JP7828031B2 - Food Processing Equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a food processing device.

In the food market, awareness of food safety is increasing due to measures such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point). The food market also faces issues such as food waste due to spoilage.

In this case, the expiration date of the food can be extended by adding preservatives to the food or by heat sterilizing the food, but this brings about new problems such as health risks and loss of the taste and flavor of the food.
Therefore, a technology has been proposed in which ultraviolet light is irradiated from outside the storage compartment onto the food stored inside the storage compartment. In this case, if the storage compartment is made of a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light that passes through the storage compartment can sterilize bacteria and microorganisms that are attached to the surface of the food.

However, if the material or thickness of the storage section changes, the UV transmittance may change. If the UV irradiation amount is kept constant when the UV transmittance of the storage section can change, there is a risk that the freshness and quality of the food may not be maintained. For example, if the UV transmittance of the storage section decreases, the amount of UV irradiation on the food surface may decrease, resulting in insufficient sterilization. For example, if the UV transmittance of the storage section increases, the amount of UV irradiation on the food surface may increase, resulting in food deterioration, discoloration, or a loss of flavor and taste.

Therefore, there was a need to develop a food processing device that could perform appropriate processing even if the ultraviolet light transmittance in the storage area changed.

Patent No. 6716291

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a food processing device that can perform appropriate processing even if the ultraviolet light transmittance of the storage section changes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a food processing device irradiates ultraviolet light onto food stored in a storage unit that is transparent to the ultraviolet light. The food processing device includes an irradiation unit having a light source for irradiating the ultraviolet light onto the food stored in the storage unit; a moving unit for moving the relative position of the irradiation unit and the food stored in the storage unit; a measuring device provided on the ultraviolet light exit side of the irradiation unit for measuring the transmittance of the ultraviolet light from the storage unit; and a controller for controlling the irradiation unit and the moving unit. The controller controls at least one of the dose of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit and the relative moving speed of the moving unit in accordance with data on the transmittance of the ultraviolet light from the storage unit measured in advance by the measuring device, so that the dose of ultraviolet light on the surface of the food reaches a predetermined value.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a food processing device can be provided that can perform appropriate processing even if the ultraviolet light transmittance of the storage section changes.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a food processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an irradiation unit. 3 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation unit in FIG. 2 as viewed from the direction of line AA. 10 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the material of the storage section and the transmittance of ultraviolet light.

Embodiments will be illustrated below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a food processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a food processing apparatus 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as processing apparatus 1) has, for example, a supply unit 10, a moving unit 20, an irradiation unit 30, a storage unit 40, and a controller 50.

The supply unit 10 can be provided near the end of the loading side of the moving unit 20. The supply unit 10 accommodates a plurality of processing objects 100 to be processed therein, and supplies the accommodated processing objects 100 one by one to the moving unit 20. For example, the supply unit 10 can have a hopper that accommodates a plurality of processing objects 100 in a stacked state, and a supply device that takes out the processing objects 100 accommodated therein and supplies them to the moving unit 20.
The configuration of the supply unit 10 is not limited to the example shown. The supply unit 10 may be any unit that can supply the objects 100 to the moving unit 20 without overlapping each other.

Furthermore, the supply unit 10 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. If the supply unit 10 is omitted, for example, the worker can simply supply the workpiece 100 to the moving unit 20.

Here, the object to be processed 100 can be food stored inside a storage unit that is transparent to ultraviolet light. In other words, the processing device 1 irradiates ultraviolet light onto food stored inside a storage unit that is transparent to ultraviolet light.

The storage section can be a packaging film, tray, container, etc. that is transparent to ultraviolet light. For example, the storage section can be made from polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl chloride, etc.

Food products include, for example, agricultural products, meat products, fresh fish products, processed foods, etc.
"Agricultural products" can be, for example, plants that are artificially cultivated and harvested, or plants that grow and harvest in the natural world. "Agricultural products" may be obtained by farming, which involves systematically cultivating and harvesting cultivated plants, by harvesting plants that grow naturally in the natural world (wild plant harvesting), or by so-called semi-cultivation, which involves growing and harvesting plants in an intermediate state between cultivated and wild. There are no particular limitations on the uses of "agricultural products," and various uses are possible, such as food, medicine, and ornamental purposes.
"Processed foods" include, for example, prepared foods, bento lunches, salads, etc.

Furthermore, the food is not limited to the examples given, and can be anything that has a use-by date.

The moving unit 20 moves the material 100 to be processed (food stored inside the storage unit). For example, the moving unit 20 moves the material 100 from a supply position to a discharge position into the storage unit 40. The moving unit 20 can be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor.

Although the example has been given in which the moving unit 20 moves the processing object 100 in the horizontal direction, the moving unit 20 may also move the processing object 100 in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal.
Furthermore, although the moving unit 20 is a conveyor in the above example, the moving unit may be, for example, a disk that rotates horizontally.
Furthermore, although the moving unit 20 that moves the object to be processed 100 has been exemplified, the moving unit may also move the irradiation unit 30. That is, the moving unit may be anything that moves the relative positions of the irradiation unit 30 and the object to be processed 100 (food stored inside the storage unit), for example.

The irradiation unit 30 has a light source that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the food stored inside the storage unit. The light source is not particularly limited as long as it irradiates ultraviolet light. For example, the light source may be a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode or a laser diode, or a discharge lamp such as a mercury lamp or a barrier discharge lamp.
In the following, a case where the light source is a light emitting element will be described as an example.
The irradiation unit 30 can be provided on one side of the treatment object 100. For example, as shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the irradiation unit 30. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation unit 30 in FIG. 2 as viewed from the direction of line AA.
As shown in FIG. 2, the irradiation unit 30 includes, for example, a light-emitting module 31, a cooling unit 32, a circuit board 33, and a housing .

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, multiple light-emitting modules 31 can be provided. The multiple light-emitting modules 31 can be arranged, for example, in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the workpiece 100. The multiple light-emitting modules 31 can be provided inside the housing 34. The number of light-emitting modules 31 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the workpiece 100. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one light-emitting module 31 is provided.

In this case, if multiple light-emitting modules 31 of a specified size are provided, it becomes possible to use the same light-emitting module 31 for processing devices 1 of different sizes. Furthermore, if, for example, a light-emitting element 31b fails as a light source emitting ultraviolet light, only the light-emitting module 31 in which the failed light-emitting element 31b is installed can be replaced. This reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies inventory management, improves maintainability, and reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, because the size of the light-emitting module 31 does not become excessively large, it becomes easier to manufacture and handle the light-emitting module 31.

The light emitting module 31 includes, for example, a substrate 31a and a plurality of light emitting elements 31b as a light source for emitting ultraviolet light.
The substrate 31a has a plate-like shape. The planar shape of the substrate 31a can be, for example, a rectangle. The substrate 31a can be made of, for example, an inorganic material such as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy, or a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material. In this case, considering the dissipation of heat generated in the light-emitting element 31b, the substrate 31a is preferably formed using a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the substrate 31a can be formed from ceramics such as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, a highly thermally conductive resin, a metal core substrate, or the like. The highly thermally conductive resin can be, for example, a resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon mixed with a filler containing aluminum oxide or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 31a can be attached to the heat dissipation portion 32a using, for example, a fastening member such as a screw. In this case, an elastic heat transfer sheet or a layer of silicone grease can be provided between the substrate 31a and the heat dissipation portion 32a. By providing an elastic heat transfer sheet or a layer of silicone grease, it is possible to prevent gaps from forming between the substrate 31a and the heat dissipation portion 32a. This makes it easier for heat generated in the light-emitting element 31b to be transferred to the heat dissipation portion 32a, preventing the temperature of the light-emitting element 31b from exceeding the maximum junction temperature.

The light-emitting element 31b has a longer lifespan than high-pressure mercury lamps and the like, but the amount of light it emits decreases over time. It is also possible for the light-emitting element 31b to malfunction. If the board 31a is detachably attached to the heat dissipation unit 32a using a fastening member, replacing the light-emitting module 31 will be easier.

The substrate 31a can also be bonded to the heat dissipation section 32a using, for example, an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. If the substrate 31a is bonded to the heat dissipation section 32a using an adhesive with high thermal conductivity, it is possible to prevent gaps from forming between the substrate 31a and the base, making it easier for heat generated in the light-emitting element 31b to be transferred to the heat dissipation section 32a. This also simplifies the configuration of the light-emitting module 31.

The multiple light-emitting elements 31b are provided on the surface of the substrate 31a opposite the heat dissipation unit 32a. The multiple light-emitting elements 31b are electrically connected to a wiring pattern provided on the surface of the substrate 31a. The light emission surfaces of the multiple light-emitting elements 31b face toward a window 34e provided in the housing 34. Ultraviolet light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 31b is irradiated to the outside of the irradiation unit 30 through the window 34e.

The multiple light-emitting elements 31b are arranged in a row. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the multiple light-emitting elements 31b can be arranged in a matrix. The arrangement and number of the multiple light-emitting elements 31b are not limited to the example shown in Figure 3, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the type, size, planar shape, etc. of the object 100 to be treated.

The light-emitting element 31b, which is a light source that emits ultraviolet light, is not particularly limited as long as it can emit ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less. For example, the light-emitting element 31b can be a light-emitting diode or a laser diode that can emit ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less.
The light source for emitting ultraviolet light may be a discharge lamp such as a mercury lamp or a barrier discharge lamp, which is capable of emitting ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less.

The multiple light-emitting elements 31b can be, for example, chip-shaped light-emitting elements. In this case, the multiple light-emitting elements 31b can be mounted to a wiring pattern provided on the substrate 31a using COB (Chip On Board). A sealing portion can also be provided to cover the multiple light-emitting elements 31b.

The plurality of light emitting elements 31b may be, for example, surface-mounted light emitting elements, or may be, for example, bullet-shaped light emitting elements having lead wires.
However, if the plurality of light-emitting elements 31b are chip-shaped light-emitting elements, it is possible to provide many light-emitting elements 31b in a small area, thereby enabling the light-emitting module 31 to be miniaturized, and therefore the irradiating unit 30 to be miniaturized.

The cooling unit 32 includes, for example, a heat dissipation unit 32a and a blower unit 32b.
3, for example, a plurality of heat dissipation sections 32a may be provided. When a plurality of heat dissipation sections 32a are provided, for example, the plurality of heat dissipation sections 32a may be arranged in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the workpiece 100 to be processed.

Although the example shows a case where multiple heat dissipation units 32a are provided, a single heat dissipation unit 32a may also be provided. That is, at least one heat dissipation unit 32a can be provided. However, if multiple heat dissipation units 32a of a predetermined size are provided, it becomes possible to use the same heat dissipation unit 32a for processing devices 1 of different sizes. This makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify inventory management. Furthermore, because the size of the heat dissipation unit 32a does not become excessively large, it becomes easier to manufacture and handle the heat dissipation unit 32a.

The heat dissipation unit 32a has, for example, a block-shaped base to which the light-emitting module 31 is attached, and multiple fins. The heat dissipation unit 32a can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum alloy.

The air blower 32b supplies gas G to multiple fins provided on the heat dissipation unit 32a. The gas G may be, for example, gas G contained in the atmosphere in which the processing device 1 is installed. The gas G may be, for example, air.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air blower 32b is provided inside the housing 34. The air blower 32b can be attached to the inner wall of the housing 34, for example, via a bracket. The air blower 32b is provided on the opposite side of the heat dissipation unit 32a from the light-emitting module 31 side.

The air blower 32b can also be provided, for example, outside the housing 34. However, if the air blower 32b is provided inside the housing 34, the distance between the air blower 32b and the heat dissipation section 32a can be shortened, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the gas G discharged from the air blower 32b can be guided to the heat dissipation section 32a by the inner wall of the housing 34. In other words, the gas G discharged from the air blower 32b can be prevented from diffusing. Therefore, the gas G discharged from the air blower 32b can be efficiently supplied to the multiple fins provided on the heat dissipation section 32a.

There are no particular limitations on the type of blower 32b, but it can be, for example, an axial fan. If the blower 32b is an axial fan, the amount of gas G supplied can be increased, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

For example, at least one air blower 32b can be provided for each heat dissipation section 32a. The number of air blowers 32b can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the heat dissipation section 32a, the amount of heat generated by the light-emitting module 31, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, the circuit board 33 is provided inside the housing 34. The circuit board 33 can be provided, for example, near the end of the housing 34 opposite the side on which the light-emitting module 31 is provided. The circuit board 33 can be attached, for example, to the inner wall of the housing 34.

The circuit board 33, for example, switches the multiple light-emitting elements 31b on and off, controls the power applied to the multiple light-emitting elements 31b, and switches the supply of gas G by the heat dissipation unit 32a on and off.

The housing 34 is box-shaped and has space inside to house, for example, the light-emitting module 31, the cooling unit 32, and the circuit board 33. The exterior of the housing 34 can be, for example, approximately rectangular or cubic.

A plurality of exhaust ports 34a may be provided on the side surface of the housing 34. The plurality of exhaust ports 34a may be provided at positions facing the cooling unit 32.
Furthermore, a connector 34b, a connector 34c, a filter 34d, and the like can be provided at the end of the housing 34 opposite to the side where the light emitting module 31 is provided.

The connector 34b can be provided, for example, to electrically connect a power source or the like provided outside the irradiation unit 30 to the circuit board 33. The connector 34b can be, for example, a power connector.
The connector 34c can be provided, for example, to electrically connect the controller 50 and the circuit board 33. The connector 34c can be, for example, a connector for communication.

At least one filter 34d can be provided. When air is blown by the blower 32b, gas G outside the housing 34 is introduced into the housing 34 via the filter 34d. If the filter 34d is provided, it is possible to prevent dust and other particles contained in the atmosphere in which the irradiation unit 30 is installed from entering the housing 34. Furthermore, if it is possible to prevent dust and other particles from entering the housing 34, it is possible to prevent dust and other particles from being included in the exhaust gas from the irradiation unit 30. This makes it possible to prevent dust and other particles from adhering to the object to be treated 100.

The window 34e is provided at the end of the housing 34 on the side where the light-emitting module 31 is provided. The window 34e is made of a material that transmits and is resistant to ultraviolet light. The light-transmitting portion 45b can be made of, for example, ultraviolet transmitting glass, acrylic resin, etc.

The irradiation unit 30 can also be provided below the workpiece 100. For example, the irradiation unit 30 can be provided above or below the moving unit 20. Multiple irradiation units 30 can also be provided.

When the irradiation unit 30 irradiates ultraviolet light toward the workpiece 100 located above, the window 34e provided in the irradiation unit 30 faces upward. This makes it easier for dust and other particles to adhere to the window 34e. When dust and other particles adhere to the window 34e, the dust and other particles block the light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 31b, weakening the intensity of the light that reaches the workpiece 100.

Therefore, when the irradiation unit 30 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the processing object 100 located above, an air blowing device that blows air through the window 34e can be provided. In this case, the air blowing device may spray air at a predetermined timing, or may spray air constantly while the processing device 1 is operating.
The air blowing device can also be provided when the irradiation unit 30 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the object to be treated 100 below.

1, a sensor 35 for detecting the position of the workpiece 100 can be further provided. The sensor 35 can be provided, for example, to determine the timing of irradiation by the irradiation unit 30 or to switch between starting and stopping irradiation. For example, the sensor 35 can be provided upstream of the irradiation unit 30 and in the vicinity of the irradiation unit 30.
There is no particular limitation on the type of the sensor 35. The sensor 35 may be, for example, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a proximity sensor.

The storage unit 40 stores the processed material 100a. The storage unit 40 may be, for example, a container provided near the discharge end of the moving unit 20. The storage unit 40 may also be provided with a vibrating device to promote the discharge of the processed material 100a from the moving unit 20.

The controller 50 controls the operation of each element provided in the processing device 1. The controller 50 has, for example, a calculation unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory. The controller 50 is, for example, a computer. The storage unit can store, for example, control programs that control the operation of each element provided in the processing device 1. The storage unit can also store data on the "ultraviolet transmittance of the storage unit," which will be described later.

For example, when the sensor 35 detects that the workpiece 100 has been brought into the irradiation area of the irradiation unit 30, the controller 50 controls the irradiation unit 30 to irradiate ultraviolet light.

The ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 enters the storage unit of the food item 100. As mentioned above, the storage unit is made of a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light, so the ultraviolet light that enters the storage unit passes through the storage unit and reaches the surface of the food. The ultraviolet light that reaches the surface of the food then sterilizes, for example, bacteria and microorganisms that are attached to the surface of the food.

Here, for example, if the material of the storage section changes, the thickness of the material changes, or the surface shape or surface properties of the material change, the ultraviolet transmittance of the storage section may change.
FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the material of the storage section and the transmittance of ultraviolet light.
As can be seen from Figure 4, when the material of the storage section (films A to C) is changed, the transmittance of ultraviolet light through the storage section changes. When the transmittance of ultraviolet light changes, the intensity of ultraviolet light reaching the surface of the food changes.
As described above, the peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (light-emitting element 31b) is 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less. In this wavelength range, as can be seen from Figure 4, if the material of the storage unit is changed, the transmittance of the ultraviolet light through the storage unit changes significantly.

If the UV transmittance of the storage area changes, the amount of UV light irradiated on the food's surface (cumulative light amount) will change, which could make it difficult to maintain the food's freshness and quality. For example, if the UV transmittance of the storage area decreases, the amount of UV light irradiated on the food's surface will decrease, which could result in insufficient sterilization. For example, if the UV transmittance of the storage area increases, the amount of UV light irradiated on the food's surface will increase, which could cause the food to deteriorate, change color, or lose its flavor and taste.

Therefore, in the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 and/or the relative movement speed of the moving unit are controlled according to the transmittance of ultraviolet light in the storage unit so that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food becomes a predetermined value.
Furthermore, as will be described later, if a drive unit 37 is further provided that changes the distance L between the ultraviolet ray emission part (e.g., window 34e) of the irradiation unit 30 and the processed object 100 (storage unit), at least one of the amount of ultraviolet ray irradiated from the irradiation unit 30, the relative movement speed of the moving unit, and the distance L is controlled according to the transmittance of ultraviolet ray in the storage unit so that the amount of ultraviolet ray irradiated on the surface of the food becomes a predetermined value.

The relative movement speed of the moving unit is the relative movement speed between the irradiation unit 30 and the object to be processed 100 (food stored inside the storage unit). For example, when the object to be processed 100 is moved by the moving unit 20 such as a conveyor, the relative movement speed of the moving unit is the movement speed of the object to be processed 100. When the irradiation unit 30 is moved by the moving unit, the relative movement speed of the moving unit is the movement speed of the irradiation unit 30.

For example, when the peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 is 280 nm, the ultraviolet light transmittance of film A shown in Figure 4 is 82.8%, the ultraviolet light transmittance of film B is 47.2%, and the ultraviolet light transmittance of film C is 22.5%.

Therefore, if the UV irradiation dose on the food surface required for sterilization or the like is 20 mJ/ ^cm2 , the UV irradiation dose irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 for the processed object 100 having a storage section formed from film A should be 24.2 mJ/ ^cm2 (20 mJ/ ^cm2 × 100% ÷ 82.8%). The UV irradiation dose irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 for the processed object 100 having a storage section formed from film B should be 42.4 mJ/ ^cm2 (20 mJ/ ^cm2 × 100% ÷ 47.2%). The UV irradiation dose irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 for the processed object 100 having a storage section formed from film C should be 88.9 mJ/ ^cm2 (20 mJ/ ^cm2 × 100% ÷ 22.5%).
In other words, if the required amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food is Z (mJ/ ^cm2 ) and the transmittance of ultraviolet light in the storage section is Y (%), then the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation section 30, X (mJ/ ^cm2 ), can be calculated as "X (mJ/ ^cm2 ) = Z (mJ/ ^cm2 ) × 100 (%) ÷ Y (%)".

The amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 can be controlled, for example, by varying the power applied to the multiple light-emitting elements 31b using the circuit board 33 described above.

Also, for example, the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 can be kept constant, and the relative movement speed of the moving unit can be controlled so that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food becomes a predetermined value.
For example, if the relative movement speed of the processing object 100 by the moving unit is V (m/min) when the ultraviolet transmittance of the storage unit is 100%, then in the case of a storage unit formed from film A, the relative movement speed Va of the processing object 100 by the moving unit can be calculated as "V (m/min) × 82.8% ÷ 100%". In the case of a storage unit formed from film B, the relative movement speed Va of the processing object 100 by the moving unit can be calculated as "V (m/min) × 47.2% ÷ 100%". In the case of a processing object 100 having a storage unit formed from film C, the relative movement speed Va of the processing object 100 by the moving unit can be calculated as "V (m/min) × 22.5% ÷ 100%".

In other words, when the ultraviolet transmittance in the storage section is 100%, if the relative movement speed of the processing object 100 by the moving section is V (m/min) and the ultraviolet transmittance in the storage section is Y (%), then the relative movement speed Va of the processing object 100 by the moving section can be calculated as "Va (m/min) = V (m/min) × Y (%) ÷ 100 (%)".
The relative moving speed of the workpiece 100 can be changed by controlling a moving unit such as the moving unit 20, for example.

In addition, for example, the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 and the relative movement speed of the object to be processed 100 by the movement unit can be controlled so that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food reaches a predetermined value.

The transmittance of ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength through the storage section can be determined in advance. Data on the transmittance of ultraviolet light through the storage section can be stored in the memory section of the controller 50. The data on the transmittance of ultraviolet light through the storage section can be entered into the controller 50 by an operator, or the data can be transferred to the controller 50 from a host computer or the like.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, a measuring device 36 for measuring the ultraviolet transmittance of the storage unit can also be provided in the processing device 1. The measuring device 36 can be provided on the ultraviolet emission side of the irradiation unit 30. When processing is performed using the processing device 1, the storage unit used for the object 100 to be processed is placed between the irradiation unit 30 and the measuring device 36, ultraviolet light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 30, and the ultraviolet transmittance is measured by the measuring device 36. The measured ultraviolet transmittance data is stored in the memory unit of the controller 50. In this way, the ultraviolet transmittance of the storage unit used for the object 100 to be processed can be accurately and quickly determined.

The calculation unit of the controller 50 controls at least one of the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 and the relative movement speed of the moving unit according to the ultraviolet light transmittance of the storage unit, which is stored in the memory unit, so that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food reaches a predetermined value.

As shown in FIG. 1, the processing device 1 can also be provided with a drive unit 37 that changes the distance L between the ultraviolet light emission portion of the irradiation unit 30 (e.g., window 34e) and the object to be treated 100 (storage unit). The drive unit 37 can be provided in at least one of the moving unit 20 and the irradiation unit 30. The drive unit 37 illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided in the irradiation unit 30 and changes the position of the irradiation unit 30 relative to the object to be treated 100. Alternatively, for example, the drive unit 37 may be provided in the moving unit 20 and change the position of the object to be treated 100 relative to the irradiation unit 30. The drive unit 37 can be equipped with a control motor such as a servo motor.

Here, if the distance L between the irradiation unit 30 (window 34e) and the object 100 (storage unit) is shortened, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the object 100 increases. If the distance L is lengthened, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the object 100 decreases. Therefore, by changing the distance L, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the object 100, and ultimately the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food, can be set to a predetermined value.
The relationship between the distance L and the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the object 100 to be treated can be determined in advance by conducting experiments or simulations. The relationship between the distance L and the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food can also be determined in advance by conducting experiments or simulations.

Furthermore, the distance L changes depending on the thickness of the workpiece 100 to be processed. Therefore, the thickness of the workpiece 100 to be processed can be measured in advance, and, for example, data on the measured thickness of the workpiece 100 can be stored in the memory unit of the controller 50. The calculation unit of the controller 50 can calculate the amount of change in the distance L based on the data on the thickness of the workpiece 100 stored in the memory unit.

The aforementioned sensor 35 can also be given the function of measuring distance L. For example, the sensor 35 can be an optical distance sensor, a radio wave distance sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, or the like. Note that the sensor 35 that detects the presence or position of the workpiece 100 and the sensor that measures distance L can be provided separately. The data on the measured distance L can be stored in the memory unit of the controller 50, or can be used directly in calculations to control the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation.

When a drive unit 37 is provided that changes the distance L between the ultraviolet light emission portion of the irradiation unit 30 and the object to be processed 100, the calculation unit of the controller 50 controls at least one of the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation unit 30, the relative movement speed of the moving unit, and the distance L, depending on the ultraviolet light transmittance of the storage unit stored in the memory unit, so that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food becomes a predetermined value.

As described above, according to the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 and/or the relative movement speed of the moving unit can be controlled according to the transmittance of ultraviolet light in the storage unit, so that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food becomes a predetermined value.
Therefore, even if the ultraviolet transmittance of the storage section changes, it is possible to carry out appropriate processing.

The above describes several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

1 Processing device, 10 Supply unit, 20 Transport unit, 30 Irradiation unit, 31 Light-emitting module, 31b Light-emitting element, 36 Measuring device, 40 Storage unit, 50 Controller, 100 Processing object

Claims (5)

A food processing device that irradiates ultraviolet light onto food stored inside a storage section that is transparent to ultraviolet light,
an irradiation unit having a light source for irradiating the ultraviolet light and irradiating the ultraviolet light onto the food stored inside the storage unit;
a moving unit that moves the relative positions of the irradiation unit and the food stored inside the storage unit;
a measuring device provided on the ultraviolet ray exit side of the irradiation unit, for measuring the ultraviolet ray transmittance of the storage unit;
a controller that controls the irradiation unit and the movement unit;
Equipped with
The controller controls at least one of the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation unit and the relative movement speed of the moving unit according to the data on the transmittance of the ultraviolet light of the storage unit measured in advance by the measuring device , so that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food becomes a predetermined value. A food processing device that irradiates ultraviolet light onto food stored inside a storage section that is transparent to ultraviolet light,
an irradiation unit having a light source for irradiating the ultraviolet light and irradiating the ultraviolet light onto the food stored inside the storage unit;
a moving unit that moves the relative positions of the irradiation unit and the food stored inside the storage unit;
a driving unit that changes the distance between the ultraviolet ray emitting portion of the irradiation unit and the storage unit;
a measuring device provided on the ultraviolet ray exit side of the irradiation unit, for measuring the ultraviolet ray transmittance of the storage unit;
a controller that controls the irradiation unit, the movement unit, and the drive unit;
Equipped with
The controller controls at least one of the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation unit, the relative movement speed of the moving unit, and the distance, based on data on the transmittance of the ultraviolet light of the storage unit measured in advance by the measuring device, so that the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated on the surface of the food becomes a predetermined value. The food processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller controls the irradiation unit so that the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation unit satisfies the following formula:
X (mJ/cm ² )=Z (mJ/cm ² )×100 (%) ÷ Y (%)
X (mJ/cm ² ) is the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the irradiation unit;
Y (%) is the ultraviolet transmittance of the storage section measured in advance by the measuring device ,
Z (mJ/cm ² ) is the desired dose of the UV light at the surface of the food product. 3. The food processing device according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the moving unit so that the relative moving speed of the food stored inside the storage unit by the moving unit satisfies the following formula:
Va (m/min) = V (m/min) x Y (%) ÷ 100 (%)
Va (m/min) is the relative movement speed of the food stored inside the storage unit by the moving unit,
V (m/min) is the relative movement speed of the food stored inside the storage unit by the moving unit when the transmittance of the ultraviolet light in the storage unit is 100%;
Y (%) is the transmittance of the ultraviolet light in the storage section. A food processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light source irradiates ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less.