Producing device for noodle line and producing method for noodle line

Abstract

To provide a producing device for a noodle line that sufficiently performs deformation of noodle lines at the stage of a noodle belt to obtain deformed noodle lines.SOLUTION: A producing device for a noodle line with an uneven surface, the device comprising an unevenness forming unit 1, the unevenness forming unit 1 having a pair of kneading rollers 11 arranged side by side with a gap (a) therebetween, a support member 12 for the pair of kneading rollers 11, and an adjustment mechanism 13 for the gap (a), and the adjustment mechanism 13 being configured so as to move at least one kneading roller 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the production of noodle strings having irregularities. [Background technology]

[0002] Hand-kneaded noodles have a complex structure with bends and unevenness, which allows them to better absorb seasonings and ingredients, making them popular with consumers.

[0003] The production of hand-kneaded noodles requires a lot of effort and skill on the part of the manufacturer, so noodles similar to hand-kneaded noodles (hand-kneaded style noodles) have been produced in factories.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a manufacturing device for hand-kneaded noodles. With this device, roughly gear-shaped kneading rolls are arranged in parallel and rotated, and the noodles are passed through the gaps between the kneading rolls, allowing the noodles to be deformed in a variety of ways. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3761876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when deforming the noodle strings, it is necessary to provide a device for deforming the noodle strings between the device for cutting out the noodle strings to obtain noodle strings and the device for processing the noodle strings, and it is also necessary to provide a conveying mechanism to connect these devices, which is not simple. In response to this, attempts have been made to deform the noodle strings at the noodle string stage, but many problems remain, such as the deformation returning to its original state during transport of the noodle strings.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to achieve an object of sufficiently deforming the noodle strip at the stage of producing deformed noodle strings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is a manufacturing apparatus for noodles having unevenness formed thereon, which is the following apparatuses [1] to

[12] .

[0009] [1]: A device having an unevenness forming section, the unevenness forming section having a pair of kneading rollers arranged in parallel with a gap between them, a support member for the pair of kneading rollers, and a gap adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism being configured to move at least one of the kneading rollers.

[0010] In the device [1], the gap adjustment mechanism allows the kneading rollers to press the noodle sheet sufficiently against the noodle sheet to form unevenness in the noodle sheet according to the thickness of the noodle sheet. This allows the noodle sheet to be sufficiently deformed at the noodle sheet stage.

[0011] [2]: The device [1], wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a movable member and a slit structure formed in the support member, the movable member is disposed inside the slit structure, and at least one of the kneading rollers is rotatably attached to the movable member.

[0012] In the device [2], the kneading rollers can be moved by moving the movable member along the slit structure, thereby adjusting the gap.

[0013] [3]: The device [2], wherein the slit structure is formed along the parallel direction of the pair of kneading rollers.

[0014] In the device [3], it can be ensured that the gap expands and contracts when the movable member is moved along the slit structure.

[0015] [4]: The device of [2] or [3], wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes a bolt hole structure formed in the support member, the bolt hole structure being formed along the parallel direction of the pair of kneading rollers and connected to the slit structure.

[0016] In the device [4], the movable member can be moved by screwing a bolt into the bolt hole structure and pushing the movable member out. At this time, the movable member can also be fixed by pressing it against the wall surface of the slit structure.

[0017] [5]: The device [4], wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes an elastic body, the elastic body being arranged inside the slit structure and on the opposite side to the bolt hole structure with respect to the movable member.

[0018] In the device [5], a bolt is screwed into the bolt hole structure and the movable part is pressed against the elastic body, thereby enabling the movable part to be firmly fixed while remaining movable.

[0019] [6]: The device [2], wherein one of the kneading rollers is rotatably attached to a movable member, and the slit structure is formed along the circumferential direction of the other kneading roller.

[0020] In the device [6], the gap adjustment mechanism can change the position of the gap, which allows the noodle sheet to be deformed along the kneading rollers, allowing further deformation of the noodle sheet.

[0021] [7]: The device [2], wherein one of the kneading rollers is rotatably attached to a movable member, and the support member is rotatable about the axis of the other kneading roller.

[0022] In device [7], similar to device [6], the gap position can be changed by the gap adjustment mechanism. This allows the noodle sheet to be deformed along the kneading rollers, allowing further deformation of the noodle sheet.

[0023] [8]: Any of the devices [1] to [7], further comprising a cutting unit, the cutting unit being disposed downstream of the concave-convex forming unit.

[0024] In the device [8], the sufficiently deformed noodle band is cut to obtain deformed noodle strings.

[0025] [9]: The device [8] further includes a control unit, the cutting unit having a pair of cutting blade rollers, the control unit having a control circuit, and the control circuit being configured to be able to increase or decrease the torque applied to at least one of the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller.

[0026] In the device [9], the resistance on the noodle sheet differs depending on the position of the kneading roller and the position of the cutting blade roller, and the flow of the noodle sheet sent out may become uneven. In response to this, the resistance on the noodle sheet can be adjusted by partially speeding up or slowing down the flow of the noodle sheet sent out.

[0027]

[10] : The device [9], wherein the control circuit is configured to be able to independently increase or decrease the torque applied to both the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller.

[0028] The device

[10] allows for further adjustment of the drag force on the dough sheet.

[0029]

[11] : The device [9] or

[10] , wherein the control unit further has a torque measurement circuit, and the torque measurement circuit is configured to be able to obtain a measurement value of the torque applied to at least one of the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller.

[0030] In the device

[11] , the torque applied to at least one of the kneading rollers and the cutting rollers can be obtained, making it possible to predict and adjust the resistance applied to the noodle sheet.

[0031]

[12] : The device

[11] , wherein the control circuit is configured to increase or decrease the torque applied to the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller based on the measured value.

[0032] The device

[12] can automatically predict and adjust the resistance force acting on the noodle sheet.

[0033] One embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is a method for producing noodle strings having unevenness formed thereon from a noodle band, which is the following method

[13] to

[21] .

[0034]

[13] : A manufacturing method comprising a concave-convex forming process and a cutting process, in which the concave-convex forming process includes a process of feeding a noodle sheet into a pair of kneading rollers that are arranged in parallel to each other and rotate with a gap between them, and a process of adjusting the gap, and in the cutting process, the noodle sheet that has undergone the concave-convex forming process is cut.

[0035] In the manufacturing method

[13] , the gap adjustment process allows the kneading rollers to press the noodle sheet sufficiently against the noodle sheet to match the thickness of the noodle sheet, forming unevenness in the noodle sheet. This allows sufficient deformation to be applied at the noodle sheet stage.

[0036]

[14] : The manufacturing method

[13] , wherein the adjusting step includes a step of expanding or contracting the width of the gap.

[0037] In the manufacturing method

[14] , the strength with which the kneading rollers press against the noodle sheet can be adjusted.

[0038]

[15] : The manufacturing method

[13] or

[14] , wherein the adjusting step includes a step of changing the position of the gap.

[0039] In the manufacturing method

[15] , the noodle sheet can be deformed along the kneading rollers, allowing further deformation of the noodle sheet.

[0040]

[16] : The manufacturing method

[15] , wherein the step of changing the position of the gap includes a step of moving one kneading roller along the circumferential direction of the other kneading roller.

[0041] In the manufacturing method

[16] , the position of the gap can be changed while maintaining the gap width.

[0042]

[17] : Any of the manufacturing methods

[13] to

[16] , further comprising a control step, in which the cutting step includes a step of feeding the noodle sheet into a pair of rotating cutting blade rollers, and the control step includes a rotation speed adjustment step of adjusting the rotation speed of at least one of the kneading rollers and the cutting blade rollers.

[0043] In the manufacturing method

[17] , the resistance acting on the noodle sheet differs depending on the position of the kneading roller and the position of the cutting roller, and the flow of the noodle sheet may become uneven. In response to this, the resistance acting on the noodle sheet can be adjusted by partially speeding up or slowing down the flow of the noodle sheet.

[0044]

[18] : The manufacturing method

[17] , wherein in the rotation speed adjustment step, the rotation speeds of both the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller are adjusted independently.

[0045] In the manufacturing method

[18] , the drag force on the noodle sheet can be further adjusted.

[0046]

[19] : The manufacturing method according to

[17] or

[18] , wherein the rotation speed adjusting step includes a step of adjusting the rotation speed so that the kneading rollers deliver the noodle sheet faster than the cutting blade rollers.

[0047] In the manufacturing method

[19] , the noodle sheet is deliberately congested just before the cutting blade roller, which causes the noodle sheet to fold, thereby enabling further deformation of the noodle sheet.

[0048]

[20] : Any of the manufacturing methods

[17] to

[19] , wherein the rotation speed adjusting step includes a step of adjusting the rotation speed so that the kneading roller delivers the noodle sheet slower than the cutting blade roller.

[0049] In the manufacturing method

[20] , the noodle sheet is pulled tightly to make it thinner and to give it firmness.

[0050]

[21] : Any of the manufacturing methods

[17] to

[20] , wherein the control step further includes a torque measurement step, in which a measurement value of the torque applied to at least one of the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller is obtained, and the rotation speed adjustment step adjusts the rotation speed based on the measurement value.

[0051] The manufacturing method

[21] makes it possible to predict and adjust the resistance force acting on the noodle sheet by obtaining the torque acting on at least one of the kneading rollers and the cutting rollers. Effect of the Invention

[0052] According to the present invention, when obtaining deformed noodle strings, the noodle strip can be sufficiently deformed at the noodle band stage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a concavo-convex forming unit of the manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a plan view of the concave-convex forming portion shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the support member and the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 2 along line III-III. [Figure 4] 2 is a right side view of the concave-convex forming portion shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a left side view of the concave-convex forming section shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is an elevational view of the unevenness forming portion shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side development view of the kneading roller shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a developed side view of a kneading roller according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is a functional diagram of a control unit of the manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an elevational view illustrating a method of using the manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 10 taken along the line XI-XI. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a support member and an adjustment mechanism of a manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of using the manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 11A to 11C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of using the manufacturing apparatus according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] In order to carry out the present invention, for example, the following disclosed embodiments may be adopted. Note that other embodiments not disclosed below may also be adopted.

[0055] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method for manufacturing noodle strings having concaves and convexes formed from a noodle band.

[0056] The noodle string manufacturing apparatus (noodle string manufacturing apparatus A) according to this embodiment includes an unevenness forming unit 1 for forming unevenness in the noodle band, a cutting unit 2 for cutting the noodle band to form noodle strings, and a control unit 3 for controlling the operation of the noodle string manufacturing apparatus A.

[0057] The noodle string production apparatus A may include a production device (noodle string production device) for producing a noodle band from noodle dough, and a mechanism for transporting the noodle band from the noodle band production device to the unevenness forming unit 1. The noodle string production apparatus A may further include a production device (noodle dough production device) for producing noodle dough from raw materials such as wheat flour, and a mechanism for transporting the noodle dough from the noodle dough production device to the noodle band production device.

[0058] The noodle string production apparatus A may include a processing device for processing the noodle strings according to the application, and a mechanism for transporting the noodle strings from the cutting unit 2 to the processing device.

[0059] For example, a processing device for processing noodle strings into steamed noodles has a steaming section for steaming the noodle strings, a molding section for molding the noodle strings, a drying section for drying the noodle strings, a cooling section for cooling the noodle strings, and a packaging section for packaging the noodle strings. The drying section includes at least one of a mechanism for deep-frying the noodle strings in oil and a mechanism for blowing hot air onto the noodle strings.

[0060] For example, a processing device for processing noodle strings into cooked noodles includes a boiling unit for boiling the noodle strings, a cooling unit for cooling the noodle strings, and a packaging unit for packaging the noodle strings. The packaging unit may include a mechanism for serving seasoning sachets, ingredients, and the like onto the noodle strings.

[0061] 1 to 6 show an example of the structure of the unevenness forming portion 1. FIG.

[0062] The unevenness forming unit 1 has a pair of kneading rollers 11 for forming unevenness in the noodle sheet, and a support member 12 for rotatably supporting the kneading rollers 11. The unevenness forming unit 1 may have multiple pairs of kneading rollers 11. In this case, it is possible to form unevenness in multiple patterns in the noodle sheet.

[0063] The kneading roller 11 includes a main body 111 , a rotating shaft 112 penetrating the main body 111 , and a driven gear 113 fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 112 .

[0064] The side surface of main body 111 is formed with grooves b (shown in light black in Figs. 7 and 8) for forming projections and recesses in the noodle band. The grooves b may be formed in any direction. For example, when the grooves b are formed in a direction oblique to the circumferential direction of the side surface of main body 111 (see Fig. 7), the projections and recesses are formed in a direction oblique to the length direction of the noodle strings, so that a sufficient amount of projections and recesses can be formed without bias in each noodle string.

[0065] The side surface of the main body 111 may further have depressions c (shown in light black) (see FIG. 8). In this case, the unevenness of the pattern of the recesses b and the unevenness of the pattern of the depressions c are formed simultaneously, so that it is possible to form an unevenness of a complex pattern in the noodle sheet. The depressions c may be formed along the recesses b. The depressions c may be formed at any interval.

[0066] The pair of kneading rollers 11 is composed of a driving kneading roller 11 and a driven kneading roller 11. The pair of kneading rollers 11 are arranged so that their respective driven gears 113 mesh with each other. This allows the pair of kneading rollers 11 to move in conjunction with each other.

[0067] The driving side kneading roller 11 further includes a driving gear 114 fixed to the other end of the rotating shaft 112 .

[0068] The pair of kneading rollers 11 are arranged in parallel with a gap a between them. The pair of kneading rollers 11 may be arranged in parallel in any direction. For example, when the pair of kneading rollers 11 are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, the noodle sheet can be easily fed into and out of the unevenness-forming section 1 by its own weight.

[0069] The unevenness forming unit 1 further has an adjustment mechanism 13 for the gap a. The adjustment mechanism 13 is configured to be able to move at least one of the kneading rollers 11. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 13 is configured to be able to increase or decrease the width of the gap a.

[0070] For example, the adjustment mechanism 13 includes a movable member 131 for supporting the kneading roller 11 so as to be freely rotatable while moving it, a slit structure 132 for guiding the direction of movement of the movable member 131, a bolt hole structure 133 for screwing in a bolt that moves and fixes the movable member 131, and an elastic body 134 for adjusting the position of the movable member 131 while firmly fixing it.

[0071] The adjustment mechanism 13 may be provided for only one of the pair of kneading rollers 11, or may be provided for each of them. When the adjustment mechanism 13 is provided for only one of the kneading rollers 11, the support member 12 is formed with a through hole d that can exactly fit the rotation shaft 112 of the kneading roller 11. This allows the other kneading roller 11 to be attached to the support member 12 so as to be rotatable.

[0072] The movable member 131 is disposed inside the slit structure 132, and is formed into a shape that fits into the slit structure 132. For example, the movable member 131 is a rectangular plate. The movable member 131 is formed with a through hole e into which the rotating shaft 112 of the kneading roller 11 can be inserted. This allows the movable member 131 to rotatably mount the kneading roller 11.

[0073] The slit structure 132 is formed along the parallel direction of the pair of kneading rollers 11. By moving the movable member 131 to which the kneading rollers 11 are attached along the slit structure 132, the width of the gap a can be increased or decreased.

[0074] The bolt hole structure 133 is formed along the parallel direction of the pair of kneading rollers 11. The bolt hole structure 133 is connected to the slit structure 132. The movable member 131 can be moved by screwing a bolt into the bolt hole structure 133 and pushing out the movable member 131. At this time, the movable member 131 can be fixed by pressing the movable member 131 against the wall surface of the slit structure 132.

[0075] Elastic body 134 is disposed inside slit structure 132. Elastic body 134 is disposed on the opposite side of bolt hole structure 133 with respect to movable member 131. By screwing a bolt into bolt hole structure 133 and pressing movable member 131 against elastic body 134, movable member 131 can be firmly fixed while remaining movable.

[0076] A material having elasticity suitable for the range in which the width of the gap a is expanded or contracted is selected as the elastic body 134. Examples of the elastic body 134 include rubber and a spring.

[0077] The cutting unit 2 is disposed downstream of the unevenness forming unit 1 with respect to the flow of the noodle sheet. For example, when the parallel direction of the pair of kneading rollers 11 is horizontal, the cutting unit 2 is disposed below the unevenness forming unit 1.

[0078] The cutting unit 2 has a pair of cutting blade rollers 21 for cutting the noodle sheet to form noodle strings, and a support member 22 for supporting the cutting blade rollers 21. The cutting unit 2 may have multiple pairs of cutting blade rollers 21.

[0079] The cutting unit 2 may have a cutter for cutting the noodle strings to a predetermined length.

[0080] The cutting blade roller 21 includes a main body 211 , a rotating shaft 212 penetrating the main body 211 , and a driven gear 213 fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 212 .

[0081] The cutting section 2 may be provided with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the gap between the pair of cutting blade rollers 21, similar to the adjustment mechanism 13 of the unevenness forming section 1.

[0082] The pair of cutting blade rollers 21 is composed of a driving cutting blade roller 21 and a driven cutting blade roller 21.

[0083] The driving blade roller 21 further includes a driving gear 214 fixed to the other end of the rotating shaft 212 .

[0084] Fig. 9 shows an example of the functions of the control unit 3. In Fig. 9, solid arrows indicate the transmission of power, and dashed arrows indicate the transmission of data or control signals.

[0085] The control unit 3 has a power transmission gear 31 for applying torque to the kneading rollers 11 and a power transmission gear 32 for applying torque to the cutting blade rollers 21 .

[0086] The power transmission gear 31 is disposed so as to mesh with the driven gear 113. The power transmission gear 32 is disposed so as to mesh with the driven gear 213.

[0087] The control unit 3 may have a control circuit 33 for controlling the magnitude of torque applied to the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32 .

[0088] The control circuit 33 is configured to be able to increase or decrease the magnitude of the torque applied to at least one of the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32. For example, the control circuit 33 can increase or decrease the rotation speed of at least one of the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32. The control circuit 33 may be configured to be able to increase or decrease the magnitude of the torque applied to both the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32 independently. For example, the control circuit 33 may be able to increase or decrease the rotation speed of both the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32 independently. This makes it possible to increase or decrease the rotation speed of the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21.

[0089] The control unit 3 may further include a torque measuring circuit 34 configured to be able to measure the torque applied to the rotating body. The torque measuring circuit 34 preferably includes a circuit of a torque meter.

[0090] The torque measurement circuit 34 is configured to be capable of acquiring a measurement value of the torque applied to at least one of the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32. The torque measurement circuit 34 may be configured to be capable of acquiring a measurement value of the torque applied to both the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32. This makes it possible to measure the torque applied to the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21.

[0091] The control unit 3 may have a rotation speed measurement circuit configured to be able to acquire a measured value of the rotation speed of at least one of the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32, instead of the torque measurement circuit 34. The rotation speed measurement circuit preferably includes a circuit of a rotation speed meter. The control unit 3 may have both the torque measurement circuit 34 and the rotation speed measurement circuit.

[0092] The torque measuring circuit 34 and the rotation speed measuring circuit are configured to be able to transmit the measured values ​​to the control circuit 33. In this case, the control circuit 33 is configured to be able to increase or decrease the magnitude of the torque applied to the power transmission gears 31 and 32 independently, based on the measured values ​​received from the torque measuring circuit 34 and the rotation speed measuring circuit.

[0093] The noodle string manufacturing method (noodle string manufacturing method S) according to this embodiment includes an unevenness forming step S1 of forming unevenness in a noodle band, and a cutting step S2 of cutting the noodle band to form noodle strings.

[0094] The noodle string production method S may include a step of producing a noodle band from the noodle dough. The noodle string production method S may further include a step of producing a noodle dough from raw materials such as wheat flour.

[0095] The noodle string production method S may include a step of processing the noodle strings depending on the application.

[0096] For example, the process of processing noodle strings into steamed noodles includes a step of steaming the noodle strings, a step of shaping the noodle strings, a step of drying the noodle strings, a step of cooling the noodle strings, and a step of packaging the noodle strings. The step of drying the noodle strings includes at least one of a step of frying the noodle strings in oil and a step of blowing hot air onto the noodle strings.

[0097] For example, the process of processing the noodle strings into cooked noodles includes a step of boiling the noodle strings, a step of cooling the noodle strings, and a step of packaging the noodle strings. The step of packaging the noodle strings may include a step of providing the noodle strings with a seasoning packet, ingredients, or the like.

[0098] Any type of device may be used in the noodle string production method S. For example, the noodle string production method S uses a noodle string production apparatus A. For ease of explanation, among the components used in the noodle string production method S, those that correspond to the components of the noodle string production apparatus A or alternative components thereof are given the same reference numerals.

[0099] 10 and 11 show how to use the noodle string producing apparatus A.

[0100] The unevenness forming step S1 includes a step of feeding the noodle sheet X1 into a pair of kneading rollers 11 that are arranged in parallel to each other and rotate with a gap a therebetween (feeding step S11), and a gap adjusting step S12.

[0101] In the sending step S11, the noodle sheet X1 is pressed by the kneading rollers 11 to send out a noodle sheet with unevenness formed thereon (uneven noodle sheet X2).

[0102] The sending step S11 includes a step of applying torque to the kneading rollers 11 to rotate them. In this step (S11), a torque may be applied to the driving gear 114. In this step (S11), a torque may further be applied to the driving gear 114 by the power transmission gear 31.

[0103] The adjustment step S12 includes a step of expanding or contracting the width of the gap a (gap width expanding or contracting step S121). In the gap width expanding or contracting step S121, a bolt B is screwed into the bolt hole structure 133, and the movable member 131 is pushed out, thereby moving the movable member 131 inside the slit structure 132. At this time, by adjusting the screwing amount of the bolt B while pressing the movable member 131 against the elastic body 134, the amount of movement of the movable member 131 can be adjusted, and the width of the gap a can be adjusted.

[0104] The cutting step S2 includes a step of feeding the uneven noodle sheet X2 into a pair of rotating kneading rollers 11 (feeding step S21).

[0105] In the feeding step S21, the uneven noodle strip X2 is pressed and cut by a cutting blade roller 21, thereby feeding out noodle strips with unevenness formed thereon (uneven noodle strips X3).

[0106] The cutting step S2 may include a step of cutting the uneven noodle strips X3 to a predetermined length.

[0107] The noodle string producing method S may include a control step S3 for controlling the kneading rollers 11 and the cutting blade rollers 21.

[0108] The control step S3 includes a step of adjusting the rotation speed of at least one of the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21 (rotation speed adjustment step S31).

[0109] In the rotation speed adjustment step S31, the rotation speed of at least one of the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32 is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the magnitude of the torque applied to at least one of the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32. For example, in this step (S31), the rotation speed of at least one of the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32 is adjusted. In this step (S31), the magnitude of the torque applied to both the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32 may be adjusted independently. For example, in this step (S31), the rotation speed of both the power transmission gear 31 and the power transmission gear 32 may be adjusted independently. In this step (S31), the magnitude of the torque may be adjusted by the control circuit 33.

[0110] Even if the initial rotation speeds of the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21 are the same, the speed at which the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21 send out the series of noodle strips may differ depending on the difference in the resistance that the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21 receive from the series of noodle strips (noodle strip X1, uneven noodle strip X2, uneven noodle strip X3).

[0111] When the kneading roller 11 is faster than the cutting blade roller 21 in sending out a series of noodle sheets, the uneven noodle sheet X2 gets jammed just before the cutting blade roller 21. To avoid this, in the rotation speed adjustment step S31, the torque applied to the kneading roller 11 is reduced and the torque applied to the cutting blade roller 21 is increased. This makes it possible to reduce the speed difference in sending out a series of noodle sheets.

[0112] When the kneading roller 11 is slower than the cutting blade roller 21 in sending out a series of noodle sheets, the uneven noodle sheet X2 is pulled strongly. To avoid this, in the rotation speed adjustment step S31, the torque applied to the kneading roller 11 is increased and the torque applied to the cutting blade roller 21 is decreased. This makes it possible to reduce the speed difference in sending out a series of noodle sheets.

[0113] The rotation speed adjustment step S31 may include a step of adjusting the rotation speed so that, for at least a short time, the kneading roller 11 delivers the noodle sheet faster than the cutting blade roller 21. By intentionally causing the uneven noodle sheet X2 to jam up in front of the cutting blade roller 21, the uneven noodle sheet X2 is folded, so that further unevenness can be formed in the uneven noodle sheet X2.

[0114] The rotation speed adjustment step S31 may include a step of adjusting the rotation speed so that, for at least a short time, the kneading roller 11 delivers the noodle sheet slower than the cutting blade roller 21. By intentionally pulling the uneven noodle sheet X2 strongly, the uneven noodle sheet X2 can be made thinner or given firmness to the uneven noodle sheet X2.

[0115] The control step S3 may further include a torque measuring step S32.

[0116] In the torque measurement step S32, a measurement value of the torque applied to at least one of the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21 is obtained. In this step (S32), a measurement value of the torque applied to both the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21 may be obtained. In this step (S32), the torque measurement value may be obtained by a torque measurement circuit 34.

[0117] The control step S3 may include, instead of the torque measurement step S32, a step (rotation speed measurement step) of acquiring a measured value of the rotation speed of at least one of the kneading roller 11 and the cutting blade roller 21. The control step S3 may include both the torque measurement step S32 and the rotation speed measurement step.

[0118] In this case, in the rotation speed adjustment step S31, the rotation speed is adjusted based on the measured values ​​acquired in the torque measurement step S32 or the rotation speed measurement step. This step (S31) may include a step in which the control circuit 33 receives the measured values ​​from the torque measurement circuit 34 or the rotation speed measurement circuit.

[0119] [Second embodiment] Similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method for manufacturing noodle strings having unevenness formed from a noodle sheet. For ease of explanation, among the components of the second embodiment, the components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0120] The noodle string production apparatus of the second embodiment differs from the noodle string production apparatus of the first embodiment at least in the elements of the adjustment mechanism 13. The other configurations may be the same as or alternative to the configurations of the noodle string production apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0121] The noodle string producing method of the second embodiment differs from the noodle string producing method of the first embodiment at least in the elements of the adjustment step S12. The other configurations may be the same as or alternative to the configurations of the noodle string producing method of the first embodiment.

[0122] In the noodle string production apparatus A, the adjustment mechanism 13 is configured to be able to move the first kneading roller 11 of the pair of kneading rollers 11. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 13 is configured to be able to change the position of the gap a. It is preferable that the adjustment mechanism 13 is configured to be able to change the position of the gap a along the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to change the position of the gap a while maintaining the width of the gap a.

[0123] For example, the adjustment mechanism 13 includes a movable member 131 for moving the first kneading roller 11 while supporting it rotatably, a slit structure 132 for guiding the moving direction of the movable member 131, and a bolt hole structure 133 for screwing in a bolt that moves and fixes the movable member 131. The adjustment mechanism 13 may include an elastic body 134 for adjusting the position of the movable member 131 while firmly fixing it.

[0124] In the noodle string production method S, the adjusting step S12 includes a step of changing the position of the gap a (gap position changing step S122) instead of the gap width increasing / reducing step S121. This step (S12) may include both the gap width increasing / reducing step S121 and the gap position changing step S122.

[0125] FIG. 12 shows an example of the adjustment mechanism 13 .

[0126] In this example of the noodle string producing apparatus A, the movable member 131 is disposed inside the slit structure 132 and is formed into a shape that fits into the slit structure 132. For example, the movable member 131 is an arc-shaped plate.

[0127] The slit structure 132 is formed along the circumferential direction of the second kneading roller 11 of the pair of kneading rollers 11. The position of the gap a can be changed by moving the movable member 131 to which the kneading roller 11 is attached along the slit structure 132.

[0128] A plurality of bolt hole structures 133 are arranged in parallel along the circumferential direction of the second kneading roller 11. The bolt hole structures 133 are connected to the slit structure 132. By screwing a bolt into the bolt hole structure 133 and pressing the movable member 131 against the wall surface of the slit structure 132, the movable member 131 can be fixed.

[0129] The elastic body 134 is disposed inside the slit structure 132 along the circumferential direction of the second kneading roller 11. By screwing a bolt into the bolt hole structure 133 and pressing the movable member 131 against the elastic body 134, the movable member 131 can be firmly fixed.

[0130] FIG. 13 shows a method of using the noodle string producing apparatus A in this example.

[0131] In the gap position changing step S122, the position of the movable member 131 can be changed and fixed by moving the movable member 131 along the slit structure 132, screwing the bolt B into the bolt hole structure 133, and pressing the movable member 131 against the wall surface of the slit structure 132. When the adjustment mechanism 13 includes an elastic body 134, the movable member 131 can be firmly fixed by pressing the movable member 131 against the elastic body 134.

[0132] FIG. 14 shows how to use the noodle string producing apparatus A in this modified example.

[0133] In this modified example, the movable member 131 is rotatable about the axis of the second kneading roller 11. This allows the first kneading roller 11 to move along the circumferential direction of the second kneading roller 11.

[0134] In the gap position changing step S122, the position of the movable member 131 can be changed and fixed by rotating the movable member 131 around the second kneading roller 11 as an axis, screwing the bolt B into the bolt hole structure 133, and pressing the movable member 131 against the wall surface of the slit structure 132. When the adjustment mechanism 13 includes an elastic body 134, the movable member 131 can be firmly fixed by pressing the movable member 131 against the elastic body 134.

[0135] In the above description, the configuration and elements (including dimensions, shapes, arrangements, etc.) of the embodiment of the present invention are merely examples. Even if these are changed based on design requirements, etc., it is self-evident that the changed form is an embodiment that falls within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] A:Noodle string manufacturing equipment 1: Irregularity forming part 11: Kneading roller a : Gap 12: Support member 13:Adjustment mechanism 131: Movable parts 132: Slit structure 133: Bolt hole structure 134: Elastic body 2: Cutting section 21: Cutting roller 22: Support member 3: Control section 33: Control circuit 34: Torque measurement circuit S:Noodle string manufacturing method S1: Irregularity forming process S12: Adjustment process S2: Cutting process S3: Control process S31: Rotation speed adjustment process S32: Torque measurement process X1: Noodles

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for noodles having unevenness formed thereon, A concave-convex forming portion is provided, The unevenness forming unit includes a pair of kneading rollers arranged in parallel with a gap between them, a support member for the pair of kneading rollers, and an adjustment mechanism for the gap; The adjustment mechanism is configured to be able to move at least one of the kneading rollers.

2. The adjustment mechanism includes a movable member and a slit structure formed in the support member, The movable member is disposed inside the slit structure, The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the kneading rollers is rotatably mounted to the movable member.

3. The device according to claim 2 , wherein the slit structure is formed along a direction in which the pair of kneading rollers are arranged side by side.

4. The adjustment mechanism further includes a bolt hole structure formed in the support member, The device according to claim 3 , wherein the bolt hole structure is formed along a parallel direction of the pair of kneading rollers and is connected to the slit structure.

5. The adjustment mechanism further includes an elastic body. The device according to claim 4 , wherein the elastic body is disposed inside the slit structure and on an opposite side of the movable member from the bolt hole structure.

6. One of the kneading rollers is rotatably attached to the movable member, The device according to claim 2 , wherein the slit structure is formed along a circumferential direction of the other of the kneading rollers.

7. One of the kneading rollers is rotatably attached to the movable member, The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the support member is rotatable about the other kneading roller.

8. Further comprising a cutting section; The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cutting section is disposed downstream of the unevenness forming section.

9. A control unit is further provided. The cutting section has a pair of cutting blade rollers, The control unit has a control circuit, The device according to claim 8 , wherein the control circuit is configured to be able to increase or decrease a torque applied to at least one of the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller.

10. The device according to claim 9 , wherein the control circuit is configured to be able to increase or decrease torque applied to both the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller independently.

11. The control unit further includes a torque measurement circuit, The apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the torque measurement circuit is configured to obtain a measurement of a torque applied to at least one of the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller.

12. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the control circuit is configured to increase or decrease a torque applied to the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller based on the measured value.

13. A method for producing noodle strings, which produces noodle strings having irregularities from a noodle band, comprising the steps of: The method includes a concave-convex forming step and a cutting step, The unevenness forming step includes a step of feeding the noodle sheet into a pair of kneading rollers that are arranged in parallel to each other and rotate with a gap therebetween, and a step of adjusting the gap, In the cutting step, the noodle band that has been subjected to the unevenness forming step is cut.

14. The method for producing noodle strings according to claim 13 , wherein the adjusting step includes a step of increasing or decreasing a width of the gap.

15. The method for producing noodle strings according to claim 13 , wherein the adjusting step includes a step of changing a position of the gap.

16. The method for producing noodle strings according to claim 15, wherein the step of changing the position of the gap includes the step of moving one of the kneading rollers in a circumferential direction of the other of the kneading rollers.

17. A control step is further provided, The cutting step includes a step of feeding the noodle sheet into a pair of rotating cutting blade rollers, The method for producing noodle strings according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the control step includes a rotation speed adjusting step of adjusting a rotation speed of at least one of the kneading rollers and the cutting blade rollers.

18. The method for producing noodle strings according to claim 17 , wherein in the rotation speed adjusting step, the rotation speeds of both the kneading rollers and the cutting blade rollers are adjusted independently.

19. The method for producing noodle strings according to claim 17 , wherein the rotation speed adjusting step includes a step of adjusting the rotation speed so that the kneading rollers deliver the noodle strip faster than the cutting blade rollers.

20. The method for producing noodle strings according to claim 17 , wherein the rotation speed adjusting step includes a step of adjusting the rotation speed such that the kneading rollers deliver the noodle strip slower than the cutting blade rollers.

21. The control step further includes a torque measuring step, In the torque measuring step, a measurement value of a torque applied to at least one of the kneading roller and the cutting blade roller is obtained, The method for producing noodle strings according to claim 17 , wherein in the rotation speed adjusting step, the rotation speed is adjusted based on the measured value.

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