JP4126646B2

JP4126646B2 - Electric heating device for fluid food materials

Info

Publication number: JP4126646B2
Application number: JP2002126098A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 弘星野
Original assignee: Frontier Engineering Co Ltd
Current assignee: Frontier Engineering Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-04-26
Filing date: 2002-04-26
Publication date: 2008-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2022-04-26
Also published as: JP2003317901A

Description

【０００１】
【発明が属する技術分野】
この発明は味噌やマヨネーズ、フルーツソースなどの粘性の高い液状の食品材料あるいは茶葉粉末やコーヒー粉末、薬草粉末、鳥ガラ粉末等と水との混合物や果実入りジャムの如く固体と液体とが混合された固液混合食品材料などの流動性食品材料の加熱に適した通電加熱装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
周知のように食品材料の製造工程においては、殺菌や調理のために加熱を行なうことが多く、また最近では各種飲料あるいはスープ等の製造のために、茶やコーヒー、薬草、あるいは鳥ガラ等の粉末と水等の液体とを混合して、茶葉等の粉末から必要成分を抽出するために加熱することも多い。
【０００３】
ところで食品材料の加熱方法の一つとして、最近では食品材料に通電して、食品材料自身の有する電気抵抗によって発熱させる通電加熱法（ジュール加熱法）が注目されており、液状食品材料や固液混合食品材料などの流動性食品材料についても通電加熱を行なう試みがなされている。
【０００４】
このような流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置、特に粘性の高い液状の食品材料や固液混合食品材料についてバッチ式で通電加熱を行なう装置としては、本発明者等は既に図９、図１０に示すような装置を特願２００１−１２４１６５において提案している。
【０００５】
上記提案の通電加熱装置は、加熱すべき流動性食品材料１を収容する容器３を有底の垂直円筒状のものとし、その内周面全面に周方向に連続する電極（外側電極）５を形成しておき、容器３内に外周面が円筒面をなす回転可能な電極（内側電極）７を容器３の中心軸線Ｏに沿って挿入した構成としたものであり、容器３内に流動性食品材料１を注入して、内側電極７を回転させることにより容器３内の流動性食品材料を旋回流動させると同時に、内側電極７と外側電極５との間に電圧を加えて流動性食品材料に通電し、食品材料自体に有する電気抵抗によりジュール発熱させるものである。
【０００６】
また上記提案においては、変形例として、図１１に示すように、内側電極７の外周面から電気絶縁性材料からなる複数の撹拌部材９を放射状に突設した構成とし、内側電極７の回転とともに撹拌部材９を回転させることにより流動性食品材料１を強制的に撹拌するようにした装置も開示している。
【０００７】
上記の提案の通電加熱装置においては、内側電極７を回転（あるいは内側電極７とともに撹拌部材９を回転）させることにより、粘性の高い液状食品材料や固液混合食品材料でも、容器３内で全体的かつ均一に旋回流動あるいは撹拌流動させることができ、そのため容器３内の流動性食品材料全体を均一に通電加熱することができる。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
実際の食品製造工程においては、１種類の食品だけではなく、多種類の食品を製造するのが通常である。また同種類の食品でも、配合成分や配合量、粘度等が異なる多種のものを製造することが多い。そして前述のような通電加熱装置を用いて食品材料を加熱する場合も、同一の装置によって、種類の異なる食品や、配合成分、配合量、粘度等が異なる食品を加熱することが予想される。
【０００９】
ここで、通電加熱の条件としては、食品材料に加える電圧、電流のほか、電極間距離（図９〜図１１における符号ｄ）があり、この電極間距離ｄは電極間の電気抵抗に関係する。一方、電極間の電気抵抗を決定する要因としては、電極間距離のほか、食品材料自体の有する電気抵抗（固有抵抗）がある。そして通電加熱すべき食品材料の種類、配合成分、配合比等が異なれば、食品材料の電気抵抗は異なってしまうのが通常である。そのため、ある食品材料について最適な条件で通電加熱を行なっても、電気抵抗が異なる食品材料については、不適当な条件となってしまうことが多い。すなわち、食品材料の電気抵抗が異なれば、他の条件が同一でも発熱量が変わってしまい、その結果温度上昇速度が変わり、最適な温度に最適な時間で加熱できなくなってしまうことが多い。
【００１０】
一方、前記提案の通電加熱装置では、内側電極と外側電極との間の距離が固定されているから、通電加熱条件を変えるとすれば、電圧、電流を変えなければならないが、電圧、電流だけで最適な条件とするには限界があり、電極間距離を変えることが望ましい場合が多い。また特に固液混合食品材料を対象とする場合、固体部分（固形部分）の大きさや性状によっては電極間距離に制約が生じる場合がある。例えば固形部分が大きい場合、電極間距離が狭過ぎれば、電極間を固形部分が通過しにくくなることがあり、したがってこのような場合も電極間距離を変えることが望まれる。さらに、粘性の低い液体食品材料の場合は、加熱効率の点から電極間距離を小さくすることが望まれる一方、粘度の高い液体食品材料の場合は、電極間距離が狭ければ電極間で食品材料が流動しにくくなって撹拌効果が低下してしまうから、ある程度電極間距離を大きくすることが望まれる。
【００１１】
この発明は以上の事情を背景としてなされたもので、一台の通電加熱装置において、加熱対象となる食品材料の電気抵抗や性状等に応じて、最適な電極間距離を設定し得るようにした通電加熱装置を提供することを目的とするものである。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前述のような課題を解決するため、この発明の流動性食品材料の加熱装置においては、基本的には、内側電極を回転させるための回転支持体に対して、内側電極を位置調整可能に取付けて、内側電極と外側電極との間の距離を調整可能とした。
【００１３】
具体的には、請求項１の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、内周面が円筒状をなす容器の少なくとも内周面に、周方向に連続する外側電極が形成され、かつ前記容器内には、その中心軸線を基準として回転する回転支持体が挿入され、その回転支持体には、前記外側電極の内周面に対向する内側電極が、外側電極との間の距離を調整可能に取付けられており、前記容器内に流動性食品材料を注入して前記内側電極と外側電極との間に電圧を加えながら前記回転支持体を回転させることにより、容器内の流動性食品材料を旋回流動させながら通電加熱するようにしたことを特徴とするものである。
【００１４】
また請求項２の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項１に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記内側電極が、外側電極の内周面との間の距離を連続的に調整可能となるように回転支持体に取付けられていることを特徴するものである。
【００１５】
そしてまた請求項３の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項１に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記内側電極が、外側電極の内周面との間の距離を段階的に調整可能となるように回転支持体に取付けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１６】
さらに請求項４の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項１に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記内側電極が、外側電極の内周面に沿う湾曲面状に作られていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１７】
またさらに請求項５の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項１に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記回転支持体に、容器内の流動性食品材料を撹拌するための撹拌部材が突設されていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１８】
さらにまた請求項６の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項５に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記撹拌部材に、先端が外側電極の内周面に接する掻き落とし板が設けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００１９】
また請求項７の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項１に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記容器の底部が湾曲面状もしくはテーパー面状の傾斜部とされ、かつ前記外側電極は、容器の底部の傾斜部まで延長されており、さらに前記内側電極が、外側電極における容器底部の傾斜部に相当する部分まで対向するように設けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００２０】
そしてまた請求項８の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項７に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記内側電極を支持する回転支持体が、容器に対しその中心軸線に沿って相対的に位置調整可能とされていることを特徴とするものである。
【００２１】
さらに請求項９の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項７に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記内側電極が、外側電極における容器の内周面部分に相当する円筒部分に対向する内周対向部分と、外側電極における容器底部の傾斜部に相当する部分に対向する底部対向部分とに分離され、その内側電極における内周対向部分は、外側電極における容器の内周面に相当する円筒部分との間の距離を調整可能に回転支持体に取付けられており、また前記内側電極における底部対向部分は、外側電極における容器の底部傾斜部に相当する部分との間の距離を調整可能に回転支持体に取付けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００２２】
さらにまた請求項１０の発明の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置は、請求項７に記載の流動性食品材料の通電加熱装置において、前記回転支持体に、容器内の流動性食品材料を撹拌するための撹拌部材が突設されており、かつその撹拌部材に、外側電極における容器内周面に相当する円筒部分および容器底部の傾斜部に相当する部分に先端が接する掻き落とし板が設けられていることを特徴とするものである。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
【００２４】
【実施例】
図１〜図３にこの発明の一実施例の通電加熱装置を示す。
【００２５】
図１〜図３において、容器１１は全体として有底の中空円筒状に作られたものであって、その軸線Ｏが垂直となるように架台１３に固定して支持されている。またその容器１１の底面中央部には排出口１１Ａが形成され、その排出口１１Ａの外部には開閉弁１５を介して排出管１７が連結されている。
【００２６】
前記容器１１の周壁部分は中空な内外２重構造とされ、そのうち内壁部分はチタン等の導電材料によって周方向に連続する環状（短円筒状）の外側電極１９とされている。そして容器１１内には、上方から軸棒状の回転支持体２１が容器１１の中心軸線Ｏに沿って垂直に挿入されている。
【００２７】
前記回転支持体２１は、例えばＦＲＰ等の電気絶縁材料によって作られたものであって、容器１１の上方に固定された支持枠２７から垂下されて、その支持枠２７上のモータや減速機等からなる回転駆動源２９によって軸中心に回転駆動されるようになっている。そしてその回転支持体２１からは、電極取付アーム３１Ａ，３１Ｂ，３１Ｃ，３１Ｄが上下かつ放射状に突設されている。すなわち電極取付アーム３１Ａ，３１Ｂは、容器１１内において上下に間隔をおいて回転支持体２１から容器１１の半径方向へ突設され、他の電極取付アーム３１Ｃ，３１Ｄは前述の電極取付アーム３１Ａ，３１Ｂに対し軸対称となるように回転支持体２１から突設されている。そして電極取付アーム３１Ａ，３１Ｂの先端部には、それぞれ容器１１の半径方向に沿って伸びる長孔３５Ａ，３５Ｂが形成され、これらの長孔３５Ａ，３５Ｂを挿通するボルト（ナット）３７Ａ，３７Ｂを介して第１の内側電極３３Ａが取付けられている。また他の電極取付アーム３１Ｃ，３１Ｄの先端部にも、同様に容器１１の半径方向に沿って伸びる長孔３５Ｃ，３５Ｄが形成され、これらの長孔３５Ｃ，３５Ｄを挿通するボルト（ナット）３７Ｃ，３７Ｄを介して第２の内側電極３３Ｂが取付けられている。
【００２８】
ここで、第１および第２の内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂは、それぞれチタン等の導電材料の板材によって作られたものであって、容器１１の内周面（すなわち外側電極１９の内周面）に沿って円筒面の一部をなすように湾曲する湾曲部３３Ａａ，３３Ｂａを有し、かつその湾曲部３３Ａａ，３３Ｂａの幅方向の一方の端縁部が内側へ折曲されて、その折曲部分３３Ａｂ、３３Ｂｂに図示しないボルト孔が形成され、そのボルト孔および前述の電極取付アーム３１Ａ〜３１Ｄの長孔３５Ａ〜３５Ｄにボルト３７Ａ〜３７Ｄを挿通させてナットにより螺着することによって、前記電極取付アーム３１Ａ〜３１Ｄに取付けられている。
【００２９】
さらに前記回転支持体２１からは、一対の撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂが放射状に突設されている。これらの撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂは、全体として矩形をなす平板状に作られるとともに、その板面に流動性食品材料を流通させるための開口部３９を形成したものであり、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの中間に位置するように配設されている。そしてこれらの撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂの先端部には、容器１１の内周面（外側電極１９の内面）に接するシリコンゴム等の弾性材料からなる掻き落とし板３９Ａ，３９Ｂが取付けられている。
【００３０】
以上の実施例において、容器１１内にマヨネーズ等の粘性の高い液体食品材料あるいは固形果実入りジャム、麹味噌等の固液混合食品材料などの流動性食品材料４１を注入して、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂと外側電極１９との間に電圧を加えれば、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの湾曲部３３Ａａ，３３Ｂａと外側電極１９の内面との間の流動性食品材料４１に電流が流れ、その流動性食品材料が有する電気抵抗によって発熱し、温度上昇する。すなわち、いわゆるジュール熱を利用した通電加熱がなされる。
【００３１】
そして上述のように通電加熱を行なっている間に、回転支持体２１を軸中心に回転させることによって、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂおよび撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂが全体的に回転し、これにより容器１１内の食品材料４１が全体的に旋回流動して撹拌され、その結果容器１１内の流動性食品材料４１が全体的に均一に加熱されることになる。また撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂの先端部の掻き落とし板３９Ａ，３９Ｂが外側電極１９の内面に接しながら回動するため、仮に外側電極１９の内面に流動性食品材料が固着したり焦げ付きそうになったりしても、事前に外側電極表面の食品材料が掻き落とされるから、外側電極内面に食品材料が固着したり焦げ付いたりすることを防止できる。
【００３２】
ここで、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂは、ボルト（ナット）３７Ａ〜３７Ｄにより電極取付アーム３１Ａ〜３１Ｄの長孔３５Ａ〜３５Ｄに取付けられており、これらの長孔３５Ａ〜３５Ｄは容器１１の半径方向に長い形状とされているから、適宜ボルト（ナット）３７Ａ〜３７Ｄの取付位置を変えることによって、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂを容器１１の半径方向に位置調整することができる。すなわち、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの湾曲部３３Ａａ，３３Ｂａと外側電極１９の内面との間の距離（電極間距離ｄ１）を調整することができる。
【００３３】
そして上述のように電極間距離ｄ１を調整できることから、通電加熱の対象となる流動性食品材料の種類、配合成分、配合量、性状等に応じて最適な電極間距離を設定して通電加熱を行なうことができる。すなわち既に述べたように流動性食品材料の電気抵抗や粘性、あるいは固液混合食品材料における固形部分の大きさや性状などに応じて、最適な電極間距離で通電加熱を行なうことができるのである。またこのように通電加熱対象となる流動性食品材料に応じて最適な電極間距離を設定できるため、同一の通電加熱装置で種類の異なる食品材料をそれぞれ最適な条件で通電加熱することが可能となる。
【００３４】
なお前述の実施例では、電極取付アーム３１Ａ〜３１Ｄの側に長孔３５Ａ〜３５Ｄを形成しているが、場合によっては逆に内側電極３３Ａ〜３３Ｄの側に長孔を設けて、内側電極３３Ａ〜３３Ｄを位置調整可能としても良い。
さらに、前述の実施例の場合は長孔３５Ａ〜３５Ｄによって連続的に位置調整可能としているが、場合によっては段階的に位置調整可能としても良い。すなわち、例えば図４に示すように、電極板取付アーム３１Ａ〜３１Ｄに、容器１１の半径方向に小間隔を置いてボルト装着用の複数の丸孔４３Ａ〜４３Ｇを形成しておき、これら複数の丸孔４３Ａ〜４３Ｇのうち、いずれかの丸孔を選択して内側電極取付用のボルトを挿着することにより、内側電極３３Ａ〜３３Ｄの位置を容器１１の半径方向へ段階的に調節可能としても良い。もちろん逆に内側電極３３Ａ〜３３Ｄに、容器１１の半径方向に小間隔を置いて複数の丸孔を形成しておき、これらの丸孔のいずれかを選択することによって内側電極３３Ａ〜３３Ｄの位置を段階的に調整可能としても良い。
【００３５】
そのほか、内側電極３３Ａ〜３３Ｄの位置を連続的もしくは段階的に調整させるための具体的手段としては種々のものがあり、如何なる位置調整手段を用いるのか限定されないことはもちろんである。
【００３６】
さらに図５〜図７には、この発明の第２の実施例を示す。
【００３７】
図５〜図７において、容器１１の底部は湾曲面状の傾斜部１１Ｂとされている。そして外側電極１９は、容器１１の内周面から底部の傾斜部１１Ｂまで延長するように形成されている。すなわち外側電極１９は、容器１１の内周面に相当する円筒状の部分１９Ａと、容器１１の底部（傾斜部１１Ａ）に相当する湾曲状（傾斜状）の部分１９Ｂとを有し、これらの部分１９Ａ，１９Ｂとが連続一体に形成されている。
【００３８】
一方第１および第２の電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂは、それぞれ外側電極１９の下部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の部分１９Ｂにも対向するように下端が湾曲状（傾斜状）に延長されている。すなわち各内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂは、それぞれ外側電極１９の円筒状部分１９Ａに対向する垂直部分(内周対向部分)３４Ａａ、３４Ｂａと、外側電極１９の下部の湾曲状（傾斜状）部分１９Ｂに対向する湾曲状（傾斜状）の底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂとを有し、第１の内側電極３３Ａは内周対向部分３４Ａａと底部対向部分３４Ａｂとが連続一体化され、第２の内側電極３３Ｂは内周対向部分３４Ｂａと底部対向部分３４Ｂｂとが連続一体化された構成とされている。
【００３９】
さらに撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂの先端の掻き落とし板３９Ａ，３９Ｂは、外側電極１９における円筒状部分１９Ａおよび下部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の部分１９Ｂとの両者に接するように構成されている。
【００４０】
また内側電極および撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂを支持する回転支持体２１は、上下（すなわち容器１１の中心軸線に沿った方向）に位置調整可能となっている。例えば、回転支持体２１を支持する支持枠２７自体が上下に位置調整可能となっていて、支持枠２７を上下に位置調整することによって、回転支持体２１を上下に位置調整させることが可能となっている。
【００４１】
なお内側電極体３３Ａ，３３Ｂが、回転支持体２１から突出する電極取付アーム３１Ａ〜３１Ｄに、容器１１の半径方向に位置調整可能に取付けられていることは、図１〜図３の実施例と同様である。
【００４２】
図５〜図７に示す実施例においては、外側電極体１９と内側電極体３３Ａ，３３Ｂとの間に電圧を加えることによって、容器１１内の内周面付近の部分のみならず、底部付近でも流動性食品材料が通電されて、その底部付近でも流動性食品材料を加熱することができる。そしてその状態で回転支持体２１を回転させて、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂおよび撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂを回転させれば、容器１１内の流動性食品材料が撹拌されながら、全体的に均一に温度上昇する。ここで、撹拌部材３８Ａ，３８Ｂに取付けられた掻き落とし板３９Ａ，３９Ｂは、外側電極１９の下部の湾曲状(傾斜状)の部分１９Ｂにも接しているため、その部分でも外側電極１９に対する食品材料の固着、焦げ付きを防止することができる。
【００４３】
なお内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂ（特に垂直な内周対向部分３４Ａａ，３４Ｂａ）と外側電極１９の円筒部分１９Ａの内周面との間の距離ｄ１を調整可能であることは既に述べた図１〜図３の実施例と同様である。ここで、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの垂直な内周対向部分３４Ａａ，３４Ｂａと外側電極１９の円筒部分１９Ａの内周面との間の距離ｄ１を変えることによって、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの下部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂと外側電極１９の底部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の部分１９Ｂとの間の距離ｄ２もある程度変化するが、より適切にその距離ｄ２を調整するためには、支持枠２７を上下動させて回転支持体２１の上下方向の位置を調整することが好ましい。
【００４４】
なおまた、図５〜図７の例では、回転支持体２１を上下動可能としているが、逆に容器１１を上下位置調整可能としておき、容器１１を上下動させることによって、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの下部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂと外側電極１９の底部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の部分１９Ｂとの間の距離ｄ２を調整するようにしても良い。
【００４５】
なお、図５〜図７の例においても、図４に示したように内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの水平方向の位置調整を段階的に行なうように構成しても良いことはもちろんである。また回転支持体２１もしくは容器１１の上下位置調整に関しても、連続的に位置調整可能としても、また段階的に位置調整可能としても良いことはもちろんである。
【００４６】
図８には、この発明の第３の実施例を示す。
【００４７】
図８において、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂは、垂直な内周対向部分３４Ａａ，３４Ｂａと、下部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂとが別部材により分離されて作られている。そして内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂにおける垂直な内周対向部分３４Ａａ，３４Ｂａは、図１〜図３の実施例と同様に、回転支持体２１から突設された電極取付アーム３１Ａ〜３１Ｄに、長孔３５Ａ〜３５Ｄおよびボルト（ナット）３７Ａ〜３７Ｄにより水平方向へ（すなわち容器１１の半径方向へ）位置調整可能に取付けられている。一方内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの湾曲状（傾斜状）の底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂは、回転支持体２１の下端部から傾斜状に突設された電極取付アーム３１Ｅ，３１Ｆに、長孔３５Ｅ，３５Ｆおよびボルト（ナット）３７Ｅ，３７Ｆにより傾斜方向へ位置調整可能に取付けられている。その他の点は、図５〜図７に示した実施例と同様である。但し、図８の場合、回転支持体２１を上下位置調整可能とする必要はない。
【００４８】
図８に示す実施例では、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂにおける垂直な内周対向部分３４Ａａ，３４Ｂａと外側電極１９の円筒状部分１９Ａとの間の距離ｄ１は、ボルト（ナット）３７Ａ〜３７Ｄの取付位置を変えることによって連続的に調整可能であり、一方内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの下部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂと外側電極１９の底部の湾曲状（傾斜状）の部分１９Ｂとの間の距離ｄ２は、ボルト（ナット）３７Ｅ，３７Ｆの取付位置を変えることによって連続的に調整可能とされている。
【００４９】
もちろんこのように内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂを、垂直な内周対向部分３４Ａａ，３４Ｂａと湾曲状（傾斜状）の底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂとに分離して、それぞれ独立に位置調整可能とした場合においても、それぞれの位置を段階的に位置調整可能としても良いことはもちろんである。
【００５０】
なお、図５〜図７に示す第２の実施例、図８に示す第３の実施例では、いずれも容器１１の底部を湾曲面に形成して、外側電極１９の下部を湾曲状とし、かつそれに対応して内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂの下部（底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂ）も湾曲状としているが、図１〜図３に示した実施例と同様に容器１１の底部をテーパー状の傾斜面として、その部分まで外側電極１９の下部１９Ｂをテーパー状に延長させても良いことはもちろんであり、その場合、内側電極３３Ａ，３３Ｂについても、外側電極１９の下部のテーパー状の傾斜部分１９Ｂに沿って、底部対向部分３４Ａｂ，３４Ｂｂをテーパー状に傾斜する構成とすることが望ましい。
【００５１】
【発明の効果】
この発明の通電加熱装置によれば、流動性食品材料を通電加熱するにあたって、その食品材料に応じて電極間の距離を最適な値に調整することができ、そのため常に最適な通電加熱条件下で食品材料を通電加熱することができるとともに、種類や配合成分、配合量等が異なる食品材料でも同一の装置で最適な条件で通電加熱を行なうことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の第１の実施例の通電加熱装置を示す平面図である。
【図２】図１のＩＩ−ＩＩ線における縦断面図である。
【図３】図１のＩＩＩ−ＩＩＩ線における縦断面図である。
【図４】この通電加熱装置における内側電極取付部分の他の例を拡大して示す正面図である。
【図５】この発明の第２の実施例の通電加熱装置を示す平面図である。
【図６】図５のＶＩ−ＶＩ線における縦断面図である。
【図７】図５のＶＩＩ−ＶＩＩ線における縦断面図である。
【図８】この発明の第３の実施例の通電加熱装置を、図２あるいは図６に示したものと同様な位置で示す縦断面図である。
【図９】本発明者等が先に提案した通電加熱装置の一例を示す縦断面図である。
【図１０】図９のＸ−Ｘ線における横断面図である。
【図１１】本発明者等が先に提案した通電加熱装置の他の例を示す横断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１１容器
１９外側電極
２１回転支持体
２９回転駆動源
３１Ａ〜３１Ｄ電極取付アーム
３３Ａ〜３３Ｄ内側電極
３８Ａ，３８Ｂ撹拌部材
４１流動性食品材料[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
This invention is a mixture of a liquid material such as miso, mayonnaise, fruit sauce, etc. or a mixture of water and tea leaf powder, coffee powder, herbal powder, bird gala powder, etc. The present invention relates to an electric heating apparatus suitable for heating fluid food materials such as solid-liquid mixed food materials.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, in the production process of food materials, heating is often performed for sterilization and cooking, and recently, for the production of various beverages or soups, tea, coffee, medicinal herbs, bird gala, etc. In many cases, the powder is mixed with a liquid such as water and heated to extract necessary components from the powder such as tea leaves.
[0003]
By the way, as one of the heating methods for food materials, recently, an energization heating method (Joule heating method) in which the food material is energized and generates heat by the electric resistance of the food material itself has been attracting attention. Attempts have also been made to conduct current heating on fluid food materials such as mixed food materials.
[0004]
The present inventors have already shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 as such an electric heating apparatus for fluid food materials, in particular, as an apparatus for performing electric heating in a batch system for highly viscous liquid food materials and solid-liquid mixed food materials. An apparatus as shown is proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-124165.
[0005]
The electric heating apparatus proposed above has a container 3 for containing a fluid food material 1 to be heated having a bottomed vertical cylindrical shape, and an electrode (outer electrode) 5 continuous in the circumferential direction on the entire inner peripheral surface thereof. A rotatable electrode (inner electrode) 7 having an outer peripheral surface forming a cylindrical surface is inserted into the container 3 along the central axis O of the container 3, and is fluid in the container 3. By injecting the food material 1 and rotating the inner electrode 7, the fluid food material in the container 3 is swirled and simultaneously a voltage is applied between the inner electrode 7 and the outer electrode 5 to cause the fluid food material to flow. The Joule heat is generated by the electric resistance of the food material itself.
[0006]
In the above proposal, as a modification, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of stirring members 9 made of an electrically insulating material are radially projected from the outer peripheral surface of the inner electrode 7. An apparatus in which the fluid food material 1 is forcibly stirred by rotating the stirring member 9 is also disclosed.
[0007]
In the proposed electric heating apparatus, the inner electrode 7 is rotated (or the stirring member 9 is rotated together with the inner electrode 7), so that even a highly viscous liquid food material or solid-liquid mixed food material is entirely contained in the container 3. The liquid food material in the container 3 can be uniformly energized and heated.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In an actual food production process, it is usual to produce not only one kind of food but also many kinds of food. In many cases, the same kind of foods are produced with different blending components, blending amounts, viscosities, and the like. And also when heating a food material using the above-mentioned electrical heating apparatus, it is anticipated that the same apparatus will heat different types of food and foods with different blending components, blending amounts, viscosities, and the like.
[0009]
Here, as conditions for energization heating, in addition to the voltage and current applied to the food material, there are distances between electrodes (symbol d in FIGS. 9 to 11), and this distance d between electrodes is related to the electrical resistance between the electrodes. . On the other hand, factors that determine the electrical resistance between the electrodes include the electrical resistance (specific resistance) of the food material itself as well as the distance between the electrodes. And if the kind of food material which should be heated with electricity, a compounding component, a compounding ratio, etc. differ, the electrical resistance of food material will usually differ. For this reason, even if current heating is performed under an optimum condition for a certain food material, the food material having different electric resistance often becomes an inappropriate condition. That is, if the electrical resistance of the food material is different, the calorific value changes even if the other conditions are the same, and as a result, the temperature rise rate changes, and it is often impossible to heat to the optimal temperature in the optimal time.
[0010]
On the other hand, in the proposed electric heating apparatus, the distance between the inner electrode and the outer electrode is fixed, so if the electric heating condition is changed, the voltage and current must be changed. There are limits to the optimum conditions, and it is often desirable to change the distance between the electrodes. In particular, when a solid-liquid mixed food material is a target, the distance between the electrodes may be limited depending on the size and properties of the solid portion (solid portion). For example, when the solid portion is large, if the distance between the electrodes is too small, it may be difficult for the solid portion to pass between the electrodes. Therefore, in such a case as well, it is desirable to change the distance between the electrodes. Furthermore, in the case of a liquid food material with low viscosity, it is desirable to reduce the distance between the electrodes from the viewpoint of heating efficiency, while in the case of a liquid food material with high viscosity, if the distance between the electrodes is small, the food between the electrodes Since the material does not flow easily and the stirring effect is lowered, it is desired to increase the distance between the electrodes to some extent.
[0011]
The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and in a single energization heating device, an optimum inter-electrode distance can be set in accordance with the electrical resistance and properties of the food material to be heated. The object is to provide an electric heating device.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, in the fluid food material heating apparatus according to the present invention, basically, the inner electrode is attached to a rotating support for rotating the inner electrode so that the position of the inner electrode can be adjusted. Thus, the distance between the inner electrode and the outer electrode can be adjusted.
[0013]
Specifically, in the electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to the first aspect of the present invention, an outer electrode continuous in the circumferential direction is formed on at least the inner peripheral surface of a container whose inner peripheral surface forms a cylindrical shape, and A rotating support that rotates with the central axis as a reference is inserted into the container, and the inner electrode facing the inner circumferential surface of the outer electrode adjusts the distance between the outer electrode and the rotating support. The flowable food material in the container is attached by pouring the flowable food material into the container and rotating the rotating support while applying a voltage between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. It is characterized in that it is energized and heated while swirling.
[0014]
Moreover, the electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to the invention of claim 2 is the electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to claim 1, wherein the inner electrode has a distance from the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode. It is characterized by being attached to a rotary support so that it can be continuously adjusted.
[0015]
The fluid food material electrification heating device according to claim 3 is the fluid food material electrification heating device according to claim 1, wherein the inner electrode is a distance from the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode. Is attached to the rotary support so as to be adjustable in stages.
[0016]
Furthermore, the flowable food material energization heating apparatus according to the invention of claim 4 is the flowable food material energization heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner electrode has a curved surface along the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode. It is characterized by being made.
[0017]
Still further, the flowable food material energization heating apparatus according to the invention of claim 5 is the flowable food material energization heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flowable food material in the container is agitated on the rotating support. Therefore, a stirring member for projecting is provided.
[0018]
Furthermore, the flowable food material energization heating apparatus according to claim 6 is the flowable food material energization heating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the tip of the stirring member is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode. A drop plate is provided.
[0019]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the bottom of the container is a curved or tapered inclined portion. The outer electrode extends to the inclined portion at the bottom of the container, and the inner electrode is provided so as to face a portion corresponding to the inclined portion of the container bottom at the outer electrode. To do.
[0020]
The fluid food material heating apparatus according to claim 8 is the fluid food material heating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the rotary support for supporting the inner electrode is centered with respect to the container. The position can be relatively adjusted along the axis.
[0021]
Furthermore, in the electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to claim 7, the inner electrode corresponds to an inner peripheral surface portion of the container in the outer electrode. It is separated into an inner peripheral facing portion facing the cylindrical portion and a bottom facing portion facing a portion corresponding to the inclined portion of the container bottom portion of the outer electrode, and the inner peripheral facing portion of the inner electrode is the inner peripheral facing portion of the outer electrode. It is attached to the rotating support so that the distance between the cylindrical portion corresponding to the peripheral surface can be adjusted, and the bottom facing portion of the inner electrode is between the portion corresponding to the bottom inclined portion of the container in the outer electrode. It is characterized in that it is attached to the rotary support so that the distance can be adjusted.
[0022]
Furthermore, the energization heating apparatus for fluid food material according to the invention of claim 10 is the energization heating apparatus for fluid food material according to claim 7, wherein the fluid food material in the container is agitated on the rotating support. A stirring member for projecting is provided, and the stirring member is provided with a scraping plate whose tip is in contact with a cylindrical portion corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the container and an inclined portion of the container bottom portion of the outer electrode. It is characterized by being.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024]
【Example】
1 to 3 show an electric heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025]
1 to 3, the container 11 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with a bottom as a whole, and is supported by being fixed to the gantry 13 so that its axis O is vertical. A discharge port 11A is formed at the center of the bottom surface of the container 11, and a discharge pipe 17 is connected to the outside of the discharge port 11A through an open / close valve 15.
[0026]
The peripheral wall portion of the container 11 has a hollow inner / outer double structure, and the inner wall portion of the container 11 is an annular (short cylindrical) outer electrode 19 continuous in the circumferential direction by a conductive material such as titanium. In the container 11, the shaft-like rotation support 21 is inserted vertically from above along the central axis O of the container 11.
[0027]
The rotary support 21 is made of, for example, an electrically insulating material such as FRP, and is suspended from a support frame 27 fixed above the container 11, and a motor, a speed reducer, etc. on the support frame 27. The rotary drive source 29 is configured to be rotated about the axis. From the rotary support 21, electrode mounting arms 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D are vertically and radially projecting. That is, the electrode mounting arms 31A and 31B protrude from the rotary support 21 in the radial direction of the container 11 with a vertical interval in the container 11, and the other electrode mounting arms 31C and 31D are the electrode mounting arms 31A and 31D described above. It protrudes from the rotation support body 21 so as to be axially symmetric with respect to 31B. Long holes 35A and 35B extending along the radial direction of the container 11 are formed at the distal ends of the electrode mounting arms 31A and 31B, and bolts (nuts) 37A and 37B that pass through the long holes 35A and 35B are respectively inserted. A first inner electrode 33A is attached to the first inner electrode 33A. Similarly, elongated holes 35C and 35D extending in the radial direction of the container 11 are formed at the tip portions of the other electrode mounting arms 31C and 31D, and bolts (nuts) 37C through which these elongated holes 35C and 35D are inserted. , 37D, the second inner electrode 33B is attached.
[0028]
Here, the first and second inner electrodes 33A and 33B are each made of a plate material made of a conductive material such as titanium, and are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the container 11 (that is, the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode 19). The curved portions 33Aa and 33Ba are curved so as to form a part of the cylindrical surface, and one end edge in the width direction of the curved portions 33Aa and 33Ba is bent inward, and the bent portion Bolt holes (not shown) are formed in 33Ab and 33Bb, and bolts 37A to 37D are inserted into the bolt holes and the long holes 35A to 35D of the above-described electrode mounting arms 31A to 31D, and screwed with nuts, thereby attaching the electrodes. It is attached to the arms 31A to 31D.
[0029]
Further, a pair of agitating members 38A and 38B project radially from the rotary support 21. These agitating members 38A and 38B are formed as a flat plate having a rectangular shape as a whole, and are formed with openings 39 for flowing a fluid food material on the plate surface, and the inner electrodes 33A and 33B. It arrange | positions so that it may be located in the middle. Further, scraping plates 39A and 39B made of an elastic material such as silicon rubber in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the container 11 (the inner surface of the outer electrode 19) are attached to the tip portions of the stirring members 38A and 38B.
[0030]
In the embodiment described above, a fluid food material 41 such as a liquid food material with high viscosity such as mayonnaise or a solid-liquid mixed food material such as jam containing solid fruit or miso is injected into the container 11 and the inner electrode 33A, When a voltage is applied between 33B and the outer electrode 19, current flows through the fluid food material 41 between the curved portions 33Aa and 33Ba of the inner electrodes 33A and 33B and the inner surface of the outer electrode 19, and the fluid food material. It generates heat due to the electrical resistance of and increases in temperature. That is, energization heating using so-called Joule heat is performed.
[0031]
Then, while conducting the energization heating as described above, the inner electrodes 33A and 33B and the agitating members 38A and 38B are rotated as a whole by rotating the rotary support 21 around the axis, thereby the inside of the container 11 is rotated. The food material 41 is swirled and stirred as a whole, and as a result, the fluid food material 41 in the container 11 is heated uniformly. Further, since the scraping plates 39A and 39B at the tips of the stirring members 38A and 38B rotate while being in contact with the inner surface of the outer electrode 19, the fluid food material may be fixed or burnt on the inner surface of the outer electrode 19. Even so, since the food material on the surface of the outer electrode is scraped off in advance, the food material can be prevented from sticking to or scorching on the inner surface of the outer electrode.
[0032]
Here, the inner electrodes 33A and 33B are attached to the elongated holes 35A to 35D of the electrode mounting arms 31A to 31D by bolts (nuts) 37A to 37D, and these elongated holes 35A to 35D are arranged in the radial direction of the container 11. Since the shape is long, the positions of the inner electrodes 33A and 33B can be adjusted in the radial direction of the container 11 by appropriately changing the mounting positions of the bolts (nuts) 37A to 37D. That is, the distance (interelectrode distance d1) between the curved portions 33Aa, 33Ba of the inner electrodes 33A, 33B and the inner surface of the outer electrode 19 can be adjusted.
[0033]
Since the inter-electrode distance d1 can be adjusted as described above, the optimum inter-electrode distance is set according to the type, blending component, blending amount, property, etc. of the fluid food material to be energized and heated. Can be done. That is, as already described, it is possible to carry out energization heating with an optimum distance between the electrodes in accordance with the electrical resistance and viscosity of the fluid food material or the size and properties of the solid portion in the solid-liquid mixed food material. In addition, since the optimal inter-electrode distance can be set according to the flowable food material to be energized and heated in this way, it is possible to energize and heat different types of food materials under the optimum conditions with the same energizing heating device. Become.
[0034]
In the above-described embodiment, the long holes 35A to 35D are formed on the electrode mounting arms 31A to 31D side. However, in some cases, a long hole is provided on the inner electrode 33A to 33D side, and the inner electrode 33A is provided. ˜33D may be position adjustable.
Furthermore, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the position can be continuously adjusted by the long holes 35A to 35D, but the position may be adjusted stepwise depending on the case. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of round holes 43 A to 43 G for mounting bolts are formed in the electrode plate mounting arms 31 A to 31 D at small intervals in the radial direction of the container 11. By selecting any one of the round holes 43A to 43G and inserting bolts for attaching the inner electrodes, the positions of the inner electrodes 33A to 33D can be adjusted stepwise in the radial direction of the container 11. Also good. Of course, conversely, a plurality of round holes are formed in the inner electrodes 33A to 33D at small intervals in the radial direction of the container 11, and the position of the inner electrodes 33A to 33D is selected by selecting one of these round holes. Can be adjusted step by step.
[0035]
In addition, there are various specific means for adjusting the positions of the inner electrodes 33A to 33D continuously or stepwise, and it is a matter of course that the position adjusting means used is not limited.
[0036]
5 to 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0037]
5-7, the bottom part of the container 11 is made into the curved surface-like inclination part 11B. The outer electrode 19 is formed so as to extend from the inner peripheral surface of the container 11 to the inclined portion 11B at the bottom. That is, the outer electrode 19 has a cylindrical portion 19A corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the container 11, and a curved (inclined) portion 19B corresponding to the bottom (inclined portion 11A) of the container 11, and these The portions 19A and 19B are formed continuously and integrally.
[0038]
On the other hand, the lower ends of the first and second electrodes 33A and 33B are extended in a curved shape (inclined shape) so as to face the curved (inclined) portion 19B below the outer electrode 19, respectively. That is, each of the inner electrodes 33A and 33B is opposed to a vertical portion (inner periphery facing portion) 34Aa and 34Ba facing the cylindrical portion 19A of the outer electrode 19 and a curved (tilted) portion 19B below the outer electrode 19, respectively. The first inner electrode 33A has an inner peripheral facing portion 34Aa and a bottom facing portion 34Ab that are continuously integrated, and the second inner electrode 33B has a curved (inclined) bottom facing portion 34Ab, 34Bb. The inner circumferential facing portion 34Ba and the bottom facing portion 34Bb are continuously integrated.
[0039]
Further, the scraping plates 39A and 39B at the tips of the stirring members 38A and 38B are configured to be in contact with both the cylindrical portion 19A and the lower curved (inclined) portion 19B of the outer electrode 19.
[0040]
The rotation support 21 that supports the inner electrode and the stirring members 38A and 38B can be adjusted in the vertical direction (that is, the direction along the central axis of the container 11). For example, the position of the support frame 27 that supports the rotation support 21 can be adjusted up and down, and the position of the rotation support 21 can be adjusted up and down by adjusting the position of the support frame 27 up and down. It has become.
[0041]
The inner electrode bodies 33A and 33B are attached to the electrode attachment arms 31A to 31D protruding from the rotation support body 21 so that the position of the inner electrode bodies 33A and 33B can be adjusted in the radial direction of the container 11 as in the embodiment of FIGS. It is the same.
[0042]
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, by applying a voltage between the outer electrode body 19 and the inner electrode bodies 33 A and 33 B, not only in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface in the container 11 but also in the vicinity of the bottom portion. The fluid food material is energized, and the fluid food material can be heated even near its bottom. In this state, if the rotary support 21 is rotated to rotate the inner electrodes 33A and 33B and the stirring members 38A and 38B, the temperature of the fluid food material in the container 11 is uniformly increased while being stirred. To do. Here, the scraping plates 39A and 39B attached to the stirring members 38A and 38B are also in contact with the curved (inclined) portion 19B below the outer electrode 19, so that the food for the outer electrode 19 is also in that portion. Material sticking and scorching can be prevented.
[0043]
It should be noted that the distance d1 between the inner electrodes 33A, 33B (particularly, the inner circumferential opposing portions 34Aa, 34Ba) and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 19A of the outer electrode 19 can be adjusted. This is the same as the third embodiment. Here, by changing the distance d1 between the inner peripheral surfaces 34Aa and 34Ba perpendicular to the inner electrodes 33A and 33B and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 19A of the outer electrode 19, the lower curvature of the inner electrodes 33A and 33B is changed. The distance d2 between the bottom (opposite) bottom facing portions 34Ab, 34Bb and the curved (inclined) portion 19B at the bottom of the outer electrode 19 also changes to some extent, but in order to adjust the distance d2 more appropriately For this, it is preferable to adjust the vertical position of the rotary support 21 by moving the support frame 27 up and down.
[0044]
5-7, the rotary support 21 can be moved up and down, but the container 11 can be adjusted up and down, and the container 11 can be moved up and down to move the inner electrodes 33A and 33B. The distance d2 between the curved (inclined) bottom facing portions 34Ab, 34Bb of the lower portion of the bottom electrode and the curved (inclined) portion 19B of the bottom of the outer electrode 19 may be adjusted.
[0045]
It should be noted that in the examples of FIGS. 5 to 7 as well, it is needless to say that the horizontal position adjustment of the inner electrodes 33A and 33B may be performed in stages as shown in FIG. In addition, regarding the vertical position adjustment of the rotary support 21 or the container 11, it is of course possible that the position can be adjusted continuously or in stages.
[0046]
FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0047]
In FIG. 8, the inner electrodes 33 A and 33 B are made by separating vertical inner peripheral facing portions 34 Aa and 34 Ba and lower curved (tilted) bottom facing portions 34 Ab and 34 Bb by separate members. The vertical inner peripheral facing portions 34Aa and 34Ba of the inner electrodes 33A and 33B are formed in the long holes 35A in the electrode mounting arms 31A to 31D projecting from the rotary support 21 as in the embodiment of FIGS. ˜35D and bolts (nuts) 37 A to 37 D so that the position can be adjusted in the horizontal direction (that is, in the radial direction of the container 11). On the other hand, the curved (inclined) bottom-facing portions 34Ab and 34Bb of the inner electrodes 33A and 33B are elongated holes 35E and 35F in electrode mounting arms 31E and 31F that project from the lower end of the rotation support 21 in an inclined manner. Also, bolts (nuts) 37E and 37F are attached so that the position can be adjusted in the tilt direction. The other points are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIGS. However, in the case of FIG. 8, it is not necessary to make the rotary support 21 adjustable in the vertical position.
[0048]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the distance d1 between the inner peripheral facing portions 34Aa, 34Ba of the inner electrodes 33A, 33B and the cylindrical portion 19A of the outer electrode 19 is the mounting position of the bolts (nuts) 37A-37D . Can be continuously adjusted, while the lower (inclined) bottom facing portions 34Ab and 34Bb of the lower portions of the inner electrodes 33A and 33B and the bent (inclined) portion 19B of the bottom of the outer electrode 19 can be adjusted. The distance d2 between the two can be continuously adjusted by changing the mounting positions of the bolts (nuts) 37E and 37F .
[0049]
Of course, when the inner electrodes 33A and 33B are separated into the vertical inner peripheral facing portions 34Aa and 34Ba and the curved (inclined) bottom facing portions 34Ab and 34Bb , respectively, and the positions thereof can be adjusted independently. Of course, the position of each position may be adjustable step by step.
[0050]
In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the bottom of the container 11 is formed on a curved surface, and the lower portion of the outer electrode 19 is curved. Correspondingly, the lower portions (bottom facing portions 34Ab, 34Bb) of the inner electrodes 33A, 33B are also curved, but the bottom of the container 11 is tapered as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. As a matter of course, the lower portion 19B of the outer electrode 19 may be tapered up to that portion, and in this case, the inner electrodes 33A and 33B also have a tapered inclined portion 19B below the outer electrode 19. In addition, it is desirable that the bottom facing portions 34Ab and 34Bb be inclined in a tapered shape.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
According to the electric heating device of the present invention, when the fluid food material is heated by electric current, the distance between the electrodes can be adjusted to an optimum value according to the food material, and therefore always under the optimal electric heating condition. The food material can be heated with current, and even the food material with different types, blending components, blending amounts, etc. can be heated with current using the same apparatus under optimum conditions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an electric heating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.
3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing another example of an inner electrode mounting portion in the energization heating device.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an electric heating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.
7 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.
8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an electric heating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention at the same position as that shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of an electric heating device previously proposed by the present inventors.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electric heating device previously proposed by the present inventors.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Container 19 Outer electrode 21 Rotating support 29 Rotation drive source 31A-31D Electrode mounting arm 33A-33D Inner electrode 38A, 38B Stirring member 41 Fluid food material

Claims

An outer electrode that is continuous in the circumferential direction is formed on at least the inner peripheral surface of a container having an inner peripheral surface that is cylindrical, and a rotating support that rotates around the central axis is inserted into the container. An inner electrode facing the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode is attached to the rotating support so that the distance between the inner electrode and the outer electrode can be adjusted, and a fluid food material is injected into the container to inject the inner electrode. An electric heating apparatus for fluid food material, wherein the rotary support is rotated while applying a voltage between an electrode and an outer electrode, thereby energizing and heating the fluid food material in a container while swirling and flowing.

2. The electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to claim 1, wherein the inner electrode is attached to the rotating support so that the distance between the inner electrode and the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode can be continuously adjusted. An electric heating device for fluid food material, characterized in that.

2. The electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to claim 1, wherein the inner electrode is attached to the rotary support so that the distance between the inner electrode and the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode can be adjusted stepwise. An electric heating apparatus for fluid food material, characterized in that

2. The electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to claim 1, wherein the inner electrode is formed in a curved surface along the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode. apparatus.

The flowable food material energization heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a stirring member for agitating the flowable food material in the container protrudes from the rotating support. Electric heating device for food materials.

6. The fluid food material heating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the stirring member is provided with a scraping plate whose tip is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode. Electric heating device.

2. The electric heating apparatus for fluid food material according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the container is an inclined portion having a curved surface shape or a tapered surface shape, and the outer electrode is extended to an inclined portion at the bottom portion of the container. And the inner electrode is provided so as to face a portion corresponding to the inclined portion of the bottom of the container in the outer electrode.

In the electric heating apparatus of the fluid food material according to claim 7, the position of the rotary support that supports the inner electrode can be adjusted relative to the container along its central axis. An electric heating device for fluid food materials.

The current heating apparatus for fluid food material according to claim 7, wherein the inner electrode includes an inner peripheral facing portion facing a cylindrical portion corresponding to an inner peripheral surface portion of the container in the outer electrode, and a container bottom portion in the outer electrode. It is separated into a bottom facing portion that faces a portion corresponding to the inclined portion, and the inner peripheral facing portion of the inner electrode rotates so that the distance between the outer electrode and the cylindrical portion corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the container can be adjusted. It is attached to the support, and the bottom facing portion of the inner electrode is attached to the rotating support so that the distance between the outer electrode and the portion corresponding to the bottom inclined portion of the container can be adjusted. An electric heating device for fluid food materials.

In the electric heating apparatus of the fluid food material according to claim 7,
The rotating support is provided with a stirring member for stirring the fluid food material in the container, and the stirring member has a cylindrical portion corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the outer electrode and an inclination of the container bottom. An electric heating device for fluid food material, characterized in that a scraping plate whose tip is in contact with a portion corresponding to the portion is provided.