JP7229463B2 - Food machine and its sterilization method - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to various food machines equipped with heat exchangers and vacuum pumps as depressurizing means for decompressing the inside of a processing tank, and a sterilization method for the food machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, food machines equipped with heat exchangers and vacuum pumps as depressurizing means are known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In this food machine, steam is used to sterilize the inside of the processing tank and a predetermined area of the decompression system (inside the vacuum piping from the processing tank to the secondary side of the heat exchanger) without storing food in the processing tank. It is possible.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-200468

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

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a food machine and a disinfecting method thereof that can disinfect the inside of the processing tank and the decompression system without using steam. Another object of the present invention is to provide a food machine and its disinfecting method that can easily and reliably disinfect the food machine by introducing a disinfecting agent into the decompression system with a simple configuration and control.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. A pressure recovery means for introducing outside air into the tank and a control means for controlling each of the above means are provided, and as the pressure reduction means, a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a A food product in which a sterilizing agent generating unit equipped with a vacuum pump in order and supplying solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents singly or in a mixed state into the air in the processing tank is provided in the processing tank. The machine is capable of performing a sterilization operation by the control means in a state in which no food is contained in the processing tank and the door of the processing tank is closed, and in the sterilization operation, the primary valve While the sterilizing agent generated from the sterilizing agent generating unit is supplied into the processing tank in a closed state, the vacuum pump reduces the pressure downstream of the primary valve, and then the secondary valve is closed. The food machine is characterized in that the primary valve is opened in a closed state .

According to the inventions of claims 1 and 5 , the food processing machine comprises a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a vacuum pump in this order in an exhaust passage from the processing tank as decompression means. A disinfectant generator is provided in the tank. This sterilizing agent generator can supply solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents singly or in a mixed state into the air in the processing tank. The sterilizing agent from the sterilizing agent generator can be used to sterilize the inside of the processing tank and the decompression system.

According to the first aspect of the invention , in the sterilization operation, first, the sterilizing agent generated from the sterilizing agent generator is supplied into the processing tank while the primary valve is closed, while the primary valve is driven by the vacuum pump. Reduce the pressure downstream of the valve. In this case, the inside of the processing bath is not decompressed, the sterilizing agent is supplied to the air in the processing bath, and solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents are suspended and/or mixed in the air. After that, by opening the primary valve while the secondary valve is closed, the air in the processing tank is drawn into a predetermined region of the decompression system (from the processing tank to the secondary side of the heat exchanger). At this time, the sterilizing agent floating and/or mixed in the air also reaches a predetermined area of the pressure reducing system together with the air, so that the inside of the heat exchanger and piping is sterilized.

In the sterilization operation, after the primary valve is opened with the secondary valve closed and held for a set time, the inside of the treatment tank is decompressed by the decompressing means, 2. The food machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressure in the processing tank is restored by the pressure restoring means.

According to the second aspect of the invention , in the sterilization operation, the secondary valve is closed, the primary valve is opened, and the operation is held for the set time. After that, the inside of the processing tank is decompressed by the decompressing means, and then the pressure in the processing tank is restored by the depressurizing means, so that the sterilizing agent can be discharged from the inside of the processing tank or the decompression system. As a result, it is possible to suppress the release of the sterilizing agent when the door of the treatment tank is opened, thereby enhancing safety.

According to the invention of claim 3 , the food processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a disinfectant generator as the disinfectant generator is connected to the processing tank. is.

According to the third aspect of the invention , in the sterilization operation, the sterilization agent generator connected to the treatment tank is used to generate solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilization agents alone or in a mixed state. , can be supplied into the air in the treatment tank.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the sterilization operation, a smoking agent or a fumigant is accommodated in the processing tank as the sterilization agent generator. 2. The food machine according to 2 .
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing tank, a depressurizing means for sucking and discharging gas in the processing tank to the outside, a pressure restoring means for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank, and each of the above means. and a control means for controlling, and as the decompression means, a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a vacuum pump are provided in order in an exhaust passage from the processing tank, and solid particles, liquid particles or gas are sterilized. The food machine is provided with a sterilizing agent generating unit that supplies a sterilizing agent to the air in the processing tank, either alone or in a mixed state, in the processing tank, and in the sterilization operation, in the processing tank, and a food machine characterized in that a smoking agent or a fumigating agent is accommodated as the sterilizing agent generating portion.

According to the inventions of claims 4 and 5 , in the sterilization operation, the fumigation agent or the fumigant is accommodated in the treatment tank, so that the solid fine particles, the liquid fine particles, or the gaseous sterilization agent is Alternatively, they can be supplied to the air in the processing bath in a mixed state.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the primary valve is a valve that is controlled to open and close by the control means, and the secondary valve is a check valve that opens and closes depending on whether or not the vacuum pump is operated. A food machine according to any one of claims 1-5.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the secondary valve is a check valve that opens and closes depending on whether the vacuum pump is operating or not, so no control is required. Therefore, the sterilization operation can be performed while controlling the opening and closing of the primary valve.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, an exhaust passage from the inside of the processing bath is provided with a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a vacuum pump in this order, and an air supply passage into the processing bath is provided with a vacuum release valve. is provided, wherein the sterilizing agent in any one or more states of solid particles, liquid particles, and gas, or air containing the sterilizing agent, is supplied to the primary valve by closing the A first step of supplying the air in the processing tank in a state in which it is closed, while reducing the pressure downstream of the primary valve with the vacuum pump, and closing the primary valve with the secondary valve closed. A sterilization method for a food machine, characterized by sequentially performing a second step of opening the processing tank to introduce the sterilizing agent in the processing tank into the heat exchanger and a third step of opening the vacuum release valve. be.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve, and a vacuum pump are provided in order in the exhaust passage from the inside of the processing bath, and the vacuum release is provided in the air supply passage into the processing bath. In a food machine provided with a valve, a sterilizing agent in one or more states of solid particulates, liquid particulates, and gas, or air containing the sterilizing agent is used to sterilize the inside of the processing tank and the pressure reduction system. It is possible to sterilize a predetermined area (from the treatment tank to the secondary side of the heat exchanger). Specifically, first, as the first step, while the sterilizing agent (or air containing the sterilizing agent) is supplied into the processing tank with the primary valve closed, a vacuum pump is operated to the downstream side of the primary valve. is decompressed. In this case, the inside of the treatment tank is not decompressed, the disinfectant (or air containing the disinfectant) is supplied to the air in the treatment tank, and the solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous disinfectant is released into the air. Float and/or mix. After that, as a second step, the sterilizing agent in the treatment tank is introduced into the heat exchanger by opening the primary valve while the secondary valve is closed. By drawing the sterilizing agent floating and/or mixed in the air into the decompression system together with the air, the inside of the heat exchanger and the pipes can be reliably sterilized. After that, as the third step, the vacuum release valve is opened to restore the pressure in the processing tank to the atmospheric pressure.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the third step, the vacuum release valve is opened after the inside of the processing tank is decompressed by the vacuum pump. fungus method.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in the third step, after the inside of the processing tank is decompressed by the vacuum pump, the vacuum release valve is opened to restore the pressure inside the processing tank. can be discharged. As a result, it is possible to suppress the release of the sterilizing agent when the door of the treatment tank is opened, thereby enhancing safety.

According to the food machine and its sterilization method of the present invention, it is possible to sterilize the inside of the processing tank and the decompression system without using steam. In addition, with a simple configuration and control, it is possible to introduce the sterilizing agent into the decompression system to easily and reliably perform sterilization.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a food machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a food machine 1 of one embodiment of the invention.

The food machine 1 of this embodiment is a vacuum cooling device, and includes a processing tank 2, a decompression means 3 for sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2, and Pressure restoring means 4 for introducing outside air into the tank 2 to restore the pressure inside the processing tank 2, a sterilizing agent generator 5 for supplying a sterilizing agent to the air in the processing tank 2, and the above means 3 and 4. and control means (not shown) for controlling the disinfectant generator 5 and the like.

The processing tank 2 is a hollow container that can withstand the 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 .

If desired, the processing tank 2 is provided with one or a plurality of sensors among pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and product temperature sensors. The pressure sensor detects the pressure in the processing tank 2 , the temperature sensor detects the temperature in the processing tank 2 , and the product temperature sensor detects the temperature of the food in the processing tank 2 .

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

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

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

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

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

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 13 and a vacuum release valve 14 in order in the air supply path 12 into the processing tank 2 . When the vacuum release valve 14 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 13, and the pressure inside the processing tank 2 can be restored. The vacuum release valve 14 preferably comprises a valve whose opening is adjustable.

The sterilizing agent generator 5 supplies the air in the processing tank 2 with solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents singly or in a mixed state. In other words, the sterilizing agent generator 5 supplies the sterilizing agent in the state of any one or more of solid particles, liquid particles and gas into the air in the processing tank 2 . In the case of solid fine particles, the sterilizing agent becomes smoke, in the case of liquid fine particles, the sterilizing agent becomes mist, and in the case of gas, the sterilizing agent becomes gaseous. The sterilizing agent generator 5 supplies not only the sterilizing agent in the state described above, but also air (or other gas) containing such a sterilizing agent to the air in the processing tank 2. You may do so.

What is generated by the disinfectant generator 5 is literally the disinfectant. So, for example, a steam generator (boiler) is not a disinfectant generator. In other words, the gas containing only water vapor is not included in the sterilizing agent. In addition, eradication refers to reducing the effective number of proliferative bacteria from an object.

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

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

Specifically, by operating the fan, the air in the processing tank 2 is returned from the circulation return path 17 to the sterilizing agent generator 5, and the sterilizing agent is mixed with the air to produce the sterilizing agent supply path. 15 into the processing tank 2 . In this manner, the concentration of the sterilizing agent in the air within the processing tank 2 can be increased while circulating the air within the processing tank 2 with the sterilizing agent generator 5 .

A circulation return valve (not shown) is preferably provided in the circulation return path 17 . The circulation return valve is typically controlled to open and close in the same manner as the disinfectant supply valve 16 . In other words, when the disinfectant supply valve 16 is opened, the circulation return valve should also be opened, and when the disinfectant supply valve 16 is closed, the circulation return valve should also be closed.

The disinfectant supply path 15 and/or the circulation/return path 17 is connected to the processing tank 2 at its end on the processing tank 2 side, and the air supply path 12 on the processing tank 2 side of the vacuum release valve 14 is connected to the processing tank 2 side. , or connected to the exhaust passage 6 closer to the processing tank 2 than the primary valve 7 . In the illustrated example, the circulation return path 17 is provided so as to branch off from the air supply path 12 . By doing so, the disinfectant generator 5 can be easily connected to the treatment tank 2 .

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

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

Chlorine dioxide can also be used as a disinfectant. In this case, chlorine dioxide gas is generated in the sterilizing agent generator 5 and supplied into the treatment tank 2 . In this case as well, the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the air in the treatment tank 2 can be increased to a predetermined level while circulating the gas between the disinfectant generator 5 and the treatment tank 2 . Alternatively, a gas cylinder may be provided as the sterilizing agent generator 5 to eject a gas such as chlorine dioxide into the treatment tank 2 . When a gas cylinder is used as the sterilizing agent generator 5, installation of the fan and the circulation return path 17 is unnecessary.

In addition, like the fumigating agent or the fumigant used in Example 2 described later, the sterilizing agent generator 5 may generate, for example, a smoke-like (solid particulate) sterilizing agent.

In any case, using the sterilizing agent generator 5, solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents are supplied singly or in a mixed state into the air in the processing tank 2 to sterilize the sterilization. The agents can be suspended and/or mixed with the air within the treatment tank 2 . The size of solid or liquid particles can be said to be such that they can be suspended and/or mixed with air.

The control means is a controller (not shown) that controls the depressurizing means 3 and the pressure restoring means 4, as well as the disinfectant generator 5 and the like. Specifically, the primary valve 7, vacuum pump 10, heat exchange water supply valve 11, sealing water supply valve (not shown), vacuum release valve 14, disinfectant generator 5, disinfectant supply valve 16, circulation return valve (not shown), various sensors, an operation panel (not shown), etc. are connected to the controller. Then, as described below, the controller operates to cool the food in the processing tank 2 in accordance with a predetermined procedure (program), as well as to control the inside of the processing tank 2 and the pressure reduction system (two section to the next side) can be executed (that is, the sterilization method of the present embodiment can be executed).

≪Cooling operation≫
The cooling operation is performed with the food stored in the processing tank 2 and the door of the processing tank 2 airtightly closed. In the cooling operation, the inside of the processing tank 2 is 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 vacuum release valve 14 may be adjusted as desired to adjust the decompression rate in the processing tank 2. FIG.

≪Sterilization operation≫
The sterilization operation is performed in a state in which no food is stored in the processing tank 2 and the door of the processing tank 2 is airtightly closed. Here, when an instruction to start the sterilization operation is given from the control panel, the first step, second step and third step are sequentially executed as shown below.

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

If, in the first step, the sterilizing agent is supplied after decompressing the processing tank 2 (that is, after removing the air), the sterilizing agent cannot be suspended and/or mixed in the air. In particular, in the case of a sterilizing agent composed of solid particles or liquid particles, it is impossible to maintain a floating state without air as a medium. Even with a gaseous sterilizing agent, a large amount of sterilizing agent is required to restore the pressure to about atmospheric pressure. In addition, even if solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents are supplied while air is introduced from the outside into the processing tank 2 in a vacuum state, and the sterilizing agents are suspended and/or mixed in the air, Since the volume of air containing the sterilizing agent that can be supplied in one treatment is limited to the volume of the processing tank 2, the sterilizing agent adsorbs to the walls of the processing tank 2. The concentration will be lower than the initial supply concentration. In this embodiment, in the first step, preferably, the disinfectant is supplied into the air in the processing tank 2 without reducing the pressure in the processing tank 2 (that is, without removing the air from the processing tank 2). Inconvenience due to wall surface adsorption can be prevented.

In parallel with (or before or after) such processing, in the first step, with the primary valve 7 closed, the vacuum pump 10 is operated to is decompressed. During this depressurization, typically, by keeping the heat exchange water supply valve 11 closed, there is no need to supply water to the heat exchanger 8 . A set pressure reduction time has elapsed since the start of pressure reduction, or a pressure sensor is provided in the exhaust passage 6 downstream of the primary valve 7 (preferably between the primary valve 7 and the heat exchanger 8), and the detected pressure reaches the set pressure reduction. Once the pressure is reached, the vacuum pump 10 is stopped. By stopping the vacuum pump 10, the secondary valve (check valve) 9 is closed. As a result, the section between the primary valve 7 and the secondary valve 9 is maintained in a predetermined reduced pressure state.

In the second step, the primary valve 7 is opened while the secondary valve 9 remains closed. As a result, the air in the processing tank 2 (air containing the sterilizing agent) is introduced to a predetermined area of the decompression system (from the processing tank 2 to the secondary side of the heat exchanger 8). By drawing the sterilizing agent floating and/or mixed in the air into the decompression system together with the air, the inside of the heat exchanger 8 and piping (exhaust path 6 from the processing tank 2 to the secondary side of the heat exchanger 8) can be reliably sterilized.

When a gaseous sterilizing agent is introduced under reduced pressure, it is expected that the sterilizing agent will be condensed and liquefied due to a temperature drop due to adiabatic expansion, and will effectively act on the pipe wall surface and the inner surface of the heat exchanger 8 . In addition, in the second step, water may be supplied to the heat exchanger 8 by opening the heat exchange water supply valve 11 . As a result, the condensed liquid of the sterilizing agent to the heat exchanger 8 can be more efficiently achieved. After the primary valve 7 is opened, preferably when the set holding time has elapsed, the next step is performed. After the primary valve 7 is opened, the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing agent can be ensured by waiting until the set retention time elapses.

In the third step, the vacuum release valve 14 is opened to restore the pressure inside the processing tank 2 to atmospheric pressure. However, in the third step, before opening the vacuum release valve 14, the vacuum pump 10 is first operated to decompress the inside of the processing tank 2 for a predetermined time or to a predetermined pressure. Release valve 14 may be opened. As a result, the sterilizing agent can be discharged from the inside of the processing tank 2 and the decompression system, so that the release of the sterilizing agent when the door of the processing tank 2 is opened can be suppressed, and the safety can be improved. In the third step, the inside of the processing tank 2 may be depressurized by the vacuum pump 10, then repressurized to a predetermined pressure less than the atmospheric pressure, depressurized to the predetermined pressure again by the vacuum pump 10, and then repressurized to the atmospheric pressure. .

As described above, according to the food machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to sterilize the inside of the processing tank 2 and the decompression system without using steam. In addition, with a simple configuration and control, it is possible to introduce the sterilizing agent into the decompression system (inside the heat exchanger 8 and the vacuum piping) to easily and reliably sterilize the system.

Next, the food machine 1 of Example 2 of this invention is demonstrated. The food machine 1 of the second embodiment is also basically the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the points of difference between the two will be mainly described, and the description of the similar portions will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the sterilizing agent generator 5 is connected to the processing tank 2 as the sterilizing agent generator for supplying the sterilizing agent to the air in the processing tank 2. In operation, a "fumigation or fumigant" 18 is contained within the treatment vessel 2 . That is, in FIG. 1, instead of omitting the installation of the disinfectant generator 5, the disinfectant supply path 15, and the circulation return path 17, during the disinfection operation, the inside of the treatment tank 2 is shown by a two-dot chain line. contains a fumigant or fumigant 18.

The fumigating agent 18 is typically a chemical that, when heated, diffuses an active ingredient into the air as smoke-like microparticles (sterilizing agent of solid microparticles). When diffusing the disinfectant, the decomposition heat of chemicals can be used, a heat source such as an electric heater can be used, or an evaporator can be used to scatter the active ingredient with heated steam.

For example, by using the heat and steam generated when lime and water chemically react, silver zeolite, which is a sterilizing component held in zeolite with a three-dimensional structure, is emitted along with the smoke. A fumigant 18 can be used. Alternatively, a fumigant 18 can be used that emits a smoke-like sanitizer with isopropylmethylphenol as the active ingredient.

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

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

In the present embodiment 2 as well, in the sterilization operation, food is not stored in the processing tank 2, but the processing tank 2 contains a smoking agent or a fumigant 18, and the door of the processing tank 2 is closed airtightly. close. At this time, from the fumigating agent or fumigating agent 18, immediately (or later), solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents are released into the air in the treatment tank 2 alone or in a mixed state. As shown in FIG. For example, a container of fumigation agent 18 may be filled with a predetermined amount of water and a canister of chemical solution, and placed in processing tank 2 .

Then, with the door of the processing tank 2 airtightly closed, the start of the sterilization operation can be instructed from the control panel. As a result, the first step, the second step and the third step are sequentially performed basically in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the first step, with the primary valve 7 closed, the vacuum pump 10 is operated to reduce the pressure downstream of the primary valve 7 in the exhaust passage 6 . During this depressurization, typically, by keeping the heat exchange water supply valve 11 closed, there is no need to supply water to the heat exchanger 8 . When the set pressure reduction time elapses from the start of pressure reduction or when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor provided on the outlet side of the primary valve 7 reaches the set pressure reduction pressure, the vacuum pump 10 is stopped. By stopping the vacuum pump 10, the secondary valve (check valve) 9 is closed. As a result, the section between the primary valve 7 and the secondary valve 9 is maintained in a predetermined reduced pressure state.

During the first step (or until a predetermined time has passed since the start of the sterilization operation or the closing of the door (when setting the fumigant, etc.)), in the treatment tank 2, any of solid particles, liquid particles, and gas One or more of the sterilizing agents are released from the fumigant or fumigant 18 into the air within the treatment tank 2 . That is, the fumigant or fumigant 18 emits a smoke, mist or gaseous sanitizing agent.

As described above, the downstream side of the primary valve 7 is depressurized to a predetermined level, and when the treatment tank 2 is completely filled with the sterilizing agent to a predetermined level, the process proceeds to the next step. In the first step, when the pressure in the treatment tank 2 rises to the set pressure due to the heat or steam from the fumigating agent or the fumigant 18, the primary valve 7 is opened to introduce the sterilizing agent into the decompression system. may be performed (that is, the second step may be performed). In any case, after the completion of the first step, the second step and the third step are sequentially executed.

Also in the present embodiment 2, in the first step, the sterilizing agent suspended and/or mixed in the air is introduced into a predetermined region of the pressure reduction system together with the air in the second step, and the heat exchanger 8 and the inside of the piping Sterilization can be achieved easily and reliably.

The food machine 1 and its sterilization method of the present invention are not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiments (including modifications) and can be modified as appropriate.

In particular, the food processing machine 1 of the present invention comprises (a) a processing tank 2, a depressurizing means 3 for sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside, and a pressure restoring means for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank 2. (b) as the decompression means 3, a primary valve 7, a heat exchanger 8, and a secondary valve 9 are provided in an exhaust passage 6 from the processing tank 2; and a vacuum pump 10 in this order, and (c) a sterilizing agent generator that supplies solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents singly or in a mixed state into the air in the processing tank 2. 2, other configurations can be changed as appropriate.

In addition, in the sterilization method for the food machine 1 of the present invention, the primary valve 7, the heat exchanger 8, the secondary valve 9 and the vacuum pump 10 are provided in order in the exhaust passage 6 from the processing tank 2. A method of sterilizing a food machine 1 in which a vacuum release valve 14 is provided in an air supply path 12 to the inside of the food machine 1, comprising: A first step of supplying the agent or air containing the sterilizing agent to the air in the processing tank 2 with the primary valve 7 closed, and reducing the pressure downstream of the primary valve 7 by the vacuum pump 10. (b) a second step of opening the primary valve 7 while the secondary valve 9 is closed to introduce the sterilizing agent in the treatment tank 2 into the heat exchanger 8; and (c) a vacuum release valve. If the third step of opening 14 is performed sequentially, other contents can be changed as appropriate.

For example, what kind of disinfectant generator 5, fumigating agent or fumigating agent 18 is used as the disinfectant generating section, and what kind of disinfectant is generated is not limited to the above-described embodiments. .

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

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the sterilizing agent generator 5 (including a gas cylinder), the fumigating agent or the fumigating agent 18, etc., are supplied to the air in the processing tank 2 without depressurizing the inside of the processing tank 2 . However, depending on the situation, the sterilizing agent may be supplied while the inside of the treatment tank 2 is once decompressed and then the pressure is restored. For example, in the first step, the vacuum pump 10 is operated with the primary valve 7 open, and after the inside of the processing tank 2 is also decompressed, with the primary valve 7 closed, the disinfectant or the disinfectant is added. Air is supplied into the processing tank 2 to restore the pressure, and then the primary valve 7 is opened to sterilize the heat exchanger 8 and the like in the same manner as in the above embodiments. In the first step, the primary valve 7 is closed while the pressure is reduced by the vacuum pump 10 (that is, some air is left in the processing tank 2), and the upstream side (in the processing tank 2) and the downstream side (heat A pressure difference may be provided between the exchanger 8).

Moreover, in each of the above examples, the first step, the second step and the third step were sequentially performed in the sterilization operation, but the set from the first step to the third step may be repeated multiple times.

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

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

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example of application to a vacuum cooling device has been described, but as long as the decompression means 3 is provided, it can be similarly applied to various food machines 1 other than the vacuum cooling device.

1 food machine 2 treatment tank 3 decompression means 4 pressure recovery means 5 sanitizer generator (sanitizer generator)
6 exhaust path 7 primary valve 8 heat exchanger 9 secondary valve 10 vacuum pump 11 heat exchange water supply valve 12 air supply path 13 air filter 14 vacuum release valve 15 disinfectant supply path 16 disinfectant supply valve 17 circulation return path 18 Fumigation agent / fumigation agent (disinfectant generation part)

Claims (8)

a processing tank, decompression means for sucking and discharging gas in the processing tank to the outside, pressure recovery means for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank, and control means for controlling each of the means,
A primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a vacuum pump are provided in this order in an exhaust passage from the processing tank as the decompression means,
A food machine in which a sterilizing agent generating unit that supplies solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents alone or in a mixed state to the air in the processing tank is provided in the processing tank,
The sterilization operation can be executed by the control means in a state where no food is stored in the processing tank and the door of the processing tank is closed,
In the sterilization operation,
While the sterilizing agent generated from the sterilizing agent generating unit is supplied into the processing tank with the primary valve closed, after the vacuum pump reduces the pressure downstream of the primary valve,
opening the primary valve while the secondary valve is closed
A food machine characterized by: In the sterilization operation, after the primary valve is opened with the secondary valve closed and held for a set time, the inside of the processing tank is decompressed by the decompression means, and the inside of the processing tank is depressurized by the pressure recovery means. 2. The food machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressure is restored. The food machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a disinfectant generator as the disinfectant generator is connected to the processing tank. 3. The food machine according to claim 1, wherein in the sterilization operation, a smoking agent or a fumigating agent is accommodated in the processing tank as the sterilization agent generator. a processing tank, decompression means for sucking and discharging gas in the processing tank to the outside, pressure recovery means for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank, and control means for controlling each of the means,
A primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve and a vacuum pump are provided in this order in an exhaust passage from the processing tank as the decompression means,
A food machine in which a sterilizing agent generating unit that supplies solid particles, liquid particles, or gaseous sterilizing agents alone or in a mixed state to the air in the processing tank is provided in the processing tank,
A food machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the disinfecting operation, a smoking agent or a fumigating agent is accommodated in the processing tank as the disinfecting agent generator. The primary valve is a valve that is controlled to open and close by the control means,
The food machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the secondary valve is a check valve that opens and closes depending on whether or not the vacuum pump is operated. Sterilization of a food machine in which a primary valve, a heat exchanger, a secondary valve, and a vacuum pump are provided in order in an exhaust passage from the processing tank, and a vacuum release valve is provided in the air supply passage to the processing tank. a method,
A sterilizing agent in one or more states of solid particulates, liquid particulates and gas, or air containing the sterilizing agent is supplied into the air in the processing tank with the primary valve closed. On the other hand, a first step of reducing the pressure downstream of the primary valve with the vacuum pump;
a second step of opening the primary valve while the secondary valve is closed to introduce the sterilizing agent in the treatment tank into the heat exchanger;
and a third step of opening the vacuum release valve. 8. The sterilization method for a food machine according to claim 7, wherein, in said third step, said vacuum release valve is opened after reducing the pressure in said processing tank by said vacuum pump.

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