Apparatus and method for injecting additives into food products

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for injecting an additive into a food. The apparatus includes a storage unit for storing an additive to be injected into a food, an injection unit installed with a storage container storing the food and injecting the additive into the food, a vacuum suction unit for suctioning air in an injection tank to generate a vacuum pressure, a compression unit for increasing pressure by supplying air into the injection tank, a supply unit for supplying the additive in a storage tank to the injection tank, a return unit for returning the additive in the injection tank to the storage tank, a recovery unit for recovering the additive in the storage tank and the injection tank, and a control unit for controlling the storage unit, the injection unit, the vacuum suction unit, the compression unit, the supply unit, the return unit, and the recovery unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for injecting additives into food and a method for injecting additives into food using the apparatus, the apparatus and method being used to inject additives such as steviol glycosides for a specific purpose, such as increasing the sugar content in foods such as fruits and vegetables. Background Technology

[0002] Taste is generally considered an important factor in food intake, influencing nutritional satisfaction, health-promoting functions, and the safety of its components. Methods for improving taste when food is nutritious but tastes poor have been studied, and significant efforts are underway to enhance nutritional value when food tastes good but is nutritionally deficient.

[0003] For example, tomatoes have many nutrients but are low in sugar, making them a typical example of foods that children may not like.

[0004] Therefore, in related technologies, methods have been proposed to treat fruits before or after harvesting by using components such as sugar to increase the sugar content of the fruit. However, various problems exist, such as inhibiting fruit production due to high sugar and high calories or being unsuitable for human use.

[0005] To address this issue, an injection method is being used to increase the sugar content by injecting stevia into the fruit. Stevia is known to be 300 times sweeter than sugar, but has almost no calories.

[0006] However, the injection methods according to related technologies consist of injecting additives under vacuum or under pressure, and a method for injecting additives into specific fruits such as tomatoes and apples has also been proposed.

[0007] Therefore, the method according to the relevant technology is a method of injecting additives into specific fruits or vegetables using a specific method, and there are limitations on the injection of various additives suitable for the characteristics of various fruits and vegetables. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides an apparatus for injecting additives into food and a method for injecting additives into food using the apparatus, the apparatus and method being capable of injecting various additives, such as sugar content enhancers and nutrient enhancers, into various foods such as fruits and vegetables.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for injecting an additive into food is provided, the apparatus comprising: a storage unit 100 for storing an additive S to be injected into food F; an injection unit 110, the injection unit being fitted with a storage container 113 for storing the food F and injecting the additive S into the food F; a vacuum suction unit 120 for suctioning air from an injection tank 111 to generate a vacuum pressure; a compression unit 130 for increasing pressure by supplying air to the injection tank 111; a supply unit 140 for supplying the additive S from the storage tank 101 to the injection tank 111; a return unit 150 for returning the additive S from the injection tank 111 to the storage tank 101; a recovery unit 160 for recovering the additive S from the storage tank 101 and the injection tank 111; and a control unit (not shown) for controlling these units.

[0010] In the apparatus of the present invention for injecting an additive into food, the storage unit may be provided with means for storing the additive S by including: a storage tank 101 that stores the additive S and assists in the injection of the additive S; a first shut-off valve 102 configured to open or close the storage tank 101; a first level sensor 103 for sensing a maximum storage position when the additive S is filled in the storage tank 101; and a second level sensor 104 for sensing a minimum storage position of the additive S required for the injection operation of the additive S.

[0011] In the apparatus of the present invention for injecting an additive into food, the injection unit may be provided with means for injecting the additive into the food by including: an injection tank 111 for providing space to enable the injection operation of the additive S; a cover 112 configured to open or close the injection tank 111; a storage container 113 configured to contain the food F to be injected with the additive S; a support 114 configured to mount the storage container 113 containing the food F; a third liquid level sensor 115 for sensing a minimum liquid level when the food F is not immersed in the additive S; a fourth liquid level sensor 116 for sensing a maximum liquid level when the food F is not immersed in the additive S; a fifth liquid level sensor 117 for sensing the liquid level when the food F is fully immersed in the additive S; and a second shut-off valve 118 that is selectively opened when the pressure inside the injection tank 111 becomes atmospheric pressure.

[0012] In the apparatus of the present invention for injecting additives into food, the vacuum suction unit may provide means for achieving a vacuum pressure in the injection tank 111 by including: a vacuum pump 121 for providing power to suction air from inside the injection tank 111; a suction flow path 122 connecting the injection tank 111 and the vacuum pump 121 to guide the suction air inside the injection tank 111; a first air storage tank 123 for storing air and reducing the impact at the moment air suction begins; a first on / off valve 124 for selectively opening or closing the suction flow path 122; a vacuum regulator 125 for maintaining the pressure in the injection tank 111 at a set vacuum pressure; a vacuum gauge 126 for indicating the pressure status in the injection tank 111; and a first drain valve 127 for draining water filled in the first air storage tank 123.

[0013] In the apparatus of the present invention for injecting additives into food, the compression unit may provide means for increasing the pressure in the injection tank 111 by including: an air compressor 131 for providing power to supply air to the injection tank 111; a compression flow path 132 connecting the injection tank 111 and the air compressor 131 to guide the air supply to the injection tank 111; a second air storage tank 133 for storing air and reducing the impact at the moment the air supply begins; a second on / off valve 134 for selectively opening or closing the compression flow path 132; a pressure regulator 135 for maintaining the pressure in the injection tank 111 at a set pressure; a pressure gauge 136 for indicating the pressure status in the injection tank 111; and a second drain valve 137 for draining water filled in the second air storage tank 133.

[0014] In the apparatus of the present invention for injecting additives into food, the supply unit may provide means for supplying additive S from storage tank 101 to injection tank 111 by including: a first circulation pump 141 for providing power so that additive S in storage tank 101 can be supplied to injection tank 111; a supply flow path 142 connected to the lower part of storage tank 101 and the upper part of injection tank 111 to guide the supply of additive S from storage tank 101 to injection tank 111; a third on / off valve 143 for selectively opening or closing supply flow path 142; and a spray nozzle 144 connected to one end of supply flow path 142 and positioned in the upper part of injection tank 111 to supply additive S to food F.

[0015] In the apparatus of the present invention for injecting an additive into food, the return unit may provide means for returning the additive S in the injection tank 111 to the storage tank 101 by including: a second circulation pump 151 for providing power so that the additive S in the injection tank 111 can return to the storage tank 101; a return flow path 152 connected to the lower part of the injection tank 111 and the upper part of the storage tank 101 to guide the additive S in the injection tank 111 back to the storage tank 101; and a fourth on / off valve 153 for selectively opening or closing the return flow path 152.

[0016] In the apparatus of the present invention for injecting additives into food, the recovery unit may provide means for recovering the additive S from the storage tank 101 and the injection tank 111 after replacing the additive S or terminating the injection operation by including: a recovery tank 162 for storing the recovered additive S; a third circulation pump 161 for providing power to recover the additive S from the storage tank 101 and the injection tank 111 to the recovery tank 162; and a first recovery flow path 163 connected to the lower part of the storage tank 101 to guide the additive. S is recovered into the recovery tank 162; a second recovery flow path 164 is connected to the lower part of the injection tank 111 to guide the additive S to the confluence Z of the first recovery flow path 163 so that it can be recovered into the recovery tank 162; a fifth on / off valve 165 is used to selectively open or close the first recovery flow path 163; a sixth on / off valve 166 is used to selectively open or close the second recovery flow path 164; and a third shut-off valve 167 is used to open or close the recovery tank 162.

[0017] In the apparatus of the present invention for injecting additives into food, a control unit (not shown) provides means for controlling the storage unit 100, the injection unit 110, the vacuum suction unit 120, the compression unit 130, the supply unit 140, the return unit 150, and the recovery unit 160. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the construction of a device for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the additive storage steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the injection preparation steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating food preparation steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the vacuum suction step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 6This is a diagram illustrating the spraying vacuum injection step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the spray pressure injection step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the food immersion step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the impregnation pressure injection step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the additive return step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the injection completion steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; Figure 12 A diagram illustrating the additive recovery step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention; and Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the injection steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] The exemplary embodiments described herein and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications may exist at the time of filing this application to replace the exemplary embodiments and drawings herein. The invention can be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0021] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part includes a component, it shall be understood that other components are also included, without excluding other components, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0022] The apparatus for injecting additives into food according to the present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for injecting additives into foods such as fruits, vegetables, and meats to increase sugar content or to impart functional components. The target foods of the present invention can be agricultural products, livestock products, and forest products, and broadly include all substances that can be consumed by humans. Furthermore, the target additives of the present invention include all ingredients worthy of injection into food, such as health supplement ingredients, flavoring ingredients, and stevia for increasing sugar content.

[0023] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the construction of a device for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the additive storage steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the injection preparation steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating food preparation steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the vacuum suction step in the apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the spraying vacuum injection step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the spray pressure injection step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the food impregnation step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the impregnation pressure injection step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the additive return step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the injection completion steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention. Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the additive recovery step in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention, and Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the injection steps in an apparatus for injecting additives according to the present invention.

[0025] The apparatus for injecting additives into food according to the present invention comprises: a storage unit 100 for storing additives S to be injected into food F; an injection unit 110, which is equipped with a storage container 113 containing food F and injects additives S into food F; a vacuum suction unit 120 for suctioning air from injection tank 111 to generate vacuum pressure; a compression unit 130 for increasing pressure by supplying air to injection tank 111; a supply unit 140 for supplying additives S from storage tank 101 to injection tank 111; a return unit 150 for returning additives S from injection tank 111 to storage tank 101; a recovery unit 160 for recovering additives S from storage tank 101 and injection tank 111; and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the storage unit, injection unit, vacuum suction unit, compression unit, supply unit, return unit, and recovery unit.

[0026] The storage unit stores the additive S to be injected into the food F, assists in supplying the stored additive S to the injection tank 111 for injection, and allows any remaining additive S after injection to be returned and stored again in the injection tank 111.

[0027] First, additive S is filled into storage tank 101 by opening the first shut-off valve 102 until the position of the first level sensor 103 is reached. At this time, the position of the first level sensor 103 indicates the upper limit of the storage amount when additive S is filled into storage tank 101.

[0028] The first level sensor 103 is located below the connection point between the storage tank 101 and the discharge-side return flow path 152 of the second circulation pump 151, which is configured to return the additive S injected into the tank 111 to the storage tank 101.

[0029] This is because, preferably, the pump's suction-side flow path is immersed in the fluid, while the pump's discharge-side flow path is not immersed in the fluid.

[0030] The second liquid level sensor 104 is a sensor for detecting the minimum storage position of additive S required for the additive S injection operation, and is a sensor for detecting the minimum liquid level, such that when the maximum amount of additive S is supplied from storage tank 101 to injection tank 111, the suction side supply flow path 142 of the first circulation pump 141 is immersed in additive S.

[0031] That is, when the maximum amount of additive S is supplied from storage tank 101 to injection tank 111, the food F in injection tank 111 is supplied up to the position of the fifth level sensor 117 so as to be completely immersed in additive S. At this time, the level of additive S in storage tank 101 should be set such that the suction side supply flow path 142 of the first circulation pump 141 is immersed in additive S and is above the reference level L shown in the figure.

[0032] Meanwhile, even after the initial additive S is stored, the amount of additive S decreases with repeated additive S injection operations. Preferably, the size of the storage tank 101 is set sufficiently so that no additional additive S is needed until the additive S is recovered.

[0033] The positions of the first liquid level sensor 103 and the first liquid level sensor 103 shown in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only, and may also be installed above or below the storage tank 101 depending on the type of sensor.

[0034] The first liquid level sensor 103 and the second liquid level sensor 104 are used to detect the liquid level, and various types of liquid level sensors can be used, such as liquid level sensors that check the liquid level by attaching an electrode rod or by measuring the liquid level by using ultrasound to check the ultrasonic waves reflected from the water surface, semiconductor liquid level sensors, liquid level sensors that measure the liquid level by water pressure, capacitive liquid level sensors, etc.

[0035] The injection unit provides a means for loading food F and injecting additive S into food F.

[0036] The injection tank 111 provides space for performing the injection operation of additive S, and the cover 112 is provided on the upper part to open or close the injection tank 111.

[0037] Considering that the food F in the injection tank 111 is immersed in the additive S to be injected, the cover 112 is preferably installed above the injection tank 111, but may also be installed on its side surface.

[0038] Storage container 113 contains food F intended for injection of additive S, and storage container 113 can be manufactured in a form where additive S can freely enter and exit, allowing additive S to be injected into food F while food is contained in the storage container. When storage container 113 is made of sheet material, it has a shape that allows additive S to freely enter and exit, with an opening at the top and side and bottom surfaces machined to have a sufficient number of holes. Of course, storage container 113 can be manufactured in other structures, such as wire mesh.

[0039] The support member 114 is used to support the storage container 113, and the upper surface of the support member 114 contacts the lower surface of the storage container 113. It can be configured such that the additive S can pass through the upper surface of the support member 114 to enter and exit the lower surface of the storage container 113, and the other side surface of the support member 114 can be configured such that the additive S can freely enter and exit.

[0040] The third liquid level sensor 115, the fourth liquid level sensor 116, and the fifth liquid level sensor 117 serve as devices for detecting the liquid level of additive S in the injection tank 111. The third liquid level sensor 115 is used to detect the lowest liquid level when the food F contained in the storage container 113 is not immersed in additive S, and the fourth liquid level sensor 116 is used to detect the highest liquid level when the food F contained in the storage container 113 is not immersed in additive S. On the other hand, the fifth liquid level sensor 117 is used to detect the liquid level when the food F contained in the storage container 113 is completely immersed in additive S.

[0041] The third liquid level sensor 115 and the fourth liquid level sensor 116 are used to provide liquid level information so that when the additive S is sprayed and injected, i.e. in the spraying vacuum injection step 210 and the spraying pressure injection step 212, the food F is not immersed in the additive S.

[0042] Additionally, the fifth liquid level sensor 117 is used to provide liquid level information so that when food F is immersed in additive S and then additive S is injected, i.e. in the immersion pressure injection step 216, food F should be immersed in additive S.

[0043] The third liquid level sensor 115, the fourth liquid level sensor 116, and the fifth liquid level sensor 117 can use various sensors, such as the first liquid level sensor 103 and the second liquid level sensor 104, and are preferably installed on the side surface of the injection tank 111, but can also be installed above or below the injection tank 111.

[0044] When the vacuum pressure or rising pressure inside the injection tank 111 becomes atmospheric pressure, the second shut-off valve 118 can be selectively opened. This can be done after the additive S has been injected into the food F, that is, before the storage container 113 containing the food F containing the additive S is removed from the injection tank 111.

[0045] The vacuum suction unit provides a means for creating a vacuum pressure inside the injection tank 111 by suctioning air from inside the injection tank 111.

[0046] The vacuum pump 121 of the suction unit 120 provides power to draw air from inside the injection tank 111 through the suction flow path 122 connected to the upper part of the injection tank 111.

[0047] A first air storage tank 123 is installed in the suction flow path 122 at the front end of the vacuum pump 121, and the first air storage tank 123 is used to operate the vacuum pump 121 to store air when evacuating air from the injection tank 111, and to reduce the impact generated at the moment when air evacuation begins. A first drain valve 127 for draining water is installed in the first air storage tank 123.

[0048] The first on / off valve 124 can be installed on the suction flow path 122 between the injection tank 111 and the vacuum gauge 126, and is selectively opened only when the vacuum pump 121 is operating.

[0049] The vacuum regulator 125 is installed on the suction flow path 122 to maintain the pressure in the injection tank 111 at a constant set vacuum pressure, and can be installed between the vacuum gauge 126 and the first air storage tank 123.

[0050] Vacuum gauge 126 can be installed between the first open / close valve 124 and the vacuum regulator 125, and can check the vacuum pressure inside the injection tank 111.

[0051] The compression unit provides a means for increasing the internal pressure of the injection tank 111 by supplying air into the injection tank 111.

[0052] The air compressor 131 of the compression unit 130 provides power to supply air to the injection tank 111 through the compressed flow path 132 connected to the injection tank 111.

[0053] A second air storage tank 133 is installed in the compressed flow path 132 at the front end of the air compressor 131, and the second air storage tank 133 is used to operate the air compressor 131 to store air when air is supplied to the injection tank 111, and to reduce the impact generated at the moment when air supply begins. A second drain valve 137 for draining water is installed in the second air storage tank 133.

[0054] The second on / off valve 134 may be installed on the compressed flow path 132 between the injection tank 111 and the pressure gauge 136, and may be selectively opened only when the air compressor 131 is operating.

[0055] The pressure regulator 135 is installed on the compression flow path 132 to maintain the pressure in the injection tank 111 at a constant set vacuum pressure, and can be installed between the pressure gauge 136 and the second air storage tank 133.

[0056] Pressure gauge 136 can be installed between the second on / off valve 134 and the pressure regulator 135, and can check the pressure inside injection tank 111.

[0057] The supply unit provides means for supplying additive S from storage tank 101 to injection tank 111.

[0058] The supply flow path 142 of the supply unit 140 is connected between the lower part of the storage tank 101 and the upper part of the injection tank 111.

[0059] The first circulation pump 141 of the supply unit 140 is located below the storage tank 101 and is installed on the supply flow path 142 connected to the storage tank 101, and provides power to supply the additive S in the storage tank 101 to the injection tank 111.

[0060] The third on / off valve 143 opens selectively only when the first circulation pump 141 operates to supply the additive S in the storage tank 101 to the injection tank 111.

[0061] The end of the supply flow path 142 connected to the injection tank 111 is connected to the injection nozzle 144 located inside the injection tank 111.

[0062] When the first circulation pump 141 operates and the third open / close valve 143 is opened, the additive S in the storage tank 101 is supplied to the injection nozzle 144 in the injection tank 111 through the supply flow path 142, and then the additive S is sprayed onto the food F in the storage container 113.

[0063] The spray nozzle 144 is preferably integrally connected to the cover 112 so that there is no interference when the storage container 113 containing the food F is placed into or removed from the injection tank 111.

[0064] The return unit provides a means for returning the additive S in the injection tank 111 to the storage tank 101.

[0065] The return flow path 152 of the return unit 150 is connected between the lower part of the injection tank 111 and the upper part of the storage tank 101.

[0066] The second circulation pump 151 of the return unit 150 is located below the injection tank 111 and is installed on the return flow path 152 connected to the injection tank 111, and provides power so that the additive S left in the injection tank 111 after injection can be returned to the storage tank 101.

[0067] The fourth open / close valve 153 is selectively opened only when the second circulation pump 151 is operated to return the additive S in the injection tank 111 to the storage tank 101.

[0068] Preferably, the suction side flow path of the second circulation pump 151 is immersed in the additive S, and for this purpose, a third liquid level sensor 115 is provided to detect the lowest liquid level.

[0069] The recovery unit provides a means for recovering the additive S in storage tank 101 and injection tank 111 after the additive S is replaced or the injection operation is completed.

[0070] The first recycling flow path 163 is connected between the lower part of the storage tank 101 and the recycling tank 162, and the second recycling flow path 164 is connected between the lower part of the injection tank 111 and the confluence part Z of the first recycling flow path 163.

[0071] The third circulation pump 161 of the recycling unit 160 is installed between the confluence Z where the first recycling flow path 163 and the second recycling flow path 164 intersect and the recycling tank 162, and provides power so that the additive S in the storage tank 101 and the injection tank 111 can be recycled to the recycling tank 162 through the first recycling flow path 163 and the second recycling flow path 164.

[0072] The fifth open / close valve 165 is installed on the first recovery flow path 163 between the third circulation pump 161 and the recovery tank 162, and the sixth open / close valve 166 is installed at the lower part of the injection tank 111 between the confluence Z where the first recovery flow path 163 and the second recovery flow path 164 intersect, so as to selectively open only when the third circulation pump 161 is operating to recover the additive S.

[0073] Additive S recovered to recovery tank 162 can be removed by opening the third shut-off valve 167.

[0074] The control unit (not shown) allows for automatic control of the device of the present invention for injecting additives into food.

[0075] Therefore, it is preferred that electronic valves, such as solenoid valves, are used for the first open / close valves 124 to the sixth open / close valves 166, the second shut-off valve 118, the vacuum regulator 125, and the pressure regulator 135, and that automatic drain valves are used as the first drain valve 127 and the second drain valve 137.

[0076] When the first shut-off valve 102 and the third shut-off valve 167 are equipped with an automatic additive supply device and an automatic additive removal device not included in this invention, electronic valves such as solenoid valves may be used.

[0077] The control unit (not shown) controls the components based on sensor signals from the first level sensor 103 to the fifth level sensor 117 and the injection method, pressure, time, etc. set in the vacuum suction step, spray vacuum injection step, spray pressure injection step, and impregnation pressure injection step, so as to provide control means to automatically execute the additive S injection operation.

[0078] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for injecting additives into food using an apparatus for injecting additives into food may include: an additive storage step 202, storing additive S in a storage tank 101; an injection preparation step 204, filling the injection tank 111 with additive S up to the position of a third liquid level sensor 115, such that the suction-side flow path of the second circulation pump 151 is immersed in additive S; a food preparation step 206, accommodating food F in a storage container 113 and mounting the storage container 113 on a support 114 inside the injection tank 111; a vacuum suction step 208, bringing the pressure inside the injection tank 111 to a vacuum pressure state; and a spray vacuum injection step 210, maintaining the set vacuum pressure while spraying through a spray nozzle 144. Additive S is sprayed and injected into food F; spray pressure injection step 212, additive S is sprayed and injected into food F through spray nozzle 144 while maintaining a set pressure; food impregnation step 214, additive S is supplied to injection tank 111 so that food F in injection tank 111 is completely impregnated with additive S; impregnation pressure injection step 216, while maintaining food F completely impregnated with additive S, additive S is injected into food F by pressurization; additive return step 218, additive S in injection tank 111 is returned to storage tank 101; injection completion step 220, food F is removed after the internal pressure of injection tank 111 becomes atmospheric pressure; and additive recovery step 222, additive S in storage tank 101 and injection tank 111 is recovered.

[0079] The following will refer to Figures 2 to 12 The method will be described in more detail. In the additive storage step 202, as follows... Figure 2 As shown, the first shut-off valve 102 is opened, and the additive S is filled until the liquid level of the first liquid level sensor 103 is reached.

[0080] When the additive S is manually filled into the storage tank 101, or when equipped with an automatic additive supply device not included in the present invention, the first shut-off valve 102 can be controlled to open automatically so that the additive S can be supplied automatically.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the next injection preparation step 204 is a process performed once after the additive S is filled into the storage tank 101 and before the first injection operation is performed, and allows the suction side flow path of the second circulation pump 151 to be immersed in the additive S.

[0082] Subsequently, since the suction side flow path of the second circulation pump 151 is operated to impregnate the additive S until the additive S is recovered, the injection preparation step 204 is not required.

[0083] like Figure 3As shown, injection preparation step 204 allows the suction-side flow path of the second circulation pump 151 to be initially immersed in the additive S. However, strictly speaking, thereafter, since the suction-side flow path of the second circulation pump 151 is immersed in the additive S in the spray vacuum injection step 210, the spray pressure injection step 212, and the food impregnation step 214, injection preparation step 204 can be omitted.

[0084] Meanwhile, since the first recovery flow path 163 on the suction side of the third circulation pump 161 is immersed in the additive S during the additive storage step 202, no separate pre-operation is required.

[0085] In the next food preparation step 206, such as Figure 4 As shown, after opening the lid 112 of the injection tank 111, the food F into which the additive S is injected is contained in the storage container 113, and the storage container 113 is mounted on the support 114 in the injection tank 111. Preferably, a separately equipped automatic installation device is used for the installation operation, and when the automatic installation device is equipped, the lid 112 of the injection tank 111 can be automatically controlled.

[0086] In the next vacuum suction step 208, as Figure 5 As shown, the operation process is performed to make the pressure in the injection tank 111 become a vacuum pressure.

[0087] In the vacuum suction step 208, when the first open / close valve 124 is opened, the vacuum pump 121 operates to draw air from the injection tank 111 through the suction flow path 122 connected to the injection tank 111, so that the pressure in the injection tank 111 becomes the set vacuum pressure.

[0088] At this time, the pressure can be controlled by the vacuum regulator 125 installed in the suction flow path 122, so that the pressure in the injection tank 111 can be maintained at the set vacuum pressure, and the magnitude of the vacuum pressure in the injection tank can be observed by the vacuum gauge 126 installed in the suction flow path 122.

[0089] In the next spraying vacuum injection step 210, as Figure 6 As shown, when the third open / close valve 143 is open, the first circulation pump 141 installed on the supply flow path 142 operates to spray the additive S in the storage tank 101 onto the food F contained in the storage container 113 through the supply flow path 142 and the spray nozzle 144 connected to the supply flow path 142, and to inject the additive S into the food F under vacuum.

[0090] At this point, the vacuum pressure can be maintained either by maintaining the vacuum pressure in the vacuum suction step 208 or by making the vacuum pressure lower than the vacuum pressure in the vacuum suction step 208.

[0091] In the next spray pressure injection step 212, as Figure 7 As shown, when the third open / close valve 143 is open, the first circulation pump 141 installed on the supply flow path 142 operates to spray the additive S in the storage tank 101 onto the food F contained in the storage container 113 through the supply flow path 142 and the spray nozzle 144 connected to the supply flow path 142, and inject the additive S into the food F by pressurization.

[0092] At this time, the pressure is increased by opening the second on / off valve 134 installed in the compression flow path 132 and operating the air compressor 131 to supply air to the injection tank 111, and the pressure is controlled by the pressure regulator 135 installed in the compression flow path 132 so that the pressure in the injection tank 111 can be maintained constant at the set pressure. The magnitude of the pressure in the injection tank 111 can be observed using the pressure gauge 136 installed on the compression flow path 132.

[0093] In the next food soaking step 214, as Figure 8 As shown, the first circulation pump 141 installed on the supply flow path 142 operates to supply the additive S in the storage tank 101 to the injection tank 111 through the supply flow path 142 and the injection nozzle 144 connected to the supply flow path 142, and then to the level up to the fifth level sensor 117, so that the food F is completely immersed in the additive S.

[0094] like Figure 9 As shown, after completing the food impregnation step 214, the next impregnation pressure injection step 216 is performed. While the food F is impregnated in the additive S, air is supplied to the injection tank 111 to increase the pressure by opening the second on / off valve 134 installed in the compressed flow path 132 and operating the air compressor 131 installed in the compressed flow path 132, so that the additive S is injected into the food F by the increased pressure.

[0095] At this time, the pressure can be controlled by the pressure regulator 135 installed in the compression flow path 132, so that the pressure in the injection tank 111 can be maintained at the set pressure, and the pressure in the injection tank 111 can be observed by the pressure gauge 136 installed in the compression flow path 132.

[0096] Next, in the additive return step 218, as... Figure 10As shown, when the fourth open / close valve 153, installed on the return flow path 152, is open, the second circulation pump 151 operates to return the additive S in the injection tank 111 to the storage tank 101 via the return flow path 152. This return of the additive S continues until its position in the injection tank 111 reaches the position of the third level sensor 115. The return step occurs upon completion of the impregnation pressure injection step 216.

[0097] On the other hand, while the spraying vacuum injection step 210 and the spraying pressure injection step 212 are being operated, the additive S is also returned even when it rises to the position of the fourth liquid level sensor 116.

[0098] Next, as Figure 11 As shown, injection completion step 220 is the process of opening the cover 112 and taking out the storage container 113 containing the food F after the process of injecting additive S into food F in injection tank 111 is completed, and the pressure in injection tank 111 is made atmospheric pressure by opening the second shut-off valve 118 installed on injection tank 111.

[0099] Next, in the additive recovery step 222, as Figure 12 As shown, when the additive S injection operation is repeated multiple times and it is time to replace the additive S, when the fifth open / close valve 165 installed in the first recovery flow path 163 and the sixth open / close valve 166 installed in the second recovery flow path 164 are opened, the third circulation pump 161 installed in the first recovery flow path 163 operates to recover the additive S in the storage tank 101 and the injection tank 111 to the recovery tank 162 through the first recovery flow path 163 and the second recovery flow path 164.

[0100] Additive S recovered into recovery tank 162 can be removed to the outside by opening the third shut-off valve 167.

[0101] Figure 13 A method for injecting an additive into a preferred food product, with each step of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is shown and will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] like Figure 13 As shown, firstly, in the additive storage step 202, the first shut-off valve 102 is opened, and the additive S is added and stored in the storage tank 101.

[0103] Next, in injection preparation step 204, when the third open / close valve 143 installed in the supply flow path 142 is opened, the first circulation pump 141 installed in the supply flow path 142 operates to supply the additive S in the storage tank 101 to the injection tank 111 through the supply flow path 142 and the spray nozzle 144 up to the level where the third level sensor 115 is located.

[0104] Next, in food preparation step 206, after opening the lid 112 of the injection tank 111, the food F containing the additive S is placed in the storage container 113, and the storage container 113 is installed on the support 114 in the injection tank 111.

[0105] Next, in vacuum suction step 208, when the first open / close valve 124 is opened, the vacuum pump 121 operates to draw air from the injection tank 111 through the suction flow path 122 connected to the injection tank 111, so that the pressure in the injection tank 111 becomes the set vacuum pressure. At this time, the desired vacuum pressure and vacuum suction time are set.

[0106] Next, during the spray vacuum injection, in spray vacuum injection step 210, while the third open / close valve 143 is open, the first circulation pump 141 installed on the supply flow path 142 operates to spray the additive S in the storage tank 101 onto the food F contained in the storage container 113 through the supply flow path 142 and the spray nozzle 144 connected to the supply flow path 142, and inject the additive S into the food F under vacuum. At this time, the desired vacuum pressure and vacuum injection time are set.

[0107] Simultaneously, when spray pressure injection is performed after vacuum suction step 208, in injection pressure injection step 212, when the third open / close valve 143 is opened, the first circulation pump 141 installed on the supply flow path 142 operates to spray the additive S in storage tank 101 onto the food F contained in storage container 113 through the supply flow path 142 and the spray nozzle 144 connected to the supply flow path 142, and inject the additive S into the food F under pressure. At this time, the desired pressure and pressure injection time are set.

[0108] Simultaneously, when the impregnation pressure injection is performed after the vacuum suction step 208, due to the food impregnation step 214, the first circulation pump 141 installed on the supply flow path 142 operates to supply the additive S in the storage tank 101 to the injection tank 111 through the supply flow path 142 and the spray nozzle 144. At this time, the additive S is supplied up to the level where the fifth liquid level sensor 117 is located, so that the food F is completely impregnated in the additive S.

[0109] Next, since the impregnation pressure injection step 216 is performed simultaneously with the food F being impregnated in the additive S, air is supplied to the injection tank 111 to increase the pressure by opening the second on / off valve 134 installed in the compressed flow path 132 and operating the air compressor 131 installed in the compressed flow path 132, so that the additive S is injected into the food F. At this time, the desired pressure and pressure injection time are set.

[0110] Next, in the additive return step 218, when the fourth open / close valve 153 installed on the return flow path 152 is opened, the second circulation pump 151 operates to return the additive S in the injection tank 111 to the storage tank 101 through the return flow path 152. At this time, the return is performed until the additive S in the injection tank 111 reaches the position of the third level sensor 115.

[0111] Next, in the injection completion step 220, the second shut-off valve 118 installed on the injection tank 111 is opened to make the pressure in the injection tank 111 atmospheric pressure, and then the cover 112 is opened to remove the storage container 113 containing the food F.

[0112] When it is time to replace additive S during the repeated additive injection operation, the third circulation pump 161 installed in the first recovery flow path 163 operates to recover additive S from storage tank 101 and injection tank 111 to recovery tank 162 through the first recovery flow path 163 and the second recovery flow path 164 when the fifth open / close valve 165 installed in the first recovery flow path 163 and the sixth open / close valve 166 installed in the second recovery flow path 164 are opened.

[0113] In the vacuum suction step 208, when the food F is cherry tomatoes and the additive S is steviol glycoside, the vacuum suction is typically performed for 30 to 60 seconds while the vacuum gauge pressure is maintained at approximately 0.05 bar. However, this is only an exemplary implementation and needs to be set according to the type and characteristics of the food F and the additive S.

[0114] Vacuum suction creates a vacuum in the additive S injection tank 111, thereby expelling the air inside the food F to the outside, thus easily injecting the additive S into the food F.

[0115] When food product F is cherry tomatoes and additive S is steviol glycoside, typically, in the spray vacuum injection step 210, the vacuum gauge pressure is maintained at approximately 0.05 bar to 0.15 bar, and vacuum injection is performed for 5 to 15 minutes. In the spray pressure injection step 212, the pressure is maintained at approximately 0.10 bar to 0.30 bar, and in the impregnation pressure injection step 216, the pressure is maintained at approximately 1.5 bar to 3.0 bar, and pressure injection is performed for 5 to 15 minutes. This is only an exemplary embodiment and needs to be set according to the type and characteristics of food product F and additive S.

[0116] Even if the same additive S is injected into the same food F, since the injection state of additive S changes according to the pressure and injection time, it should naturally be set according to the desired sugar content.

[0117] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the apparatus for injecting additives into food, spray vacuum injection, spray pressure injection, and impregnation pressure injection methods can be applied independently, or these injection methods can be combined and applied. Furthermore, the apparatus has a structure that allows for repeated additive injection by supplying and returning additives between a storage tank and an injection tank, resulting in significantly improved productivity and the ability to inject various additives into various foods.

[0118] Although the invention has been shown and described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for injecting an additive into food, the apparatus comprising: Storage unit (100) for storing additives (S) to be injected into food (F); An injection unit (110) is provided with a storage container (113) for containing the food (F) and injects the additive (S) into the food (F); A vacuum suction unit (120) is used to suction air from the injection tank (111) to generate a vacuum pressure; A compression unit (130) is used to increase pressure by supplying air into the injection tank (111); Supply unit (140) for supplying the additive (S) in storage tank (101) to injection tank (111). Return unit (150), the return unit is used to return the additive (S) in the injection tank (111) to the storage tank (101); A recycling unit (160) is used to recycle the additive (S) in the storage tank (101) and the injection tank (111). as well as The control unit is used to control the storage unit (100), the injection unit (110), the vacuum suction unit (120), the compression unit (130), the supply unit (140), the return unit (150), and the recovery unit (160). The return unit (150) includes: A second circulation pump (151) is used to provide power so that the additive (S) in the injection tank (111) can be returned to the storage tank (101). A return flow path (152) is established, connecting the lower part of the injection tank (111) and the upper part of the storage tank (101) to guide the additive (S) in the injection tank (111) back to the storage tank (101); and A fourth open / close valve (153) is used to selectively open or close the return flow path (152). The injection unit (110) includes: The injection tank (111) provides space to enable the injection of the additive (S); A cover (112) configured to open or close the injection tank (111). The storage container (113) is configured to contain the food (F) to be injected with the additive (S). Support (114), the support is configured to mount the storage container (113) that contains the food (F). A third liquid level sensor (115) is used to sense the minimum liquid level when the food (F) is not immersed in the additive (S); A fourth liquid level sensor (116) is used to sense the maximum liquid level when the food (F) is not immersed in the additive (S); A fifth liquid level sensor (117) is used to sense the liquid level when the food (F) is completely immersed in the additive (S); and The second shut-off valve (118) is selectively opened when the pressure inside the injection tank (111) becomes atmospheric pressure. The vacuum suction unit (120) includes: A vacuum pump (121) is used to provide power to draw air from inside the injection tank (111); A suction flow path (122) is provided between the injection tank (111) and the vacuum pump (121) to guide the air being pumped inside the injection tank (111); The first air storage tank (123) is used to store air and reduce the impact generated at the moment when air is started; A first open / close valve (124) is used to selectively open or close the suction flow path (122). A vacuum regulator (125) is used to maintain the pressure in the injection tank (111) at a set vacuum pressure; Vacuum gauge (126), which indicates the pressure state in the injection tank (111); and The first drain valve (127) is used to drain the water filling the first air storage tank (123). The supply unit (140) includes: A first circulation pump (141) is used to provide power so that the additive (S) in the storage tank (101) can be supplied to the injection tank (111). A supply flow path (142) is provided, which is connected to the lower part of the storage tank (101) and the upper part of the injection tank (111) to guide the additive (S) in the storage tank (101) to the injection tank (111). A third on / off valve (143) is used to selectively open or close the supply flow path (142); and A spray nozzle (144) is connected to one end of the supply flow path (142) and positioned at the top of the injection tank (111) to supply the additive (S) to the food (F).

2. The apparatus for injecting additives into food according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit (100) includes: The storage tank (101) stores the additive (S) and assists in the injection of the additive (S). A first shut-off valve (102) is configured to open or close the storage tank (101). A first liquid level sensor (103) is used to sense the maximum storage position when the additive (S) is filled into the storage tank (101); and A second liquid level sensor (104) is used to sense the minimum storage position of the additive (S) required for the additive (S) injection operation.

3. The apparatus for injecting additives into food according to claim 1, wherein, The compression unit (130) includes: An air compressor (131) is provided to provide power to supply air to the injection tank (111); A compressed flow path (132) is provided between the injection tank (111) and the air compressor (131) to guide air supply into the injection tank (111); A second air storage tank (133) is used to store air and reduce the impact at the moment when the air supply begins; A second on / off valve (134) is used to selectively open or close the compressed flow path (132). Pressure regulator (135) for maintaining the pressure in the injection tank (111) at a set pressure; Pressure gauge (136), which indicates the pressure status in the injection tank (111); and The second drain valve (137) is used to drain the water filled in the second air storage tank (133).

4. The apparatus for injecting additives into food according to claim 1, wherein, The recycling unit (160) includes: A recycling tank (162) for storing the recycled additives (S); A third circulation pump (161) is used to provide power to recover the additive (S) in the storage tank (101) and the injection tank (111) to the recovery tank (162). A first recycling flow path (163) is connected to the lower part of the storage tank (101) to guide the additive (S) to be recycled into the recycling tank (162). A second recycling flow path (164) is connected to the lower part of the injection tank (111) to guide the additive (S) to the confluence (Z) of the first recycling flow path (163) so that it can be recycled into the recycling tank (162). A fifth open / close valve (165) is used to selectively open or close the first recovery flow path (163). A sixth on / off valve (166) is used to selectively open or close the second recovery flow path (164); and A third shut-off valve (167) is used to open or close the recovery tank (162).

5. A method for injecting an additive into food using the apparatus for injecting additives into food according to claim 1, the method comprising: Additive storage step (202): The additive (S) is stored in the storage tank (101); In the injection preparation step (204), the additive (S) is filled into the injection tank (111) up to the position of the third liquid level sensor (115), such that the suction side flow path of the second circulation pump (151) is immersed in the additive (S). Food preparation step (206): The food (F) is contained in the storage container (113) and the storage container is installed on the support (114) inside the injection tank (111); The vacuum suction step (208) makes the pressure inside the injection tank (111) a vacuum pressure state; In the spraying vacuum injection step (210), while maintaining a set vacuum pressure by means of a supply flow path (142) and a spray nozzle (144), the additive (S) is sprayed and injected into the food (F) through the spray nozzle (144). The supply flow path (142) is connected between the lower part of the storage tank (101) and the upper part of the injection tank (111) to guide the supply of the additive (S) from the storage tank (101) to the injection tank (111). The spray nozzle (144) is connected to one end of the supply flow path (142) and is located in the upper part of the injection tank (111) to supply the additive (S) to the food (F). In the spray pressure injection step (212), the additive (S) is sprayed and injected into the food (F) through the spray nozzle (144) while maintaining a set pressure. In the food immersion step (214), the additive (S) is supplied to the injection tank (111) such that the food (F) in the injection tank (111) is completely immersed in the additive (S); The impregnation pressure injection step (216) involves injecting the additive (S) into the food (F) under pressure while maintaining the food (F) completely impregnated in the additive (S). The additive return step (218) returns the additive (S) in the injection tank (111) to the storage tank (101). After the injection is completed (220), the food (F) is removed after the internal pressure of the injection tank (111) has reached atmospheric pressure; and Additive recovery step (222) recovers the additive (S) from the storage tank (101) and the injection tank (111).

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