JP4219114B2 - Manufacturing method of thermoformed product - Google Patents

Description

【０２６３】
ここで、表１におけるコーンスターチには、通常のコーンスターチの他に、ワキシーコンスターチ、ハイアミロースコーンスターチ、工業的に処理したα化コーンスターチや架橋コーンスターチ等を含むものとする。これらの配合比率については任意であり、適宜設定される条件である。
【０２６４】
〔成形物の形状〕
成形物の具体的な形状としては、可食容器の場合、図５（ａ）・（ｂ）に示す円錐状のカップコーン８ａか、図６（ａ）・（ｂ）に示す平板状のワッフルコーン８ｂが用いられる。カップコーン８ａの具体的なサイズは、最大径５４ｍｍ、高さ１２０ｍｍ、肉厚２．０ｍｍとなっている。またワッフルコーン８ｂの具体的なサイズは、直径１５０ｍｍ、肉厚２．０ｍｍとなっている。
【０２６５】
一方、生分解性容器の場合、図７（ａ）・（ｂ）に示す四角形状で周囲に縁部が形成されたトレイ８ｃとなっている。このトレイ８ｃの具体的なサイズは、縦・横・高さが２２０ｍｍ×２２０ｍｍ×２１．５ｍｍで、肉厚３．５ｍｍとなっている。
【０２６６】
〔製造装置の構成〕
以下の各実施例および比較例では、基本的に次に述べる仕様の製造装置を用いた。
【０２６７】
図８に示すように、コンベア部６の配置は無端平板状のレイアウトとなっており、水平に広がるように配置されている。また、該コンベア部６には、複数のトング（一体金型５）が全面に取り付けられている。各トングは、５個の金型７を一列に連続して配列して構成されており、このトングが搬送されることによって金型７が連続移動可能となっている。コンベア部６においては、一方の端部（支持軸１５ａ側の端部）近傍からトングの回転移動方向に沿って、原料注入ゾーンＡ、加熱ゾーンＢ、および成形物取り出しゾーンＣの順で、各プロセスゾーンが設定されている。
【０２６８】
加熱ゾーンＢには、電源部２および給電部３を含む高周波加熱部と、ガス加熱部９（外部加熱部）とが設けられている。上記高周波加熱部における全体の高周波の出力は１００ｋＷとなっており、ガス加熱部９の外部加熱による金型温度は、特に断りのない限り１８０℃となっている。
【０２６９】
また、加熱ゾーンＢ全体で誘電加熱が可能なトング数（一体金型５の数）は２５個となっている。したがって、加熱ゾーンＢ全体で誘電加熱が可能な金型７の数は１２５個となっている。
【０２７０】
さらに、外部加熱が直接可能となっているトング数も上記と同じく２５個（金型７の数も１２５個）であるが、実際には、原料注入ゾーンＡおよび成形物取り出しゾーンＣでも、外部加熱による金型温度はほとんど低下しないので、製造装置全体で外部加熱が実施されていると見なすことができる。
【０２７１】
〔加熱ゾーンの分割パターン〕
以下の実施例では、加熱ゾーンＢを複数のサブゾーンに分割し、各サブゾーンそれぞれに高周波印加部（電源部２および給電部３）を設けて高周波を印加するが、加熱ゾーンＢの分割状態、すなわち加熱ゾーンの分割パターンについては、以下に示す分割パターン番号を用いて説明する。
【０２７２】
まず、分割パターン１ないし３は、前記実施の形態１で説明した、加熱ゾーンＢをサブゾーンｂ１およびｂ２に２分割するパターンであり、分割パターン１が図１に、分割パターン２が図１２に、分割パターン３が図１３に示す構成に対応する。
【０２７３】
次に、分割パターン４ないし６は、前記実施の形態２で説明した、加熱ゾーンＢを２分割以上に分割するパターンであり、分割パターン４が図１４に示す５分割の構成に、分割パターン５が図１５に示す５分割の構成に、分割パターン６が図１６に示す３分割の構成に対応する。
【０２７４】
次に、分割パターン７および８は、前記実施の形態３で説明した、加熱ゾーンＢに高周波の印加を休止する高周波印加休止ゾーンを設けるパターンであり、分割パターン７が図１７に、分割パターン８が図１８に示す構成に対応する。
【０２７５】
次に、分割パターン９および１０は、同じく前記実施の形態３で説明した、加熱ゾーンＢに初期段階の外部加熱単独ゾーンｂ１−１または最終段階の外部加熱単独ゾーンｂ５−１を設けるパターンであり、分割パターン９が図２６に、分割パターン１０が図２７に示す構成に対応する。なお、本実施例では、分割パターン９におけるサブゾーンｂ２・ｂ３・ｂ４・ｂ５の出力、および分割パターン１０におけるサブゾーンｂ２・ｂ３・ｂ４・ｂ５の出力は、何れも２５ｋＷ（１個の金型７に対する出力が１．０ｋＷ）に設定しており、この点だけが図２６または図２７に示す構成と異なる。
【０２７６】
次に、分割パターン１１ないし１４は、前記実施の形態５で説明した、加熱ゾーンへの入り口および出口近傍の少なくとも一方で、平板状の受電部を受けるレール状の給電部の形状を変化させる構成を備えるパターンである。このときの、サブゾーンの分割パターンそのものについては、図１４に示す５分割のパターン、すなわち分割パターン４である。
【０２７７】
そして、分割パターン１１は、この分割パターン４のサブゾーンｂ１の入り口近傍に対して、図２９（ａ）・（ｂ）に示す給電部の形状を組み合わせたものであり、分割パターン１２は、分割パターン４のサブゾーンｂ１の入り口近傍に対して、図３０（ａ）・（ｂ）に示す給電部の形状を組み合わせたものであり、分割パターン１３は、分割パターン４のサブゾーンｂ５の入り口近傍に対して、図２９（ａ）・（ｂ）に示す給電部の形状を組み合わせたものであり、分割パターン１４は、分割パターン４のサブゾーンｂ５の入り口近傍に対して、図３０（ａ）・（ｂ）に示す給電部の形状を組み合わせたものである。
【０２７８】
なお、加熱ゾーンＢをサブゾーンに分割しない比較例においても、同様に非分割パターンとする。この非分割パターンは図２５に示す構成に対応する。
【０２７９】
さらに、ガス加熱部９の配置については、分割パターン８を除く、全てパターンで、図９に示す加熱ゾーンＢ全体へ配置する外部加熱パターン１となっており、分割パターン８では、図１９に示す、サブゾーンｂ１およびｂ２にのみガス加熱部９を配置する外部加熱パターン２となっている。したがって、外部加熱パターン１および２については、各分割パターンと一体化していると見なせるので、以下の実施例では、特に言及しない。
【０２８０】
〔実施例１〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン１となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを２分割した（図１参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ａから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表２に示す。
【０２８１】
〔実施例２〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン４となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを５分割した（図１４参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ａから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表２に示す。
【０２８２】
〔実施例３〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン５となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを５分割した（図１５参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ａから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表２に示す。
【０２８３】
〔従来例〕
前記特開平１０−２３０５２７号公報に開示されている技術によって、前記原料Ａから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形した。具体的には、図２４に示すように、コンベア部６の基本的な構成は前記実施例１または２と同様である。しかしながら、各トングは、１個の金型７のみを有する構成となっており、また加熱ゾーンＢの高周波の出力が９ｋＷ、加熱ゾーンＢで誘電加熱が可能なトングの数は９個、金型７の数も同じく９個となっている。すなわち、全体的に製造装置の規模が小さくなっている。
【０２８４】
このように、従来の製造装置および製造方法によって成形物を製造した際に、前記実施例１と同様にスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表２に示す。
【０２８５】
〔比較例１〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記非分割パターンとなる、すなわち加熱ゾーンＢを分割しない（図２５参照）構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ａから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表２に示す。
【０２８６】
【表２】

【０２８７】
表２の結果から明らかなように、本発明にかかる製造方法および製造装置では、製造装置の規模が大きくなっても、加熱ゾーンＢの分割により高周波の局在化を抑制または回避できるので、スパークの発生が少なく、過加熱や絶縁破壊などを効果的に防止できることがわかる。また、本発明にかかる製造方法では、原料１４の成形性や成形物の物性も優れたものとすることができる。
【０２８８】
特に、実施例２および３の比較から明らかなように、原料Ａを用いてカップコーン８ａを成形する場合には、原料Ａの電気特性の変化が最も激しい部分であるサブゾーンｂ１の出力を低くすることによって、原料１４の成形性や成形物の物性を向上できる上に、スパークの発生もほとんど防止することが可能になる。
【０２８９】
また、原料Ａの電気特性の変化が少なくなるに伴って、サブゾーンｂ１からｂ３にかけて出力を徐々に高くすると、スパークの発生を回避しつつ効率のよい高周波加熱が可能になる。さらに、サブゾーンｂ３からｂ５にかけて出力を徐々に低くすると成形物の過加熱を防止することが可能になり、成形性の向上やスパークの発生を低減できるとともに、加熱の終了を調節することもより一層容易になる。
【０２９０】
一方、従来例のように、加熱設備の規模が小さい場合には、１個の金型７に要する高周波のエネルギーが小さくて済むので、電源部２の出力も小さくなる。それゆえ加熱ゾーンＢを分割しなくても、高周波の局在化がほとんど生じず、過加熱や絶縁破壊などはほとんど生じない。
【０２９１】
これに対して比較例のように、加熱設備の規模を大きくしても加熱ゾーンＢを分割しない場合、すなわち上記公報に開示されている従来の技術を大規模な加熱設備に応用した場合には、電源部２の出力も増大する。そのため、加熱ゾーンＢが長くなって高周波が偏在し易くなる上に、原料１４である原料Ａの高周波特性が変化することによっても、高周波が局在化し易くなったり、特定部位への高周波の集中などが生じ易くなって、過加熱や絶縁破壊などの発生を防止することができない。
【０２９２】
〔実施例４〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン６となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを３分割した（図１６参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｄから前記トレイ８ｃを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表３に示す。
【０２９３】
〔比較例２〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記非分割パターンとなるように、すなわち加熱ゾーンＢを分割しない（図２５参照）構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｄから前記トレイ８ｃを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表３に示す。
【０２９４】
【表３】

【０２９５】
表３の結果から明らかなように、本発明にかかる製造方法および製造装置では、原料１４が原料Ｄであって、得られる成形物が生分解性成形物のトレイ８ｃであっても、加熱ゾーンＢの分割により高周波の局在化を抑制または回避できるので、スパークの発生が少なく、過加熱や絶縁破壊などを効果的に防止できることがわかる。また、本発明にかかる製造方法では、原料１４の成形性や物性も優れたものとすることができる。
【０２９６】
〔実施例５〜７〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン１、２または３となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを２分割した（図１、図１２または図１３参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｄから前記トレイ８ｃを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度のみについて評価した。その結果を表４に示す。
【０２９７】
〔実施例８〜１０〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン１、２または３となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを２分割した（図１、図１２または図１３参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｃから前記ワッフルコーン８ｂを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度のみについて評価した。その結果を表４に示す。
【０２９８】
【表４】

【０２９９】
表４から明らかなように、同じように加熱ゾーンＢを２分割しても、原料１４および成形物の種類に応じて、分割パターンを変えることによって、スパークの発生頻度を大幅に低下させることが可能となる。
【０３００】
特に、原料Ｄでトレイ８ｃを成形する場合には、サブゾーンｂ１の出力を低くし、かつサブゾーンｂ１の長さを短くして、該サブゾーンｂ１で加熱可能なトング（金型７）の数を少なくすることで、加熱ゾーンＢ全体でのスパークの発生を抑制することができる。一方、原料Ｃでワッフルコーン８ｂを成形する場合には、逆にサブゾーンｂ２の出力を低くし、かつサブゾーンｂ２の長さを短くして、該サブゾーンｂ２で加熱可能なトング（金型７）の数を少なくすることで、加熱ゾーンＢ全体でのスパークの発生を抑制することができる。
【０３０１】
〔実施例１１・１２〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン５または７となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを分割した（図１５または図１７参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｂから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表５に示す。
【０３０２】
【表５】

【０３０３】
表５の結果から明らかなように、原料１４および成形物の種類に応じて、加熱成形のプロセス中に、高周波印加休止ゾーンｂ２−２を設け、外部加熱等によって緩やかに加熱を施すと、原料１４（原料Ｂ）を熟成（養生）させることが可能になるので、原料１４の成形性や完成品の物性を向上させることができる。また、原料１４（原料Ｂ）の電気特性の変化が激しい部分を外部加熱によって加熱すれば、高周波の局在化を効果的に防止して、スパークの発生頻度を低減させることができる。
【０３０４】
〔実施例１３〜１６〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン１または８となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを分割した（図１または図１８参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｂから前記カップコーン８ａを、または原料Ｃから前記ワッフルコーン８ｂを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表６に示す。
【０３０５】
【表６】

【０３０６】
表６の結果から明らかなように、原料１４および成形物の種類に応じて、加熱成形のプロセス中に、高周波印加休止ゾーンｄを設けると、高周波の局在化を効果的に防止してスパークの発生頻度を低減させることができる。また、上記高周波印加休止ゾーンｄにおいて、外部加熱等により緩やかに加熱を施すと、原料１４（原料ＢまたはＣ）を熟成（養生）させることが可能になるので、原料１４の成形性や、完成品の物性を向上させることができる。
【０３０７】
特に、Ｒ部位などに対応する湾曲している領域を、高周波印加ゾーンｄとして、高周波加熱部もガス加熱部９も設けなくても、良好な成形物が得られる上に、スパークの発生頻度を低減させるだけでなく、装置構成を簡素化することも可能になる。
【０３０８】
〔実施例１７〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン７となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを分割した（図１７参照）。さらに、ガス加熱部９による外部加熱を、金型温度が１２０℃となるように調整した。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ａから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときの原料１４の成形性、成形物の組織状態、添加物の効果の発現状態、および焼成状態について評価した。その結果を表７に示す。
【０３０９】
〔実施例１８・１９および比較例３〕
前記実施例１７において、ガス加熱部９による外部加熱を、金型温度が１６０℃、２００℃、または２４０℃になるように調整した以外は、実施例１７と同様にして前記原料Ａから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときの原料１４の成形性、成形物の組織状態、添加物の効果の発現状態、および焼成状態について評価した。その結果を表７に示す。
【０３１０】
【表７】

【０３１１】
表７の結果から明らかなように、成形性の観点から見れば、金型温度が１２０℃である場合や、２４０℃である場合は、外部加熱が好ましくないか不適切であるのに対して、金型温度が１６０℃である場合や、２００℃である場合は、外部加熱が適切となっている。
【０３１２】
具体的には、実施例１７では、金型温度が１２０℃であるため、高周波加熱に対する外部加熱の比率が低過ぎる。そのため、原料安定化ゾーンや高周波印加休止ゾーンｄでは、原料Ａの安定化が不十分となり、ある程度の成形性は得られるものの、成形性があまり良くない。一方、比較例３では、金型温度が２４０℃であるため、外部加熱の比率が高過ぎて、成形物が焦げてしまい、成形が不可能となり、外部加熱による各種特性についても評価できない。
【０３１３】
これに対して、実施例１８および１９では、金型温度が適切であるため、外部加熱と高周波加熱とのバランスが良好となる。そのため、原料安定化ゾーンや高周波印加休止ゾーンｄでは、原料Ａを十分に安定化することができ、大変良好な成形性が得られる。
【０３１４】
また、表７の結果から明らかなように、外部加熱による各種特性の付与の観点から見れば、実施例１７ないし１９のように、外部加熱と高周波加熱とのバランスを適宜変化させれば、成形物の組織状態や、添加物の効果の発現状態、焼成状態については適宜変化させることができる。したがって、成形物の用途に応じて、外部加熱の条件を変化させれば、成形物の特性を任意に変化させることができる。
【０３１５】
〔実施例２０・２１〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン４または９となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを分割した（図１４または図２６参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｅから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表８に示す。
【０３１６】
【表８】

【０３１７】
〔実施例２２・２３〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン４または１０となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを分割した（図１４または図２７参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｆから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度のみについて評価した。その結果を表９に示す。
【０３１８】
【表９】

【０３１９】
表８および表９の結果から明らかなように、原料１４および成形物の種類に応じて、加熱成形の初期段階または最終段階に、外部加熱単独ゾーンを設けると、原料１４に応じたより適切な加熱が可能になり、得られる成形物の品質を向上させることができる。また、スパークの発生頻度をより低下させることもできるので、成形物の生産性をより一層向上させることができる。
【０３２０】
〔実施例２４〜２６〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン４、１１または１２となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを分割した（図１４、図２９（ａ）・（ｂ）または図３０（ａ）・（ｂ）参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｅから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度、原料１４の成形性および成形物の物性について評価した。その結果を表１０に示す。
【０３２１】
【表１０】

【０３２２】
表１０から明らかなように、加熱の初期段階に当たるサブゾーンで、平板状の受電部４を受けるレール状の給電部３の形状を変化させて、徐々に給電のレベルを上げることにより、原料１４に応じた適切な加熱が可能になり、得られる成形物の品質を向上させることができる。
【０３２３】
〔実施例２７〜２９〕
前記仕様の製造装置において、前記分割パターン４、１３または１４となるように、加熱ゾーンＢを分割した（図１４、図３２（ａ）・（ｂ）または図３３（ａ）・（ｂ）参照）。この構成の製造装置を用いて、前記原料Ｆから前記カップコーン８ａを加熱成形し、そのときのスパーク頻度のみについて評価した。その結果を表１１に示す。
【０３２４】
【表１１】

【０３２５】
表１１の結果から明らかなように、加熱の最終段階に当たるサブゾーンで、平板状の受電部４を受けるレール状の給電部３の形状を変化させて、徐々に給電のレベルを変化させることにより、原料１４に応じたより適切な加熱が可能になる。これにより、加熱の最終段階での過剰過熱を回避できるようになり、スパークの発生頻度をより低下させることができるので、成形物の生産性をより一層向上させることができる。
【０３２６】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、加熱領域が、複数の下位領域に分割されており、各下位領域それぞれに少なくとも上記電源手段および給電手段が設けられている方法である。
【０３２７】
それゆえ上記方法では、加熱成形のために高周波を印加する領域である加熱領域を複数の下位領域に分割し、各下位領域にそれぞれ電源手段と給電手段とを設けるようになっている。そのため、加熱領域内で高周波エネルギーの集中現象の発生を抑制または回避することができる。その結果、過加熱や絶縁破壊等の発生を効果的に防止することができ、加熱成形物を非常に効率的かつ確実に製造することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３２８】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記下位領域では、移動経路に沿って連続的に配置されるレール状の給電手段によって、成形型に対して上記高周波の交流電流が印加されるとともに、上記成形型には、上記レール状の給電手段から非接触で上記高周波の交流電流を受電する受電手段が設けられている方法である。
【０３２９】
それゆえ上記方法では、移動手段により成形型が加熱領域に入った後、移動手段の移動に伴ってレール状の給電手段に沿って受電手段を備える成形型が移動することになる。そのため、成形型が加熱領域を抜けるまで、すなわち給電手段から受電手段が外れるまで加熱・乾燥処理を円滑かつ確実に継続することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３３０】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記受電手段は平板状に形成されているとともに、上記レール状の給電手段は上記受電手段に対向する対向面を有しており、上記平板状の受電手段を上記対向面に対向させることにより、非接触で高周波の交流電流を印加する方法である。
【０３３１】
それゆえ上記方法では、受電手段とこれに対向する対向面とこれらの間の空間によってコンデンサーが形成されることになる。その結果、連続的に移動する成形型に対して、非接触で給電することが可能になり、加熱・乾燥処理を円滑かつ確実に継続することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３３２】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記レール状の給電手段または受電手段は、該受電手段を介して成形型に印加される高周波の交流電流の印加レベルを変化させるように、上記成形型の移動経路に沿って、その対向面積が変化するように形成されている方法である。
【０３３３】
それゆえ上記方法では、給電のレベルを変化させるため、成形型の加熱レベルを調節することが可能となる。その結果、過剰加熱を抑えることにより、成形物の焦げやスパークを回避することが可能になり、成形物の成形性を向上させたり、所望の完成品物性を得たりすることができるという効果を奏する。特に、加熱成形の最初または最後の段階で、段階的な加熱処理を実施することができるため、成形用原料を適切に加熱成形することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３３４】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記レール状の給電手段は、移動経路に沿って上記対向面の面積が変化するように形成されている方法である。
【０３３５】
それゆえ上記方法では、対向面の面積を変化させるため、受電手段、対向面、およびその間の空間により形成されるコンデンサーの容量も変化することになる。その結果、給電のレベルを変化させて、加熱成形物への加熱を変化することが可能となり、加熱成形物の成形性を向上させたり、所望の完成品物性を得たりすることができるという効果を奏する。
【０３３６】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記レール状の給電手段は、受電手段を介して成形型に印加される高周波の交流電流の印加レベルを変化させるように、上記成形型の移動経路に沿って、その対向間隔が変化するように形成されている方法である。
【０３３７】
それゆえ上記方法でも、給電のレベルを変化させて成形型の加熱レベルを調節することが可能となる。その結果、過剰加熱を抑えることにより、成形物の焦げやスパークを回避することが可能になり、成形物の成形性を向上させたり、所望の完成品物性を得たりすることができるという効果を奏する。特に、加熱成形の最初または最後の段階で、段階的な加熱処理を実施することができるため、成形用原料を適切に加熱成形することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３３８】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記下位領域の長さは、該下位領域全体で加熱される、連続的に移動する成形型の変動率が、０．５未満となるように設定されている方法である。
【０３３９】
また、上記方法においては、さらに、上記下位領域が、成形用原料を加熱する初期段階および最終段階の少なくとも一方の段階に対応する領域に対応する場合、上記連続的に移動する成形型の変動率が、０．１未満となるように、該下位領域の長さを設定すると好ましい。
【０３４０】
それゆえ上記方法では、一つの下位領域内で高周波の交流電流を印加して誘電加熱する成形型の個数の変動を減少させることができるので、高周波の同調を安定化させることが可能となる。特に、高周波の同調が不安定化し易い加熱成形の初期段階や最終段階に、誘電加熱する成形型の個数の変動を減少させることができる。そのため、高周波の同調をより一層安定化させることが可能となり、その結果、エネルギー効率を向上させることができるだけでなく、スパーク発生を回避することも可能となるという効果を奏する。
【０３４１】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記成形型が複数の型片からなっており、該複数の型片が、給電手段から給電される給電極のブロックと、接地されている接地極のブロックとに分割可能となっており、これら各ブロックは互いに絶縁されている方法である。
【０３４２】
それゆえ上記方法では、給電極および接地極の間に成形用原料を挟持した状態で、給電極から高周波を印加することにより、成形用原料に誘電加熱を施すことができるという効果を奏する。しかも、上記成形型が複数の型片からなっており、給電極のブロックと接地極のブロックとに必ず分割できるようになっているため、成形用原料に高周波を印加することで、成形用原料を確実に誘電加熱することができるという効果も併せて奏する。
【０３４３】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記成形型が、複数の成形型を一体化してなる一体成形型である方法である。
【０３４４】
それゆえ上記方法では、多数の成形型を一体化して１個の成形型にまとめることになるので、加熱領域に一度に大量の成形型を移動させることができる。その結果、成形物の生産効率を向上することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３４５】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記加熱領域の少なくとも一部では、上記高周波の交流電流の印加による誘電加熱と、外部加熱手段による外部加熱とが併用される方法である。
【０３４６】
それゆえ上記方法では、加熱領域で、少なくとも一部で誘電加熱と外部加熱とが併用されるので、成形用原料に対しては、誘電加熱由来の急激な加熱と、外部加熱由来の熱伝導による緩やかな加熱とが同時に実施されることになる。その結果、成形用原料をより一層確実かつ十分に加熱することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３４７】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記加熱領域には、さらに上記高周波の交流電流の印加を一旦休止する高周波印加休止領域が含まれている方法である。
【０３４８】
それゆえ上記方法では、高周波印加休止領域には高周波を印加するための給電手段等を設ける必要がなくなる。そのため、上記高周波の局在化し易い部位に高周波を印加しないように加熱設備を設計することが可能になるので、高周波エネルギーの集中現象の発生をより一層確実に抑制または回避することができるという効果を奏する。また、給電手段等の配置が比較的難しい部位を高周波印加休止領域とすることによって、加熱設備の構成をより簡素化することもできるという効果も奏する。
【０３４９】
さらに、誘電加熱と外部加熱が併用される場合には、高周波印加休止領域では、外部加熱のみによる緩やかな加熱が実施されることになる。そのため、成形用原料の特性に応じて高周波印加休止領域を設定することにより、成形性の向上や所望の完成品物性を得ることができるという効果を奏する。また、成形用原料の電気特性変化の最も激しい部分に高周波印加休止領域を設定することにより、高周波エネルギーの集中現象を回避することができるという効果も奏する。加えて、加熱領域内において最も大きな出力の高周波を印加する下位領域の前段で、外部加熱のみにより緩やかな加熱処理を実施することができる。そのため、成形用原料を適切に加熱成形することができるという効果も奏する。
【０３５０】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記加熱領域に含まれる高周波印加休止領域は、成形用原料を加熱する初期段階および最終段階の少なくとも一方の段階に対応する領域に設定される方法である。
【０３５１】
それゆえ上記方法では、加熱成形の初期段階および最終段階の少なくとも一方に、高周波印加休止領域を設けるため、成形用原料に応じた加熱が可能になる。その結果、得られる加熱成形物の品質を向上させたり、生産性を向上させたりすることができるという効果を奏する。
【０３５２】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記加熱領域においては、各下位領域における成形型への上記高周波の交流電流の印加条件が互いに異なるように設定されている方法である。
【０３５３】
それゆえ上記方法では、各下位領域で異なる条件で上記高周波を印加するため、各下位領域では異なる条件で加熱を行うことができる。そのため、加熱領域全体として、高周波エネルギーの集中を抑制または回避できるような印加条件を設定できるとともに、より良好な条件で成形型を加熱することもできるため、成形用原料をより一層適切に加熱成形することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３５４】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記高周波の交流電流の印加条件には、下位領域全体における高周波の交流電流の出力、一つの成形型に対して印加される高周波の交流電流の出力、および下位領域の長さの少なくとも何れかが含まれている方法である。
【０３５５】
それゆえ上記方法では、各下位領域で、上記各条件の少なくとも何れかが異なるように設定すれば、下位領域における加熱の条件を変化させることができる。その結果、高周波エネルギーの集中を抑制または回避できるだけでなく、成形用原料をさらに一層適切に加熱成形することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３５６】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記高周波の交流電流の印加条件が、該交流電流の印加によって変化する成形用原料の特性に応じて設定される方法である。
【０３５７】
それゆえ上記方法では、成形用原料や加熱により得られる成形物の性質に応じて、各下位領域で異なる条件で交流電流を印加することが可能になる。そのため、単に高周波エネルギーの集中を抑制または回避するだけでなく、成形用原料に対してより一層適切に熱量を加えることが可能になり、成形用原料をさらに一層適切に加熱成形することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３５８】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記成形用原料として、少なくとも、デンプン質と水とを含み、流動性または可塑性を有するデンプン性含水原料が用いられるとともに、加熱成形物として焼成物が製造される方法である。
【０３５９】
それゆえ上記方法では、上記デンプン質および水を含む含水原料を加熱成形して焼成物を製造する場合に、本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法を用いるため、高品質の焼成物を高い生産効率で製造することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３６０】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記デンプン性含水原料のデンプン質として小麦粉が用いられるとともに、上記焼成物が、小麦粉を主体とする成形焼き菓子である方法である。
【０３６１】
それゆえ上記方法では、小麦粉をデンプン質として用いたデンプン性含水原料を焼成して可食容器やクッキー、ビスケットなどの成形焼き菓子を製造する場合に、本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法を用いるため、高品質の成形焼き菓子を高い生産効率で製造することができるという効果を奏する。
【０３６２】
本発明にかかる加熱成形物の製造方法は、上記方法において、上記移動手段として、複数の支持軸により回転可能に張り巡らされているコンベア手段が用いられる方法である。
【０３６３】
それゆえ上記方法では、成形型を効率的に加熱領域へ移動できるため、成形物の生産効率を向上させることができるという効果を奏する。また、無限軌道のように連続的に回転移動できるため、製造設備の設置スペースを小さくすることもできるという効果も併せて奏する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明における実施の一形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置の概略構成の一例を示す模式図である。
【図２】図１に示す製造装置の概略構成を示す回路図である。
【図３】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図１に示す製造装置に用いられる一体金型の一例を示す斜視図である。
【図４】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図１に示す製造装置に用いられる一体金型の他の例を示す斜視図である。
【図５】（ａ）は、本発明にかかる製造方法で製造される成形物としてのカップコーンの構成の一例を示す上方俯瞰図であり、（ｂ）は、（ａ）のＤ−Ｄ矢視断面図である。
【図６】（ａ）は、本発明にかかる製造方法で製造される成形物としてのワッフルコーンの構成の一例を示す上方俯瞰図であり、（ｂ）は、（ａ）のＥ−Ｅ矢視断面図である。
【図７】（ａ）は、本発明にかかる製造方法で製造される成形物としてのトレイの構成の一例を示す上方俯瞰図であり、（ｂ）は、（ａ）のＦ−Ｆ矢視断面図である。
【図８】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図１に示す製造装置に含まれるコンベア部の配置のレイアウトの一例を示す模式図である。
【図９】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図１に示す製造装置に含まれる外部加熱手段としてのガス加熱部の構成の一例を示す模式図である。
【図１０】（ａ）・（ｂ）・（ｃ）は、図１に示す製造装置に含まれる給受電部の構成を示す模式図である。
【図１１】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図１０に示す給受電部のより具体的な構成の例を示す模式図である。
【図１２】図１に示す製造装置の概略構成の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図１３】図１に示す製造装置の概略構成のさらに他の例を示す模式図である。
【図１４】本発明における実施の他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置の概略構成の一例を示す模式図である。
【図１５】図１４に示す製造装置の概略構成の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図１６】図１４に示す製造装置の概略構成の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図１７】本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置の概略構成の一例を示す模式図である。
【図１８】図１７に示す製造装置の概略構成の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図１９】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図１８に示す製造装置に含まれる外部加熱手段としてのガス加熱部の構成の一例を示す模式図である。
【図２０】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置に含まれるコンベア部の配置のレイアウトの一例を示す模式図である。
【図２１】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置に含まれるコンベア部の配置のレイアウトの他の例を示す模式図である。
【図２２】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置に含まれるコンベア部の配置のレイアウトのさらに他の例を示す模式図である。
【図２３】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置に含まれるコンベア部の配置のレイアウトのさらに他の例を示す模式図である。
【図２４】従来の製造装置の概略構成の一例を示す模式図である。
【図２５】従来の製造装置を大規模化した場合の概略構成の一例を示す模式図である。
【図２６】本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置の概略構成の一例を示す模式図である。
【図２７】図２７に示す製造装置の概略構成の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図２８】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図１０に示すレール状の給電部における入り口近傍に平板状の受電部が挿入された場合の状態を示す模式図である。
【図２９】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置において、レール状の給電部における入り口近傍に平板状の受電部が挿入された場合の状態を示す模式図である。
【図３０】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図２９に示す製造装置において、レール状の給電部における入り口近傍に平板状の受電部が挿入された場合の状態の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図３１】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図１０に示すレール状の給電部における出口近傍に平板状の受電部が挿入された場合の状態を示す模式図である。
【図３２】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置において、レール状の給電部における出口近傍に平板状の受電部が挿入された場合の状態を示す模式図である。
【図３３】（ａ）・（ｂ）は、図３２に示す製造装置において、レール状の給電部における入り口近傍に平板状の受電部が挿入された場合の状態の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図３４】（ａ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置において、Ｒ部位を含むレール状の給電部に挿入される受電部の挿入枚数の変動を示す模式図であり、（ｂ）は、上記受電部の挿入枚数の変動に伴う陽極電流値の変動を示すグラフである。
【図３５】（ａ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置において、Ｒ部位を含むレール状の給電部に挿入される受電部の挿入枚数の変動を示す模式図であり、（ｂ）は、上記受電部の挿入枚数の変動に伴う陽極電流値の変動を示すグラフである。
【図３６】（ａ）は、本発明における実施のさらに他の形態にかかる製造方法で用いられる製造装置において、直製部位からなるレール状の給電部に挿入される受電部の挿入枚数の変動を示す模式図であり、（ｂ）は、上記受電部の挿入枚数の変動に伴う陽極電流値の変動を示すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
１ 加熱部
２ 電源部（電源手段）
３ 給電部（給電手段・レール状手段）
４ 受電部（受電手段）
５ 一体金型（一体成形型）
６ コンベア部（移動手段・コンベア手段）
７ 金型（成形型）
８ａ カップコーン（焼成物・加熱成形物）
８ｂ ワッフルコーン（焼成物・加熱成形物）
８ｃ トレイ（焼成物・加熱成形物）
９ ガス加熱部（外部加熱手段）
１２ 電極ブロック（給電極）
１３ 電極ブロック（接地極）
１４ 成形用原料
３２ 側面部（対向面）
Ｂ 加熱ゾーン（加熱領域）
ｂ１・ｂ２・ｂ３・ｂ４・ｂ５ サブゾーン（下位領域）
ｂ２−２・ｄ 高周波印加休止ゾーン（高周波印加休止領域）
ｂ１−１ 外部加熱単独ゾーン（高周波印加休止領域）
ｂ５−１ 外部加熱単独ゾーン（高周波印加休止領域）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for producing a thermoformed product formed by heating a forming material in a state where the forming material is charged in a forming die, and in particular, applying a high-frequency alternating current to the forming die. Thus, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thermoformed product including a step of dielectrically heating a forming raw material.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, using a mold such as a mold, a molding raw material (raw material) is dispensed into this mold, and then the mold is heated to produce a molded product (hereinafter referred to as a mold heating method). Is widely used.
[0003]
The technique of the above-described mold heating method is also widely used in manufacturing molded baked confectionery including edible containers such as corn, monaka, and wafer. In the technical field for producing the above-mentioned molded baked confectionery, as a raw material, various starches as a main component and mixed with water, for example, viscoelastic dough or slurry dough having fluidity Etc. are used.
[0004]
Moreover, the technical field which forms the water-containing raw material which has the said starch as a main component with a shaping | molding die heating method is applied also to the field | area which manufactures a biodegradable molded object other than a molded baked confectionery. In the present specification, a thermoformed product obtained by thermoforming a hydrous raw material mainly composed of starch or the like, such as the molded baked confectionery and the biodegradable molded product, is expressed as a baked product.
[0005]
Here, in the technique of the above-described mold heating method, an external heating method in which a raw material is thermoformed by heat conduction by simply heating a mold has been used. However, in this external heating method, since the molding time is long and the production efficiency is low, and “baking unevenness” occurs due to uneven temperature of the molding die, a uniform molded product cannot be obtained. Therefore, in recent years, a high-frequency heating method has been widely used as a specific heating method in the mold heating method.
[0006]
The high-frequency heating method is generally a method in which a raw material is dielectrically heated by applying a high-frequency alternating current (hereinafter abbreviated as high-frequency) to a mold (corresponding to a heating electrode). Therefore, there is an advantage that the raw material can be uniformly heated and molded, and the heating control is easy. As a technique using this high-frequency heating method, specifically, for example, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a biodegradable molded article disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-230527 previously proposed by the present applicants Is mentioned.
[0007]
In the manufacture of a baked product such as molded baked confectionery, a continuous manufacturing process is generally used in which a number of molds are sequentially moved and heated in order to improve manufacturing efficiency. The technique of the above publication employs a non-contact method in which a high frequency is applied to a heating electrode (that is, a mold) without directly contacting the electrode or the like in the continuous manufacturing process.
[0008]
For example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the manufacturing apparatus disclosed in the technique of the above publication, the mold 7 is moved in the direction of the arrow by a conveyor unit (moving means / conveyor means) 6 arranged in an endless flat layout. In a heating zone (heating region) B, which is a region where dielectric heating is performed, a power feeding unit (power feeding means) 3 is disposed along the conveyor unit 6. In addition, the mold 7 is provided with a power receiving unit (power receiving means) corresponding to the power feeding unit 3 in a non-contact state (not shown in FIG. 24). The part is formed.
[0009]
Therefore, when the mold 7 charged with the raw material is conveyed by the conveyor unit 6 and reaches the heating zone B, a high frequency is applied from the power supply unit 3 to the mold 7 in a non-contact manner. The raw material is dielectrically heated. As a result, since the raw material can be heated efficiently and reliably, a molded product having excellent moldability and physical properties can be produced. Further, since non-contact power feeding is performed, it is possible to control the occurrence of sparks and the like in the power supply / reception unit.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above conventional technique, when a high frequency is applied to the entire heating zone B at once, a phenomenon that the high frequency is localized in a part of the heating zone B occurs. Therefore, when the scale of the manufacturing apparatus is increased, the high frequency energy is concentrated due to the localization of the high frequency. As a result, overheating occurs in the raw material at the high frequency localized portion, spark or dielectric breakdown occurs between the molds 7 (electrode portions) at the localized portion, Problems such as sparks occur.
[0011]
That is, in a large-scale manufacturing apparatus, the entire apparatus becomes very large. In addition, from the viewpoint of increasing production efficiency, the invention is not limited to the large-scale configuration described above and is often transported by the conveyor unit 6 using an integral mold in which a large number of molds 7 are arranged in parallel, for example. Therefore, the number of molds 7 conveyed to the heating zone B is considerably increased.
[0012]
Therefore, when the scale of the manufacturing apparatus is increased, the number of raw materials in the mold 7 is also greatly increased. Therefore, in the heating zone B, the output of the high frequency applied in proportion to the increase in the number of raw materials must be increased.
[0013]
For example, the case where the scale of the manufacturing apparatus is small will be described in detail. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, 22 molds 7 are attached to the outer periphery of the conveyor unit 6 and 11 molds 7 are heated in the heating zone B. Suppose that it is possible to do. If the high frequency output of the power supply unit 2 at this time is set to 9 kW, the high frequency output applied to one mold 7 is about 0.8 kW.
[0014]
In this case, since the high frequency output of the entire heating zone B is not so large, even if the high frequency is localized at a specific position in the heating zone B, no large high frequency energy is concentrated. Therefore, overheating, sparks and the like do not occur in particular, and there is almost no influence on the production of the molded product. In other words, the technique of the above publication is very suitable for a small-scale manufacturing apparatus.
[0015]
On the other hand, when the manufacturing apparatus is scaled up, the high-frequency output of the entire heating zone becomes very large, so that the high-frequency energy concentrated in a part of the heating zone increases. As a result, the concentration phenomenon of high-frequency energy, which has hardly become a problem in a small-scale manufacturing apparatus, causes even overheating, sparks, or dielectric breakdown. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the technique of the above publication to a large-scale manufacturing apparatus.
[0016]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, for example, 36 integrated molds 5 are attached to the outer periphery of the conveyor section 6, and the 25 integrated molds 5 can be heated in the heating zone B. Suppose that For example, if the integrated mold 5 is formed by integrating five molds 7, in order to apply a high frequency of about 0.8 kW to a single mold 7, like the small-scale manufacturing apparatus. The output of the power supply unit 2 must be set to 100 kW. Therefore, if calculated simply, in the above example, there is a possibility that high-frequency energy reaching 10 times or more of the case of a small scale may be concentrated.
[0017]
Moreover, when a manufacturing apparatus becomes large scale, the electric power feeding part 3 arrange | positioned in the heating zone B will become longer than the case of a small scale. For example, in FIG. 24, it was 11 molds 7 but in FIG. 25 is 25 molds 7 (integral mold 5). For this reason, depending on the shape of the power supply unit 3, uneven distribution of the high-frequency potential is more likely to occur, so it is practically difficult to provide the power supply unit 3 having a certain length or more. As a result, the efficiency of thermoforming is greatly reduced.
[0018]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to form a raw material charged in a plurality of continuously moving molds by high-frequency heating with a large-scale facility. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a heat-molded article that effectively suppresses or avoids the occurrence of a concentration phenomenon of high-frequency energy and realizes efficient and safe heating.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problems, the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention charges a molding material into a molding die having at least conductivity, and continuously moves the molding die along a movement path. In this way, the molding material is molded by dielectric heating by continuously applying a high-frequency alternating current in a non-contact manner to the moving mold from the heating region provided along the movement path. In the manufacturing method, the heating region is divided into a plurality of subregions, and each subregionEach is provided with at least power supply means and power supply means.It is characterized by that.
[0020]
  According to the above method, when a high-frequency alternating current (high-frequency) is continuously applied in a non-contact manner to a continuously moving mold, a heating region that is a region to which the high-frequency is applied is divided into a plurality of lower regions. Divided into subregionsEach is provided with a power supply means and a power supply means. for that reasonThe occurrence of the high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon in the heating region can be suppressed or avoided. As a result, the occurrence of overheating, dielectric breakdown, etc. can be effectively prevented, and the thermoformed product can be produced very efficiently and reliably.
[0021]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, in the lower region, the high-frequency alternating current is applied to the mold by the rail-shaped power feeding means continuously arranged along the movement path. In addition, the mold is provided with power receiving means for receiving the high-frequency AC current in a non-contact manner from the rail-shaped power supply means.
[0022]
According to the above method, since the rail-shaped power feeding means is provided in the heating area and the power receiving means is provided so as to correspond thereto, the movement of the moving means after the mold enters the heating area by the moving means. Along with this, the molding die including the power receiving means moves along the rail-shaped power feeding means. Therefore, the heating / drying process can be continued smoothly and reliably until the molding die passes through the heating region, that is, until the power receiving means is detached from the power feeding means.
[0023]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is the method described above, wherein the power receiving means is formed in a flat plate shape, and the rail-shaped power feeding means has a facing surface facing the power receiving means, A high-frequency alternating current is applied in a non-contact manner by causing the flat power receiving means to face the facing surface.
[0024]
According to the above method, the power receiving means moves along the rail-shaped power feeding means in a state where the flat power receiving means faces the opposing surface of the power feeding means in a non-contact manner. At this time, a capacitor is formed by the power receiving means, the facing surface facing the power receiving means, and the space between them. As a result, it is possible to supply power to the continuously moving mold without contact, and the heating / drying process can be continued smoothly and reliably.
[0025]
The method for manufacturing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is such that, in the above method, the rail-shaped power feeding means or power receiving means changes an application level of a high-frequency alternating current applied to the mold through the power receiving means. Further, it is characterized in that it is formed so that its facing area changes along the movement path of the mold.
[0026]
According to the above method, since the power supply level is changed, the heating level of the mold can be adjusted. As a result, by suppressing excessive heating, it is possible to avoid scorching and sparking of the molded product, and it is possible to improve the moldability of the molded product and obtain desired finished product properties. In particular, since a stepwise heat treatment can be performed at the first or last stage of thermoforming, the molding material can be appropriately thermoformed.
[0027]
The method for manufacturing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, the rail-shaped power feeding means is formed so that the area of the facing surface changes along the movement path.
[0028]
According to the above method, since the area of the facing surface provided in the power feeding means is changed with the movement of the molding die, the facing area between the facing surface and the power receiving means is changed. For this reason, the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the power receiving means, the opposing surface, and the space between them also changes. As a result, it is possible to change the power supply level and change the heating of the heat-molded product, thereby improving the moldability of the heat-molded product and obtaining desired finished product properties.
[0029]
The method for manufacturing a heat-molded product according to the present invention is the method described above, wherein the rail-shaped power feeding means changes the application level of a high-frequency alternating current applied to the mold via the power receiving means. It is characterized in that it is formed so that the distance between the opposing surfaces changes along the movement path of the mold.
[0030]
Also by the above method, the heating level of the mold can be adjusted by changing the power supply level. As a result, by suppressing excessive heating, it is possible to avoid scorching and sparking of the molded product, and it is possible to improve the moldability of the molded product and obtain desired finished product properties. In particular, since a stepwise heat treatment can be performed at the first or last stage of thermoforming, the molding material can be appropriately thermoformed.
[0031]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, the length of the lower region is heated in the entire lower region, and the variation rate of the continuously moving mold is less than 0.5. It is set so that it becomes.
[0032]
According to the above method, it is possible to reduce the variation in the number of molds that are dielectrically heated by applying a high-frequency alternating current in one subregion, so that the high-frequency tuning can be stabilized, and the anode The increase / decrease in the current value can also be reduced. As a result, not only can energy efficiency be improved, but also the occurrence of sparks can be avoided.
[0033]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, when the lower region corresponds to a region corresponding to at least one of an initial stage and a final stage of heating the forming raw material, The length of the lower region is set so that the variation rate of the moving mold is less than 0.1.
[0034]
According to the above method, it is possible to reduce fluctuations in the number of molds that are dielectrically heated, particularly in the initial stage and the final stage of heat forming, in which high-frequency tuning is likely to become unstable. For this reason, it is possible to further stabilize the tuning of the high frequency, and as a result, it is possible to further improve the energy efficiency and more reliably avoid the occurrence of sparks.
[0035]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, the mold is composed of a plurality of mold pieces, and the plurality of mold pieces are grounded to a block of a feed electrode fed from a power feeding means. It is possible to divide into blocks of grounding electrodes, and these blocks are insulated from each other.
[0036]
According to the above method, the mold is composed of a combination of a supply electrode and a ground electrode that are insulated from each other. Therefore, dielectric heating can be applied to the forming raw material by applying a high frequency from the supply electrode in a state where the forming raw material is sandwiched between the supply electrode and the ground electrode. In addition, the mold is composed of a plurality of mold pieces and can be divided into a supply electrode block and a ground electrode block. Therefore, by applying a high frequency to the molding material that is the heating target, the molding material can be reliably dielectrically heated.
[0037]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, the mold is an integral mold formed by integrating a plurality of molds.
[0038]
According to the above method, since a large number of molds are integrated into one mold, a large number of molds can be moved to the heating region at a time. As a result, the production efficiency of the molded product can be improved.
[0039]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the method described above, in at least a part of the heating region, dielectric heating by application of the high-frequency alternating current and external heating by an external heating means are used in combination. It is a feature.
[0040]
According to the above method, since dielectric heating and external heating are used in combination in at least a part of the heating region, for the forming raw material, rapid heating derived from dielectric heating and heat conduction derived from external heating are performed. Slow heating is performed at the same time. As a result, the forming raw material can be heated more reliably and sufficiently. In particular, when the present invention is used for a baking application of a molded baked confectionery, which will be described later, it is preferable because an appropriate baking color, a roasted odor, etc. can be given to the molded baked confectionery in combination with external heating.
[0041]
  In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, the heating region may further includeIn areas where high frequency localization is likely to occurA high-frequency application pause region is included in which the application of the high-frequency alternating current is paused.
[0042]
  According to the above method,Since the heating region includes a high-frequency application pause region in a region where high-frequency localization is likely to occur, the occurrence of the high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon can be suppressed or avoided more reliably. In addition, it is not necessary to provide power supply means for applying a high frequency in this region,Since it is possible to design the heating equipment so as not to apply a high frequency to a portion where the alternating current is likely to be localized, the occurrence of a high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon can be more reliably suppressed or avoided. Further, the configuration of the heating facility can be further simplified by setting the high-frequency application pause region as a part where the arrangement of the power feeding means and the like is relatively difficult.
[0043]
Furthermore, when dielectric heating and external heating are used in combination, gentle heating only by external heating is performed in the high-frequency application pause region. Therefore, by setting the high-frequency application suspension region according to the characteristics of the molding raw material, it is possible to improve the moldability and obtain desired finished product properties.
[0044]
In addition, by setting the high frequency application suspension region in the portion where the electrical property change of the forming raw material is most severe, the concentration phenomenon of high frequency energy can be avoided. In addition, it is possible to perform a mild heat treatment only by external heating before the lower region where the highest output high frequency is applied in the heating region. Therefore, the forming raw material can be appropriately heat-formed.
[0045]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, the high-frequency application pause region included in the heating region is set to a region corresponding to at least one of an initial stage and a final stage of heating the forming raw material. It is characterized by being.
[0046]
According to the above method, the high frequency application pause region is provided in at least one of the initial stage and the final stage of thermoforming, so that heating according to the raw material for molding becomes possible. As a result, the quality of the obtained thermoformed product can be improved or productivity can be improved.
[0047]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, in the heating region, the application conditions of the high-frequency alternating current to the molding die in each lower region are set different from each other. It is said.
[0048]
In the above method, since the high frequency is applied under different conditions in each lower region, heating can be performed under different conditions in each lower region. Therefore, the application conditions that can suppress or avoid the concentration of high-frequency energy can be set for the entire heating area, and the mold can be heated under better conditions, so that the forming raw material can be more appropriately thermoformed. can do.
[0049]
In the method for producing a heat-molded article according to the present invention, in the above method, the application condition of the high-frequency alternating current includes the output of the high-frequency alternating current in the entire lower region, the high-frequency alternating current applied to one mold. It is characterized in that at least one of the output of the alternating current and the length of the lower region is included.
[0050]
According to the above method, the heating condition in the lower region can be changed by setting at least one of the above conditions to be different in each lower region. As a result, not only the concentration of high-frequency energy can be suppressed or avoided, but the forming raw material can be further heat-formed.
[0051]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, the application condition of the high-frequency alternating current is set according to the characteristics of the forming raw material that changes by the application of the alternating current. .
[0052]
According to the above method, an alternating current can be applied under different conditions in each subregion depending on the properties of the molding raw material and the molded product obtained by heating. Therefore, it is possible not only to suppress or avoid the concentration of high-frequency energy, but also to more appropriately apply heat to the forming raw material, so that the forming raw material can be further heat-formed.
[0053]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, a starchy hydrous material containing at least starch and water and having fluidity or plasticity is used as the molding material, and the thermoformed product is used. As a feature, a fired product is produced.
[0054]
According to the above method, when the hydrated raw material containing starch and water is thermoformed to produce a baked product, the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is used, so that a high quality baked product is produced at a high production It can be manufactured with efficiency.
[0055]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, wheat flour is used as the starchy material of the starchy hydrous material, and the calcined product is a molded baked confectionery mainly composed of flour. Yes.
[0056]
According to the above method, when producing a baked confectionery such as an edible container, a cookie or a biscuit by baking a starchy hydrous raw material using wheat flour as starch, the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is used. Since it uses, a high quality molded baked confectionery can be manufactured with high production efficiency.
[0057]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, as the moving means, a conveyor means that is rotatably stretched by a plurality of support shafts is used.
[0058]
According to the said method, since a shaping | molding die can be efficiently moved to a heating area | region, the production efficiency of a molding can be improved. Moreover, since it can rotate continuously like an endless track, the installation space of manufacturing equipment can also be reduced.
[0059]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Note that the present invention is not limited to this.
[0060]
The method for producing a heat-molded product according to the present invention allows a plurality of molds charged with a molding raw material to sequentially move continuously while passing through a region (heating zone) to which a high-frequency alternating current is applied. Although the raw material is heated by dielectric heating, the heating zone is further divided into a plurality of subzones, and a power source (oscillator) is provided for each subzone. .
[0061]
As an application to which the present invention is applied, it is an application in which a molding raw material is dielectrically heated by applying a high-frequency alternating current, and in particular, an application for efficiently producing a plurality of thermoformed products continuously. Although it is not particularly limited, for example, as the above-mentioned use, edible containers such as ice cream corn and rice cake, molded baked goods baked into a certain shape such as cookies, biscuits, wafers, etc., or starchy The use which uses the biodegradable molding which has as a main component for the use which manufactures in large quantities and efficiently can be mentioned especially preferably.
[0062]
In the following description, a molded product obtained by heat-molding a starchy hydrous material mainly composed of starch is used as a baked product, such as the molded baked confectionery and the biodegradable molded product. Further, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, since the molding die is a conductive electrode and the molding raw material is a water-containing raw material containing water as described above, a high-frequency alternating current is applied. As a result, dielectric heating occurs, and an electric current flows directly through the water-containing raw material to conduct current heating in which the water-containing raw material is heated. Therefore, the term “dielectric heating” used in the following description includes not only the above-described dielectric heating but also the above-described energization heating performed simultaneously.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, the present invention will be described in detail by taking as an example the case where the present invention is applied to the use for producing the fired product. Moreover, in the following description, the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of a thermoformed product are abbreviated as a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus as appropriate. A high-frequency alternating current is also abbreviated as high-frequency as appropriate. Further, the thermoformed product is also simply abbreviated as a molded product.
[0064]
The manufacturing apparatus used in this embodiment includes a heating unit 1 and a power source unit (power source means) 2 as shown in the schematic circuit diagram of FIG. The heating unit 1 includes a power feeding unit 3 and a plurality of molds (molding dies) 7 corresponding to the power feeding unit 3, and the power supply unit 2 includes a high frequency generation unit 21, a matching circuit 22, and a control circuit 23. . In addition, a molding material 14 is charged in the mold 7. For convenience of explanation, only one mold 7 is shown in FIG.
[0065]
The specific configuration of the high-frequency generator (oscillator) 21 is not particularly limited as long as it generates a high-frequency alternating current. For example, a conventionally known one such as a vacuum tube oscillator is used. Can do. The oscillator may include a matching circuit 22, a control circuit 23, and the like.
[0066]
Examples of the matching circuit 22 include a configuration including a variable capacitor and a variable coil. The matching circuit 22 can obtain optimum output and tuning of a high frequency by changing its electrostatic capacity and inductance in accordance with the forming raw material 14 to be heated. As specific structures of the variable capacitor and the variable coil, conventionally known ones are used and are not particularly limited. Further, the configuration of the matching circuit 22 is not limited to the above configuration including a variable capacitor and a variable coil.
[0067]
The control circuit 23 is not particularly limited as long as it can appropriately control the output of the high frequency to the heating unit 1, that is, the application of the high frequency to the heating zone described later, and a conventionally known control means is used. Can do.
[0068]
The mold 7 included in the heating unit 1 can be divided into a pair of electrode blocks 12 and 13, and a forming raw material 14 as an object to be heated is sandwiched between the electrode blocks 12 and 13. . Further, as will be described later, the electrode block 12 is provided with a power reception unit 4, and the power reception unit 4 and the power supply unit 3 constitute a power supply / reception unit 11. The electrode blocks 12 and 13 are arranged so as to be insulated from each other, and dielectric heating is generated in the forming raw material 14 by a high frequency applied via the power supply / reception unit 11.
[0069]
Of the electrode blocks 12 and 13, the electrode block 12 serves as a supply electrode connected to the power supply / reception unit 11, and the electrode block 13 serves as a ground electrode connected to ground. A more specific configuration of the supply electrode and the ground electrode, that is, the electrode blocks 12 and 13, is not particularly limited as long as they are combined to form a mold having one conductivity. Generally, a mold 7 made of various metals is used. The specific shape of the mold 7 is not particularly limited, and a shape corresponding to the shape of the molded product is used.
[0070]
In other words, the mold 7 is preferably used as the conductive mold used in the present embodiment, and the mold 7 is the above-described feed electrode and ground electrode regardless of its specific shape. It can be divided into two electrode blocks 12 and 13 so as to correspond to.
[0071]
Specifically, for example, if the molded product is a cup cone that serves ice cream or soft cream, as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), a plurality (5 in the figure) of gold for cones is used. An integrated mold (integrated mold) 5 having a configuration in which the molds 7 are integrated and arranged in a row can be used. As shown in FIG. 3B, the integral mold 5 includes an inner mold piece 5a for molding the inner surface of the cup cone and two outer mold pieces 5b and 5b for molding the outer surface of the cup cone. It is divided into a total of three. The inner mold piece 5a is formed in a substantially conical shape corresponding to the inner space of the cup cone. However, the outer mold pieces 5b and 5b are conical and can be easily taken out in one direction. And divided into two along the longitudinal direction of the cup cone.
[0072]
As described above, in the configuration of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the integral mold 5 is divided into three parts for taking out the cup cone. However, even in this case, the internal mold piece 5a is the above-mentioned supply electrode. Corresponding to the block (electrode block 12), the two external mold pieces 5b and 5b are divided into two blocks so as to correspond to the ground electrode block (electrode block 13). In addition, a plate-shaped power receiving unit 4 is provided on the internal mold piece 5 a so as to correspond to each mold 7.
[0073]
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), when obtaining a plate-shaped molded product, a plurality (three in the figure) of plate-shaped molds 7 are integrated and arranged in a line. An integral mold 5 having the above-described configuration is exemplified. In this configuration, since the upper mold piece 5c and the lower mold piece 5d are combined in two mold pieces, the upper mold piece 5c is placed on the supply electrode block (electrode block 12) and the lower mold piece. Reference numeral 5d corresponds to a block of the ground electrode (electrode block 13). In addition, a plate-shaped power receiving unit 4 is provided on the upper mold piece 5 c so as to correspond to each mold 7.
[0074]
As described above, the integrated mold 5 (or mold 7) that also serves as the electrode blocks 12 and 13 used in the present invention integrates a large number of molds 7 into a single integrated mold 5. A large amount of the mold 7 can be moved to the heating zone at a time. As a result, the production efficiency of the molded product can be improved.
[0075]
The integral mold 5 may be composed of three or more mold pieces according to the shape of the molded product and the method of taking out the molded product after molding. The block 12) can be divided into a ground electrode block (electrode block 13). As a result, a high frequency can be reliably applied to the forming raw material 14 (hereinafter abbreviated as raw material) 4.
[0076]
Since the integrated mold 5 becomes the electrode blocks 12 and 13 in the mold 7, a high frequency is applied. Therefore, the supply electrode block (electrode block 12) and the ground electrode block (electrode block 13) constituting the integrated mold 5 are not in direct contact with the raw material 14 interposed. Specifically, an insulating part 50 is provided between these blocks. The insulating unit 50 is not particularly limited as long as it prevents contact between the supply electrode block and the ground electrode block, but various insulators are generally used. Alternatively, a space may be formed instead of the insulator.
[0077]
The integral mold 5 in the present embodiment may be provided with a steam vent (not shown) for adjusting the internal pressure. In a baked product obtained by heat-molding a starch-based water-containing raw material, which will be described later, since the dough serving as the raw material 14 contains starch and moisture, steam is discharged out of the mold 7 as the heat-forming proceeds. However, depending on the shape of the mold 7, the steam may not be discharged. Therefore, by providing the mold 7 with a steam vent, the steam can escape to the outside of the mold 7 and the internal pressure can be adjusted well. The specific configuration of the vapor vent is not particularly limited as long as it has a shape, size, number, and formation position that allow steam to escape uniformly and efficiently to the outside of the mold 7. .
[0078]
Further, depending on the properties of the raw material 14 and the molded product, the entire heating unit 1 including the integrated mold 5 may be a chamber, and the inside may be decompressed by a vacuum pump.
[0079]
In the present embodiment, the molded product produced by applying the present invention is a baked product such as a molded baked confectionery or a biodegradable molded product including an edible container such as a cone, as described above. The specific shape of the fired product is not particularly limited, and various shapes can be mentioned depending on the use of the fired product. Of course, the molded product is not limited to the fired product, and other molded products may be used.
[0080]
For example, as the cone, a cone-shaped cup cone 8a as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) and a flat disk-shaped waffle as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). Examples thereof include a cone 8b. The specific size of these cones is not particularly limited.
[0081]
Alternatively, examples of the biodegradable molded product include a flat plate-like tray 8c having a rectangular shape and a peripheral edge as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). It is not limited. In particular, in the case of a biodegradable molded product, unlike its corn-like edible container, its use has a wide variety, and its shape becomes even more diverse.
[0082]
The raw material 14 for the fired product is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, starch is the main component, and various subcomponents are added according to other uses, and these are added to and mixed with water, so that it has a plastic dough shape or a fluid slurry shape. The starchy water-containing raw material can be preferably used.
[0083]
For example, in the case of a molded baked confectionery including an edible container such as corn, generally, wheat flour is used as the main starch material, and other starches such as corn starch can also be used. Furthermore, as an auxiliary component, various additives such as seasonings such as salt and sugar, emulsifiers such as fats and oils, fragrances, colorants, stabilizers, swelling agents, thickeners, flavor enhancers can be used. These subcomponents are appropriately selected according to the type of molded baked confectionery and are not particularly limited.
[0084]
Similarly, in the case of the above biodegradable molded product, various starches are the main components, fillers such as diatomaceous earth and cellulose, binders such as various gums, mold release agents such as various oils and fats, colorants and the like. Although it can add as a component, it is not specifically limited. Furthermore, as the main ingredient starch, not only ordinary plant-derived starch (purified starch) and processed agricultural products containing starch such as wheat flour (crude starch), but also chemical treatment of starch such as crosslinked starch, etc. It is also possible to use chemically modified starch obtained as described above.
[0085]
In the present invention, for example, in order to mold the molded article, heating is continuously performed while moving the mold 7 (integrated mold 5) into which the raw material 14 is dispensed. Therefore, the integral mold 5 can be continuously moved by the moving means. Although it does not specifically limit as this moving means, From the viewpoint of the productivity of a molded product, the conveyor part (conveyor means) represented by the belt conveyor is used especially suitably.
[0086]
For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a belt-conveyor-like conveyor section 6 stretched in a substantially flat shape by at least two support shafts 15a and 15b and rotatable like an endless track. Used. The direction in which the conveyor unit 6 is stretched is not particularly limited, but is stretched along the horizontal direction in the present embodiment. When the conveyor unit 6 having such a configuration is used, the integral mold 5 can be efficiently moved to the heating zone, and the production efficiency of the fired product is further improved. Moreover, since it can rotate continuously like an endless track, the installation space of the manufacturing apparatus can be reduced.
[0087]
In the following description, the layout of the conveyor unit 6 stretched as shown in FIG. 8 is an endless flat plate layout. Moreover, about the layout of arrangement | positioning of the conveyor part 6, it is not limited to the said endless flat form, The tension | tensile_strength should just be stretched around the several support shaft.
[0088]
In the manufacturing apparatus used in the present embodiment, a plurality (36 in FIG. 8) of integrated molds 5 are attached to the entire outer peripheral surface of the conveyor unit 6. Since the plurality of molds 7 are arranged in a line (five pieces in FIG. 8), the integrated mold 5 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor unit 6 so that the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other. The more specific configuration of the conveyor unit 6 is not particularly limited, and can withstand the temperature rise of the integrated mold 5 due to heating, and the integrated mold 5 is attached to the entire outer peripheral surface. As long as the integrated mold 5 can be smoothly transported, any structure may be used.
[0089]
The method for producing a molded product to which the present invention is applied includes at least the following three steps. That is, a raw material injection step for injecting the raw material 14 into the mold 7 (integrated mold 5), a high frequency is applied to the mold 7 (integrated mold 5) into which the raw material 14 is injected, and dielectric heating is generated to perform heat molding. It is a heating process and a molded product taking-out process for taking out the molded product from the mold 7 (integrated mold 5) for which the thermoforming has been completed. Therefore, also in the manufacturing apparatus having the layout shown in FIG. 8, a region where these steps are performed, that is, a process zone is set in advance.
[0090]
In the endless flat plate-like conveyor section 6 as shown in FIG. 8, the raw material injection zone A is set in the upper region of the end portion on the support shaft 15a side (the right end portion in FIG. 8). A heating zone B is set in a region on the downstream side of the rotation direction of the unit 6 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure) and in a region that is a large part of the outer periphery of the conveyor unit 6 that sandwiches the end on the support shaft 15b side, and further downstream On the side, a molded product takeout zone C is set in a region connected to the raw material injection zone A on the lower side of the end portion on the support shaft 15a side.
[0091]
The heating zone B may have at least a configuration as shown in FIG. 2 and be provided with a high-frequency heating means for applying a high frequency to the integral mold 5 to generate dielectric heating. Depending on the type of 14, it is preferable that an external heating means is provided.
[0092]
The external heating means is particularly limited as long as it is configured to heat the raw material 14 in the integral mold 5 by heat conduction by applying heat from the outside of the integral mold 5. It is not a thing. Generally, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the gas heating unit 9 provided along the shape in which the conveyor unit 6 is stretched over the entire heating zone B is provided. Can be mentioned.
[0093]
In the external heating, the raw material 14 is heated by heat conduction by heating the integral mold 5 from the outside and keeping the temperature of the integral mold 5 (mold temperature) constant. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b), not only the gas heating unit 9 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the conveyor unit 6, but also the inside of the conveyor unit 6 as shown in FIG. 9 (b). It is very preferable that the gas heating unit 9 is also arranged on the circumferential side. As a result, external heating is performed from the vertical direction of the integrated mold 5, and thus more uniform heating is possible.
[0094]
As the gas heating unit 9, a conventionally known configuration used for manufacturing a fired product can be suitably used, and the specific configuration is not particularly limited. 9A and 9B, for convenience of clarifying the arrangement state of the gas heating unit 9, the power feeding unit 3 is not illustrated as in FIG.
[0095]
In the present invention, in particular, when the molded product is a baked confectionery including the edible container or the like, it is preferable to use not only dielectric heating but also external heating in the heating zone B.
[0096]
Thus, when dielectric heating and external heating are used in combination in the heating zone, in the starch-based hydrous raw material that is the raw material 14, rapid heating of the raw material 14 itself derived from dielectric heating and heat conduction derived from external heating are performed. Slow heating is performed at the same time. As a result, not only can the starchy water-containing raw material be heated more reliably and sufficiently, but also by using the external heating together, the starchy water-containing raw material can be “baked” (baked) to produce various baked goods. This is preferable because it can provide the following characteristics.
[0097]
Specifically, examples of the various characteristics include, but are not limited to, a texture state of a molded product, a manifestation state of an effect of an additive, and a fired state. The level at which these various characteristics are given varies depending on the balance between dielectric heating and external heating, and the control of the balance of each heating differs depending on the type of raw material 14 and the like. There is no particular limitation.
[0098]
Examples of the structure state of the molded article include the thickness of the surface layer structure, the fineness of the internal structure, the state of the internal cell wall, and the deposit trace. In general, when the ratio of external heating to dielectric heating is low, that is, the ratio of dielectric heating is high, the surface layer structure becomes thin, the internal structure becomes fine, the internal bubble walls become thin, and the deposit marks also become thin. Conversely, when the ratio of external heating to dielectric heating is high, the surface layer structure becomes thick, the internal structure becomes rough, the internal bubble wall becomes thick, and the deposit marks become dark.
[0099]
As an expression state of the effect of the additive, for example, expression of the effect of a coloring agent or a fragrance can be cited as an example. For example, in the case of an edible container, a red colorant is often added to the starchy water-containing raw material to color the edible container after baking. However, if the ratio of dielectric heating is high, a slightly brownish red color will develop. Therefore, a good coloring effect is exhibited. On the other hand, when the ratio of external heating is high, the colorant is fading and color development is likely to occur. In the case of the above-mentioned red colorant, the red color cannot be satisfactorily developed and the color becomes brown. In addition, when a fragrance is added, if the ratio of dielectric heating is high, a good flavor remains.However, if the ratio of external heating is high, the remaining flavor remains due to alteration or evaporation of the fragrance components contained in the fragrance. Deteriorate.
[0100]
In general, examples of the firing state include a firing color and a roasted odor. That is, the firing state includes whether or not an appropriate “burnt color” or “fragrance” can be obtained by firing. When the ratio of dielectric heating is high, the firing color and the roasted odor are thin, but when the ratio of external heating is high, the firing color and the roasted odor become deep.
[0101]
The external heating temperature by the gas heating unit 9 is appropriately changed depending on the type of the raw material 14 and the like, and is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of the molded baked confectionery, the heating temperature is controlled on the basis of the mold temperature, and generally the mold temperature is in the range of 110 ° C. or higher and 230 ° C. or lower. External heating is preferable, and the mold temperature is appropriately set within the above range according to the properties of the target molded product.
[0102]
In the present invention, the heating zone B is provided with high-frequency heating means for applying a high frequency to generate dielectric heating, and the high-frequency heating means includes a power supply unit 2 and a power supply unit (power supply unit) 3. Further, as described above, the integrated mold 5 is provided with a power receiving unit (power receiving means) 4 for continuously receiving high frequency from the power feeding unit 3 during movement. The power supply unit 3 and the power reception unit 4 constitute the power supply / reception unit 11 (see FIG. 2).
[0103]
A more specific configuration of the power feeding unit 3 is not particularly limited. For example, the power feeding unit 3 is formed of a conductive material such as a metal, and as illustrated in FIG. A shape having a U-shape (or a substantially U-shape) and having a recess 31 at the center can be mentioned. In other words, the rectangular plate-like member is folded at two fold lines parallel to the longitudinal direction so as to form the side portions 32 and 32 facing each other and the upper surface portion 33 connecting the side portions 32 and 32. The shape formed in the character-shaped cross section can be mentioned.
[0104]
On the other hand, the more specific configuration of the power receiving unit 4 corresponding to this is not particularly limited as long as it can receive high-frequency power in a non-contact manner with the power feeding unit 3, but for example, As shown in FIGS. 10 (a), 10 (b), and 10 (c), there can be mentioned a flat plate structure that is sandwiched in a non-contact manner between the side surface portions 32 and 32 facing each other. The power receiving unit 4 may also be formed of a conductive material such as a metal like the power feeding unit 3.
[0105]
Here, since the power feeding unit 3 is provided along the shape in which the conveyor unit 6 is stretched over the entire heating zone B, a rail-shaped configuration having a “U” -shaped cross section is provided. Can also be expressed as The power receiving unit 4 is connected to the electrode block 12 in a shape corresponding to the rail-shaped power feeding unit 3.
[0106]
For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 (a), (b), and (c), in the above-described integrated mold 5, a mold piece (internal mold piece 5a or above) that becomes a block of the feed electrode (electrode block 12) A power receiving unit 4 is provided on the mold piece 5c). Specifically, in the integrated mold 5 having the configuration shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B or FIGS. 4A and 4B, five or three molds constituting the integrated mold 5 are used. A power receiving unit 4 is provided for each of 7. In this case, a plurality of power feeding units 3 are also arranged in parallel so as to correspond to the individual molds 7.
[0107]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), in the configuration in which the integrated die is composed of five dies 7 ..., the rail-shaped power feeding section 3 is also provided as shown in FIG. 11 (a). Five rows are arranged in parallel.
[0108]
Alternatively, since the integrated mold 5 has five molds 7 integrated, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), for example, the power receiving unit 4 is provided only in the central mold 7, and the other four molds are provided. The integral mold 5 can be configured to apply a high frequency to the molds 7. In this case, the rail-shaped power feeding unit 3 need only be arranged in one row, and thus the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus can be simplified.
[0109]
As described above, in this embodiment, the power supply / reception unit 11 is configured by a combination of the rail-shaped power supply unit 3 and the flat plate-shaped power reception unit 4 that form a “U” -shaped cross section. Therefore, when the integrated mold 5 enters the heating zone B by the conveyance of the conveyor unit 6, the plate-shaped power receiving unit 4 is not placed in the recess 31 (between the opposing side surfaces 32, 32) of the rail-shaped power feeding unit 3. It is pinched by contact. And the power receiving part 4 moves along the rail-shaped electric power feeding part 3 with conveyance of the conveyor part 6 (arrow direction of Fig.10 (a) * (c)).
[0110]
At this time, in the recess 31 of the power feeding unit 3, a capacitor is formed by the power receiving unit 4, the side surface parts 32 and 32 sandwiching the power receiving unit 4, and the space between them. As a result, power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the integrated mold 5 is started, and heating / drying processing is started by dielectric heating. Thereafter, the heating / drying process can be continued smoothly and reliably until the integral mold 5 passes through the heating zone B, that is, until the power receiving unit 4 is detached from the recess 31 of the power feeding unit 3.
[0111]
In other words, in the present invention, the power receiving unit 4 has a flat plate shape, the power feeding unit 3 has a facing surface facing the power receiving unit 4, and the flat power receiving unit 4 is formed on the facing surface. It is preferable to apply a high-frequency alternating current in a non-contact manner by making them face each other. And it is more preferable that the side parts 32 and 32 which oppose each other are provided as the facing surface. Therefore, the power feeding unit 3 may not have a “U” -shaped cross section and may have a flat plate shape having only one side surface portion 32.
[0112]
The specific configurations of the power feeding unit 3 and the power receiving unit 4 are not limited to the configurations described above. That is, depending on the composition of the raw material 14 and the final shape of the molded product, the shape of the power feeding unit 3 and the power receiving unit 4 is appropriately changed, or the manner in which dielectric heating is generated is changed by including other members. May be. For example, the action as a capacitor may be further improved by disposing an insulator between the power receiving unit 4 and the side surface portions 32 and 32.
[0113]
Therefore, the non-contact power feeding in the present invention is not required if the power feeding unit 3 and the power receiving unit 4 (that is, the electrode block 12) are not in direct contact. In this way, if the power supply / reception unit 11 performs power supply in a non-contact manner, the electrodes do not directly contact each other, so that the occurrence of a spark or the like can be avoided in the heating zone.
[0114]
In the manufacturing apparatus used in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an integral mold 5 (for example, FIG. 3A) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of a conveyor unit 6 (see FIG. 8) arranged in an endless flat plate layout. An integral mold 5) for the cup cone 8a shown in (b) is attached to the entire surface. Furthermore, a rail-shaped power feeding unit 3 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) that constitutes a part of the heating unit 1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the heating zone B in the conveyor unit 6. Then, the integral mold 5 is moved in the direction of the arrow in the drawing (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1) by the rotational movement of the conveyor unit 6, and heating is started when the heating zone B is reached.
[0115]
Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, high frequency can be applied to the 25 integrated molds 5 in the entire heating zone B, and preferably, FIG. It is assumed that external heating is also possible by the gas heating unit 9 shown in FIG. Therefore, the total length of the power feeding unit 3 and the gas heating unit 9 provided in the heating zone B is the length of 25 integrated molds 5.
[0116]
Since the integral mold 5 is for the cup cone 8a shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, 125 molds 7 can be heated in the entire heating zone B. . Furthermore, the high frequency output of the power supply unit 2 at this time is set to be 100 kW in the entire heating zone B. Therefore, the high frequency output applied to one mold 7 is 0.8 kW.
[0117]
And in this invention, the high frequency heating means provided in the said heating zone B is divided | segmented into plurality. That is, the heating zone B is provided with a plurality of high-frequency heating means including the power supply unit 2 and the power supply unit 3, and the plurality of high-frequency heating units collectively form one heating zone B.
[0118]
In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the heating zone (heating region) B is divided into two subzones (lower regions) b1 and b2, and each of the subzones b1 and b2 has a power supply unit 2a and 2b and a power feeding unit 3a and 3b. Is provided. Specifically, the upstream side in the rotational movement direction of the conveyor unit 6 is the subzone b1, and the downstream side is the subzone b2.
[0119]
As described above, in the case of a large-scale manufacturing apparatus that applies a heating process to 125 molds 7..., The output of the high-frequency generator 21 is, for example, 100 kW as a very large value as described above. Become. Furthermore, since the conveyor part 6 has an endless flat plate-like layout, the heating zone B is arranged so as to wrap around the end part on the support shaft 15b side of the conveyor part 6, and thus becomes longer. Therefore, when a high frequency is applied, the high frequency is likely to be localized at a specific position, and thus a phenomenon in which large high frequency energy is concentrated at the specific position is likely to occur.
[0120]
In addition, as described above, if the raw material 14 is a water-containing raw material containing moisture, the electrical characteristics of the raw material 14 change greatly due to a change in the amount of water accompanying heating. For this reason, the high frequency is likely to be localized even if the electrical characteristics of the raw material 14 change. Therefore, the concentration phenomenon of high frequency energy is more likely to occur.
[0121]
When the concentration phenomenon of the high-frequency energy occurs, excessive heating (overheating) is likely to occur with respect to some of the integral molds 5, and the formability of the raw material 14 is reduced, or the physical properties of the obtained molded product are deteriorated. Problems such as lowering occur. Furthermore, since the output of the high-frequency generator 21 is originally large, the concentration of high-frequency energy can cause not only overheating but also sparks and even dielectric breakdown.
[0122]
In the prior art, since the scale of the manufacturing apparatus was small (see FIG. 24), there was no problem even if high-frequency energy was concentrated. However, if the manufacturing apparatus was enlarged to increase production efficiency, The following problems occur.
[0123]
On the other hand, in the present invention, the heating zone B is divided into, for example, two subzones b1 and b2, and the high frequency output in each subzone b1 and b2 is also divided from the entire output. Therefore, the occurrence of the high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon as described above can be effectively suppressed or avoided, and the occurrence of phenomena such as overheating and dielectric breakdown can be prevented.
[0124]
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating zone B is divided into sub-zones b1 and b2 having an equal length and an equal output. Specifically, since the entire length of the heating zone B is the length of 25 pieces of the integrated die 5, each of the subzone b1 and the subzone b2 has a length equivalent to 12.5 pieces of the integrated die 5. Will have. That is, both the power supply unit 3a provided in the subzone b1 and the power supply unit 3b provided in the subzone b2 have the same length, and both of them have 12.5 integrated molds 5 (total 62. A high frequency can be applied to the five molds 7).
[0125]
Further, since the high-frequency output of the entire heating zone B is 100 kW, the high-frequency outputs of the power supply units 2a and 2b provided in the subzones b1 and b2 are both set to 50 kW. Therefore, the output of the entire heating zone B does not change at 100 kW, and the output of the high frequency applied to one mold 7 does not change at 0.8 kW (see FIG. 25).
[0126]
In the present embodiment, as long as the heating zone B is divided into two, the division pattern is not particularly limited. That is, the division of the heating zone B changes as appropriate according to the method of applying a high frequency to the mold 7 (integrated mold 5), the layout of the conveyor section 6, the raw material 14 and the properties and characteristics of the finished product. Can be made.
[0127]
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the heating zone B is divided into two subzones b1 and b2 in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 1, but the length of the subzone b1 (the length of the power feeding portion 3a) is integrated. The length of the mold 5 is nine, the output of the power supply unit 2a is 36 kW, the length of the subzone b2 (the length of the power feeding unit 3b) is the length of 16 of the integral mold 5, and the power supply unit The output of 2b may be 64 kW.
[0128]
In this case, a high frequency can be applied to a total of 45 molds 7 in the subzone b1, and a high frequency can be applied to a total of 80 molds 7 in the subzone b2. The output of the entire heating zone B is 100 kW, and the output for one mold 7 remains 0.8 kW.
[0129]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the length of the subzone b1 is set to the length of 16 pieces of the integrated mold 5, the output of the power supply unit 2a is set to 64 kW, and the length of the subzone b2 is set to that of the integrated mold 5. The length may be nine, and the output of the power supply unit 2b may be 36 kW. In this case, a high frequency can be applied to a total of 80 molds 7 in the subzone b1, and a high frequency can be applied to a total of 45 molds 7 in the subzone b2. The output of the entire heating zone B is 100 kW, and the output for one mold 7 remains 0.8 kW.
[0130]
Next, an example of a manufacturing process of a molded product to which the present invention is applied will be described. In the following description, the case where the above-described cup cone 8a is manufactured will be described as an example. Therefore, the raw material 14 is the water-containing raw material, and as the mold 7, an integral mold 5 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is used. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this production example.
[0131]
First, among the mold pieces constituting the integrated mold 5, after closing the two external mold pieces 5 b and 5 b constituting the ground electrode block (electrode block 13), the raw material 14 is placed in the mold 7. Inject. Thereafter, the inner mold piece 5a and the outer mold pieces 5b and 5b constituting the supply electrode block (electrode block 12) are clamped (raw material injection step). This raw material injection step is performed in the raw material injection zone A in FIG.
[0132]
The integrated mold 5 into which the raw material 14 is injected is in a state where the raw material 14 is charged and preparation for heat forming is completed. Therefore, the integral mold 5 is conveyed from the raw material injection zone A to the heating zone B by the rotational movement of the conveyor unit 6. In the heating zone B, high frequency is applied from the power supply units 2a and 2b through the power supply / reception unit 11 in a non-contact manner, so that dielectric heating is started and external heating is also started by the gas heating unit 9 (heating) Process). Since the heating zone B is divided into sub-zones b1 and b2 as shown in FIG. 1, for example, as described above, the high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon does not occur. Therefore, the raw material 14 can be formed by heating and drying efficiently and reliably.
[0133]
Thereafter, when the integral mold 5 passes through the heating zone B, the heating / drying process is completed and the molding is completed. Therefore, the inner mold piece 5a and the outer mold pieces 5b and 5b forming the integral mold 5 are released from the clamped state, and the inner molded product (cup cone 8a) is taken out (molded product removing step). ). Thus, a series of manufacturing processes is completed.
[0134]
In addition, for example, other steps such as a raw material stabilization step (or a heating delay step) described below may be added to the manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process is not particularly limited to the above example.
[0135]
For example, in the manufacture of shaped baked confectionery including an edible container such as cup corn 8a, it is preferable that a raw material stabilization step is added before the heating step. In this step, the raw material 14 injected into the mold 7 (integrated mold 5) is held in the mold 7 for a certain period of time and stabilized.
[0136]
As described above, in the production of shaped baked confectionery, it is preferable to use not only dielectric heating but also external heating. At this time, even if external heating means such as the gas heating unit 9 is provided only in the heating zone B, the mold 7 (integrated mold 5) is continuously conveyed by the rotational movement of the conveyor unit 6, In the whole manufacturing apparatus, the mold 7 is hardly cooled even in the raw material injection zone A and the molded product take-out zone C.
[0137]
For example, if external heating for raising the mold temperature to 180 ° C. is performed in the heating zone B, the integrated mold 5 (mold 7) is transported by the conveyor unit 6 and the molded product removal zone C or Even when the raw material injection zone A is reached, the mold temperature is maintained at approximately 180 ° C. Therefore, when external heating is used in combination, the heating zone B can be expressed as extending to the raw material injection zone A and the molded product removal zone C.
[0138]
Therefore, if the injected raw material 14 is allowed to stand in the mold 7 for a certain period of time before the high frequency is applied in the heating zone B, the raw material 14 is moderately heated by the heat conduction from the high-temperature mold 7. External heating will be performed. Since the initial change of the raw material 14 is completed by this gentle heating, when a high frequency is applied to the mold 7 thereafter, good dielectric heating occurs in the raw material 14 in the mold 7. As a result, the moldability of the raw material 14 is improved, and the physical properties of the resulting molded product can be improved.
[0139]
Further, since the raw material 14 is stabilized, a high frequency is not applied to the raw material 14 in a time zone in which the electrical characteristics change most drastically. For this reason, even when a high output high frequency is applied in the heating zone B, the electrical property change of the raw material 14 can be reduced, and the occurrence of the concentration phenomenon of high frequency energy can be further reduced.
[0140]
In the present embodiment, the raw material stabilization step is included in the raw material injection step. Therefore, in the zoning shown in FIG. 8, although not shown, the downstream side of the raw material injection zone A following the heating zone B is the raw material stabilization zone. Therefore, in the raw material injection zone A, the raw material 14 is actually injected in the upstream region, and in the downstream region, the injected raw material 14 is left to be stabilized.
[0141]
As described above, in the present invention, the heating zone to which the high frequency is applied is divided into a plurality of subzones, and a power supply unit and a power supply unit are provided in each subzone. Therefore, the occurrence of the high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon in the heating zone can be suppressed or avoided. As a result, the occurrence of overheating, dielectric breakdown, etc. can be effectively prevented, and the moldability and physical properties of the resulting raw material can be improved.
[0142]
[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0143]
In the first embodiment, an example in which the heating zone B is divided into two is given. In the present embodiment, the present invention will be described by giving an example in which the heating zone B is divided into three or more.
[0144]
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the heating zone B is divided into five parts from the upstream side so as to be subzones b1, b2, b3, b4, and b5 with reference to the moving direction of the conveyor unit 6. . In each subzone, power supply units 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e and power feeding units 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e are provided.
[0145]
Here, with respect to the division pattern of the heating zone B, that is, the length of each subzone (the length of the power feeding units 3a to 3e) and the high frequency output in the power source units 2a to 2e, the concentration of high frequency energy is suppressed or avoided. If possible, there is no particular limitation. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the output and the length may be simply divided into three parts, or the output and the length may be different and applied to one mold 7. It may be divided so that the output of the high frequency is the same.
[0146]
However, it is more preferable that a high frequency with a different output is applied in each subzone according to the properties of the raw material 14 and the finished product. In this case, since heating and drying processes are performed at different levels in each subzone, not only the concentration of high-frequency energy is suppressed or avoided, but also the formability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the obtained molded product are further improved. Can be made.
[0147]
For example, in the starch-containing water-containing raw material, it is not preferable to apply a high-frequency high frequency because the electrical characteristics (high-frequency characteristics) change drastically at the initial stage of thermoforming. In addition, since heating and drying are almost completed in the final stage of the heat molding, overheating occurs when a large amount of heat is applied, and the physical properties of the molded product (such as the cup cone 8a) deteriorate.
[0148]
As in the first embodiment, when the heating zone B is equally divided, the lengths of the sub-zones b1 to b5 are the lengths of the five integrated molds 5 as shown in FIG. The outputs from 2a to 2e are also 20 kW. In this divided pattern, high frequency is applied to 25 molds 7 in each subzone, but the output of the entire heating zone B is 100 kW, and the output to one mold 7 is 0.8 kW. It remains.
[0149]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the outputs of the power supply units 2 a to 2 e in each subzone may be individually changed according to the properties of the raw material 14 and the cup cone 8 a. Specifically, the lengths of the sub-zones b1 to b5 are the lengths of five of the integral molds 5 respectively, and applying the high frequency to the 25 molds 7 is the same. However, in the division pattern shown in FIG. 15, the outputs of the subzones b1 to b5 are all 5 kW, the outputs of the subzones b2 and b4 are both 20 kW, and the output of the subzone b3 is 50 kW.
[0150]
In other words, in the division pattern, the high-frequency output is gradually increased in the sub-zone b1 to the sub-zone b2 that is the first stage of the heating process, and the sub-zone b3 that is the intermediate stage, and from the sub-zone b3 to the final stage. Conversely, the high-frequency output is gradually reduced over a certain subzone b5.
[0151]
Even in the case of the above-mentioned division pattern, the output of the entire heating zone B remains 100 kW, but in the subzones b1 and b5, the output for one mold 7 is as small as 0.2 kW, and in the subzones b2 and b4, 1 The output for each mold 7 is 0.8 kW, which is the same as the division pattern of FIG. 14, and in the subzone b3, the output for one mold 7 is as large as 2.0 kW. As a result, when the raw material 14 is thermoformed, the amount of heat generated can be reduced at the beginning and end, and the amount of heat generated can be increased in the middle. And the physical properties of the molded product can be further improved.
[0152]
In the example shown in FIG. 15, only the high frequency output of the power supply units 2a to 2e is changed, but the length of each subzone may be changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the heating zone B is divided into three so as to be subzones b1, b2, and b3 from the upstream side with reference to the moving direction of the conveyor section 6, the lengths of the subzones b1 and b3 The length of the power supply units 3a and 3c is set to the length of five integrated molds 5, the output of the power supply units 2a and 2c is set to 5 kW, and the length of the subzone b2 (the length of the power supply unit 3b) The length of the integrated mold 5 is 15 pieces, and the output of the power supply unit 2b is 90 kW. In the subzones b1 and b3, a high frequency is applied to the 25 molds 7 ..., and in the subzone b2, a high frequency is applied to the 75 molds 7 ....
[0153]
In the case of this division pattern, the length of the entire heating zone B does not change for 25 pieces of the integral mold 5, but the length of the subzone b2 is substantially three times the length of the subzones b1 and b3. . The output of the entire heating zone B is also 100 kW, but in the subzones b1 and b3, the output for one mold 7 is as small as 0.2 kW, and in the subzone b2, the output for one mold 7 is Increased to 1.2 kW.
[0154]
In the division pattern, not only the high frequency output is changed, but also the length of the subzone is changed. Therefore, not only the generation of heat at the beginning and the end when the raw material 14 is thermoformed, but also the lengths of the subzones b1 and b3 are shortened, so the time for reducing the generation of heat can be set short. . In addition, by increasing the length of the subzone b2, it is possible to set a longer processing time for the intermediate zone that requires a sufficient amount of heat for the heating / drying process.
[0155]
As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately apply heat to the raw material 14, and not only can suppress or avoid the concentration of high-frequency energy, but also further improve the moldability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product. it can.
[0156]
As described above, in this embodiment, the heating zone is divided into three or more subzones, and then the application condition of the high frequency is changed for each subzone. Therefore, different levels of heat can be applied at different times in each subzone, depending on the properties of the raw material and the molded product. As a result, more effective thermoforming is possible, so that a high-quality molded product can be produced efficiently.
[0157]
The high frequency application condition preferably includes at least one of an output of an alternating current of the entire subzone, a high frequency output applied to one mold, and a length of the subzone. . If at least one of these conditions is changed in each subzone, the heating conditions in each subzone can be changed. As a result, not only the concentration of high-frequency energy can be suppressed or avoided, but the moldability of the raw material and the physical properties of the molded product can be further improved.
[0158]
[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19 and FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those used in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0159]
In the first or second embodiment, even when the heating zone B is divided into a plurality of parts, the entire heating zone B uses both the dielectric heating by the high-frequency heating means and the external heating by the external heating means. In this form, a region where only external heating is performed is included by providing a high-frequency application pause zone in which a high-frequency application is paused in part of the heating zone B.
[0160]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, in the present embodiment, the basic division pattern of the heating zone B is the five-division pattern described in the second embodiment. 1 is provided in the entire heating zone B, but the power supply unit 2b and the power supply unit 3b are not provided in the portion corresponding to the subzone b2, and the high frequency application is stopped. Zone b2-2 is set.
[0161]
In the high-frequency application suspension zone b2-2, only the gas heating unit 9 described in the first embodiment is arranged. Therefore, a gentle heat treatment can be performed only by external heating on the upstream side of the subzone b3 that requires the most heat. Therefore, more appropriate heat treatment can be performed on the raw material 14. In addition, since this high frequency application suspension zone b2-2 is implemented only by external heating, it can be said that it is an external heating zone.
[0162]
The high-frequency application pause zone b2-2 corresponds to a portion where the electrical property change of the starchy hydrous raw material which is the raw material 14 is severe. Therefore, by not applying a high frequency in this portion, it is possible to avoid a concentration phenomenon of high frequency energy.
[0163]
In the division pattern shown in FIG. 17, since no high frequency is applied in the high frequency application pause zone b2-2, the heating zone B is substantially divided into four from the viewpoint of dividing the high frequency output. .
[0164]
That is, similarly to the division pattern shown in FIG. 15, the lengths of the sub-zones b1, b2-2, b3, b4, and b5 are all the lengths of the five integrated molds 5, and the power supply units 2a, 2c, and 2d. -Regarding the high-frequency output of 2e, the subzones b1 and b5 are both 5 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 0.2 kW), and the subzone b3 is 50 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 2. 0 kW). However, since the high frequency output of the entire heating zone B is 100 kW, in the present embodiment, except for the high frequency application suspension zone b2-2, the heating zone B is substantially divided into four subzones.
[0165]
Of the subzones b1 and b3 to b5, a region where it is preferable to increase the calorific value is subzone b4. Therefore, the output of the subzone b4 is set to 50 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 1.6 kW). The sub-zone b4 is on the downstream side of the sub-zone b3 that requires the most amount of heat, and on the upstream side of the sub-zone b5 in which the final finishing heating / drying process is performed. Therefore, the high-frequency output may be increased.
[0166]
On the other hand, in the subzones b1 and b5, as described in the second embodiment, a large amount of heat is not required, so it is not preferable to increase the high frequency output. In addition, since the high-frequency output is already set sufficiently high for the subzone b3, if the output is further increased, overheating may occur, which is not preferable.
[0167]
An example of a manufacturing process of a molded product to which the manufacturing method in the present embodiment is applied will be described. Basically, there are only three steps, the raw material injection step, the heating step, and the molded product take-out step described in the first embodiment, but further, external heating is performed during the heating step. ing.
[0168]
The integrated mold 5 in which the raw material 14 is charged by the raw material injection step is conveyed to the heating zone B by the rotational movement of the conveyor unit 6. First, a high frequency is applied together with external heating in the subzone b1, and a “light” heating process is performed in the initial stage. Next, in the external heating zone b2-2, since no high frequency is applied, dielectric heating is not performed, and only external heating is performed. Therefore, the raw material 14 is heated relatively slowly by heat conduction.
[0169]
At the time when the integrated mold 5 moves from the external heating zone b2-2 to the subzone b3, the raw material 14 is stabilized by gentle heating and the raw material 14 is aged (as in the raw material stabilization step in the first embodiment). Cured) Therefore, even if the highest output high frequency is applied in the subzone b3, the initial change of the raw material 14 has already been completed in the integrated mold 5, so that the change in the electrical characteristics of the raw material 14 is reduced, and the raw material 14 is stable. Turn into. As a result, the frequency of occurrence of sparks in the subzone b3 can be reduced, and the moldability of the raw material 14 can be improved.
[0170]
Thereafter, a high output high frequency equivalent to that of the subzone b3 is applied in the subzone b4, so that the heating / drying process proceeds efficiently. Finally, a finishing “light” heating / drying process is performed in the sub-zone b5 to complete the molding of the molded product.
[0171]
As described above, in the present invention, the heating zone B may be provided with a zone in which no high frequency is applied. Further, when the dielectric heating and the external heating are used together, the heating zone B can include the external heating zone. It has become. In particular, by appropriately providing a high-frequency application suspension zone according to the raw material 14, it becomes possible to improve moldability and obtain desired finished product (molded product) properties.
[0172]
Alternatively, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, one heating zone B is divided into sub-zones b1 and b2, and a high-frequency application pause zone d is provided between each of the sub-zones b1 and b2. It is good also as a structure which does not provide the gas heating part 9 in the high frequency application suspension zone d.
[0173]
That is, in the subzones b1 and b2, the power supply units 2a and 2b and the power feeding units 3a and 3b are provided, respectively, and the gas heating units 9a and 9b are provided as shown in FIG. In the high-frequency application suspension zone d, not only the power supply unit 2 and the power supply unit 3 but also the gas heating unit 9 is not provided.
[0174]
Specifically, the sub-zone b1 is set on the downstream side of the raw material injection zone A, and its length is nine pieces of the integrated mold 5, so that a high frequency can be applied to a total of 45 molds 7 ... . Moreover, since the high frequency output of the power supply unit 2a in the subzone b1 is 50 kW, the output to one mold 7 is 1.1 kW. Furthermore, as described above, the gas heating section 9a having a length corresponding to the length of the subzone b1 is provided.
[0175]
On the other hand, the sub-zone b2 is set on the upstream side of the molded product take-out zone C and has a length corresponding to 11 pieces of the integrated mold 5, so that a high frequency can be applied to a total of 55 molds 7. Moreover, since the high frequency output of the power supply unit 2b in the subzone b2 is 50 kW, the output to one mold 7 is 0.9 kW. Furthermore, as described above, the gas heating section 9b having a length corresponding to the length of the subzone b1 is provided.
[0176]
Furthermore, the high-frequency application suspension zone d is set between the sub-zones b1 and b2 and in the vicinity of the end of the support shaft 15b in the conveyor section 6, and the length thereof is five pieces of the integral mold 5. Yes. In this high frequency application pause zone d, no high frequency is applied to the total 25 molds 7 and no external heating is performed. Therefore, in other words, the high frequency application suspension zone d is a zone in which the heating operation is suspended.
[0177]
When the layout of the conveyor unit 6 is an endless flat plate shape, the conveyor unit 6 is curved in an arc shape in the vicinity of the support shafts 15a and 15b over which the conveyor unit 6 is stretched. Therefore, the power feeding unit 3 and the gas heating unit 9 are also curved and arranged accordingly. Here, in such a curved part (referred to as R part), high-frequency localization is likely to occur, and when the power feeding part 3 and the gas heating part 9 are formed and arranged in a shape corresponding to the R part, manufacturing is possible. The configuration of the apparatus is also relatively complicated.
[0178]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the R region is a zone in which the heating operation is paused. Therefore, a high frequency is not applied at a site where high frequency localization is likely to occur. Therefore, the high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon can be avoided even more reliably.
[0179]
Moreover, as described in the first embodiment, when the external heating is used together, the temperature of the integral mold 5 hardly decreases. Therefore, even if all heating operations are stopped at the R portion, the integral mold 5 External heating is continued for the inner raw material 14.
[0180]
Therefore, the high-frequency application pause zone d is an external heating zone similar to the high-frequency application pause zone b2-2 shown in FIG. As a result, the raw material 14 is stabilized by gentle heating, and the raw material 14 is aged (cured). Therefore, if a high frequency is applied to the raw material 14 in the subzone b2, the formability of the raw material 14 is further improved. It is possible to improve the physical properties of the molded product.
[0181]
Furthermore, since no heating means need be provided in the high-frequency application suspension zone d, the manufacturing apparatus can be designed so that the power feeding unit 3 and the gas heating unit 9 are not provided in the R region. As a result, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus can be further simplified.
[0182]
Moreover, in this Embodiment, the quality of the molded product obtained can also be improved further by providing a high frequency heating application stop zone in the at least one of the first and last steps in a heating process.
[0183]
As described in the second embodiment, for example, when a molded product is produced by baking the starch-based hydrous raw material, the electrical characteristics (high-frequency characteristics) change drastically at the first stage of thermoforming, so that it is too large. It is not preferable to apply an output high frequency. In other words, in the initial stage of the heating process, since the starchy water-containing raw material contains a very large amount of water (high moisture content), if the starchy water-containing raw material is heated strongly by dielectric heating in this initial stage, A starchy water-containing raw material causes a sudden change in properties. As a result, the moldability of the obtained fired product (heat-molded product) is deteriorated, or the strength of the fired product is extremely reduced. Therefore, for example, when the baked product is an edible container or a molded baked confectionery, there arises a problem that the texture becomes excessively light.
[0184]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26, a portion corresponding to the sub-zone b1 is set as a high-frequency application suspension zone b1-1 without providing the power supply unit 2a and the power feeding unit 3a. In other words, the external heating single zone b1-1 is provided in the initial heating stage.
[0185]
Thus, by providing the external heating single zone at the initial stage of the heating process, the raw material 14 can be heated gently. Therefore, the raw material 14 is stabilized in the integral mold 5 (mold 7), and the molded product obtained even if the raw material 14 contains a large amount of water such as the starchy hydrous raw material. It is possible to suppress a decrease in moldability and a decrease in strength. As a result, not only can the quality of the molded product be improved further, but the properties (strength, texture, etc.) of the molded product can be adjusted to the desired properties.
[0186]
Similarly, for example, when a molded product is produced by baking the starchy water-containing raw material, heating and drying are almost completed at the final stage of thermoforming, so overheating occurs when large heat is applied. The physical properties of the molded product are reduced. That is, the final stage of the heating process corresponds to the final finishing stage of drying the molded product. If intense heating such as dielectric heating is performed at this final stage, the molded product will be burnt due to excessive overheating depending on the type of raw material and the shape of the molded product. The occurrence of the burn not only deteriorates the quality of the molded product, but depending on the situation, it is between the upper mold and the lower mold of the integrated mold 5 (internal mold piece shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). 5a and the outer mold pieces 5b and 5b and the upper mold piece 5c and the lower mold piece 5d shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b)) may cause a spark, Production may be difficult.
[0187]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, a portion corresponding to the subzone b5 is set as a high frequency application suspension zone b1-1 without providing the power supply unit 2e and the power feeding unit 3e. In other words, the external heating single zone b5-1 is provided in the final heating stage.
[0188]
Thus, by providing the external heating single zone in the initial stage of thermoforming, it becomes possible to heat the molded article gently at the finishing stage of drying the molded article. For this reason, it is possible to prevent overheating of the molded product. As a result, it is possible to stably produce a high-quality molded product while avoiding the burn of the molded product and the occurrence of sparks derived from the burn.
[0189]
The output of the sub-zones other than the initial stage external heating single zone b1-1 or the final stage external heating single zone b5-1 is not particularly limited. In both the example shown in FIG. 26 and the example shown in FIG. 27, as described above, from the viewpoint of dividing the high-frequency output, it is substantially divided into four. Of course, each of the sub-zones and the external heating single zones b1-1 and b5-1 are all the lengths of the five integrated molds 5.
[0190]
Therefore, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 17, the output of a region where it is preferable to increase the heat generation amount among the sub-zones may be set high.
[0191]
In the example shown in FIG. 26, the subzone b1 is replaced with the external heating single zone b1-1. Therefore, in the subzone b2 immediately downstream thereof, the output is 20 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 0.8 kW). Set and perform moderate dielectric heating after external heating. And in the subzone b3 and the subzone b4 which are further downstream, the output is set to 30 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 1.2 kW), and strong heating is performed. Thereafter, in the subzone b5, the output is set to 20 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 0.8 kW), and dielectric heating with a mild finish is performed.
[0192]
In the example shown in FIG. 27, since the subzone b5 is replaced with the external heating single zone b5-1, first, in the subzone b1 which is the most upstream, the output is 20 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 0. 0). 8 kW), and gentle heating in the initial stage is performed. And in the subzone b2 and the subzone b3 which are the downstream, an output is set to 30 kW (the output with respect to the one metal mold | die 7 is 1.2 kW), and strong heating is implemented. Thereafter, in the subzone b4, the output is set to 20 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 0.8 kW), and the heating is gradually changed from strong heating to gentle heating. In the external heating only zone b5-1, the finishing gentle heating is performed. To implement.
[0193]
Although not shown, the output of each subzone may be equalized in both the example shown in FIG. 26 and the example shown in FIG. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 26, the outputs of the subzones b2, b3, b4, and b5 may all be set to 25 kW (the output for one mold 7 is 1.0 kW). Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 27, the outputs of the subzones b1, b2, b3, and b4 may be set to 25 kW (the output to one mold 7 is 1.0 kW).
[0194]
Here, the method of setting the high-frequency application suspension zone in the present embodiment is not limited to any of the above-described examples. That is, the subsonic zone b3 and the subzone b4 may be a high frequency application suspension zone, or the initial stage external heating single zone b1-1 and the final stage external heating single zone b5-1 are combined to apply a high frequency. Only the subzones b2, b3, and b4 may be used. That is, the heating zone B in the present embodiment may be designed so that a preferable heat treatment can be performed according to the type of the molded product or the raw material 14, and it goes without saying that the heating zone B is not limited to the above-described example. Of course, there may be a case where it is only necessary to change the output for each subzone in the second embodiment.
[0195]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the heating zone includes the high-frequency application pause zone. Therefore, when dielectric heating and external heating are used in combination, gentle heating by external heating is performed in the high-frequency application pause zone. Will be implemented. Therefore, by setting the high-frequency application suspension zone according to the molding raw material, it is possible to improve moldability and obtain desired finished product properties. In addition, by setting the high frequency application suspension zone at the portion where the electrical property change of the forming raw material is most severe, the concentration phenomenon of high frequency energy can be avoided. In addition, since a gentle heat treatment by external heating can be performed before the sub-zone to which the highest output high frequency is applied in the heating zone, the forming raw material can be appropriately heat-formed.
[0196]
Further, in the present embodiment, since the high-frequency application pause zone is included, it is possible to design the manufacturing apparatus so as not to apply a high frequency to a portion where high frequency is easily localized. Therefore, the occurrence of the high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon can be avoided even more reliably.
[0197]
Furthermore, due to the characteristics of external heating, this zone can be an external heating zone in which only external heating is performed, whether or not an external heating means is provided in the high-frequency application suspension zone. In particular, if a portion where the arrangement of the power feeding unit and the external heating means is relatively difficult is set as a high frequency application suspension zone, it is not necessary to provide various heating means. As a result, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus can be further simplified.
[0198]
In addition, by providing a high-frequency application suspension zone in at least one of the initial and final stages of the heating process, heating according to the raw material becomes possible, improving the quality of the resulting molded product and improving productivity. You can make it. In particular, the method of providing a high-frequency application suspension zone in the initial stage or the final stage uses a raw material having a high water content such as a starchy hydrous raw material, or produces a molded product that is easily burnt, such as the fired product. In some cases, it can be particularly preferably used.
[0199]
[Embodiment 4]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those used in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.
[0200]
In the first to third embodiments, the case where the conveyor unit 6 is laid out in an endless flat plate shape has been described as an example. In the present embodiment, another layout of the conveyor unit 6 will be described.
[0201]
For example, as an arrangement layout of the conveyor unit 6, as shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b), a ferris wheel-like layout that is arranged in an annular shape and is erected in the vertical direction can be cited. When viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 20A, the integrated mold 5 is conveyed so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow from top to bottom (in the direction of the arrow). When viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 20B, the integrated mold 5 is attached to the entire outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical conveyor portion 6 and is conveyed so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow.
[0202]
As shown in FIG. 20 (a), in this ferris wheel-like layout, the process zones of the raw material injection zone A, the heating zone B, and the molded product take-out zone C are set as in the endless flat plate-like layout. However, in view of layout, it is preferable that the raw material injection zone A and the molded product removal zone C are set downward. Thereby, it is possible to smoothly inject the raw material 14 and take out the molded product.
[0203]
Or as shown to Fig.21 (a) * (b), the horizontal disk-shaped layout which is arrange | positioned circularly with respect to a horizontal surface and rotates is mentioned. When viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 21A, the integrated molds 5 are arranged radially and are conveyed so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow. When viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), the integrated molds 5 are radially arranged and attached to the upper surface of the annular conveyor portion 6 and rotated in the direction of the arrow. To be conveyed.
[0204]
As shown in FIG. 21 (b), in this horizontal disk-shaped layout, the raw material injection zone A, the heating zone B, and the molded product take-out zone C are the same regardless of which part of the conveyor unit 6 is set. Therefore, the setting position of each process zone is not particularly limited.
[0205]
Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, there is a linear layout that moves so as to reciprocate on a horizontal plane. When viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 22 (a), for example, 13 integrated molds 5 are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction, and these reciprocate in the arrow direction. When viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 22 (b), the integrated mold 5 is attached to the upper surface of the conveyor unit 6 arranged on the horizontal plane, and is conveyed so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow. .
[0206]
As shown in FIG. 22B, in this linear layout, the heating zone B is set at the center, and the raw material injection zone A and the molded product take-out zone C are used at both ends of the conveyor unit 6. It is preferably set.
[0207]
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, two rows of linear arrangements 51 in which a plurality of integrated molds 5 are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction are arranged in parallel, and the integrated mold 5 is formed at both ends thereof. A partial tact type layout in which is sequentially moved to the adjacent linear arrangement 51.
[0208]
When viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 23 (a), one linear arrangement is composed of 13 integral molds 5, and each linear arrangement 51 is equivalent to one integral mold 5. Adjacent to each other with a shift. Then, for example, at the left end of the linear arrangements 51 and 51 in the figure, the integrated mold 5 moves upward from the lower linear arrangement 51 in the figure, and from the upper linear arrangement 51 at the right end in the figure. The integrated die 5 moves downward. When viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), the integrated mold 5 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyor section 6 and moves in the direction of the arrow, and at both ends, the integrated mold 5. The adjacent movement to the linear arrangement 51 is made.
[0209]
As shown in FIG. 23A, in this partial tact type layout, the raw material injection zone A, the heating zone B, and the molded product take-out zone C are the same regardless of which part of the conveyor unit 6 is set. Therefore, the setting position of each process zone is not particularly limited.
[0210]
The layouts described above including the endless flat plate layout can be roughly divided into a configuration in which the integrated mold 5 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the endless conveyor section 6 and a conveyor formed so as to spread in a horizontal plane. It can be summarized in a configuration in which the integrated mold 5 is provided on the upper surface of the portion 6. However, which layout and configuration is preferable varies depending on the properties of the raw material 14 and the molded product, restrictions on the location where the manufacturing apparatus is installed, and the like, and is not particularly limited. Each of the layouts and configurations described above is merely an example, and other layouts and configurations can be used in the present invention.
[0211]
As described above, in the manufacturing method according to the present invention, the layout of the conveyor portion is not limited to one type, and depends on the properties of the forming raw material and the molded product, or the restrictions on the place where the manufacturing apparatus is installed. Therefore, a preferable layout can be set as appropriate.
[0212]
[Embodiment 5]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those used in Embodiments 1 to 4 are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.
[0213]
In the first to fourth embodiments, the specific configuration of the heating zone B has been described in detail. In the present embodiment, a more preferable configuration of the power supply / reception unit will be described in detail.
[0214]
Specifically, as described in the first embodiment, in the manufacturing apparatus used in the present invention, the heating unit 1 includes the power feeding unit 3 and the mold 7 (or the integrated mold 5). (Refer to FIG. 2 and others), the power feeding unit 3 is in a rail shape, and is configured to be combined with a plate-shaped power receiving unit 4 included in the mold 7 (see FIGS. 10A to 10C). ). In this configuration, for example, as shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the flat power receiving unit 4 is sandwiched between the rail-shaped power feeding units 3 in a non-contact manner while proceeding in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Go.
[0215]
Usually, the shape of the rail-shaped power feeding part 3 only has to be the same in both the vicinity of the entrance to the power feeding part 3 shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B and other parts. For example, it may be a “U” -shaped (or substantially U-shaped) cross section. However, when the vicinity of the entrance and the other part are the same shape, power supply is suddenly started from the power supply unit 3 to the power reception unit 4, which is not preferable depending on the type of the raw material 14 and the molded product. There is.
[0216]
For example, as described in the second and third embodiments, for example, in the starchy hydrous raw material, the electrical characteristics (high-frequency characteristics) change drastically at the initial stage of thermoforming. It is not preferable to apply.
[0217]
Therefore, if the shape of the power feeding unit 3 is changed in the vicinity of the entrance to each subzone in the heating zone B to gradually increase the power feeding level, the raw material 14 can be gradually heated. Thereby, the raw material 14 is stabilized in the integral mold 5 (mold 7), and even if the raw material 14 contains a lot of water like the starch-based hydrous raw material, the obtained molding is obtained. It is possible to suppress deterioration of moldability and strength of the product. As a result, not only can the quality of the molded product be improved further, but the properties (strength, texture, etc.) of the molded product can be adjusted to the desired properties.
[0218]
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 29 (a) and 29 (b), the shape of the pair of flat side portions 32 and 32 sandwiching the flat power receiving portion 4 in a non-contact manner has an area toward the vicinity of the entrance. Is formed so as to have a substantially triangular shape with a hypotenuse that is inclined so as to be reduced, that is, ascending in the traveling direction of the integral mold 5. As a result, the overlapping area of the power receiving unit 4 and the side surfaces 32 and 32 sandwiching the power receiving unit 4 gradually increases as the integral mold 5 advances, so that the power receiving unit 4, the side surface units 32 and 32, and The capacity of the capacitor formed in the space between them will also increase. As a result, the power supply level can be gradually increased to gradually heat the raw material 14.
[0219]
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 30 (a) and 30 (b), the distance (opposite spacing) between the pair of side surface portions 32 and 32 is increased toward the vicinity of the entrance, that is, the side surface portions 32 and 32 The rail-shaped power feeding section 3 is formed so that the interval is narrowed as it goes in the traveling direction of the integrated mold 5. As a result, the space between the power receiving unit 4 and the side surfaces 32 and 32 sandwiching the power receiving unit 4 is gradually narrowed as the integral mold 5 advances, so that the power receiving unit 4, the side surface units 32 and 32, And the capacity | capacitance of the capacitor | condenser formed in the space between it will also increase. As a result, the raw material 14 can be gradually heated by gradually increasing the power supply level.
[0220]
Similarly, the shape of the rail-shaped power feeding portion 3 may be the same as that of the portion near the outlet of the power feeding portion 3 shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B or other portions. However, if the vicinity of the outlet and the other part have the same shape, the power supply from the power supply unit 3 to the power reception unit 4 is suddenly terminated, which may not be preferable depending on the type of the raw material 14 and the molded product.
[0221]
For example, as described in Embodiments 2 and 3 above, for example, in a fired product obtained by firing the starchy hydrous raw material, if a large amount of heat is applied at the final stage of thermoforming, charring due to overheating occurs. The physical properties of the molded product are reduced. There is also the possibility of sparking due to scorching.
[0222]
Therefore, in the vicinity of the outlet in each sub-zone in the heating zone B, if the shape of the power feeding unit 3 is changed to gradually lower the power feeding level, the heating level of the raw material 14 can be gradually lowered. Become. Thereby, it becomes possible to gently heat the molded product in the drying finishing stage of the molded product. For this reason, it is possible to prevent overheating of the molded product. As a result, it is possible to stably produce a high-quality molded product while avoiding scorching and sparks derived from scorching in the molded product.
[0223]
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 32 (a) and 32 (b), the shape of the pair of side surfaces 32 and 32 is gradually reduced toward the vicinity of the outlet, that is, the integrated mold 5 The power feeding portion 3 is formed so as to have a substantially triangular shape having a hypotenuse that inclines so as to descend in the traveling direction. As a result, the overlapping area between the power receiving unit 4 and the side surfaces 32 and 32 sandwiching the power receiving unit 4 gradually decreases as the integral mold 5 advances, so that the power receiving unit 4, the side surface units 32 and 32, and The capacity of the capacitor formed in the space between them will also decrease. As a result, it is possible to gradually reduce the power supply level and gradually reduce the heating of the molded product.
[0224]
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 33 (a) and 33 (b), the distance (opposite spacing) between the pair of side surface portions 32, 32 is gradually increased toward the vicinity of the outlet, that is, the side surface portions 32. The rail-shaped power feeding part 3 is formed so that the interval of 32 is increased as it goes in the traveling direction of the integrated mold 5. As a result, the space between the power receiving unit 4 and the side surfaces 32 and 32 sandwiching the power receiving unit 4 gradually increases as the integral mold 5 advances, so that the power receiving unit 4, the side surface units 32 and 32, And the capacity | capacitance of the capacitor | condenser formed in the space between them also decreases. As a result, it is possible to gradually reduce the power supply level and gradually reduce the heating of the molded product.
[0225]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the power receiving unit 4 and the power supply are fed along the traveling direction (movement path) of the integrated mold 5 so that the application level of the high frequency applied to the integrated mold 5 is gradually changed. The power feeding unit 3 is formed so as to change the area (opposite area) where the side surface part (opposing surface) 32 of the part 3 overlaps, or the power receiving unit 4 along the traveling direction (movement path) of the integrated mold 5 The power feeding unit 3 is formed so as to change the spacing (opposite spacing) between the power feeding unit 3 and the side surface part (opposing surface) 32 of the power feeding unit 3. Thereby, the moldability of a molded product can be improved, or a desired finished product physical property can be obtained.
[0226]
In addition, as a method of changing the facing area, as described above, a method of changing the area of the side surface portion (facing surface) 32 along the traveling direction is preferably used. As a method of changing the facing distance, As described above, a method of changing the distance between the pair of side surface portions (opposing surfaces) 32 and 32 along the traveling direction is preferably used, but is not limited to these methods. Moreover, although the example mentioned above demonstrated the case where an opposing area and an opposing space | interval were changed continuously, it is not limited to this. That is, as long as the application level of the high frequency can be changed, the distance between the side surface portion 32, that is, the facing surface, and the power receiving unit 4 may be changed in any manner, for example, stepwise.
[0227]
Furthermore, in this Embodiment, in order to change the application level of a high frequency, it has the structure which changes the shape of the electric power feeding part 3, However, This invention is not limited to this. In particular, when the facing area of the power feeding unit 3 and the power receiving unit 4 is changed, the configuration of the power receiving unit 4 instead of the power feeding unit 3 may be changed.
[0228]
As described above, in the present embodiment, at least one of the vicinity of the entrance and the exit to the heating zone, the rail-like power feeding unit that receives the flat plate-like power receiving unit, or the power receiving unit is moved along the movement path of the power receiving unit (that is, It is formed in a shape that changes along the movement path of the mold so that the power supply level can be changed.
[0229]
Therefore, as in the second and third embodiments, the level of heating can be adjusted, and the moldability of the molded product can be improved and desired finished product properties can be obtained. In particular, since the stepwise heat treatment can be performed at the first or last stage of the heating step, the forming raw material can be appropriately heat-molded.
[0230]
Moreover, by combining the shape change of the rail-shaped power feeding part in the present embodiment, the division of the heating zone in the first to third embodiments, the change in the output for each zone, the setting of the high frequency application suspension zone, etc. It becomes possible to adjust the strength of heating at any place. Therefore, for example, by changing the shape of the power feeding unit at the vicinity of the entrance and exit of each subzone, it is possible to perform more appropriate heat treatment according to the state of the raw material and the molded product.
[0231]
[Embodiment 6]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. Note that the present invention is not limited to this. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those used in the first to fifth embodiments are given the same reference numerals and explanation thereof is omitted.
[0232]
In the first to fifth embodiments, the configuration of the heating zone B and the power supply / reception unit has been described. However, in this embodiment, a preferred method in the case where the power reception unit, that is, the mold proceeds to the heating zone will be described in detail. .
[0233]
Specifically, for example, as exemplified in the first to third embodiments, the layout of the conveyor unit 6 is an endless flat plate, and the conveyor unit 6 has an arc shape in the vicinity of the support shafts 15a and 15b over which the conveyor unit 6 is stretched. It is assumed that it is curved (see FIGS. 1 and 14). At this time, the power feeding unit 3 is also curved and arranged in accordance with the curved part (R part) of the conveyor unit 6. Here, when the mold 7 moves, the distance of the mold 7 that moves in a certain time differs between the straight part and the R part of the conveyor unit 6.
[0234]
For example, as shown in FIG. 34 (a), if the shape of the power feeding unit 3 is a high-frequency application zone (such as subzone b2 shown in FIG. 14) having a shape including both a straight portion and an R portion, The number of power receiving units 4 inserted in the power feeding unit 3 (sandwiched between the side surface portions 32 and 32) always varies. In other words, the number of molds 7 that are dielectrically heated in the high frequency application zone always varies. In the example shown in FIG. 34A, the number of inserted power receiving units 4 (that is, the mold 7) into the power feeding unit 3 varies from 1.7 to 2.3, and the average number of inserted sheets is two. On the other hand, the fluctuation rate is ± 15%, that is, 1/4. In this case, if the output of the power supply unit 2 is 5 kW, the output for one mold 7 varies from 2.17 kW to 2.94 kW.
[0235]
As described above, if the number of flat power receiving units 4 inserted into the power feeding unit 3, that is, the integral molds 5 is not constant, high-frequency tuning becomes unstable. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 34B, a high timing and a low timing of the anode current value are periodically generated. That is, in the anode current value, the timing at which the tuning is matched and the timing at which the tuning is not matched appear alternately and continuously, and as a result, a state where the anode current value is high and a state where the anode current value is low occur alternately. Become. In the example shown in FIG. 34 (a), as shown in FIG. 34 (b), the anode current value fluctuates from a minimum of 0.3A to a maximum of 0.7A, and greatly fluctuates from an average value of 0.5A. Will be.
[0236]
In particular, in the first stage (initial stage) of the heating process, the state change of the raw material 14 is most severe, and in the final stage of the heating process, the moisture content of the raw material 14 is the lowest. For this reason, the tuning of the high frequency is likely to become more unstable, and the fluctuation of the anode current value is most likely to be the most severe. Therefore, if the number of the plate-like power receiving units 4 inserted into the power supply unit 3, that is, the molds 7 is not constant in the initial stage and the final stage of the heating process, the heating efficiency is likely to be reduced at timings that are not synchronized. Furthermore, there is a risk of sparks.
[0237]
Moreover, the output of the power supply part 2 needs to match the maximum value (peak value) of the anode current value. In the example shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B, the output of the power supply unit 2 is 5 kW, and only an average anode current value of 0.5 A can be applied. Therefore, it becomes necessary to use the power supply part 2 provided with an excessive output, and the manufacturing cost of a molded article increases. Furthermore, in order to control the high frequency tuning to be constant, there is a problem that it is necessary to adjust the capacitance and inductance at a very high speed.
[0238]
Of course, depending on the type of the raw material 14 and the type of the molded product, the problem that the synchronization of the high frequency becomes unstable may not have a great effect, but a baked product is produced using a starchy hydrous raw material. In some cases, it is desirable to stabilize the high frequency tuning.
[0239]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 35 (a), as in the example shown in FIG. 34 (a), if the high-frequency application zone has a shape including both the straight part and the R part, Extend the length.
[0240]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35 (a), when viewed from the direction of travel of the mold 7, the rail-shaped power feeding portion 3 is moved from a part before and after the R part starts to be bent before the end of the bending. Extend to the rank. As a result, the number of power receiving units 4 inserted into the power feeding unit 3 is changed from 3.4 to 4.0. Since the variation of the number of molds 7 being heated is ± 0.25, the number of variations of the mold 7 itself does not change, but the average number of insertions is 3.7, but the variation The rate becomes ± 8%, and the variation rate is clearly lower than the example shown in FIG.
[0241]
Moreover, the fluctuation | variation of the output with respect to the metal mold | die 7 is also 1.25 kW to 1.47 kW, and it falls from the example shown to Fig.34 (a). Further, as shown in FIG. 35 (b), although the anode current value fluctuates, the fluctuation of the anode current value is suppressed from a minimum of 0.5A to a maximum of 0.7A, approaching around 0.6A. . That is, in this example, the output of the power supply unit 2 is 5 kW, which is the same as the example shown in FIG. 34A, but an average anode current value of 0.6 A can be applied. Therefore, it turns out that energy efficiency is improving.
[0242]
Thus, in the present invention, when the high-frequency application zone includes a straight part and an R part, it is preferable to extend the length. As a result, the fluctuation rate of the number of dies to be heated in one subzone can be reduced, the fluctuation of high-frequency tuning can be reduced, and the anode current value can be relatively stabilized. Therefore, the energy efficiency of dielectric heating by applying a high frequency can be improved, and the risk of spark generation can be reduced.
[0243]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 36 (a), the high-frequency application zone may be composed of only a straight portion. In this case, since the R portion is not included, the number of power receiving units 4 inserted into the power feeding unit 3 is almost constant at three, the average number of inserted units is three, and the variation in the number of heating molds 7 is Approximately ± 0. Further, the fluctuation of the output for one mold 7 is also constant at 1.65 kW, and as shown in FIG. 36 (b), the fluctuation of the anode current value is suppressed from the minimum 0.6A to the maximum 0.7A. , Approaching around 0.65A. That is, in this example, the output of the power supply unit 2 is 5 kW, which is the same as the example shown in FIGS. 34 (a) and 35 (a), but an average anode current value of 0.65A can be applied. Therefore, it can be seen that the tuning of the high frequency is very stable and the energy efficiency is further improved.
[0244]
As described above, when the heating zone B is designed according to the type of the raw material 14 or the molded product, for example, as described in the third embodiment, a high frequency is applied only at a straight portion with the R portion as a high frequency application pause zone. By adopting such a configuration (see FIG. 18), it becomes possible to stabilize high-frequency tuning and to realize an increase in energy efficiency, avoidance of spark generation, and the like.
[0245]
Here, the design of the heating zone B needs to enable preferable heating according to the state change of the raw material 14 and the type of the finally obtained molded product, and particularly in the third and fifth embodiments. As described above, when a high frequency is applied in the initial stage or the final stage where the state change of the raw material 14 is large, the high frequency application zone is preferably designed so as to suppress fluctuations in the anode current value.
[0246]
However, when designing the heating zone B, the high-frequency application zone cannot always be configured with only the above-described linear portion in consideration of the state change of the raw material 14 and the type of molded product finally obtained. Further, even if the high-frequency application zone is configured by only the straight portion, the number of the power receiving units 4 inserted into the power feeding unit 3 may not be constant.
[0247]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), the anode current value actually fluctuates in the range of 0.6A to 0.7A even if the number of power receiving units 4 inserted into the power feeding unit 3 is constant. ing. This is because the state of the raw material 14 in the mold 7 newly entering the high-frequency application zone (the power feeding section 3 of the subzone) is different from the state of the raw material 14 in the mold 7 exiting from the high-frequency application zone. is there.
[0248]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the variation rate of the mold 7 heated in one high-frequency application zone (subzone) is within a predetermined range regardless of whether the high-frequency application zone includes an R region or only a straight region. The length of the high frequency application zone is set based on this rule.
[0249]
Specifically, in this embodiment, if the variation rate of the heated mold 7 is C, this variation rate C can be set by the following equation. However, N_maxIs the maximum number of power receiving units 4 to be inserted into the power feeding unit 3, and N_minIs the minimum number of power receiving units 4 to be inserted into the power feeding unit 3, N_aveIs the average number of power receiving units 4 inserted into the power feeding unit 3.
[0250]
C = [(N_max-N_min) / 2] / N_ave
That is, the variation rate C of the heated mold 7 is obtained by dividing the difference between the maximum number and the minimum number of the power receiving units 4 inserted into the power feeding unit 3 by 2 and further dividing the difference by the average number of inserted power receiving units 4. Calculated as a value.
[0251]
In the present embodiment, it is preferable to set the length of the high frequency application zone so that the variation rate C is in the range of 0 or more and less than 0.5 (0 ≦ C <0.5). In the initial stage and the final stage, it is preferable to set the length of the high-frequency application zone so that the variation rate C is in the range of 0 to less than 0.1 (0 ≦ C <0.1).
[0252]
As described above, the length of the sub-zone (high frequency application zone) included in the heating zone is designed so that the number of power receiving units inserted into the power feeding unit is as constant as possible. As a result, fluctuations in the number of dies that are dielectrically heated by applying a high frequency within one subzone can be reduced, so that high frequency tuning can be stabilized and the increase or decrease in anode current value is also reduced. be able to. As a result, not only can energy efficiency be improved, but also the occurrence of sparks can be avoided.
[0253]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and technical means disclosed in different embodiments are appropriately combined. Needless to say, embodiments obtained in this manner are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0254]
【Example】
EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated further in detail based on an Example, a comparative example, and a prior art example, this invention is not limited to these. In the following description, parts by weight are simply abbreviated as parts, and% by weight is simply abbreviated as%. Moreover, in the heating zone, among the various properties imparted to the molded product by combined use with external heating, the frequency of occurrence of sparks due to the application of high frequency, the moldability of the obtained molding raw material and the physical properties of the molded product, The manifestation state and firing state of the additive effect were evaluated by the following methods.
[0255]
[Spark occurrence frequency]
In the heating zone B, as described above, the high frequency is localized, so that a concentration phenomenon of high frequency energy occurs and sparks are easily generated. The occurrence level of this spark was evaluated based on the occurrence frequency. The case where it did not occur at all was evaluated as ◎, the case where it hardly occurred was evaluated as △, the case where it occasionally occurred was evaluated as △, and the case where it occurred very frequently was evaluated as ×.
[0256]
[Formability of raw materials]
The moldability of the raw material 14 was comprehensively evaluated for the mold release from the mold 7 (integral mold 5) and the shape retention of the molded product. ◎ if the mold release and shape retention are very good, ◯ if there is some difficulty in mold release and shape retention, but molded almost without any problem as a molded product, mold release or shape retention The case where the molding itself was possible was evaluated as Δ, and the case where the molding itself was impossible was evaluated as x.
[0257]
[Physical properties of molded products]
As the physical properties of the molded product, the strength, the structure state, etc. of the obtained molded product were comprehensively evaluated based on the appearance, color, touch, and the like. ◎ if it is in a very good state such as strength, texture uniformity, color tone, ◯ if it is good, △ if it can be used as a molded product to a certain extent, △ Some cases were evaluated as x.
[0258]
[Expression state of additive effect]
As the additive, a red colorant and a fragrance were used, and the expression of these effects was evaluated. ◎ If the color of the molding is a little brownish red and the coloring is very good, ◎ if it is good, ◯ if the coloring is somewhat inferior, △ if the coloring is slightly poor, and red coloring is very good The case where the molded product was inferior and brown and the color development was poor was evaluated as x.
[0259]
Similarly, ◎ when a very good flavor remains in the molded product, ◯ when a good flavor remains, △ when the remaining flavor is slightly bad, and almost no flavor left. The case of was evaluated as x.
[0260]
[Baking state]
About the said baking state, the baking color and roast odor of the molding were evaluated. With respect to the baked color, the case of being sufficiently dark was evaluated as ◎, the case of being slightly dark as ◯, the case of being thin as △, and the case of being very thin as x. The roasted odor was evaluated as ◎ for a very strong case, ◯ for a strong case, △ for a state of almost no odor (somewhat odor), and × for a state of no odor.
[0261]
[Preparation of raw materials]
By adding the main component flour and / or starch and the subcomponent a or b to water so that the blending ratio shown in Table 1 is obtained, and sufficiently stirring and mixing, the starchy hydrous raw materials A to F (hereinafter referred to as “the starchy hydrous materials”) Were simply abbreviated as raw materials A to F). The solid content and viscosity of each raw material 14 are also shown in Table 1. The raw materials A to C containing the subcomponent a, and E and F are all edible container raw materials 14, and the raw material D containing the subcomponent b is the raw material 14 of the biodegradable molded product.
[0262]
[Table 1]

[0263]
Here, the corn starch in Table 1 includes waxy constarch, high amylose corn starch, industrially processed pregelatinized corn starch, cross-linked corn starch and the like in addition to normal corn starch. These blending ratios are arbitrary and are appropriately set.
[0264]
[Shape of molded product]
As a specific shape of the molded product, in the case of an edible container, the conical cup cone 8a shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) or the flat waffle shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) A cone 8b is used. The specific size of the cup cone 8a is a maximum diameter of 54 mm, a height of 120 mm, and a wall thickness of 2.0 mm. The specific size of the waffle cone 8b is 150 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness.
[0265]
On the other hand, in the case of a biodegradable container, the tray 8c has a quadrangular shape as shown in FIGS. The specific size of the tray 8c is 220 mm × 220 mm × 21.5 mm in height, width, and height, and has a thickness of 3.5 mm.
[0266]
[Configuration of manufacturing equipment]
In each of the following examples and comparative examples, a manufacturing apparatus having the following specifications was basically used.
[0267]
As shown in FIG. 8, the arrangement of the conveyor unit 6 has an endless flat plate-like layout and is arranged so as to spread horizontally. In addition, a plurality of tongues (integral mold 5) are attached to the entire surface of the conveyor unit 6. Each tong is configured by continuously arranging five molds 7 in a row, and the mold 7 can be continuously moved by conveying the tongs. In the conveyor unit 6, the raw material injection zone A, the heating zone B, and the molded product removal zone C are arranged in this order from the vicinity of one end portion (end portion on the support shaft 15 a side) in the rotational movement direction of the tongue. Process zone is set.
[0268]
In the heating zone B, a high-frequency heating unit including the power supply unit 2 and the power feeding unit 3 and a gas heating unit 9 (external heating unit) are provided. The overall high-frequency output in the high-frequency heating unit is 100 kW, and the mold temperature by external heating of the gas heating unit 9 is 180 ° C. unless otherwise specified.
[0269]
In addition, the number of tongs (the number of integral molds 5) that can be dielectrically heated in the entire heating zone B is 25. Therefore, the number of molds 7 capable of performing dielectric heating in the entire heating zone B is 125.
[0270]
Further, the number of tongs that can be directly heated externally is 25 as above (the number of molds 7 is also 125). Since the mold temperature by heating hardly decreases, it can be considered that external heating is performed in the entire manufacturing apparatus.
[0271]
[Division pattern of heating zone]
In the following embodiment, the heating zone B is divided into a plurality of subzones, and a high frequency application unit (power supply unit 2 and power supply unit 3) is provided in each subzone to apply a high frequency. The division pattern of the heating zone will be described using the division pattern numbers shown below.
[0272]
First, the division patterns 1 to 3 are patterns for dividing the heating zone B into the sub-zones b1 and b2 described in the first embodiment. The division pattern 1 is shown in FIG. 1, the division pattern 2 is shown in FIG. The division pattern 3 corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG.
[0273]
Next, the division patterns 4 to 6 are patterns for dividing the heating zone B into two or more divisions as described in the second embodiment, and the division pattern 4 is divided into five divisions as shown in FIG. Corresponds to the five-divided configuration shown in FIG. 15, and the division pattern 6 corresponds to the three-divided configuration shown in FIG.
[0274]
Next, the division patterns 7 and 8 are patterns in which the high frequency application stop zone for stopping the high frequency application is provided in the heating zone B described in the third embodiment, and the division pattern 7 is shown in FIG. Corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG.
[0275]
Next, the division patterns 9 and 10 are patterns in which the external heating single zone b1-1 in the initial stage or the external heating single zone b5-1 in the final stage is provided in the heating zone B, which is also described in the third embodiment. The division pattern 9 corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG. 26, and the division pattern 10 corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the output of the subzones b2, b3, b4, and b5 in the division pattern 9 and the output of the subzones b2, b3, b4, and b5 in the division pattern 10 are all 25 kW (for one mold 7). The output is set to 1.0 kW), and only this point is different from the configuration shown in FIG.
[0276]
Next, the division patterns 11 to 14 are configured to change the shape of the rail-shaped power feeding unit that receives the flat power receiving unit on at least one of the entrance to the heating zone and the vicinity of the outlet described in the fifth embodiment. It is a pattern provided with. At this time, the sub-zone division pattern itself is a five-division pattern shown in FIG.
[0277]
The division pattern 11 is a combination of the shape of the power feeding section shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B with respect to the vicinity of the entrance of the subzone b1 of the division pattern 4, and the division pattern 12 is a division pattern. 30 is combined with the shape of the power feeding section shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B with respect to the vicinity of the entrance of the sub-zone b1 of No. 4, and the division pattern 13 corresponds to the vicinity of the entrance of the sub-zone b5 of the division pattern 4. 29 (a) and 29 (b) are combined, and the divided pattern 14 is located near the entrance of the subzone b5 of the divided pattern 4 as shown in FIGS. 30 (a) and 30 (b). Are combined with the shape of the power feeding section shown in FIG.
[0278]
In the comparative example in which the heating zone B is not divided into sub-zones, the non-divided pattern is similarly used. This non-divided pattern corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG.
[0279]
Furthermore, with respect to the arrangement of the gas heating unit 9, all patterns except for the division pattern 8 are the external heating pattern 1 arranged in the entire heating zone B shown in FIG. 9, and the division pattern 8 is shown in FIG. The external heating pattern 2 is such that the gas heating unit 9 is disposed only in the subzones b1 and b2. Therefore, the external heating patterns 1 and 2 can be regarded as being integrated with each divided pattern, and thus are not particularly referred to in the following examples.
[0280]
[Example 1]
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the heating zone B was divided into two so as to be the division pattern 1 (see FIG. 1). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a was heat-formed from the raw material A, and the spark frequency, the formability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.
[0281]
[Example 2]
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the heating zone B was divided into five so as to be the divided pattern 4 (see FIG. 14). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a was heat-formed from the raw material A, and the spark frequency, the formability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.
[0282]
Example 3
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the heating zone B was divided into five so as to be the divided pattern 5 (see FIG. 15). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a was heat-formed from the raw material A, and the spark frequency, the formability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.
[0283]
[Conventional example]
The cup cone 8a was thermoformed from the raw material A by the technique disclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-230527. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, the basic configuration of the conveyor unit 6 is the same as that of the first or second embodiment. However, each tong is configured to have only one mold 7, the high-frequency output of the heating zone B is 9 kW, the number of tongs capable of dielectric heating in the heating zone B is nine, and the mold The number of 7 is also nine. That is, the scale of the manufacturing apparatus is reduced as a whole.
[0284]
Thus, when the molded product was manufactured by the conventional manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method, the spark frequency, the moldability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 2.
[0285]
[Comparative Example 1]
In the manufacturing apparatus of the above specification, the cup cone 8a is heat-molded from the raw material A using the manufacturing apparatus having the non-divided pattern, that is, the heating zone B is not divided (see FIG. 25). The spark frequency, the formability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.
[0286]
[Table 2]

[0287]
As is apparent from the results in Table 2, in the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, even when the manufacturing apparatus is large, high frequency localization can be suppressed or avoided by dividing the heating zone B. It can be seen that overheating and dielectric breakdown can be effectively prevented. Moreover, in the manufacturing method concerning this invention, the moldability of the raw material 14 and the physical property of a molded object can be made excellent.
[0288]
In particular, as is apparent from the comparison between Examples 2 and 3, when the cup cone 8a is formed using the raw material A, the output of the subzone b1, which is the portion where the change in the electrical characteristics of the raw material A is the most severe, is lowered. As a result, the moldability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product can be improved, and the occurrence of sparks can be almost prevented.
[0289]
Further, if the output is gradually increased from the subzones b1 to b3 as the change in the electrical characteristics of the raw material A is reduced, efficient high-frequency heating is possible while avoiding the occurrence of sparks. Furthermore, when the output is gradually lowered from the subzones b3 to b5, it becomes possible to prevent overheating of the molded product, and it is possible to improve moldability and reduce the occurrence of sparks, and to further adjust the end of heating. It becomes easy.
[0290]
On the other hand, when the scale of the heating facility is small as in the conventional example, the high-frequency energy required for one mold 7 can be small, so the output of the power supply unit 2 is also small. Therefore, even if the heating zone B is not divided, the localization of high frequency hardly occurs, and overheating and dielectric breakdown hardly occur.
[0291]
On the other hand, as in the comparative example, when the heating zone B is not divided even when the scale of the heating facility is increased, that is, when the conventional technique disclosed in the above publication is applied to a large-scale heating facility. The output of the power supply unit 2 is also increased. Therefore, the heating zone B becomes longer and the high frequency tends to be unevenly distributed, and also the high frequency characteristics of the raw material A that is the raw material 14 change, so that the high frequency is likely to be localized or the high frequency is concentrated on a specific part. It is difficult to prevent the occurrence of overheating or dielectric breakdown.
[0292]
Example 4
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the heating zone B was divided into three so as to be the divided pattern 6 (see FIG. 16). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the tray 8c was thermoformed from the raw material D, and the spark frequency at that time, the formability of the raw material 14, and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 3.
[0293]
[Comparative Example 2]
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the tray 8c is thermoformed from the raw material D by using a manufacturing apparatus having a configuration in which the heating zone B is not divided (see FIG. 25) so as to be the non-divided pattern, The spark frequency, the moldability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 3.
[0294]
[Table 3]

[0295]
As is apparent from the results in Table 3, in the manufacturing method and the manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, even if the raw material 14 is the raw material D and the obtained molded product is the tray 8c of the biodegradable molded product, the heating zone Since the high frequency localization can be suppressed or avoided by dividing B, it is understood that the occurrence of sparks is small and overheating, dielectric breakdown, and the like can be effectively prevented. Moreover, in the manufacturing method concerning this invention, the moldability and physical property of the raw material 14 can be made excellent.
[0296]
[Examples 5 to 7]
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the heating zone B was divided into two so as to be the division patterns 1, 2, or 3 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 12, or FIG. 13). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the tray 8c was thermoformed from the raw material D, and only the spark frequency at that time was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 4.
[0297]
[Examples 8 to 10]
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the heating zone B was divided into two so as to be the division patterns 1, 2, or 3 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 12, or FIG. 13). Using the manufacturing apparatus of this configuration, the waffle cone 8b was heat-formed from the raw material C, and only the spark frequency at that time was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 4.
[0298]
[Table 4]

[0299]
As is clear from Table 4, even if the heating zone B is divided into two in the same manner, the frequency of occurrence of sparks can be greatly reduced by changing the division pattern according to the type of the raw material 14 and the molded product. It becomes possible.
[0300]
In particular, when the tray 8c is formed from the raw material D, the output of the subzone b1 is lowered, the length of the subzone b1 is shortened, and the number of tongs (die 7) that can be heated in the subzone b1 is reduced. By doing so, generation | occurrence | production of the spark in the whole heating zone B can be suppressed. On the other hand, when forming the waffle cone 8b with the raw material C, on the contrary, the output of the sub-zone b2 is lowered and the length of the sub-zone b2 is shortened so that the tongs (die 7) that can be heated in the sub-zone b2 By reducing the number, the occurrence of sparks in the entire heating zone B can be suppressed.
[0301]
[Examples 11 and 12]
In the manufacturing apparatus of the specification, the division pattern 5 or7Then, the heating zone B was divided (see FIG. 15 or FIG. 17). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a was thermoformed from the raw material B, and the spark frequency, the formability of the raw material 14, and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 5.
[0302]
[Table 5]

[0303]
As is apparent from the results of Table 5, depending on the type of raw material 14 and the molded product, a high-frequency application pause zone b2-2 is provided during the heat forming process, and the raw material is gently heated by external heating or the like. Since 14 (raw material B) can be aged (cured), the moldability of raw material 14 and the physical properties of the finished product can be improved. In addition, if the portion of the raw material 14 (raw material B) where the electrical characteristics change drastically is heated by external heating, localization of high frequency can be effectively prevented and the frequency of occurrence of sparks can be reduced.
[0304]
[Examples 13 to 16]
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the division pattern 1 or8Thus, the heating zone B was divided (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 18). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a from the raw material B or the waffle cone 8b from the raw material C is heat-molded, and the spark frequency, the moldability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product are evaluated. did. The results are shown in Table 6.
[0305]
[Table 6]

[0306]
As is apparent from the results of Table 6, depending on the raw material 14 and the type of the molded product, if a high frequency application pause zone d is provided during the heat forming process, the high frequency application is effectively prevented from being localized. Occurrence frequency can be reduced. Further, in the high-frequency application suspension zone d, if the heating is gently performed by external heating or the like, the raw material 14 (the raw material B or C) can be aged (cured). The physical properties of the product can be improved.
[0307]
In particular, a curved region corresponding to the R region or the like is used as a high-frequency application zone d, and a good molded product can be obtained without providing a high-frequency heating unit or a gas heating unit 9, and the frequency of occurrence of sparks can be increased. Not only can the apparatus be reduced, but the apparatus configuration can be simplified.
[0308]
Example 17
In the manufacturing apparatus of the specification, the heating zone B was divided so as to be the divided pattern 7 (see FIG. 17). Furthermore, external heating by the gas heating unit 9 was adjusted so that the mold temperature was 120 ° C. Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a is thermoformed from the raw material A, and the moldability of the raw material 14, the texture state of the molded product, the manifestation state of the effect of the additive, and the firing state are evaluated. did. The results are shown in Table 7.
[0309]
[Examples 18 and 19 and Comparative Example 3]
In Example 17, from the raw material A to the cup, the external heating by the gas heating unit 9 was adjusted so that the mold temperature was 160 ° C., 200 ° C., or 240 ° C. The cone 8a was heat-molded, and the moldability of the raw material 14, the textured state of the molded product, the manifestation of the effect of the additive, and the fired state were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 7.
[0310]
[Table 7]

[0311]
As apparent from the results of Table 7, from the viewpoint of moldability, when the mold temperature is 120 ° C or 240 ° C, external heating is not preferable or inappropriate. When the mold temperature is 160 ° C. or 200 ° C., external heating is appropriate.
[0312]
Specifically, in Example 17, since the mold temperature is 120 ° C., the ratio of external heating to high frequency heating is too low. Therefore, in the raw material stabilization zone and the high-frequency application suspension zone d, the stabilization of the raw material A becomes insufficient, and a certain degree of moldability is obtained, but the moldability is not very good. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 3, since the mold temperature is 240 ° C., the ratio of the external heating is too high, the molded product is burnt, the molding becomes impossible, and various characteristics due to the external heating cannot be evaluated.
[0313]
On the other hand, in Examples 18 and 19, since the mold temperature is appropriate, the balance between external heating and high-frequency heating is good. Therefore, the raw material A can be sufficiently stabilized in the raw material stabilization zone and the high-frequency application suspension zone d, and very good moldability can be obtained.
[0314]
Further, as apparent from the results in Table 7, from the viewpoint of imparting various characteristics by external heating, as in Examples 17 to 19, if the balance between external heating and high-frequency heating is appropriately changed, molding is performed. The structure state of the product, the manifestation state of the effect of the additive, and the firing state can be appropriately changed. Therefore, if the external heating conditions are changed according to the usage of the molded product, the characteristics of the molded product can be arbitrarily changed.
[0315]
[Examples 20 and 21]
In the manufacturing apparatus of the specification, the heating zone B was divided so as to be the division pattern 4 or 9 (see FIG. 14 or FIG. 26). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a was heat-formed from the raw material E, and the spark frequency, the formability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 8.
[0316]
[Table 8]

[0317]
[Examples 22 and 23]
In the manufacturing apparatus of the specification, the heating zone B was divided so as to be the division pattern 4 or 10 (see FIG. 14 or FIG. 27). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a was thermoformed from the raw material F, and only the spark frequency at that time was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 9.
[0318]
[Table 9]

[0319]
As is clear from the results of Table 8 and Table 9, if an external heating single zone is provided in the initial stage or final stage of thermoforming depending on the raw material 14 and the type of the molded product, more appropriate heating according to the raw material 14 is achieved. And the quality of the obtained molded product can be improved. Moreover, since the frequency of occurrence of sparks can be further reduced, the productivity of the molded product can be further improved.
[0320]
[Examples 24-26]
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the heating zone B is divided so as to be the division pattern 4, 11 or 12 (see FIG. 14, FIG. 29 (a) / (b) or FIG. 30 (a) / (b)). ). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a was heat-formed from the raw material E, and the spark frequency, the formability of the raw material 14 and the physical properties of the molded product were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 10.
[0321]
[Table 10]

[0322]
As is apparent from Table 10, in the subzone corresponding to the initial stage of heating, the shape of the rail-like power feeding part 3 that receives the flat power receiving part 4 is changed to gradually increase the power feeding level. Appropriate heating can be performed, and the quality of the obtained molded product can be improved.
[0323]
[Examples 27 to 29]
In the manufacturing apparatus having the above specifications, the heating zone B is divided so as to be the division pattern 4, 13 or 14 (see FIG. 14, FIG. 32 (a) / (b) or FIG. 33 (a) / (b)). ). Using the manufacturing apparatus having this configuration, the cup cone 8a was thermoformed from the raw material F, and only the spark frequency at that time was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 11.
[0324]
[Table 11]

[0325]
As is apparent from the results in Table 11, by changing the shape of the rail-shaped power feeding unit 3 that receives the flat power receiving unit 4 in the subzone corresponding to the final stage of heating, gradually changing the power feeding level, More appropriate heating according to the raw material 14 becomes possible. Thereby, excessive overheating in the final stage of heating can be avoided, and the frequency of occurrence of sparks can be further reduced, so that the productivity of the molded product can be further improved.
[0326]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the method for manufacturing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is a method in which the heating area is divided into a plurality of lower areas, and at least the power supply means and the power supply means are provided in each of the lower areas. is there.
[0327]
Therefore, in the above method, the heating region, which is a region where high frequency is applied for heat forming, is divided into a plurality of lower regions, and a power supply unit and a power feeding unit are provided in each lower region. Therefore, the occurrence of the high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon in the heating region can be suppressed or avoided. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of overheating, dielectric breakdown, and the like, and there is an effect that the thermoformed product can be manufactured very efficiently and reliably.
[0328]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, in the lower region, the high-frequency alternating current is applied to the mold by the rail-shaped power feeding means continuously arranged along the movement path. In addition to being applied, the mold is provided with power receiving means for receiving the high-frequency alternating current from the rail-shaped power supply means in a non-contact manner.
[0329]
Therefore, in the above method, after the mold enters the heating region by the moving means, the mold including the power receiving means moves along the rail-shaped power feeding means as the moving means moves. Therefore, there is an effect that the heating / drying process can be continued smoothly and reliably until the molding die passes through the heating region, that is, until the power receiving unit is detached from the power feeding unit.
[0330]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is the method described above, wherein the power receiving means is formed in a flat plate shape, and the rail-shaped power feeding means has a facing surface facing the power receiving means, In this method, a high-frequency alternating current is applied in a non-contact manner by causing the flat power receiving means to face the facing surface.
[0331]
Therefore, in the above method, a capacitor is formed by the power receiving means, the opposing surface facing the power receiving means, and the space between them. As a result, it is possible to supply power to the continuously moving molding die in a non-contact manner, and there is an effect that the heating / drying process can be continued smoothly and reliably.
[0332]
The method for manufacturing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is such that, in the above method, the rail-shaped power feeding means or power receiving means changes an application level of a high-frequency alternating current applied to the mold through the power receiving means. Further, it is a method in which the opposing area is changed along the movement path of the mold.
[0333]
Therefore, in the above method, since the power supply level is changed, the heating level of the mold can be adjusted. As a result, by suppressing excessive heating, it becomes possible to avoid scorching and sparking of the molded product, improving the moldability of the molded product, and obtaining the desired finished product properties. Play. In particular, since the stepwise heat treatment can be performed at the first or last stage of the heat forming, the forming raw material can be appropriately heat formed.
[0334]
The method for manufacturing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is the method in which the rail-shaped power feeding means is formed such that the area of the facing surface changes along the movement path.
[0335]
Therefore, in the above method, since the area of the facing surface is changed, the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the power receiving means, the facing surface, and the space between them is also changed. As a result, it is possible to change the power supply level and change the heating of the thermoformed product, thereby improving the moldability of the thermoformed product and obtaining desired finished product properties. Play.
[0336]
The method for manufacturing a heat-molded product according to the present invention is the method described above, wherein the rail-shaped power feeding means changes the application level of a high-frequency alternating current applied to the mold via the power receiving means. This is a method in which the facing distance is changed along the movement path of the mold.
[0337]
Therefore, even with the above method, it is possible to adjust the heating level of the mold by changing the power supply level. As a result, by suppressing excessive heating, it becomes possible to avoid scorching and sparking of the molded product, improving the moldability of the molded product, and obtaining the desired finished product properties. Play. In particular, since the stepwise heat treatment can be performed at the first or last stage of the heat forming, the forming raw material can be appropriately heat formed.
[0338]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, the length of the lower region is heated in the entire lower region, and the variation rate of the continuously moving mold is less than 0.5. It is a method that is set to be.
[0339]
Further, in the above method, when the lower region corresponds to a region corresponding to at least one of the initial stage and the final stage of heating the forming raw material, the variation rate of the continuously moving mold However, it is preferable to set the length of the lower region so that it is less than 0.1.
[0340]
Therefore, in the above method, the fluctuation of the number of molding dies that are dielectrically heated by applying a high-frequency alternating current in one subregion can be reduced, so that high-frequency tuning can be stabilized. In particular, it is possible to reduce fluctuations in the number of molds that are dielectrically heated in the initial and final stages of heat forming, in which high-frequency tuning is likely to become unstable. For this reason, it is possible to further stabilize the tuning of the high frequency, and as a result, not only can the energy efficiency be improved, but also the occurrence of sparks can be avoided.
[0341]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, the mold is composed of a plurality of mold pieces, and the plurality of mold pieces are grounded to a block of a feed electrode fed from a power feeding means. It is possible to divide the block into the ground electrode blocks, and these blocks are insulated from each other.
[0342]
Therefore, in the above method, there is an effect that dielectric heating can be applied to the forming raw material by applying a high frequency from the supply electrode in a state where the forming raw material is sandwiched between the supply electrode and the ground electrode. In addition, since the molding die is composed of a plurality of mold pieces and can always be divided into the supply electrode block and the ground electrode block, the molding raw material can be obtained by applying a high frequency to the molding raw material. In addition, there is an effect that the dielectric heating can be reliably performed.
[0343]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is a method in which, in the above method, the mold is an integral mold formed by integrating a plurality of molds.
[0344]
Therefore, in the above method, a large number of molds are integrated into a single mold, so that a large number of molds can be moved to the heating region at a time. As a result, the production efficiency of the molded product can be improved.
[0345]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is a method in which, in at least a part of the heating region, dielectric heating by application of the high-frequency alternating current and external heating by external heating means are used in combination. is there.
[0346]
Therefore, in the above method, dielectric heating and external heating are used in combination in at least a part of the heating region. Therefore, for the molding material, rapid heating derived from dielectric heating and heat conduction derived from external heating are performed. Slow heating is performed at the same time. As a result, there is an effect that the forming raw material can be heated more reliably and sufficiently.
[0347]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is a method in which, in the above method, the heating region further includes a high-frequency application pause region in which the application of the high-frequency alternating current is paused.
[0348]
Therefore, in the above method, it is not necessary to provide power supply means for applying a high frequency in the high frequency application pause region. Therefore, since it becomes possible to design a heating facility so as not to apply a high frequency to the region where the high frequency is likely to be localized, it is possible to more reliably suppress or avoid the occurrence of a high-frequency energy concentration phenomenon. Play. In addition, by making the high-frequency application suspension region a portion where the arrangement of the power feeding means and the like is relatively difficult, there is also an effect that the configuration of the heating facility can be further simplified.
[0349]
Furthermore, when dielectric heating and external heating are used in combination, gentle heating only by external heating is performed in the high-frequency application pause region. Therefore, by setting the high-frequency application suspension region according to the characteristics of the forming raw material, it is possible to improve the formability and obtain desired finished product properties. In addition, by setting the high-frequency application pause region in the portion where the electrical property change of the forming raw material is most severe, the effect of avoiding the concentration phenomenon of high-frequency energy can be achieved. In addition, it is possible to perform a mild heat treatment only by external heating before the lower region where the highest output high frequency is applied in the heating region. Therefore, there is also an effect that the forming raw material can be appropriately heat-formed.
[0350]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, the high-frequency application pause region included in the heating region is set to a region corresponding to at least one of an initial stage and a final stage of heating the forming raw material. Is the method.
[0351]
Therefore, in the above method, a high-frequency application pause region is provided in at least one of the initial stage and the final stage of thermoforming, so that heating according to the forming raw material becomes possible. As a result, there is an effect that the quality of the obtained thermoformed product can be improved or productivity can be improved.
[0352]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is a method in which, in the heating method, the application conditions of the high-frequency alternating current to the molding die in each lower region are set to be different from each other in the heating region. .
[0353]
Therefore, in the above method, since the high frequency is applied under different conditions in each subregion, heating can be performed under different conditions in each subregion. Therefore, the application conditions that can suppress or avoid the concentration of high-frequency energy can be set for the entire heating area, and the mold can be heated under better conditions, so that the forming raw material can be more appropriately thermoformed. There is an effect that can be done.
[0354]
In the method for producing a heat-molded article according to the present invention, in the above method, the application condition of the high-frequency alternating current includes the output of the high-frequency alternating current in the entire lower region, the high-frequency alternating current applied to one mold. In this method, at least one of the output of the alternating current and the length of the lower region is included.
[0355]
Therefore, in the above method, the heating condition in the lower region can be changed by setting at least one of the above conditions to be different in each lower region. As a result, not only the concentration of high-frequency energy can be suppressed or avoided, but also the effect that the raw material for molding can be more appropriately heat-molded is exhibited.
[0356]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is a method in which, in the above method, the application condition of the high-frequency alternating current is set according to the characteristics of the forming raw material that changes by the application of the alternating current.
[0357]
Therefore, in the above method, it is possible to apply an alternating current under different conditions in each subregion depending on the properties of the molding material and the molded product obtained by heating. Therefore, it is possible not only to suppress or avoid the concentration of high-frequency energy, but also to more appropriately add heat to the forming raw material, and to more appropriately heat-mold the forming raw material. There is an effect.
[0358]
In the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention, in the above method, a starchy hydrous material containing at least starch and water and having fluidity or plasticity is used as the molding material, and the thermoformed product is used. As a method for producing a fired product.
[0359]
Therefore, in the above method, when the hydrated raw material containing the starch and water is thermoformed to produce a baked product, the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is used, so that a high quality baked product is produced with high production. There exists an effect that it can manufacture efficiently.
[0360]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is a method in which, in the above method, wheat flour is used as the starchy material of the starchy hydrous material, and the baked product is a molded baked confectionery mainly composed of wheat flour.
[0361]
Therefore, in the above method, the method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is used in the case of producing a baked confectionery such as an edible container, a cookie, or a biscuit by baking a starchy hydrous material using wheat flour as starch. Since it uses, there exists an effect that a high quality molded baked confectionery can be manufactured with high production efficiency.
[0362]
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to the present invention is a method in which, in the above method, a conveyor means that is rotatably stretched by a plurality of support shafts is used as the moving means.
[0363]
Therefore, in the above method, since the mold can be efficiently moved to the heating region, the production efficiency of the molded product can be improved. Moreover, since it can rotate continuously like an endless track, the effect that the installation space of manufacturing equipment can also be reduced is also produced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
3A and 3B are perspective views showing an example of an integral mold used in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
4A and 4B are perspective views showing another example of an integral mold used in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 5A is an overhead view showing an example of the configuration of a cup cone as a molded product manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a DD arrow in FIG. FIG.
6A is an upper overhead view showing an example of a configuration of a waffle cone as a molded product manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention, and FIG. 6B is an EE arrow in FIG. FIG.
7A is an upper overhead view showing an example of a configuration of a tray as a molded product manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a view taken along the line FF in FIG. It is sectional drawing.
8A and 8B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a layout of an arrangement of conveyor units included in the manufacturing apparatus illustrated in FIG.
9A and 9B are schematic views showing an example of the configuration of a gas heating unit as an external heating means included in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are schematic views showing a configuration of a power supply / reception unit included in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
11A and 11B are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of a more specific configuration of the power supply / reception unit illustrated in FIG. 10;
12 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the schematic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
13 is a schematic view showing still another example of the schematic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a schematic view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
16 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the schematic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a schematic view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
19A and 19B are schematic views showing an example of a configuration of a gas heating unit as an external heating means included in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic views showing an example of the layout of the conveyor unit included in the manufacturing apparatus used in the manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic diagrams illustrating another example of the layout of the conveyor unit included in the manufacturing apparatus used in the manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. .
FIGS. 22A and 22B are schematic diagrams showing still another example of the layout of the conveyor unit included in the manufacturing apparatus used in the manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. is there.
FIGS. 23A and 23B are schematic diagrams showing still another example of the layout of the conveyor unit included in the manufacturing apparatus used in the manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. is there.
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a conventional manufacturing apparatus.
FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration when a conventional manufacturing apparatus is enlarged.
FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
27 is a schematic view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 27. FIG.
FIGS. 28A and 28B are schematic diagrams illustrating a state where a flat power receiving unit is inserted in the vicinity of the entrance of the rail-shaped power feeding unit illustrated in FIG. 10;
FIGS. 29 (a) and 29 (b) show a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which a flat power receiving unit is inserted in the vicinity of the entrance of a rail-shaped power supply unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state in the case of.
FIGS. 30A and 30B are schematic views showing another example of a state where a flat power receiving unit is inserted in the vicinity of the entrance of the rail-shaped power feeding unit in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 29; It is.
FIGS. 31A and 31B are schematic diagrams showing a state where a flat power receiving unit is inserted in the vicinity of the outlet of the rail-shaped power feeding unit shown in FIG. 10;
FIGS. 32A and 32B show a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which a flat power receiving unit is inserted in the vicinity of an outlet of a rail-shaped power supply unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state in the case of.
FIGS. 33A and 33B are schematic views showing another example of a state where a flat power receiving unit is inserted in the vicinity of the entrance of the rail-shaped power feeding unit in the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 32. FIGS. It is.
FIG. 34 (a) shows a variation in the number of inserted power receiving units inserted into a rail-shaped power feeding unit including an R portion in a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram to show, (b) is a graph which shows the fluctuation | variation of the anode current value accompanying the fluctuation | variation of the insertion number of the said power receiving part.
FIG. 35 (a) shows a variation in the number of inserted power receiving units inserted in a rail-shaped power feeding unit including an R portion in a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram to show, (b) is a graph which shows the fluctuation | variation of the anode current value accompanying the fluctuation | variation of the insertion number of the said power receiving part.
FIG. 36 (a) shows a change in the number of inserted power receiving units to be inserted into a rail-shaped power feeding unit made of a directly manufactured portion in a manufacturing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a graph which shows the fluctuation | variation of the anode current value accompanying the fluctuation | variation of the insertion number of the said power receiving part.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Heating part
2 Power supply (power supply means)
3 Power feeding part (power feeding means / rail-like means)
4 Power receiving unit (power receiving means)
5 Integrated mold (Integrated mold)
6 Conveyor (moving means / conveyor means)
7 Mold (mold)
8a Cup cone (fired product / heated product)
8b Waffle cone (fired product / heated product)
8c tray (fired product, thermoformed product)
9 Gas heating section (external heating means)
12 Electrode block (supply electrode)
13 Electrode block (grounding electrode)
14 Raw materials for molding
32 Side (opposite surface)
B Heating zone (heating area)
b1, b2, b3, b4, b5 subzone (lower area)
b2-2 · d High-frequency application pause zone (high-frequency application pause zone)
b1-1 External heating single zone (high frequency application pause region)
b5-1 External heating single zone (high frequency application pause region)

Claims (18)

The molding material is moved from a heating region provided along the movement path while charging the raw material for molding into a mold having at least conductivity and moving the plurality of molds continuously along the movement path. In a method for producing a thermoformed product in which a molding raw material is molded by dielectric heating by continuously applying a high-frequency alternating current in a non-contact manner to the mold,
The heating area is divided into a plurality of lower areas, each of the lower areas is provided with at least a power supply means and a power supply means,
In the lower region, the high-frequency alternating current is applied to the mold by the rail-shaped power feeding means continuously arranged along the movement path,
The above mold, a manufacturing method of hot-molded material, characterized in that the powered means for receiving an alternating current of the frequency in a non-contact from the rail-like the feeding means. The power receiving means is formed in a flat plate shape,
The rail-shaped power feeding means has a facing surface facing the power receiving means,
2. The method for producing a thermoformed product according to claim 1, wherein a high-frequency alternating current is applied in a non-contact manner by causing the flat plate-like power receiving means to face the facing surface. The rail-shaped power feeding means or the receiving means, so as to vary the applied level of high-frequency alternating current applied to the mold via the power receiving means, along the movement path of the mold, the opposing 3. The method for producing a thermoformed product according to claim 2, wherein the area is formed so as to change.   4. The method of manufacturing a thermoformed product according to claim 3, wherein the rail-shaped power feeding means is formed so that an area of the facing surface changes along a moving path.   The rail-shaped power feeding means is arranged so that the facing distance thereof changes along the moving path of the molding die so as to change the application level of the high-frequency alternating current applied to the molding die via the power receiving means. The method for producing a thermoformed product according to claim 2, wherein the thermoformed product is formed. The length of the lower region is set so that the variation rate of the continuously moving mold heated in the entire lower region is less than 0.5 ,
The variation rate is obtained by dividing the difference between the maximum number and the minimum number of the plate-shaped power receiving means inserted into the rail-shaped power feeding means by 2, and further dividing the value by the average number of inserted plate-shaped power receiving units. The thermoformed product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it shows a change in the number of the molding dies inserted into the rail-shaped power feeding means . Manufacturing method.   Furthermore, when the lower region corresponds to a region corresponding to at least one of the initial stage and the final stage of heating the molding raw material, the variation rate of the continuously moving mold is less than 0.1. The length of the lower region is set so as to be, The method for manufacturing a thermoformed product according to claim 6.   The molding die is composed of a plurality of mold pieces, and the plurality of mold pieces can be divided into a supply electrode block fed from a power supply means and a grounded ground electrode block. The method for producing a thermoformed product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the blocks are insulated from each other.   The method for producing a heat-molded product according to claim 8, wherein the mold is an integral mold formed by integrating a plurality of molds.   The dielectric heating by applying the high-frequency alternating current and the external heating by an external heating means are used in combination in at least a part of the heating region. Manufacturing method of thermoformed product.   11. The high-frequency application pause region in which the application of the high-frequency alternating current is temporarily paused in a region where the high-frequency localization is more likely to occur in the heating region. 2. A method for producing a thermoformed product according to item 1.   The high frequency application pause region included in the heating region is set to a region corresponding to at least one of an initial stage and a final stage of heating the forming raw material. Production method.   The heating according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein in the heating region, application conditions of the high-frequency alternating current to the mold in each subregion are set to be different from each other. Manufacturing method of a molded product.   The application condition of the high-frequency alternating current includes at least one of an output of the high-frequency alternating current in the entire lower region, an output of the high-frequency alternating current applied to one mold, and the length of the lower region. It is contained, The manufacturing method of the thermoformed product of Claim 13 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The method for producing a heat-molded product according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the application condition of the high-frequency alternating current is set according to the characteristics of the forming raw material that changes by the application of the alternating current. As the raw material for molding, at least starchy water-containing raw material containing starch and water and having fluidity or plasticity is used.
The method for producing a heat-molded product according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein a fired product is produced as the heat-formed product. While flour is used as the starchy starchy water-containing raw material,
The method for producing a thermoformed product according to claim 16, wherein the baked product is a molded baked confectionery mainly composed of wheat flour. 18. The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein a conveyor unit that is rotatably stretched by a plurality of support shafts is used as the moving unit that moves the mold along the movement path. The manufacturing method of the thermoformed product of.

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