JPH04103828U - Frozen food thawing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To provide a frozen food thawing device that can thaw and heat frozen food for one person or several people in an extremely short time, and can also operate automatically. [Structure] The frozen food thawing device 1 includes a container 2 for storing frozen food which is open at the top and has a pore 21 for steam discharge at the bottom, and a container 2 for storing the frozen food which is attached to the top opening of the container 2 for introducing steam. It consists of a lid 3, a drain tank 4 for discharging steam on which the container 2 is placed, a steam generator 5 for supplying steam to the container 2, and an exhaust pump 6 for discharging the steam inside the container 2. ing.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

This invention is suitable for frozen foods such as frozen pilaf, frozen spaghetti, etc. This invention relates to a thawing device for frozen foods that can thaw the food and further heat it to the eating temperature.

0002

[Conventional technology]

Traditionally, the appliances used to thaw and cook the above frozen foods include steamers, steamers, and electric appliances. Microwave ovens, etc. are often used, but these devices do not have the required amount for defrosting and heating. It takes a relatively long time (5 to 15 minutes) and is not suitable for quick service. Therefore, in order to thaw and cook in large quantities within a certain amount of time, large equipment is required. There was an inconvenience.

0003 Therefore, the applicant first proposed a method and apparatus for cooking food in containers. provided a method and device for thawing and heating frozen foods in an extremely short period of time. (Refer to JP-A-60-94066).

0004

[Problem that the idea aims to solve]

The above method and device are capable of preparing a predetermined amount of food, for example, for one person, in advance at the distribution stage. It is suitable for thawing and heating food stored in a container of a specified size, but For thawing and heating cooked frozen foods distributed in various container shapes and contents. This requires some ingenuity, and it is also difficult to thaw and heat food for several people at the same time. For this purpose, it is necessary to prepare a heater that can hold many containers containing frozen foods. Ta.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention was developed by improving the above-mentioned device to freeze food for one person to several dozen people at a time. A frozen food thawing system that can defrost and heat food as well as operate automatically. The purpose is to provide refrigeration equipment.

[0006]

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above purpose, the frozen food thawing device of the present invention has an opening at the top. , a frozen food storage container having pores at the bottom for discharging steam, and an opening at the top of the container. A lid for introducing steam into which the container is placed, and a drain tank for discharging steam on which the container is placed. A steam generator is connected to the lid via a steam introduction pipe, and the lid A space for vapor diffusion is formed inside the drain tank, and an exhaust pump is installed in the drain tank. The lid is further provided with a pressure detection means. At the same time, when the pressure inside the lid exceeds a predetermined pressure, a signal from the pressure detection means is used to The provision of steam introduction control means for stopping the introduction of steam from the steam generator; and In addition, a temperature detection means is provided in the drain tank, and the temperature inside the drain tank is set to a predetermined temperature. When the temperature exceeds the temperature, a signal from the temperature detection means causes the steam generation device to The present invention is characterized by the provision of steam introduction control means for stopping the introduction of air.

[0007]

[Effect]

According to the above configuration, after putting an appropriate amount of cooked frozen food into the container, the container is opened. Place it on the drain tank and attach the lid, and let the steam from the steam generator drain. The steam is introduced into the container through the lid in a downward flow, and the vapor is drained from the drain tank through the pores at the bottom of the container. By discharging food through the container, food in the container can be efficiently thawed and heated. . In particular, by forming a space for vapor diffusion inside the lid, frozen foods can be stored inside the container. Steam can be evenly supplied to the whole area even if it is filled up to the edge of the opening, so there is no unevenness. Can be thawed and heated.

[0008] In addition, a pressure detection means is installed on the lid, or a temperature detection means is installed on the drain tank. When the pressure inside the lid and/or the temperature inside the drain tank exceeds the specified value, defrost, Automated operation can be achieved by configuring the system to end heating and stop introducing steam. This makes it possible to prevent incomplete heating and waste of steam.

[0009]

【Example】

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. First, in Fig. 1, a frozen food thawing device 1 has an open top and a steam exhaust at the bottom. A container 2 for storing frozen food having a pore 21 for exit, and a container 2 attached to the upper opening of the container 2. a lid 3 for introducing steam, and a drain tank 4 for discharging steam on which the container 2 is placed. , a steam generator 5 for supplying steam to the container 2, and a steam generating device 5 for discharging the steam in the container 2. and an exhaust pump 6.

0010 The container 2 for storing frozen food is basically the same as a commonly used cooking pot. is used, and the pores 21 for steam discharge formed at the bottom are stored inside. It is formed by round holes, slits, meshes, etc. that are sized so that food A does not pass through. Also, The container 2 is provided with a handle 22 for easy handling. This container 2 There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the A, but an inverted cone with a slightly narrow bottom is recommended for directing steam to the food A. It is preferable in that it is evenly supplied. Furthermore, the inner surface of container 2 contains food after heating. It is preferable to apply a coating that makes it easy to take out.

[0011] A space 31 for vapor diffusion is formed inside the lid 3, and a vapor diffusion space 31 is formed in the upper part of the space 31 for vapor diffusion. An air introduction pipe 32 is connected. This steam introduction pipe 32 is connected to the steam generator 5. This steam introduction pipe 32 has a control valve 33, a solenoid valve, etc. A valve 34 and a drain separator 35 are provided, and in order to open and close the lid 3, A flexible pipe 36 is provided in the middle. On the other hand, the lower periphery of the lid 3 A cover portion 37 is formed to cover the opening edge of the container 2, and the container 2 and the lid are connected to each other. A packing 38 is attached to keep airtight between the two.

0012 The top of the drain tank 4 is provided with a bottom of the container 2 to prevent the container 2 from falling over. A ring-shaped container mounting portion 41 is formed to hold the container 2 and the drain. A packing 42 is attached to keep the space between the tank 4 and the tank 4 airtight. This drain At the bottom of the tank 4, there is an exhaust pipe 43 connected to the exhaust pump 6, and an exhaust pipe 43 connected to the exhaust pump 6. The drain pipe 44 connected to the pallet 35 and the drain water in the drain tank 4 are connected to it. A drain pipe 45 is provided for discharging water from the bottom of the tank.

[0013] Note that a general boiler or the like can be used as the steam generator 5. Alternatively, a steam generator as described in the above publication may be used. Also, the exhaust port It is sufficient to use a commonly used container 6, and the size of the container 2, That is, an optimal one can be used depending on conditions such as throughput.

[0014] The thawing device 1 is configured in this way, and the steam obtained from the steam generator 5 is placed above the container 2. It is forcibly discharged from the lid 3 of the section through the drain tank 4 at the bottom with the exhaust pump 6. By doing so, the frozen food A in the container 2 is heated by the steam supplied from above. The water (drainage) generated by being cooled by food A is also forced to the bottom. It will be possible to discharge it. Therefore, excessive moisture may adhere to food A after heating. In addition, the passage of steam is also efficient as excessive moisture does not remain in the food. This is often done to thaw and heat the food evenly and evenly throughout the food in container 2. It can be done in an extremely short time. Furthermore, there is a space inside the lid 3 that is necessary for vapor diffusion. 31, even if the container 2 is full of frozen food, the steam can be uniformly distributed. This allows for stable thawing and heating regardless of the amount of frozen food. I can do that. In addition, between the lid 3 and the container 2, and between the container 2 and the drain tank 4, Packings 38 and 42 are provided to prevent steam leakage and waste of steam. It is possible to stop the accident and improve safety. Furthermore, the lid 3 of the steam introduction pipe 32 is closed. By providing the drain separator 35 near the container 2, it is possible to prevent drain water from mixing into the container 2. This also prevents excessive moisture from adhering.

[0015] Further, the lid 3 is provided with a pressure detection means 71, and the drain tank is provided with a pressure detection means 71. A temperature detection means 72 is provided in the steam passage section of the tank 4. This pressure detection means 7 1 and temperature detection means 72 are used for safety reasons or to detect the end of heating of food A by pressure or temperature. The pressure detection means 71 controls the pressure inside the lid 3. The temperature detection means 72 controls the temperature of the steam passage part of the drain tank 4. transmitter 73. When the pressure inside the lid 3 exceeds a predetermined pressure, or when the drain When the temperature of the steam passing section of the tank 4 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the controller 73 is activated and the The control valve 34 is closed to stop the introduction of steam.

[0016] The reason for stopping the introduction after detecting the pressure or temperature is as follows. General Usually, frozen foods such as pilaf are kept individually at around -20℃ immediately after being placed in container 2. Steam escapes easily because it is frozen, but it becomes softer as it thaws. , as it is compressed and deformed by the steam pressure from above, making it difficult for steam to escape. The pressure increases and steam gradually begins to blow out from between the container 2 and the lid 3. this Steam escaping like this is not good for the safety of kitchens, etc., so please do not A pressure detecting means 71 is provided at the top of the chamber to stop further introduction of steam. Also, The pressure rises in this way because food A has been sufficiently thawed, so it cannot be heated. It is also effective as a means of detecting completion. On the other hand, the eating temperature of food A is generally 7 Since around 0°C is sufficient, the temperature of the steam after passing through the food in container 2 is measured, Heating is finished when the temperature reaches 70℃ or higher, and the introduction of steam is stopped. Preventing harm caused by waste or overheating. Inspection of completion of heating using the above pressure or temperature Depends on the amount and nature of the food, for example, whether it is rice such as pilaf or noodles such as spaghetti. Generally speaking, the above passageway is not easily blocked even when noodles are thawed, so the drain is It is more effective to detect the end of heating based on the temperature of the steam passing portion of the tank 4.

[0017] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the frozen food thawing device 1 of the present invention has a lid 3 supported by a supporting device The support device 8 is supported vertically movably by the controller 73, and the support device 8 is controlled by the controller 73, etc. By controlling it, you can fully automatically thaw and heat frozen foods. support equipment For example, the case 8 can be configured such that an arm 82 for holding the lid is slidably provided on the pillars 81, 81. Also, the cylinder 83 and electric motor that drive the arm 82 in the vertical direction and the mechanical vertical movement It can be configured by a mechanism or the like. The controller 73 also includes the detection hand. A control circuit for controlling the support device 8 is provided in addition to the control circuit connected to the stage. , a control circuit for heating, such as a heating start switch, a timer, a heating stop switch, Provide a setting device for the type and amount of food, a buzzer to notify the end of the meal, etc.

[0018] To thaw and heat frozen foods using the thawing device 1 configured in this way, First, place the container 2 containing the desired amount of frozen food on the drain tank 4 and start processing. Turn on the thermal start switch. As a result, the controller 73 is actuated to control the support device 8. The cylinder 83 is contracted to cover the opening of the container 2 with the lid 3, and the control valve 34 is closed. It is opened and the introduction of steam into the container 2 is started. At this time, use a timer or If the optimal heating time is set using a type or amount setting device, etc., the heating time is based on the set time. Steam is then introduced to thaw and heat the frozen food. Also, thawing, When the heat is terminated by the pressure detection means 71 or the temperature detection means 72, Steam is introduced until either of the detection means 71, 72 detects the end of the heating. be exposed. Incidentally, it is also possible to use the above-mentioned timer etc. together with the detection means 71 and 72. Ru. Furthermore, even after the introduction of steam is stopped, the exhaust pump 6 is operated for a certain period of time. Steam inside the container 2 is vented to prevent excessive moisture from remaining in the food. after that, The lid 3 is raised and one thawing/heating cycle is completed.

[0019] Next, an experimental example and a comparative example in which frozen food was thawed and heated will be explained.

[0020] Experimental example 1 As container 2, place it at the bottom of a commercially available one-handed pot with a content capacity of 1 liter and an opening diameter of 15 cm. A tube with a large number of small holes (approximately 7.0 mm intervals) with a diameter of 3.2 mm was used. inside container 2 Put 270g of frozen pilaf (-20℃) into the steamer supplied from a commercially available small boiler. Air was introduced into the container for 18 seconds. As a result, the entire pillar was heated to 70-80℃. I got the result. This pilaf can be eaten as is, and does not get sticky due to excessive moisture. It was a desirable finish.

[0021] Comparative example 1 Steam is introduced from the drain tank 4 side, passed through the container 2 in an upward flow, and is then introduced from the lid 3 side. The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1, except that the liquid was discharged. The resulting pilaf has water droplets It was so sticky that it dripped and was not edible. Also, it is difficult to defrost. The ingredients were still frozen.

[0022] Comparative example 2 The same amount of frozen pilaf as in Experimental Example 1 was thawed and heated in the microwave, but more than 5 minutes passed. However, I could not obtain a pilaf with a satisfactory finish.

[0023] Experimental example 2 Container 2 was filled with frozen pilaf and the same operation as in Experimental Example 1 was performed, but thawing and Uniform thawing and heating were possible without uneven heating.

[0024] Comparative example 3 The same operation as in Experimental Example 2 was performed except that a lid without a space was used, but the thawing and heating The heat became uneven.

[0025] Experimental example 3 In Experimental Example 1, the lid 3 provided with the pressure detection means 71 was used, and the pressure detection means 7 1 to detect the end of heating. After about 20 seconds, the pressure detection means 71 detects the pressure. Since a rise was detected, the introduction of steam was stopped. As a result, a similar result to that obtained in Experimental Example 1 was obtained. A finished pilaf was obtained.

[0026] Experimental example 4 In Experimental Example 3, a temperature detection means 72 is provided in the drain tank 4, and the temperature detection means 72 is installed in the drain tank 4. The stage 72 is used to detect the end of heating. After about 14 seconds, the temperature detection means 72 It was detected that the temperature had reached 70°C or higher, so the introduction of steam was stopped. the result A pilaf similar to that obtained in Experimental Example 4 was obtained.

[0027] Experimental example 5 In Experimental Example 1, 200 g of frozen boiled spaghetti was placed in container 2 (-20°C). The procedure was the same except that the . As a result, the finish is heated to 70-80℃. Good spaghetti was obtained.

[0028]

[Effect of the idea] As explained above, the frozen food thawing device of the present invention has a space for vapor diffusion. Steam is introduced in a downward flow from the formed lid to the frozen food in the container, and the steam is directed to the bottom of the container. The steam is forcibly discharged through the drain tank through the provided pores with an exhaust pump. This allows frozen foods to be thawed and heated in an extremely short time. . Furthermore, there is no stickiness due to excessive moisture, and the finish is good.

[0029] Furthermore, a pressure detection means is provided on the lid and a temperature detection means is provided on the drain tank. This enables automatic detection of the end of thawing and heating, enabling fully automatic operation of the device. At the same time, waste of steam can be prevented and safety can be improved.

[0030] Therefore, comparisons of frozen cooked pilaf, cooked rice, fried noodles, spaghetti, etc. Foods with many target gaps can be provided in a short time and in good condition. Therefore, it can be effectively used in various school lunch facilities and quick service is possible.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view as well.

[Explanation of symbols]

1... Thawing device 2... Container 21... Pore for vapor discharge 3... Lid 31... Space for vapor diffusion 32... Steam introduction pipe 34... Control valve 4... Drain tank 5... Steam generator 6... Exhaust pump 71... Pressure detection means 72...Temperature detection means 73...Controller 8...Support device

Claims (3)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A frozen food storage container having an opening at the top and a pore for steam exhaust at the bottom, a lid for introducing steam that is attached to the top opening of the container, and a steam exhaust container on which the container is placed. A steam generator is connected to the lid via a steam introduction pipe, and a space for vapor diffusion is formed inside the lid, and the drain tank has a A thawing device for frozen foods characterized by being connected with an exhaust pump. 2. Steam introduction control means that includes a pressure detection means on the lid, and stops introducing steam from the steam generator in response to a signal from the pressure detection means when the pressure inside the lid exceeds a predetermined pressure. 2. The frozen food thawing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. Steam introduction, wherein the drain tank is provided with a temperature detection means, and when the temperature inside the drain tank exceeds a predetermined temperature, the introduction of steam from the steam generator is stopped based on a signal from the temperature detection means. 2. The frozen food thawing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control means.