JP7276704B2 - vacuum cooling system - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vacuum cooling apparatus that cools food by decompressing the inside of a processing tank.

Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a vacuum cooling device is known that includes a steam ejector (12), a heat exchanger (15) and a vacuum pump (16). In this vacuum cooling device, a product temperature sensor (8) is inserted into the food, and the food is cooled while monitoring the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor.

JP-A-2002-355020

However, if the product temperature sensor is not inserted into the food and the cooling operation is performed, the product temperature cannot be monitored, resulting in poor cooling (usually supercooling). A specific description of this point is as follows.

First, as a premise, there are the following circumstances. In other words, in the cooling operation using the product temperature sensor, even if the cooling end condition is set as whether the product temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling target temperature or the cooling time exceeds the maximum cooling time, normally the maximum cooling time is reached. Since the product temperature becomes equal to or lower than the cooling target temperature before the passage of time, the cooling operation is terminated. That is, the maximum cooling time is set as a backup when the product temperature does not drop to the cooling target temperature.

However, if the product temperature sensor is forgotten to be inserted into the food and the cooling operation is performed, the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor does not decrease, and the elapse of the maximum cooling time becomes a substantial termination condition. In other words, although the product temperature actually drops below the cooling target temperature, it cannot be detected, so the maximum cooling time has to elapse. As a result, the food may be supercooled, wasting time and energy (eg, water and power for vacuum pumps). The same applies when the product temperature sensor is removed from the food during the cooling operation.

Another case where time and energy are wasted up to the maximum cooling time is vacuum cooling of foods that are difficult to be vacuum-cooled (foods that are unsuitable for cooling). That is, as a premise, when food is vacuum-cooled by a vacuum cooling device, as the pressure in the processing tank is lowered, the product temperature follows the pressure conversion temperature in the tank (saturation temperature at the pressure in the processing tank). going down. However, in the case of foods that are not suitable for cooling, even if the maximum ultimate pressure (the limit pressure that can be reduced) is reached and the product temperature does not drop any further, the product temperature does not fall below the cooling target temperature. Cooling operation will be performed until the time elapses.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vacuum cooling device that can prevent waste of time and energy by suppressing unnecessary continuation of operation even in the case of food that has no temperature sensor or is difficult to cool. That's what it is.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the invention according to claim 1 comprises a processing tank in which food is stored, a depressurizing means for sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank to the outside, A pressure restoring means for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the processing tank, and a product temperature sensor inserted into the food contained in the processing tank to detect the temperature. and control means for controlling each of the above means, wherein during cooling operation of the food in the processing tank, the product temperature sensor is detected from the food based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor. A vacuum cooling device for determining whether the food is missing or difficult to be vacuum-cooled, wherein the decreasing speed of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is first set while the pressure in the processing tank is being decreased. When the rate of decrease in the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than the second set value after the temperature has fallen below the value, it is determined that the product temperature sensor is missing from the food or the food is difficult to be vacuum-cooled. It is characterized by a vacuum cooling device.

According to the first aspect of the invention, during the cooling operation of the food in the processing tank, based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor, it is determined whether the product temperature sensor is out of the food or is being vacuum cooled. It is possible to determine whether the food is difficult to be exposed. If the product temperature sensor is missing from the food, or if the food is difficult to cool, there is a risk that the operation will continue in vain even if the product temperature reaches near the maximum ultimate pressure and the product temperature does not drop any further. By determining whether the product temperature sensor is missing or whether the food is not suitable for cooling, useless continuation of operation can be prevented. Waste of time and energy can thereby be prevented.
According to the first aspect of the invention, while the pressure in the processing tank is being lowered, after the rate of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor becomes equal to or less than the first set value, the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor increases. When the rate of decrease becomes equal to or less than the second set value, it can be determined whether the product temperature sensor is missing from the food or whether the food is difficult to be vacuum cooled. In other words, after confirming that the maximum ultimate pressure has been reached, it is possible to determine whether the product temperature sensor is missing from the food or whether the food is difficult to vacuum-cool from the degree of decrease in the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor. can. As a result, even when the product temperature reaches the vicinity of the maximum ultimate pressure and the product temperature does not drop any more, there is no possibility of continuing the operation in vain, and waste of time and energy can be prevented.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, if the food temperature sensor determines that the food is missing from the food or that the food is difficult to be vacuum-cooled during the cooling operation of the food in the processing tank, the operation panel is notified. 2. The vacuum cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cooling operation can be terminated.
According to the second aspect of the invention, when it is determined that the food is not vacuum-cooled by the food temperature sensor during the cooling operation of the food in the processing tank, or the food is difficult to vacuum-cool, the operation panel is notified. The operator can be notified of this. Also, if the cooling operation is ended, it is possible to prevent wasting time and energy due to the continuation of the cooling operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cooling apparatus that determines whether the product temperature sensor is missing from the food based on the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor before starting the pressure reduction in the processing tank, If the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the set initial product temperature after the door of the processing tank is closed and before the inside of the processing tank is decompressed, it is determined that the product temperature sensor is missing from the food. A vacuum cooling device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that:

According to the third aspect of the present invention, whether or not the product temperature sensor is out of the food can be determined based on the detected temperature of the product temperature sensor before starting the pressure reduction in the processing tank. If the product temperature sensor is missing from the food, it will not be possible to monitor the actual product temperature, which may result in poor cooling (more specifically, overcooling due to continued operation). By confirming the disconnection, it is possible to prevent poor cooling. In addition, wasteful continuation of operation can be suppressed, and waste of time and energy can be prevented. Moreover, the removal of the product temperature sensor from the food is confirmed before the pressure reduction in the processing tank is started. If the confirmation is made after the start of depressurization in the processing tank, if the product temperature sensor is disconnected, it will be necessary to release the decompression in the processing tank. Even if one of them is forgotten to be inserted, it can be dealt with easily without the need to cancel the pressure reduction in the processing bath.
According to the third aspect of the invention , it is possible to easily determine whether or not the product temperature sensor is missing from the food, depending on whether or not the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the set initial product temperature. . In addition, it is possible to confirm that the product temperature sensor is removed from the food after the door of the processing tank is closed and before decompression in the processing tank is started. After the food is stored in the processing tank and the door is closed, the sensor does not come off due to the operator's work. Further, by making a determination before decompression in the processing tank is started, even if the product temperature sensor is forgotten to be inserted, it is possible to easily cope with the situation without releasing the decompression in the processing tank.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when it is determined that the product temperature sensor is out of the food before depressurization in the processing tank is started, the operation panel is notified and a predetermined operation is performed from the operation panel. 4. The vacuum cooling apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the pressure reduction in the processing tank is started on condition that

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention , when it is determined that the product temperature sensor is missing from the food before depressurization in the processing tank is started, the operation panel is notified to prompt confirmation of the product temperature sensor. can be done. In addition, on the condition that a predetermined operation is performed from the operation panel, it is possible to start reducing the pressure in the processing tank. If it is known in advance, it is possible to start reducing the pressure in the processing tank by a predetermined operation from the operation panel without reinserting the product temperature sensor.

According to the vacuum cooling apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent waste of time and energy by suppressing unnecessary continuation of operation even when the product temperature sensor is missing or the food is difficult to cool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vacuum cooling device according to one embodiment of the present invention, partly in cross section;

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 vacuum cooling device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and shows a part thereof in cross section.

The vacuum cooling device 1 of this embodiment includes a processing tank 2 containing food F, a depressurizing means 3 for sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside, and introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank 2. and a control means (not shown) for cooling the food F in the processing tank 2 by controlling these means.

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 (not shown). 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, the food F 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. The door may be opened and closed manually or automatically. Doors may be provided on both the front and back sides of the processing tank 2 . In the illustrated example, the food F is placed in a food container such as a hotel pan or a tray and stored in the treatment 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 depressurizing means 3 has a vacuum generator 6 in an exhaust path 5 from inside the processing tank 2 . The specific configuration of the vacuum generator 6 is not particularly limited. and a water ring type vacuum pump. A steam ejector may also be provided upstream of the heat exchanger. Start/stop of the vacuum pump, presence/absence of water supply to the vacuum pump, presence/absence of water supply to the heat exchanger, switching between room temperature water and cold water as water supply to the vacuum pump and heat exchanger, presence/absence of steam supply to the steam ejector, etc. can be controlled to control the presence or absence of pressure reduction by the vacuum generator 6 and its ability.

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 8 and an air supply valve 9 in the air supply path 7 leading into the processing tank 2 . When the air supply valve 9 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 8, and the pressure inside the processing tank 2 can be restored. The air supply valve 9 preferably consists of a valve whose degree of opening is adjustable.

The vacuum cooling device 1 further includes a pressure sensor 10 that detects the pressure inside the processing tank 2 and a product temperature sensor 11 that detects the temperature (product temperature) of the food F contained in the processing tank 2 . The product temperature sensor 11 is inserted into the food F accommodated in the processing tank 2 to detect the temperature. Typically, the product temperature sensor 11 is configured by providing a temperature measuring part (sensor body) at the tip of a rod-shaped probe, and is used by inserting the tip into the food F. As shown in FIG.

The vacuum cooling device 1 further includes an operation panel (not shown). Although not shown, the operation panel includes, for example, a touch panel and various operation buttons, as well as lamps and buzzers as desired. The operation panel functions as a setting device and also as an alarm device.

The control means is a controller (not shown) that controls the means 3 and 4 based on the detection signals of the sensors 10 and 11, the elapsed time, and the like. Specifically, in addition to the vacuum generator 6 and the air supply valve 9, the pressure sensor 10 and the product temperature sensor 11 are connected to the controller. As will be described later, the controller attempts to vacuum-cool the food F in the processing tank 2 according to a predetermined procedure (program).

The controller is also connected to an operation panel, and various settings can be made from the operation panel, and various information can be output to the operation panel. For example, using the operation panel, it is possible to set the operating conditions and instruct the start and stop of the operation. In addition, it is possible to output the operating conditions and notify various information to the control panel.

Furthermore, although the details will be described later, the controller can determine at set timing whether the product temperature sensor 11 is out of the food F or whether the food is difficult to be vacuum cooled (food unsuitable for cooling). In other words, it functions as a means for judging missing of the product temperature sensor 11 and unsuitable cooling food.

The controller is also connected to an information storage unit (not shown), and this information storage unit stores the data of the display screen of the touch panel, the operation program of the vacuum cooling device 1, and the like. . In addition to the operating conditions set by the operation panel, the information storage unit also stores determination conditions for determination processing, which will be described later. The determination conditions may also be changeable via the operation panel.

A specific example of the operating method of the vacuum cooling device 1 of this embodiment will be described below. First, the cooling operation of the food F will be described, and then the processing for determining whether the product temperature sensor 11 is missing or the food unsuitable for cooling will be described.

Before starting the cooling operation, the air supply valve 9 is open and the vacuum generator 6 is stopped. In this state, the door of the processing tank 2 is opened and the food F is accommodated in the processing tank 2. - 特許庁A product temperature sensor 11 is inserted into the food F stored in the processing tank 2 so that the product temperature can be detected. After that, by closing the door of the processing bath 2, the opening of the processing bath 2 is airtightly closed. In this state, when the start button of the operation panel is pushed, or the like, to instruct the start of operation, the controller starts the cooling operation.

After starting the cooling operation, the controller closes the air supply valve 9 and operates the vacuum generator 6 to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2 . In the cooling operation, while monitoring the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11, the pressure inside the processing tank 2 is reduced until the product temperature becomes equal to or lower than the cooling target temperature. At this time, if desired, the exhaust capacity of the vacuum generator 6 may be changed midway or the opening of the air supply valve 9 may be adjusted.

By decompressing the inside of the processing tank 2, the food F is cooled while water is evaporated. When the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 becomes equal to or lower than the cooling target temperature (for example, 20° C.), the vacuum generator 6 is stopped to stop decompression. However, if the product temperature does not drop to the cooling target temperature within the maximum cooling time, the vacuum generator 6 is stopped regardless of the product temperature when the maximum cooling time (for example, 40 minutes) elapses from the start of decompression. It is preferable that the target cooling temperature and the maximum cooling time can be set (changed) from the operation panel before starting operation.

After that, the air supply valve 9 is opened to restore the pressure in the processing tank 2 to atmospheric pressure. At this time, the pressure in the processing tank 2 can be gradually restored by gradually opening the air supply valve 9 . When the pressure inside the processing tank 2 is restored to atmospheric pressure, the door of the processing tank 2 can be opened and the food F can be taken out from the processing tank 2 .

Next, a process for judging missing of the product temperature sensor 11 and unsuitable cooling food will be described. The vacuum cooling device 1 of this embodiment can execute one or both of the following first determination process and second determination process.

<<First judgment process>>
As a first determination process, the controller determines whether the product temperature sensor 11 is out of the food F based on the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 before starting the pressure reduction in the processing tank 2 . Preferably, after closing the door of the processing tank 2 and before starting depressurization in the processing tank 2, the product temperature sensor 11 detects whether or not the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 is equal to or lower than the set initial product temperature. Determine whether or not it is missing.

Specific examples are as follows. That is, when the temperature of the food F to be cooled by the vacuum cooling device 1 (the temperature of the food when it is stored in the processing tank 2) is assumed to be, for example, 70 to 80 ° C., the assumed initial product temperature is The set initial product temperature is set as a lower temperature (for example, set to 50°C). If the detected temperature of the product temperature sensor 11 is equal to or lower than the set initial product temperature, the controller determines that the product temperature sensor 11 is missing from the food F, and the detected temperature of the product temperature sensor 11 exceeds the set initial product temperature. If so, it is determined that the product temperature sensor 11 is inserted into the food F.

Execution of this determination is not particularly limited as long as it is before the pressure reduction in the processing tank 2 is started, but preferably when the door of the processing tank 2 is closed or when the start of the cooling operation is instructed is pressed).

When closing the door of the processing tank 2, after the door is placed at a position corresponding to the opening of the processing tank 2, the door is tightened (in other words, pressed) against the processing tank 2 so that the opening of the processing tank 2 is closed. It is airtightly closed with a door via a packing. In this case, "when the door of the processing tank 2 is closed" as the execution timing of the determination may be when the door is arranged at a position corresponding to the opening of the processing tank 2, or when the door is further opened after that. It may be the time when the treatment tank 2 has been tightened.

As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the product temperature sensor 11 is missing from the food F, it is notified to the operation panel, and on the condition that a predetermined operation is performed from the operation panel, it is possible to reduce the pressure in the processing tank 2. Good to do. For example, when it is determined that the product temperature sensor 11 is missing when the door of the processing tank 2 is closed, the start of the cooling operation is accepted on the condition that a predetermined operation is performed from the operation panel. Alternatively, when the start of the cooling operation is instructed (or after that and before the start of depressurization), if it is determined that the product temperature sensor 11 is disconnected, the condition in the processing tank 2 is that a predetermined operation has been performed from the operation panel. Start depressurization.

Typically, it can be configured as follows. That is, it is possible to detect that the door of the processing tank 2 is closed by a limit switch or the like, and to start the determination process based on this. If the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 is equal to or lower than the set initial product temperature, it is determined that the product temperature sensor 11 is missing from the food F, and that effect is notified. For example, on the touch panel of the operation panel, a message "Is the product temperature sensor disconnected?" is displayed, and "Yes" and "No" buttons are displayed for selection. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to this, the notification may be made by a buzzer, a lamp, or the like. In this state, an operation start instruction from the operation panel cannot be accepted. In other words, even if the start button is pressed, the operation is not started, and the status confirmation screen of the product temperature sensor 11 described above remains displayed on the operation panel.

On the other hand, if desired, the operator may temporarily open the door of the processing tank 2 and check the condition of the product temperature sensor 11 . Then, if the product temperature sensor 11 is removed from the food F, it may be inserted into the food F, or the product temperature sensor 11 may be reinserted in some cases. When the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 exceeds the set initial product temperature due to the insertion of the product temperature sensor 11, the display on the touch panel ("Is the product temperature sensor disconnected?" in the answer field) disappears. After closing the door, it is possible to instruct the start of the cooling operation. After that, when the start button is pressed to give an instruction to start the operation, the cooling operation is executed.

On the other hand, if you want to start the cooling operation as it is (that is, without opening the door) even if the touch panel displays the message "Is the product temperature sensor disconnected?" can be instructed to start For example, if it is known in advance that the product temperature of the food F stored in the treatment tank 2 is lower than normal (that is, lower than the assumed initial product temperature), the "No" button can be pressed. . After that, when the start button is pressed to give an instruction to start the operation, the cooling operation is executed.

In addition to judging whether the product temperature sensor 11 is disconnected when the door of the processing tank 2 is closed, as described above, the disconnection of the product temperature sensor 11 is detected when the start of the cooling operation is instructed (or before the subsequent start of depressurization). You can judge. For example, after the food F is stored in the processing tank 2 and the door is closed, when the start button is pressed to instruct the start of operation, the controller determines whether the product temperature sensor 11 is missing. In the same way as , you can issue a notice such as "Is the product temperature sensor disconnected?" Subsequent processing is similar to that described above.

According to the first determination process, whether or not the product temperature sensor 11 is out of the food F can be easily determined based on the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 before the pressure reduction in the processing tank 2 is started. . If the product temperature sensor 11 is out of the food F, the cooling that monitors the actual product temperature cannot be performed (in other words, the operation cannot be stopped even if the product temperature falls below the cooling target temperature), and the maximum cooling time has elapsed. Although there is a possibility that the operation will be continued uselessly until the end of the operation, it is possible to prevent unnecessary continuation of the operation by confirming in advance whether the product temperature sensor 11 is disconnected. Thereby, supercooling of the food F can be prevented, and waste of time and energy can be prevented.

Moreover, it is possible to confirm whether the product temperature sensor 11 is removed from the food F before the pressure reduction in the processing tank 2 is started. If the product temperature sensor 11 is disconnected because the confirmation is made after the start of decompression in the processing tank 2, it is necessary to cancel the decompression in the processing tank 2, but the determination should be made before the start of decompression. Therefore, even in the unlikely event that the device is forgotten to be inserted, it can be easily dealt with without releasing the pressure reduction in the processing bath 2. - 特許庁In addition, after the food F is stored in the processing tank 2 and the door is closed, the sensor will not come off due to the operator's work. can. Moreover, the determination can be automatically started by detecting that the door is closed, and it is possible to easily and reliably check whether the product temperature sensor 11 has come off before starting the cooling operation.

Furthermore, even if it is determined that the product temperature sensor 11 is disconnected, it is possible to start reducing the pressure in the processing tank 2 on the condition that a predetermined operation is performed from the operation panel. If it is known in advance that the initial product temperature (the product temperature at the time of storage in the processing tank 2) is low, the temperature inside the processing tank 2 can be adjusted by a predetermined operation from the operation panel without reinserting the product temperature sensor 11. Depressurization can be initiated.

<<Second judgment process>>
As a second determination process, the controller determines whether the product temperature sensor 11 is out of the food F based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 10 and the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 during the cooling operation of the food F in the processing tank 2. or whether the food F is difficult to vacuum-cool.

Specific examples are as follows. That is, during depressurization in the processing tank 2, after the pressure in the processing tank 2 reaches near the maximum ultimate pressure (the limit pressure that can be reduced by the vacuum generator 6), the degree of decrease in the product temperature is detected by the product temperature sensor. 11 is missing from the food F or is the food unsuitable for cooling.

For example, during depressurization in the processing tank 2, after the rate of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 10 becomes equal to or less than the first set value, the rate of decrease in the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 becomes equal to or less than the second set value. It is determined that the temperature sensor 11 is missing from the food F or the food is unsuitable for cooling. More specifically, after starting to depressurize the processing tank 2, the controller obtains the amount of pressure drop for each first set time (for example, one minute) based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 10, and determines the pressure drop at the first set time. When the pressure drop amount becomes equal to or less than the first set value (for example, 1.0 hPa), it is determined as the maximum ultimate pressure. After that, based on the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11, the product temperature drop amount is determined every second set time (for example, 1 minute). .1° C.), it is determined that the product temperature sensor 11 is out of the food F or that the food is unsuitable for cooling.

When the product temperature sensor 11 determines that the food F is missing or that the food is unsuitable for cooling, the control panel may be notified to that effect and the cooling operation may be terminated. For example, the touch panel of the operation panel can be used to notify the user that "The food temperature sensor is missing or the food is difficult to cool." However, depending on the case, the cooling operation may be continued until the original cooling termination condition is satisfied (until the maximum cooling time elapses). When the product temperature sensor 11 determines that the food F is missing or the food is unsuitable for cooling, the touch panel displays the message "Are you sure you want to end the cooling operation?" Then, based on the selection result, whether or not to end the driving may be switched.

According to the second determination process, during the cooling operation of the food F in the processing tank 2, based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 10 and the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11, whether the product temperature sensor 11 is removed from the food F, Alternatively, it can be determined whether the food is unsuitable for cooling. If the product temperature sensor 11 is missing from the food F or if the food is unsuitable for cooling, even if the product temperature reaches the vicinity of the maximum ultimate pressure and the product temperature does not drop any further, the operation is wasted until the maximum cooling time elapses. However, it is possible to prevent wasteful continuation of operation by checking whether the product temperature sensor 11 is missing or whether the food is unsuitable for cooling and ending the cooling. Waste of time and energy can thereby be prevented.

The vacuum cooling device 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 processing tank 2 containing food F, a depressurizing means 3 for sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank 2 to the outside, a pressure restoring means 4 for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank 2, and a processing A pressure sensor 10 for detecting the pressure in the tank 2, a product temperature sensor 11 inserted into the food F contained in the processing tank 2 to detect the temperature, and a control means for controlling the means 3 and 4 are provided. Other configurations can be appropriately changed as long as one or both of the following (a) and (b) can be executed.

(a) As the first determination process, it is determined whether or not the product temperature sensor 11 is out of the food F based on the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11 before starting the pressure reduction in the processing tank 2 .

(b) As a second determination process, during the cooling operation of the food F in the processing tank 2, based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 10 and the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11, whether the product temperature sensor 11 is removed from the food F. , or food F that is difficult to vacuum-cool.

For example, as the second determination process, during the cooling operation of the food F in the processing tank 2, based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 10 and the decrease speed of the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor 11, the product temperature sensor 11 It may be determined whether the food F is missing or difficult to vacuum-cool. Specifically, after the pressure in the processing tank 2 reaches the set pressure, when the product temperature decrease rate becomes equal to or less than the set value, the product temperature sensor 11 is out of the food F, or the food F is difficult to cool. can be determined.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vacuum cooling device 1 has been described as a dedicated cooling machine, but it can be modified appropriately as long as it has a vacuum cooling function. For example, by providing heating means using steam, it may be configured like a steaming cooling device or a saturated steam cooking device. Alternatively, by providing cold air cooling means using a refrigerator or a fan, it may be configured like a cold air/vacuum combined cooling device.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vacuum cooling device 2 processing tank 3 pressure reduction means 4 pressure recovery means 5 exhaust path 6 vacuum generator 7 air supply path 8 air filter 9 air supply valve 10 pressure sensor 11 product temperature sensor F food

Claims (4)

A processing tank containing food, decompression means for sucking and discharging the gas in the processing tank to the outside, pressure recovery means for introducing outside air into the decompressed processing tank, and detecting the pressure in the processing tank. a pressure sensor, a food temperature sensor inserted into the food contained in the processing tank to detect the temperature, and a control means for controlling each of the means ,
During the cooling operation of the food in the processing tank, based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor, it is determined whether the product temperature sensor is missing from the food or whether the food is difficult to be vacuum-cooled. A vacuum cooling device for determining,
While the pressure in the processing tank is being lowered, after the rate of decrease in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor becomes equal to or less than a first set value, the rate of decrease in temperature detected by the product temperature sensor is equal to or less than a second set value. When it becomes, it is determined that the food temperature sensor is missing from the food or the food is difficult to be vacuum cooled.
A vacuum cooling device characterized by: During the cooling operation of the food in the processing tank, if the product temperature sensor determines that the food is missing or the food is difficult to be vacuum-cooled, the operation panel is notified and the cooling operation can be terminated. The vacuum cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vacuum cooling device that determines whether the product temperature sensor is missing from the food based on the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor before starting the pressure reduction in the processing tank,
If the temperature detected by the product temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the set initial product temperature after the door of the processing tank is closed and before the inside of the processing tank is decompressed, it is determined that the product temperature sensor is missing from the food. 3. The vacuum cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: When it is determined that the product temperature sensor is missing from the food before the start of depressurization in the processing tank, the operation panel is notified, and on the condition that a predetermined operation is performed from the operation panel, the inside of the processing tank 4. The vacuum cooling device according to claim 3, wherein the decompression of is started.

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