JP2020156628A - Food machine, and method for sterilizing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To introduce a sterilizing agent into a decompression system by a simple constitution and control to easily and securely perform sterilization.SOLUTION: A food machine comprises: a treatment tank 2; decompression means 3 for attracting/discharging gas inside the treatment tank 2 to the outside; and pressure recovering means 4 for introducing outside air into the decompressed treatment tank 2. As the decompression means 3, a primary valve 7, a heat exchanger 8, a secondary valve 9 and a vacuum pump 10 are provided in this order in an exhaust path 6 from inside the treatment tank 2. A sterilizing agent generating part 5(18) which supplies a sterilizing agent of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles or gas into air inside the treatment tank 2 in a state where they are present individually or mixed is provided for the treatment tank 2. In a sterilization operation, while the sterilizing agent generated from the sterilizing agent generating part 5(18) is supplied into the treatment tank 2 in the state where the primary valve 7 is closed, a downstream side of the primary valve 7 is decompressed by the vacuum pump 10. Then, the primary valve 7 is opened in a state where the secondary valve 9 is closed, and the sterilizing agent is introduced into the heat exchanger 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to various food machines equipped with a heat exchanger and a vacuum pump as decompression means for depressurizing the inside of the processing tank, and a method for disinfecting the food machines.

Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a food machine provided with a heat exchanger and a vacuum pump as a decompression means is known. In this food machine, steam is used to sterilize the inside of the treatment tank and the specified area of the decompression system (in the vacuum pipe from the treatment tank to the secondary side of the heat exchanger) without storing the food in the treatment tank. It is possible.

JP 2011-200388

With the spread of electrified kitchens, the number of food machines that do not use steam is increasing. In an environment without water vapor, sterilization using water vapor as disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot be performed. In addition, even if there is steam, there are cases where it is desired to sterilize the inside of the treatment tank or the decompression system other than steam. Even when sterilizing with a sterilizing agent, it is desirable to introduce the sterilizing agent into the decompression system with a simple configuration and control to easily and surely sterilize.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a food machine capable of sterilizing the inside of a treatment tank or a reduced pressure system without using steam, and a method for sterilizing the food machine. Another object of the present invention is to provide a food machine capable of easily and surely sterilizing by introducing a sterilizing agent into a decompression system with a simple configuration and control, and a sterilizing method thereof.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the invention according to claim 1 includes a treatment tank, a decompression means for sucking and discharging the gas in the treatment tank to the outside, and the depressurized treatment. A recompression means for introducing outside air into the tank and a control means for controlling each of the means are provided, and as the decompression means, a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and the like are provided in the exhaust passage from the inside of the treatment tank. A vacuum pump is provided in order, and a disinfectant generating unit for supplying solid fine particles, liquid fine particles, or a gas disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank alone or in a mixed state is provided in the treatment tank. It is a food machine characterized by.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a food machine provided with a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a vacuum pump in order in the exhaust passage from the inside of the processing tank as a depressurizing means, the processing tank is removed. A fungal agent generating part is provided. The disinfectant generator can supply solid fine particles, liquid fine particles, or a gaseous disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank alone or in a mixed state. The disinfectant from the disinfectant generating part can disinfect the inside of the treatment tank and the decompression system.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the sterilization operation can be executed by the control means in a state where the food is not contained in the treatment tank and the door of the treatment tank is closed. The disinfectant generated from the disinfectant generating portion is supplied into the treatment tank with the primary valve closed, while the vacuum pump depressurizes the downstream side of the primary valve, and then the second. The food machine according to claim 1, wherein the primary valve is opened in a state where the secondary valve is closed.

According to the invention of claim 2, in the sterilization operation, first, the sterilizing agent generated from the sterilizing agent generating part is supplied into the treatment tank with the primary valve closed, and then the primary is supplied by the vacuum pump. Depressurize the downstream side of the valve. In this case, the inside of the treatment tank is not depressurized, the disinfectant is supplied into the air in the treatment tank, and the disinfectant of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles or gas is suspended and / or mixed in the air. After that, by opening the primary valve with the secondary valve closed, the air in the processing tank is drawn into a predetermined area of the decompression system (from the processing tank to the secondary side of the heat exchanger). At this time, the disinfectant suspended and / or mixed in the air also reaches a predetermined area of the decompression system together with the air, so that the disinfectant in the heat exchanger and the piping can be disinfected.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the sterilization operation, the primary valve is opened in a state where the secondary valve is closed and held for a set time, and then the inside of the treatment tank is depressurized by the depressurizing means. The food machine according to claim 2, wherein the inside of the processing tank is recompressed by the decompression means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the sterilization operation, the primary valve is opened and held for a set time with the secondary valve closed, so that the sterilization of the decompression system can be surely achieved. After that, the inside of the treatment tank is decompressed by the decompression means, and then the inside of the treatment tank is recompressed by the decompression means, so that the disinfectant can be discharged from the inside of the treatment tank or the decompression system. As a result, the release of the disinfectant when the door of the treatment tank is opened can be suppressed, and the safety can be enhanced.

The invention according to claim 4, wherein the disinfectant generator as the disinfectant generator is connected to the treatment tank, according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Food machine.

According to the invention of claim 4, in the disinfection operation, the disinfectant of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles or gas is used alone or in a mixed state by using the disinfectant generator connected to the treatment tank. , Can be supplied to the air in the processing tank.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the sterilization operation, a smoke agent or a fumigant is contained in the treatment tank as the sterilizing agent generating portion. The food machine according to any one of the following items.

According to the invention of claim 5, in the sterilization operation, the sterilizing agent of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles or gas is contained alone or in combination by accommodating the fumigant or fumigant in the treatment tank. Therefore, it can be supplied to the air in the treatment tank.

The invention according to claim 6 is that the primary valve is a valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the control means, and the secondary valve is a check valve that opens and closes depending on the presence or absence of operation of the vacuum pump. The food machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is characterized.

According to the invention of claim 6, since the secondary valve is a check valve that opens and closes depending on the presence or absence of operation of the vacuum pump, control is not required. Therefore, the sterilization operation can be performed while controlling the opening and closing of the primary valve.

In the invention according to claim 7, the primary valve, the heat exchanger, the secondary valve and the vacuum pump are sequentially provided in the exhaust passage from the inside of the treatment tank, while the vacuum release valve is provided in the air supply passage into the treatment tank. Is a method for disinfecting a food machine provided with, and the primary valve is closed with a disinfectant in any one or more of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles and gas, or air containing the disinfectant. In this state, the primary valve is supplied into the air in the processing tank, while the vacuum pump reduces the pressure on the downstream side of the primary valve, and the primary valve is closed. A method for disinfecting a food machine, which comprises sequentially performing a second step of opening and introducing the disinfectant in the treatment tank into the heat exchanger and a third step of opening the vacuum release valve. is there.

According to the invention according to claim 7, the primary valve, the heat exchanger, the secondary valve and the vacuum pump are provided in order in the exhaust passage from the inside of the treatment tank, while the vacuum is released in the air supply passage into the treatment tank. In a food machine provided with a valve, a disinfectant in any one or more of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles and gas, or air containing the disinfectant is used in a treatment tank and in a vacuum system. Bacteria can be eradicated in a predetermined area (from the treatment tank to the secondary side of the heat exchanger). Specifically, first, as a first step, a disinfectant (or air containing the disinfectant) is supplied into the treatment tank with the primary valve closed, while a vacuum pump is used on the downstream side of the primary valve. Is depressurized. In this case, the inside of the treatment tank is not depressurized, the disinfectant (or air containing the disinfectant) is supplied to the air in the treatment tank, and the solid fine particles, liquid fine particles or gas disinfectant is introduced into the air. Floating and / or mixed. Then, as a second step, the disinfectant in the treatment tank is introduced into the heat exchanger by opening the primary valve with the secondary valve closed. By drawing the disinfectant suspended and / or mixed in the air into the decompression system together with the air, it is possible to reliably disinfect the heat exchanger and the piping. After that, as a third step, the vacuum release valve may be opened to restore the pressure inside the processing tank to atmospheric pressure.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 is the removal of the food machine according to claim 7, wherein in the third step, the inside of the processing tank is depressurized by the vacuum pump and then the vacuum release valve is opened. It is a fungus method.

According to the invention of claim 8, in the third step, after the inside of the treatment tank is depressurized by the vacuum pump, the vacuum release valve is opened to repressurize the inside of the treatment tank, so that the disinfectant from the inside of the treatment tank or the decompression system Can be discharged. As a result, the release of the disinfectant when the door of the treatment tank is opened can be suppressed, and the safety can be enhanced.

According to the food machine of the present invention and the sterilization method thereof, it is possible to sterilize the inside of the treatment tank and the decompression system without using steam. In addition, with a simple configuration and control, a disinfectant can be introduced into the decompression system to easily and reliably disinfect.

It is the schematic which shows the food machine of one Example of this invention.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a food machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The food machine 1 of this embodiment is a vacuum cooling device, and is a processing tank 2, a depressurizing means 3 for sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2, and a depressurized treatment. A repressurizing means 4 for introducing outside air into the tank 2 to repressurize the inside of the treatment tank 2, a disinfectant generator 5 for supplying a disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank 2, and the means 3 and 4 described above. And a control means (not shown) for controlling the disinfectant generator 5 and the like.

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

The processing tank 2 is provided with one or more of the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the product temperature sensor, if desired. The pressure sensor detects the pressure in the processing tank 2, the temperature sensor detects the temperature in the processing tank 2, and the product temperature sensor detects the temperature of the food in the processing tank 2.

The depressurizing means 3 is a means for sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2. In this embodiment, the depressurizing means 3 includes a primary valve 7, a heat exchanger 8 for steam condensation, a secondary valve 9, and a water-sealed vacuum pump 10 in this order in the exhaust passage 6 from the inside of the processing tank 2. ..

The primary valve 7 is a valve whose opening and closing is controlled by a control means. The primary valve 7 may be a solenoid valve, but in consideration of the diameter of the exhaust passage 6, it is composed of an electric valve (motor valve) in this embodiment.

The heat exchanger 8 is an indirect heat exchanger that exchanges heat without mixing the fluid in the exhaust passage 6 (exhaust fluid passing through the heat exchanger 8) and the cooling water. In the heat exchanger 8, the steam in the exhaust fluid can be cooled and condensed by the cooling water. Whether or not the cooling water is passed through the heat exchanger 8 is switched by opening and closing the heat exchange water supply valve 11.

The secondary valve 9 is preferably composed of a check valve in order to eliminate the need for opening / closing control by the control means. When the secondary valve 9 is composed of a check valve, the secondary valve 9 is opened and closed by itself in conjunction with the start and stop of the vacuum pump 10. That is, the secondary valve 9 is opened while the vacuum pump 10 is operating, and the secondary valve 9 is closed while the vacuum pump 10 is stopped. However, as will be described later, the secondary valve 9 may also be composed of a valve whose opening and closing is controlled by a control means.

The vacuum pump 10 is a water-sealing type, and as is well known, the vacuum pump 10 is operated while being supplied with water called water-sealing. Therefore, water is supplied to the vacuum pump 10 through a water sealing water supply valve (not shown). The sealed water supply valve is opened and closed in conjunction with the start and stop of the vacuum pump 10.

The decompression means 4 is a means for introducing outside air into the decompressed treatment tank 2 to repressurize the inside of the treatment tank 2. In this embodiment, the pressure recovery means 4 includes an air filter 13 and a vacuum release valve 14 in order in the air supply path 12 into the treatment tank 2. When the vacuum release valve 14 is opened while the inside of the treatment tank 2 is depressurized, the outside air is introduced into the treatment tank 2 via the air filter 13 and the inside of the treatment tank 2 can be recompressed. The vacuum release valve 14 is preferably composed of a valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

The disinfectant generator 5 supplies solid fine particles, liquid fine particles, or a gaseous disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank 2 alone or in a mixed state. In other words, the disinfectant generator 5 supplies the disinfectant in any one or more of the solid fine particles, the liquid fine particles, and the gas into the air in the treatment tank 2. In the case of solid fine particles, the disinfectant is in the form of smoke, in the case of liquid fine particles, the disinfectant is in the form of mist, and in the case of gas, the disinfectant is in the form of gas. The disinfectant generator 5 supplies not only the disinfectant in the above-mentioned state but also air (or other gas) containing such a disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank 2. You may do so.

It is literally a disinfectant that is generated by the disinfectant generator 5. Therefore, for example, the steam generator (boiler) is not a disinfectant generator. That is, the gas containing only water vapor is not included in the disinfectant. In addition, sterilization means reducing the effective number of proliferative bacteria from the object.

In this embodiment, the disinfectant generator 5 is provided outside the treatment tank 2 and is connected to the treatment tank 2 via the disinfectant supply path 15. The disinfectant supply path 15 is provided with a disinfectant supply valve 16. By opening the disinfectant supply valve 16, the disinfectant (or air containing the disinfectant) from the disinfectant generator 5 can be supplied into the treatment tank 2.

The disinfectant generator 5 and the treatment tank 2 may be connected via a circulation return path 17 as shown by a broken line in FIG. 1 in addition to being connected by a disinfectant supply path 15. For example, in FIG. 1, the disinfectant generator 5 is connected to the lower part of the treatment tank 2 via the disinfectant supply path 15, and is connected to the upper part of the treatment tank 2 via the circulation return path 17. There is. The disinfectant generator 5 is provided with a fan (not shown). By operating this fan, air can be circulated between the disinfectant generator 5 and the treatment tank 2.

Specifically, by operating the fan, the air in the treatment tank 2 is returned from the circulation return path 17 to the disinfectant generator 5, and the disinfectant is mixed in the air to supply the disinfectant. It can be sent into the processing tank 2 from 15. In this way, the concentration of the disinfectant in the air in the treatment tank 2 can be increased while circulating the air in the treatment tank 2 with the disinfectant generator 5.

It is preferable to provide a circulation return valve (not shown) in the circulation return path 17. The circulation return valve is typically controlled to open and close in the same manner as the disinfectant supply valve 16. That is, when the disinfectant supply valve 16 is opened, the circulation return valve is also opened, and when the disinfectant supply valve 16 is closed, the circulation return valve is also closed.

The disinfectant supply path 15 and / or the circulation return path 17 has an air supply path 12 on the treatment tank 2 side of the vacuum release valve 14, in addition to the end portion on the treatment tank 2 side being connected to the treatment tank 2. It may be connected to the exhaust passage 6 on the processing tank 2 side of the primary valve 7. In the case of the illustrated example, the circulation return path 17 is provided so as to branch from the air supply path 12. In this way, the disinfectant generator 5 can be easily connected to the treatment tank 2.

The type of the disinfectant is not particularly limited as long as the disinfectant generator 5 generates a disinfectant in any one or more of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles and gas. For example, as a disinfectant, a mist (liquid fine particle) or gas (gas) of hypochlorous acid, or a mixture thereof can be used.

That is, the disinfectant generator 5 generates, for example, a mist of hypochlorous acid and supplies it into the treatment tank 2. In this case, the disinfectant generator 5 is provided with, for example, an ultrasonic atomizer, and atomizes an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid to generate a mist containing hypochlorous acid. Alternatively, or in addition, the disinfectant generator 5 comprises, for example, a heater to generate a gas containing hypochlorous acid. Then, the generated hypochlorous acid mist (and / or gas) may be sent into the treatment tank 2 by a fan. At this time, as described above, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the air in the treatment tank 2 can be increased to a predetermined level while circulating the gas between the disinfectant generator 5 and the treatment tank 2. Hypochlorous acid can also be obtained by electrolyzing tap water and salt (sodium chloride).

Chlorine dioxide can also be used as the disinfectant. In this case, the disinfectant generator 5 generates chlorine dioxide gas and supplies the gas into the treatment tank 2. In this case as well, the chlorine dioxide concentration in the air in the treatment tank 2 can be increased to a predetermined level while circulating the gas between the disinfectant generator 5 and the treatment tank 2. Alternatively, the disinfectant generator 5 may be provided with a gas cylinder so that a gas such as chlorine dioxide is ejected into the treatment tank 2. When a gas cylinder is used as the disinfectant generator 5, it is not necessary to install the fan and the circulation return path 17.

In addition, as in the case of the fumigant or fumigant used in Example 2 described later, the disinfectant generator 5 may generate, for example, a smoke-like (solid fine particle) disinfectant.

In any case, the disinfectant generator 5 is used to supply solid fine particles, liquid fine particles, or a gaseous disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank 2 alone or in a mixed state to disinfect the particles. The agent can be suspended and / or mixed in the air in the treatment tank 2. The size of the solid or liquid fine particles can be said to be large enough to float and / or mix in the air.

The control means is a controller (not shown) that controls the disinfectant generator 5 and the like in addition to the decompression means 3 and the decompression means 4. Specifically, the primary valve 7, the vacuum pump 10, the heat exchange water supply valve 11, the sealed water supply valve (not shown), the vacuum release valve 14, the disinfectant generator 5, the disinfectant supply valve 16, and the circulation return valve. In addition to (not shown), various sensors and an operation panel (not shown) are connected to the controller. Then, as described below, the controller follows a predetermined procedure (program) to cool the food in the treatment tank 2 and also to the inside of the treatment tank 2 and the decompression system (from the treatment tank 2 to the heat exchanger 8-2). It is said that the sterilization operation of the section up to the next side can be executed (that is, the sterilization method of this example can be implemented).

≪Cooling operation≫
The cooling operation is performed with the food in the processing tank 2 and the door of the processing tank 2 airtightly closed. In the cooling operation, the inside of the processing tank 2 is depressurized by the depressurizing means 3, the food in the processing tank 2 is cooled to a desired temperature, the depressurizing means 3 is stopped, and the inside of the processing tank 2 is atmospheric pressure by the depressurizing means 4. To repressurize. In the cooling operation, the depressurizing speed in the processing tank 2 may be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the vacuum release valve 14 while depressurizing the inside of the processing tank 2 by the depressurizing means 3.

≪Sterilization operation≫
The sterilization operation is performed with the door of the treatment tank 2 airtightly closed without storing food in the treatment tank 2. Here, when the operation panel instructs to start the sterilization operation, the first step, the second step, and the third step are sequentially included and executed as shown below.

In the first step, the disinfectant from the disinfectant generator 5 is supplied into the air in the treatment tank 2 with the primary valve 7 closed. At this time, preferably, as described above, the disinfectant is supplied into the air while circulating air between the disinfectant generator 5 and the treatment tank 2. By performing this circulation for a set supply time, the concentration of the disinfectant in the air in the treatment tank 2 can be set to the set concentration. In this way, solid, liquid or gaseous disinfectants are suspended and / or mixed in the air. For example, a mist of hypochlorous acid is suspended and / or mixed with the air in the treatment tank 2. After the completion of such treatment, the disinfectant generator 5 is stopped, and the disinfectant supply valve 16 and the circulation return valve are closed.

If the disinfectant is supplied to the inside of the treatment tank 2 after depressurization (that is, after air is removed) in the first step, the disinfectant cannot be suspended and / or mixed in the air. In particular, in the case of a disinfectant for solid fine particles or liquid fine particles, the floating state cannot be maintained without air as a medium. Even as a gas disinfectant, a large amount of disinfectant is required to restore the pressure to about atmospheric pressure. Further, even if air is introduced into the processing tank 2 in a vacuum state from the outside and a disinfectant of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles or gas is supplied to suspend and / or mix the disinfectant in air. Since the volume of air containing the disinfectant that can be supplied in one treatment is limited to the volume of the treatment tank 2, the disinfectant in the treatment tank 2 is adsorbed on the wall surface in the treatment tank 2. The concentration will be lower than the initial supply concentration. In this embodiment, in the first step, the disinfectant is supplied into the air in the treatment tank 2 without depressurizing the inside of the treatment tank 2 (that is, without removing the air from the treatment tank 2). , Inconvenience due to wall surface adsorption can be prevented.

In parallel with (or before and after) such processing, in the first step, the vacuum pump 10 is operated with the primary valve 7 closed, and the exhaust passage 6 is downstream of the primary valve 7. To reduce the pressure. At the time of this depressurization, typically, by keeping the heat exchange water valve 11 closed, it is not necessary to pass water to the heat exchanger 8. The set decompression time elapses from the start of decompression, or a pressure sensor is provided in the exhaust passage 6 (preferably between the primary valve 7 and the heat exchanger 8) on the downstream side of the primary valve 7 to set the detected pressure. When the pressure is reached, the vacuum pump 10 is stopped. By stopping the vacuum pump 10, the secondary valve (check valve) 9 is closed. As a result, the section between the primary valve 7 and the secondary valve 9 is maintained in a predetermined depressurized state.

In the second step, the primary valve 7 is opened while the secondary valve 9 is closed. As a result, the air in the treatment tank 2 (air containing the disinfectant) is introduced to a predetermined region of the decompression system (from the treatment tank 2 to the secondary side of the heat exchanger 8). By drawing the disinfectant suspended and / or mixed in the air into the decompression system together with the air, the inside of the heat exchanger 8 and the piping (the exhaust passage 6 from the treatment tank 2 to the secondary side of the heat exchanger 8). Can be reliably eradicated.

When a gas disinfectant is introduced under reduced pressure, it is expected that the disinfectant is condensed and liquefied due to the temperature drop due to adiabatic expansion, and effectively acts on the pipe wall surface and the inner surface of the heat exchanger 8. In the second step, the heat exchange water supply valve 11 may be opened and water may be passed through the heat exchanger 8. As a result, it is possible to more efficiently condense the disinfectant into the heat exchanger 8. After the opening of the primary valve 7, preferably after the set holding time elapses, the process proceeds to the next step. By waiting until the set holding time elapses after opening the primary valve 7, the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing agent can be ensured.

In the third step, the vacuum release valve 14 is opened to restore the pressure inside the processing tank 2 to atmospheric pressure. However, in the third step, before opening the vacuum release valve 14, the vacuum pump 10 is first operated to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2 to a predetermined time or a predetermined pressure, and then the vacuum pump 10 is stopped and then the vacuum is applied. The release valve 14 may be opened. As a result, the disinfectant can be discharged from the inside of the treatment tank 2 or the decompression system, so that the release of the disinfectant when the door of the treatment tank 2 is opened can be suppressed and the safety can be enhanced. In the third step, the inside of the processing tank 2 may be depressurized by the vacuum pump 10 and then depressurized to a predetermined pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, and then depressurized to a predetermined pressure by the vacuum pump 10 and then depressurized to the atmospheric pressure. ..

As described above, according to the food machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to sterilize the inside of the treatment tank 2 and the decompression system without using steam. Further, with a simple configuration and control, a sterilizing agent can be introduced into the decompression system (in the heat exchanger 8 or the vacuum pipe) to easily and surely sterilize.

Next, the food machine 1 of Example 2 of the present invention will be described. The food machine 1 of the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the differences between the two will be mainly described, and the same parts will be omitted.

In Example 1, the disinfectant generator 5 was connected to the treatment tank 2 as a disinfectant generator that supplies the disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank 2, but in the second embodiment, the disinfectant is disinfected. In operation, the "smoke agent or fumigant" 18 is housed in the treatment tank 2. That is, in FIG. 1, instead of omitting the installation of the disinfectant generator 5, the disinfectant supply path 15, and the circulation return path 17, in the disinfection operation, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line, the inside of the treatment tank 2 A fumigant or fumigant 18 is placed in the container.

The smoke agent 18 is typically an agent that diffuses the active ingredient into the air as smoke-like fine particles (sterilizer of solid fine particles) by heating. When diffusing the disinfectant, the heat of decomposition of chemicals can be used, a heat source such as an electric heater can be used, or a steamer can be used to disperse the active ingredient with heated steam.

For example, using the heat and water vapor generated when lime and water chemically react, "silver zeolite", which holds "silver ion", which is a sterilizing component, in zeolite having a three-dimensional structure is released together with smoke. The smoke agent 18 can be used. Alternatively, a smoke agent 18 that releases a smoke-like disinfectant containing isopropylmethylphenol as an active ingredient can be used.

The fumigant 18 is typically an agent that acts in a gaseous state at room temperature to sterilize the bacteria. For example, a fumigant 18 that releases a predetermined concentration of chlorine dioxide gas can be used.

In the case of the second embodiment as well, the sterilization operation (sterilization method) is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but is different in the following points.

In the second embodiment as well, in the sterilization operation, the food is not stored in the treatment tank 2, but the door of the treatment tank 2 is airtight with the fumigant or fumigant 18 stored in the treatment tank 2. close. At this time, the sterilizing agent of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles or gas is immediately (or later) released from the fumigant or fumigant 18 into the air in the treatment tank 2 alone or in a mixed state. As described above, after making predetermined preparations, the particles are housed in the processing tank 2. For example, a predetermined amount of water may be put in the container of the smoke agent 18, and a chemical solution can may be put in the container and housed in the treatment tank 2.

Then, with the door of the treatment tank 2 airtightly closed, the operation panel may instruct the start of the sterilization operation. As a result, basically, the first step, the second step, and the third step are sequentially executed as in the first embodiment.

In the first step, the vacuum pump 10 is operated with the primary valve 7 closed to reduce the pressure in the exhaust passage 6 on the downstream side of the primary valve 7. At the time of this depressurization, typically, by keeping the heat exchange water valve 11 closed, it is not necessary to pass water to the heat exchanger 8. The vacuum pump 10 is stopped when the set decompression time elapses from the start of decompression or when the detection pressure of the pressure sensor provided on the outlet side of the primary valve 7 reaches the set decompression pressure. By stopping the vacuum pump 10, the secondary valve (check valve) 9 is closed. As a result, the section between the primary valve 7 and the secondary valve 9 is maintained in a predetermined depressurized state.

During the first step (or from the start of the sterilization operation or when the door is closed (when the fumigant or the like is set) until a predetermined time elapses), in the treatment tank 2, any of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles and gas The disinfectant in one or more states is released from the fumigant or fumigant 18 into the air in the treatment tank 2. That is, the fumigant or fumigant 18 releases a smoke-like, mist-like or gaseous disinfectant.

As described above, when the pressure on the downstream side of the primary valve 7 is reduced to a predetermined value and the treatment tank 2 is completely filled with the disinfectant to a predetermined value, the process proceeds to the next step. In the first step, when the pressure in the treatment tank 2 rises to the set pressure due to heat generated from the fumigant or fumigant 18, steam, etc., the primary valve 7 is opened and the disinfectant is introduced into the decompression system. It may (that is, it may move to the second step). In any case, after the completion of the first step, the second step and the third step are sequentially executed, but since the contents of these steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

Also in the second embodiment, in the first step, the disinfectant suspended and / or mixed in the air is introduced into the predetermined area of the decompression system together with the air in the second step, and is contained in the heat exchanger 8 and the piping. Bactericidal can be easily and surely achieved.

The food machine 1 of the present invention and the sterilization method thereof are not limited to the contents of each of the above-mentioned Examples (including modified examples) and can be appropriately changed.

In particular, the food machine 1 of the present invention has (a) a treatment tank 2, a decompression means 3 for sucking and discharging the gas in the treatment tank 2 to the outside, and a recompression pressure for introducing outside air into the depressurized treatment tank 2. The means 4 and the control means for controlling the means 3 and 4 are provided. (B) As the depressurizing means 3, the primary valve 7, the heat exchanger 8, and the secondary valve 9 are provided in the exhaust passage 6 from the inside of the processing tank 2. And a vacuum pump 10 are provided in order, and (c) a disinfectant generator that supplies solid fine particles, liquid fine particles, or a gas disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank 2 alone or in a mixed state is a treatment tank. If it is provided in 2, other configurations can be changed as appropriate.

Further, in the method for disinfecting the food machine 1 of the present invention, the primary valve 7, the heat exchanger 8, the secondary valve 9 and the vacuum pump 10 are provided in order in the exhaust passage 6 from the inside of the treatment tank 2, while the treatment tank is provided. A method for sterilizing a food machine 1 in which a vacuum release valve 14 is provided in an air supply passage 12 into the air 2, wherein (a) sterilization in any one or more of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles and gas. The first step of supplying the agent or the air containing the disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank 2 with the primary valve 7 closed, while depressurizing the downstream side of the primary valve 7 by the vacuum pump 10. And (b) the second step of opening the primary valve 7 with the secondary valve 9 closed and introducing the disinfectant in the treatment tank 2 into the heat exchanger 8, and (c) the vacuum release valve. If the third step of opening 14 is performed in sequence, other contents can be changed as appropriate.

For example, what kind of disinfectant generator 5, smoke agent, fumigant 18, or the like is used as the disinfectant generator generator to generate what kind of disinfectant is not limited to each of the above examples. ..

Further, in the first embodiment, the disinfectant generator 5 is connected to the treatment tank 2, but the disinfectant generator 5 may be detachably provided to the treatment tank 2.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned examples, the disinfectant is put into the air in the treatment tank 2 from the disinfectant generator 5 (including the gas cylinder), the smoke agent, the fumigant 18, etc. without depressurizing the inside of the treatment tank 2. However, in some cases, the inside of the treatment tank 2 may be depressurized and then the disinfectant may be supplied while repressurizing. For example, in the first step, the vacuum pump 10 is operated with the primary valve 7 open, the inside of the treatment tank 2 is also depressurized, and then the primary valve 7 is closed, and the disinfectant or the disinfectant is contained. Air may be supplied into the treatment tank 2 to repressurize the pressure, and thereafter, the primary valve 7 may be opened to sterilize the heat exchanger 8 and the like in the same manner as in each of the above embodiments. In the first step, the primary valve 7 is closed (that is, some air is left in the treatment tank 2) during the depressurization by the vacuum pump 10, and the upstream side (inside the treatment tank 2) and the downstream side (heat) of the primary valve 7 are closed. A pressure difference may be provided between the switch 8) and the switch 8.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, in the sterilization operation, the first step, the second step, and the third step are sequentially executed, but the set from the first step to the third step may be repeated a plurality of times.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the secondary valve 9 is composed of a check valve, but may be composed of a shutoff valve (a solenoid valve, an electric valve, or a manual valve). In either case, the shutoff valve may be opened / closed (the start / stop of the vacuum pump 10 and the opening / closing of the shutoff valve are interlocked) in the same manner as the opening / closing of the check valve.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, if the depressurizing means 3 includes the primary valve 7, the heat exchanger 8, the secondary valve 9, and the vacuum pump 10 in this order in the exhaust passage 6 from the inside of the processing tank 2, other The configuration can be changed as appropriate. For example, in each of the above embodiments, a steam ejector may be further provided as the case may be.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, an example applied to the vacuum cooling device has been described, but if the depressurizing means 3 is provided, the application can be similarly applied to various food machines 1 other than the vacuum cooling device.

1 Food machinery 2 Treatment tank 3 Decompression means 4 Decompression means 5 Bactericidal agent generator (Bactericidal agent generator)
6 Exhaust path 7 Primary valve 8 Heat exchanger 9 Secondary valve 10 Vacuum pump 11 Heat exchange water supply valve 12 Air supply path 13 Air filter 14 Vacuum release valve 15 Bactericidal agent supply path 16 Bactericidal agent supply valve 17 Circulation return path 18 Smoke agent / Smoke agent (disinfectant generator)

Claims (8)

It is provided with a treatment tank, a decompression means for sucking and discharging the gas in the treatment tank to the outside, a decompression means for introducing outside air into the decompressed treatment tank, and a control means for controlling each of the means.
As the depressurizing means, a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a vacuum pump are sequentially provided in the exhaust passage from the inside of the processing tank.
A food machine characterized in that a disinfectant generating unit for supplying solid fine particles, liquid fine particles, or a gas disinfectant into the air in the treatment tank alone or in a mixed state is provided in the treatment tank. .. The sterilization operation can be executed by the control means in a state where food is not contained in the treatment tank and the door of the treatment tank is closed.
In the sterilization operation,
While the disinfectant generated from the disinfectant generating portion is supplied into the treatment tank with the primary valve closed, the pressure on the downstream side of the primary valve is reduced by the vacuum pump, and then the pressure is reduced.
The food machine according to claim 1, wherein the primary valve is opened in a state where the secondary valve is closed. In the sterilization operation, the primary valve is opened in a state where the secondary valve is closed and held for a set time, the inside of the treatment tank is depressurized by the decompression means, and then the inside of the treatment tank is depressurized by the decompression means. The food machine according to claim 2, wherein the pressure is restored. The food machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a disinfectant generator as the disinfectant generator is connected to the treatment tank. The food machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the sterilization operation, a smoke agent or a fumigant is housed in the treatment tank as the sterilizing agent generating unit. .. The primary valve is a valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the control means.
The food machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the secondary valve is a check valve that opens and closes depending on the presence or absence of operation of the vacuum pump. A primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a vacuum pump are provided in this order in the exhaust passage from the inside of the treatment tank, while a vacuum release valve is provided in the air supply passage into the treatment tank to sterilize food machines. It's a method
Disinfectant in any one or more of solid fine particles, liquid fine particles, and gas, or air containing the disinfectant is supplied into the air in the treatment tank with the primary valve closed. On the other hand, the first step of depressurizing the downstream side of the primary valve by the vacuum pump and
The second step of opening the primary valve with the secondary valve closed and introducing the disinfectant in the treatment tank into the heat exchanger.
A method for sterilizing a food machine, which comprises sequentially performing the third step of opening the vacuum release valve. The method for sterilizing a food machine according to claim 7, wherein in the third step, the inside of the processing tank is depressurized by the vacuum pump and then the vacuum release valve is opened.

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