Raw material meat vibrator

Abstract

To provide a raw material meat vibrator which reduces manual work for immersion of seasoning liquid into raw material meat and is capable of producing immersed meat having stable quality.SOLUTION: A raw material meat vibrator includes: a moving pedestal onto which a container containing raw material meat and seasoning liquid is loaded and which is movable; a drive device which reciprocates the moving pedestal in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first elastic mechanism which is disposed in the first direction from the moving pedestal and which produces elastic force against given pressing force; and a second elastic mechanism which is disposed in the second direction from the moving pedestal and which produces elastic force against given pressing force. The drive device moves the moving pedestal in the first direction until the moving pedestal collides with the first elastic mechanism and moves the moving pedestal in the second direction until the moving pedestal collides with the second elastic mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a raw meat vibrator. [Background technology]

[0002] The manufacturing process of unheated meat products such as raw hams includes a step of salting raw meat with a salting liquid, also called pickle liquid, in order to improve the shelf life. Patent Document 1 discloses a salting method that employs an injection method. In Patent Document 1, raw meat into which a salting liquid has been injected by the injection method is placed in a jacket tank of a tumbler and tumbled by the rotation of the jacket tank. When the jacket tank is not rotating, the jacket tank is vibrated by an air vibrator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-191841 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The salting method of Patent Document 1 mechanizes the process after the injection of the salting liquid, but the injection of the salting liquid requires manual labor, and the manual labor also requires skill. Therefore, the productivity of the salting method of Patent Document 1 is low. One salting method, the wet salting method, is a method in which raw meat is soaked in a salting liquid, and although it requires a longer production period than the injection method, it has the advantage that it does not require manual injection of the salting liquid. The wet salting method includes the work of turning the raw meat over during the soaking. The present disclosure provides a raw meat vibrator that reduces the manual labor involved in soaking raw meat, such as salted meat, in seasoning liquid and can produce soaked meat with stable quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A raw meat vibrator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a movable platform that is loaded with a container containing raw meat and seasoning liquid and is movable, a drive device that reciprocates the movable platform in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a first elastic mechanism that is arranged in the first direction relative to the movable platform and generates an elastic force against an applied pressing force, and a second elastic mechanism that is arranged in the second direction relative to the movable platform and generates an elastic force against an applied pressing force, and the drive device moves the movable platform in the first direction until the movable platform collides with the first elastic mechanism, and moves the movable platform in the second direction until the movable platform collides with the second elastic mechanism. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a raw meat vibrator according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the raw meat vibrator of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the raw meat vibrator of FIG. 1, seen from above the loading platform. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the raw meat vibrator in a state where the moving platform has been moved in a first direction from the state of the raw meat vibrator in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view similar to FIG. 1 showing the raw meat vibrator of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the raw meat vibrator in a state where the moving platform has been moved in a second direction from the state of the raw meat vibrator in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view similar to FIG. 1 showing the raw meat vibrator of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. Among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim showing a top concept will be described as optional components. Each figure in the attached drawings is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. In each figure, substantially the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted or simplified. In this specification and claims, "apparatus" may mean not only one apparatus but also a system including multiple apparatuses.

[0008] The configuration of a raw meat vibrator 1 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a raw meat vibrator 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a rear view of the raw meat vibrator 1 of Fig. 1. The raw meat vibrator 1 applies vibrations to raw meat immersed in pickling liquid, also called salting liquid, to soak the entire raw meat in the pickling liquid and promote the penetration of the pickling liquid into the raw meat. Although the raw meat is not limited, in this embodiment, the raw meat is pork, and the pork is a meat block shaped for prosciutto (hereinafter referred to as "prosciutto log"), and the raw meat vibrator 1 is used to manufacture prosciutto. The pickling liquid is an example of a seasoning liquid.

[0009] The manufacturing process of the prosciutto disclosed herein includes a first step of shaping raw meat, a second step of vibrating the prosciutto log immersed in pickling liquid, a third step of aging the prosciutto log in a refrigerated environment for several tens of days, a fourth step of smoking the prosciutto log, a fifth step of stuffing the prosciutto log into a casing, a sixth step of slicing the prosciutto log after tempering, and a seventh step of packaging the sliced ​​prosciutto, etc. The raw meat vibrator 1 is used in the second step.

[0010] The raw meat vibrator 1 includes a vibrator main body 100 and a power source 200 for the vibrator main body 100. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the power source 200 supplies compressed air as power to the vibrator main body 100. Examples of the power source 200 include a compressor, an air pump, and the like.

[0011] The vibrator body 100 includes a movable table 10, an outer surrounding frame 20, a driving device 30, and elastic mechanisms 40 and 50. The driving device 30 is connected to the movable table 10 and moves the movable table 10 in directions D1 and D2. The first direction D1 is a direction along a flat floor surface F on which the raw meat vibrator 1 is placed. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the floor surface F. The second direction D2 is a direction opposite to the first direction D1.

[0012] Here, the third direction D3 is a direction that intersects with the directions D1 and D2 and is along the floor surface F, and in this embodiment, is a direction that is perpendicular to the directions D1 and D2 and parallel to the floor surface F. The fourth direction D4 is the opposite direction to the third direction D3. The fifth direction D5 is a direction that intersects with the directions D1, D2, D3, and D4 and is away from the floor surface F, and in this embodiment, the fifth direction D5 is an upward direction that is perpendicular to the directions D1, D2, D3, and D4 and perpendicular to the floor surface F. The sixth direction D6 is the opposite direction to the fifth direction D5. In this embodiment, the floor surface F is horizontal, and the fifth direction D5 may be called the upward direction, and the sixth direction D6 may be called the downward direction.

[0013] In this specification and claims, "parallel" may include "perfectly parallel" and "substantially parallel" which can be considered as parallel. "Vertical" may include "perfectly vertical" and "substantially vertical" which can be considered as vertical. "Orthogonal" may include "perfectly orthogonal" and "substantially orthogonal" which can be considered as orthogonal. "Horizontal" may include "perfectly horizontal" and "substantially horizontal" which can be considered as horizontal.

[0014] The driving device 30 includes a rod 31 connected to the movable table 10, and an air pressure cylinder 32 that extends and retracts the rod 31 in the directions D1 and D2. The air pressure cylinder 32 is fixed to the outer surrounding frame 20. The air pressure cylinder 32 is connected to a power source 200 via piping. The raw meat vibrator 1 is provided with an air pressure control valve 201 and a speed control valve 202 in the piping between the air pressure cylinder 32 and the power source 200. The air pressure control valve 201 is connected to the power source 200 via piping P1, and is connected to the air pressure cylinder 32 via piping P2 and P3. The speed control valve 202 is disposed midway between the piping P2 and P3.

[0015] The pneumatic cylinder 32 includes a piston 32a connected to the rod 31 in the internal space of the casing. The piston 32a divides the internal space of the casing into a first chamber 32b and a second chamber 32c. The first chamber 32b is connected to the pipe P2, and the second chamber 32c is connected to the pipe P3. The pneumatic cylinder 32 is exemplified as a double-acting cylinder as described above, but may be a single-acting cylinder.

[0016] The air pressure control valve 201 selectively supplies air supplied from the pipe P1 to the pipe P2 or the pipe P3. The air pressure control valve 201 switches the state of the air pressure control valve 201 between a first state in which air is supplied to the pipe P2 and air is received from the pipe P3, and a second state in which air is supplied to the pipe P3 and air is received from the pipe P2.

[0017] In the first state, the air pressure control valve 201 supplies air to the pipe P2, and the air in the pipe P2 flows into the first chamber 32b and slides the piston 32a in the first direction D1. The piston 32a sends the air in the second chamber 32c to the pipe P3. The air pressure control valve 201 receives air from the pipe P3 and exhausts the air. In the second state, the air pressure control valve 201 supplies air to the pipe P3, and the air in the pipe P3 flows into the second chamber 32c and slides the piston 32a in the second direction D2. The piston 32a sends the air in the first chamber 32b to the pipe P2. The air pressure control valve 201 receives air from the pipe P2 and exhausts the air.

[0018] In this embodiment, the air pressure control valve 201 is a pilot operated valve, but may be a mechanically operated valve, a solenoid operated valve, or another type of valve. The pilot operated air pressure control valve 201 receives a supply of other air in addition to the air supplied from the pipe P1. The air pressure control valve 201 periodically switches the state of the air pressure control valve 201 between a first state and a second state under the action of the pressure of the supplied air. This causes the air cylinder 32 to operate so as to periodically repeat the extension and contraction of the rod 31 alternately.

[0019] The speed control valve 202 controls the flow rate of air in the pipe P2 and the flow rate of air in the pipe P3. That is, the speed control valve 202 controls the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder 32. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the speed control valve 202 has a meter-out type structure that controls the flow rate of exhaust air from the pneumatic cylinder 32 toward the pneumatic control valve 201. The speed control valve 202 may include a flow control valve and a check valve arranged in the pipe P2, and a flow control valve and a check valve arranged in the pipe P3. The speed control valve 202 may have a meter-in type structure that controls the flow rate of supply air from the pneumatic control valve 201 toward the pneumatic cylinder 32. In this embodiment, the speed control valve 202 is a solenoid valve, but may be a mechanically operated valve or another type of valve.

[0020] The speed control valve 202 may be disposed in the pipe P1 instead of in the pipes P2 and P3, and may control the flow rate of air supplied to the air pressure control valve 201. This also makes it possible to control the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder 32.

[0021] The raw meat vibrator 1 includes an input unit 203. The input unit 203 receives an input of a command to change the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder 32 from an operator of the raw meat vibrator 1. The input unit 203 operates the speed control valve 202 to change the air flow rate corresponding to the received command. When the speed control valve 202 is a solenoid valve, the input unit 203 may output a command to change the air flow rate to the speed control valve 202. When the speed control valve 202 is a mechanically operated valve, the input unit 203 may have a structure to physically move the speed control valve 202 and move the speed control valve 202 to change the air flow rate. The input unit 203 may include an input means operable to command a change in the flow rate, and examples of such input means may include a dial, a lever, a handle, and the like.

[0022] The movable table 10 includes a loading table 11 and a support frame 12. The loading table 11 is capable of loading one or more containers C containing raw ham logs H and pickling liquid L thereon and is movable. The container C is formed in a rectangular box shape. In the container C, one or more raw ham logs H contained in bags B are immersed in the pickling liquid L. In the illustrated example, four raw ham logs H are contained in the bags B.

[0023] The loading platform 11 includes a loading surface 11a on which the containers C are placed and facing the fifth direction D5. In this embodiment, the loading platform 11 can load a plurality of containers C stacked in a row in the fifth direction D5 on the rectangular loading surface 11a, although this is not limited thereto. Four edges of the rectangular loading surface 11a are aligned with the direction D1 or D3. In the illustrated example, the loading platform 11 loads a transport cart CA carrying nine containers C. Each container C contains one or more raw ham logs H, pickling liquid L, and bags B.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the raw meat vibrator 1 of FIG. 1 seen from above the loading platform 11 in the sixth direction D6. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the loading platform 11 includes a first wheel 11b and a second wheel 11c that movably support the loading platform 11 from below and are rotatable. Although not limited to this embodiment, the two first wheels 11b are arranged in a position offset toward the third direction D3 on the loading platform 11 and are spaced apart from each other and lined up in the first direction D1. The two second wheels 11c are arranged in a position offset toward the fourth direction D4 on the loading platform 11 and are spaced apart from each other and lined up in the first direction D1. The wheels 11b and 11c roll to move in the directions D1 and D2. The rotation axis of each wheel 11b and 11c extends in the third direction D3.

[0025] The loading platform 11 includes a reinforcing plate 11d attached to an end in the first direction D1 and a reinforcing plate 11e attached to an end in the second direction D2. The reinforcing plate 11d is arranged so that its flat main surface faces the first direction D1. The reinforcing plate 11e is arranged so that its flat main surface faces the second direction D2. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the two reinforcing plates 11d are arranged at positions on the loading platform 11 that are biased toward the third direction D3 and toward the fourth direction D4, and the two reinforcing plates 11e are arranged at positions on the loading platform 11 that are biased toward the third direction D3 and toward the fourth direction D4. The rod 31 of the driving device 30 is connected to the reinforcing plate 11e or to the end of the loading platform 11 to which the reinforcing plate 11e is attached.

[0026] The support frame 12 is disposed on the loading platform 11. The support frame 12 includes a main body frame 12a that surrounds from the outside the entirety of the multiple containers C stacked on the loading surface 11a. The main body frame 12a includes four support columns 12aa that extend from the four corners of the rectangular loading surface 11a or from the vicinity thereof in the fifth direction D5. The main body frame 12a further includes connecting members 12ab that connect the four upper ends of the four support columns 12aa to each other. The upper ends are ends that are located in the fifth direction D5.

[0027] The support frame 12 includes reinforcing members 12b arranged on each of the pillars 12aa. One of the reinforcing members 12b connects the protruding portion 11fa of the loading platform 11 to the upper end or a nearby portion of the pillar 12aa adjacent to the protruding portion 11fa in the second direction D2. Another of the reinforcing members 12b connects the protruding portion 11fb of the loading platform 11 to the upper end or a nearby portion of the pillar 12aa adjacent to the protruding portion 11fb in the second direction D2. Another of the reinforcing members 12b connects the protruding portion 11ga of the loading platform 11 to the upper end or a nearby portion of the pillar 12aa adjacent to the protruding portion 11ga in the first direction D1. Another of the reinforcing members 12b connects the protruding portion 11gb of the loading platform 11 to the upper end portion or a portion in the vicinity thereof of the support pillar 12aa adjacent to the protruding portion 11gb in the first direction D1.

[0028] The protrusions 11fa and 11fb protrude from the loading platform 11 in the first direction D1. The protrusions 11ga and 11gb protrude from the loading platform 11 in the second direction D2. The protrusions 11fa and 11ga are adjacent to the side portion 11h of the loading platform 11 in the third direction D3 and extend along the side portion 11h. The protrusions 11fb and 11gb are adjacent to the side portion 11i of the loading platform 11 in the fourth direction D4 and extend along the side portion 11i. The four reinforcing members 12b suppress displacement of the connecting member 12ab in the directions D1 and D2 relative to the loading platform 11, thereby preventing deformation of the main body frame 12a.

[0029] The support frame 12 includes support members 12ca, 12cb, 12cc, and 12cd. The support members 12ca and 12cb are disposed in a first direction D1 relative to the mounting surface 11a, and are attached to the two pillars 12aa located in the first direction D1 relative to the mounting surface 11a so as to extend across these two pillars. The support members 12cc and 12cd are disposed in a second direction D2 relative to the mounting surface 11a, and are attached to the two pillars 12aa so as to extend across these two pillars 12aa located in the second direction D2 relative to the mounting surface 11a. The support members 12ca and 12cc are disposed on the mounting surface 11a or in the vicinity of the mounting surface 11a. The support members 12cb and 12cd are disposed between the connecting member 12ab and the mounting surface 11a. The support members 12ca, 12cb, 12cc, and 12cd are disposed so as to be in contact with or form a small gap with the multiple containers C stacked on the placement surface 11a in the direction D1 or D2.

[0030] The support member 12ca supports the multiple containers C in the first direction D1 near the placement surface 11a, preventing the multiple containers C from displacing in the first direction D1. The support member 12cb supports the multiple containers C in the first direction D1 at a position away from the placement surface 11a, preventing the multiple containers C from collapsing. The support member 12cc supports the multiple containers C in the second direction D2 near the placement surface 11a, preventing the multiple containers C from displacing in the second direction D2. The support member 12cd supports the multiple containers C in the second direction D2 at a position away from the placement surface 11a, preventing the multiple containers C from collapsing.

[0031] The support frame 12 includes guided portions 12d and 12e arranged in an upper portion of the support frame 12. The guided portions 12d and 12e are supported by third guides 20d and 20e of the outer surrounding frame 20 described below so as to be movable in directions D1 and D2. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the guided portions 12d and 12e are rollers rotatably attached to the connecting member 12ab. Hereinafter, the "guided portion 12d" may be referred to as the "first roller 12d" and the "guided portion 12e" may be referred to as the "second roller 12e."

[0032] The structure including the guided portions 12d and 12e and the third guides 20d and 20e may be a structure in which the third guides 20d and 20e support the guided portions 12d and 12e so as to be movable in the directions D1 and D2. For example, the above structure may be a structure in which the guided portions 12d and 12e move in the directions D1 and D2 while engaging or fitting with the third guides 20d and 20e. For example, the structure in which two elements engage or fit with each other may include a combination of a protrusion and a protrusion that engages with or fits with the protrusion, a combination of a protrusion and a groove or recess that engages with or fits with the protrusion, a combination of a hole and a member that passes through the hole, or a combination of these.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two first rollers 12d are arranged protruding from the main body frame 12a in the third direction D3 and are spaced apart from each other and aligned in the first direction D1. The two second rollers 12e are arranged protruding from the main body frame 12a in the fourth direction D4 and are spaced apart from each other and aligned in the first direction D1. The rotation axes of the rollers 12d and 12e extend in the third direction D3.

[0034] The support frame 12 includes a pressing device 12f disposed on the connecting member 12ab. The pressing device 12f includes a pressing member 12fa and a lifting device 12fb. The pressing member 12fa is disposed away from the placement surface 11a in the fifth direction D5 so as to face the placement surface 11a. The pressing member 12fa has a structure capable of contacting an upper end portion of the uppermost container C among the multiple containers C stacked on the placement surface 11a and pressing the upper end portion in the sixth direction D6. For example, the pressing member 12fa may be a plate-like member that abuts on the upper end portion of the uppermost container C, or a lid-like member that covers the upper end portion of the uppermost container C. The pressing member 12fa may have a structure that engages or fits into the upper end portion of the uppermost container C.

[0035] The lifting device 12fb is connected to the pressing member 12fa and moves the pressing member 12fa in the directions D5 and D6. The lifting device 12fb is attached to the connecting member 12ab. The lifting device 12fb moves the pressing member 12fa in the sixth direction D6 and presses the pressing member 12fa against the container C on the placement surface 11a in the sixth direction D6. This prevents the stacked containers C from collapsing.

[0036] The lifting device 12fb may have a structure for moving the pressing member 12fa in the directions D5 and D6. In this embodiment, the lifting device 12fb includes, but is not limited to, a rod connected to the pressing member 12fa and an air cylinder for extending and retracting the rod in the directions D5 and D6. The air cylinder is connected to the air pressure control valve 204 through the pipes P5 and P6. The air pressure control valve 204 is connected to the power source 200 through the pipe P4. The air pressure cylinder of the lifting device 12fb has a structure similar to that of the air pressure cylinder 32, but may be a single-acting cylinder. The air pressure control valve 204 may have a structure similar to that of the air pressure control valve 201, and may be a mechanically operated valve or a solenoid operated valve. The lifting device 12fb may include an electric actuator such as a linear actuator, or a hydraulic cylinder, instead of the air pressure cylinder.

[0037] The outer surrounding frame 20 surrounds the movable platform 10, which is moved in the directions D1 and D2 by the pneumatic cylinder 32. The outer surrounding frame 20 is fixed to the floor surface F. The outer surrounding frame 20 includes a frame body 20a. The frame body 20a includes a support plate member 20aa, four support columns 20ab, and a connecting member 20ac. The support plate member 20aa has a rectangular plate shape and is arranged and fixed on the floor surface F. The four edges of the rectangular support plate member 20aa are along the direction D1 or D3. The movable platform 10 moves on the support plate member 20aa. The four support columns 20ab extend from the four corners of the support plate member 20aa in the fifth direction D5. The connecting member 20ac connects the four upper ends of the four support columns 20ab to each other. The upper ends are ends located in the fifth direction D5.

[0038] The outer enclosure frame 20 includes guides 20b and 20c on the support plate member 20aa. The first guide 20b guides the two first wheels 11b to move in the directions D1 and D2. The second guide 20c guides the two second wheels 11c to move in the directions D1 and D2. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the first guide 20b forms a running path for the first wheels 11b extending in the first direction D1. The second guide 20c forms a running path for the second wheels 11c extending in the first direction D1. The guides 20b and 20c form a groove with a U-shaped cross section that receives the wheels as a running path, but may form a protrusion.

[0039] The guides 20b and 20c limit the movement of each wheel in both directions D3 and D4, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first guide 20b may limit the movement of the first wheel 11b in the third direction D3, and the second guide 20c may limit the movement of the second wheel 11c in the fourth direction D4. The first guide 20b may limit the movement of the first wheel 11b in the fourth direction D4, and the second guide 20c may limit the movement of the second wheel 11c in the third direction D3. The guides 20b and 20c may extend continuously in the first direction D1, but may also extend intermittently.

[0040] The outer enclosing frame 20 includes third guides 20d and 20e. The third guide 20d extends in the first direction D1 across two support columns 20ab located in the third direction D3 relative to the support plate member 20aa, and is fixed to these two support columns 20ab. The third guide 20d extends in the first direction D1 across two support columns 20ab located in the fourth direction D4 relative to the support plate member 20aa, and is fixed to these two support columns 20ab. The third guides 20d and 20e each include guide surfaces 20da and 20ea extending in the first direction D1 and facing the fifth direction D5.

[0041] The two first rollers 12d are disposed on a guide surface 20da and roll on the guide surface 20da in directions D1 and D2. The third guide 20d supports the two first rollers 12d so as to be movable in the directions D1 and D2. The two second rollers 12e are disposed on a guide surface 20ea and roll on the guide surface 20ea in the directions D1 and D2. The third guide 20e supports the two second rollers 12e so as to be movable in the directions D1 and D2. The third guides 20d and 20e may have a structure that guides the movement of the rollers 12d and 12e while engaging with the rollers 12d and 12e via engaging elements such as protrusions or recesses.

[0042] The outer surrounding frame 20 includes an entrance / exit platform 20f arranged adjacent to the loading platform 11 in the third direction D3. The entrance / exit platform 20f includes a guide surface 20fa and an entrance / exit surface 20fb. The guide surface 20fa extends in the first direction D1 adjacent to the side portion 11h of the loading platform 11 and faces the side portion 11h. The guide surface 20fa guides the movement of the loading platform 11 in the directions D1 and D2. The entrance / exit surface 20fb is arranged facing the fifth direction D5. The entrance / exit surface 20fb connects the placement surface 11a of the loading platform 11 and the support surface around the raw meat vibrator 1. For example, the support surface may be the floor surface F or the entrance / exit road surface of the container C. The entrance / exit surface 20fb enables the transport vehicle CA carrying the container C to pass thereover and move between the outside of the outer enclosure 20 and the loading platform 11.

[0043] In this embodiment, the vibrator main body 100 includes two first elastic mechanisms 40 and two second elastic mechanisms 50. The two first elastic mechanisms 40 are disposed in a first direction D1 relative to the movable stage 10, and generate an elastic force against the applied pressing force. The two second elastic mechanisms 50 are disposed in a second direction D2 relative to the movable stage 10, and generate an elastic force against the applied pressing force.

[0044] The two first elastic mechanisms 40 and the two second elastic mechanisms 50 are disposed and fixed to the support plate member 20aa. The two first elastic mechanisms 40 are disposed near the edge of the support plate member 20aa in the first direction D1, and are aligned in the third direction D3 with the two support columns 20ab disposed near the edge. The two second elastic mechanisms 50 are disposed near the edge of the support plate member 20aa in the second direction D2, and are aligned in the third direction D3 with the two support columns 20ab disposed near the edge.

[0045] One of the first elastic mechanisms 40 is disposed at a position facing one of the two reinforcing plates 11d of the loading platform 11 in the first direction D1, and the other of the first elastic mechanisms 40 is disposed at a position facing the other of the two reinforcing plates 11d in the first direction D1. When the moving platform 10 moves in the first direction D1, the two reinforcing plates 11d collide with the two first elastic mechanisms 40. Since the loading platform 11 collides with the two first elastic mechanisms 40 near both ends in the directions D3 and D4, the movement direction of the loading platform 11 is prevented from shifting to the direction D3 or D4 during and immediately after the collision.

[0046] One of the second elastic mechanisms 50 is disposed at a position facing one of the two reinforcing plates 11e of the loading platform 11 in the second direction D2, and the other of the second elastic mechanisms 50 is disposed at a position facing the other of the two reinforcing plates 11e in the second direction D2. When the moving platform 10 moves in the second direction D2, the two reinforcing plates 11e collide with the two second elastic mechanisms 50. Since the loading platform 11 collides with the two second elastic mechanisms 50 near both ends in the directions D3 and D4, the movement direction of the loading platform 11 is prevented from shifting to the direction D3 or D4 during and immediately after the collision.

[0047] Each first elastic mechanism 40 includes a first buffer member 40a and one or more first biasing members 40b that bias the first buffer member 40a in the second direction D2. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, each first elastic mechanism 40 includes two or more first biasing members 40b arranged in the third direction D3 and two or more first biasing members 40b arranged in the fifth direction D5. In the illustrated example, each first elastic mechanism 40 includes four first biasing members 40b arranged in two rows and two columns. The four first biasing members 40b can suppress a change in the posture of the first buffer member 40a even when the first buffer member 40a receives a pressing force in a direction that obliquely intersects with the first direction D1. The four first biasing members 40b can stably generate an elastic force toward the second direction D2.

[0048] Each second elastic mechanism 50 includes a second buffer member 50a and one or more second biasing members 50b that bias the second buffer member 50a in the first direction D1. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, each second elastic mechanism 50 includes two or more second biasing members 50b arranged in the third direction D3 and two or more second biasing members 50b arranged in the fifth direction D5. In the illustrated example, each second elastic mechanism 50 includes four second biasing members 50b arranged in two rows and two columns. The four second biasing members 50b can suppress the change in the posture of the second buffer member 50a even when the second buffer member 50a receives a pressing force in a direction that obliquely intersects with the second direction D2. The four second biasing members 50b can stably generate an elastic force toward the first direction D1.

[0049] The buffer members 40a and 50a buffer the impact of the collision with the reinforcing plates 11d and 11e and prevent damage to the reinforcing plates 11d and 11e. The buffer members 40a and 50a are formed of a material having lower hardness and flexibility than the reinforcing plates 11d and 11e. For example, the reinforcing plates 11d and 11e are made of metal, and examples of the material of the buffer members 40a and 50a include resin and rubber. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the biasing members 40b and 50b are springs, for example, coil springs. The biasing members 40b and 50b may be other members such as pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or bellows. The elastic mechanisms 40 and 50 generate an elastic repulsive force against the pressing force received from the reinforcing plates 11d and 11e while buffering the impact of the collision with the reinforcing plates 11d and 11e.

[0050] The operation of the raw meat vibrator 1 according to the embodiment will be described. For example, an operator starts the raw meat vibrator 1 in the state shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The operator brings the transport cart CA carrying the stacked containers C onto the loading surface 11a of the loading platform 11, and then starts the pressing device 12f. The pressing device 12f lowers the pressing member 12fa in the sixth direction D6, and presses the pressing member 12fa against the topmost container C. Furthermore, the operator inputs a command for the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder 32 into the input unit 203, and then opens a valve that blocks the flow of air from the power source 200 to the pipe P1 to supply air to the pipe P1.

[0051] The air pressure control valve 201 alternates between a first state and a second state in a cyclical manner, and the air pressure cylinder 32 operates to alternately and cyclically repeat the extension and contraction of the rod 31. The extension and contraction of the rod 31 causes the movable stage 10 to reciprocate in the directions D1 and D2.

[0052] The speed control valve 202 controls the air flow rate in the pipes P2 and P3 so that the pneumatic cylinder 32 operates at an operating speed according to a command from the input unit 203. The moving stage 10 reciprocates at the speed according to the command. The operator can also change the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder 32 by further operating the input unit 203.

[0053] The pneumatic cylinder 32 moves the moving stage 10 in the first direction D1 until the moving stage 10 collides with the first elastic mechanism 40, and moves the moving stage 10 in the second direction D2 until the moving stage 10 collides with the second elastic mechanism 50.

[0054] When the moving platform 10 moves in the first direction D1, the reinforcing plate 11d collides with the first elastic mechanism 40 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the raw meat vibrator 1 in a state where the moving platform 10 has moved in the first direction D1 from the state of the raw meat vibrator 1 in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the raw meat vibrator 1 in Fig. 4 similar to Fig. 1. The moving platform 10 receives an impact due to the collision with the first elastic mechanism 40, and further receives an elastic repulsive force from the first elastic mechanism 40 in the second direction D2. The raw ham logs H and pickle liquid L in the container C move in the container C due to the vibration due to the movement and collision of the container C and the vibration due to the elastic repulsive force. Furthermore, the raw ham logs H receive an impact due to the collision with the container C and other raw ham logs H.

[0055] When the moving platform 10 moves in the second direction D2, the reinforcing plate 11e collides with the second elastic mechanism 50 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the raw meat vibrator 1 in a state where the moving platform 10 has moved in the second direction D2 from the state of the raw meat vibrator 1 in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a side view showing the raw meat vibrator 1 in Fig. 6 similar to Fig. 1. The moving platform 10 receives an impact due to the collision with the second elastic mechanism 50, and further receives an elastic repulsive force from the second elastic mechanism 50 in the first direction D1. The raw ham logs H and pickle liquid L in the container C move in the container C due to the vibration due to the movement and collision of the container C and the vibration due to the elastic repulsive force. Furthermore, the raw ham logs H receive an impact due to the collision with the container C and other raw ham logs H.

[0056] As described above, in the process of the moving platform 10 repeatedly moving in the directions D1 and D2, the pickle liquid L in the container C ripples as it moves in the container C due to vibrations caused by the movement and collisions of the container C and vibrations caused by elastic repulsion, and falls from above and the sides on the partially immersed raw ham logs H. As a result, the pickle liquid L adheres to the entire surface of the raw ham logs H. The raw ham logs H in the container C move in the container C due to vibrations caused by the movement and collisions of the container C and vibrations caused by elastic repulsion, and collide with the container C and other raw ham logs H. As a result, the raw ham logs H further ripple the pickle liquid L, promoting the adhesion of the pickle liquid L to the entire surface of the raw ham logs H. The raw ham logs H are subjected to impacts due to the vibrations and collisions, and various parts of the surface are pressed, which promotes the penetration of the pickle liquid L attached to the surface into the raw ham logs H. As a result, the variation in the degree of penetration of the pickle liquid L over the entire surface of the raw ham logs H is reduced.

[0057] The collision between the movable stage 10 and the elastic mechanisms 40 and 50 may be realized by operating the pneumatic cylinder 32 with a predetermined stroke amount. Examples of the predetermined stroke amount may include the maximum stroke amount of the pneumatic cylinder 32, a stroke amount of the pneumatic cylinder 32 that is greater than the stroke amount when the movable stage 10 and the buffer member 40a or 50a come into contact with each other, and a stroke amount of the pneumatic cylinder 32 that contracts the biasing member 40b or 50b upon collision. The collision between the movable stage 10 and the elastic mechanisms 40 and 50 may be realized by a combination of a period of state change set in the pneumatic control valve 201 and an operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder 32 that corresponds to a flow rate set in the speed control valve 202. In this case, the period and the flow rate may be set so as to ensure a stroke amount of the pneumatic cylinder 32 that realizes the collision.

[0058] Since the flow rate at the speed control valve 202 corresponds to the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder 32, setting the flow rate at the speed control valve 202 makes it possible to set the strength of the impact at the collision between the mobile stage 10 and the elastic mechanisms 40 and 50. Setting the period of state change at the pneumatic control valve 201 makes it possible to set the number of collisions per unit time between the mobile stage 10 and the elastic mechanisms 40 and 50. For example, it is also possible to set the mobile stage 10 to collide with either of the elastic mechanisms 40 and 50 every second.

[0059] [Other embodiments] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the scope of the present disclosure also includes embodiments in which various modifications have been made and embodiments constructed by combining components in different embodiments.

[0060] For example, in the embodiment, the driving device 30 includes, but is not limited to, a pneumatic cylinder 32. The driving device 30 may be capable of moving the movable stage 10 in the directions D1 and D2. For example, the driving device 30 may include a device that generates a linear driving force, such as a hydraulic cylinder and an electric linear actuator. Alternatively, the driving device 30 may include a device that generates a rotational driving force, such as an electric motor, and a mechanism that converts the rotational motion into linear motion. Examples of such mechanisms may include a slider-crank mechanism, a slot-crank mechanism, a rack-and-pinion mechanism, a linear motion mechanism using a link mechanism and gears, and a plate cam mechanism.

[0061] In the embodiment, the raw meat vibrator 1 reciprocates on the movable table 10 in a direction along the floor surface F, but the movable table 10 may also reciprocate in a direction intersecting the floor surface F. In this case, the support plate member 20aa may be disposed so as to be along a plane intersecting the floor surface F. The raw meat vibrator 1 reciprocates on the movable table 10 in various directions, and can impart vibrations in various directions to the raw ham logs H in the container C.

[0062] Examples of each aspect of the technology of the present disclosure are given as follows: A raw meat vibrator according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a movable stage having a mounting surface for mounting a container containing raw meat and seasoning liquid, a drive device for reciprocating the movable stage in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a first elastic mechanism disposed in the first direction relative to the movable stage and generating an elastic force against an applied pressing force, and a second elastic mechanism disposed in the second direction relative to the movable stage and generating an elastic force against an applied pressing force, the drive device moves the movable stage in the first direction until the movable stage collides with the first elastic mechanism, and moves the movable stage in the second direction until the movable stage collides with the second elastic mechanism.

[0063] According to the above embodiment, the moving platform carrying the container moves back and forth in the first and second directions while colliding with the first elastic mechanism and the second elastic mechanism. When the moving platform collides, in addition to the impact of the collision, it receives an elastic force in the opposite direction to the moving direction. The seasoning liquid in the container receives vibrations due to the impact and the elastic force, and these vibrations and the movement of the container cause it to ripple as it moves within the container and fall on the soaked raw meat from various directions. This allows the seasoning liquid to adhere to the entire surface of the raw meat. The raw meat in the container receives vibrations due to the impact and the elastic force, and these vibrations and the movement of the container cause it to move within the container and collide with the container, etc. The raw meat ripples the seasoning liquid, promoting the adhesion of the seasoning liquid to the entire surface of the raw meat. The raw meat is pressed against various parts of the surface by the vibrations and collisions, thereby promoting the permeation of the seasoning liquid adhering to the surface into the raw meat. Furthermore, since the raw meat can repeatedly and stably receive such vibrations, it is possible to stabilize and efficiently permeate the seasoning liquid into the raw meat.

[0064] For example, when the infusion of seasoning liquid into raw meat is done manually, the bag containing the raw meat and immersed in the seasoning liquid is turned over by hand. When turning the bag over by hand, the bag is turned over inside out. This work depends on the skill of the person, and the impact given to the raw meat by turning the bag over by hand varies. A raw meat vibrator can automate the turning work, and further, can keep the impact given to the raw meat uniform, and can make the magnitude of the impact larger than that of a manual turning work. Therefore, the raw meat vibrator can effectively reduce the manual work involved in soaking the raw meat in seasoning liquid, and can produce soaked meat with stable quality.

[0065] In the above first aspect, in a raw meat vibrator according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the first elastic mechanism may include a first cushioning member and a first biasing member that biases the first cushioning member in the second direction, and the second elastic mechanism may include a second cushioning member and a second biasing member that biases the second cushioning member in the first direction.

[0066] According to the above aspect, the cushioning member reduces damage to the movable stage when a collision occurs, the biasing member applies an elastic force to the movable stage when a collision occurs, and the elastic mechanism can apply an elastic force to the movable stage while preventing damage to the movable stage.

[0067] In the above second aspect, in a raw meat vibrator according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the first elastic mechanism includes a plurality of the first biasing members, the second elastic mechanism includes a plurality of the second biasing members, the plurality of first biasing members include two or more of the first biasing members arranged in a third direction that is a direction intersecting the first direction and two or more of the first biasing members arranged in a fourth direction that is a direction intersecting the first direction and the third direction, and the plurality of second biasing members may include two or more of the second biasing members arranged in the third direction and two or more of the second biasing members arranged in the fourth direction.

[0068] According to the above aspect, the elastic mechanism includes a plurality of biasing members arranged in two directions intersecting with the first direction. When the buffer member receives a pressing force in a direction diagonally intersecting with the first direction or the second direction, the plurality of biasing members can suppress a change in the posture of the buffer member. The elastic mechanism can generate an elastic force in the first direction or the second direction.

[0069] In any of the first to third aspects above, the raw meat vibrator according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure may further include a first wheel and a second wheel which movably support the movable table, a first guide which guides the first wheel to move in the first direction and the second direction, and a second guide which guides the second wheel to move in the first direction and the second direction.

[0070] According to the above aspect, the movements of the first wheel and the second wheel are guided in the first direction and the second direction by the first guide and the second guide, and the movements of the moving platform in the first direction and the second direction are stabilized.

[0071] In any of the above first to fourth aspects, the raw meat vibrator according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure may further include a support member arranged on the movable table and supporting the containers stacked on the movable table in the first direction and the second direction.

[0072] According to the above aspect, the support member can prevent the containers stacked on the movable table from collapsing even when the movable table moves in the first direction and the second direction.

[0073] In any of the above first to fifth aspects, the raw meat vibrator according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure may further include a guided portion arranged on an upper portion of the movable table, and a third guide which supports the guided portion so as to be movable in the first direction and the second direction.

[0074] According to the above aspect, the movement of the upper part of the movable table in the first direction and the second direction is guided by the third guide. This enables stable movement of the movable table. Even if the height of the movable table is large in order to carry stacked containers, the movable table can move in the first direction and the second direction while suppressing changes in its posture.

[0075] In the sixth aspect, in the raw meat vibrator according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the third guide may include a first guide surface extending in the first direction and the second direction, and the guided portion may include a roller that rolls on the first guide surface in the first direction and the second direction. According to the above aspect, the third guide enables smooth movement of the upper portion of the movable platform.

[0076] In any of the above first to seventh aspects, the raw meat vibrator according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a pressing member arranged away from the mounting surface so as to face the mounting surface of the movable table on which the container is placed, and a lifting device which moves the pressing member in a fifth direction away from the mounting surface and a sixth direction towards the mounting surface, and the lifting device may move the pressing member in the sixth direction to press the container on the mounting surface in the sixth direction by the pressing member.

[0077] According to the above aspect, even when a plurality of containers are stacked on the mounting surface, the plurality of containers are pressed down toward the mounting surface by the pressing member. Even when the movable platform moves in the first direction and the second direction, the stacked containers are prevented from collapsing.

[0078] In any of the above first to eighth aspects, the drive device of the raw meat vibrator according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure includes a rod connected to the movable table, and a pneumatic cylinder for extending and retracting the rod in the first direction and the second direction, and the raw meat vibrator may further include a power source that supplies air to the pneumatic cylinder, a speed control valve that is arranged in piping between the pneumatic cylinder and the power source and controls the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder, and an input unit that receives an input to change the operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder and changes the state of the speed control valve in accordance with the received input.

[0079] According to the above aspect, the pneumatic cylinder enables the extension and retraction motion at a high operating speed. The drive device can extend and retract the pneumatic cylinder at various speeds by controlling the speed control valve. In other words, the moving platform can move at various speeds. Controlling the speed of the moving platform makes it possible to control the magnitude of the impact when the moving platform collides with the elastic mechanism and to control the frequency of the collisions.

[0080] In any of the above first to ninth aspects, the raw meat vibrator according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure further includes an entrance / exit table arranged adjacent to the movable table, and the entrance / exit table may include a second guide surface extending in the first direction adjacent to the movable table and guiding movement of the movable table in the first and second directions, and an entrance / exit surface connecting the mounting surface of the movable table on which the container is placed and a support surface around the raw meat vibrator, and over which the container can be moved.

[0081] According to the above embodiment, the loading / unloading platform facilitates loading / unloading of containers between the outside of the raw meat vibrator and the moving platform, and further guides the movement of the moving platform in the first and second directions. This facilitates the processing of raw meat using the raw meat vibrator.

[0082] In any of the above first to tenth aspects, the first direction and the second direction of the raw meat vibrator according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure may be directions along a surface on which the raw meat vibrator is placed.

[0083] According to the above embodiment, for example, when the surface on which the raw meat vibrator is placed is horizontal, the raw meat vibrator can vibrate the raw meat in the container by moving the moving platform back and forth in the horizontal direction. Since the moving platform moves while being supported by the placement surface, the driving force required for the drive device can be kept low. Furthermore, the structure for supporting the moving device can be made smaller and simpler. Therefore, the raw meat vibrator can be made smaller.

[0084] All numbers such as ordinal numbers and quantities used in this specification are exemplified to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplified numbers. The connection relationships between components are exemplified to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the connection relationships that realize the functions of the present disclosure are not limited to these.

[0085] Since the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of its essential characteristics, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the description in the specification, and therefore the exemplary embodiments and modifications are illustrative and not limiting. All modifications within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are intended to be embraced by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Raw meat vibrator 10 Mobile stand 11a Placement surface 11b 1st wheel 11c 2nd Wheel 12ca, 12cb, 12cc, 12cd Support member 12d,12d Laura 12fa Retaining member 12fb Lifting device 20b First Guide 20c 2nd Guide 20d,20e 3rd Guide 20da, 20ea Guide surface (first guide surface) 20f entrance / exit platform 20fa Guide surface (second guide surface) 20fb entrance / exit surface 30 Drive unit 31 Rod 32 Pneumatic cylinder 40 First elastic mechanism 40a First cushioning member 40b First biasing member 50 Second elastic mechanism 50a Second cushioning member 50b Second biasing member 202 Speed ​​control valve 203 Input section

Claims

1. A movable platform capable of carrying and moving a container containing raw meat and seasoning liquid; a driving device that reciprocates the movable table in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first elastic mechanism that is disposed in the first direction with respect to the movable stage and generates an elastic force against an applied pressing force; a second elastic mechanism that is disposed in the second direction with respect to the movable table and generates an elastic force against the applied pressing force, The driving device moves the moving platform in the first direction until the moving platform collides with the first elastic mechanism, and moves the moving platform in the second direction until the moving platform collides with the second elastic mechanism. Raw meat vibrator.

2. the first elastic mechanism includes a first buffer member and a first biasing member that biases the first buffer member in the second direction; The second elastic mechanism includes a second buffer member and a second biasing member that biases the second buffer member in the first direction.

2. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 1.

3. the first elastic mechanism includes a plurality of the first biasing members, the second elastic mechanism includes a plurality of the second biasing members; the plurality of first biasing members include two or more of the first biasing members arranged in a third direction that is a direction intersecting the first direction, and two or more of the first biasing members arranged in a fourth direction that is a direction intersecting the first direction and the third direction, The plurality of second biasing members include two or more second biasing members arranged in the third direction and two or more second biasing members arranged in the fourth direction. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 2.

4. a first wheel and a second wheel that movably support the movable platform; a first guide configured to guide the first wheel to move in the first direction and the second direction; a second guide configured to guide the second wheel to move in the first direction and the second direction.

2. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 1.

5. a support member disposed on the movable platform and configured to support the containers stacked on the movable platform in the first direction and the second direction; 2. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 1.

6. A guided portion disposed on an upper portion of the movable table; a third guide that supports the guided portion so as to be movable in the first direction and the second direction.

2. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 1.

7. the third guide includes a first guide surface extending in the first direction and the second direction, The guided portion includes a roller that rolls on the first guide surface in the first direction and the second direction.

7. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 6.

8. a pressing member disposed away from a placement surface of the movable table on which the container is placed so as to face the placement surface; a lifting device that moves the pressing member in a fifth direction away from the placement surface and in a sixth direction toward the placement surface, The lifting device moves the pressing member in the sixth direction, and the pressing member presses the container on the placement surface in the sixth direction.

2. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 1.

9. the driving device includes a rod connected to the movable base and a pneumatic cylinder for extending and retracting the rod in the first direction and the second direction, The raw meat vibrator is a power source for supplying air to the pneumatic cylinder; a speed control valve disposed in a pipe between the pneumatic cylinder and the power source, for controlling an operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder; an input unit that receives an input for changing an operating speed of the pneumatic cylinder and changes a state of the speed control valve in response to the received input.

2. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 1.

10. The apparatus further includes an access platform disposed adjacent to the movable platform, The said entrance and exit platform is a second guide surface extending in the first direction adjacent to the movable platform and guiding the movement of the movable platform in the first direction and the second direction; a loading surface of the moving platform on which the container is placed and a support surface around the raw meat vibrator, the loading surface connecting the loading surface and the support surface over which the container can be moved; 2. The raw meat vibrator according to claim 1.

11. The first direction and the second direction are directions along a surface on which the raw meat vibrator is disposed. A raw meat vibrator according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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