JP2934376B2 - Production equipment for various kinds of food - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a variety of foods capable of producing a variety of foods with high production efficiency. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a variety of foods. The apparatus comprises a plurality of processing devices and a multifunctional transfer device movably disposed between the processing devices. The transfer device has one or more compartments, and performs processing in each processing step. The object is transported in the compartment, and the transport source and the transport destination of the transport device are set according to the object to be obtained. A food production apparatus capable of freely producing various kinds of foods, wherein the compartment of the transporting device has at least one kind of processing means in each of the processing steps. Control that can control the processing conditions of the processing means for each room A manufacturing apparatus of a new type of food that can be manufactured with high production efficiency of food-mix, characterized in that those having steps.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an apparatus for producing various foods, that is, an apparatus for producing liquid foods such as curries, stews, soups, sauces, etc., and paste foods such as pastes, pastes, pastes such as pastes, pastes, garlic, etc. For example, each raw material such as liquid, solid, powder, and paste is put into a compounding hopper using a transfer pipe, and the obtained compounded raw material is further transferred from the compounding hopper using the transfer pipe. A transfer pipe is used in many of the transfer steps, such as an apparatus that transfers the processed material to the next processing step, for example, a mixing and stirring processing step, a heat processing step, and the like, and sends the obtained processed material to the next step. Continuous manufacturing equipment has been used.

That is, in general, in a continuous food production apparatus, from the blending of each raw material to the final product, the production apparatus in each processing step is connected by a transfer pipe,
A method of transferring each raw material, a processed product thereof, an intermediate product, and the like through the transfer pipe has been mainly used.

[0004] In some cases, a food processing apparatus has been developed in which a stainless steel container is filled with the contents, the contents are mixed by rolling the container, and then the contents are transferred to each process.

[0005] By the way, the continuous manufacturing apparatus connected by the transfer pipe as described above is suitable for a so-called one-kind, large-scale production in which the same product is mass-produced industrially. On the other hand, it has the following problems.

That is, in a continuous manufacturing apparatus in which each processing apparatus in each processing step is connected by a transfer pipe, each manufacturing apparatus is connected and fixed by the transfer pipe. It is difficult to change the connection freely. Therefore, for example, in order to simultaneously or sequentially manufacture products in which a part of the processing steps is significantly different, a special device suitable for manufacturing the products is separately arranged, or the continuous type is used. The production equipment had to be modified and used for the above products.

[0007] In addition, in a continuous manufacturing apparatus connected by a transfer pipe, once production is started, it is necessary to continuously perform all steps from input of raw materials to preparation of a final product. When the operation of the continuous manufacturing apparatus is started, it is impossible to stop the apparatus in an arbitrary manufacturing process at an arbitrary time, for example, when sequentially manufacturing another type of product. In order to perform necessary cleaning of equipment and maintenance of some equipment, it is necessary to temporarily stop the equipment during all processing steps, and as a result, when manufacturing multiple types of products, However, there is a problem that the production efficiency is significantly reduced.

Further, in order to clean the used equipment in each manufacturing process and to repair a failure, etc., the manufacturing equipment connected by the transfer pipe is completely disassembled and assembled in all the processing steps. Is often required to be performed simultaneously, and the work is extremely extensive and complicated, and requires time and effort. There was a problem.

Furthermore, in a conventional continuous manufacturing apparatus in which processing apparatuses in each processing step are fixedly connected by a transfer pipe, raw materials and the like inevitably accumulate in the transfer pipe after production is stopped. Therefore, there is a problem that a considerable amount of raw materials and the like are lost.

On the other hand, the contents are filled in the above-mentioned stainless steel container, and the contents are mixed by rolling the container.
After that, although the method of transferring to each process is a pipeless method, it is only to roll the sealable cooking tank and perform cooking, and the content of cooking is also special such as vacuum pasteurization cooking. However, it is difficult to expand and use the apparatus as it is as a general food production apparatus.

In recent years, in the field of food production, as the types of products to be manufactured on a production line have been diversified, diversified, and the quality of products has been increased, the same products as in the past have been developed. It is becoming important to establish not only manufacturing equipment and manufacturing systems suitable for mass production, but also manufacturing equipment and manufacturing systems suitable for high-mix, low-volume production. The large continuous manufacturing equipment with the transfer pipes fixedly connected has various problems as described above. It is becoming increasingly difficult to use it as a system. From the above, in the art, it is possible to reliably solve the above-described problems observed in the conventional continuous manufacturing apparatus, and it is possible to suitably use the apparatus in high-mix, low-volume production. There was a strong demand to develop new types of manufacturing equipment and manufacturing systems.

[0012]

In view of such a situation, the present inventors have fundamentally solved the above-mentioned problems observed in a conventional continuous production apparatus connected by a transfer pipe. In addition, as a result of intensive research aimed at developing a completely new type of manufacturing equipment and manufacturing system that is compatible with high-mix, low-volume production, a completely new type of multifunctional transport has been used instead of the conventional transfer pipe. It has been found that the intended purpose can be achieved by developing an apparatus and constructing a completely new production system in which the apparatus is movably interposed between the manufacturing apparatuses in each processing step, and completed the present invention. Was.

An object of the present invention is to provide a food production apparatus capable of producing various types of foods suitable for simultaneously or sequentially producing various types of foods with high production efficiency. .

[0014] The present invention also relates to a food processing apparatus capable of constructing a continuous manufacturing process without using a transfer pipe which is inevitably arranged in a conventional continuous food manufacturing apparatus. It is an object to provide a manufacturing apparatus.

[0015] Further, the present invention provides a continuous food manufacturing apparatus, comprising a plurality of food processing apparatuses and a multifunctional transport apparatus interposed and movable between the processing apparatuses. It is an object of the present invention to provide a food manufacturing apparatus capable of producing many kinds of products in combination.

Further, the present invention provides a continuous food manufacturing apparatus having one or more compartments, wherein the processed material in each processing step is put in the compartment and conveyed from one source processing apparatus. Multi-product production is possible by arranging a multi-function transfer device that has a function of transferring to the other processing device ahead and a processing function for performing a specific process on the processed material in the compartment. It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple food production apparatus.

Further, the present invention provides a multi-type multi-product, wherein each of the above-mentioned processing apparatuses is provided with a function of performing a specific processing on the above-mentioned processed material, and a production system is constructed using the apparatuses. It is an object of the present invention to provide a food production apparatus that can be produced.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a food production apparatus capable of freely combining the above-described processing apparatuses and transport apparatuses and capable of producing various kinds of foods in which the production process can be freely changed. is there.

[0019]

The present invention for attaining the above object comprises the following technical means (1) to (4). (1) Consisting of a plurality of processing units for food production and a multifunctional transfer unit movably disposed between the processing units, the transfer unit has one or more compartments. Then, the processing object in each processing step is transported in the compartment, and a transport source and a transport destination of the transport device are set according to an object to be obtained. Is a food production apparatus capable of freely producing a variety of products that can freely change the production process, wherein the compartment of the transport device has at least one type of processing means in each processing step. And a control means for controlling the processing conditions of the processing means for each of the compartments. A food manufacturing apparatus capable of producing a wide variety of foods.

(2) The apparatus for producing foods capable of producing various kinds of food according to (1), wherein the processing apparatus is formed so as to be movable.

(3) The processing conditions are as follows: storage, measurement, filling, mixing and stirring, heating, cooling,
It is possible to produce multiple varieties as described in (1) above, which are processing conditions of pressurization, decompression, drying, water addition, ventilation, sterilization, thawing, crushing, squeezing, granulation, aging, separation or molding. Food production equipment.

(4) The multi-product type according to (1), further comprising a storage room for storing a plurality of transfer devices and / or a special processing room for performing special processing in the middle of the transfer path of the transfer device. Food production equipment capable of producing food.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a food production apparatus according to the present invention capable of producing various varieties. The example is
1 shows a typical example of a production line constructed using a food production apparatus capable of producing various varieties of the present invention, and the production line is as shown in FIGS. First, in the entire manufacturing process, a first block A (FIG. 1) showing the arrangement of each manufacturing apparatus in a pre-processing step for performing pre-processing such as raw material preparation and the like in each of the main processing steps for performing the main processing. Second block B showing the arrangement of the manufacturing apparatus
(FIG. 2).

First, the first block A will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturing apparatus in the first block A includes first processing apparatuses 110 and 111 having a storage function, 1 processing unit 110/11
The second processing device 120, which is located next to 1 and has a mixing / stirring and quantitative filling (performing a predetermined amount of filling) function, and the third processing devices 130 and 131 having a storage and quantitative filling function
And a fourth processing device 140 having a mixing / stirring function located next to the third processing devices 130 and 131, and a fifth processing device 150/151 having a storage and quantitative filling function.
And the sixth processing apparatus 1 having the heating, mixing, stirring and quantitative filling functions located next to the fifth processing apparatuses 150 and 151.
60 processing devices.

Of the above-mentioned first to sixth processing units,
First processing devices 110 and 111 and second processing device 120
Is a processing device for liquid raw materials, and the first processing devices 110 and 111 are liquid raw material storage devices for storing different types of liquid raw materials, respectively. And the first
The processing devices 110 and 111 include transfer pipes 112 and 11
The second processing device 120 is connected to the second processing device 120 by a reference numeral 3 so that a liquid material can be supplied to the second processing device 120. Further, the second processing apparatus 120 includes a mixing and stirring device for mixing and stirring the supplied liquid raw material, and a quantitative filling device for quantitatively charging the mixed and stirred liquid raw material.

Next, the third processing devices 130 and 131 and the fourth processing device 140 are processing devices for solid or powder raw materials, and the third processing devices 130 and 131 are respectively different types. It is a solid or powder raw material storage device for storing a solid or powder raw material. Then, the third processing apparatus 1
Each of the devices 30 and 131 is provided with a quantitative filling device for quantitatively filling the stored solid or powder raw material. Further, the fourth processing device 140 includes a mixing and stirring device for mixing and stirring the solid or powder raw materials supplied from the third processing devices 130 and 131.

Next, the fifth processing apparatus 150/151 and the sixth processing apparatus 160 are apparatuses for processing the paste-like raw material, and the fifth processing apparatus 150/151 stores the paste-like raw material. , A paste-like raw material storage device and a quantitative filling device for quantitatively filling the same. Also,
The sixth processing device 160 includes the fifth processing device 150/15.
A heating device for heating the paste-like raw material supplied from 1 and a mixing and stirring device for mixing and stirring are provided.

The first to sixth processing units can be fixedly installed, but all or some of them can be formed so as to be movable and arranged. It is desirable that the processing apparatus is formed so as to be movable in that many processing processes in a production line can be constructed in a more flexible form. Also,
Each of the above-described means of each of the above-described processing devices, that is, storage, measurement,
Each processing means such as filling, mixing, stirring, heating and the like is not limited thereto. For example, cooling, pressurizing, depressurizing, drying, adding water, ventilation, sterilizing, thawing, crushing, squeezing, granulating, aging Examples of suitable processing means include separation, molding, and the like, but are not particularly limited thereto, and any suitable means having a food processing function can be used.

In the first block A, the liquid raw material, the solid or powder raw material and the paste raw material, and their processed products and intermediate products are transferred from one of the processing apparatuses to another processing apparatus. Alternatively, in order to transport from the first block A to the second block B, a multi-functional transport apparatus having a function of interposing between processing apparatuses in each processing step and capable of freely moving between the processing apparatuses. A plurality of one transfer devices 210 are arranged.

The first transfer device 210 has one or more compartments for storing raw materials, processed products thereof, intermediate products, and the like. And a storage unit for storing position information of a transfer source and a transfer destination as a transfer setting device that can arbitrarily set the transfer source and the transfer destination from one processing apparatus to another transfer apparatus. And a control unit that automatically controls the transfer position of the transfer device based on the position information stored in the storage unit in the transfer device or another device.

The first transfer device 210 may perform one or more types of processing independent of the processing function of the processing apparatus in each processing step on the raw materials in the compartments, their processing, and the like. It is necessary to provide a possible processing means and to provide a processing condition control device capable of controlling the processing conditions of the processing means for each of the compartments.

The processing means includes mixing and stirring, heating,
Examples of suitable processing means include cooling, pressurizing, depressurizing, drying, adding water, ventilating, sterilizing, thawing, pulverizing, squeezing, granulating, aging, separating or molding. Further, as the control device, a control system including a programmable controller and a central computer is exemplified as a suitable device. The specific means is the same as the control unit of each processing device described later. Thereby, the first transfer device 210 can replace a part of the processing function of the processing device in each of the processing steps, and the space required for disposing the food manufacturing device can be significantly reduced. Can be. In addition, since the processing conditions of the processing means can be freely changed by the processing condition control device as appropriate, for example, heating, aging, etc., which require delicate condition control even in the transport process. Can be simply and reliably performed. Further, the processing functions are not limited to those described above, and may include appropriate processing means.

The specific configurations of the compartments and the transport mechanism of the transport device are not particularly limited. For example, the compartments include a container capable of storing and discharging the contents and a lid that can be opened and closed. Containers, kettles, capsule-type containers, pressure-resistant sealed capsules and the like are preferable, and as the transfer mechanism, an independent transfer type device such as an unmanned automatic transfer vehicle is preferable, and the compartment and the transfer vehicle are integrated. Examples of suitable containers include a container formed of a container, a container capable of accommodating / discharging contents and an unmanned transport vehicle, which are freely connectable, and a container having a capsule type. In this case, the transfer device can be appropriately formed so that the connection and separation of the compartment and the transfer mechanism are automatically performed by the connection and separation mechanism.

The specific configuration of the transport setting device is as follows.
Although not particularly limited, for example, an ID system based on a storage card system, a control system with a built-in computer, and the like, as a storage unit provided in the transport device, a data carrier, an ID plate, an ID tag, etc. Further, as the control unit, a control system including a programmable controller and a central computer is exemplified as each suitable one. A read / write head, an antenna, an ID controller, and the like are required as a reading unit and a writing unit required when the control unit is provided in another device, and the communication unit is an electromagnetic coupling system, a microwave system. , An optical system, etc. are exemplified as preferable ones.

On the transport path of the first transport device 210,
A reading unit for reading information stored in the storage unit, and a transfer setting device for setting a transfer destination of the first transfer device 210 based on the read information, and a first transfer device based on the set result. It is also possible to control the transfer destination of 210 as appropriate. More specifically, for example, a case in which a plurality of lines are arranged according to the type of a target product to be obtained will be described. The reading unit is arranged on a transfer path from a transfer source to a transfer destination (see FIG. (Not shown), and based on the information on the specific processing performed on the processed material, such as the obtained blending and processing conditions, set an appropriate one of the lines, and then set it to the 1 transfer device 21
Means for storing in the storage unit relating to the transport destination of 0 is adopted as a preferable one. The specific configuration is based on, for example, an ID system based on a storage card system, in which a data carrier, an ID plate, an ID tag, and the like are mounted on an automatic guided vehicle, and a read / write head, an antenna, and an ID are mounted on a transport path. A suitable example is a control system provided with a controller, a programmable controller, and the like.

The first transfer device 210 has, in addition to the basic functions described above, a storage unit for storing information on the contents of the processing object in the compartment and information on a specific processing performed on the processing object. And a reading unit for reading information stored in the storage unit, a processing condition determining unit for determining a processing condition of the processing device based on the read information, and a determined processing condition. And a control unit for controlling the processing apparatus based on the above.

Although the specific configuration is not particularly limited, it includes, for example, an ID system based on a storage card system, a control system with a built-in computer, and the like. , An ID plate, an ID tag, etc., and a reading unit and a writing unit provided in each processing device include a read / write head, an antenna, an ID controller, etc.
In addition, as these communication means, electromagnetic coupling system, microwave system, optical system and the like, further, as the data processing and control unit, a control system including a programmable controller and a central computer installed in each processing device, and the like, Each is exemplified as a suitable one.

In this case, for example, bidirectional data communication for reading or writing is executed by the read / write head and the data carrier, and the product type, serial number, processed data, processing Various data such as conditions, determination data, and transfer destinations can be stored.

The first transfer device 210 arbitrarily sets a transfer source and a transfer destination for transferring raw materials, their processed products, intermediate products, and the like based on a specific program by the transfer setting device. Since it is possible to appropriately combine the processing apparatus and the transport apparatus, each processing apparatus and the first transport apparatus 210 can be freely combined according to the type of the target product to be obtained, and the manufacturing process can be simplified. Can be changed.

Further, in addition to the above-described functions, the first transfer device 210 has a processing source or a transfer destination for transferring raw materials, processed products, intermediate products and the like stored in the compartment. A storage unit for cumulatively storing information on processing operations performed in the apparatus can be provided.
In this case, in the case of further transporting from the transport destination processing apparatus to another processing apparatus using the first transport apparatus 210, in addition to the read information, information regarding a specific process performed in the processing apparatus is also included. It is possible to store it.
In addition, the processing apparatus at the transfer destination includes the first transfer apparatus 210 described above.
A reading unit for reading information related to the processing operation stored in the storage unit of the storage unit, and a control unit for controlling the processing operation of the processing device of the transport destination based on the information, and a processing result performed by the processing device. May be provided in the storage unit. Although the specific configuration is not particularly limited, for example, as described above, a storage card type ID system, a computer built-in control system, and the like are preferably exemplified.

Next, storage chambers 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 for accommodating a plurality of the first transfer devices 210 are respectively provided in the middle of the transfer path of the first transfer device 210. In this case, it is possible to separate the compartment from the transport mechanism and store only the compartment. The number of the storage rooms is not particularly limited, and an appropriate number can be provided. As a specific configuration, for example, a shelf-type storage room equipped with a device for transferring, transporting, elevating, etc. is exemplified as a preferable one.

These storage rooms 30, 40, 50, 60
The raw materials, their processed products, intermediate products, and the like in the compartment of the first transfer device 210 stored in 70 are stored, cooled, aged, waited, stored, and stored in the storage room.
Not only can appropriate processing requiring a relatively long time such as time adjustment be performed, but also the compartments of each first transport device 210
Different products such as raw material composition and processing conditions are respectively stored, and the target product to be obtained from each of the first transfer devices 210 stored in the storage chambers 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 According to the type, the necessary one can be appropriately selected and transported to the next processing apparatus or the second block B. Thereby, each first transfer device 210
Can be arranged and stored in a number corresponding to, for example, processed products having different raw material blending and processing conditions, intermediate products, and the like. By combining the first transfer device 210 and the storage room, extremely delicate conditions can be obtained. Raw material blending, pretreatment, and time management in production requiring control can be easily and reliably performed.

The raw material stored in the compartment of the first transfer device 210 is located in the middle of the transfer path of the first transfer device 210.
Factors affecting the production environment resulting from the processing of those processed products, intermediate products, etc., that is, preventing the diffusion of unpleasant substances such as odors and the diffusion of steam, etc., and safely in specific isolated areas, In addition, a special processing chamber 250 having a function of performing processing while maintaining a good production environment is provided. Thereby, the first
In the block A, for example, processing involving generation of unpleasant substances, steam, and the like can be reliably performed in isolation, and processing can be performed in a form that ensures safety and a favorable working environment. As a specific example of the processing performed in the special processing chamber 250, for example, heating, ventilation, sterilization, thawing, pulverization, and the like are exemplified as typical examples. Is feasible.

Next, the second block B will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the second block B is a main process for performing a so-called main process following the above pre-process in the entire manufacturing process. It is an area for the process, and is provided with a plurality of lines provided with a plurality of processing stages provided with respective processing devices having processing functions such as mixing, stirring, heating, and quantitative filling. In the above line, the second transport device 22
A plurality of zeros are arranged so as to be able to circulate and move between the plurality of processing stages.

That is, in the second block B, one line is used to transfer the processed products, intermediate products, and the like supplied from the first block through the pre-processing step by the first transfer device 210 to the second transfer device 220. Stage (a) for charging into the second stage, second stage (b) for performing main processing such as mixing and stirring processing and heating processing in the compartment of the second transfer device 220, and the processed product subjected to the main processing , A third stage (c) for discharging intermediate products and the like from the second transport device 220, and a second transport device 220 having an empty compartment for discharging the processed material and the like is again circulated to the first stage (a). And a fourth stage (d) corresponding to the stage to be performed.

The first stage (a) includes a first transfer device 21 through the pre-processing step from the first block.
An input device 300 for performing a process of inputting the processed material, intermediate products, and the like supplied by 0 to the second transfer device 220 is provided. The input device 300 includes a quantitative device and a filling device. ing. The specific configuration is preferably exemplified by, for example, a top opening / reversing type charging device.

In the second stage (b), a stirrer 330 for performing a mixing and stirring process of the processed material and the like in the compartment of the second transfer device 220 is fixedly or vertically movable. As a specific configuration thereof, for example, a mixer / stirrer equipped with a kettle raising / lowering device, a heating / cooling unit, a stirring blade, and the like are exemplified as preferable examples.

In the third stage (c), there is arranged a third transfer device 310 for transferring the processed material and the like to a filling and packaging device, a sterilizing device and the like in the next final step. The concrete configuration is, for example, one in which a compartment and a carrier are integrally formed, one in which a container capable of storing and discharging contents and an unmanned carrier are freely connected, and a type with a lid in which the container can be freely opened and closed. Are exemplified as suitable ones.

Further, in the second block B, when the type of the target product to be obtained is switched in addition to the first stage (a) to the fourth stage (d), and when the production is completed, Transporting device 2 required for etc.
A fifth stage (e) provided with a cleaning device (not shown) for cleaning the 20 compartments and the like, and a sixth stage provided with a drying device (not shown) for drying after cleaning. Lines having (f) and the like are additionally provided. Specific examples of the preferable configuration thereof include, for example, a cleaning device having a water injection, stirring, discharging device and the like, and a drying device having a hot air device and the like.

In this case, the switching control method for each line is as follows:
There is no particular limitation, and an appropriate system can be used. For example, the value obtained by cumulatively adding the weight of the processed material, intermediate product, and the like to be input in the first stage (a) is obtained. Has reached a predetermined value (predetermined production volume),
The next second transfer device 220 is moved from the third stage (c) to the fourth stage.
It is conveyed so as not to be sent to the stage (d) but to the fifth stage (e) for cleaning the compartments and the like of the second conveyance device 220 and to the sixth stage (f) for drying after the cleaning. An automatic switching control device or the like that switches the destination is preferably used. Although the specific configuration is not particularly limited, for example, a control system including a production instruction computer, a programmable controller, and the like is exemplified as a suitable system.

Further, in the second block B, a line having a seventh stage (g) for inspecting and repairing the second transfer device 220 when an abnormality occurs is additionally provided on the above line. In addition, each stage is provided with a detection device for detecting an abnormality of the second transfer device 220 and an alarm device. Although the specific configuration is not particularly limited, for example, a suitable example is a detection device including a programmable controller, an infrared sensor, a strain sensor, a distance sensor, and the like.

For example, it is preferable that each line is provided with the following means in order to detect an abnormality in the fixed amount filling function of the second transfer device 220. Is done. A measuring device for measuring the weight of a processing object or the like to be charged into the compartment of the second transfer device 220. A measuring device for measuring the weight of the processed material discharged from the compartment of the second transfer device 220. An arithmetic unit that determines whether a difference between the measurement value obtained as described above and the measurement value obtained from the measurement value is within a predetermined range. Based on the above determination result, the second transfer device 220
An automatic switching control device for allocating to the stage (d) and the seventh stage (g).

The means for detecting an abnormality of the second transfer device 220 is not limited to the one based on the measured value related to the quantitative filling as described above. For example, the temperature, pressure, torque, vibration, In addition to the measured values such as those described above, those based on the measured values related to various processing functions provided in the second transfer device 220 can be used.

When a line on which a seventh stage (g) for inspecting and repairing the second transfer device 220 having an abnormality is installed is added to the above-mentioned line, the fourth stage (d) is added. Is a second transfer device 2 having an empty compartment
Preferably, a plurality of 20s can be arranged. In this case, for example, it is exemplified that a stage for holding an empty compartment is additionally provided in the middle of the line. Thereby, the fourth circuit as a circulation path
The stage (d) can hold a spare second transfer device 220. Even if an abnormality of the second transfer device 220 is detected during the production, the production will be hindered. Only the second transfer device 220 in which an abnormality has occurred can be sent to the seventh stage (g), and it is not necessary to stop all the lines for inspection and repair of the transfer device during operation. Thus, the seventh stage (g) as described above
Is installed, for example, one second transfer device 2
It is not necessary to stop the line while sending 20 to the seventh stage (g) for inspection and repair.
As a result, extremely high production efficiency can be obtained.
The respective stages in the second block B are shown as examples, and the present invention is not limited to the stages, and similarly, the stages provided with appropriate processing means may be appropriately combined and manufactured. It is possible to build a process.

[0055]

Next, the operation of the food manufacturing apparatus of the present invention will be described based on the above-described manufacturing process constructed using the food manufacturing apparatus capable of producing various varieties of the present invention.
In the first block A of the first processing devices 110 and 11
A predetermined amount of different types of liquid raw materials (liquid seasonings, liquid sugar, fruit juice, vegetable juice, solvents, oils, fats, extracts,
Spices, liquid soup, sauce, milk, water, various compounding materials, etc.) are transferred to the second processing device 120 via the transfer pipes 112 and 113, and in the second processing device 120,
After the mixing and stirring, a predetermined amount of the liquid raw material is filled into the compartment of the first transfer device 210 through the fixed amount filling device.

Similarly, predetermined amounts of different types of solid or powder raw materials (flour, starch, powdered sugar, solid or powdered seasonings, powdered milk, cheese powder, spices) stored in the third processing units 130 and 131 , Bouillon powder, powdered fats and oils, vegetables, fruits, meats, various compounding materials, etc.) into the compartments of the other first transporting device 210 in a fixed amount.
A predetermined amount of pasty raw materials (paste seasoning, meat extract, vegetable extract, roux, butter, margarine, shortening, various compounding materials, etc.) stored in the first and second transfer devices 210 and 151 Fill the compartment.

The solid or powder raw materials are respectively
Transferred to the fourth processing device 140 via the transfer device 210,
After the mixing and stirring process in the fourth processing device 140,
It is also possible to quantitatively fill this into the compartments of the other first transfer device 210, and the paste-like raw materials are respectively transferred to the sixth processing device 160 via the first transfer device 210.
After being heated, mixed and agitated in the sixth processing device 160, it can be fixedly filled in a compartment of another first transfer device 210. Further, the raw material to be charged into one compartment of the first transfer device 210 is not limited to one type, and it is also possible to appropriately select each of the raw materials and fill a plurality of types.

The raw material charged in the compartment of the first transfer device 210 is provided with one or more processing functions mounted on the first transfer device 210, namely, mixing, stirring, heating, cooling, pressurizing, depressurizing, drying, Appropriate processing is performed by processing means such as water addition, ventilation, sterilization, thawing, crushing, squeezing, granulation, aging, separation and / or molding, and a special processing chamber arranged on the transport path. At 250, treatments such as heating, ventilation, and sterilization are performed. Further, the first transfer device 210 is stored in storage rooms 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 disposed on the transfer path,
The raw materials, their processed products, intermediate products, etc. are subjected to storage, aging and other treatments. In addition, the storage room has a function of storing a plurality of first transfer devices 210 filled with each raw material having the same or different raw material composition, processed products thereof, intermediate products, and the like, and having a function of waiting. It can be made to stand by in a form corresponding to the operation status of the main processing step in the second block B.

The transport source and destination of the first transport device 210 are as follows:
The transfer setting device is arbitrarily set by the transfer setting device installed in the first transfer device, and the transfer control is performed by a storage unit that stores position information of a transfer source and a transfer destination provided in the first transfer device; It is automatically controlled based on a specific program by a control unit provided in the transport device or another device that controls the transport position of the transport device based on the position information stored in the unit.

In the storage section of the first transporting device 210, if necessary, at the initial setting stage, specific specifications, that is, information on the contents of the processed material (product number, product type, A material number, a scheduled production date, a scheduled finish blending date, a finish blending batch, etc.) are stored, and information on a processing operation to be performed in each processing apparatus, that is, information on a specific process performed on a processed material (for example, , Post-process input order, storage conditions, processing equipment numbers, instruction data such as processing information) are stored in the memory area of the storage unit, and at each processing stage, the information (instruction data) is read by the reading unit of each processing device. ) Is read, and the processing operation is controlled by the control unit of each processing device based on the read information.

In the transport process, the raw material and the processed material filled in the compartment of the first transfer device 210 are treated by the processing means provided in the compartment of the transfer device and the processing condition control means. Weighing, filling, mixing, heating,
Appropriate treatments such as cooling, pressurizing, depressurizing, drying, adding water, ventilating, sterilizing, thawing, pulverizing, squeezing, granulating, aging, separating or molding are performed.

In the pretreatment step, the first transfer device 2
Information on past processing results for raw materials and processed materials filled in the ten compartments (input material number, input material actual value, input total actual value, action elapsed time, quality judgment, processing condition actual value , Wind weight, cleaning data, etc.) are stored cumulatively in the storage unit of the transport device 210 as necessary, and the information stored in the storage unit is set in each processing device. The processing unit sets the processing conditions based on the read information. The processing conditions are determined by the processing condition setting unit of each processing apparatus. Further, each processing apparatus is controlled by the control unit.

After going through each processing in the pre-processing step, the first
The processed material in the compartment of the transfer device 210 is the second process of the present process.
It is loaded into the transport device 220 and subjected to this processing. The above-mentioned processed material is supplied to the input device 3 of the first stage (a) of the present processing step.
After the predetermined amount has been charged into the compartment of the second transfer device 220 in the same manner as in the case of the first transfer device 210 by the metering device and the filling device of the charging device, the second stage (b) After being conveyed and subjected to heat treatment under mixing and agitation in the second stage (b), it is conveyed to the third stage (c), where the processed material in the compartment of the second conveying device 220 is transferred in the third stage (c). Filling the packaging container and then sterilizing to obtain the final product.

The empty second transfer device 220 from which the processed material in the compartment is discharged is transferred to the fourth stage (d) and re-sent to the first stage (a).
In the above, when switching to another type of processed material and when completing the manufacturing, the second transfer device 220 is transferred from the fourth stage (d) to the fifth stage (e),
The transfer line of the second transfer device 220 is cleaned so that the second transfer device 220 is washed, then transferred to the sixth stage (f), dried, and then re-sent to the first stage (a). Will be sorted out. When the abnormality of the second transfer device 220 is detected by the abnormality detection device provided on each of the stages, the second transfer device 220 is distributed to the line of the seventh stage (g), Inspection and repair are performed in seven stages (g).

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. By appropriately combining the first transfer device, the storage room, and each processing device, each stage, the second transfer device, the third transfer device, and the like in the above-described main process, the manufacturing process is appropriately changed to obtain the target product. It is possible to easily construct a production system according to the type of the system.

That is, in the first block A in which a plurality of processing apparatuses, a first transfer apparatus, and the like are arranged in the pretreatment step, the raw material may be any form such as a liquid, a solid, a powder, and a paste. It is possible to use the raw materials independently or in combination regardless of their types, for example,
Various raw materials used in the production of liquid foods such as curries, stews, soups and sauces, and pasty foods such as kneaded mustard, kneaded wasabi, pizza sauce, and garlic can be appropriately used. In addition, as the processing apparatus, mainly used in the pre-processing step, each processing apparatus that performs processing such as supply, storage, mixing and stirring, quantitative filling, thawing, crushing, squeezing, granulation, aging, separation, and mainly It is possible to appropriately combine and arrange processing apparatuses having appropriate functions such as heating, cooling, pressurizing, depressurizing, drying, adding water, ventilating, sterilizing, and forming used in the present processing step.

Further, the transfer device includes a compartment for storing raw materials, their processed products, intermediate products, and the like, and the compartment has at least one of the above processing steps.
A first transfer device having at least one type of processing function is disposed in a manner interposed between the respective processing devices, a transfer source and a transfer destination are set, and the respective transfer devices are automatically set based on a specific program. And control the transporting of the processing object and the like to the next step, and, if necessary, to the transporting device, information regarding the content of the processing object in the compartment and the processing object. A storage unit for storing information relating to a specific process to be performed; a reading unit for reading the information stored in the storage unit; and a process for determining a processing condition of the processing device based on the read information. A condition determining means is provided, and a control unit for controlling the processing device based on the determined processing conditions is provided.

The processing functions installed in the compartments of the above-mentioned transport device, namely, stirring and mixing, heating, cooling, pressurizing, depressurizing, drying,
Water, ventilation, sterilization, thawing, crushing, squeezing, granulation, aging, specific forms of processing means such as separation or molding are not particularly limited, for example, regarding the heat treatment means, It is possible to use a device equipped with an electric heating unit using a heater, a high-frequency heating unit, a steam heating unit, a gas heating unit, a hot water heating unit, a far infrared heating unit, or the like in an appropriate form. As for the cooling processing means, it is possible to use a cooling device which can be set to an appropriate temperature zone, a deep freezer capable of freezing, a rapid freezing means using liquid nitrogen or the like in an appropriate form. As for the pressurizing and depressurizing means, a pressure-resistant sealed capsule and a pressure-resistant seal formed so that the compartments are formed in a form of a sealable container and appropriate levels of pressurizing and depressurizing conditions can be set. A container or the like is used.

As described above, the above-mentioned processing means formed in the compartment of the multi-function transport apparatus of the present invention is not limited as long as it has a corresponding processing function, regardless of its type and form. Can be used. Further, in the transfer apparatus equipped with these processing functions, a plurality of transfer apparatuses equipped with the same or different processing functions can be appropriately combined and arranged at any position in each processing step.

The transporting means of the first transporting device interposed between the respective processing devices is not particularly limited, and a transport path of an appropriate form such as a rail type, a vehicle type, a conveyor type, a lift type, a suspension type, etc. It is possible to use conveying means. In addition, storage rooms capable of storing and waiting a plurality of the first transporting devices are appropriately arranged between the processing devices, but the specific configuration of the storage rooms is particularly limited. Instead, any suitable form such as a shelf type storage room equipped with a transfer, transport, elevating device and the like can be used. In addition, it is possible to appropriately install the above-mentioned various processing means such as storage, cooling, and aging as additional functions in the storage room.

As described above, as described in the first block A, the first transfer device interposes the first transfer device between the respective processing devices and freely moves between the transfer source and the transfer destination. So that it can be moved, and also,
It is important to construct a transport system in which a plurality of units corresponding to the processing target, the type of the target product, and the like are arranged in parallel.

Specific means for controlling the processing conditions of each of the above processing apparatuses, such as mixing, stirring, quantitative filling, discharging, moving, and the like, and controlling the transporting and processing conditions of the first transporting apparatus are particularly limited. Instead, as described above, it is possible to use an appropriate control control system such as an ID system using a general storage card system or a computer built-in control system.

On the other hand, in the second block B, in the case of the above embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus in the present processing step, which is composed of the first stage (a) to the seventh stage (g), As described above, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus in the main processing step is not limited to this. Appropriate processing stages in other forms can be added or deleted. The general configuration can also be changed as appropriate. Further, in the embodiment described above, each line is configured to circulate to form a cycle, but the shape of each line is not limited to this. It is also possible to interpose between the respective processing apparatuses, and to move and reciprocate in a reciprocating manner.

In the second block B, the second transfer device interposed between the stages is, as in the case of the first transfer device, provided with not only the transfer function but also at least one of the processing steps. Can be formed to have a processing function of performing the following. As the processing function, as in the case of the first transport device, measurement, filling, mixing and stirring, heating, cooling, pressurization, reduced pressure, drying, water addition, ventilation, sterilization, thawing, crushing, squeezing, granulation, Appropriate processing means such as aging, separation or molding are exemplified. The processing means is not limited to these, but may be any appropriate one required for the present processing.

Further, a storage room capable of storing a plurality of second transfer devices is arranged at an appropriate position on each line in the second block B, and is set in the same manner as in the first transfer device. 2nd of the appropriate type, depending on the program
By moving and transporting the transport device between the transport source and the transport destination, the present processing system in the second block B corresponding to the manufacture of various types of products can be constructed.

In the above embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the first configuration showing the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus in the pretreatment step is shown.
Block A is divided into a second block B indicating the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus in this processing step, and a first transport device, a second transport device, and a third transport device that move in each block are provided for each block. Although the example of arrangement is shown, the arrangement of each processing apparatus and each transport apparatus is not limited to such an arrangement. For example, a multi-function transport apparatus common to each processing apparatus of all blocks is arranged and the transport apparatus is arranged. Can be arranged so as to be able to cope with both the pre-processing device and the present processing device in a common manner. Further, the production system of the second block configured so that each line circulates to form a cycle can be appropriately adopted in the pre-processing step of the first block A.

As described above, the multi-function transport device used in the present invention can be arranged for each block including a part of the production process of multi-type food, as shown in the above-described embodiment. In addition, it is also possible to arrange in such a manner that all the processes of the production process of the multi-type food are unitarily corresponded, and the combination of these, the scale of the multi-type,
It can be freely changed as appropriate according to the type, the scale of production, the production efficiency, and the like, and can easily be constructed in the most suitable form.

Conventionally, it is generally known that a part of a processing apparatus for food processing is simply formed so as to be movable.
As in the present invention, a plurality of first transfer devices having at least one or more types of processing functions are arranged between each processing device in each processing step, and a plurality of first transfer devices are provided between the processing devices according to a preset program. Freely move, multifunctional transfer device equipped with a transfer and transfer function instead of the conventional transfer pipe method, and a manufacturing device having the transfer device as a core, there is no example proposed so far, It has been proposed for the first time by the present inventors. Incidentally, the production apparatus of the present invention, for example, liquid foods such as curries, stews, soups, sauces, etc., can be suitably used as a production apparatus for pasty foods such as paste, garlic paste, paste, garlic, etc. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these foods but can be widely used as a general food production apparatus.

[0079]

As described in detail above, according to the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, a transfer pipe for transferring raw materials, processed products, intermediate products, etc., which has conventionally been indispensable for a continuous food production line. These can be transported with little or no use.

Further, according to the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, information on a specific process performed on the processed material in the compartment of the transfer device, that is, measurement, filling, mixing and stirring, heating, cooling, pressurizing, depressurizing. , Drying, water addition, ventilation, sterilization, thawing, crushing, squeezing, granulation, aging, storing information about processing such as separation or molding, and determine the processing conditions of each processing device based on the information, Since it is possible to control the processing equipment, it is possible to reliably perform processing of each raw material, their processed products, intermediate products, etc. according to a program, and high processing that requires strict processing management is required. Production of quality products can be performed easily and reliably. Also,
By using a multi-function transport device equipped with a part of the processing means in a form independent of the processing function of the processing device in each processing step, each process can be performed under fine conditions, and the whole The space required for the manufacturing apparatus and its installation can be compressed.

Conventionally, when an abnormality or failure occurs in a part of the processing steps, all the steps have to be stopped and inspection or repair has to be performed. However, according to the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, It is possible to arrange processing equipment and transport equipment independently for each processing step, and it is possible to minimize the effects of abnormalities or failures that occurred in a part of the processing steps, thereby improving production efficiency. Can be significantly improved.

Further, the conventional production equipment places the highest priority on the arrangement corresponding to mass production, so that there are inconveniences and various problems in efficiently producing a wide variety of foods. However, according to the production apparatus of the present invention,
It is possible to arrange an appropriate number of transfer devices in accordance with the product items and the like, and it is possible to easily construct a production system suitable for high-mix, low-volume production.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an outline of an embodiment of a manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, and showing arrangement of each processing apparatus and a first transfer apparatus in a pre-processing step (first block A). is there.

FIG. 2 shows an outline of an embodiment of a manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, in which the arrangement of each processing apparatus, a second transport apparatus, a third transport apparatus, and the like in a main processing step (second block B);
FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 30 storage room 40 storage room 50 storage room 60 storage room 70 storage room 110 first processing device (for liquid raw material) 111 first processing device (for liquid raw material) 112 transfer pipe 113 transfer pipe 120 second processing device (mixing) Stirring / quantitative filling) 130 Third processing apparatus (for powder raw material) 131 Third processing apparatus (for powder raw material) 140 Fourth processing apparatus (for mixing and stirring) 150 Fifth processing apparatus (for solid or paste raw material) 151 5 processing apparatus (for solid or paste raw material) 160 6th processing apparatus (heating / mixing / stirring / quantitative filling) 210 1st conveying apparatus 220 2nd conveying apparatus 250 special processing chamber 300 loading apparatus 310 3rd conveying apparatus 330 stirrer (a ) 1st stage (weighing / injection) (b) 2nd stage (mixing / heating) (c) 3rd stage (unloading) (d) 4th stage (circulation path) (E) Fifth stage (cleaning process) (f) Sixth stage (drying process) (g) Seventh stage (inspection and repair)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI A47J 44/00 A47J 44/00 (72) Inventor Yoshiaki Ishino 1-5-7 Mikitei Sakaecho, Higashi Osaka City, Osaka House Foods Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takeshi Nakai 1-5-7 Mikitei Sakaecho, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka House Foods Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroaki Kobayashi 1-5-7 Mikitei Sakaecho, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka House Foods Co., Ltd. (58) Investigated field (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) A23L 1/01 A23L 1/48

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A food processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of processing apparatuses for producing food; and a multifunctional transfer apparatus movably disposed between the processing apparatuses, wherein the transfer apparatus includes one or more compartments. Having a processing object in each processing step is transported in the compartment, and a transport source and a transport destination of the transport device are set according to an object to be obtained; A food manufacturing device capable of freely combining transporting devices and producing a wide variety of foods in which manufacturing processes can be freely changed, wherein the compartment of the transporting device is at least one type of processing means in each processing step. And a control means capable of controlling the processing conditions of the processing means for each of the compartments. 2. The food production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus is formed so as to be movable. 3. The processing conditions are as follows: storage, weighing, filling, mixing and stirring, heating, cooling, pressurizing, decompression, drying, water addition, ventilation, sterilization, thawing, crushing, squeezing, and the like in each processing apparatus or compartment. 2. The food production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conditions are granulation, aging, separation, or molding. 4. The multi-product production system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage room for storing a plurality of transfer devices and / or a special processing room for performing a special process in a transfer path of the transfer device. Capable of producing food.