WO2021157387A1 - Food mass forming device and food mass forming method - Google Patents

Food mass forming device and food mass forming method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021157387A1
WO2021157387A1 PCT/JP2021/002236 JP2021002236W WO2021157387A1 WO 2021157387 A1 WO2021157387 A1 WO 2021157387A1 JP 2021002236 W JP2021002236 W JP 2021002236W WO 2021157387 A1 WO2021157387 A1 WO 2021157387A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
food
bolus
peripheral wall
forming apparatus
pair
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PCT/JP2021/002236
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
充 東森
大輝 橋本
龍馬 高橋
曉秀 柴田
雄也 長畑
昌晴 橋本
里奈 清水
真理子 堀田
涼平 渡邊
賀美 井上
Original Assignee
国立大学法人大阪大学
株式会社Ｊ－オイルミルズ
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Application filed by 国立大学法人大阪大学, 株式会社Ｊ－オイルミルズ filed Critical 国立大学法人大阪大学
Priority to JP2021575721A priority Critical patent/JPWO2021157387A1/ja
Publication of WO2021157387A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021157387A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N3/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N3/32—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress by applying repeated or pulsating forces
    • G01N3/34—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress by applying repeated or pulsating forces generated by mechanical means, e.g. hammer blows
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/02—Food

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bolus forming apparatus that repeatedly presses food to form a bolus, and a method for forming a bolus.
  • the masticatory ability estimation device of Patent Document 1 calculates the surface area of masticatory gummy jelly by analyzing the captured image of the bite fragment of gummy jelly after mastication. Then, the control unit (masticatory ability estimation unit) estimates the masticatory ability based on the total surface area of the plurality of bite fragments calculated by the feature amount calculation unit (Patent Document 1 / paragraph 0042, FIG. 1).
  • the texture evaluation system of Patent Document 2 is a pressing device for pressing a sample to be evaluated for texture, and a measuring device (pressure) for measuring a change over time in the pressure distribution received from the sample when the sample is pressed. It is provided with a texture evaluation means (control PC) that controls the pressing operation by the pressing device and evaluates the texture of the sample based on the pressure distribution data from the pressure distribution sensor.
  • control PC controls the pressing operation by the pressing device and evaluates the texture of the sample based on the pressure distribution data from the pressure distribution sensor.
  • This pressing device has a pair of upper and lower plates, a pressure distribution sensor is placed on the upper surface of the lower plate, and a sample is placed on the pressure distribution sensor.
  • the upper plate is provided at a position facing the pressure distribution sensor in the vertical direction and is connected to the linear slider.
  • the linear slider is driven in the vertical direction with respect to the pressure sensor surface in response to the pressing operation control signal from the control PC. Therefore, the pressing operation of the sample can be controlled (Patent Document 2 / paragraphs 0022 to 0028, FIG. 1).
  • the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bolus forming apparatus capable of efficiently forming a bolus and reproducing chewing performed by a person.
  • the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention is arranged so as to face each other and is arranged between a pair of pressing portions that press the foods in close proximity to each other and the pair of pressing portions to disperse the foods. It is characterized by including a flexible peripheral wall portion that suppresses the peripheral wall portion, a throttle portion that narrows the space inside the peripheral wall portion, and a drive portion that drives the pair of pressing portions and the throttle portions alternately or simultaneously. ..
  • the bolus forming device of the present invention drives a pair of pressing portions by a driving portion to press the food so that a person bites.
  • the bolus forming device includes a peripheral wall portion that suppresses the dispersal of food and a squeezing portion that narrows the space inside the peripheral wall portion.
  • the food is pushed back to the center of the peripheral wall portion and is always pressed by a pair of pressing portions.
  • a bolus is formed by collecting the pressed foods, so that the bolus forming apparatus can reproduce the chewing performed by a person.
  • the peripheral wall portion is preferably an elastic band.
  • the peripheral wall portion is an elastic band-shaped body in which an elastic body such as a rubber material is formed into a band shape. Therefore, when the space inside the peripheral wall portion is squeezed by the squeezing portion, the main bolus forming device can efficiently collect the separated foods.
  • peripheral wall portions are attached to the tips of the pair of pressing portions, respectively.
  • peripheral wall portion Since the peripheral wall portion is attached to the tips of the pair of pressing portions, it functions as a barrier that is difficult to disperse when the food is pressed.
  • the throttle portion is composed of two sets of roller pairs that sandwich the peripheral wall portion and are close to each other in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the pair of pressing portions.
  • the throttle portion is composed of a pair of rollers that move in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the pressing portion, and the space inside the peripheral wall portion is narrowed by driving and bringing the two sets of roller pairs close to each other.
  • the main bolus forming apparatus can form a bolus from discrete foods.
  • the two sets of roller pairs are staggered so as to be misaligned with each other when they are close to each other.
  • the main bolus forming device can collect the separated foods while causing the movement of stirring the foods when the roller pairs are close to each other.
  • a water supply unit for supplying water is provided inside the peripheral wall portion.
  • this bolus forming device is provided with a water supply unit, it is possible to supply water equivalent to saliva to the food inside the peripheral wall portion. As a result, the bolus-forming device can easily make the food into a lump and bring it closer to the state of being chewed by a person.
  • the facing surfaces of the pair of pressing portions have a concavo-convex shape that fits each other when they are close to each other.
  • the facing surfaces of the pair of pressing portions have a concavo-convex shape that fits with each other when they are close to each other like human teeth. As a result, the bolus forming apparatus can efficiently crush the food.
  • the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images the inside of the peripheral wall portion.
  • this bolus forming device is provided with an imaging unit, it is possible to image food or bolus inside the peripheral wall portion. Thereby, the bolus forming apparatus can evaluate the progress of the chewing state of the food from the still image or the moving image.
  • the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a temperature adjusting unit for adjusting the temperature inside the peripheral wall portion.
  • this bolus forming device is equipped with a temperature control unit, the temperature inside the peripheral wall portion can be set to a temperature close to that of a person's oral cavity, or the temperature can be changed according to the type of food to check the solubility of the food. can do.
  • the bolus forming apparatus described in any of the above is used.
  • a pair of pressing portions are driven to press the food so that a person bites.
  • the food is pushed back to the center of the peripheral wall portion and is always pressed by the pair of pressing portions. Since a bolus of pressed food is formed, this method can reproduce the chewing performed by a person.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the prototype of FIG. Enlarged view of the prototype artificial tooth of FIG. The figure explaining the operation mechanism of the prototype of FIG. (A) The figure (initial position) explaining the operation of the prototype of FIG. (B) The figure explaining the operation of the prototype of FIG. 2 (proximity state of artificial teeth).
  • FIG. 2 The figure explaining the operation of the prototype of FIG. 2 (proximity state of a pair of rollers). The figure (initial position) explaining the operation of the prototype of 2nd Embodiment.
  • B The figure explaining the operation of the 2nd Embodiment prototype (the approach state of a roller pair). The figure (1) explaining the state change of the actual food. The figure (2) explaining the actual state change of food.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the bolus forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.
  • the bolus forming device 1 shown in FIG. 1A is a device that reproduces the oral cavity of a person.
  • the bolus forming device 1 is formed by a pair of artificial teeth 2a and 2b that press the food F in the drawing, a peripheral wall portion 3 that acts as a cheek and a tongue that suppresses the dispersal of broken pieces of the food F, and a peripheral wall portion 3. It is composed of two sets of roller pairs 4a and 4b that control the size of the closed space S, and drive units 5a and 5b that drive the artificial teeth 2a and 2b and the roller pairs 4a and 4b, respectively (in the figure).
  • the artificial teeth 2a and 2b and the roller pairs 4a and 4b are in the initial positions).
  • the artificial teeth 2a and 2b are arranged so as to face each other, and the driving portion 5a performs an operation of approaching and separating from each other.
  • the food F for example, donut
  • the peripheral wall portion 3 is arranged between the artificial teeth 2a and 2b, it is possible to prevent the fragment of the food F from escaping to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 3.
  • the peripheral wall portion 3 is made of a strip-shaped flexible material.
  • the drive unit 5b operates the roller pairs 4a and 4b (the "squeezing unit” of the present invention) to narrow the closed space S by the peripheral wall portion 3, and collects the broken pieces of the food F into a bolus.
  • the peripheral wall portion 3 is formed of an elastic body such as a rubber material.
  • FIG. 1B shows a state when the artificial teeth 2a and 2b are brought into a close state by the driving unit 5a. This corresponds to the action of a person biting the food F, and the food F, which was initially solid, is crushed by the artificial teeth 2a and 2b and falls apart.
  • FIG. 1 (c) shows a state when the roller pairs 4a and 4b are brought close to each other by the drive unit 5b from the state of FIG. 1 (b) and the closed space S is narrowed down. This corresponds to the action of a person moving his cheeks and tongue to collect food F in his mouth.
  • the pressing operation by the drive unit 5a and the throttle operation by the drive unit 5b are executed alternately.
  • the drawing operation by the driving unit 5b may be executed, or the pressing operation and the drawing operation may be executed at the same time.
  • FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the prototype 100 of the bolus forming apparatus 1.
  • a main part 10, a heater 11, a spray 12, and a camera 13 are arranged in the housing of the prototype 100.
  • the main part 10 is a part composed of the above-mentioned artificial teeth, peripheral wall parts, rollers and the like, and repeatedly pressing food to form a bolus.
  • the heater 11 (“temperature adjusting unit” of the present invention) is a device connected to a power source 11a and flowing a current through a heating wire to adjust the temperature inside the housing. By providing the heater 11, the temperature inside the housing can be set to a temperature close to that of a person's oral cavity, and the ease of melting of food in the housing can be examined.
  • the spray 12 (“moisture supply unit” of the present invention) is a device that supplies water equivalent to saliva to food in a closed space S surrounded by a peripheral wall portion.
  • the spray 12 moves the water stored in the tank 12a to the upper part of the closed region S by the flow path 12b and sprays the food onto the food.
  • the spray 12 in the bolus forming device 1 the food tends to be in the form of a lump (food lump), and the inside of the housing can be brought closer to the state of being chewed by a person.
  • the camera 13 (“imaging unit” of the present invention) is arranged above the closed space S and can image food being pressed. This captured image (still image or moving image) is used to evaluate the degree of progress of the pressed state (chewing state) of the food.
  • FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the main part 10 of the prototype 100 described above.
  • the artificial teeth 20a and the artificial teeth 20b are arranged to face each other, and the roller pair 40a and the roller pair 40b are attached to the movable portions 14a and 14b, respectively.
  • roller pairs 40a and 40b may be arranged so as to be offset from each other, but in this embodiment, the offset is 0. Further, the roller pairs 40a and 40b may be attached so as to be inclined with respect to the movable portions 14a and 14b.
  • the peripheral wall portion is composed of rubber belts 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d having a height of 45.0 mm, respectively.
  • the rubber belt 30a passes through the opening of the movable portion 14a from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20a (the side facing the artificial tooth 20b) via the roller pair 40a, and is connected to the strut portion 16a.
  • the rubber belt 30b passes through the opening of the movable portion 14b from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20a via the roller pair 40b, and is connected to the strut portion 16b.
  • the rubber belt 30c passes through the opening of the movable portion 14b from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20b (the side facing the artificial tooth 20a) via the roller pair 40b, and is connected to the strut portion 16b. Further, the rubber belt 30d passes through the opening of the movable portion 14a from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20b via the roller pair 40a and is connected to the strut portion 16a.
  • the "tip portion” means the vicinity of the tip on the facing surface side of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b.
  • a rubber belt (particularly, a band-shaped body in which 30a and 30b are integrated and a band-shaped body in which 30c and 30d are integrated) may be attached to the most advanced portions of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, respectively. Further, the rubber belt may not be attached to the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, and the rubber belt may be pressed from the outside by the artificial teeth 20a and 20b.
  • the peripheral wall portion may be a balloon-shaped elastic body integrated with the lower surface side instead of the rubber belt. It is preferable that the upper surface side is open because it is necessary to take in and out food and supply water corresponding to saliva.
  • FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b of the prototype 100 described above.
  • the artificial tooth 20a has a width of 10.0 mm and a convex protrusion formed in the center in the width direction of 2.5 mm.
  • the height of the artificial tooth 20a (in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 2) is 45.0 mm, which is the same as that of the rubber belts 30a to 30d (see FIG. 3A).
  • the artificial tooth 20b has a width of 10.0 mm and a concave depression formed in the center in the width direction of 2.5 mm, and fits with the artificial tooth 2a in the closest state.
  • the length of the protrusion is a numerical value calculated from the average value of the maximum height difference of the actual teeth (first to third molars). Further, even if the positions of the artificial teeth 20a and the artificial teeth 20b are exchanged, the pressing of the food is not affected, and there is an effect of efficiently crushing the food.
  • the artificial teeth 20a and 20b perform translational motion (1 degree of freedom) by the linear guides 15a and 15b.
  • a motor 50a is provided as a drive unit for the artificial teeth 20a and 20b.
  • the operation is transmitted to the artificial tooth 20a by the rack and pinion 18a, and the artificial tooth 20a and the artificial tooth 20b move in opposite directions (proximity separation).
  • roller pairs 40a and 40b perform translational motion (1 degree of freedom) by the linear guides 17a and 17b.
  • a motor 50b is provided as a drive unit for the roller pairs 40a and 40b. When the roller pair 40b is operated by the motor 50b, the operation is transmitted to the roller pair 40a by the rack and pinion 18b, and the roller pair 40a and the roller pair 40b operate in opposite directions (proximity separation).
  • FIG. 5A shows the initial state (initial position) of the main part 10.
  • the artificial teeth 20a and 20b and the roller pairs 40a and 40b are separated from each other.
  • all the rubber belts 30a to 30d have natural lengths without expansion and contraction.
  • the distance y between the center O of the closed space S and the tips of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, and the distance x between the center O and the tips of the rollers 40a and 40b are 30 mm.
  • FIG. 5B shows a state in which the artificial teeth 20a and 20b are driven by the motor 50a (see FIG. 4) so that the artificial teeth 20a and the artificial teeth 20b are closest to each other.
  • the rubber belts 30a to 30d are all in a slack state. Food fragments move to the two closed spaces Sa and Sb, but the fragments do not leak out of the closed spaces Sa and Sb.
  • the artificial teeth 20a and 20b are returned to the initial positions by the motor 50a, and the rollers 40a and 40b are driven by the motor 50b (see FIG. 4) to drive the rollers 40a and 40b.
  • the rubber belts 30a to 30d are squeezed from both sides and are in the most stretched state.
  • the bolus forming device 1 can efficiently push back the separated foods to the center by controlling the closed space S, and repeatedly press the foods by the artificial teeth 20a and 20b.
  • the fragment of food first enters the upper and lower closed spaces Sc and Sd, but gradually gathers in the central closed space Se.
  • FIG. 6A shows the initial state (initial position) of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b of the main portion 110 and the two sets of roller pairs 45a and 45b.
  • the artificial tooth 20a and the artificial tooth 20b are arranged to face each other, and the roller pair 45a and the roller pair 45b are arranged to face each other.
  • the artificial teeth 20a and 20b are the same as those used in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3B), the distance y between the center O of the closed space S and the tips of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b is 30 mm, and the center O and the roller.
  • the distance x to the tip of the pair 45a and 45b is 35 mm.
  • the roller pairs 45a and 45b are arranged so as to be offset from each other so as to be misaligned in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis passing through the center O.
  • the offset distance D from the horizontal axis is 10 mm, but the distance D may be changed in the range of 0 to 10 mm.
  • the peripheral wall portion is composed of rubber belts 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d having a height of 45.0 mm, respectively.
  • the rubber belt 30a passes through the opening of the movable portion 14a from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20a (the side facing the artificial tooth 20b) via the roller pair 45a, and is connected to the strut portion 16a.
  • the rubber belt 30b passes through the opening of the movable portion 14b from the artificial tooth 20a via the roller pair 45b and is connected to the strut portion 16b.
  • the rubber belt 30c passes through the opening of the movable portion 14b from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20b (the side facing the artificial tooth 20a) via the roller pair 45b, and is connected to the strut portion 16b. Further, the rubber belt 30d passes through the opening of the movable portion 14a from the artificial tooth 20b via the roller pair 45a and is connected to the strut portion 16a.
  • the bolus forming device 1 can collect the separated foods by pressing the artificial teeth 20a and 20b into a bolus. ..
  • FIG. 6B shows a state in which the rollers vs. 45a and 45b are driven by the motor 50b (see FIG. 4) so that the rollers vs. 45a and the rollers vs. 45b are closest to each other.
  • the rubber belts 30a to 30d are squeezed from both sides and are in the most stretched state.
  • the operation of the rollers vs. 45a and 45b has an effect of gathering the separated foods while causing the movement of stirring the foods (food lumps).
  • FIG. 7A (1) shows the initial state (initial position) of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b of the main portion 110 and the two sets of roller pairs 47a and 47b in the closed space S surrounded by the rubber belts 30a to 30d. Food F is placed.
  • 7B (10) to 7B (18) are the states after FIG. 7A (9), but the food F is always pressed by the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, and the separation progresses and becomes finer. Then, the food F (fragment fragment) is put together by the operation of the roller pairs 47a and 47b and the reduction of the closed space S by the rubber belts 30a to 30d, and finally the bolus G is formed (see FIG. 7B (18)). ..
  • the prototype 100 of the bolus forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention succeeded in forming the bolus G in the housing while pressing the food F like in the oral cavity of a person.
  • the bolus forming apparatus 1 for example, it becomes possible to investigate how a newly developed food is chewed by a person.
  • the progress of mastication can be easily evaluated by analyzing the image of the food F, the textures of a plurality of foods can be compared using the bolus forming apparatus 1. Although donuts were used as food F this time, the evaluation method is the same for other foods.

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Abstract

Provided is a food mass forming device capable of efficiently forming a food mass and reproducing mastication by a human. A food mass forming device 1 according to the present invention comprises: a pair of artificial teeth 2a, 2b opposed to each other for pressing food therebetween by moving toward and away from each other; a flexible surrounding wall 3 disposed between the artificial tooth 2a and the artificial tooth 2b for keeping the food F from scattering; a pair of rollers 4a, 4b for narrowing a closed space inside the surrounding wall 3; and drive units 5a, 5b for driving the artificial teeth 2a, 2b and the pair of rollers 4a, 4b alternately or simultaneously.

Description

食塊形成装置、食塊の形成方法Eating mass forming device, edible mass forming method
　本発明は、食品の押圧を繰り返して食塊を形成する食塊形成装置、及び食塊の形成方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a bolus forming apparatus that repeatedly presses food to form a bolus, and a method for forming a bolus.
　従来、食品の食感を評価する際には、評価者が咀嚼した食品を一度吐き出し、これを観察して評価することが行われていた。また、近年では、機械的な押圧機構と圧力センサとを用いて食品を押圧し、食感を評価する評価システムが知られている。 Conventionally, when evaluating the texture of food, the evaluator has once spit out the chewed food and observes and evaluates the chewed food. Further, in recent years, an evaluation system for evaluating a texture by pressing a food using a mechanical pressing mechanism and a pressure sensor has been known.
　例えば、特許文献１の咀嚼能力推定装置は、咀嚼後のグミゼリーの咬断片の撮像画像を解析することで、咀嚼後のグミゼリーの表面積を算出する。そして、制御部（咀嚼能力推定部）は、特徴量算出部が算出した、複数の咬断片の合計の表面積に基づいて、咀嚼能力を推定する（特許文献１／段落００４２、図１）。 For example, the masticatory ability estimation device of Patent Document 1 calculates the surface area of masticatory gummy jelly by analyzing the captured image of the bite fragment of gummy jelly after mastication. Then, the control unit (masticatory ability estimation unit) estimates the masticatory ability based on the total surface area of the plurality of bite fragments calculated by the feature amount calculation unit (Patent Document 1 / paragraph 0042, FIG. 1).
　また、特許文献２の食感評価システムは、食感の評価対象である試料を押圧するための押圧装置と、試料の押圧時に前記試料から受ける圧力分布の経時的変化を計測する計測装置（圧力分布センサ）と、押圧装置による押圧動作を制御するとともに、圧力分布センサからの圧力分布データに基づいて試料の食感を評価する食感評価手段（制御ＰＣ）とを備えている。 Further, the texture evaluation system of Patent Document 2 is a pressing device for pressing a sample to be evaluated for texture, and a measuring device (pressure) for measuring a change over time in the pressure distribution received from the sample when the sample is pressed. It is provided with a texture evaluation means (control PC) that controls the pressing operation by the pressing device and evaluates the texture of the sample based on the pressure distribution data from the pressure distribution sensor.
　この押圧装置は、上下一対のプレートを有し、下側のプレートの上面に圧力分布センサが載置され、圧力分布センサ上に試料が載置される。上側のプレートは圧力分布センサと上下方向に対向する位置に設けられ、リニアスライダに接続されている。リニアスライダは、制御ＰＣからの押圧動作制御信号に応じて圧力センサ面に対して鉛直方向に駆動される。このため、試料の押圧動作を制御することができる（特許文献２／段落００２２～００２８、図１）。 This pressing device has a pair of upper and lower plates, a pressure distribution sensor is placed on the upper surface of the lower plate, and a sample is placed on the pressure distribution sensor. The upper plate is provided at a position facing the pressure distribution sensor in the vertical direction and is connected to the linear slider. The linear slider is driven in the vertical direction with respect to the pressure sensor surface in response to the pressing operation control signal from the control PC. Therefore, the pressing operation of the sample can be controlled (Patent Document 2 / paragraphs 0022 to 0028, FIG. 1).
特開２０１８－１６４６８９号公報JP-A-2018-164689 特許第６３２４７４１号Patent No. 6324741
　しかしながら、特許文献２の食感評価システムでは、食品が領域内で離散してしまい、実際の口腔内のように食塊を作りながら咀嚼が進んでいくという状態を再現できないという問題があった。 However, in the texture evaluation system of Patent Document 2, there is a problem that the foods are dispersed in the region and it is not possible to reproduce the state in which the chewing progresses while forming the bolus as in the actual oral cavity.
　本発明は、このような事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、効率良く食塊を形成し、人が行う咀嚼を再現することができる食塊形成装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bolus forming apparatus capable of efficiently forming a bolus and reproducing chewing performed by a person.
　上記目的を達成するため、本発明の食塊形成装置は、対向配置され、互いに近接離反して食品を押圧する一対の押圧部と、前記一対の押圧部の間に配置され、食品の離散を抑える可撓性の周壁部と、前記周壁部の内側の空間を絞る絞り部と、前記一対の押圧部及び前記絞り部を交互又は同時に駆動させる駆動部と、を備えていることを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention is arranged so as to face each other and is arranged between a pair of pressing portions that press the foods in close proximity to each other and the pair of pressing portions to disperse the foods. It is characterized by including a flexible peripheral wall portion that suppresses the peripheral wall portion, a throttle portion that narrows the space inside the peripheral wall portion, and a drive portion that drives the pair of pressing portions and the throttle portions alternately or simultaneously. ..
　本発明の食塊形成装置は、駆動部により一対の押圧部を駆動させて、人が咬合するように食品を押圧する。また、食塊形成装置は、食品の離散を抑える周壁部と当該周壁部の内側の空間を絞る絞り部とを備える。周壁部内側の空間を絞ったとき、食品は周壁部の中央に押し戻され、常に一対の押圧部により押圧される。これにより、押圧された食品をまとめた食塊が形成されるので、本食塊形成装置は、人が行う咀嚼を再現することができる。 The bolus forming device of the present invention drives a pair of pressing portions by a driving portion to press the food so that a person bites. Further, the bolus forming device includes a peripheral wall portion that suppresses the dispersal of food and a squeezing portion that narrows the space inside the peripheral wall portion. When the space inside the peripheral wall portion is narrowed down, the food is pushed back to the center of the peripheral wall portion and is always pressed by a pair of pressing portions. As a result, a bolus is formed by collecting the pressed foods, so that the bolus forming apparatus can reproduce the chewing performed by a person.
　本発明の食塊形成装置において、前記周壁部は、弾性帯状体であることが好ましい。 In the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention, the peripheral wall portion is preferably an elastic band.
　周壁部は、ゴム素材等の弾性体を帯状にした弾性帯状体となっている。このため、本食塊形成装置は、絞り部によって周壁部の内側の空間を絞ったとき、離散した食品を効率良くまとめることができる。 The peripheral wall portion is an elastic band-shaped body in which an elastic body such as a rubber material is formed into a band shape. Therefore, when the space inside the peripheral wall portion is squeezed by the squeezing portion, the main bolus forming device can efficiently collect the separated foods.
　また、本発明の食塊形成装置において、前記周壁部は、それぞれ前記一対の押圧部の先端部に取り付けられていることが好ましい。 Further, in the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the peripheral wall portions are attached to the tips of the pair of pressing portions, respectively.
　周壁部は、一対の押圧部の先端部に取り付けられているため、食品が押圧されたとき離散し難い障壁として機能する。 Since the peripheral wall portion is attached to the tips of the pair of pressing portions, it functions as a barrier that is difficult to disperse when the food is pressed.
　また、本発明の食塊形成装置において、前記絞り部は、前記周壁部を挟み、前記一対の押圧部の押圧方向と直交する方向に互いに近接離反する２組のローラ対からなることが好ましい。 Further, in the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the throttle portion is composed of two sets of roller pairs that sandwich the peripheral wall portion and are close to each other in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the pair of pressing portions.
　絞り部は、押圧部の押圧方向と直交する方向に移動するローラ対で構成され、２組のローラ対を駆動し近接させることで周壁部内側の空間を絞る。これにより、本食塊形成装置は、離散した食品から食塊を形成することができる。 The throttle portion is composed of a pair of rollers that move in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the pressing portion, and the space inside the peripheral wall portion is narrowed by driving and bringing the two sets of roller pairs close to each other. As a result, the main bolus forming apparatus can form a bolus from discrete foods.
　また、本発明の食塊形成装置において、前記２組のローラ対は、近接時に互いに入れ違いになるようにずらして配置されていることが好ましい。 Further, in the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the two sets of roller pairs are staggered so as to be misaligned with each other when they are close to each other.
　本食塊形成装置は、２組のローラ対を上記構成とすることで、ローラ対が互いに近接するとき食品をかき回す動きを生じさせつつ、離散した食品をまとめることができる。 By configuring the two sets of roller pairs as described above, the main bolus forming device can collect the separated foods while causing the movement of stirring the foods when the roller pairs are close to each other.
　また、本発明の食塊形成装置において、前記周壁部の内側に水分を供給する水分供給部を備えていることが好ましい。 Further, in the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that a water supply unit for supplying water is provided inside the peripheral wall portion.
　本食塊形成装置は水分供給部を備えているので、周壁部内側の食品に唾液に相当する水分を供給することができる。これにより、本食塊形成装置は、食品が塊状になり易く、人の咀嚼状態に近づけることができる。 Since this bolus forming device is provided with a water supply unit, it is possible to supply water equivalent to saliva to the food inside the peripheral wall portion. As a result, the bolus-forming device can easily make the food into a lump and bring it closer to the state of being chewed by a person.
　また、本発明の食塊形成装置において、前記一対の押圧部の対向面は、近接時に互いに嵌合する凹凸形状を有していることが好ましい。 Further, in the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the facing surfaces of the pair of pressing portions have a concavo-convex shape that fits each other when they are close to each other.
　本食塊形成装置において、一対の押圧部の対向面は、人の歯のような近接時に互いに嵌合する凹凸形状を有している。これにより、本食塊形成装置は、食品を効率的に押し潰すことができる。 In this bolus forming device, the facing surfaces of the pair of pressing portions have a concavo-convex shape that fits with each other when they are close to each other like human teeth. As a result, the bolus forming apparatus can efficiently crush the food.
　また、本発明の食塊形成装置において、前記周壁部の内側を撮像する撮像部を備えていることが好ましい。 Further, it is preferable that the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images the inside of the peripheral wall portion.
　本食塊形成装置は撮像部を備えているので、周壁部内側の食品又は食塊を撮像することができる。これにより、本食塊形成装置は、静止画又は動画から食品の咀嚼状態の進行度合いを評価することができる。 Since this bolus forming device is provided with an imaging unit, it is possible to image food or bolus inside the peripheral wall portion. Thereby, the bolus forming apparatus can evaluate the progress of the chewing state of the food from the still image or the moving image.
　また、本発明の食塊形成装置において、前記周壁部の内側の温度を調整する温度調整部を備えていることが好ましい。 Further, it is preferable that the bolus forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a temperature adjusting unit for adjusting the temperature inside the peripheral wall portion.
　本食塊形成装置は温度調整部を備えているので、周壁部内側を人の口腔内に近い温度にしたり、食品の種類に応じて温度を変化させて、当該食品の溶け易さを調べたりすることができる。 Since this bolus forming device is equipped with a temperature control unit, the temperature inside the peripheral wall portion can be set to a temperature close to that of a person's oral cavity, or the temperature can be changed according to the type of food to check the solubility of the food. can do.
　本発明の食塊の形成方法では、上述の何れかに記載の食塊形成装置を用いる。本方法では、一対の押圧部を駆動させて、人が咬合するように食品を押圧する。さらに、食品の離散を抑える周壁部の絞り部により、周壁部内側の空間を絞ると、食品は当該周壁部の中央に押し戻され、常に一対の押圧部により押圧される。押圧された食品をまとめた食塊が形成されるので、本方法は、人が行う咀嚼を再現することができる。 In the method for forming a bolus of the present invention, the bolus forming apparatus described in any of the above is used. In this method, a pair of pressing portions are driven to press the food so that a person bites. Further, when the space inside the peripheral wall portion is narrowed by the narrowing portion of the peripheral wall portion that suppresses the dispersal of the food, the food is pushed back to the center of the peripheral wall portion and is always pressed by the pair of pressing portions. Since a bolus of pressed food is formed, this method can reproduce the chewing performed by a person.
　本発明によれば、効率良く食塊を形成し、人が行う咀嚼を再現することができる According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently form a bolus and reproduce the chewing performed by a person.
（ａ）第１実施形態の食塊形成装置を説明する概略図（初期位置）。（ｂ）第１実施形態の食塊形成装置を説明する概略図（人工歯の近接状態）。（ｃ）第１実施形態の食塊形成装置を説明する概略図（人工歯及びローラ対の近接状態）。(A) Schematic diagram (initial position) for explaining the bolus forming apparatus of the first embodiment. (B) Schematic diagram explaining the bolus forming apparatus of the first embodiment (proximity state of artificial teeth). (C) Schematic diagram illustrating the bolus forming apparatus of the first embodiment (proximity state of artificial teeth and roller pairs). 食塊形成装置のプロトタイプの全体斜視図。Overall perspective view of the prototype of the bolus forming apparatus. 図２のプロトタイプの主要部分の斜視図。FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the prototype of FIG. 図２のプロトタイプの人工歯の拡大図。Enlarged view of the prototype artificial tooth of FIG. 図２のプロトタイプの動作機構を説明する図。The figure explaining the operation mechanism of the prototype of FIG. （ａ）図２のプロトタイプの動作を説明する図（初期位置）。（ｂ）図２のプロトタイプの動作を説明する図（人工歯の近接状態）。（ｃ）図２のプロトタイプの動作を説明する図（ローラ対の近接状態）。(A) The figure (initial position) explaining the operation of the prototype of FIG. (B) The figure explaining the operation of the prototype of FIG. 2 (proximity state of artificial teeth). (C) The figure explaining the operation of the prototype of FIG. 2 (proximity state of a pair of rollers). 第２実施形態のプロトタイプの動作を説明する図（初期位置）。（ｂ）第２実施形態プロトタイプの動作を説明する図（ローラ対の近接状態）。The figure (initial position) explaining the operation of the prototype of 2nd Embodiment. (B) The figure explaining the operation of the 2nd Embodiment prototype (the approach state of a roller pair). 実際の食品の状態変化を説明する図（１）。The figure (1) explaining the state change of the actual food. 実際の食品の状態変化を説明する図（２）。The figure (2) explaining the actual state change of food.
　［第１実施形態］
　以下、図面を参照して、本発明に係る食塊形成装置の第１実施形態について説明する。 [First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the bolus forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
　まず、図１は、本実施形態の食塊形成装置１の概略図である。図１（ａ）に示す食塊形成装置１は、人の口腔内を再現する装置である。食塊形成装置１は、図中の食品Ｆを押圧する一対の人工歯２ａ，２ｂと、食品Ｆの破断片の離散を抑える頬や舌の役割を果たす周壁部３と、周壁部３で形成される閉鎖空間Ｓの大きさを制御する２組のローラ対４ａ，４ｂと、それぞれ人工歯２ａ，２ｂ、ローラ対４ａ，４ｂを駆動させる駆動部５ａ，５ｂとで構成されている（図中の人工歯２ａ，２ｂ、ローラ対４ａ，４ｂは、初期位置）。 First, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the bolus forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The bolus forming device 1 shown in FIG. 1A is a device that reproduces the oral cavity of a person. The bolus forming device 1 is formed by a pair of artificial teeth 2a and 2b that press the food F in the drawing, a peripheral wall portion 3 that acts as a cheek and a tongue that suppresses the dispersal of broken pieces of the food F, and a peripheral wall portion 3. It is composed of two sets of roller pairs 4a and 4b that control the size of the closed space S, and drive units 5a and 5b that drive the artificial teeth 2a and 2b and the roller pairs 4a and 4b, respectively (in the figure). The artificial teeth 2a and 2b and the roller pairs 4a and 4b are in the initial positions).
　人工歯２ａ，２ｂ（本発明の「押圧部」）は対向配置され、駆動部５ａにより互いに近接離反の動作を行う。人工歯２ａ，２ｂにより食品Ｆ（例えば、ドーナツ）が押し潰されると、バラバラになる。しかし、周壁部３が人工歯２ａ，２ｂの間に配置されているため、食品Ｆの破断片を周壁部３の外側に逃がさないようにすることができる。 The artificial teeth 2a and 2b (the "pressing portion" of the present invention) are arranged so as to face each other, and the driving portion 5a performs an operation of approaching and separating from each other. When the food F (for example, donut) is crushed by the artificial teeth 2a and 2b, it falls apart. However, since the peripheral wall portion 3 is arranged between the artificial teeth 2a and 2b, it is possible to prevent the fragment of the food F from escaping to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 3.
　また、周壁部３は、帯状の可撓性の素材で作られている。駆動部５ｂは、ローラ対４ａ，４ｂ（本発明の「絞り部」）を動作させて周壁部３による閉鎖空間Ｓを絞り、食品Ｆの破断片をまとめて食塊とする。特に、周壁部３をゴム素材等の弾性体で形成する。これにより、食塊形成装置１は、ローラ対４ａ，４ｂにより閉鎖空間Ｓを絞ったとき、離散した食品Ｆを閉鎖空間Ｓの中央に押し戻し、効率良くまとめることができる。 The peripheral wall portion 3 is made of a strip-shaped flexible material. The drive unit 5b operates the roller pairs 4a and 4b (the "squeezing unit" of the present invention) to narrow the closed space S by the peripheral wall portion 3, and collects the broken pieces of the food F into a bolus. In particular, the peripheral wall portion 3 is formed of an elastic body such as a rubber material. As a result, when the closed space S is narrowed down by the roller pairs 4a and 4b, the bolus forming device 1 can push the separated foods F back to the center of the closed space S and efficiently put them together.
　図１（ｂ）は、駆動部５ａにより人工歯２ａ，２ｂを近接状態としたときの様子を示している。これは、人が食品Ｆを咬合する動作に相当し、はじめ固形であった食品Ｆは、人工歯２ａ、２ｂにより押し潰されバラバラになる。 FIG. 1B shows a state when the artificial teeth 2a and 2b are brought into a close state by the driving unit 5a. This corresponds to the action of a person biting the food F, and the food F, which was initially solid, is crushed by the artificial teeth 2a and 2b and falls apart.
　図１（ｃ）は、図１（ｂ）の状態から駆動部５ｂによりローラ対４ａ，４ｂを近接状態とし、閉鎖空間Ｓを絞ったときの様子を示している。これは、人が頬や舌を動かして口内で食品Ｆをまとめる動作に相当する。 FIG. 1 (c) shows a state when the roller pairs 4a and 4b are brought close to each other by the drive unit 5b from the state of FIG. 1 (b) and the closed space S is narrowed down. This corresponds to the action of a person moving his cheeks and tongue to collect food F in his mouth.
　駆動部５ａによる押圧動作と駆動部５ｂによる絞り動作は、交互に実行されることが好ましい。もちろん、駆動部５ａによる押圧動作を複数回実行した後、駆動部５ｂによる絞り動作を実行してもよいし、当該押圧動作と当該絞り動作を同時に実行してもよい。 It is preferable that the pressing operation by the drive unit 5a and the throttle operation by the drive unit 5b are executed alternately. Of course, after the pressing operation by the driving unit 5a is executed a plurality of times, the drawing operation by the driving unit 5b may be executed, or the pressing operation and the drawing operation may be executed at the same time.
　次に、図２～図５を参照して、食塊形成装置１のプロトタイプ１００の詳細を説明する。 Next, the details of the prototype 100 of the bolus forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.
　図２は、食塊形成装置１のプロトタイプ１００の全体斜視図である。プロトタイプ１００の筐体内には、主要部１０、ヒータ１１、スプレー１２、カメラ１３が配設されている。 FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the prototype 100 of the bolus forming apparatus 1. A main part 10, a heater 11, a spray 12, and a camera 13 are arranged in the housing of the prototype 100.
　詳細は後述するが、主要部１０は、上述した人工歯、周壁部、ローラ対等で構成され、食品の押圧を繰り返して食塊を形成する部分である。ヒータ１１（本発明の「温度調整部」）は電源１１ａと接続され、電熱線に電流を流して前記筐体内の温度を調整する装置である。ヒータ１１を設けることで、筐体内を人の口腔内に近い温度にして、筐体内で食品の溶け易さ等を調べることができる。 Although details will be described later, the main part 10 is a part composed of the above-mentioned artificial teeth, peripheral wall parts, rollers and the like, and repeatedly pressing food to form a bolus. The heater 11 (“temperature adjusting unit” of the present invention) is a device connected to a power source 11a and flowing a current through a heating wire to adjust the temperature inside the housing. By providing the heater 11, the temperature inside the housing can be set to a temperature close to that of a person's oral cavity, and the ease of melting of food in the housing can be examined.
　スプレー１２（本発明の「水分供給部」）は、周壁部で囲まれた閉鎖空間Ｓの食品に、唾液に相当する水分を供給する装置である。スプレー１２は、タンク１２ａに貯留された水分を流路１２ｂにより閉鎖領域Ｓの上方まで移動させ、食品に噴射する。食塊形成装置１にスプレー１２を設けることで、食品は塊状（食塊）になり易く、筐体内を人の咀嚼状態に近づけることができる。 The spray 12 (“moisture supply unit” of the present invention) is a device that supplies water equivalent to saliva to food in a closed space S surrounded by a peripheral wall portion. The spray 12 moves the water stored in the tank 12a to the upper part of the closed region S by the flow path 12b and sprays the food onto the food. By providing the spray 12 in the bolus forming device 1, the food tends to be in the form of a lump (food lump), and the inside of the housing can be brought closer to the state of being chewed by a person.
　カメラ１３（本発明の「撮像部」）は閉鎖空間Ｓの上方に配設され、押圧途中の食品を撮像することができる。この撮像画像（静止画又は動画）は、食品の押圧状態（咀嚼状態）の進行度合いを評価するため用いられる。 The camera 13 (“imaging unit” of the present invention) is arranged above the closed space S and can image food being pressed. This captured image (still image or moving image) is used to evaluate the degree of progress of the pressed state (chewing state) of the food.
　次に、図３Ａに、上述のプロトタイプ１００の主要部１０の斜視図を示す。図示するように、人工歯２０ａと人工歯２０ｂとが対向配置され、ローラ対４０ａとローラ対４０ｂとがそれぞれ可動部１４ａ，１４ｂに取り付けられている。 Next, FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the main part 10 of the prototype 100 described above. As shown in the figure, the artificial teeth 20a and the artificial teeth 20b are arranged to face each other, and the roller pair 40a and the roller pair 40b are attached to the movable portions 14a and 14b, respectively.
　ローラ対４０ａ，４０ｂは、互いにずらして（オフセット）配置してもよいが、本実施形態はオフセットが０の場合である。また、ローラ対４０ａ，４０ｂは、可動部１４ａ，１４ｂに対して傾斜して取り付けられていてもよい。 The roller pairs 40a and 40b may be arranged so as to be offset from each other, but in this embodiment, the offset is 0. Further, the roller pairs 40a and 40b may be attached so as to be inclined with respect to the movable portions 14a and 14b.
　周壁部は、それぞれ高さが４５．０ｍｍのゴムベルト３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃ，３０ｄで構成されている。ゴムベルト３０ａは、人工歯２０ａの先端部（人工歯２０ｂとの対向面側）からローラ対４０ａを経由して可動部１４ａの開口部を通過し、支柱部１６ａに接続されている。また、ゴムベルト３０ｂは、人工歯２０ａの先端部からローラ対４０ｂを経由して可動部１４ｂの開口部を通過し、支柱部１６ｂに接続されている。 The peripheral wall portion is composed of rubber belts 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d having a height of 45.0 mm, respectively. The rubber belt 30a passes through the opening of the movable portion 14a from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20a (the side facing the artificial tooth 20b) via the roller pair 40a, and is connected to the strut portion 16a. Further, the rubber belt 30b passes through the opening of the movable portion 14b from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20a via the roller pair 40b, and is connected to the strut portion 16b.
　ゴムベルト３０ｃは、人工歯２０ｂの先端部（人工歯２０ａとの対向面側）からローラ対４０ｂを経由して可動部１４ｂの開口部を通過し、支柱部１６ｂに接続されている。また、ゴムベルト３０ｄは、人工歯２０ｂの先端部からローラ対４０ａを経由して可動部１４ａの開口部を通過し、支柱部１６ａに接続されている。 The rubber belt 30c passes through the opening of the movable portion 14b from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20b (the side facing the artificial tooth 20a) via the roller pair 40b, and is connected to the strut portion 16b. Further, the rubber belt 30d passes through the opening of the movable portion 14a from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20b via the roller pair 40a and is connected to the strut portion 16a.
　ここで、「先端部」とは、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂの対向面側の先端付近を意味する。なお、ゴムベルト（特に、３０ａと３０ｂが一体の帯状体と、３０ｃと３０ｄが一体の帯状体）がそれぞれ人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂの最先端部に取り付けられた構造でもよい。また、当該ゴムベルトが人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂに取り付けられておらず、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂにより当該ゴムベルトを外側から押圧する構造でもよい。 Here, the "tip portion" means the vicinity of the tip on the facing surface side of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b. A rubber belt (particularly, a band-shaped body in which 30a and 30b are integrated and a band-shaped body in which 30c and 30d are integrated) may be attached to the most advanced portions of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, respectively. Further, the rubber belt may not be attached to the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, and the rubber belt may be pressed from the outside by the artificial teeth 20a and 20b.
　ゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄによって形成される閉鎖空間Ｓ内に食品を配置することで、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂの押圧によって離散した食品をまとめ、食塊とすることができる。周壁部は、ゴムベルトの代わりに下面側と一体になった風船形状の弾性体としてもよい。なお、食品の出し入れや唾液に相当する水分の供給する必要があるため、上面側は開放されていることが好ましい。 By arranging the food in the closed space S formed by the rubber belts 30a to 30d, it is possible to collect the separated foods by pressing the artificial teeth 20a and 20b into a bolus. The peripheral wall portion may be a balloon-shaped elastic body integrated with the lower surface side instead of the rubber belt. It is preferable that the upper surface side is open because it is necessary to take in and out food and supply water corresponding to saliva.
　図３Ｂは、上述のプロトタイプ１００の人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂの拡大図である。人工歯２０ａは、幅が１０．０ｍｍ、幅方向の中央に形成された凸形状の突起の長さが２．５ｍｍとなっている。なお、人工歯２０ａの高さ（図２のＺ軸方向）は、ゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄと同じ４５．０ｍｍである（図３Ａ参照）。 FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b of the prototype 100 described above. The artificial tooth 20a has a width of 10.0 mm and a convex protrusion formed in the center in the width direction of 2.5 mm. The height of the artificial tooth 20a (in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 2) is 45.0 mm, which is the same as that of the rubber belts 30a to 30d (see FIG. 3A).
　また、人工歯２０ｂは、幅が１０．０ｍｍ、幅方向の中央に形成された凹形状の窪みの深さが２．５ｍｍとなっており、最も近接した状態で人工歯２ａと嵌合する。 Further, the artificial tooth 20b has a width of 10.0 mm and a concave depression formed in the center in the width direction of 2.5 mm, and fits with the artificial tooth 2a in the closest state.
　突起の長さ（窪みの深さ）は、実際の歯（第１～第３臼歯）の最大高低差の平均値から算出された数値としている。また、人工歯２０ａ、人工歯２０ｂの位置が入れ替わっても食品の押圧には影響せず、食品を効率的に押し潰す効果がある。 The length of the protrusion (depth of the depression) is a numerical value calculated from the average value of the maximum height difference of the actual teeth (first to third molars). Further, even if the positions of the artificial teeth 20a and the artificial teeth 20b are exchanged, the pressing of the food is not affected, and there is an effect of efficiently crushing the food.
　次に、図４を参照して、食塊形成装置１のプロトタイプ１００の動作機構を説明する。 Next, the operation mechanism of the prototype 100 of the bolus forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
　プロトタイプ１００の主要部１０において、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂは、リニアガイド１５ａ，１５ｂによる並進運動（１自由度）を行う。人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂ用の駆動部としては、モータ５０ａが設けられている。モータ５０ａによって人工歯２０ｂを動作させると、ラック・ピニオン１８ａにより当該動作が人工歯２０ａに伝達され、人工歯２０ａと人工歯２０ｂとが互いに逆方向に動作（近接離反）する。 In the main part 10 of the prototype 100, the artificial teeth 20a and 20b perform translational motion (1 degree of freedom) by the linear guides 15a and 15b. A motor 50a is provided as a drive unit for the artificial teeth 20a and 20b. When the artificial tooth 20b is operated by the motor 50a, the operation is transmitted to the artificial tooth 20a by the rack and pinion 18a, and the artificial tooth 20a and the artificial tooth 20b move in opposite directions (proximity separation).
　同様に、ローラ対４０ａ，４０ｂは、リニアガイド１７ａ，１７ｂによる並進運動（１自由度）を行う。ローラ対４０ａ，４０ｂ用の駆動部としては、モータ５０ｂが設けられている。モータ５０ｂによってローラ対４０ｂを動作させると、ラック・ピニオン１８ｂにより当該動作がローラ対４０ａに伝達され、ローラ対４０ａとローラ対４０ｂとが互いに逆方向に動作（近接離反）する。 Similarly, the roller pairs 40a and 40b perform translational motion (1 degree of freedom) by the linear guides 17a and 17b. A motor 50b is provided as a drive unit for the roller pairs 40a and 40b. When the roller pair 40b is operated by the motor 50b, the operation is transmitted to the roller pair 40a by the rack and pinion 18b, and the roller pair 40a and the roller pair 40b operate in opposite directions (proximity separation).
　次に、図５を参照して、食塊形成装置１のプロトタイプ１００の主要部１０の動作を説明する。 Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the main part 10 of the prototype 100 of the bolus forming apparatus 1 will be described.
　まず、図５（ａ）は、主要部１０の初期状態（初期位置）を示している。人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂとローラ対４０ａ，４０ｂとが互いに離間した状態である。このとき、ゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄは全て伸縮のない自然長となっている。なお、閉鎖空間Ｓの中心Ｏと人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂの先端部までの距離ｙ、中心Ｏとローラ対４０ａ，４０ｂの先端部までの距離ｘは、何れも３０ｍｍである。 First, FIG. 5A shows the initial state (initial position) of the main part 10. The artificial teeth 20a and 20b and the roller pairs 40a and 40b are separated from each other. At this time, all the rubber belts 30a to 30d have natural lengths without expansion and contraction. The distance y between the center O of the closed space S and the tips of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, and the distance x between the center O and the tips of the rollers 40a and 40b are 30 mm.
　次に、図５（ｂ）は、モータ５０ａ（図４参照）により人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂを駆動させ、人工歯２０ａと人工歯２０ｂとを最も近接させた状態を示している。このとき、ゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄは全てたるんだ状態である。２つの閉鎖空間Ｓａ，Ｓｂに食品の破断片が移動するが、当該破断片が閉鎖空間Ｓａ，Ｓｂの外側に漏れ出すことはない。 Next, FIG. 5B shows a state in which the artificial teeth 20a and 20b are driven by the motor 50a (see FIG. 4) so that the artificial teeth 20a and the artificial teeth 20b are closest to each other. At this time, the rubber belts 30a to 30d are all in a slack state. Food fragments move to the two closed spaces Sa and Sb, but the fragments do not leak out of the closed spaces Sa and Sb.
　次に、図５（ｃ）は、モータ５０ａにより人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂを初期位置に戻したうえ、モータ５０ｂ（図４参照）によりローラ対４０ａ，４０ｂを駆動させ、ローラ対４０ａとローラ対４０ｂとを最も近接させた状態を示している。このとき、ゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄは両側から絞られ、最も伸びた状態である。 Next, in FIG. 5C, the artificial teeth 20a and 20b are returned to the initial positions by the motor 50a, and the rollers 40a and 40b are driven by the motor 50b (see FIG. 4) to drive the rollers 40a and 40b. Shows the state in which and are closest to each other. At this time, the rubber belts 30a to 30d are squeezed from both sides and are in the most stretched state.
　このように、食塊形成装置１は、閉鎖空間Ｓを制御することで離散した食品を中央に押し戻し、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂによる食品の押圧を繰り返しながら、効率良くまとめることができる。なお、食品の破断片は、はじめ上下の閉鎖空間Ｓｃ，Ｓｄにも入るが、徐々に中央の閉鎖空間Ｓｅにまとまるようになる。 In this way, the bolus forming device 1 can efficiently push back the separated foods to the center by controlling the closed space S, and repeatedly press the foods by the artificial teeth 20a and 20b. The fragment of food first enters the upper and lower closed spaces Sc and Sd, but gradually gathers in the central closed space Se.
　［第２実施形態］
　以下では、本発明に係る食塊形成装置１の第２実施形態について説明する。なお、第１実施形態と同じ構成については同じ符号を付し、一部の説明を省略する。 [Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the bolus forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and some description thereof will be omitted.
　まず、図６を参照して、プロトタイプ１００の主要部１１０の動作を説明する。 First, the operation of the main part 110 of the prototype 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
　図６（ａ）は、主要部１１０の人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂ、２組のローラ対４５ａ，４５ｂの初期状態（初期位置）を示している。図示するように、人工歯２０ａと人工歯２０ｂとが対向配置され、ローラ対４５ａとローラ対４５ｂとが対向配置されている。また、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂは第１実施形態と同じものを使用し（図３Ｂ参照）、閉鎖空間Ｓの中心Ｏと人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂの先端部までの距離ｙが３０ｍｍ、中心Ｏとローラ対４５ａ，４５ｂの先端部までの距離ｘが３５ｍｍである。 FIG. 6A shows the initial state (initial position) of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b of the main portion 110 and the two sets of roller pairs 45a and 45b. As shown in the figure, the artificial tooth 20a and the artificial tooth 20b are arranged to face each other, and the roller pair 45a and the roller pair 45b are arranged to face each other. Further, the artificial teeth 20a and 20b are the same as those used in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3B), the distance y between the center O of the closed space S and the tips of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b is 30 mm, and the center O and the roller. The distance x to the tip of the pair 45a and 45b is 35 mm.
　本実施形態では、ローラ対４５ａ，４５ｂを、中心Ｏを通る水平軸に対して垂直方向で入れ違いになるように、互いにずらして配置している。主要部１１０において、当該水平軸からのオフセット距離Ｄは１０ｍｍであるが、０～１０ｍｍの範囲で距離Ｄを変更してもよい。 In the present embodiment, the roller pairs 45a and 45b are arranged so as to be offset from each other so as to be misaligned in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis passing through the center O. In the main portion 110, the offset distance D from the horizontal axis is 10 mm, but the distance D may be changed in the range of 0 to 10 mm.
　周壁部は、それぞれ高さ４５．０ｍｍのゴムベルト３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃ，３０ｄで構成されている。ゴムベルト３０ａは、人工歯２０ａの先端部（人工歯２０ｂとの対向面側）からローラ対４５ａを経由して可動部１４ａの開口部を通過し、支柱部１６ａに接続されている。また、ゴムベルト３０ｂは、人工歯２０ａからローラ対４５ｂを経由して可動部１４ｂの開口部を通過し、支柱部１６ｂに接続されている。 The peripheral wall portion is composed of rubber belts 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d having a height of 45.0 mm, respectively. The rubber belt 30a passes through the opening of the movable portion 14a from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20a (the side facing the artificial tooth 20b) via the roller pair 45a, and is connected to the strut portion 16a. Further, the rubber belt 30b passes through the opening of the movable portion 14b from the artificial tooth 20a via the roller pair 45b and is connected to the strut portion 16b.
　ゴムベルト３０ｃは、人工歯２０ｂの先端部（人工歯２０ａとの対向面側）からローラ対４５ｂを経由して可動部１４ｂの開口部を通過し、支柱部１６ｂに接続されている。また、ゴムベルト３０ｄは、人工歯２０ｂからローラ対４５ａを経由して可動部１４ａの開口部を通過し、支柱部１６ａに接続されている。 The rubber belt 30c passes through the opening of the movable portion 14b from the tip end portion of the artificial tooth 20b (the side facing the artificial tooth 20a) via the roller pair 45b, and is connected to the strut portion 16b. Further, the rubber belt 30d passes through the opening of the movable portion 14a from the artificial tooth 20b via the roller pair 45a and is connected to the strut portion 16a.
　これら４つのゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄによって形成される閉鎖空間Ｓに食品を配置することで、食塊形成装置１は、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂの押圧によって離散した食品をまとめ、食塊とすることができる。 By arranging the food in the closed space S formed by these four rubber belts 30a to 30d, the bolus forming device 1 can collect the separated foods by pressing the artificial teeth 20a and 20b into a bolus. ..
　次に、図６（ｂ）は、モータ５０ｂ（図４参照）によりローラ対４５ａ，４５ｂを駆動させ、ローラ対４５ａとローラ対４５ｂとを最も近接させた状態を示している。このとき、ゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄは両側から絞られ、最も伸びた状態である。また、ローラ対４５ａ，４５ｂの動作は、食品（食塊）をかき回す動きを生じさせながら、離散した食品をまとめる効果がある。 Next, FIG. 6B shows a state in which the rollers vs. 45a and 45b are driven by the motor 50b (see FIG. 4) so that the rollers vs. 45a and the rollers vs. 45b are closest to each other. At this time, the rubber belts 30a to 30d are squeezed from both sides and are in the most stretched state. Further, the operation of the rollers vs. 45a and 45b has an effect of gathering the separated foods while causing the movement of stirring the foods (food lumps).
　最後に、図７Ａ、図７Ｂを参照して、カメラ１３で撮像した主要部１１０の動作と食品Ｆ（ドーナツ）の状態変化を説明する。 Finally, with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the operation of the main part 110 imaged by the camera 13 and the state change of the food F (doughnut) will be described.
　図７Ａ（１）は、主要部１１０の人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂ、２組のローラ対４７ａ，４７ｂの初期状態（初期位置）を示しており、ゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄで囲まれた閉鎖空間Ｓ内に食品Ｆが置かれている。 FIG. 7A (1) shows the initial state (initial position) of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b of the main portion 110 and the two sets of roller pairs 47a and 47b in the closed space S surrounded by the rubber belts 30a to 30d. Food F is placed.
　その後、図７Ａ（２）に移行する。ここでは、ローラ対４７ａ，４７ｂが近接して閉鎖空間Ｓが縮小するため、食品Ｆがゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄから水平方向の圧力を受けて圧縮される。なお、この例では、ローラ対４７ａ，４７ｂは、それぞれ可動部１４ａ，１４ｂの端部に対して傾斜して取り付けられている。 After that, the process shifts to FIG. 7A (2). Here, since the roller pairs 47a and 47b are close to each other and the closed space S is reduced, the food F is compressed by receiving horizontal pressure from the rubber belts 30a to 30d. In this example, the roller pairs 47a and 47b are attached so as to be inclined with respect to the ends of the movable portions 14a and 14b, respectively.
　その後、図７Ａ（３）に移行する。ここでは、ローラ対４７ａ，４７ｂが互いに離間した後、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂが近接して閉鎖空間Ｓが縮小するため、食品Ｆが人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂから垂直方向の圧力を受ける。その後、図７Ａ（４）の初期位置に移行するが、当該垂直方向の圧力により食品Ｆは２つに分断されている。 After that, the process shifts to FIG. 7A (3). Here, after the roller pairs 47a and 47b are separated from each other, the artificial teeth 20a and 20b are close to each other and the closed space S is reduced, so that the food F receives vertical pressure from the artificial teeth 20a and 20b. After that, the position shifts to the initial position shown in FIG. 7A (4), but the food F is divided into two by the vertical pressure.
　その後は、図７Ａ（５）～（９）に示すように、ローラ対４７ａ，４７ｂの動作による押圧及び食品Ｆ（破断片）のかき集め、人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂの動作による食品Ｆの押圧、初期位置に戻る動作が繰り返され、食品Ｆの状態が変化していく。この過程で、食品Ｆ（破断片）は回転し、攪拌しながらまとまっていく。 After that, as shown in FIGS. 7A (5) to 7 (9), pressing by the operation of the roller pairs 47a and 47b and scraping of food F (fragment), pressing of food F by the operation of the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, initial The operation of returning to the position is repeated, and the state of food F changes. In this process, food F (fragment fragment) rotates and gathers together while stirring.
　図７Ｂ（１０）～（１８）は、図７Ａ（９）以降の状態であるが、食品Ｆは常に人工歯２０ａ，２０ｂで押圧され、分離が進んで細かくなっていく。そして、食品Ｆ（破断片）は、ローラ対４７ａ，４７ｂの動作、ゴムベルト３０ａ～３０ｄによる閉鎖空間Ｓの縮小によりまとめられ、最終的に食塊Ｇが形成される（図７Ｂ（１８）参照）。 7B (10) to 7B (18) are the states after FIG. 7A (9), but the food F is always pressed by the artificial teeth 20a and 20b, and the separation progresses and becomes finer. Then, the food F (fragment fragment) is put together by the operation of the roller pairs 47a and 47b and the reduction of the closed space S by the rubber belts 30a to 30d, and finally the bolus G is formed (see FIG. 7B (18)). ..
　以上のように、本発明に係る食塊形成装置１のプロトタイプ１００により、その筐体内で、人の口腔内のように食品Ｆを押圧しながら食塊Ｇを形成することに成功した。食塊形成装置１を用いることで、例えば、新たに開発された食品が人にどのように咀嚼されるか等を調べることが可能になる。 As described above, the prototype 100 of the bolus forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention succeeded in forming the bolus G in the housing while pressing the food F like in the oral cavity of a person. By using the bolus forming apparatus 1, for example, it becomes possible to investigate how a newly developed food is chewed by a person.
　また、食品Ｆの画像を解析することにより、容易に咀嚼の進行度合いを評価することができるので、食塊形成装置１を用いて複数の食品の食感を比較することができる。なお、今回、食品Ｆとしてドーナツを採用したが、他の食品であっても評価方法は同じである。 Further, since the progress of mastication can be easily evaluated by analyzing the image of the food F, the textures of a plurality of foods can be compared using the bolus forming apparatus 1. Although donuts were used as food F this time, the evaluation method is the same for other foods.
　１…食塊形成装置、２ａ，２ｂ，２０ａ，２０ｂ…人工歯、３…周壁部、４ａ，４ｂ，４０ａ，４０ｂ，４５ａ，４５ｂ，４７ａ，４７ｂ…ローラ対、５ａ，５ｂ…駆動部、１０，１１０…主要部、１４ａ，１４ｂ…可動部、１５ａ，１５ｂ，１７ａ，１７ｂ…リニアガイド、１６ａ，１６ｂ…支柱部、１８ａ，１８ｂ…ラック・ピニオン、３０ａ，３０ｂ，３０ｃ，３０ｄ…ゴムベルト、５０ａ，５０ｂ…モータ、１００…プロトタイプ。 1 ... Food mass forming device, 2a, 2b, 20a, 20b ... Artificial teeth, 3 ... Peripheral wall part, 4a, 4b, 40a, 40b, 45a, 45b, 47a, 47b ... Roller pair, 5a, 5b ... Drive part, 10 , 110 ... Main part, 14a, 14b ... Movable part, 15a, 15b, 17a, 17b ... Linear guide, 16a, 16b ... Support part, 18a, 18b ... Rack and pinion, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d ... Rubber belt, 50a , 50b ... motor, 100 ... prototype.

Claims (10)

  1. 　対向配置され、互いに近接離反して食品を押圧する一対の押圧部と、
    　前記一対の押圧部の間に配置され、食品の離散を抑える可撓性の周壁部と、
    　前記周壁部の内側の空間を絞る絞り部と、
    　前記一対の押圧部及び前記絞り部を交互又は同時に駆動させる駆動部と、
    を備えていることを特徴とする食塊形成装置。     A pair of pressing parts that are arranged facing each other and press the food in close proximity to each other,
    A flexible peripheral wall portion that is arranged between the pair of pressing portions and suppresses the dispersal of food.
    A squeezing part that narrows the space inside the peripheral wall part and
    A drive unit that drives the pair of pressing portions and the throttle portion alternately or simultaneously,
    A bolus forming device characterized by being equipped with.
  2. 　前記周壁部は、弾性帯状体であることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の食塊形成装置。 The bolus forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall portion is an elastic band-shaped body.
  3. 　前記周壁部は、それぞれ前記一対の押圧部の先端部に取り付けられていることを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載の食塊形成装置。 The bolus forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the peripheral wall portions is attached to the tip portions of the pair of pressing portions.
  4. 　前記絞り部は、前記周壁部を挟み、前記一対の押圧部の押圧方向と直交する方向に互いに近接する２組のローラ対からなることを特徴とする請求項１～３の何れか１項に記載の食塊形成装置。 According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the throttle portion comprises two pairs of rollers that sandwich the peripheral wall portion and are close to each other in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the pair of pressing portions. The bolus forming apparatus according to the above.
  5. 　前記２組のローラ対は、近接時に互いに入れ違いになるようにずらして配置されていることを特徴とする請求項４に記載の食塊形成装置。 The bolus forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the two sets of roller pairs are arranged so as to be staggered so as to be misaligned with each other when they are close to each other.
  6. 　前記周壁部の内側に水分を供給する水分供給部を備えていることを特徴とする請求項１～５の何れか１項に記載の食塊形成装置。 The bolus forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a water supply unit for supplying water is provided inside the peripheral wall portion.
  7. 　前記一対の押圧部の対向面は、近接時に互いに嵌合する凹凸形状を有していることを特徴とする請求項１～６の何れか１項に記載の食塊形成装置。 The bolus forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the facing surfaces of the pair of pressing portions have a concavo-convex shape that fits each other when they are close to each other.
  8. 　前記周壁部の内側を撮像する撮像部を備えていることを特徴とする請求項１～７の何れか１項に記載の食塊形成装置。 The bolus forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an imaging unit that images the inside of the peripheral wall portion.
  9. 　前記周壁部の内側の温度を調整する温度調整部を備えていることを特徴とする請求項１～８の何れか１項に記載の食塊形成装置。 The bolus forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a temperature adjusting unit for adjusting the temperature inside the peripheral wall portion.
  10. 　請求項１～９の何れか１項に記載の食塊形成装置を用いる食塊の形成方法。 A method for forming a bolus using the bolus forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
PCT/JP2021/002236 2020-02-07 2021-01-22 Food mass forming device and food mass forming method WO2021157387A1 (en)

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JP2009162731A (en) * 2008-01-10 2009-07-23 Nippon Medical School Mastication simulator
JP2010539504A (en) * 2007-09-17 2010-12-16 ユニベルシテ ドーブルニュ クレルモン １ Device that mimics the chewing action of mammals
JP2013031650A (en) * 2011-06-30 2013-02-14 Gifu Univ System and method for measuring ingesting action
CN103558104A (en) * 2013-11-13 2014-02-05 长江师范学院 Coupling-bionics-based food crispness tester and testing method
CN107063904A (en) * 2017-03-22 2017-08-18 吉林大学 One kind is imitative to chew equipment
CN111175191A (en) * 2020-03-26 2020-05-19 江南大学 A bionical device of chewing for food rheological property detects

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2010539504A (en) * 2007-09-17 2010-12-16 ユニベルシテ ドーブルニュ クレルモン １ Device that mimics the chewing action of mammals
JP2009162731A (en) * 2008-01-10 2009-07-23 Nippon Medical School Mastication simulator
JP2013031650A (en) * 2011-06-30 2013-02-14 Gifu Univ System and method for measuring ingesting action
CN103558104A (en) * 2013-11-13 2014-02-05 长江师范学院 Coupling-bionics-based food crispness tester and testing method
CN107063904A (en) * 2017-03-22 2017-08-18 吉林大学 One kind is imitative to chew equipment
CN111175191A (en) * 2020-03-26 2020-05-19 江南大学 A bionical device of chewing for food rheological property detects

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