arranged so as to face the second port while keeping the first plunger away from the second plunger from the driving state. The first plunger and the second plunger are moved to the third plunger drive state, and at least one of the first plunger and the second plunger is moved to bring the first plunger and the second plunger closer to each other, and the third plunger is moved. The first from the driving state to the fourth plunger driving state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are arranged so that the space or contact surface between the first plunger and the second plunger exists at a position facing the second port. The plunger and the second plunger may be transferred, and the pasty foodstuff between the first plunger and the second plunger may be sent out through the second port.

The separation device includes a first molding die having a first storage space and a second molding die having a second storage space, and the paste-like food material after being sent out from the delivery device has the first storage space and The molding space formed by the second storage space is filled, and the introduction device may introduce the injection substance into the pasty food material in the molding space.

The food manufacturing method further includes a relay guide unit that connects the delivery device and the separation device and supplies the paste-like food material sent from the delivery device to the separation device, and the introduction device is inside the paste-like food material in the relay guide unit. Injectable material may be introduced into the.

According to the present disclosure, the injected substance can be accurately placed at a desired position of the pasty food. Further, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to mold a paste-like food material so as to have a desired amount and bring about an appropriate texture. Further, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to send out a paste-like food while preventing damage to the food.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of a food manufacturing system, and shows a state in which a first molding die and a second molding die are arranged at a first horizontal position. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of a food manufacturing system, and shows a state in which the first molding die and the second molding die are arranged at the second horizontal position. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of a food manufacturing system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a food manufacturing method (food molding process) performed by the food manufacturing system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the food manufacturing method (food molding process). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the basic configuration of the delivery device. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive unit. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the drive unit. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the quantitative delivery method. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a delivery device for explaining the first driving state. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a delivery device for explaining the second drive state. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a delivery device for explaining the third driving state. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a delivery device for explaining the fourth drive state. FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14C is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14D is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14E is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14F is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14G is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14H is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14I is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 14J is a diagram illustrating the schematic shape of the cross section of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 15C is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 15D is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 15E is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 15F is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a modified example of the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 14J. FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a modified example of the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 14J. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 14G, and shows a state in the middle of transition from the second drive state to the third drive state. FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a modified example of the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 14G, and shows a state in the middle of transition from the second drive state to the third drive state. FIG. 17C is a diagram showing another modification of the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 14G, and shows a state in the middle of transition from the second drive state to the third drive state. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 17B. FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 17B. FIG. 18C is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 17B. FIG. 18D is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger and the second plunger shown in FIG. 17B. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a sending device. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the first molding die and the second molding die, and the first molding die and the second molding die in a state where a paste-like food material (not shown) is held in the molding space. Is shown. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the first molding die and the second molding die, and shows the first molding die and the second molding die when the paste-like food material (not shown) is released. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the first molding die and the second molding die, and the first molding die and the second molding in a state where the paste-like food material (not shown) is held in the molding space. Indicates the type. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the first molding die and the second molding die, and shows the first molding die and the second molding die when the paste-like food material (not shown) is released. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a mold release agent applying device. FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing an example of a single plunger type delivery device, and shows a state in which the supply pipe and the guide pipe are communicated with each other via a three-way valve. FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing an example of a single plunger type delivery device, showing a state in which the guide pipe and the discharge pipe are communicated with each other via a three-way valve. FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a food manufacturing system for explaining a modification of the separation device.

Hereinafter, typical embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. The size and scale of the elements shown in each drawing do not necessarily match the real thing, nor do they match between the drawings, for convenience of illustration and understanding. However, those skilled in the art who have ordinary knowledge can clearly understand the composition and action and effect of the elements shown in each figure in consideration of the description of the present specification and the scope of claims. ..

The food manufacturing system exemplified below constitutes a foodstuff molding system, but it can also be applied to a system used for purposes other than "molding of paste-like foodstuffs", and its application target is not limited. For example, for the production of foods in which the ingredients are wrapped in skin (eg dumplings, buns, etc.), the system for separating the amount of ingredients used in individual foods (products) is also below. It is possible to apply the food manufacturing system described above.

[Overall configuration of food manufacturing system]
1 and 2 are views showing the overall configuration of an example of the food manufacturing system 1, and FIG. 1 shows a state in which the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1. , FIG. 2 shows a state in which the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2. In each of FIGS. 1 and 2, the elements other than the separation device 4 are basically shown in a schematic configuration when viewed from the side, but some of the elements constituting the separation device 4 (for example, The cross-sectional structure of the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22) is shown.

In the present specification, the height direction D1 is a direction parallel to the vertical direction on which gravity acts, and the horizontal direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the height direction D1. The expressions above and below are based on the height direction D1 unless otherwise specified.

The food manufacturing system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a supply device 2, a delivery device 3, a separation device 4, an introduction device 5, and a transfer device 6.

The supply device 2 is connected to the first port 15 of the transmission device 3 via the first relay guide unit 7. The illustrated supply device 2 includes a hopper 11. The foodstuff is supplied to the supply device 2 by manually or mechanically charging the foodstuff into the hopper 11. The specific configuration of the supply device 2 is not limited. For example, the paste-like foodstuff itself may be put into the hopper 11, or one or more raw materials constituting the paste-like foodstuff may be put into the hopper 11. A paste-like food material may be produced by cutting or kneading the raw materials charged into the hopper 11 by a mixing device (not shown) of the supply device 2. For example, the supply device 2 may include a vane pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, or another pump that sends the pasty food material to the first port 15 of the delivery device 3 via the first relay guide unit 7. The specific configurations of the vane pump, the piston pump, the screw pump and other pumps that the supply device 2 can include are not limited, and may have any configuration.

The supply device 2 sends the pasty food to the first port 15 of the delivery device 3 via the first relay guide unit 7. The supply device 2 has a pressure (for example, about 0.05 MPa to 1.0 MPa) higher than the pressure (usually atmospheric pressure) of the environment in which the food manufacturing system 1 (particularly the supply device 2 and the delivery device 3) is placed. Gauge pressure), specifically 0.1 MPa to 0.8 MPa pressure, more specifically 0.2 MPa to 0.6 MPa pressure (first gauge pressure)), while applying the paste-like food material. Is sent toward the first relay guide unit 7 and the transmission device 3 (particularly the first port 15). The gauge pressure referred to in the present specification is the difference between the absolute pressure and the atmospheric pressure of the environment in which the food manufacturing system 1 is placed (that is, the environmental pressure).

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first relay guide portion 7 extends in the horizontal direction D2, and the supply device 2 applies pressure to the paste-like food material in the horizontal direction D2 to obtain the paste-like food material. 1 It is sent out in the horizontal direction D2 along the relay guide unit 7. However, the extending direction of the first relay guide unit 7 and the feeding direction of the paste-like food material from the supply device 2 are not limited to the horizontal direction D2, and may be the height direction D1 or another direction.

The sending device 3 has a first port 15 and a second port 16. The first port 15 is connected to the supply device 2 via the first relay guide unit 7, and the second port 16 is connected to the separation device 4 (particularly, the first type guide unit 28 described later) via the second relay guide unit 8. It is connected to the filling hole 31). The delivery device 3 sends a predetermined amount of the paste-like food material supplied from the supply device 2 via the first port 15 toward the separation device 4 via the second port 16. The paste-like food material sent out from the second port 16 is sent to the separating device 4 through the second relay guide unit 8. That is, the paste-like food material filled in the second relay guide unit 8 is pushed by the paste-like food material newly sent from the transmission device 3 to the second relay guide unit 8 via the second port 16, and the second relay guide unit 8 is pushed. The paste-like food material extruded from the part 8 is supplied to the separating device 4. Typically, the amount of the paste-like food material supplied from the second relay guide unit 8 to the separation device 4 can be matched with the amount of the paste-like food material sent from the second port 16 to the second relay guide unit 8. it can. In this case, the amount of the paste-like food material delivered from the delivery device 3 at one time is determined according to the amount of the paste-like food material to be supplied to the separation device 4 at one time. However, the total amount of the paste-like food material to be supplied to the separation device 4 (for example, the molding space Sm described later) and the amount of the paste-like food material sent from the delivery device 3 to the second relay guide unit 8 at one time. Do not necessarily have to match. The total amount of the paste-like food material supplied to the separation device 4 a plurality of times by sending the paste-like food material from the delivery device 3 to the second relay guide unit 8 a plurality of times is the accommodation space of the separation device 4 (for example, described later). It may correspond to the total amount of paste-like foodstuffs to be supplied in one treatment in the molding space Sm).

Although the specific configuration of the delivery device 3 will be described later (see FIGS. 6 to 19), the pressure acting on the paste-like food material supplied to the delivery device 3 via the first port 15 is basically the first. It does not affect the pressure acting on the pasty foods delivered from port 16. The paste-like food material delivered from the second port 16 of the present embodiment has a pressure acting on the paste-like food material supplied from the first relay guide unit 7 to the delivery device 3 via the first port 15 (first gauge pressure). ), A pressure lower than the environmental pressure (second gauge pressure) acts, for example, a pressure similar to the environmental pressure acts. That is, the pressure (absolute pressure) to be applied to the paste-like food material required to send the paste-like food material from the delivery device 3 toward the separation device 4 may be slightly higher than the environmental pressure, for example, about 0.01 MPa to 0.1 MPa. It is possible to send the pasty food from the delivery device 3 to the separation device 4 via the second relay guide unit 8 by the relatively low pressure (gauge pressure) of. This is because the molding space Sm (separation device 4) described later communicates with the outside and has an environmental pressure, and the filling hole 31, the second relay guide portion 8 and the second port 16 are connected to the molding space Sm. Is. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the density of the paste-like food material in the second relay guide unit 8 and the separation device 4 from becoming excessively high, and it is possible to supply the paste-like food material having an appropriate density to the separation device 4. It is possible. The portion of the separation device 4 to which the filling hole 31, the second relay guide portion 8 and the second port 16 are connected (molding space Sm in the present embodiment) may have a pressure equal to or lower than the environmental pressure. For example, it may have a negative pressure.

The second relay guide unit 8 connects the second port 16 of the sending device 3 and the separating device 4, and supplies the paste-like food material sent from the second port 16 of the sending device 3 to the separating device 4. The second relay guide portion 8 shown in the figure has a hollow tube shape, and the cross-sectional diameter of the connecting portion with the separating device 4 is locally large. However, the shape, size (for example, cross-sectional diameter) and structure of the second relay guide portion 8 are not limited, and depending on the installation position of the transmission device 3 and the separation device 4 and the connection structure to the transmission device 3 and the separation device 4, the second relay guide unit 8 is not limited. 2 It is possible to determine the shape, size (for example, cross-sectional diameter) and structure of the relay guide portion 8.

The separating device 4 separates the pasty food material after being sent out from the sending device 3. Since the separation device 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is connected to the transmission device 3 via the second relay guide unit 8, the paste-like food material supplied via the second relay guide unit 8 is separated. .. The food production system 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a system for molding a paste-like food material into a desired shape, and the separation device 4 has molding molds 21 and 22. The separation device 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a first molding die 21 arranged relatively downward and a second molding die 22 arranged relatively upward as molding dies. The first mold 21 and the second mold 22 form a pair, and are collectively referred to as molds 21 and 22.

The first molding die 21 has a first accommodating space Sm1, the second forming die 22 has a second accommodating space Sm2, and the forming space Sm is composed of the first accommodating space Sm1 and the second accommodating space Sm2. The first accommodating space Sm1 and the second accommodating space Sm2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are composed of elliptical columnar spaces having a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction D2, and have the same shape and the same size as each other. Has. The first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are arranged so that the position of the first accommodating space Sm1 and the position of the second accommodating space Sm2 in the horizontal direction D2 basically always coincide with each other. Therefore, the molding space Sm is composed of an elliptical columnar space whose cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction D2 is substantially elliptical, and in the height direction D1, it is twice as large as each of the first accommodation space Sm1 and the second accommodation space Sm2. It has the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional diameter as each of the first accommodating space Sm1 and the second accommodating space Sm2 in the horizontal direction D2. However, the shapes and sizes of the first storage space Sm1 and the second storage space Sm2 do not necessarily have to match each other. For example, the size of the first accommodation space Sm1 and the size of the second accommodation space Sm2 in the height direction D1 do not have to match each other. In this case, the size of the molding space Sm in the height direction matches the total size of the first storage space Sm1 and the second storage space Sm2 in the height direction, but the first storage space Sm1 or the second storage space Sm2 Does not match twice the height direction of.

The shapes and sizes of the first storage space Sm1 and the second storage space Sm2 are not limited to the shapes and sizes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, at least one of the first space section screen of the first molding die 21 for partitioning the first accommodation space Sm1 and the second space section screen of the second molding die 22 for partitioning the second accommodation space Sm2 is It may have only a flat surface, may have only a curved surface (for example, a tapered surface), or may have a surface in which a plurality of flat surfaces and / or curved surfaces are combined (see the figure below). See 20-23).

The separation device 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a first-type guide portion 28 and a second-type guide portion 29 extending in the horizontal direction D2. The first mold guide portion 28 is arranged below the molds 21 and 22, and guides the first mold 21 in the horizontal direction D2. The second mold guide portion 29 is arranged above the molds 21 and 22, and guides the second mold 22 in the horizontal direction D2. The first type guide portion 28 has a filling hole 31 and a release hole 32. The second type guide portion 29 has a punching hole 33. The filling hole 31 is provided at a position where the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 (see FIG. 1) and communicate with the molding space Sm, and the second relay guide is provided. It functions as a relay path connecting the portion 8 and the molding space Sm. The release hole 32 and the punching hole 33 are provided at positions where the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 communicate with the molding space Sm in a state of being arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2 (see FIG. 2). The release hole 32 is a hole through which the paste-like food material released from the molding space Sm of the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2 passes. When the punching rod 9a of the punching device 9 enters the molding space Sm, the punching rod 9a passes through the punching hole 33.

Further, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the introduction needle 5a of the introduction device 5 is provided so as to be able to penetrate the second type guide portion 29 and move in the height direction D1 as described later. The type 2 guide portion 29 has an introduction hole 34 in which the introduction needle 5a is movably arranged. Regardless of the position of the introduction needle 5a, it is preferable that the space between the introduction hole 34 and the introduction needle 5a is sealed so that the paste-like food material does not enter between the introduction hole 34 and the introduction needle 5a. Further, each of the first type guide portion 28 and the second type guide portion 29 may be provided with other holes (not shown), if necessary.

The paste-like food material after being sent out from the delivery device 3 is filled in the molding space Sm, and the separation device 4 separates the paste-like food material filled in the molding space Sm. Specifically, the molding space Sm is filled with the paste-like food material in a state where the molding dies 21 and 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 (see FIG. 1). After that, the molding dies 21 and 22 are moved from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2, so that the paste-like foodstuff filled in the molding space Sm is separated by the second relay guide portion 8. It is separated from other paste-like foodstuffs supplied to (for example, paste-like foodstuffs arranged in the filling hole 31) (see FIG. 2).

In the separation device 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first molding die 21 is arranged below the second molding die 22. The first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are provided so as to be movable in the horizontal direction D2 and arranged in each of the first horizontal region Rh1 (see FIG. 1) and the second horizontal region Rh2 (see FIG. 2). There is. In particular, in the present embodiment, the first left-splitting die 21a and the first right-splitting die 21b in which the first molding die 21 is arranged in the horizontal direction D2 are included, and the second left-splitting die 22 is arranged in the horizontal direction D2. Includes mold 22a and second right split mold 22b.

The first left split type 21a is connected to the telescopic rod 24a of the first left type drive device 24, and the first right split type 21b is connected to the telescopic rod 25a of the first right type drive device 25. The second left split type 22a is connected to the telescopic rod 26a of the second left type drive device 26, and the second right split type 22b is connected to the telescopic rod 27a of the second right type drive device 27. The horizontal positions of the first left split type 21a, the first right split type 21b, the second left split type 22a, and the second right split type 22b are horizontal to the telescopic rods 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a of the corresponding drive devices, respectively. It is determined according to the amount of protrusion in the direction D2 (that is, the amount of expansion and contraction in the horizontal direction D2 from the main body of the corresponding drive device). In this way, the first left type drive device 24 and the first right type drive device 25 are provided as the first type drive unit 23a for moving the first mold 21 in the horizontal direction D2, and the second mold 22 is horizontal. The second left type drive device 26 and the second right type drive device 27 are provided as the second type drive unit 23b for moving in the direction D2. The first left type drive device 24, the first right type drive device 25, the second left type drive device 26, and the second right type drive device 27 can be configured by any device, typically an air cylinder or a servo. It can be configured using a motor.

The driving of the first left split type 21a, the first right split type 21b, the second left split type 22a, and the second right split type 22b by these drive devices 24 to 27 is performed in the first horizontal region Rh1 and the second horizontal region Rh2. It is controlled according to the behavior of each type and the relative arrangement relationship between types required in. In the present embodiment, the molding space Sm (that is, the first storage space Sm1 and the second storage space Sm2) has the same size and shape in the first horizontal region Rh1 and the second horizontal region Rh2. Therefore, the first left-type drive device 24 and the first right-type drive device 25 drive the first left-division type 21a and the first right-division type 21b in synchronization with each other, and the first left-division type 21a and the first right-division type 21a. The first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b are moved from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2 while keeping the distance between the mold 21b and the horizontal direction D2 basically constant. Similarly, the second left split type drive device 26 and the second right type drive device 27 drive the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b in synchronization with each other, and the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22a. The second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b are moved from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2 while keeping the distance between the right split type 22b and the horizontal direction D2 basically constant. .. Further, the first left type drive device 24, the first right type drive device 25, the second left type drive device 26 and the second right type drive device 27 are the first left split type 21a, the first right split type 21b, and the second left. The split type 22a and the second right split type 22b are driven so as to move and stop from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2 substantially simultaneously.

The first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the mutual distance between the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b in the second horizontal region Rh2 with respect to the horizontal direction D2 is set to the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b in the first horizontal region Rh1. It may be larger than the mutual distance with respect to the horizontal direction D2 of. Similarly, the mutual distance between the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b in the second horizontal region Rh2 with respect to the horizontal direction D2 is set to the second left split type 22a and the second right split type in the first horizontal region Rh1. It may be larger than the mutual distance with respect to the horizontal direction D2 of 22b. In these cases, the paste-like food material can be easily separated from the first mold 21 and the second mold 22 in the second horizontal region Rh2, and the paste-like food material after molding can be obtained without using the punching device 9. It is also possible to release from the first mold 21 and the second mold 22.

Further, when the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b are integrally moved from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2 as in the present embodiment, a single member (that is, a single mold) is used. ) May configure the first molding die 21. Further, the single first molding die 21, or the first left split die 21a and the first right split die 21b are moved in the horizontal direction D2 by a single drive device to move the first horizontal region Rh1 and the second. It may be arranged in each of the horizontal regions Rh2. Similarly, when the second left split mold 22a and the second right split mold 22b are integrally moved from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2, the second molding is performed by a single member (that is, a single mold). The mold 22 may be configured. Further, a single second molding die 22, or a second left split die 22a and a second right split die 22b are moved in the horizontal direction D2 by a single drive device to move the first horizontal region Rh1 and the second. It may be arranged in each of the horizontal regions Rh2.

Further, when the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are integrally moved in the horizontal direction D2 as in the present embodiment, instead of the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22, a single member ( That is, the molding die may be composed of a single die). In this case, a single mold may be moved in the horizontal direction D2 by a single drive device and arranged in each of the first horizontal region Rh1 and the second horizontal region Rh2. The term "single member" as used herein refers to a member having an integral structure, and may have a single component and a single composition, or two or more components are integrally connected. It may be configured.

The introduction device 5 introduces the injection substance into the pasty food material after being sent out from the delivery device 3. Specific examples of the injectable substance will be described later, but any substance as needed can be used as the injectable substance. The introduction device 5 introduces the injection substance so that the injection substance is localized in only one place or a plurality of places of the paste-like food material (that is, the paste-like food material separated by the separation device 4) arranged in the molding space Sm. It may be introduced into pasty foods. When the injection substance is localized at a plurality of locations inside the paste-like food material arranged in the molding space Sm, the injection substance may be arranged at regular positions (for example, evenly spaced positions) inside the paste-like food material. However, the injectable material may be placed at random positions having no regularity. Further, when the injection substance is localized in a plurality of places inside the paste-like food material arranged in the molding space Sm, the amount of the injection substance localized in each place may or may not be the same. You may.

In the introduction device 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a state where the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1, the injection substance is injected into the paste-like food material in the molding space Sm. Introduce.

However, the installation position of the introduction device 5 is not limited to the installation position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the introduction device 5 is placed at a position where the injected substance is introduced into the paste-like food material in the stage prior to the separation device 4. It may be installed. For example, the introduction device 5 may introduce the injection substance into the paste-like food material in the second relay guide unit 8 (see the dotted line portion with the symbol “5” in FIGS. 1 and 2). That is, the paste-like food material may be filled in the molding space Sm of the molding dies 21 and 22 after the injection substance is introduced by the introduction device 5 in the second relay guide unit 8.

In this case, as will be described later (see FIG. 5), in parallel with the steps of filling the paste-like ingredients in the molds 21 and 22 to releasing the paste-like ingredients from the molds 21 and 22, the paste-like ingredients are charged. The step of introducing the injectable substance can be performed. Further, the marks formed on the paste-like food material due to the introduction of the injection substance (such as the hole into which the introduction needle 5a is inserted) become inconspicuous while the paste-like food material moves to the molding space Sm after the introduction of the injection substance. Further, the peripheral configuration of the separation device 4 can be simplified. When the injection substance is introduced into the paste-like food material in the second relay guide unit 8, the introduction device 5 is used from the viewpoint of accurately arranging the injection substance at the target position in the paste-like food material after molding. It is preferable to introduce the injection substance into the paste-like food material located near the separation device 4 in the second relay guide unit 8.

The specific method of introducing the injection substance into the pasty food material performed by the introduction device 5 is not limited. The introduction device 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes one or a plurality of hollow introduction needles 5a (that is, introduction pipes), and the introduction needle 5a is inserted into the paste-like food material through the introduction needle 5a. It is possible to inject and place the injected substance inside the pasty food. The introduction needle 5a shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided so as to be movable in the height direction D1, and the amount of protrusion of the introduction needle 5a from the main body of the introduction device 5 is variable. Specifically, the introduction needle 5a is in a state in which the tip end portion of the introduction needle 5a is arranged in the molding space Sm when the first molding mold 21 and the second molding mold 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1. (See FIG. 1) and the entire introduction needle 5a can be placed in a state of being retracted from the molding space Sm (see FIG. 2). The introduction device moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the introduction needle 5a can be realized by any configuration. For example, the introduction device moving mechanism may include a servomotor or an air cylinder. The number of introduction needles 5a is not limited, and the introduction device 5 may include only one introduction needle 5a, or may include a plurality of introduction needles 5a.

The punching device 9 is provided at a position corresponding to the molding space Sm when the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2, and the paste-like food material is provided from the molding space Sm. Punch out. The punching device 9 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a punching rod 9a that expands and contracts in the height direction D1 (that is, a punching rod 9a having a variable protrusion amount from the main body of the punching device 9). The tip of the punching rod 9a passes through the punching hole 33 and enters the molding space Sm, and physically pushes the pasty food material in the molding space Sm downward.

The punching device 9 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, the punching device 9 has an air ejection portion (not shown) that ejects compressed air toward the molding space Sm of the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2. You may. By blowing the compressed air from the air ejection portion onto the paste-like food material in the molding space Sm, the paste-like food material in the molding space Sm can be pushed downward.

The paste-like foodstuff (that is, the paste-like foodstuff after molding) released from the molding space Sm of the molding dies 21 and 22 arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2 is placed on the transport device 6 and sent to the subsequent stage. The illustrated transfer device 6 is composed of a belt conveyor provided with an endless belt. The paste-like food material after molding released from the molding space Sm lands on the belt of the transport device 6, and is sent toward the rear stage together with the belt traveling toward the rear stage. However, the transport device 6 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and the transport device 6 may be configured by a device other than the belt conveyor.

[Control configuration of food manufacturing system]
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the food manufacturing system 1.

The control unit 40 may be configured by a single device, or may be configured by combining a plurality of devices. When the control unit 40 is composed of a plurality of devices, the devices may be installed at positions apart from each other, and various information is transmitted and received between the devices via a network, and various information is transmitted between the devices. May be shared.

The sending device 3, the separating device 4, the introducing device 5, and the punching device 9 are connected to the control unit 40 and are driven under the control of the control unit 40.

An example of control of the sending device 3 by the control unit 40 will be described later (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

The control unit 40 includes the first type drive unit 23a (that is, the first left type drive device 24 and the first right type drive device 25) and the second type drive unit 23b (that is, the second left type drive device 26 and) of the separation device 4. The second right-type drive device 27) is controlled, and the first mold 21 (that is, the first left-split mold 21a and the first right-split mold 21b) and the second mold 22 (that is, the second left-split mold 22a and the second) are controlled. The right split type 22b) is moved in the horizontal direction D2. When only one drive unit for moving the molding die is provided, the one drive unit is controlled by the control unit 40.

The control unit 40 controls the introduction device 5 to introduce the injection substance into the paste-like food material at an appropriate timing. When the injection substance is introduced into the paste-like food material arranged in the molding space Sm as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 via the introduction needle 5a, the control unit 40 uses the first molding mold 21 and the second molding mold 21 and the second. The introduction device 5 is controlled so that the tip of the introduction needle 5a is arranged in the molding space Sm while the molding die 22 is arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1. Further, the control unit 40 controls the introduction device 5 so that the injection substance is discharged from the introduction needle 5a after the molding space Sm is filled with the paste-like food material.

The control unit 40 controls the punching device 9 to release the paste-like foodstuff from the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 at an appropriate timing. When the paste-like food material arranged in the molding space Sm as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is punched by the punching rod 9a, the control unit 40 has the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 in the second horizontal position. The punching device 9 is controlled so that the punching rod 9a enters the forming space Sm while being arranged in the region Rh2.

Although not shown, other devices (for example, the supply device 2 and the transfer device 6) constituting the food manufacturing system 1 may also be driven under the control of the control unit 40. For example, when the supply device 2 is controlled by the control unit 40, the amount, delivery pressure, and / or delivery timing of the paste-like food material sent from the supply device 2 to the first relay guide unit 7 are controlled by the control unit 40. It may be decided. When the transfer device 6 is controlled by the control unit 40, the transfer speed and / or the transfer timing of the paste-like food material mounted on the transfer device 6 may be determined under the control of the control unit 40.

Further, sensors (not shown) may be connected to the control unit 40. For example, a sensor that detects the position of the molding dies 21 and 22 in the horizontal direction D2 may be connected to the control unit 40. In this case, the control unit 40 controls the first mold drive unit 23a and the second mold drive unit 23b based on the detection result of this sensor, and arranges the first mold 21 and the second mold 22 at desired positions. You may.

[Food manufacturing method]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a food manufacturing method (food molding process) performed by the food manufacturing system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each step described below is performed by driving each device constituting the food manufacturing system 1 under the control of the control unit 40.

As described above, the food manufacturing method of the present embodiment includes a step of sending out the pasty food from the sending device 3, a step of separating and molding the pasty food after being sent from the sending device 3, and a step of separating and molding the pasty food by the separating device 4. It includes a step of introducing an injection substance into the pasty food material after being sent out from the apparatus 3 by the introduction apparatus 5.

First, the paste-like food material is sent from the delivery device 3 to the second relay guide unit 8, and a state in which the second relay guide unit 8 and the filling hole 31 are filled with the paste-like food material is created. The "state in which the second relay guide portion 8 and the filling hole 31 are filled with the paste-like food material" as used herein means that there is no gap in the second relay guide portion 8 and the filling hole 31 in a strict sense. Does not always point to. In particular, when the injection substance is introduced from the introduction device 5 into the paste-like food material in the second relay guide portion 8 and / or the filling hole 31, a gap corresponding to the introduction space of the injection substance is formed in the second relay guide portion 8. And / or while present in the filling hole 31, the second relay guide portion 8 and the filling hole 31 may be filled with the paste-like food material. The supply device 2 continues to supply the paste-like food material to the delivery device 3 via the first relay guide unit 7. The supply device 2 may continuously apply pressure to the pasty food material in the first relay guide 7 regardless of the operating state of the delivery device 3 while the food production system 1 is operating. Pressure may be applied to the paste-like food material in the first relay guide unit 7 intermittently according to the operating state of the delivery device 3.

Then, the separation device 4 (particularly the first type drive unit 23a and the second type drive unit 23b) was driven, the molding dies 21 and 22 were arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1, and the molding space Sm communicated with the filling hole 31. It is placed in a state (S11 in FIG. 4).

Then, the introduction device 5 is driven, and the introduction needle 5a of the introduction device 5 is arranged in the molding space Sm (S12). At this time, the introduction needle 5a (particularly the portion that discharges the injection substance) so that the injection substance discharged from the introduction needle 5a can be introduced and arranged at a desired position of the paste-like food material filled in the molding space Sm. Is placed at a desired position in the molding space Sm.

Then, the delivery device 3 is driven, and a predetermined amount of paste-like food material is sent from the second port 16 of the delivery device 3 to the second relay guide unit 8, and the paste inside the second relay guide unit 8 and the filling hole 31 is used. The shaped food is extruded, and as a result, the paste-like food is filled in the molding space Sm (S13). At this time, the amount of the paste-like food material delivered from the delivery device 3 is determined so that the paste-like food material filled in the molding space Sm has a desired density. In this example, since the paste-like food material is filled in the molding space Sm with the tip of the introduction needle 5a located in the molding space Sm, the paste-like food material filled in the molding space Sm is filled with the introduction needle 5a from the beginning. Is inserted.

After the molding space Sm is filled with the paste-like food material, the introduction device 5 is driven, and the injection substance is introduced into the paste-like food material through the introduction needle 5a (S14). As a result, the injection substance is arranged at a desired position of the paste-like food material in the molding space Sm. After the injection substance is introduced into the paste-like food material, the introduction device 5 is driven, and the introduction needle 5a is retracted from the molding space Sm (S15).

After the introduction needle 5a is retracted from the molding space Sm, the separation device 4 (particularly the first type drive unit 23a and the second type drive unit 23b) is driven, and the molding dies 21 and 22 move from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal. It is moved to the region Rh2 (S16). As a result, the molding space Sm is placed in a state of communicating with the release hole 32 and the punching hole 33.

Then, in a state where the molding dies 21 and 22 are arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2, the punching device 9 is driven, and the paste-like foodstuff in the molding space Sm is released from the molding dies 21 and 22 by the punching rod 9a. (S17). The pasty-like foodstuffs after molding released from the molding dies 21 and 22 are placed on the transport device 6 and sent to the subsequent stage.

Then, the control unit 40 determines whether or not to continue the molding process of the paste-like food (S18). When the molding process is continued (Y in S18), each device constituting the food manufacturing system 1 is driven, and the above steps (S11 to S17) are repeated. On the other hand, when the molding process is not continued (N in S18), the molding process of the pasty food is completed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the food manufacturing method (food molding process).

As described above, the introduction device 5 may introduce the injection substance into the pasty food material in the stage prior to the separation device 4. In this case, the paste-like food material after the injection substance is introduced is filled in the molding space Sm of the molding molds 21 and 22. Therefore, the step of introducing the injection substance into the paste-like food by the introduction device 5 can be performed in parallel with the step of separating the paste-like food by the separation device 4.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the separating device 4 molds the paste-like food material in which the injection material is arranged in the step of arranging the molding dies 21 and 22 in the first horizontal region Rh1 (S21 in FIG. 5). A step of filling the space Sm (S22), a step of moving the molding dies 21 and 22 from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2 (S23), and a step of releasing the pasty food material from the molding dies 21 and 22 (S). S24) can be performed continuously. On the other hand, the introduction device 5 performs a step of introducing the injection substance into the paste-like food material held in the second relay guide unit 8 while these steps (S21 to S24) are being performed by the separation device 4. be able to.

In this way, when the introduction device 5 introduces the injection substance into the paste-like food material in the stage prior to the separation device 4, the step of arranging the introduction needle 5a in the molding space Sm (S12 in FIG. 4), the paste-like food material The step of introducing the injection substance (S14 in FIG. 4) and the step of retracting the introduction needle 5a from the molding space Sm (S15 in FIG. 4) are included in the process of separating and molding the paste-like food material performed by the separating device 4. No need. Therefore, according to this modification, the processing in the separation device 4 and the processing in the entire food manufacturing system 1 can be performed efficiently and at high speed.

[Basic configuration of sending device]
Next, a configuration example of the transmission device 3 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the basic configuration of the delivery device 3. The delivery device 3 for delivering the paste-like food material 100 by a predetermined amount includes a peripheral wall portion 50, a first plunger 51, and a second plunger 52.

The peripheral wall portion 50 has a hollow shape, and has an internal space 53 extending in the first direction (height direction D1 in the present embodiment), and an external (first relay guide portion 7 in the present embodiment) and an internal space 53. A position different from that of the first port 15 in the first direction (height direction D1) and in which the first port 15 communicating with the outside, the external (second relay guide portion 8 in the present embodiment) and the internal space 53 are communicated with each other. It has a second port 16 provided in. The first port 15 functions as an entrance port for introducing the paste-like food material 100 into the internal space 53 of the peripheral wall portion 50, and the second port 16 functions the quantitatively divided paste-like food material 100 in the internal space of the peripheral wall portion 50. It functions as an exit port for discharging from 53.

The first port 15 and the second port 16 of the present embodiment are directed in opposite directions to each other, and the supply direction of the paste-like food material from the first relay guide unit 7 to the first port 15 and the second port 16 The direction of supply of the pasty food to the second relay guide unit 8 is the same. The orientations of the first port 15 and the second port 16 are not limited, and the first port 15 and the second port 16 may extend in the same direction as each other, or extend in different directions from each other. May be good. Further, the orientation of the openings of the first port 15 and the second port 16 with respect to the internal space 53 is not limited. Further, the first port 15 and the second port 16 may be directed in a direction other than the horizontal direction D2. By arranging the first port 15 above the internal space 53, it is possible to introduce the paste-like food material 100 from the first port 15 into the internal space 53 by utilizing gravity. Further, by arranging the second port 16 below the internal space 53, it is possible to discharge the paste-like food material 100 from the internal space 53 to the second port 16 by utilizing gravity. By locating the first port 15 above the second port 16 in this way, gravity can be used to deliver the pasty food material 100. The first port 15 may be located below the second port 16.

In the present specification and claims, the terms "space" and "space" refer to a three-dimensional region in general, and an object may or may not exist in the region. For example, the internal space 53 is a region formed inside the peripheral wall portion 50, and the region may or may not be arranged with the first plunger 51, the second plunger 52, and the paste-like food material 100. , Called the interior space 53.

The supply device 2 is connected to the first port 15 via the first relay guide unit 7, and the paste-like food material 100 supplied from the supply device 2 via the first relay guide unit 7 is the first port 15. It is introduced into the internal space 53 via. For example, the supply device 2 continuously sends out the paste-like food material 100 toward the first relay guide unit 7, and the pressure on the paste-like food material 100 held in the first relay guide unit 7 is larger than the environmental pressure. May act. In this case, by switching the state between the empty internal space 53 and the first port 15 from the blocked state to the connected state (for example, the first plunger 51 and / or the second plunger 52 is retracted and the empty internal space 53 is retracted. A new paste-like food material 100 can be introduced into the internal space 53 (by communicating with the first port 15). A separation device 4 is connected to the second port 16 via the second relay guide unit 8, and the paste-like food material 100 discharged from the internal space 53 via the second port 16 connects the second relay guide unit 8. It is sent to the separation device 4 via.

As will be described later, the paste-like food material 100 includes an amorphous viscous food material having fluidity. The paste-like foodstuff 100 of the present embodiment includes a viscous foodstuff 101 made by mixing a plurality of foodstuffs and a linear foodstuff 102 mixed with the viscous foodstuff 101. The linear food material 102 has an elongated shape and may be a soft food material that can be bent without being damaged, or may be a hard food material that cannot be bent basically without being damaged. Typically, a food material having a unique rigidity and elasticity (for example, bamboo shoots, meat, etc.) that gives a unique texture to the food can be used as the linear food material 102.

The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are arranged in the internal space 53 of the peripheral wall portion 50 so as to face each other in the first direction (height direction D1), and are in close contact with the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50. It is provided so as to be movable in one direction (height direction D1). As described above, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 have a piston structure provided so as to be reciprocally movable in the internal space 53. The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shown in FIG. 6 can move in the first direction (height direction D1) while maintaining a state of being in contact with the inner wall surface 50a without a gap. Therefore, the paste-like food material 100 introduced between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is basically between the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50 and the first plunger 51 and the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50. Does not leak from between the second plunger 52 and the second plunger 52. A seal member may be provided on the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50. By providing such a sealing member, the paste-like food material 100 leaks out between the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50 and the first plunger 51 and between the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50 and the second plunger 52. Can be prevented more effectively. When such a sealing member is used, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 do not necessarily have to be in close contact with the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50, and the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 do not necessarily come into close contact with each other. There may be some gaps between each of the above and the inner wall surface 50a.

The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are moved in the first direction (height direction D1) by the drive unit. The specific configuration of this drive unit is not limited, and it is possible to realize such a drive unit in various forms.

[Drive unit]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive unit 60.

The drive unit 60 shown in FIG. 7 includes a first plunger drive unit 61 and a second plunger drive unit 62, and each of the first plunger drive unit 61 and the second plunger drive unit 62 is connected to the control unit 40. The first plunger drive unit 61 is connected to the first plunger 51, and the second plunger drive unit 62 is connected to the second plunger 52. The first plunger drive unit 61 and the second plunger drive unit 62 move the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 in the first direction (height direction D1) under the control of the control unit 40, respectively, to move the peripheral wall portion. It can be arranged at a desired position in the interior space 53 of 50.

In the transmission device 3 having the functional configuration shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 40 controls the first plunger drive unit 61 when moving the first plunger 51, and the second plunger 52 when moving the second plunger 52. 2 The plunger drive unit 62 is controlled, and when the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are moved at the same time, the first plunger drive unit 61 and the second plunger drive unit 62 are controlled at the same time.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the drive unit 60.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first plunger drive unit 61 and the second plunger drive unit 62 are connected to the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52, respectively, and the first connection drive unit 63 and the second connection are connected. It may be connected to the drive unit 64. That is, the drive unit 60 has a first plunger drive unit 61 connected to the first plunger 51, a first connection drive unit 63 connected to the first plunger drive unit 61, and a second plunger drive connected to the second plunger 52. The second connected drive unit 64 connected to the unit 62 and the second plunger drive unit 62 may be included. In this case, the first connection drive unit 63 can integrally move the first plunger 51 and the first plunger drive unit 61 in the first direction (height direction D1) under the control of the control unit 40. Similarly, the second connecting drive unit 64 can integrally move the second plunger 52 and the second plunger drive unit 62 in the first direction (height direction D1) under the control of the control unit 40.

Both the first connection drive unit 63 and the second connection drive unit 64 may be configured by a single common connection drive unit 65 (see FIG. 19 described later). In this case, the common connection drive unit 65 integrally connects the first plunger 51, the first plunger drive unit 61, the second plunger 52, and the second plunger drive unit 62 in the first direction (high) under the control of the control unit 40. It can be moved in the vertical direction D1).

As described above, the drive unit 60 can be provided in various forms, and the specific device constituting the drive unit 60 is not limited. Typically, a servomotor or an air cylinder can be used in the drive unit 60, which is common to the first plunger drive unit 61, the second plunger drive unit 62, the first connection drive unit 63, and the second connection drive unit 64. Each of the connected drive units 65 can be configured by a servomotor or an air cylinder. It is also possible to configure each of the first plunger drive unit 61 and the second plunger drive unit 62 by a plurality of air cylinders connected in series with each other.

The sending device 3 further includes sensors 45 that detect the position of the first plunger 51 and the position of the second plunger 52. The detection result of the sensors 45 that directly or indirectly indicates the position of the first plunger 51 and the position of the second plunger 52 is transmitted to the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 is driven based on the detection result of the sensors 45. Controls the unit 60. For example, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light emitting element and a light receiving element can be used as the sensors 45 to directly detect the position of the first plunger 51 and the position of the second plunger 52. When the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are configured by a servomotor, the position of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger are based on the driving state of the servomotor and / or the control signal from the control unit 40 for the servomotor. It is also possible to indirectly detect the position of 52.

[Quantitative delivery method]
Next, an example of a quantitative delivery method in which a paste-like food material 100 is delivered by a predetermined amount using the above-mentioned delivery device 3 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the quantitative delivery method. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the delivery device 3 for explaining the first driving state. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the delivery device 3 for explaining the second drive state. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the delivery device 3 for explaining the third driving state. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the delivery device 3 for explaining the fourth drive state.

Under the control of the control unit 40, the drive unit 60 sets the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 in the first drive state, the second drive state, the third drive state, and the fourth drive state (first plunger drive state ~. By sequentially placing them in the fourth plunger driven state), the paste-like food material 100 is quantitatively divided and released to the subsequent stage.

The drive unit 60 first surrounds the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 so that the space between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 or the contact surface 54 is located at a position facing the first port 15. They are arranged close to each other in the internal space 53 of the unit 50 (first driving state; see “S31” in FIG. 9). In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the first driven state are in contact with each other to form the contact surface 54, but the first plunger placed in the first driven state is formed. A space may be formed between the plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 without contacting each other. In this case, the distance between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the first driven state in the first direction (height direction D1) can be, for example, about several mm to several cm.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the contact surface 54 is arranged at a position corresponding to the opening edge of the first port 15 (the upper opening edge of FIG. 10), and the first port 15 is covered only by the second plunger 52. Is closed. However, the positions of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the first drive state are not limited. While the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are in the first driven state, the first port 15 may be covered by both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52, or the first plunger. It may be covered only by 51. In this way, the first port 15 is partially or wholly covered by the first plunger 51 and / or the second plunger 52 placed in the first driven state.

The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the first drive state may be stopped or may be moved in the first direction (height direction D1). For example, in the process in which the first plunger 51 and / or the second plunger 52 is moving from a state in which the space or contact surface 54 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 does not face the first port 15. The 1 plunger 51 and the 2nd plunger 52 may be placed in the first driving state as described above.

Then, the drive unit 60 moves at least one of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52, and the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are separated from each other from the first drive state. The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are shifted to the driving state (“S32” in FIG. 9; see FIG. 11). As a result, a vacuum space is formed in the region of the internal space 53 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 for a short time, and the negative pressure generated in that region causes the negative pressure generated in that region to pass through the first port 15. The paste-like food material 100 is introduced between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52. The vacuum referred to here is broadly interpreted and means a space state in which the pressure is lower than the outside of the peripheral wall portion 50. Especially when the delivery device 3 is placed under atmospheric pressure, the pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure. Also means a low spatial state.

In the present embodiment, when the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shift from the first drive state to the second drive state, the supply device 2 causes a paste inside the first relay guide portion 7 and the first port 15. The pressure applied to the food material 100 may be relatively small. The paste-like food material 100 in the first relay guide portion 7 and the first port 15 is affected by the negative pressure in the region between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52, and is affected by the negative pressure through the first port 15. It is introduced between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52. Therefore, according to the delivery device 3 and the fixed quantity delivery method of the present embodiment, the supply device 2 does not have to be provided with an expensive pump with a large output.

The drive unit 60 is one of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 when the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are changed from the first drive state to the second drive state under the control of the control unit 40. The movement amount of the other may be larger than the movement amount of one. In this case, a larger amount of the paste-like food material 100 is sucked into the plunger side of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52, which has a larger movement amount. As a result, the posture (that is, the orientation direction) of the linear food material 102 contained in the paste-like food material 100 can be aligned in the internal space 53 of the peripheral wall portion 50. That is, as an overall tendency, since the paste-like food material 100 is more strongly attracted to the plunger side having the larger movement amount, the longitudinal direction of the linear food material 102 in the internal space of the peripheral wall portion 50 is the first direction (height). It becomes easier to align in the direction D1). By aligning the postures (orientation directions) of the linear foods 102 in this way, it can be expected that the texture brought about by the linear foods 102 will be improved.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, only the second plunger 52 has moved from the first drive state shown in FIG. 10, and the first plunger 51 has not moved from the first drive state. As described above, when the drive unit 60 shifts the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 from the first drive state to the second drive state, the drive unit 60 is one of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 (FIGS. 10 and 10 and). In FIG. 11, the first plunger 51) may be moved without substantially moving the other (second plunger 52 in FIGS. 10 and 11). In this case, the pasty food material 100 can be strongly sucked to the other plunger side (the second plunger 52 side in FIGS. 10 and 11), and the posture (orientation direction) of the linear food material 102 can be accurately oriented in the first direction. It can be aligned in (height direction D1).

Then, the drive unit 60 moves the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 to maintain the state in which the first plunger 51 is separated from the second plunger 52 from the second drive state, and the first plunger 51 and the first plunger 51 The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are transferred to the third drive state in which at least a part of the paste-like food material 100 between the second plunger 52 and the second plunger 52 is arranged so as to face the second port 16 (FIG. 9). "S33"; see FIG. 12).

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the end 52a of the second plunger 52 on the first plunger 51 side is arranged at a position corresponding to the opening edge of the second port 16 (that is, the lower opening edge of FIG. 12). The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are placed in the third drive state with the second port 16 not covered by either the first plunger 51 or the second plunger 52. However, the second port 16 may be partially covered by the first plunger 51 and / or the second plunger 52 while the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are placed in the third drive state. Further, the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 on the side of the second plunger 52 may be arranged at a position corresponding to the opening edge of the second port 16 (that is, the upper opening edge in FIG. 12). The distance between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the third drive state shown in FIG. 12 in the first direction (height direction D1) is the distance in the second drive state shown in FIG. It is basically the same as the distance in the first direction (height direction D1) between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in.

Then, the drive unit 60 moves at least one of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 to bring the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 closer to each other. That is, the drive unit 60 has the first plunger 51 and the drive unit 60 so that the space or the contact surface 54 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is located at a position facing the second port 16 from the third drive state described above. The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are shifted to the fourth drive state in which the second plunger 52 is arranged (“S34” in FIG. 9; see FIG. 13). As a result, the paste-like food material 100 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 can be sent out at a low pressure via the second port 16.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, from the third drive state shown in FIG. 12, the direction in which the first plunger 51 approaches the second plunger 52 while maintaining the state in which the second plunger 52 is stopped (lower part of FIG. 13). The paste-like food material 100 in the internal space 53 of the peripheral wall portion 50 is pushed out to the second port 16 by the first plunger 51, and finally the first plunger 51 comes into contact with the second plunger 52. As a result, the contact surface 54 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is arranged at a position corresponding to the opening edge of the second port 16 (that is, the lower opening edge of FIG. 13), and is basically the first. All of the pasty foodstuff 100 between the plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is extruded into the second port 16. The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the fourth drive state may not come into contact with each other, and a space may be formed between them. In this case, the distance between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the fourth drive state in the first direction (height direction D1) can be, for example, about several mm to several cm.

By operating the delivery device 3 in accordance with steps S31 to S34 described above, the paste-like food material 100 sent from the supply device 2 to the delivery device 3 (particularly the first port 15) via the first relay guide unit 7 is quantitatively divided. Then, the paste-like food material 100 after being divided can be sent to the second relay guide unit 8 and the separation device 4 via the second port 16. Then, when the above-mentioned quantitative division of the paste-like food material 100 is repeatedly performed (“Y” in “S35” of FIG. 9), the drive unit 60 has the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 under the control of the control unit 40. Is returned to the above-mentioned first drive state (see FIG. 10), and the above-mentioned steps S31 to S34 are performed again. On the other hand, when the quantitative division of the paste-like food material 100 is not repeated (“N” in “S35” of FIG. 9), the implementation of the quantitative delivery method ends.

[Planger configuration]
In the present embodiment, when the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shift from the second drive state (see FIG. 11) to the third drive state (see FIG. 12), the second plunger 52 of the first plunger 51 The side end 51a passes through at least a portion of the interior space 53 facing the first port 15. At that time, the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 cuts the paste-like food material 100 at the boundary between the internal space 53 and the first port 15. Then, in the third drive state (see FIG. 12), the entire first port 15 is covered by the first plunger 51.

When the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shift from the third drive state (see FIG. 12) to the fourth drive state (see FIG. 13), the end of the first plunger 51 on the second plunger 52 side. The end 52a of the 51a and / or the second plunger 52 on the first plunger 51 side passes through at least a part of the area of the interior space 53 facing the second port 16.

As described above, at least the first plunger 51 of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 has a role of cutting the pasty food material 100. Therefore, it is preferable that at least the first plunger 51 (particularly, the end portion 51a on the side of the second plunger 52) of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 has a shape suitable for cutting the pasty food material 100.

14A to 14J are views illustrating the schematic cross-sectional shapes of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52.

The outer peripheral portions of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 and the end portion 52a of the second plunger 52 may be rounded as shown in FIG. 14A. However, from the viewpoint of appropriately cutting the pasty food material 100, as shown in FIG. 14B, for example, the outer peripheral portions of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 and the end portion 52a of the second plunger 52 are rounded. It is preferable that it is not square and sharp.

In particular, the first plunger 51 preferably has a cutter portion 55 projecting toward the second plunger 52 at least in a part of the outer peripheral portion of the end portion 51a on the second plunger 52 side. In this case, the second plunger 52 preferably has a concave receiving portion 56 that matches the shape of the cutter portion 55 at the end portion 52a on the side of the first plunger 51. As a result, in each of the first drive state (see FIG. 10) and the fourth drive state (see FIG. 13), the cutter portion 55 engages with the receiving portion 56, and the first plunger 51 (that is, the cutter portion 55) becomes the first. 2 It is possible to fit the plunger 52 (that is, the receiving portion 56). The state in which the cutter portion 55 is engaged with the receiving portion 56 is not only a state in which the cutter portion 55 is in contact with the receiving portion 56, but also a state in which the cutter portion 55 does not contact the receiving portion 56 and the receiving portion 56 is engaged. A state in which at least a part of the convex portion formed by the cutter portion 55 is arranged in the concave portion formed by the cutter portion 55 may be included. The cutter portion 55 and the receiving portion 56 having shapes that are compatible with each other in this way can be assumed to have various forms.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 14C to 14E, even if the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 has a conical notch and the cutter portion 55 is formed over the entire outer peripheral portion of the end portion 51a. Good. The cutter portion 55 shown in FIGS. 14C to 14E is tapered toward the second plunger 52, and the tip of the cutter portion 55 is sharp. The tilt angle of the cutter portion 55 is not limited, and the cutter portion 55 may have a relatively sharp tilt angle as shown in FIG. 14D, or may have a relatively gentle tilt angle as shown in FIG. 14E. It may have an angle. Further, the inclination angle of the cutter portion 55 may change continuously or discontinuously. The end portion 52a of the second plunger 52 on the first plunger 51 side shown in FIGS. 14C to 14E has a conical shape, and the receiving portion 56 can be in close contact with the cutter portion 55 without a gap.

The shape of the notch at the end 51a of the first plunger 51 and the end 52a of the second plunger 52 is not limited to the conical shape and may have various shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 14F, even if the outer peripheral portion of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 forms the tapered cutter portion 55 and the central portion of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 forms a flat surface. Good. Further, as shown in FIG. 14G, the outer peripheral portion of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 forms a tapered cutter portion 55, and the surface of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 is one of a sphere or an ellipsoid as a whole. The surface of the portion may be formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 14H, the outer peripheral portion of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 may form a cutter portion 55 formed of a thin protruding portion having a substantially constant thickness. The end 52a of the second plunger 52 shown in FIGS. 14F to 14H is formed with a receiving portion 56 that can be in close contact with the cutter portion 55 of the corresponding first plunger 51 without a gap.

Further, the cutter portion 55 may not be provided in the entire outer peripheral portion of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51, or may be provided only in a part of the outer peripheral portion (see FIG. 14I). When the cutter portion 55 is provided only on a part of the outer peripheral portion of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 in this way, when the first plunger 51 moves through the internal space 53 of the peripheral wall portion 50, the first port 15 and / Or the position of the cutter portion 55 is determined so that the cutter portion 55 passes through the region facing the second port 16.

Further, although FIGS. 14C to 14I described above illustrate the case where the first plunger 51 has the cutter portion 55, the second plunger 52 may have the cutter portion 55. For example, a cutter portion 55 similar to the cutter portion 55 shown in FIGS. 14C to 14I may be formed on the second plunger 52. In such a case, it is preferable that the first plunger 51 is formed with a receiving portion 56 that matches the cutter portion 55 formed in the second plunger 52.

Further, both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 may have the cutter portion 55. In this case, the first plunger 51 may be formed with a receiving portion 56 that fits the cutter portion 55 of the second plunger 52, and the second plunger 52 may have a receiving portion that fits the cutter portion 55 of the first plunger 51. The portion 56 may be formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 14J, a cutter portion 55 and a receiving portion 56 are formed at each of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 and the end portion 52a of the second plunger 52, and the cutter portion 55 of the first plunger 51 is formed. The receiving portion 56 of the second plunger 52 may be engaged, and the cutter portion 55 of the second plunger 52 may be engaged with the receiving portion 56 of the first plunger 51. When the cutter portion 55 and the receiving portion 56 are formed on both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 in this way, the shapes of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 can be the same. In this case, a single type of plunger can be used as the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52.

As described above, the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 and the end portion 52a of the second plunger 52 can have various shapes, and can be obtained by the above-mentioned quantitative delivery method (first drive state to fourth drive state). The shapes of the ends 51a and 52a of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 (that is, the positions and shapes of the cutter portion 55 and the receiving portion 56) are appropriately determined according to the behavior of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52. .. In particular, it is preferable that the shape, size and arrangement of the cutter portion 55 are determined according to the shape, size and arrangement of the first port 15 and the second port 16. For example, the cutter portion 55 for cutting the paste-like food material 100 at a position corresponding to the boundary between the first port 15 and the internal space 53 is used when shifting from the second drive state to the third drive state. It is arranged so as to pass through the area facing the first port 15. Further, the cutter portion 55 for cutting the paste-like food material 100 at a position corresponding to the boundary between the second port 16 and the internal space 53 is used when shifting from the third drive state to the fourth drive state. It is arranged so as to pass through the area facing the second port 16.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 14J, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger when each of the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 and the end portion 52a of the second plunger 52 has a cutter portion 55 and a receiving portion 56. An example of the behavior of 52 will be described below.

15A to 15D are diagrams showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52. The basic structure of the delivery device 3 shown in FIGS. 15A to 15D is the same as that of the delivery device 3 shown in FIG. 6, but a plurality of sealing members 47 composed of so-called O-rings are provided on the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50. It is provided. Specifically, a plurality of sealing members 47 are provided so that each of the first port 15 and the second port 16 exists between the sealing members 47 in the first direction (height direction D1), and FIGS. In the example shown in FIG. 15D, the seal members 47 are arranged at a total of three locations. If a strict seal between the first port 15 and the second port 16 is not required, the seal member 47 may not be provided between the first port 15 and the second port 16. (See FIG. 15E). Further, as described above, each of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is provided so as to be movable in the first direction (height direction D1) while being in close contact with the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50, and is a paste-like food material. If the 100 basically does not leak from each of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 and the peripheral wall portion 50, the seal member 47 may not be provided (see FIG. 15F).

First, in the first driving state, as shown in FIG. 15A, the first plunger 51 and the first plunger 51 and the contact surface 54 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are located at positions facing the first port 15. The second plunger 52 is arranged. In the example shown in FIG. 15A, the entire area of the first port 15 is covered by the first plunger 51 placed in the first driven state.

Then, in the second drive state, as shown in FIG. 15B, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are arranged away from each other. In the example shown in FIG. 15B, both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are moved in opposite directions. However, only the first plunger 51 may be moved. As a result, the paste-like food material 100 (not shown) is filled in the internal space 53 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52.

Then, in the third drive state, as shown in FIG. 15C, the paste-like food material between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is maintained while the first plunger 51 is separated from the second plunger 52. At least a part of 100 (not shown) is arranged so as to face the second port 16. In the example shown in FIG. 15C, the entire area of the second port 16 faces the pasty food material 100 filled between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52.

Then, in the fourth drive state, as shown in FIG. 15D, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are brought close to each other, and the contact surface 54 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is the second port 16. The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are arranged so as to be located opposite to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 15D, both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are moved and the entire area of the second port 16 is covered by the second plunger 52 placed in the fourth drive state. However, only one of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 (for example, only the second plunger 52 in the example shown in FIG. 15D) may be moved. Further, the entire area of the second port 16 may be covered by the first plunger 51 placed in the fourth drive state, or covered by both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the fourth drive state. You may be broken. As a result, the pasty food material 100 is pushed out from the internal space 53 to the second port 16.

When the cutter portion 55 is formed on the first plunger 51 and / or the second plunger 52, the corresponding first plunger is oriented in a direction in which the tip of the cutter portion 55 is perpendicular to the first direction (height direction D1). It may be located inside the outermost peripheral position of the 51 or the second plunger 52. That is, with the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 arranged in the internal space 53 of the peripheral wall portion 50, the cutter portion 55 formed at the end portion 51a of the first plunger 51 and / or the end portion 52a of the second plunger 52. The tip of the wall portion 50 may be arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50 and the seal member 47. In this case, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 can be smoothly moved in the internal space 53 of the peripheral wall portion 50 without the cutter portion 55 being caught by the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50 or the seal member 47. Is.

16A and 16B are diagrams showing a modification of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shown in FIG. 14J, FIG. 16A shows a second drive state, and FIG. 16B shows a second drive state to the second. 3 Indicates a state in the middle of transition to the drive state. Each of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B has a cutter portion 55 and a receiving portion 56, and the cutter portion 55 (particularly the tip portion) is the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50. It is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the seal member 47.

FIG. 17A is a diagram showing the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shown in FIG. 14G, and shows a state in the middle of transition from the second drive state to the third drive state. FIG. 17B is a diagram showing a modified example of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shown in FIG. 14G, and shows a state in the middle of transition from the second drive state to the third drive state. FIG. 17C is a diagram showing another modification of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shown in FIG. 14G, and shows a state in the middle of transition from the second drive state to the third drive state. The cutter portion 55 shown in FIG. 17A is arranged at a position where it comes into contact with the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50 and the seal member 47, but the cutter portion 55 shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C is inside the peripheral wall portion 50. It is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the wall surface 50a and the seal member 47. The structure of the cutter portion 55 arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the inner wall surface 50a of the peripheral wall portion 50 and the seal member 47 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 17B, the outer peripheral surface of the cutter portion 55 (that is, the peripheral wall portion). The outer peripheral surface of the inner wall surface 50a of the 50 facing the inner wall surface 50a may extend in parallel with the first direction (height direction D1), or as shown in FIG. 17C, the outer peripheral surface of the cutter portion 55 is an inclined surface. May be formed so as to be non-parallel to the first direction (height direction D1).

18A to 18D are diagrams showing an example of the behavior of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 shown in FIG. 17B. In the delivery device 3 shown in FIG. 17B, first, in the first drive state, as shown in FIG. 18A, the contact surface 54 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is positioned so as to face the first port 15. The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are arranged so that they exist. In the example shown in FIG. 18A, the entire area of the first port 15 is covered by both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 placed in the first driven state.

Then, in the second drive state, as shown in FIG. 18B, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are arranged at positions separated from each other. In the example shown in FIG. 18B, both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are moved in opposite directions. As a result, the paste-like food material 100 (not shown) is filled in the internal space 53 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52.

Then, in the third drive state, as shown in FIG. 18C, the paste-like food material between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is maintained while the first plunger 51 is separated from the second plunger 52. At least a part of 100 (not shown) is arranged so as to face the second port 16. In the example shown in FIG. 18C, the entire area of the second port 16 faces the pasty food material 100 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52.

Then, in the fourth drive state, as shown in FIG. 18D, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are brought close to each other, and the contact surface 54 between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 is the second port 16. The first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are arranged so as to be located opposite to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 18D, both the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are moved, and the entire area of the second port 16 is placed in the fourth drive state of the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52. Covered by both. As a result, the pasty food material 100 is pushed out from the internal space 53 to the second port 16.

[Specific example of sending device]
Next, a specific example of the sending device 3 will be described. The transmission device 3 described below is only an example, and the above-mentioned transmission device 3 can be configured by combining arbitrary devices.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the sending device 3. The delivery device 3 shown in FIG. 19 has a configuration shown in FIG. 8 (particularly, a configuration including a common connection drive unit 65). The same or similar elements as those described above based on FIG. 6 and the like are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The delivery device 3 shown in FIG. 19 includes a peripheral wall portion 50, a first plunger 51, and a second plunger 52. The peripheral wall portion 50 has an internal space 53, a first port 15, and a second port 16. The first port 15 and the second port 16 extend in the horizontal direction D2 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 19), the first port 15 opens toward the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 19, and the second port 16 It opens to the back side of the paper surface of FIG. A first plunger drive unit 61 (particularly, a first air cylinder rod 61b) configured by an air cylinder is connected to the first plunger 51. A second plunger drive unit 62 (particularly, a second air cylinder rod 62b) configured by an air cylinder is connected to the second plunger 52. Each of the first plunger drive unit 61 and the second plunger drive unit 62 is provided with a discharge amount adjusting gauge (not shown). The discharge amount adjusting gauge can adjust the basic positions of the corresponding first air cylinder rod 61b and the second air cylinder rod 62b, and the maximum protrusion amount of the corresponding first air cylinder rod 61b and the second air cylinder rod 62b. Can be changed.

The first connected drive unit 63 connected to the first plunger drive unit 61 and the second connected drive unit 64 connected to the second plunger drive unit 62 are composed of a common common connected drive unit 65. The illustrated common connection drive unit 65 is composed of an air cylinder, and has a common air cylinder tube 65a and a common air cylinder rod 65b. The common air cylinder tube 65a functions as a first connection drive tube 63a of the first connection drive unit 63 and a second connection drive tube 64a of the second connection drive unit 64. The common air cylinder rod 65b protrudes horizontally from the common air cylinder tube 65a, and the amount of protrusion from the common air cylinder tube 65a is variable. The illustrated common air cylinder rod 65b is composed of a first connected drive rod 63b and a second connected drive rod 64b that project from the common air cylinder tube 65a in opposite directions. The first connection drive rod 63b and the second connection drive rod 64b are integrally provided. When one of the first connected drive rod 63b and the second connected drive rod 64b protrudes from the common air cylinder tube 65a, the other retracts toward the common air cylinder tube 65a.

The first connecting drive rod 63b is fixed to the first air cylinder tube 61a via the first connecting portion 63c, and the second connecting drive rod 64b is fixed to the second air cylinder tube 62a via the second connecting portion 64c. There is. Therefore, the distance between the first connecting portion 63c and the second connecting portion 64c in the first direction (height direction D1) is constant regardless of the driving state of the common connecting driving unit 65. Further, the distance between the first air cylinder tube 61a and the second air cylinder tube 62a in the first direction (height direction D1) is constant regardless of the driving state of the common connection driving unit 65.

In the delivery device 3 having the above configuration, when the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are shifted from the first drive state to the second drive state, the first plunger drive unit 61 is controlled by the control unit 40. And / or the second plunger drive unit 62 moves the first plunger 51 and / or the second plunger 52. Specifically, the amount of protrusion of the first air cylinder rod 61b from the first air cylinder tube 61a and / or the amount of protrusion of the second air cylinder rod 62b from the second air cylinder tube 62a is adjusted. The common connection drive unit 65 is maintained in a state while the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are changed from the first drive state to the second drive state, and the first connection drive rod 63b from the common air cylinder tube 65a is maintained. The protrusion amount of each of the second connecting drive rod 64b and the second connecting drive rod 64b does not change.

On the other hand, when the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are shifted from the second drive state to the third drive state, the common connection drive unit 65 changes the first plunger drive unit 61, under the control of the control unit 40. The first plunger 51, the second plunger drive unit 62, and the second plunger 52 are integrally moved. In the example shown in FIG. 19, since the second port 16 is provided on the right side of the first port 15, the first connecting drive rod 63b is retracted to the common air cylinder tube 65a and the second connecting drive rod is retracted. The amount of protrusion of 64b is increased. The first plunger drive unit 61 and the second plunger drive unit 62 are maintained in a state while the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are shifted from the second drive state to the third drive state, and the first air cylinder rod The amount of protrusion of 61b and the amount of protrusion of the second air cylinder rod 62b do not change. As a result, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 can be placed in the third drive state while maintaining the distance between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 in the second drive state.

When the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are transferred from the third drive state to the fourth drive state, the first plunger drive unit 61 and / or the second plunger drive unit 62 is controlled by the control unit 40. Moves the first plunger 51 and / or the second plunger 52. Specifically, the amount of protrusion of the first air cylinder rod 61b from the first air cylinder tube 61a and / or the amount of protrusion of the second air cylinder rod 62b from the second air cylinder tube 62a is adjusted. The common connection drive unit 65 is maintained in a state while the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are changed from the third drive state to the fourth drive state, and the first connection drive rod 63b and the second connection drive rod 64b are maintained. The amount of protrusion from the common air cylinder tube 65a does not change.

When the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are shifted from the fourth drive state to the first drive state, the common connection drive unit 65 is transferred to the first plunger drive unit 61 and the first plunger drive unit 61 under the control of the control unit 40. The 1 plunger 51, the second plunger drive unit 62, and the second plunger 52 are integrally moved. In the example shown in FIG. 19, since the first port 15 is provided on the left side of the second port 16, the amount of protrusion of the first connecting drive rod 63b is increased with respect to the common air cylinder tube 65a, and the first is The two-coupled drive rod 64b is retracted. The first plunger drive unit 61 and the second plunger drive unit 62 are maintained in a state while the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are shifted from the fourth drive state to the first drive state, and the first air cylinder rod The amount of protrusion of 61b and the amount of protrusion of the second air cylinder rod 62b do not change. As a result, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 can be placed in the first drive state while maintaining the distance or contact between the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 in the fourth drive state. Therefore, when the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 are in close contact with each other in the fourth drive state, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 can be brought into close contact with each other even in the first drive state.

According to the configuration shown in FIG. 19 as described above, the drive unit 60 can be configured only by an air cylinder without using an expensive device such as a servomotor. Further, the control for driving the drive unit 60 can be realized by a relatively simple method, and the control unit 40 can be configured by a relatively simple device.

As described above, according to the food manufacturing system 1 and the food manufacturing method described above, the pasty food material is subjected to excessive pressure by interposing the delivery device 3 between the supply device 2 and the separation device 4. Can be prevented. Therefore, the injection substance can be smoothly introduced into the paste-like food material, and the desired amount of the injection substance can be accurately arranged at the desired location of the paste-like food material.

Further, when an excessive pressure is applied to the paste-like food material filled in the molding space Sm, the paste-like food material is compressed, and for example, a part of the paste-like food material (for example, a liquid component such as meat juice) is released from the gap between the molds 21 and 22. It may leak out. Therefore, if excessive pressure is applied to the paste-like food material filled in the molding space Sm, it becomes impossible to stably supply the paste-like food material after molding having a desired taste and texture, or after molding. There is a concern that the weight of the pasty food will vary. On the other hand, by using the delivery device 3 of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the paste-like food material filled in the molding space Sm, and to have a desired weight and a desired taste and texture. It is possible to stably supply the paste-like foodstuff after molding.

Further, one food manufacturing system 1 can perform three-dimensional molding of a paste-like food material and injection of an injection substance. Further, the paste-like food can be sent from the supply device 2 to the separation device 4 via the delivery device 3 with a small delivery pressure, and the damage to the food can be reduced. Further, when a plurality of food manufacturing systems 1 are installed, it is possible to suppress variations in the molded pasty foods among the food manufacturing systems 1. Further, by adjusting the introduction device 5, it is possible to freely change the introduction position of the injection substance into the paste-like food material.

[Modification example of molding mold]
In the above-described embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the molding space Sm in the horizontal direction D2 is basically constant with respect to the height direction D1, but the molding space Sm may have another shape. For example, at least one of the first space section screen of the first molding die 21 for partitioning the first accommodation space Sm1 and the second space section screen of the second molding die 22 for partitioning the second accommodation space Sm2 is It may have a tapered surface at least partially.

Further, in the molding molds 21 and 22 of the above-described embodiment, the distance between the first left split mold 21a and the first right split mold 21b and the distance between the first left split mold 21a and the first right split mold 21b. The intervals between the two are basically constant, but these intervals may be variable. That is, the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b may have a variable distance to each other in the horizontal direction D2 under the control of the control unit 40. Similarly, the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b may have a variable distance to each other in the horizontal direction D2 under the control of the control unit 40. The distance between the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 is the distance between the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2. It may be different from the distance between 21b. The distance between the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 is the distance between the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22a arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2. It may be different from the distance between 22b.

For example, the distance between the first left split mold 21a and the first right split mold 21b in the state where the first mold 21 and the second mold 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 and in the horizontal direction D2. Can be filled with the paste-like food material in the molding space Sm in a state where is the first separation distance. In this case, the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2, and between the first left split die 21a and the first right split die 21b in the horizontal direction D2. The paste-like foodstuff may be released from the molding space Sm in a state where the distance is larger than the first separation distance.

Further, for example, the molding space Sm can be filled with the paste-like food material in a state where the distance between the second left split mold 22a and the second right split mold 22b in the horizontal direction D2 is the second separation distance. In this case, with the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2, the distance in the horizontal direction D2 between the second left split die 22a and the second right split die 22b is It may be made larger than the second separation distance.

With the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2, the pair of the first left split die 21a and the first right split die 21b and the second left split die 22a and the second right Both or only one of the split 22b pairs may be increased in distance from each other. Further, even if the mutual distance between the pair of the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b and the pair of the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b is increased substantially at the same time. Alternatively, the distance between one of these pairs may be increased and then the distance between the other may be increased.

20 and 21 are cross-sectional views showing a modified example of the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22, and the illustration of the paste-like food material is omitted. FIG. 20 shows the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 in a state where the paste-like foodstuff is held in the molding space Sm. FIG. 21 shows a first molding die 21 and a second molding die 22 when the pasty food material is released.

The second molding mold 22 (that is, the second left split mold 22a and the second right split mold 22b) shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is the same as the second mold 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the above-described embodiment. Similarly, it has an elliptical columnar second storage space Sm2. On the other hand, the first molding die 21 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 has a first space section screen Sd1 formed of a tapered surface, and the first accommodation space Sm1 partitioned by the first space section screen Sd1 is tapered. It has a shape, and the cross-sectional diameter of the first accommodation space Sm1 in the horizontal direction D2 becomes smaller toward the bottom. The taper referred to here is a concept that can include the entire tapering state, and can include, for example, a parabolic taper as well as a linear taper and an exponential taper.

Regarding the first molding mold 21 and the second molding mold 22 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the first left split mold 21a and the first left split mold 21a and the first left split mold 21a and the first are filled with the paste-like food material in the molding space Sm and immediately before the paste-like food material is released. The distance in the horizontal direction D2 between the right split type 21b is represented by "dta1", and the distance in the horizontal direction D2 between the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b is represented by "data2". Further, the distance in the horizontal direction D2 between the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b when releasing the paste-like food material filled in the molding space Sm is represented by "dtb1", and the second left split type The distance in the horizontal direction D2 between the 22a and the second right-split type 22b is represented by "dtb2". In this case, the relationship of "dat1 <dtb1" may be satisfied. Further, the relationship of "dt2 <dtb2" may be satisfied.

That is, by increasing the distance between the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b when the paste-like food is released, the paste-like food is made into the first mold 21 (particularly the first space section screen Sd1). ) Can be separated. Further, by increasing the distance between the second left split mold 22a and the second right split mold 22b when the paste-like food is released, the paste-like food is made into the second mold 22 (particularly the second space section screen Sd2). ) Can be separated. By separating the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 from the paste-like foodstuff arranged in the molding space Sm in this way, the paste-like foodstuff can be smoothly released from the molding dies 21 and 22. In particular, in this case, the constituent materials of the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22, the shapes of the first space section screen Sd1 and the second space section screen Sd2 (that is, the shape of the molding space Sm), and the characteristics of the paste-like food material (for example, Depending on the adhesiveness) and the like, it is possible to release the paste-like foodstuff from the molding dies 21 and 22 without using the punching device 9.

22 and 23 are cross-sectional views showing other modifications of the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22, and the illustration of the paste-like food material is omitted. FIG. 22 shows the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 in a state where the paste-like food material is held in the molding space Sm. FIG. 23 shows the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 when the pasty food material is released.

In the molding dies 21 and 22 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, not only the first accommodation space Sm1 partitioned by the first space division screen Sd1 but also the second accommodation space Sm2 partitioned by the second space division screen Sd2. It has a tapered shape. That is, the second molding die 22 has a second space section screen Sd2 formed of a tapered surface, and the second accommodation space Sm2 partitioned by the second space section screen Sd2 has a tapered shape and is a second accommodation space. The cross section of Sm2 in the horizontal direction D2 becomes smaller toward the upper side. In this case as well, the relationship of "dat1 <dtb1" may be satisfied. Further, the relationship of "dt2 <dtb2" may be satisfied. In these cases, the pasty food can be smoothly released from the molding dies 21 and 22.

Even when the space area screens Sd1 and Sd2 of the molding dies 21 and 22 for partitioning the molding space Sm include a surface extending non-parallel to the height direction D1, the above-mentioned food manufacturing system 1 and food The manufacturing method can be applied. In particular, since the space-space screens Sd1 and Sd2 of the molding dies 21 and 22 include a surface non-parallel to the height direction D1, the molding shape of the paste-like food material can be made rounded or inclined. In this way, the degree of freedom in the molding shape of the paste-like food material is greatly increased, and for example, the paste-like food material can be molded into a spherical shape.

When the paste-like food material is released from the molds 21 and 22 arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2 as described above, the distance between the first left-split mold 21a and the first right-split mold 21b and / Alternatively, when the distance between the second left split mold 22a and the second right split mold 22b is increased and a mold release agent is applied before filling the molding space Sm with the paste-like foodstuff, the release agent is released. It is preferable that the mold release agent is applied to at least the first space section screen Sd1 in a state where the first mold 21 and the second mold 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1. Further, when the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 move from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2, the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 21 in which the paste-like food material is present on the traveling direction side. It is preferable that the release agent is applied to the 22 surfaces (for example, the first space section screen Sd1 of the first left split type 21a and the second space section screen Sd2 of the second left split type 22a). Of course, from the viewpoint of improving the paste-like food from the first mold 21 and the second mold 22, the entire surface of the first mold 21 and the second mold 22 that can come into contact with the paste-like food (that is, It is preferable that the release agent is applied to the first space section screen Sd1 and the entire second space section screen Sd2).

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the release agent applying device 41. The release agent applying device 41 can move the applying unit 41a between the molding space Sm and the outside (particularly outside the molding dies 21 and 22) under the control of the control unit 40, and if necessary. The mold release agent 70 can be discharged from the applying portion 41a.

In order to promote the smooth release of the paste-like food from the molding dies 21 and 22, the mold release agent applying device 41 releases the paste-like food from the molding space Sm, and the next paste-like food is placed in the molding space Sm. Before being filled, both the space area screens Sd1 and Sd2 (that is, the first space area screen Sd1, the second space area screen Sd2, or the first space area screen Sd1 and the second space area screen Sd2) that partition the molding space Sm. ) May be provided with the release agent 70. The specific composition of the release agent 70 is not limited. The release agent 70 may be a substance that can prevent the pasty foodstuff from excessively adhering to the space area screens Sd1 and Sd2, and may be, for example, water (for example, water at room temperature (5 to 35 ° C.), more than room temperature. Water at a lower temperature, or water at a temperature higher than room temperature).

When releasing the pasty food from the molding molds 21 and 22 arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2, the distance between the first left split mold 21a and the first right split mold 21b and / or the second left split mold When the distance between the 22a and the second right split type 22b is increased, it is not always possible to efficiently and accurately apply the release agent 70 to the space area screens Sd1 and Sd2. On the other hand, when the molding dies 21 and 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 and the molding space Sm is filled with new paste-like foodstuffs, between the first left split dies 21a and the first right split dies 21b. The distance and the distance between the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b are small. Therefore, from the viewpoint of efficiently and accurately applying the release agent 70 to the space area screens Sd1 and Sd2, the molding dies 21 and 22 are arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 (particularly, "first". Release agent in the state of "distance between the left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b = dta1" and "distance between the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b = dta2"). It is preferable that the applying portion 41a of the applying device 41 is arranged in the molding space Sm, and the releasing agent 70 is applied to the first space section screen Sd1 and / or the second space section screen Sd2 by the imparting portion 41a. In particular, it is preferable to apply the release agent 70 to the first space section screen Sd1 and / or the second space section screen Sd2 immediately before the molding space Sm is filled with the paste-like food material.

However, the place where the mold release agent 70 is placed when the mold release agent 70 is applied to the mold is not limited, and the mold release agent 70 is applied to the mold while the mold is placed in the second horizontal region Rh2. May be granted. For example, when both the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 are composed of a single member, each of the first molding die 21 and the second molding die 22 is composed of a single member, or the first When only one of the 1 molding die 21 and the 2nd molding die 22 is composed of a single member, one or both of the 1st molding die 21 and the 2nd molding die 22 have a constant size in the horizontal direction D2. Since it has a certain cylinder-shaped hole, it is possible to efficiently and accurately apply the mold release agent 70 regardless of the placement location of the first molding mold 21 and the second molding mold 22.

[Modified examples of food manufacturing system and food manufacturing method]
In the food manufacturing system 1 and the food manufacturing method described above, a double plunger type sending device 3 including two plungers (that is, a first plunger 51 and a second plunger 52) is used, but other types of sending devices are used. 3 may be used. That is, the delivery device 3 may have an arbitrary configuration capable of receiving the paste-like food material sent at the first gauge pressure and delivering the paste-like food material at a second gauge pressure lower than the first gauge pressure.

Typically, the food manufacturing system 1 includes a supply pipe (see the first relay guide 7 described above) and a discharge pipe (see the second relay guide 8 described above) connected to the delivery device 3. No. 3 can receive the pasty food from the supply pipe and send the pasty food to the discharge pipe. In this case, the delivery device 3 sends out the paste-like food to the discharge pipe in a state where the inflow of the paste-like food from the supply pipe to the delivery device 3 is blocked, so that the paste-like food flows into the delivery device 3 from the supply pipe. It is possible to make the pressure acting on the pasty food in the discharge tube (second gauge pressure) lower than the pressure acting on (first gauge pressure). In this case, blocking the inflow of the paste-like food from the supply pipe to the delivery device 3 completely blocks the communication between the supply pipe and the delivery device 3, and the paste-like food and gas are basically sent out to the supply pipe. It is preferable that the operation is performed so as not to flow in and out of the device 3. However, such complete shutoff is not always required, and the effect of pressure from the pasty food in the supply pipe on the pasty food in the discharge pipe is at least partially reduced and released more than the pressure of the pasty food in the supply pipe. The inflow of the pasty food from the supply pipe to the delivery device 3 may be blocked so that the pressure of the pasty food in the pipe is lowered.

Such a sending device 3 may have various configurations as described above, but the plunger type sending device 3 can be configured inexpensively and simply. The plunger-type delivery device 3 typically includes a guide tube (see peripheral wall 50 above) and one or more plungers movably provided along the guide tube. In the plunger type delivery device 3, a desired amount of paste-like food material can be supplied to the delivery device 3 according to the movement along the guide pipes of one or more plungers, and a desired amount of paste-like food material is delivered. It can be discharged from the device 3 (for example, a guide tube).

Hereinafter, an example of the single plunger type transmission device 3 including one plunger will be described.

25 and 26 are schematic views showing an example of the single plunger type delivery device 3. FIG. 25 shows a state in which the supply pipe 81 and the guide pipe 83 are communicated with each other via the three-way valve 85. FIG. 26 shows a state in which the guide pipe 83 and the discharge pipe 82 are communicated with each other via the three-way valve 85. In FIGS. 25 and 26, the solid arrow indicates the moving direction of the plunger 84, and the dotted arrow indicates the moving direction of the paste-like food 100. In FIGS. 25 and 26, the elements other than the three-way valve 85 are shown in cross-sectional state, and the three-way valve 85 is shown in appearance. Further, in FIGS. 25 and 26, in order to avoid the complexity of the illustration, the illustration of the specific configuration of the three-way valve 85 is omitted, and the conceptual flow path of the paste-like food material 100 in the three-way valve 85 is shown by a dotted line. Has been done. The three-way valve 85 can have an arbitrary configuration capable of changing the communication direction, and for example, a rotary type electric three-way valve can be preferably used as the three-way valve 85. In addition, another device capable of appropriately changing the communication direction can be used instead of the three-way valve 85.

In the food manufacturing system 1 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when the paste-like food material 100 is supplied from the supply pipe 81 to the guide pipe 83 of the delivery device 3, the three-way valve 85 connects the supply pipe 81 and the guide pipe 83 to each other. At the same time, the discharge pipe 82 is shut off from the supply pipe 81 and the guide pipe 83 (see FIG. 25). In this state, the plunger 84 moves along the guide pipe 83, and the volume of the internal space communicating with the supply pipe 81 through the three-way valve 85 of the guide pipe 83 is increased, so that the internal space becomes the supply pipe 81. Filled with 100 pasty ingredients from. At this time, the plunger 84 moves along the guide pipe 83 while being in close contact with the inner surface of the guide pipe 83, and the internal space of the guide pipe 83 communicating with the supply pipe 81 via the three-way valve 85 is moved by the movement of the plunger 84. It has a negative pressure and is promoted to be filled with the paste-like food material 100 from the supply pipe 81. On the other hand, the paste-like food material 100 in the supply pipe 81 receives a relatively high pressure from the supply device 2, and has a pressure higher than the environmental pressure. Therefore, normally, the internal space of the guide pipe 83 that communicates with the supply pipe 81 via the three-way valve 85 is filled with the paste-like food material 100 quickly and without gaps as the plunger 84 moves.

After the guide pipe 83 is filled with a sufficient amount of the paste-like food material 100, the three-way valve 85 connects the discharge pipe 82 and the guide pipe 83 to each other and supplies the guide pipe 83 under the control of the control unit 40 (see FIG. 3). The pipe 81 is shut off from the discharge pipe 82 and the guide pipe 83 (see FIG. 26). In this state, the plunger 84 moves along the guide pipe 83 and reduces the volume of the internal space communicating with the discharge pipe 82 through the three-way valve 85 of the guide pipe 83, thereby reducing the volume of the internal space from the internal space to the three-way valve 85. The paste-like food material 100 is sent out to the discharge pipe 82 via the above. At this time, the discharge pipe 82 is connected to the separation device 4 placed under the environmental pressure or the vacuum pressure, and is not connected to the supply pipe 81. Therefore, the plunger 84 can move while applying a relatively low pressure to the paste-like food material 100 in the guide tube 83, and the pressure (gauge pressure) acting on the paste-like food material 100 in the discharge tube 82 is very small. can do.

The single plunger type delivery device 3 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. For example, although not shown, the first check valve that can restrict the movement of the paste-like food material 100 between the supply pipe 81 and the guide pipe 83, and the paste-like food material 100 between the discharge pipe 82 and the guide pipe 83. A valve structure including a second check valve capable of restricting the movement of the three-way valve 85 may be provided instead of the above-mentioned three-way valve 85. For example, when the pressure in the guide pipe 83 (including the pressure of the paste-like food material 100 in the guide pipe 83) is lower than the pressure of the paste-like food material 100 in the supply pipe 81, the first check valve is released from the supply pipe 81. The inflow of the pasty food material 100 into the guide pipe 83 can be allowed. On the other hand, when the pressure in the guide pipe 83 (including the pressure of the paste-like food material 100 in the guide pipe 83) is higher than the pressure of the paste-like food material 100 in the supply pipe 81, the first check valve is set to the supply pipe 81. It is possible to block the flow path of the paste-like food material 100 from the guide pipe 83 and prevent the paste-like food material 100 from flowing out from the guide pipe 83 to the supply pipe 81. When the pressure in the guide pipe 83 (including the pressure of the pasty food material 100 in the guide pipe 83) is lower than the pressure of the paste food material 100 in the discharge pipe 82, the second check valve guides the discharge pipe 82. It is possible to block the flow path of the paste-like food material 100 from the pipe 83 and prevent the paste-like food material 100 from flowing from the discharge pipe 82 into the guide pipe 83. On the other hand, when the pressure in the guide pipe 83 (including the pressure of the paste-like food material 100 in the guide pipe 83) is higher than the pressure of the paste-like food material 100 in the discharge pipe 82, the second check valve is released from the guide pipe 83. It is possible to allow the pasty food material 100 to flow into the supply pipe 81.

Check valves typically have a spherical moving body, an elastic body such as a spring that exerts an elastic force on the moving body, and a stopper that limits the movement of the moving body, but is solid between the moving body and the stopper. If an object is caught, the function of the check valve is impaired. Therefore, when the paste-like food material 100 contains a solid substance, a valve structure (for example, a rotary electric three-way valve) that does not include such a moving body and a stopper is better than a valve structure having the above-mentioned check valve. It is preferable as a valve structure included in the delivery device 3.

As described above, the single plunger type delivery device 3 is a valve for opening and closing the flow path between the plunger 84 for delivering the pasty food and the supply pipe 81, the discharge pipe 82 and the guide pipe 83 (the above-mentioned three-way method). Valve 85 and check valve) are provided separately. Further, in the single plunger type delivery device 3, since the paste-like foodstuff is sent out by one plunger, the amount of the paste-like foodstuff to be sent out is limited by the movement amount of one plunger. On the other hand, in the double plunger type delivery device 3 shown in FIGS. 6 to 19 described above, the first plunger 51 and the second plunger 52 function to deliver the pasty food, and the first port 15 and the second port 16 , And functions to open and close the flow path between the peripheral wall portions 50. Therefore, the above-mentioned double plunger type delivery device 3 does not need to separately provide a valve for opening and closing the flow path, can have a relatively simple configuration, and performs maintenance such as cleaning with a relatively light load. It is possible. Further, in the double plunger type delivery device 3, since the delivery amount of the paste-like food material is determined according to the movement amount of the two plungers, it is possible to send out a large amount of the paste-like food material in a short time.

[Other variants]
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications.

For example, the direction in which the peripheral wall portion 50 (particularly the internal space 53) of the delivery device 3 extends is not limited to the height direction D1, and may extend in the horizontal direction D2 or may extend in another direction.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the introduction needle 5a of the introduction device 5 is arranged in the molding space Sm before the paste-like food material is filled in the molding space Sm, but the paste-like food material is filled in the molding space Sm. The introduction needle 5a may be moved and placed in the molding space Sm during the period or after the pasty food material is filled in the molding space Sm.

Further, although the introduction device 5 of the above-described embodiment uses the injection method using the introduction needle 5a, the injection substance may be introduced into the paste-like food material 100 by another method. The introduction device 5 may include any device capable of localizing and quantitatively injecting a substance exhibiting a gel state into a meat-containing raw material, for example, in at least a part of a temperature range of 5 ° C. or higher. .. The introduction device 5 includes, for example, a syringe such as a syringe, an injector which is widely used for injecting a liquid substance such as a pickle liquid or a seasoning liquid into meat in the meat processing field, and the like as such a device. May be good.

Further, the introduction device 5 of the above-described embodiment is a paste-like food material arranged in the molding space Sm of the molding dies 21 and 22 arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 or a paste-like food material arranged in the second relay guide portion 8. However, the injectable substance may be introduced into the paste-like foodstuff existing in other places. For example, the injection substance may be introduced into the paste-like food material located in the filling hole 31 or the paste-like food material located in the molding space Sm of the molding dies 21 and 22 arranged in the second horizontal region Rh2. ..

Further, the introduction device 5 may not be provided, and the injection substance may not be introduced into the paste-like food material 100. For example, from the paste-like food material 100 after the substance corresponding to the above-mentioned injection substance is separated by the separation device 4 (in the above-described embodiment, the paste-like food material 100 and / or the transfer device 6 transported by the transfer device 6). May be given to the pasty food material 100) sent in the subsequent stage. Further, a substance corresponding to the injection substance may be applied to the surface of the paste-like food material 100, or the substance may be imparted to the paste-like food material 100 by placing the paste-like food material 100 on the substance corresponding to the injection substance. You may.

Further, when the paste-like food material 100 is filled in the molding space Sm, the molding space Sm is placed in a pressure state lower than the environmental pressure around the separation device 4 (for example, a vacuum lower than the atmospheric pressure) by using a device such as a vacuum pump. State). In this case, the paste-like food material 100 can be quickly and appropriately filled in the molding space Sm.

Further, the second molding mold 22 of the above-described embodiment and modified example has a period of being arranged in the first horizontal region Rh1 (including a period of filling the molding space Sm with the paste-like food material 100) and a first horizontal region Rh1. The period of movement from the second horizontal region Rh2 to the second horizontal region Rh2, the period of arrangement in the second horizontal region Rh2 (including the period during which the process of releasing the pasty food material 100 is performed), and the period above the molding space Sm to the outside. Although exposed, the upper part of the molding space Sm may be shielded from the outside during at least one of these periods. For example, when the second accommodation space Sm2 has a tapered shape such that the cross section in the horizontal direction D2 becomes smaller toward the upper side (see, for example, FIGS. 22 and 23), the second left split type 22a and the second right split type 22b By contacting and with respect to the horizontal direction D2, it is possible to prevent the molding space Sm from being exposed to the outside in the upper direction.

Further, the first molding die 21 of the above-described embodiment and modified example may block the lower part of the molding space Sm from the outside during the period of moving from the first horizontal region Rh1 to the second horizontal region Rh2. For example, when the first accommodation space Sm1 has a tapered shape such that the cross section in the horizontal direction D2 becomes smaller toward the bottom (see, for example, FIGS. 21 to 23), the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b By contacting and with respect to the horizontal direction D2, it is possible to prevent the molding space Sm from being exposed to the outside below.

Further, the supply direction and the discharge direction of the paste-like food material to the delivery device 3 and the separation device 4 are not limited. For example, the second relay guide portion 8 extending from the second port 16 may be connected to the molding space Sm from above. In this case, the paste-like food material is supplied to the molding space Sm from above. In this case, it is necessary that the lower part of the molding space Sm is closed so that the paste-like food material does not fall from the molding space Sm while the paste-like food material is supplied to the molding space Sm. In this case, the lower part of the molding space Sm can be closed by an arbitrary member, and a member other than the molding die (for example, the first mold guide portion 28) may close the lower part of the molding space Sm, or the molding die. The self (for example, the first left split type 21a and the first right split type 21b having a tapered shape and the lower portions are in contact with each other) may block the lower part of the molding space Sm.

Further, the separation device 4 does not have to include a molding die (first molding die 21 and second molding die 22). The separation device 4 may separate the paste-like food material 100 after being sent out from the delivery device 3 by a method other than molding, and the food manufacturing system 1 may not perform the molding process of the paste-like food material 100. ..

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a food manufacturing system 1 for explaining a modification of the separation device 4. The separation device 4 shown in FIG. 27 has a plurality of shutter members 4a that can be opened and closed, and is configured as a cutter that cuts the paste-like food material 100. The other components of the food manufacturing system 1 shown in FIG. 27 basically have the same configuration as that of the food manufacturing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 and operate in the same manner.

In the food manufacturing system 1 shown in FIG. 27, the paste-like food material 100 is sent from the supply device 2 to the delivery device 3 via the first relay guide unit 7, and is sent from the delivery device 3 to the second relay guide unit 8. The introduction device 5 of this modification introduces the injection substance into the paste-like food material 100 in the second relay guide unit 8. The paste-like food material 100 is released from the second relay guide unit 8 after the injection substance is injected, but the plurality of shutter members 4a of the separation device 4 provided near the discharge outlet of the second relay guide unit 8 are closed. Disconnected by performing an action. The paste-like food material 100 cut by the shutter member 4a falls and is placed on the delivery conveyor 89, and is sent to the subsequent stage by the delivery conveyor 89 as a separate food material 103.

Further, various modifications may be added to each element of the above-described embodiment and modification. Also included in the embodiments of the present disclosure are embodiments that include components and / or methods other than the components and / or methods described above. Also included in the embodiments of the present disclosure are embodiments that do not include some of the components and / or methods described above. Also disclosed are embodiments that include some components and / or methods included in certain embodiments of the present disclosure and some components and / or methods included in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Included in the embodiments. Therefore, the components and / or methods included in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications and the embodiments other than the above may be combined, and the embodiments related to such combinations are also the implementation of the present disclosure. Included in the form. Further, the effect produced by the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned effect, and a peculiar effect according to the specific configuration of each embodiment can be exhibited. In this way, various additions, changes and partial deletions can be made to each element described in the claims, the specification, the abstract and the drawings without departing from the technical idea and purpose of the present disclosure. Is.

[Paste-like ingredients]
The paste-like foodstuff contains a fluid and amorphous viscous foodstuff, and its specific constituents are not limited, and may be composed of a single kind of foodstuff or may contain a plurality of kinds of foodstuffs. May be good. For example, meat, seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, grains, fruits, seaweeds, beans, chocolates, cookies, crackers, puffs, candy, gummies and other solid ingredients, as well as eggs, milk, water, oils. , Seasonings, spices, sugars, grain flours, starches, gelling agents, thickeners and other liquid and powdered foodstuffs may also be included in the pasty foodstuffs. As described above, the pasty foodstuff may contain a solid, a liquid and / or a gas, and may contain a plurality of raw materials in different states (for example, a solid raw material and a liquid raw material). For example, spring rolls, hamburgers, croquettes, fried chicken, processed ground foods (eg fried satsuma), processed tofu foods (eg Ganmodoki), Japanese sweets (eg Imagawayaki), waffles (eg Harajuku dog (registered trademark)), etc. Ingredients used in foods such as butter, shumai and dumplings can be treated as pasty foods.

[Injectable substance]
The introduction device 5 does not limit the injection substance inside the pasty food. That is, the injection substance may contain a solid, a liquid and / or a gas, and may contain a plurality of raw materials in different states (for example, a solid raw material and a liquid raw material), which is common to the paste-like food material. It may contain raw materials and the injectable material may or may not have fluidity. For example, for pasty foods that are scheduled to be cooked (for example, frozen foods, chilled foods, or normal temperature foods), heating the pasty foods by heating during cooking (for example, heating the pasty foods to the recommended temperature range during cooking). A substance that changes state may be used as an injectable substance. As such an injectable substance, for example, a substance that changes from a solid to a liquid by heating during cooking of a pasty food, a substance that changes from a liquid to a gas, or a substance that sublimates from a solid to a gas can be used.

For example, by introducing a gel-like substance as an injection substance into a paste-like food material used as a processed meat food, the juiciness of the food can be increased.

The processed meat food is a food containing meat as a main raw material, contains auxiliary raw materials (for example, vegetables such as onions) as necessary, is cooked as necessary, and may be frozen after being cooked, for example. .. Examples of the type of meat include livestock meat (for example, beef, pork, sheep meat, horse meat, venison, goat meat, rabbit meat, etc.) and poultry meat (for example, chicken, turkey, duck meat, goose meat, etc.). As the processed meat food, one kind of meat among these meats may be used alone, or two or more kinds of meats may be mixed and used. The meat-containing raw material may contain meat as the main raw material, and the meat may be 100%. The meat may be processed into the shape of minced meat or may be cut into chunks of appropriate size and thickness. The processing into the shape of minced meat can be performed by a conventional method, and block-shaped or flake-shaped ones may be finely ground using, for example, a cutter or a chopper. The particle size of minced meat can be appropriately selected according to the type of processed meat food. For example, in the case of hamburgers, meatballs, etc., it is desirable to uniformly process them so that the average particle size is 1 to 12 mm.

Such processed meat foods include, for example, hamburger, meatballs, minced meat cutlet, meatballs, meat loaf, saute, ham, roll cabbage, salad chicken, terrible chicken, meat bun, meat dumplings, meat shumai, chicken steak, croquette, fried , Pork saute, and tonkatsu.

The gel-like substance is a gel-like substance, for example, a gel itself such as jelly (for example, agar or gelatin) or a substance containing a relatively large amount of water and in which the gel is dispersed (for example, jelly) is gel-like. Can be used as an injectable substance. In a broad sense, substances that are solid at room temperature (5-35 ° C) under standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm), but become soft and fluid when heated are also classified as gel-like substances. .. Further, a substance obtained by adding a gelling agent to a liquid (water or the like) and heating and dissolving it to prepare a gelling agent solution and cooling the gelling agent solution may be used as an injection substance. The gelling agent can also produce a substance obtained by cooling the gelling agent solution as a fluid gel. Such gelling agents include, for example, deacylated gellan gum, agar, carrageenan, pectin, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, tara gum, glucomannan, gum arabic, karaya gum, tragant gum, psyllium seed gum, pullulan, and Examples include thickening polysaccharides such as pullulan. For example, one or more substances selected from these substances may be used as the gelling agent. Further, the gelling agent may be a commercially available product or a substance in which a plurality of commercially available products are combined.

The injection substance is not limited to the one prepared using the gelling agent solution as a main raw material. For example, an ingredient whose main ingredient is minced meat that has been finely ground to 3 mm or less with a chopper or the like, an ingredient whose main ingredient is finely ground mashed potatoes, or an auxiliary ingredient such as a seasoning is further mixed with these ingredients. Can be used as an injection substance.

The content of the gel-like substance in the processed meat food is preferably 1 to 15% by weight, more preferably 2 to 8% by weight. When the content of the gel-like substance is less than 1% by weight, the juiciness of the food is poor, and when the content of the gel-like substance is more than 15% by weight, the shape retention and texture of the food are deteriorated.

1 Food manufacturing system 2 Supply device 3 Transmission device 4 Separation device 4a Shutter member 5 Introduction device 5a Introduction needle 6 Conveyor device 7 1st relay guide 8 2nd relay guide 9 Punching device 9a Punching rod 11 Hopper 15 1st Port 16 2nd port 21 1st molding mold 21a 1st left split mold 21b 1st right split mold 22 2nd molding mold 22a 2nd left split mold 22b 2nd right split mold 23a 1st mold drive unit 23b 2nd mold drive Part 24 1st left type drive device 24a Telescopic rod 25 1st right type drive device 25a Telescopic rod 26 2nd left type drive device 26a Telescopic rod 27 2nd right type drive device 27a Telescopic rod 28 1st type guide part 29 2nd Mold guide part 31 Filling hole 32 Release hole 33 Punching hole 34 Introduction hole 40 Control part 41 Mold release agent applying device 41a Applying part 45 Sensors 47 Sealing member 50 Peripheral wall part 50a Inner wall surface 51 First plunger 51a End part 52 Second plunger 52a End 53 Internal space 54 Contact surface 55 Cutter 56 Receiving 60 Drive unit 61 1st plunger drive 61a 1st air cylinder tube 61b 1st air cylinder rod 62 2nd plunger drive 62a 2nd air cylinder tube 62b 2 Air cylinder rod 63 1st connection drive unit 63a 1st connection drive tube 63b 1st connection drive rod 63c 1st connection part 64 2nd connection drive unit 64a 2nd connection drive tube 64b 2nd connection drive rod 64c 2nd connection part 65 Common connection drive unit 65a Common air cylinder tube 65b Common air cylinder rod 70 Release agent 81 Supply pipe 82 Release pipe 83 Guide pipe 84 Plunger 85 Three-way valve 89 Sending conveyor 100 Paste-like foodstuff 101 Viscous foodstuff 102 Linear foodstuff 103 Separated foodstuff D1 Height direction D2 Horizontal direction dt1 1st type distance dtb1 1st type distance dt2 2nd type distance dtb2 2nd type distance Rh1 1st horizontal area Rh2 2nd horizontal area Sd1 1st space area screen Sd2 2nd space area screen Sm Molding space Sm1 1st storage space Sm2 2nd storage space

Claims (18)

A delivery device that receives the paste-like food material sent at the first gauge pressure and sends out the paste-like food material at a second gauge pressure lower than the first gauge pressure.
A separation device that separates the pasty foodstuff after being sent out from the delivery device,
A food manufacturing system including an introduction device for introducing an injection substance into the pasty food material after being sent out from the delivery device. A supply pipe and a discharge pipe connected to the delivery device are provided.
The delivery device receives the paste-like food from the supply pipe and sends the paste-like food to the discharge pipe.
The food manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery device delivers the paste-like food to the discharge pipe in a state where the inflow of the paste-like food from the supply pipe to the delivery device is blocked. The delivery device has a guide tube and a plunger provided so as to be movable along the guide tube.
The food manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pasty foodstuff is sent out from the delivery device in response to the movement of the plunger. The sending device is
A hollow peripheral wall portion that communicates with an internal space extending in the first direction, a first port that communicates between the outside and the internal space, and the external and the internal space, and the above-mentioned in the first direction. A peripheral wall portion having a second port provided at a position different from that of the first port, and
A first plunger and a second plunger arranged so as to face each other in the first direction in the internal space, and a first plunger and a second plunger movably provided in the first direction.
A drive unit for moving the first plunger and the second plunger in the first direction is provided.
The drive unit
At least one of the first plunger and the second plunger is moved so that the space or contact surface between the first plunger and the second plunger exists at a position facing the first port. From the first plunger driving state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are arranged to the second plunger driving state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are separated from each other, the first plunger and the second plunger are moved to the second plunger driving state. The plunger is transferred, and the negative pressure generated in the region between the first plunger and the second plunger in the internal space causes the plunger to be between the first plunger and the second plunger via the first port. Introducing the pasty ingredients,
The first plunger and the second plunger are moved while maintaining the state in which the first plunger is separated from the second plunger from the second plunger driving state by moving the first plunger and the second plunger. The first plunger and the second plunger are moved to a third plunger driving state in which at least a part of the pasty food material between the two is arranged so as to face the second port.
The first plunger and the second plunger are moved from the third plunger driving state by moving at least one of the first plunger and the second plunger to bring the first plunger and the second plunger closer to each other. The first plunger and the second plunger are placed in a fourth plunger driving state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are arranged so that the space or contact surface with the plunger exists at a position facing the second port. The food manufacturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the paste-like food material between the first plunger and the second plunger is sent out through the second port. The separation device includes a first molding die having a first storage space and a second molding die having a second storage space.
At least one of the first space section screen of the first molding die for partitioning the first accommodation space and the second space section screen of the second molding die for partitioning the second accommodation space is at least partial. Has a tapered surface,
The paste-like food material after being sent out from the delivery device is filled in a molding space composed of the first storage space and the second storage space.
The food manufacturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the separation device separates the paste-like food material filled in the molding space. The food production system according to claim 5, wherein the introduction device introduces the injection substance into the pasty food material in the molding space. The first molding die is arranged below the second molding die.
The first molding die and the second molding die are provided so as to be movable in the horizontal direction and arranged in each of the first horizontal region and the second horizontal region.
The first molding mold includes a first left split mold and a first right split mold that are arranged in the horizontal direction, and includes a first left split mold and a first right split mold in which the distance between them in the horizontal direction is variable. ,
The distance between the first left split mold and the first right split mold in the horizontal direction is first in a state where the first mold and the second mold are arranged in the first horizontal region. The molding space is filled with the paste-like food material at a distance.
The distance between the first left split mold and the first right split mold in the horizontal direction is the first in a state where the first mold and the second mold are arranged in the second horizontal region. The food manufacturing system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the pasty food material is released from the molding space in a state larger than one separation distance. The second molding mold includes a second left split mold and a second right split mold that are arranged in the horizontal direction, and includes a second left split mold and a second right split mold in which the distance between them in the horizontal direction is variable. ,
The molding space is filled with the paste-like food material in a state where the distance between the second left split mold and the second right split mold in the horizontal direction is the second separation distance.
With the first molding die and the second molding die arranged in the second horizontal region, the horizontal distance between the second left split die and the second right split die is the second separation. The food manufacturing system according to claim 7, which is made larger than a distance. With the first molding die and the second molding die arranged in the first horizontal region, the first space section screen, the second space section screen, or the first space section screen and the second The food manufacturing system according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a mold release agent applying device for applying a mold release agent to both of the horizontal screens. Further, a relay guide unit for connecting the sending device and the separating device and supplying the paste-like food material sent from the sending device to the separating device is further provided.
The food manufacturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the separation device separates the paste-like food material supplied via the relay guide unit. The food manufacturing system according to claim 10, wherein the introduction device introduces the injection substance into the pasty food material in the relay guide unit. The food production according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a supply device for sending the pasty food material toward the delivery device while applying a pressure larger than the atmospheric pressure of the environment in which the separation device is placed. system. The food manufacturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the injected substance is a substance that exhibits a gel state in at least a part of a temperature range of 5 ° C. or higher. A process in which the delivery device receives the paste-like food material sent at the first gauge pressure and sends out the paste-like food material at a second gauge pressure lower than the first gauge pressure.
A step of separating the pasty food material after being sent out from the delivery device by a separation device, and
A food manufacturing method comprising a step of introducing an injection substance into the pasty food material after being sent out from the delivery device by the introduction device. The delivery device receives the paste-like food from the supply pipe and sends the paste-like food to the discharge pipe.
The food manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein the delivery device delivers the paste-like food to the discharge pipe in a state where the inflow of the paste-like food from the supply pipe to the delivery device is blocked. The sending device is
A hollow peripheral wall portion that communicates with an internal space extending in the first direction, a first port that communicates between the outside and the internal space, and the external and the internal space, and the above-mentioned in the first direction. A peripheral wall portion having a second port provided at a position different from that of the first port, and
A first plunger and a second plunger arranged so as to face each other in the first direction in the internal space, and a first plunger and a second plunger movably provided in the first direction.
A drive unit for moving the first plunger and the second plunger in the first direction is provided.
The drive unit
At least one of the first plunger and the second plunger is moved so that the space or contact surface between the first plunger and the second plunger exists at a position facing the first port. From the first plunger driving state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are arranged to the second plunger driving state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are separated from each other, the first plunger and the second plunger are moved to the second plunger driving state. The plunger is transferred, and the negative pressure generated in the region between the first plunger and the second plunger in the internal space causes the plunger to be between the first plunger and the second plunger via the first port. Introducing the pasty ingredients,
The first plunger and the second plunger are moved while maintaining the state in which the first plunger is separated from the second plunger from the second plunger driving state by moving the first plunger and the second plunger. The first plunger and the second plunger are moved to a third plunger driving state in which at least a part of the pasty food material between the two is arranged so as to face the second port.
The first plunger and the second plunger are moved from the third plunger driving state by moving at least one of the first plunger and the second plunger to bring the first plunger and the second plunger closer to each other. The first plunger and the second plunger are placed in a fourth plunger driving state in which the first plunger and the second plunger are arranged so that the space or contact surface with the plunger exists at a position facing the second port. The food production method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the pasty food material between the first plunger and the second plunger is sent out through the second port. The separation device includes a first molding die having a first storage space and a second molding die having a second storage space.
The paste-like food material after being sent out from the delivery device is filled in a molding space composed of the first storage space and the second storage space.
The food production method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the introduction device introduces the injection substance into the pasty food material in the molding space. Further, a relay guide unit for connecting the sending device and the separating device and supplying the paste-like food material sent from the sending device to the separating device is further provided.
The food production method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the introduction device introduces the injection substance into the paste-like food material in the relay guide unit.

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