JP3204638B2 - Kneading device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a kneading apparatus for kneading various materials to be kneaded (kneading materials) such as toner, semiconductor materials, cookie dough, and food materials such as bean jam to form a kneaded material.
About the installation .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A kneading apparatus utilizing planetary motion is frequently used for producing food such as bread dough, which is an example of a kneaded material. That is, when a small-diameter gear meshes around a large-diameter gear and the small gear revolves on the large gear, the small gear revolves while rotating. This movement is a planetary movement. In a kneading apparatus utilizing this, a rotation shaft meshing with the large gear is arranged around the gear, and by rotating the rotation shaft, the kneading member connected to the lower end of the rotation shaft revolves in the container. While spinning,
Knead the raw materials in the container.

In such a kneading apparatus, the kneading member in the vessel moves along a locus of a cycloid curve, so that
The raw material in the container is kneaded more efficiently than in the case of ordinary rotating blades. In order to further increase the kneading efficiency, a so-called double-shaft type kneading apparatus is known in which a plurality of rotation shafts are arranged around a large gear and kneading members are connected to lower ends of the plurality of rotation shafts. This kneading apparatus is used in combination with a hook-shaped kneading member, for example, in the manufacture of bread dough in which it is necessary to repeatedly apply a strong deformation force to the kneading material.

Further, a so-called single-shaft type kneading apparatus in which one rotating shaft is arranged around a large gear and a kneading member is connected to a lower end portion of the rotating shaft is used for producing bean jam, that is, for making bean jam. It is used in combination with a blade type kneading member.

[0005]

However, the conventional kneading apparatus has the following problems.

For example, in the manufacture of bread dough using a double-shaft kneading apparatus, the kneading operation is divided into mixing, pre-kneading and post-kneading steps depending on the state of the raw materials in the container. In the mixing step, the dry raw material, the wet raw material, and the liquid raw material are uniformly mixed in a container of the kneading device to form a dough mass.
In the pre-kneading step, a strong network is formed by repeatedly deforming the dough mass in the container.
In the post-kneading step, the kneading speed is reduced by the bread dough with the network attached to the kneading member.

[0007] As a function of the kneading apparatus, it is required that the mixing efficiency is high in the mixing step, and that the dough mass is continuously provided with strong deformation energy in the pre-kneading step and the post-kneading step.

However, in the conventional double-shaft kneading apparatus, the rotation direction and the revolving direction are uniquely set depending on the model. Further, by changing the revolution speed of the rotation shaft, the operation speed of the rotation shaft, that is, the revolution speed and the rotation speed are temporarily adjusted, but the ratio between the revolution speed and the rotation speed cannot be adjusted.

That is, if the number of times the rotation axis rotates while the rotation axis rotates once around the center of revolution is defined as a rotation coefficient, this rotation coefficient, including positive and negative, is applied to the kneading device represented by the following equation. It is a unique constant value.

The rotation coefficient is the number of teeth of a large gear / the number of teeth of a small gear. Here, in the kneading apparatus for producing dough, the rotation coefficient is naturally suitable for kneading the dough mass in the pre-kneading step. A value has been set.

However, this value does not always coincide with the rotation coefficient suitable for mixing the raw materials in the mixing step. For this reason, the mixing efficiency is sacrificed, and the time required for the process is prolonged.

On the other hand, in the post-kneading step, a strong network is formed in the dough in the pre-kneading step and the viscoelasticity of the dough is increased, so that the dough adheres as a lump to the kneading member, and together with the kneading member. In so doing, so-called batting occurs, which is hit against the inner surface of the container.
As a result, a large force does not act on the dough itself,
This also causes the process time to be extended.

[0013] The production of bread dough and the production of other foods naturally have an appropriate rotation coefficient, but it is impossible to produce any food efficiently with the same kneading apparatus. Such a problem similarly occurs when other kneaded materials such as a toner and a semiconductor material are manufactured.

On the other hand, when producing a bean jam using a single-screw kneading apparatus (hereinafter referred to as bean jam), there are the following problems.

There are various types of sweet bean paste, granulated bean paste, and many other types of sweetened bean paste. Any of these can be prepared by adding sugar to water and dissolving it by heating, then adding the raw bean paste and mixing by heating. Mixing requires some kneading, and for this reason, heating and mixing after adding bean paste, especially raw bean paste, is also called as kneading.

In the mixing and stirring at the time of kneading, the temperature, viscosity, sugar content, water content, etc. change every moment during the working process, so that a product which cannot maintain the desired quality even if kneading is too strong or too weak is produced. Is done. In the past, this mixing and stirring was performed manually, so that the stirring member could be given an appropriate speed, force, and trajectory as appropriate.However, when using a kneading device, the stirring member had a single motion, which caused a problem. appear.

That is, when the heating and dissolution of the sugar is completed, the raw strained bean paste or the granular raw bean paste boiled in water is added, followed by heating and stirring. As a result, convection is generated, so that a scraping operation (scraping operation) is mainly performed, and vigorous mixing and stirring is not required.

Here, when vigorous mixing and stirring are performed, air is mixed in and crushed. However, when the heating and stirring progress and the water content decreases and the material in the pot becomes a slurry, the sugar melts due to heat at the contact surface with the pot and the material becomes slippery, so that the material rotates together with the stirring member. And the mixing state is deteriorated, and scorching tends to occur.

[0019] For these reasons, it has been difficult for the conventional bean paste to perform an efficient operation throughout the entire process.
In addition, there is a problem that air is mixed in or the material is crushed in the early stage of the bean kneading, and burnt occurs in the later stage.
Furthermore, it is difficult to convert the kneading apparatus for producing bean paste to the production of other foods, and even in the case of the same apparatus for producing bean paste, it is necessary to use different apparatuses depending on the type of bean paste.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by performing highly efficient operations in all steps of the kneading operation for producing a kneaded material, the time required for the process can be reduced, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a kneading apparatus capable of reducing the production cost of a kneaded product and improving the quality thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kneading apparatus capable of efficiently kneading the respective kneaded materials even if the kind of the kneaded materials changes, and performing a highly efficient operation in all the kneading steps. Is to provide.

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

Kneading apparatus of the present invention, in order to solve the problems] includes a container containing a material to be kneaded, and one or more of the kneading members of kneading the kneaded material contained within the container, the one or more kneading One or a plurality of rotation shafts each supporting a member, revolving means for revolving the one or more rotation shafts using a first drive means having a variable rotation speed, and a second rotation shaft having a variable rotation speed. A rotating means for rotating the one or a plurality of rotating shafts respectively using the second driving means, and kneading the kneading material
A detection sensor for detecting information corresponding to the degree of progress;
The first drive unit and the first drive unit based on detection information of a sensor;
Control means for controlling the rotation speed by a second drive means ;
, Whereby the above object is achieved.

[0026]

Further, the kneading apparatus of the present invention comprises a container for accommodating the kneading material, one or a plurality of kneading members for kneading the kneading material contained in the container, and each supporting the one or a plurality of kneading members. One or a plurality of rotating shafts, a revolving means for revolving the one or a plurality of rotating shafts using a first driving means, and a rotating means for revolving the one or a plurality of rotating shafts using a second driving means, respectively. Rotation means, power transmission means for connecting the output shafts of the first drive means and the second drive means to each other via a clutch, and a kneading progress of the kneading material
Detection sensor for detecting information corresponding to
The first driving means and the second driving means based on the detection information of
The driving means includes a control means for controlling the rotation speed, whereby the object is achieved.

In any of the kneading apparatuses, the number of the kneading members may be plural, and each kneading member may be a hook curved like a hook. The kneading member may be a single, scraping-type blade that contacts the inner bottom surface of the container.

The operation of the present invention will be described below.

A conventional general kneading apparatus has a rotation coefficient specific to the kneading apparatus. That is, although the rotation speed changes by changing the revolution speed of the kneading member, the ratio between the two is constant, and this ratio is the rotation coefficient. On the other hand, in the method for producing a kneaded material of the present invention, a kneading device of a rotation coefficient variable type in which the rotation speed and the revolution speed can be independently controlled to control the operation speed and the rotation coefficient of the kneading member is used. . Then, in each step, the operation speed and rotation coefficient of the kneading member suitable for the kneading operation of the food material in each step are selected. less than,
The meaning of selecting a rotation coefficient specific to each process will be described.

In the kneading apparatus of the variable rotation coefficient type, the rotation coefficient is represented by the following equation.

Rotation coefficient = rotation coefficient determined by the number of gear teeth (1 + revolution speed / rotation speed) Here, the number of gear teeth refers to the number of teeth of the large gear and the number of teeth of the small gear. .

In the kneading apparatus utilizing the planetary motion, as shown in FIG. 3, the rotation shaft 42 is located at a position away from the center of revolution.
Exists, and the kneading member 30 is connected to the lower end of the rotation shaft 42, so that the kneading member 30 rotates around the center of revolution while rotating. Now, considering the trajectory of a specific point distant from the rotation center of the kneading member 30 in this planetary motion, the specific point repeats approaching / separating from the orbital center O as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. , Center of revolution O
Orbiting around.

When the rotation coefficient is positive, that is, when the rotation direction and the revolution direction are the same, as shown in FIG. 6, the specific point accelerates outward from a position close to the revolution center O and moves toward the revolution center O. At the position furthest away from the center of rotation O, then decelerates toward the center of revolution O, reaches a minimum speed at a position closest to the center of revolution O, and moves outward while increasing the speed again. Since the motion of increasing the speed toward the outside at this time is similar to the situation when writing the alphabet Q, hereinafter, the planetary motion when the rotation coefficient is positive will be referred to as Q motion.

On the other hand, when the rotation coefficient is negative, that is, when the rotation direction and the rotation direction are opposite, as shown in FIG. 7, the specific point is located at the rotation center O, contrary to the case where the rotation coefficient is positive. It decelerates outward from a near position, has a minimum speed at the position farthest from the orbital center O, then accelerates toward the orbital center O, has a maximum speed at a position closest to the orbital center O, and again. Go outward while decelerating. Since the motion increasing inward at this time is similar to the situation when writing the Greek letter γ, the planetary motion when the rotation coefficient is negative is hereinafter referred to as r motion.

[0036] The Q motion is suitable for mixing the kneading materials in the container because the motion speed is high on the outside.
Since the r-motion increases inward, it is advantageous to provide the kneading material in the container with energy for large deformation. This is the first meaning of selecting a rotation coefficient specific to each process.

When the rotation coefficient is 0, the specific point performs a circular motion at a constant distance from the center of revolution O.

The rotation coefficient in planetary motion is a rational number, generally a decimal or a fraction, and is represented by the following equation.

Rotation coefficient = a + 1 / b + 1 / c + 1 / d, where a, b, c, d... Are integers, and b <c <d.
・ It is.

Here, the integer a obtained by discarding the fraction of the rotation coefficient below the decimal point represents the working angle of the kneading member with respect to the kneading material in the container when kneading the kneading material. That is, if the angle between the trajectory of the part farthest from the rotation center of the kneading member and the orbital circle drawn by the rotation center of the kneading member is defined as the action angle of the kneading member, the raw material in this container is obtained. Is larger as the integer a of the rotation coefficient becomes larger. The working angle is preferably small when mixing the raw materials in the container, for example, but is large when applying a large force to the kneading material in the container.

FIG. 6 shows the Q motion when the rotation coefficient is 2.5, and FIG. 7 shows the r movement when the rotation coefficient is -4. Q
Although there is a difference between the motion and the r motion, in the case of FIG. 6 where the integer a of the rotation coefficient is small, the effective mixing of the kneaded material is performed because the working angle of the stirring member with respect to the kneaded material in the container is small. In the case of FIG. 7 in which the integer a of the rotation coefficient is large, a strong force can be applied to the kneaded material due to the large operating angle of the stirring member with respect to the kneaded material in the container. This is the second meaning of selecting a rotation coefficient specific to each step.

By the way, in the conventional food production method using the kneading apparatus, the working angle was constant in all the steps of the kneading operation, so that even if the kneading was carried out well, the efficiency was lowered by the mixing and the finishing following the kneading. There was a problem of doing.

In the planetary motion, the locus of the specific point always returns to the start position of the specific motion after performing the specific motion according to the rotation coefficient. If the number of revolutions before returning to the start position is defined as the number of revolutions of the trajectory cycle, the rotation coefficient when the number of revolutions of the trajectory cycle is large indicates that the specific point is repeated until the return to the start position. Because it contacts
This means that the number of intersection points between the trajectory and the farthest circle S is large.
Conversely, the rotation coefficient when the number of revolutions of the trajectory cycle is small means that the number of intersection points between the trajectory and the farthest circle S is small.

In the case of kneading the kneading material, a large number of revolutions of the trajectory period means that the kneading member operates all over the inner peripheral surface of the container, and usually a large case is good. In some processes, it may be better to give priority to other conditions at the expense of the number of revolutions of the trajectory cycle. Here, there is a third meaning of selecting a rotation coefficient specific to the process.

In the following description, the number of intersection points between the motion locus and the farthest circle S when the kneading member performs planetary motion by the number of revolutions of the locus period in the kneading of the kneading material is referred to as the number of times the container inner wall is closest to the inner wall. Is defined. This is represented by the following equation.

The number of times of the container inner wall closest approach = abcd + cd + bd + bc However, this is a case where only a, b, c, and d are set.

As described above, the rotation coefficient of the kneading apparatus used for manufacturing the kneaded material has three functions represented by one rational number. One is the distinction between the Q motion and the r motion by changing the rotation coefficient across the positive and negative, and the other is the action of the stirring member on the kneading material in the container controlled by the integer a discarded below the decimal point. Angle. And the last one is b, c, d ...
Is the number of times the inner wall of the container is approached by

In the conventional food production method using a kneading apparatus, either the Q motion or the r motion was selected in all steps of the kneading operation. Further, the working angle of the kneading member (stirring member) with respect to the raw material in the container was constant in all the steps. Furthermore, the number of times of the container inner wall closest approach was constant. For this reason, an efficient operation is performed in a specific step, but an efficient operation is not necessarily performed in other steps. As a result, the time required for the step is extended and the quality is reduced.

On the other hand, the method for producing a kneaded material of the present invention will be described by taking, as an example, the case of producing food, using a kneading apparatus having a variable rotation coefficient, and
By selecting the operation speed and rotation coefficient of the kneading member suitable for the kneading operation of the food raw material in each step, the kneading operation is performed efficiently in all the steps, and as a result, the time required for the step is reduced, and It can also be expected to improve food quality.

Further, in the kneading apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of rotation shafts respectively supporting one or a plurality of kneading members, and one or a plurality of rotation shafts using a first driving means having a variable rotation speed. Revolving means for revolving, rotating means for rotating one or a plurality of rotating shafts using the second driving means having a variable rotating speed, and rotating speeds are respectively instructed to the first and second driving means. Since the rotation speed and the revolution speed of the plurality of rotation shafts are independently controlled, the rotation coefficient is arbitrarily changed together with the operation speed of the kneading member. Therefore, even if the kind of the kneaded material changes, each kneaded material can be efficiently kneaded, and a highly efficient operation can be performed in all the kneading steps.

According to the structure in which the output shafts of the first drive means and the second drive means are connected to each other via a clutch, for example, when the first drive means is operated, the output shaft is Is transmitted to the output shaft of the second drive means via the clutch. This makes it possible to synchronize the rotation of the rotation axis with the orbital movement, and this synchronization cancels the rotation with the rotation of the rotation axis, so that the rotation axis performs only the orbital movement.

When the rotation of the first drive means is not transmitted to the output shaft of the second drive means and both drive means are operated, and the rotation axis rotates and revolves in the same direction, the two drive means The rotation axis performs the Q motion of the rotation coefficient corresponding to the rotation speed of the rotation axis. When the rotation of the first drive unit is not transmitted to the output shaft of the second drive unit, and both drive units are operated such that the rotation shaft rotates and revolves in the opposite direction, the two drive units are driven The rotation axis performs the r motion of the rotation coefficient corresponding to the rotation speed.

Therefore, when the output shafts of the first driving means and the second driving means are connected to each other via the clutch, the rotational speeds of the first driving means and the second driving means are reduced. The kneading member can selectively perform the revolving motion, the Q motion, and the r motion without any particular change.

Here, the kneading apparatus in which a plurality of kneading members are used and each kneading member is a hook curved in a hook-like shape is particularly suitable for the manufacture of bread dough or the like which is required to apply a strong deformation force to the kneading material. .

Further, the kneading apparatus having a single kneading member and a scraping type blade in contact with the inner bottom surface of the container can perform efficient stirring and mixing while preventing the kneaded material from being crushed or scorched. Particularly suitable for the production of required bean paste and the like.

[0056]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 to 7 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Embodiment 1 shows a case where food is manufactured using the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the kneading apparatus of this embodiment comprises a container 20 provided on a gantry 11 of a frame 10 and a plurality (two in this case) of kneading members 30 and 3.
A drive unit 40 is provided above the container 20 and attached to the frame 10 in order to cause the planetary gear 0 to perform a planetary motion.

The container 20 is provided with a heater 21 and the like for heating the inside of the container 20, for connection and disconnection with the driving unit 40, and for charging food materials into the container 20 and removing the raw materials. Then, the frame 10 is driven on the gantry 11 in the up-down direction and the front-back direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drive section 40 has a sleeve-shaped revolving drive shaft 41a concentrically arranged with respect to the apparatus center, and a self-rotating drive inserted inside the sleeve-shaped revolving drive shaft 41a. A shaft 41b, a plurality of (two in this case) rotation shafts 42, 42 connected to the lower end of the sleeve-shaped revolution drive shaft 41a, and a first driving the revolution drive shaft 41a.
A drive source 43a, a second drive source 43b for driving the rotation drive shaft 41b, and control means 50 for controlling the first drive source 43a and the second drive source 43b are provided. The rotation shafts 42 are connected to lower ends of the rotation shafts 42, 42, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve-shaped revolving drive shaft 41a is rotatably supported via upper and lower bearings 45a, 45a inside a sleeve-shaped bracket 44a fixed to the frame 10. The first drive source 43a that drives the revolution drive shaft 41a is a motor whose rotation direction and rotation speed are variable, that is, a motor whose rotation speed is variable between positive and negative, and a torque is applied to a pulley 46 mounted on the upper portion of the revolution drive shaft 41a. By being connected via the sensor 46a, the revolving drive shaft 41a is driven in an arbitrary direction and at an arbitrary speed.

The rotation drive shaft 41b inserted inside the sleeve-shaped revolution drive shaft 41a is connected to upper and lower bearings 45b, 45b.
By b, it can rotate independently with respect to the outer revolution drive shaft 41a. The second drive source 43b for driving the rotation drive shaft 41b includes a motor having a variable rotation direction and rotation speed,
That is, the rotation speed of the motor is variable between positive and negative, and is provided above the rotation drive shaft 41b. Then, the revolving drive shaft 41b is driven in an arbitrary direction and at an arbitrary speed by being connected to the lower rotation drive shaft 41b via the torque sensor 46b.

The plurality of rotation shafts 42, 42 connected to the lower end of the revolving drive shaft 41a are arranged vertically around the center of the device at equal intervals and at a constant distance to the center of the device. ing. These rotation shafts 42, 42
The lower end of the revolving drive shaft 41a is connected by a bracket 44b. In the bracket 44b, each rotation shaft 42 is rotatably supported by upper and lower bearings 45c, 45c, and a small gear externally fitted to the rotation shaft 42. 47b is connected to the rotation drive shaft 42a by meshing with a large gear 47a attached to the lower end of the rotation drive shaft 42a.

The kneading members 30 and 30 are
Each of the kneading members 30 is connected to a lower end portion of each of the kneading members 2 and 42, and is a hook having a hook shape suitable for kneading.

Reference numeral 48 denotes a hood attached to the frame 10 to cover the bracket 44b, and a lid for closing the opening of the container 20.
A viewing window 48a for looking into the inside of the container 20 and an exhaust pipe 48b for evacuating the inside of the container 20 are provided (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

In such a driving section 40, the first driving source 4
When the revolving drive shaft 41a is rotationally driven by 3a, the rotation is transmitted to the revolving shafts 42, 42 via the bracket 44b, so that the revolving shafts 42, 42 revolve around the device center. When the rotation drive shaft 41b is rotationally driven by the second drive source 43b, the rotation is transmitted to the large gear 47.
a and the small gears 47b transmit the rotation to each of the rotation shafts 42, whereby each of the rotation shafts 42 performs a rotation motion.

Accordingly, the plurality of kneading members 30, 30 perform a planetary motion of rotating while revolving. In addition, the rotation direction and the rotation speed of the first drive source 43a and the second drive source 43b
Since the rotation direction and the rotation speed are independently controlled, the direction and speed of the revolving motion and the rotation motion of the kneading members 30 and 30 are independently controlled, whereby the operation speed and the rotation coefficient can be controlled. Further, the torque sensors 46a, 46b
, The revolution torque and the rotation torque of the kneading members 30, 30 are detected.

The control means 50 for controlling the first drive source 43a and the second drive source 43b includes a microcomputer control device 51 and an operation panel 52. These are accommodated in the gantry 11 of the frame 10. Microcomputer controller 51
Has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and executes the processing contents shown in FIG. 5 according to a program stored in the ROM. That is, based on the revolution torque and rotation torque information of the kneading members 30, 30 given from the torque sensors 46a, 46b, the first drive source 43a and the second drive source 43b are given respective rotation direction commands and rotation speed commands.

Hereinafter, the control contents of the CPU, that is, the microcomputer control device 51 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. However, in the present embodiment, a case where bread dough is manufactured is illustrated.

The operator operates the operation panel 52 to
When the program stored in the ROM is started, the microcomputer control device 51, more specifically, the CPU fetches an operator's set input value, that is, a set condition (step S5).
1) A rotation speed command is given to the first drive source 43a and the second drive source 43b in order to set the operation speed and the rotation coefficient of the kneading members 30, 30 under these conditions (step S2). Thereby, the mixing of the raw materials in the container 20 is started.

Here, the mixing step involves mixing a dry raw material, a wet raw material and a liquid raw material. In this step, it is necessary to uniformly mix the dry raw material, the wet raw material and the liquid raw material. Is done. Therefore, as setting conditions, a low-speed operation and a rotation coefficient increasing from about 2 to about 4 are given (see FIG. 6). Since the rotation coefficient is positive, the kneading member 3
The 0,30 planetary motion becomes a Q motion in which the rotation coefficient gradually increases. Q movement is a movement that accelerates outward,
A large speed can be obtained in the vicinity of the farthest circle S. In addition, by changing the rotation coefficient, the decimal point of the rotation coefficient is changed significantly below the decimal point in the process, a large number of times of the inner wall closest to the container is obtained, and the action angle of the kneading members 30, 30 with respect to the raw material in the container 20 is obtained. Increase over time.
Thus, the kneading members 30 and 30 frequently and frequently stir the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the container 20 at the maximum peripheral speed. Therefore, the raw materials in the container 20 are efficiently mixed.

In a conventional medium speed operation suitable for the pre-kneading process and an r motion having a rotation coefficient of about −4, the kneading units 30 and 30 perform a uniform motion in which the speed increases toward the center of the container 20. Therefore, the mixing efficiency as described above cannot be obtained. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the time required for the mixing step is reduced. Also, the final degree of mixing is improved.

When the mixing is started, the microcomputer controller 5
1 takes in the detected values of the torque sensors 46a and 46b at a predetermined sampling pitch (step S3). That is,
The revolution torque value and the rotation torque value of the kneading members 30, 30 are taken in, and the total value is monitored as the kneading torque.

Here, the kneading torque value increases as the degree of mixing of the raw materials progresses.
Determines whether the rate of increase in the kneading torque value has decreased in step S4. Then, when the rate of increase has decreased, the process proceeds to step S5, where the pre-kneading process is started.

In the pre-kneading step, the dough formed into a lump is deformed by supplying energy to form a strong network. As setting conditions for this, a medium speed operation and a rotation coefficient of about -4 are given (see FIG. 7).
The operation of the kneading members 30, 30 is an r motion that increases in speed toward the central portion in the container 20, and thus is suitable for kneading bread dough.

Next, the microcomputer controller 51 takes in the detected values of the torque sensors 46a and 46b and monitors the kneading torque value in this step in the same manner as described above. Here, in the pre-kneading step, the kneading torque value increases as the degree of kneading of the raw material progresses, and thereafter decreases due to the batting phenomenon described later. Therefore, the microcomputer controller 51
In step S7, it is determined whether or not the change in the kneading torque value has reached a peak, and when the change has reached the peak, the post-kneading process is started (step S8).

In the post-kneading step, a strong network is formed in the dough in the pre-kneading step, and the viscoelasticity of the dough is increased. , 30 so as to form a so-called batting state, and energy for effective deformation is not applied. So, in this process,
As a setting condition, a value obtained by increasing the absolute value while keeping the rotation coefficient negative is given. Thereby, the working angle of the kneading members 30, 30 with respect to the raw material in the container 20 increases,
Large energy is again supplied to the viscoelastic bread dough. Therefore, the time required for the post-kneading step is reduced.
Further, the final kneading degree is also improved.

When this step is started, the kneading torque value is monitored in the same manner as described above (step S9).
In this finishing step, the kneading torque value increases again due to the application of effective energy to the dough, but eventually starts to decrease.

Then, the microcomputer controller 51 determines whether or not the kneading torque value has begun to decrease in step S10. If it is confirmed that the kneading torque value has begun to decrease, the finishing process does not need to be performed any more. The driving source 43a and the second driving source 43b are stopped, and the control process is terminated.

By the above operation, the time required for the mixing step is reduced, and the final mixing degree of the raw materials is improved. In addition, the time required for the post-kneading step is reduced, and the final kneading degree of the raw material is improved. As a result, the time required for all the steps is reduced, and the quality of the food produced by the kneading operation is improved.

In the above embodiment, the change in the physical properties of the raw material in the container 20 with the progress of the process is determined by the torque sensor 46a,
Although the configuration for making a determination based on the detection signal of 46b is adopted, the present invention is not limited to such a method. For example, in the case of a kneading operation involving heating, the inside of the container 20 is increased as the process proceeds. Container 2
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a weight change of 0 is detected by a load cell, and each process is controlled based on the detection result.
In the above embodiment, the first drive source 43a and the second
Although a separate motor is used as the drive source 43b, a configuration in which one motor is used as the drive source and the drive system is divided into two and driven by a gear reduction device or the like (Embodiment 2) FIGS. FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 2 also shows a case where food is manufactured using the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the kneading apparatus of this embodiment comprises a container 20 for accommodating the kneading material, one kneading member (blade) 30 for kneading the kneading material in the container 20, and
And a driving unit 60 for causing the two kneading members 30 to perform a planetary motion. The driving unit 60 is supported by a horizontal support frame 70. This kneading apparatus differs from the kneading apparatus of the first embodiment in the number and type of kneading members 30 and the configuration of the drive unit 60. Hereinafter, these will be described in detail.

A support frame 70 for supporting the driving unit 60
Supports the lid 22 of the container 20 at the distal end, and the gantry 71 rotates about the support shaft 72 so that the lid 2
2 and the stirring member 30 is inserted into the container 20 and taken out of the container 20.

As shown in FIG. 9, the drive unit 60 includes a sleeve-shaped revolving drive shaft 61 provided vertically in the distal end portion of the support frame 70, and a rotating shaft inserted through the sleeve-shaped revolving drive shaft 61. A drive shaft 62, a turning case 63 attached to the lower end of the revolution drive shaft 61,
And a rotation shaft 64 supported by the turning case 63 in an eccentric state.

The revolving drive shaft 61 is rotatably supported by bearings 61a, 61a in the distal end of the support frame 70. The rotation drive shaft 6 inserted inside the revolution drive shaft 61
2 also have bearings 62a, provided above and below the revolution drive shaft 61.
It is rotatably supported by 62a. Rotation drive shaft 6
2 is provided with a large gear 6 provided in the turning case 63.
3a, the intermediate gear 63b and the small gear 63c are connected to the upper end of the rotation shaft 64.

At the base of the support frame 70, a first drive source 65 for driving the revolution drive shaft 61 and a second drive source 66 for driving the rotation drive shaft 62 are provided. The first drive source 65 is a motor whose rotation direction is switchable and whose rotation speed is variable, that is, a motor whose rotation speed is variable across positive and negative. The output shaft is connected to the revolving drive shaft 61 via a chain 65a in the support frame 70 and sprockets 65b, 61b attached to the respective shafts, so that the revolving drive shaft 61 can be moved in any direction and in any direction. Drive at speed.

The second drive source 66 is also a motor whose rotation direction is switchable and whose rotation speed is variable. The output shaft of the second drive source 66 is connected to the rotation drive shaft 62, and the chain 66 a and the respective shafts in the support frame 70 are connected to each other. Attached sprocket 66
By being connected via b and 62b, the rotation drive shaft 62 is driven to rotate in an arbitrary direction and at an arbitrary speed.

The kneading member 30 that carries out planetary motion by the drive unit 60 is a scraping blade that makes line contact from the center to the peripheral edge of the inner bottom surface of the container 20. The kneading member 30 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the rotation shaft 64 by a pin 31 in order to maintain contact with the inner bottom surface of the container 20. In addition, it is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation shaft 64 in order to scrape the inner bottom surface.

In the drive section 60, when the revolution drive shaft 61 is rotationally driven by the first drive source 65, the turning case 63
Performs eccentric rotational movement, so that the rotation shaft 64 revolves around the revolving center line. When the rotation drive shaft 62 is rotationally driven by the second drive source 66, the rotation is performed by the large gear 63 a, the intermediate gear 63 b, and the small gear 6 in the turning case 63.
3c to the rotation shaft 64, the rotation shaft 6
4 performs a rotation motion.

Accordingly, the kneading member 30 performs a planetary motion in which the revolution and the rotation are combined while contacting the inner bottom surface of the container 20. In addition, since the rotation direction and rotation speed of the first drive source 65 and the rotation direction and rotation speed of the second drive source 66 are independently controlled, the kneading member 30 can control the operation speed and the rotation coefficient.

On the inner peripheral surface at the upper end of the container 20, a blade 70 abutting against the inner peripheral surface is provided with a horizontal support member 71.
The swivel case 63 is connected to the center of rotation on the lower surface of the case 63, so that the scraping operation is performed not only on the inner bottom surface of the container 20 but also on the inner peripheral surface at the upper end portion.

As described above, the kneading apparatus of the present embodiment
Used in the manufacture of food. The production method will be described below in the case of producing bean jam, that is, taking bean jam as an example.

As described above, the bean paste is manufactured through the steps of heating and dissolving the sugar and kneading the bean paste.

In the heating and dissolving of sugar, water is added to sugar and mixed by heating. In this case, since the sugar content is 60% or more, stirring is generally required. Since the mixing requires promotion of mixing of sugar and water, it is preferable to form a turbulent state. For this reason, as the motion of the kneading member 30, the r motion (rotational rotation) shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 can be changed from the orbital motion only shown in FIG. 10 (rotation coefficient = 0) or the Q motion (rotation coefficient> 0) shown in FIG. Coefficient> 0) is selected.

When the heating and dissolving of the sugar is completed, the process shifts to bean kneading, in which the raw bean paste or the raw bean paste boiled in water is added and heated and stirred. Since convection due to boiling also occurs, the scraping operation is mainly performed, and vigorous mixing and stirring is unnecessary. If vigorous mixing and agitation are performed here, air mixing and crushing rather occur.
If the mashed bean is too kneaded, too much stickiness will appear, and the granulated bean will not be a good bean jam because the grains will be crushed.

For this reason, in the first half of the bean kneading, only the orbital motion shown in FIG. 10 (rotation coefficient = 0) or the Q motion (rotation coefficient> 0) shown in FIG. .

When the heating and stirring progress in the bean kneading and the water content decreases, and the material in the container 20 is in a slurry state, the sugar is melted by heat at the contact surface with the container 20 and the material becomes slippery. Therefore, if only the orbital motion shown in FIG. 10 (rotation coefficient = 0) or the Q motion (rotation coefficient> 0) shown in FIG. 11 remains, the material in the container 20 rotates together with the kneading member 30, As the mixing state deteriorates, scorching tends to occur.

For this reason, in the latter stage of the kneading process, the r motion (coefficient of rotation> 0) shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is selected as the motion of the kneading member 30.

Here, the integer obtained by discarding the fraction of the rotation coefficient below the decimal point represents the working angle of the kneading member 30 with respect to the material in the container 20, and the working angle becomes smaller as the integer becomes smaller. When the working angle is reduced, the stirring member 3
Since 0 slides sideways with respect to the material, an effect of removing the bean sticking to the kneading member 30 can be expected.

As described above, by changing the rotation coefficient of the kneading member 30 in the positive and negative directions according to the change in the physical properties of the material accompanying the progress of the bean-making process, efficient stirring is achieved in the dissolution of sugar. In the bean kneading subsequent to the dissolution of the sugar, efficient stirring is performed without mixing of air, crushing, and burning.

Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the time required for all the steps is reduced, and the quality of the food produced by the kneading operation is improved.

(Embodiment 3) FIGS. 14 to 16 show Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The kneading apparatus according to the third embodiment is different from the kneading apparatus according to the second embodiment in a driving unit 60 that causes the kneading member 30 to perform a planetary motion.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the output shaft of the first drive source 65 for driving the revolving drive shaft 61 is connected only to the revolving drive shaft 61 in the kneading apparatus of the second embodiment. On the other hand, in the kneading apparatus of the third embodiment, the output shaft is connected to the second drive source 66 that drives the rotation drive shaft 62.
Are connected via a sprocket 65c, a chain 65d, and a clutch 68. Clutch 68
Is a one-way clutch that transmits the rotation of the first drive source 65 to the output shaft of the second drive source 66 when the first drive source 65 rotates in the forward direction, and is attached to the output shaft of the second drive source 66 here.

When the first drive source 65 is rotated in the forward direction,
As shown in FIG. 16A, the rotation of the output shaft of the first drive source 65 is transmitted to the revolving drive shaft 61 via the chain 65a, whereby the revolving drive shaft 61 outputs the output of the first drive source 65. Rotate in the same direction as the axis. Further, the rotation of the output shaft of the first drive source 65 is transmitted to the output shaft of the second drive source 66 via the chain 65d and the clutch 68, and the rotation of the output shaft is further rotated via the chain 66a. Shaft 62
, The rotation drive shaft 62 also rotates in the same positive direction as the output shaft of the first drive source 65.

As a result, the rotation shaft 64 makes a revolving motion and a rotating motion in the same direction. Here, if the number of teeth of the sprocket is set so that the rotation caused by the rotation of the rotation shaft 64 is offset, the kneading member 30 performs only the rotation shown in FIG. 10 (the rotation coefficient = 0). .

When the first driving source 65 and the second driving source 66 are both rotated in the forward direction and the rotation speed of the second driving source 66 is higher than the rotation speed of the first driving source 65, FIG.
As shown in (b), the rotation of the output shaft of the first drive source 65 is transmitted to the revolving drive shaft 61 via the chain 65a, whereby the revolving drive shaft 61 is connected to the output shaft of the first drive source 65. Rotate in the same direction. The rotation of the output shaft of the first drive source 65 is transmitted to the clutch 68 via the chain 65d. However, since the second drive source 66 rotates at a higher speed than the first drive source 65, the second drive The output shaft of the source 66 rotates at a higher speed than the clutch 68, and the rotation is transmitted to the rotation drive shaft 62 via the chain 66a, whereby the rotation drive shaft 62 is rotated at a high speed in the same direction as the revolution drive shaft 61. Rotate. As a result, the rotation speed of the rotation shaft 64 becomes faster than the revolution speed, and the kneading member 30 performs the Q motion.

The first driving source 65 is rotated in the reverse direction,
When the driving source 66 is rotated in the forward direction, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation of the first drive source 65
No rotation is transmitted to the output shaft 6 and only the revolution drive shaft 61 is rotated in the opposite direction. On the other hand, the output shaft of the second drive source 66 rotates in the forward direction, and the rotation is transmitted to the rotation drive shaft 62.
Accordingly, the rotation directions of the revolving drive shaft 61 and the revolving drive shaft 62 become opposite, and the revolving direction of the revolving shaft 64 and the revolving direction become opposite, so that the kneading member 30 performs the r motion.

As described above, by connecting the output shaft of the first drive source 65 for driving the revolution drive shaft 61 to the output shaft of the second drive source 66 for driving the rotation drive shaft 62 via the clutch 68, Even if the first drive source 65 and the second drive source 66 are not particularly variable in speed, it is possible to switch between the revolving motion, the Q motion, and the r motion only by switching the rotation direction of the first drive source 65.

However, the first driving source 65 and the second driving source 66
Is not variable, the absolute value cannot be adjusted even though the rotation coefficient can be changed in the positive or negative direction. Therefore, in an actual kneading apparatus, the first drive source 65 and the second drive source 66 are variable in speed. It is preferable that the rotation coefficient can be adjusted. Even in such a case, a wide range of rotation coefficients can be changed without performing high-precision speed control by the first drive source 65 and the second drive source 66.

Note that the clutch 68 is a one-way clutch that transmits only one-way rotation of the output shaft of the first drive source 65 to the output shaft of the second drive source 66 here.
A clutch capable of forcibly switching connection / disconnection may be used. Further, the mounting position is not limited to the position shown in the illustrated example, and it is also possible to mount it at the tip of the output shaft or the like.

(Other Embodiments) Embodiments 1, 2, and 3
In the kneading apparatus described above, a combination of a sprocket and a chain is used for transmitting rotation, but a combination of a pulley and a belt can also be used.

In the kneading apparatus of the first embodiment, the kneading members 30
Are plural, but may be one. Conversely, in the kneading apparatuses of the second and third embodiments, one kneading member 30 is used, but a plurality of kneading members may be used. That is, the drive unit 60 employed in the kneading apparatuses of the second and third embodiments can be applied to the kneading apparatus of the first embodiment, that is, the multi-shaft type driving unit 40.

Further, the present invention is not limited to bread dough and bean jam, but can be similarly applied to kneading operations of other foods such as cookie dough and soup. Furthermore, the present invention can be similarly applied to the production of other kneaded materials such as toner and semiconductor materials.

[0114]

[0115]

[0116]

[0117]

According to the kneading apparatus of the present invention , the rotation speed and the revolving speed of one or a plurality of kneading members are independently controlled, so that the rotation coefficient can be arbitrarily changed together with the operation speed of the kneading members. Even if the kind of the kneaded material changes, each kneaded material is kneaded particularly efficiently, and highly efficient operation can be performed in all the kneading steps.

Further, according to the kneading apparatus of the present invention, since the kneading progress of the kneading material in the container is monitored, each step can be performed without waste and reliably. Therefore, there is an advantage that the kneading efficiency and the quality of the kneaded material can be further improved.

Further, according to the kneading apparatus of the present invention , the output shafts of the first drive means and the second drive means are connected to each other via the clutch, so that each drive means is provided. Since the rotation coefficient can be changed in a wide range without performing high-precision speed control, there is an advantage that each driving unit can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a kneading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a driving unit of the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control contents of the microcomputer control device.

FIG. 6 is a motion trajectory diagram when the rotation coefficient in planetary motion is 2.5.

FIG. 7 is a motion trajectory diagram when the rotation coefficient in planetary motion is -4.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a main part of the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a driving unit of the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a motion trajectory diagram when the rotation coefficient in planetary motion is 0.

FIG. 11 is a motion locus diagram when the rotation coefficient in planetary motion is 2.5.

FIG. 12 is a motion trajectory diagram when the rotation coefficient in planetary motion is 1.7.

FIG. 13 is a motion trajectory diagram when the rotation coefficient in planetary motion is 2.6.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a drive unit of the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an operation explanatory view of the kneading apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 frame 20 container 30 kneading member 40 drive unit 41a revolution drive shaft 41b rotation drive shaft 42 rotation shaft 43a first drive source 43b second drive source 46a, 46b torque sensor 47a large gear 47b small gear 50 microcomputer control device 52 operation panel 60 Drive unit 61 Revolution drive shaft 62 Rotation drive shaft 64 Rotation shaft 65 First drive source 66 Second drive source 68 Clutch

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-62-19234 (JP, A) JP-A-5-70627 (JP, U) JP-A-4-22031 (JP, U) 54441 (JP, Y2) Jikken 31-17195 (JP, Y1) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B01F ^7/ 00-7/32

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A container for accommodating a kneading material, one or a plurality of kneading members for kneading the kneading material contained in the container, and one or a plurality of rotation shafts respectively supporting the one or a plurality of kneading members. Revolving means for revolving the one or more rotation shafts using a first driving means having a variable rotation speed; and one or more revolving means using a second driving means having a variable rotation speed. Rotation means for rotating the rotation axes of the kneading materials, and detection means for detecting information corresponding to the kneading progress of the kneading material.
Output sensor and the first driving means and the first driving means based on detection information of the detection sensor.
And a control means for controlling the rotation speed in the second drive means . Wherein said kneading members are a plurality, and each kneading member kneading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hook is curved in the open eye needle-like. Wherein the kneading member is a single blade of claim is a scraped surface in contact with the inner bottom surface of said container
2. The kneading device according to 1 . 4. A container for accommodating the kneading material, one or a plurality of kneading members for kneading the kneading material contained in the container, and one or a plurality of rotation shafts respectively supporting the one or a plurality of kneading members. Revolving means for revolving the one or more rotating shafts using a first driving means; rotating means for revolving the one or more rotating shafts using a second driving means, respectively; A power transmitting means for interconnecting the output shafts of the second driving means and the output shafts of the second driving means via a clutch, and a detection means for detecting information corresponding to the kneading progress of the kneading material.
Output sensor and the first driving means and
And a control means for controlling the rotation speed in the second driving means .