JP7137129B2 - food machine - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to various food machines having pressure reducing means having a vacuum pump and pressure restoring means having an air filter.

A vacuum cooling device, for example, is known as a food machine having pressure reducing means and pressure restoring means. A vacuum cooling device is a device that promotes the evaporation of moisture from food in the processing tank by decompressing the inside of the processing tank with a decompression means, and cools the food with the latent heat of vaporization. After cooling, the inside of the processing bath is restored to the atmospheric pressure by the pressure restoring means. The decompression means has a vacuum pump in the exhaust passage from the inside of the processing bath, and the pressure recovery means has an air filter in the air supply passage to the inside of the processing bath. Food machines capable of sterilizing the inside of the processing tank and the vacuum system are also known, as disclosed in US Pat.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-200468

The performance of the vacuum pump of the decompression means deteriorates due to accidental failure such as clogging with dust and deterioration over time. It would be preferable to be able to know when the vacuum pump is degraded during the daily cooling operation. I couldn't.

On the other hand, the air filter of the pressure recovery means is clogged with use, and it is desirable to replace it periodically from the viewpoint of increased pressure recovery time and hygiene, but the progress of clogging varies depending on the installation environment of the device. . It would be preferable if it was possible to easily know when to replace the air filter, but conventionally, clogging of the air filter could not be determined objectively and automatically. As in the case of the vacuum pump mentioned above, the pressure recovery time varies depending on the ratio of food in the tank (in other words, the empty volume remaining in the tank), so clogging of the air filter could not be easily detected. .

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a food machine that can objectively and automatically detect the deterioration of the vacuum pump and/or the clogging of the air filter.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a vacuum pump is provided in a processing tank in which food is stored and an exhaust path from the processing tank. depressurizing means; pressure recovery means having an air filter and an air supply valve provided in an air supply path to the processing tank; and control means for controlling each of the means, (a) steam supply means including a heat exchanger and a valve in addition to the vacuum pump, and for supplying steam to the processing tank from the side of the processing tank in the exhaust passage rather than the valve; is an air removal step of decompressing the inside of the processing tank by the decompression means as a decompression operation in a state where there is no content to reduce the inner volume of the processing tank, and a supply of pressure in the processing tank by the steam supply means. a steaming step, a sterilization step of holding the inside of the treatment tank at a sterilization temperature or higher for a sterilization time, a steam removal step of depressurizing the inside of the treatment tank by the decompression means, and a pressure recovery operation in which the pressure in the treatment tank is restored by the pressure restoration means. and a pressure recovery step, wherein the control means determines a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump based on the pressure reduction time in all or part of the air removal step. .

According to the first aspect of the invention, the air removal process, the steaming process, the sterilization process, the steam removal process, and the pressure recovery process are sequentially executed, and the inside of the treatment tank and the decompression system (the section from the treatment tank to the valve) ) can be sterilized. Further, in the sterilization operation, it is possible to determine whether the vacuum pump is degraded based on the depressurization time in the air removal process. Since the sterilization operation is performed in a state in which there is no content in the treatment tank that would reduce the inner volume of the tank, the determination is not affected by the amount, temperature, proportion of the food in the tank, and the like. In this way, it is possible to objectively, automatically and easily know about the deterioration of the vacuum pump performance.

According to a second aspect of the present invention , the control means determines a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump based on the depressurization time in all or part of the air removal process, 2. The food machine according to claim 1, wherein clogging of the air filter is determined based on the pressure recovery time in .

According to the second aspect of the invention, the air removal process, the steaming process, the sterilization process, the steam removal process and the pressure recovery process are sequentially executed to reduce the ) can be sterilized. In the sterilization operation, it is possible to determine whether the vacuum pump is degraded based on the pressure reduction time in the air removal process, and whether the air filter is clogged based on the pressure recovery time in the pressure recovery process. Since the sterilization operation is performed in a state in which there is no content in the treatment tank that would reduce the inner volume of the tank, the determination is not affected by the amount, temperature, proportion of the food in the tank, and the like. In this way, it is possible to objectively, automatically and easily find out whether the performance of the vacuum pump is degraded or whether the air filter is clogged.

In the invention according to claim 3, in the depressurization operation, the inside of the processing tank is depressurized to a first set pressure, and the control means controls that the pressure in the treatment tank is reduced to the first measurement start pressure during the depressurization operation. to the first measurement end pressure is measured, and if the time is longer than the reference depressurization time, it is determined that the capacity of the vacuum pump is reduced, and the first measurement start pressure is atmospheric pressure or less, and the first measurement end pressure is set at a pressure less than the first measurement start pressure and at the first set pressure or more Item 2. A food machine according to item 2.

According to the third aspect of the invention, whether or not the vacuum pump performance is reduced based on whether or not the pressure reduction time from the first measurement start pressure to the first measurement end pressure is longer than the reference pressure reduction time. can be easily determined.

In the invention according to claim 4, a plurality of pressure ranges are set between the atmospheric pressure and the first set pressure, and the control means measures the time required to pass through each pressure range for each pressure range. 4. The food machine according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the time is longer than the reference depressurization time for the pressure range.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible to confirm the deterioration of the vacuum pump capacity by dividing it into a plurality of pressure ranges.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the reference depressurization time is changed based on the temperature of water supplied to the vacuum pump and/or the rotation speed of the vacuum pump. It is a food machine described in.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to more accurately determine the capacity of the vacuum pump by considering the temperature of the water supply to the vacuum pump and/or the number of revolutions of the vacuum pump.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 6 reduces the pressure in the processing tank to a second set pressure before the pressure restoration operation, and the control means controls the pressure in the processing tank during the pressure restoration operation so that the pressure in the processing tank The time from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure is measured, and if the time is longer than the reference pressure recovery time, it is determined that the air filter is clogged, and the second measurement start pressure is set at the second set pressure or higher, and the second measurement end pressure is set at a pressure exceeding the second measurement start pressure and at atmospheric pressure or less Item 2. A food machine according to item 2.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, whether or not the air filter is clogged is determined based on whether or not the pressure recovery time from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure is longer than the reference pressure recovery time. can be easily determined.

According to the food machine of the present invention, it is possible to easily and objectively know whether the vacuum pump is degraded and/or the air filter is clogged.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a food machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a sterilization operation of the food machine of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the air evacuation process of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a pressure recovery process of FIG. 2;

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

The food processing machine 1 of this embodiment is a vacuum cooling device, and includes a processing tank 2 in which food is stored, and decompression means 3 for reducing the pressure in the processing tank 2 by sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside. a pressure recovery means 4 for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank 2 to restore the pressure in the processing tank 2; and control means (not shown) for controlling the means 3-5.

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

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

The decompression means 3 is a means for decompressing the inside of the processing bath 2 by sucking and discharging the gas (air or steam) in the processing bath 2 to the outside. In this embodiment, the decompression means 3 includes a steam ejector 10, a steam condensing heat exchanger 11, a check valve 12, and a water-sealed vacuum pump 13 in this order in an exhaust passage 9 from the processing tank 2. .

The steam ejector 10 is provided with a suction port 10a connected to the processing tank 2, and steam from an ejector steam supply passage 14 can be ejected from the nozzle from an inlet 10b toward an outlet 10c. By jetting steam from the inlet 10b to the outlet 10c, the gas in the processing tank 2 is also sucked and discharged to the outlet 10c through the suction port 10a. By operating the opening/closing of the ejector steam supply valve 15 provided in the ejector steam supply path 14, the presence/absence of operation of the steam ejector 10 can be switched.

The heat exchanger 11 is an indirect heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the fluid in the exhaust path 9 and the cooling water without mixing. The heat exchanger 11 allows the steam in the exhaust path 9 to be cooled and condensed with cooling water.

The vacuum pump 13 is of a water ring type, and as is well known, is operated while being supplied with water called seal water. Water can be supplied to the vacuum pump 13 via a sealing water supply valve 16 . The sealing water supply valve 16 is opened and closed in conjunction with the starting and stopping of the vacuum pump 13 .

To explain the water supply system to the heat exchanger 11 and the vacuum pump 13, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 11 and the vacuum pump 13 can be supplied with normal temperature water and cold water by switching. Cold water is water that has been cooled to a predetermined temperature by a chiller (not shown), and room temperature water is water that is not cooled in such a manner.

In the illustrated example, normal temperature water and cold water are switched by a normal temperature water supply valve 18 provided in the normal temperature water supply path 17 and a cold water supply valve 20 provided in the cold water supply path 19 . The room temperature water supply channel 17 downstream from the room temperature water supply valve 18 and the cold water supply channel 19 downstream from the cold water supply valve 20 join together to form a common water supply channel 21 . This common water supply line 21 branches into a heat exchange water supply line 22 to the heat exchanger 11 and a sealing water supply line 23 to the vacuum pump 13 . A sealed water supply valve 16 is provided in the sealed water supply path 23 .

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

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

The steam supplying means 5 is means for supplying steam into the processing tank 2 through the exhaust path 9 described above. In this embodiment, the steam supply means 5 supplies steam (saturated steam) into the exhaust passage 9 from between the heat exchanger 11 and the check valve 12 . That is, the sterilization steam supply path 32 is connected to the exhaust path 9 between the heat exchanger 11 and the check valve 12, and steam can be supplied from the sterilization steam supply path 32 into the exhaust path 9. It is said that The presence or absence of this steam supply is switched by the sterilization steam supply valve 33 provided in the sterilization steam supply path 32 . In the illustrated example, the sterilization steam supply passage 32 on the upstream side of the sterilization steam supply valve 33 and the ejector steam supply passage 14 on the upstream side of the ejector steam supply valve 15 serve as a common steam supply passage 34. ing.

The control means is a controller that controls the means 3 to 5 based on the detection signals from the sensors 6 to 8, the elapsed time, and the like. Specifically, the vacuum pump 13, the ejector steam valve 15, the sterilizing steam valve 33, the seal water supply valve 16, the normal temperature water supply valve 18, the cold water supply valve 20, the cold water return valve 27, the drainage outlet valve 28, the supply In addition to the air valve 31, the pressure sensor 6, the temperature sensor 7 and the product temperature sensor 8 are connected to the controller. Then, as described below, the controller operates to cool the food in the processing tank 2, as well as to control the inside of the processing tank 2 and the decompression system (from the processing tank 2 to the check valve 12) in accordance with a predetermined procedure (program). section) can be sterilized.

The control means also functions as determination means for determining whether the vacuum pump 13 is degraded and/or the air filter 30 is clogged. That is, the food processing machine 1 performs a depressurization operation to depressurize the inside of the processing tank 2 by means of the decompression means 3 and restore the inside of the processing tank 2 by means of the pressure recovery means 4 in a state where there is no content in the processing tank 2 to reduce the internal volume of the tank. The control means controls the pressure reduction time during all or part of the pressure reduction operation (more specifically, the entire pressure range from the pressure reduction start pressure to the pressure reduction end pressure or a partial pressure Based on the pressure reduction time passing through the pressure reduction area), it is determined whether the vacuum pump 13 is degraded and/or the pressure recovery time during all or part of the pressure recovery operation (more specifically, the recovery time from the pressure recovery start pressure). Clogging of the air filter 30 is determined based on the pressure recovery time for passing through the entire pressure range or a partial pressure range up to the pressure end pressure. This determination process can be executed during the sterilization operation in this embodiment.

The cooling operation is performed with food stored in the processing tank 2 . In the cooling operation, the inside of the processing tank 2 is decompressed by the decompression means 3, and after cooling the food in the processing tank 2 to a desired temperature, the decompression means 3 is stopped, and the inside of the processing tank 2 is returned to the atmospheric pressure by the pressure recovery means 4. pressurize up to In the cooling operation, while the inside of the processing tank 2 is being decompressed by the decompression means 3, the opening degree of the air supply valve 31 may be adjusted as desired to adjust the decompression rate in the processing tank 2. FIG. In the cooling operation, while the pressure in the processing tank 2 is being restored by the pressure restoring means 4, the opening degree of the air supply valve 31 may be adjusted as desired to adjust the speed of pressure restoration in the processing tank 2. FIG.

The sterilization operation is performed with no food in the processing tank 2 . In the food machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the sterilization operation, determination processing is performed to determine whether the vacuum pump 13 is degraded and/or whether the air filter 30 is clogged. In order to carry out the sterilization, the sterilization operation is performed in a state in which there is no content in the processing tank 2 that would reduce the internal volume of the tank, more specifically, in a state in which at least no food is contained in the processing tank 2 . Preferably, in addition to the food, food containers and utensils such as wagons for placing them are not accommodated in the processing tank 2 (ie, the processing tank 2 is typically empty). Further, even if an air intake strainer is provided at the exhaust port from the processing tank 2 or a dew shield plate is provided in the processing tank 2 during the cooling operation, these air intake strainer and dew shield plate are installed during the sterilization operation. It is better to remove it. However, in some cases, small items such as sensors may be arranged in the processing tank 2 because they are insignificant with respect to the inner volume of the processing tank 2 .

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the sterilization operation of the food machine 1 of this embodiment. 3 is a flow chart showing the air removal step S1 in the sterilization operation, and FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the pressure recovery step S6 in the sterilization operation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sterilization operation includes and executes an air removal step S1, a steam supply step S2, a sterilization step S3, a heat exchange cooling step S4, a steam removal step S5 and a pressure recovery step S6 in sequence. Each step will be described below.

<<Air exclusion step S1>>
In the air removal step S1, the inside of the processing tank 2 is depressurized by the decompression means 3 to remove the air from the inside of the processing tank 2. As shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the vacuum pump 13 is operated to reduce the pressure in the processing bath 2 (S11). At this time, the air supply valve 31, the ejector steam supply valve 15 and the sterilization steam supply valve 33 are closed. At the start of the air removal step S1, the room temperature water supply valve 18 and the sealed water supply valve 16 are opened while the cold water supply valve 20 is closed, and room temperature water is supplied to the vacuum pump 13 . Furthermore, the cold water return valve 27 and the drain outlet valve 28 are closed, and the heat exchanger 11 is not supplied with water.

In this manner, while normal temperature water is supplied to the vacuum pump 13, the pressure inside the processing tank 2 is reduced by the vacuum pump 13. The water supply to the pump 13 is switched from room temperature water to cold water (S12, S13). Specifically, while the normal temperature water supply valve 18 is closed, the cold water supply valve 20 is opened.

After that, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 becomes equal to or lower than the first set pressure (for example, 30 hPa), the cold water supply valve 20 and the sealed water supply valve 16 are closed, the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, and the air removal step is completed (S14). , S15). However, after stopping the vacuum pump 13 (after the series of initial depressurization operations S11 to S15), if desired, the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 is processed by the steam supply means 5 until the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 reaches a predetermined pressure recovery pressure (for example, 900 hPa). After supplying steam into the tank 2 to restore the pressure, the inside of the processing tank 2 is evacuated by the decompression means 3 until the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 reaches a predetermined reduced pressure (for example, 30 hPa) while the steam supply is stopped. The pressure may be reduced (S18). In any case, finally, the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, the water supply to the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, and the air removal step is completed.

When the processing tank 2 is depressurized after steaming (during depressurization from the above-mentioned predetermined repressurized pressure to a predetermined depressurized pressure), normal temperature water or cold water may be passed through the heat exchanger 11 at a predetermined timing. When normal temperature water is passed through the heat exchanger 11 , the water after use in the heat exchanger 11 is discharged to the drainage outlet path 26 by opening the drainage outlet valve 28 . On the other hand, when cold water is passed through the heat exchanger 11, by opening the cold water return valve 27, the water after being used in the heat exchanger 11 is returned to the cold water tank (cold water supply source) through the cold water return path 25. be

In the air removal step S1, it is possible to determine whether the vacuum pump 13 is degraded based on the decompression time in all or part of the air removal step S1. In this embodiment, as described above, in the air removal step S1 (initial depressurization operation S11-S15), the inside of the processing tank 2 is depressurized from the atmospheric pressure to the first set pressure. Determining incapacity.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when the vacuum pump 13 is operated to start reducing the pressure in the processing tank 2, the controller starts measuring the pressure reduction time (S11). When the pressure reaches the first set pressure, the pressure reduction time measurement is finished (S14, S15). That is, when depressurizing the inside of the processing tank 2 from the atmospheric pressure to the first set pressure, the depressurization time from the start to the end of depressurization is measured. Since no water is passed through the heat exchanger 11 during this period, the depressurization time without the influence of the heat exchanger 11 can be measured. If the depressurization time (measurement time) thus measured exceeds the reference depressurization time, it is determined that the performance of the vacuum pump 13 is degraded. is not lowered (S16). The determination result (particularly, the determination result indicating that the vacuum pump 13 is degraded) is output to a predetermined output device for notification (S17). For example, it displays on a touch panel, lights a lamp, or sounds a buzzer.

By the way, regarding the time measurement for determining the performance of the vacuum pump 13, here, the pressure at the start of time measurement (first measurement start pressure) is assumed to be the atmospheric pressure, and the pressure at the end of time measurement (first measurement end pressure) pressure) is set to be the first set pressure, but it is not always necessary to judge by the decompression time from the atmospheric pressure to the first set pressure. That is, if the first measurement start pressure is set at or below atmospheric pressure, and the first measurement end pressure is set at a pressure below the first measurement start pressure and at or above the first set pressure, , can be changed as appropriate. In any case, the time required for the pressure in the processing tank 2 to decrease from the first measurement start pressure to the first measurement end pressure is measured. It judges that it is lowered, and outputs the result to inform you.

If the first measurement start pressure and the first measurement end pressure are set between the atmospheric pressure and the cold water switching pressure, the seal water will remain at room temperature, so it is possible to make a judgment with little influence of the seal water temperature. becomes. Similarly, if the first measurement start pressure and the first measurement end pressure are set between the cold water switching pressure and the first set pressure, the sealing water remains cold water, so the determination is less affected by the sealing water temperature. becomes possible.

<<Steam supply step S2>>
In the steam supply step S2, the steam supply means 5 supplies steam into the processing tank 2 through the exhaust path 9, and the inside of the processing tank 2 is brought to a predetermined transition temperature (or saturation pressure (transition pressure) corresponding to the transition temperature). ). Specifically, the sterilization steam supply valve 33 is opened to supply steam into the treatment bath 2 by causing the exhaust path 9 to flow backward from the primary side of the check valve 12 . When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 becomes equal to or higher than the transition temperature (84° C., for example), the process proceeds to the next step. The transition temperature is set so that the internal pressure of the processing tank 2 is less than the atmospheric pressure even after the pressure is restored by the steam.

<<Sterilization step S3>>
In the sterilization step S3, the steam supply means 5 is controlled to maintain the inside of the treatment bath 2 within a set temperature range (84 to 86° C., for example). Specifically, when the upper limit temperature (eg, 86° C.) of the set temperature range is exceeded, the sterilization steam supply valve 33 is closed, and when the temperature is below the lower limit temperature (eg, 84° C.), the sterilization steam supply valve 33 is opened. , the inside of the processing tank 2 is maintained within the set temperature range. During this time, the time during which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 is equal to or higher than the sterilization temperature (80° C., for example) is measured by a timer. Then, when the time during which the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 is equal to or higher than the sterilization temperature reaches the sterilization time (for example, 10 minutes), the sterilization steam supply valve 33 is closed to end the sterilization step S3. In the sterilization step S3, the inside of the processing tank 2 and the area from the processing tank 2 to the check valve 12 can be sterilized with steam.

<<Heat exchange cooling step S4>>
The heat exchanger cooling step S4 cools the heat exchanger 11 heated by the steaming step S2 and the sterilization step S3. Specifically, while the vacuum pump 13 is stopped, the room temperature water supply valve 18 and the drain outlet valve 28 are opened to supply room temperature water to the heat exchanger 11 . By passing water through the heat exchanger 11, the heat exchanger 11 is cooled. Then, when water is passed through the heat exchanger 11 for the heat exchanger cooling time, the drain outlet valve 28 is closed and the heat exchanger cooling step S4 is completed.

<<Steam removal step S5>>
In the steam removing step S5, the steam remaining in the processing tank 2 is discharged to the outside. Specifically, similarly to the air removal step S1, the vacuum pump 13 is operated to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2 with the normal temperature water supply valve 18 and the sealed water supply valve 16 opened. At this time, the cold water return valve 27 and the drain outlet valve 28 are closed, and the heat exchanger 11 is not supplied with water. However, depending on the situation, the water at normal temperature may be passed through the heat exchanger 11 by opening the drain outlet valve 28 .

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

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

<<Restoration step S6>>
In the pressure recovery step S6, the pressure recovery means 4 recovers the pressure inside the processing tank 2 to the atmospheric pressure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the air supply valve 31 is opened (S61), and the inside of the processing bath 2 is restored to atmospheric pressure (S66). The degree of opening of the air supply valve 31 in the pressure recovery step S6 is set to a predetermined degree of opening, such as being always fully open.

In the pressure recovery step S6, clogging of the air filter 30 can be determined based on the pressure recovery time in all or part of the pressure recovery step S6. In the present embodiment, as described above, the inside of the processing tank 2 is depressurized to the second set pressure in the previous step (steam removal step S5). Clogging of the air filter 30 is determined based on the pressure recovery time required to pass through the predetermined pressure range.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller monitors the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 6 after the air supply valve 31 is opened, and the inside of the processing tank 2 rises above the second measurement start pressure (for example, 50 hPa). Then, the pressure recovery time measurement is started (S62, S63), and when the inside of the processing tank 2 reaches the second measurement end pressure, the pressure recovery time measurement is terminated (S64, S65). That is, in the process of restoring the inside of the processing tank 2 from a predetermined pressure (second set pressure) to atmospheric pressure, the pressure restoration time from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure is measured. If the pressure recovery time (measurement time) thus measured exceeds the reference pressure recovery time, it is determined that the air filter 30 is clogged. , it is determined that the air filter 30 is not clogged (S67). The determination result (particularly, the determination result indicating that the air filter 30 is clogged) is output to a predetermined output device for notification (S68). For example, display on a touch panel, light a lamp, or sound a buzzer.

By the way, regarding the time measurement for determining the clogging of the air filter 30, here, the pressure at the start of time measurement (second measurement start pressure) is higher than the second set pressure, and the pressure at the end of time measurement Although the pressure of (second measurement end pressure) is lower than the atmospheric pressure, the second measurement start pressure may be the second set pressure, or the second measurement end pressure may be the atmospheric pressure. That is, if the second measurement start pressure is set at the second set pressure or higher, and the second measurement end pressure is set at a pressure exceeding the second measurement start pressure and at or below atmospheric pressure , can be changed as appropriate. In any case, the time required for the pressure in the processing tank 2 to rise from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure is measured, and if the time is longer than the reference pressure recovery time, the air filter 30 It judges that there is clogging, and outputs the result to notify the user.

If the second measurement start pressure is set to a pressure higher than the second set pressure and the second measurement end pressure is set to a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, variations in the tank pressure at the start of pressure recovery and changes in the atmospheric pressure In addition, it is possible to perform determination while suppressing the influence of the device installation environment (altitude).

According to the food machine 1 of this embodiment, in the sterilization operation, it is determined whether the ability of the vacuum pump 13 is lowered based on the pressure reduction time in the air removal process S1, and the air filter 30 is determined based on the pressure recovery time in the pressure recovery process S6. clogging can be determined. Since the sterilization operation is performed in a state in which there is no content that would reduce the internal volume of the processing tank 2, the above determination is not affected by the amount, temperature, proportion of the food in the tank, or the like. In addition, it is easy to check whether the vacuum pump 13 is degraded or the air filter 30 is clogged during the sterilization operation, which is performed every day (for example, at the end of the day or after a predetermined batch process), not at the timing of regular inspection. can do.

The control means of the food machine 1 can be connected to a computer in a control center (a facility for remotely monitoring one or more food machines 1) via a communication line, and the control center side can monitor the judgment result of the food machine 1. good too. In this case, when the control center confirms that the vacuum pump 13 is degraded or that the air filter 30 is clogged, it can dispatch a service person or request maintenance from the user.

Next, a modification of the performance determination of the vacuum pump 13 and the clogging determination of the air filter 30 in the above embodiment will be described.

In the above embodiment, the deterioration of the vacuum pump 13 is determined based on whether or not the pressure reduction time from the first measurement start pressure to the first measurement end pressure is longer than the predetermined reference pressure reduction time. The reference decompression time may be changed based on the temperature of the seal water to 13 and the rotation speed of the vacuum pump 13 . For example, it is possible to calculate the reference depressurization time from the pumping capacity curve of the vacuum pump 13 depending on the seal water temperature and the number of rotations (frequency), and perform the capacity determination. In this case, a seal water temperature sensor may be installed in the seal water supply path 23 or the vacuum pump 13 to check the temperature of the seal water to the vacuum pump 13 . Also, the rotation speed of the vacuum pump 13 can be calculated from the frequency of the inverter that drives the vacuum pump 13 . By considering the temperature of the water supply to the vacuum pump 13 and the rotation speed of the vacuum pump 13, the performance of the vacuum pump 13 can be determined more accurately.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the deterioration of the ability of the vacuum pump 13 is determined by the pressure reduction time from the atmospheric pressure to the first set pressure (or the pressure reduction time passing through the pressure range set therebetween). A plurality of pressure ranges may be set between one set pressure. In that case, the time required to pass through each pressure range is measured, and it is determined whether or not the time is longer than the reference depressurization time for the pressure range.

For example, the first pressure reduction time (measurement time) from atmospheric pressure to 500 hPa is compared with the first reference pressure reduction time, and the second pressure reduction time (measurement time) from 500 hPa to 100 hPa is compared with the second reference pressure reduction time. , the third depressurization time (measurement time) from 100 hPa to 30 hPa and the third reference depressurization time may be compared to determine in which region the depressurization speed is slow. In other words, as a characteristic of the vacuum pump 13, it is determined how the pressure decreases when the pressure is reduced from the atmospheric pressure to a predetermined pressure. etc. can be confirmed.

The food machine 1 of the present invention is not limited to the configuration (including control) of the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate. In particular, (a) a processing tank 2 in which food is stored, (b) a depressurizing means 3 having a vacuum pump 13 provided in an exhaust passage 9 from the processing tank 2, and (c) a food into the processing tank 2. (d) control means for controlling the means 3 and 4; and (e) the control means, Depressurizing operation for reducing the pressure in the processing tank 2 by the pressure reducing means 3 and pressure recovery operation for restoring the pressure in the processing tank 2 by the pressure restoring means 4 are executed in a state where there is no content to reduce the internal volume of the processing tank 2. Based on the depressurization time during all or part of the depressurization operation, the ability of the vacuum pump 13 is determined, and / or based on the depressurization time during all or part of the depressurization operation, the air Other configurations can be changed as appropriate so long as clogging of the filter 30 is determined.

For example, in the above embodiment, in the initial depressurization operation (S11-S15) of the air removal step S1 in the sterilization operation, it is determined that the performance of the vacuum pump 13 has deteriorated, and in the final pressure recovery step S6, the air filter 30 Although clogging is determined, only one of the performance determination of the vacuum pump 13 and the clogging determination of the air filter 30 may be executed.

Further, determination may be made not only during the sterilization operation, but also during a dedicated test operation. In that case, in the test operation, similarly to the air removal step S1 in the sterilization operation, after the pressure reduction step from the atmospheric pressure to the predetermined pressure, similarly to the pressure restoration step S6 in the sterilization operation, the pressure restoration step from the predetermined pressure to the atmospheric pressure. It is only necessary to determine the ability of the vacuum pump 13 in the depressurizing step and/or determine the clogging of the air filter 30 in the depressurizing step S6. In the case of a dedicated test operation, the steam supply step S2, the sterilization step S3, the heat exchanger cooling step S4, and the steam removal step S5 in the sterilization operation can be omitted. It goes without saying that the exclusive test operation is also carried out in a state in which there is no content in the processing bath 2 that reduces the inner volume of the bath.

Also, in the above embodiment, a shutoff valve (a solenoid valve, an electric valve, or a manual valve may be used) may be used instead of the check valve 12 . In either case, the shut-off valve may be opened and closed (starting/stopping of the vacuum pump 13 and opening/closing of the shut-off valve may be interlocked) in the same manner as the opening and closing of the check valve 12 described above. Then, it is preferable to connect the sterilization steam supply path 32 to the exhaust path 9 on the primary side (treatment tank 2 side) of the shutoff valve.

Further, in the above embodiment, if the decompression means 3 is provided with the vacuum pump 13, other configurations can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the installation of the steam ejector 10 can be omitted. In the above-described embodiments, the position of the valve (check valve 12 or shutoff valve) is not limited to between the heat exchanger 11 and the vacuum pump 13, but may be between the processing tank 2 and the heat exchanger 11, for example. good. In either case, the sterilization steam supply path 32 may be connected to the exhaust path 9 (or the treatment tank 2) on the treatment tank 2 side of the valve. A valve (check valve 12 or cutoff valve) is provided between the processing tank 2 and the heat exchanger 11, and the area within the processing tank 2 and from the processing tank 2 to the valve (check valve 12 or cutoff valve) is separated. When sterilizing with steam, the heat exchanger cooling step S4 may be omitted, or the heat exchanger cooling step S4 may be started at the same time as or during the steam removing step S5 to cool the heat exchanger 11. good too.

Further, in the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the vacuum pump 13 is degraded, but depending on the situation, the degree of degraded performance may be determined. In other words, the measured decompression time may be compared with the ideal decompression time to determine how much the decompression time is delayed, and the result may be output.

Similarly, in the above embodiment, whether or not the air filter 30 is clogged is determined, but depending on the situation, the degree of clogging may be determined. In other words, the measured pressure recovery time may be delayed compared to the ideal pressure recovery time, and the result may be output.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example applied to a vacuum cooling device was described, but if the decompressing means 3 having the vacuum pump 13 and the pressure restoring means 4 having the air filter 30 are provided, the present invention can be applied to a cooling device other than the vacuum cooling device. It can also be applied to various food machines 1 in the same manner.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 food machine 2 treatment tank 3 decompression means 4 pressure recovery means 5 steam supply means 6 pressure sensor 7 temperature sensor 8 product temperature sensor 9 exhaust path 10 steam ejector (10a: suction port, 10b: inlet, 10c: outlet)
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 heat exchanger 12 check valve 13 vacuum pump 14 ejector steam supply line 15 ejector steam supply valve 16 sealed water supply valve 17 normal temperature water supply path 18 normal temperature water supply valve 19 cold water supply path 20 cold water supply valve 21 common water supply path 22 heat AC water supply path 23 Sealed water supply path 24 Heat exchange drainage path 25 Cold water return path 26 Drainage outlet path 27 Cold water return valve 28 Drainage outlet valve 29 Air supply path 30 Air filter 31 Air supply valve 32 Sterilization steam supply path 33 Sterilization supply Steam valve 34 Common steam supply path S1 Air removal process S2 Steam supply process S3 Sterilization process S4 Heat exchange cooling process S5 Steam removal process S6 Pressure return process

Claims (6)

a processing tank containing food;
a depressurizing means provided with a vacuum pump in the exhaust path from the inside of the processing tank;
a pressure recovery means provided with an air filter and an air supply valve in an air supply path into the processing tank;
and a control means for controlling each means ,
In addition to the vacuum pump, a heat exchanger and a valve are provided in the exhaust path from the inside of the processing tank,
further comprising steam supply means for supplying steam into the processing tank from the side of the processing tank in the exhaust path, rather than the valve;
The control means comprises an air removal step of decompressing the inside of the processing tank by the decompression means as a decompression operation in a state where there is no content to reduce the internal volume of the processing tank, and a steaming step of restoring the pressure, a sterilization step of holding the inside of the processing tank at a sterilization temperature or higher for a sterilization time, a steam removal step of reducing the pressure in the processing tank by the decompression means, and a pressure recovery operation by the pressure recovery means. sequentially including and executing a pressure restoring step for restoring the internal pressure,
The control means determines a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump based on the depressurization time in all or part of the air removal process.
A food machine characterized by: The control means determines a decrease in the capacity of the vacuum pump based on the depressurization time in all or part of the air removal process, and the air 2. The food machine of claim 1, wherein the clogging of the filter is determined. In the decompression operation, the inside of the processing tank is decompressed to a first set pressure,
During the decompression operation, the control means measures the time required for the pressure in the processing tank to decrease from the first measurement start pressure to the first measurement end pressure, and if the time is longer than the reference decompression time, the Determining that the capacity of the vacuum pump is declining,
The first measurement start pressure is set at atmospheric pressure or less,
The food machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first measurement end pressure is set to a pressure lower than the first measurement start pressure and equal to or higher than the first set pressure. . A plurality of pressure ranges are set between the atmospheric pressure and the first set pressure,
4. The control means measures the time required to pass through each pressure range, and determines whether or not the measured time is longer than the reference depressurization time for the pressure range. Food machine as described. The food machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reference depressurization time is changed based on the temperature of water supplied to the vacuum pump and/or the rotation speed of the vacuum pump. Before the pressure recovery operation, the inside of the treatment tank is depressurized to a second set pressure,
During the pressure recovery operation, the control means measures the time required for the pressure in the treatment tank to rise from the second measurement start pressure to the second measurement end pressure, and if the time is longer than the reference pressure recovery time , determining that the air filter is clogged,
The second measurement start pressure is set at the second set pressure or higher,
The food machine according to claim 2 , wherein the second measurement end pressure is set at a pressure exceeding the second measurement start pressure and at or below atmospheric pressure.

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