Three-dimensional molding device for food product

Abstract

To provide a device that is hygienic and capable of continuously discharging flowable food.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding device 1 for food product for molding a food product three-dimensionally using a flowable food product, can be attached with a flexible container including a flexible container body that stores the flowable food product and a supply line integrally formed with the flexible container body, and comprises: a pump device 10 to which a supply line 84 can be attached and can deliver the flowable food product inside the supply line by pressing the supply line 84 from the outside; and a nozzle device 20 which is provided downstream of the supply line 84 and discharges the flowable food product delivered by the pump device 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food three-dimensional modeling apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, attempts have been made to model food products using three-dimensional modeling devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional modeling device that can also be used to model food products, which includes a storage container, a nozzle head that discharges soft food filled in the storage container, the storage container integrated with the nozzle head, and a table, and which three-dimensionally models food products by discharging the soft food product onto the table while moving the nozzle head and the table relative to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 203765 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When forming food using such a three-dimensional modeling device, it is preferable to be able to continuously discharge soft food (liquid food). However, in a device configured to replenish ingredients into a storage container as described in Patent Document 1, for example, the storage container is integrated with the nozzle head, so the storage container must be moved together with the nozzle head, and the storage container cannot be made large. For this reason, it is necessary to replenish the storage container with ingredients every time the ingredients are discharged to the capacity of the storage container. Therefore, in order to eliminate the work of replenishing the ingredients, it is possible to continuously supply the liquid food from a storage section filled with ingredients by a pump or the like. However, when a supply line extending from the storage container is connected to a pump, the pump comes into contact with the outside air, which is a hygienic problem.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a device that is hygienic and capable of continuously discharging liquid food. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensional food modeling device for three-dimensionally modeling food using liquid food, the three-dimensional food modeling device being capable of receiving a flexible container having a flexible container body in which liquid food is contained and a supply line formed integrally with the flexible container body, a pump device to which the supply line can be attached and which can pump out the liquid food in the supply line by pressing the supply line from the outside, and a nozzle device provided downstream of the supply line and which ejects the liquid food pumped out by the pump device. According to the above aspect, since the liquid food is supplied from the flexible container to the nozzle device through the supply line, the liquid food is continuously supplied to the nozzle device, and food can be continuously produced. Furthermore, since the flexible container body and the supply line are integrated, and the pump device is configured to push the supply line from the outside to send out the liquid food in the supply line, the liquid food can be hygienically delivered without exposing the liquid food to the outside air.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the pumping device is configured to apply pressure from outside to the supply line to generate a negative pressure on the supply line upstream of the pressured portion. According to the above aspect, even if the supply line is empty, the liquid food can be drawn from the flexible container body by the negative pressure generated by the pump device.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the pump device has a rotatable rotor and a wall portion arranged in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the rotor, the rotor has a protrusion extending radially outward, and the rotor rotates while the protrusion pinches and presses against the wall portion against the supply line, thereby pumping out liquid food within the supply line, and the rotor is arranged so that it can be separated from the wall portion. According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the rotor is rotated, the protrusion presses the supply line, thereby discharging the liquid food in the supply line. Also, when the rotor is moved away from the wall, the supply line can be easily removed.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device further includes a sensor capable of detecting the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device, and a control device connected to the sensor and the pump device, and the control device controls the operation of the pump device in accordance with the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor. For example, pumps such as peristaltic pumps that push the supply line from the outside to send out liquid food have been used to send out low-viscosity fluids, and the performance of sending out liquid food has not been guaranteed. In contrast, according to the above embodiment, by controlling the operation of the pump device according to the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor, it is possible to supply liquid food to the nozzle device without causing an excess or shortage of liquid food in the nozzle device.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control device controls the pump device to stop delivery when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined upper limit amount. According to the above aspect, it is possible to prevent the liquid food from overflowing from the nozzle device.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a control device is controllably connected to the nozzle device, and the control device controls the operation of the nozzle device depending on the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control device stops driving the nozzle device when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor becomes less than a predetermined lower limit amount. According to the above aspect, it is possible to prevent the liquid food inside the nozzle device from becoming empty, which would make it impossible to perform three-dimensional modeling.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control device stops driving the nozzle device when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor becomes less than a predetermined lower limit amount. According to the above aspect, for example, when the liquid food inside the flexible container body runs out and the supply of liquid food to the nozzle device stops, the nozzle device can be stopped.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a flexible container holding device for holding the flexible container body, the flexible container holding device having a heater. According to the above aspect, by heating the flexible container body, the liquid food can be previously adjusted to a predetermined viscosity suitable for delivery through the supply line.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the flexible container holding device is located at the rear side of the food 3D printing device, and the pump device and nozzle device are located at the front side of the food 3D printing device. According to the above aspect, the path from the flexible container holding device through the pump device to the nozzle device can be shortened, and the supply line can be shortened. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a device which is hygienic and capable of continuously discharging liquid food. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a food 3D modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a top view showing a food 3D printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a food 3D modeling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a flexible container used in the molding apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view showing a nozzle device of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a side view showing a state in which a discharge mechanism of a nozzle device of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is removed. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a vertical sectional view of a discharge mechanism of a nozzle device of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 shows the structure of a pump device of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the front cover removed. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view showing a flexible container holding device of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a pressing plate in a closed state. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view showing a flexible container holding device of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a pressing plate in an open state. [Figure 12] 2 is a side view showing a flexible container holding device of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 1 is a graph showing the viscosity of liquid foods used in experiments by the inventors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for food according to an embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 1 being a perspective view, FIG. 2 being a front view, FIG. 3 being a top view, and FIG. 4 being a side view. The modeling apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a pair of pump devices 10, a pair of nozzle devices 20, a pair of flexible container holding devices 30, a base device 40, a control device 50, a frame 60, and a pair of sensor devices 70 (FIG. 6). The pair of nozzle devices 20 are arranged side by side above the base device 40 in the center of the front surface (front side) of the apparatus. Each of the pair of pump devices 10 is provided on the front surface of the apparatus laterally outside the corresponding nozzle device 20. The pair of flexible container holding devices 30 are arranged side by side on the rear surface (rear side) of the apparatus.

[0018] 5 is a perspective view showing a flexible container used in the molding apparatus according to this embodiment. The flexible container 80 includes a flexible container body 82 and a supply line 84 connected to the flexible container body 82. The flexible container body 82 is made of, for example, a resin film and formed in a bag shape. The supply line 84 is made of, for example, a resin tube. An opening is formed in the bottom of the flexible container body 82, and the supply line 84 is connected to this opening, so that the internal space of the flexible container body 82 and the internal space of the supply line 84 are in fluid communication. In addition, the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are integrally configured. In this embodiment, the structure in which the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are integrally configured includes a structure in which the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are completely integrally molded from the same material, a structure in which the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are connected by screws or the like and the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are separable, and a structure in which the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are connected by welding, adhesion, or the like and the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are inseparable. A pair of mounting openings 82A are formed in the upper part of the flexible container body 82.

[0019] In this embodiment, the flexible container is a container that can be flexibly deformed by pressure from the outside or by a decrease in internal pressure, etc. Examples of the flexible container include a pouch made of a resin film, a paper container, a resin blown container (a container for mayonnaise, etc.), an extrusion molded tube container, etc., and are not limited to these as long as they are flexibly deformable.

[0020] The flexible container body 82 is filled with a liquid food. The liquid food is a food having a predetermined viscosity, and it is preferable to use a soft food such as that disclosed in International Publication No. 2020 / 203765. Examples of such foods include mousse and surimi. In addition, foods manufactured using the liquid food include nursing care foods (universal design foods), pseudo foods, confectioneries, and the like. The liquid food includes foods whose physical properties change between when discharged and after discharge (modeled object), and foods whose physical properties do not change between when discharged and after discharge (modeled object). Foods whose physical properties change between when discharged and after discharge are foods that have fluidity when discharged but solidify (gel) after discharge, such as nursing care mousse foods and chocolate. Such foods have fluidity at temperatures higher than the solidification temperature, and solidify when the temperature falls below the solidification temperature. It is preferable to use a liquid food whose solidification temperature is 20 to 90°C. When multiple liquid foods are used at the same time, it is also possible to use liquid foods whose respective solidification temperatures are different. Examples of foods whose physical properties do not change between when they are dispensed and after they are dispensed (as a shaped object) include ingredients used in cookie dough and Japanese sweets, and when the liquid food is used for decoration, etc., colored foods may be used. In the modeling apparatus of this embodiment, it is preferable to use a liquid food having a viscosity of 1500 to 50000 mPa·s from the time it is sent out from the flexible container body 82 until it is discharged from the nozzle device 20. If the viscosity exceeds 50000 mPa·s, the liquidity is low and the food cannot be sent out from the flexible container body 82. If the viscosity is lower than 1500, there is no problem with the liquid being sent, but the shape retention of the discharge line cannot be obtained during three-dimensional modeling.

[0021] In the molding apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the flexible container body 82 of the flexible container 80 is held in each flexible container holding device 30, and a supply line 84 extending from the flexible container body 82 held in the flexible container holding device 30 passes through the pump device 10 and is connected to the nozzle device 20. When the pump device 10 is driven, the liquid food is sent from the flexible container body 82 held in the flexible container holding device 30 by the pump device 10 and supplied to the nozzle device 20. Then, the liquid food is discharged from the nozzle device 20 onto the base device 40, and a food can be three-dimensionally molded. In this embodiment, the pump device 10, the nozzle device 20, and the flexible container holding device 30 located on the left side of the front view of the apparatus work together to discharge the liquid food contained in the flexible container held in the left flexible container holding device 30 from the left nozzle device 20. Furthermore, the pump device 10, nozzle device 20, and flexible container holding device 30 located on the right side when viewed from the front of the device work together to discharge liquid food contained in a flexible container held by the right-side flexible container holding device 30 from the left-side nozzle device 20. In this embodiment, two pump devices 10, two nozzle devices 20, and two flexible container holding devices 30 are provided, but only one may be provided.

[0022] The frame 60 has a plate-shaped base portion 62, a pair of vertical frames 64 erected on both sides of the base portion 62, a horizontal frame 66 suspended between the pair of vertical frames 64, and a drive unit 68. The base portion 62 is rectangular in plan view, and a pedestal member 62A is attached to the four corners of the lower surface. The horizontal frame 66 is installed so as to be movable in the up and down direction relative to the vertical frame 64. The drive unit 68 is, for example, an actuator, and is electrically connected to the control device 50. The drive unit 68 can move the horizontal frame 66 in the up and down direction in response to a control signal received from the control device 50.

[0023] The pedestal device 40 includes a front-rear moving member 42 provided on a base portion 62 of a frame 60, and a modeling table 44 provided on the front-rear moving member 42. The front-rear moving member 42 is a long member extending in the horizontal direction, and is moved in the front-rear direction by a driving device (not shown). The modeling table 44 is a plate material having a rectangular shape in a plan view, and is moved in the horizontal direction along the front-rear moving member 42 by a driving device (not shown). The driving device that drives the front-rear moving member 42 and the modeling table 44 is, for example, an actuator or a motor, and moves the front-rear moving member 42 and the modeling table 44 in response to a control signal received from the control device 50. Since the front-rear moving member 42 moves in the front-rear direction and the modeling table 44 moves in the horizontal direction, the pedestal device 40 can move the modeling table 44 two-dimensionally, front-rear and left-right, in a horizontal plane.

[0024] Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 show the nozzle device of the molding apparatus shown in Fig. 1, with Fig. 6 being a perspective view, Fig. 7 being a side view showing a state in which the discharge mechanism has been removed, and Fig. 8 being a vertical cross-sectional view of the discharge mechanism. As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the nozzle device 20 includes a holding frame 22, a motor 24 attached to the holding frame 22, and a discharge mechanism 26 attached to the holding frame 22. The holding frame 22 is fixed to a horizontal frame 66 of a frame 60.

[0025] The holding frame 22 has a plate-like base 22A extending vertically, a clamp 22B attached to the lower end of the base 22A, and a motor holding part 22C attached to the upper end of the base 22A. The base 22A is plate-like and extends in the vertical direction. The clamp 22B extends forward and is configured to grip the lower end of the discharge mechanism 26. The motor holding part 22C is provided to extend forward and has a through hole (not shown) extending vertically.

[0026] A motor 24 is fixed to the upper surface of the motor holding portion 22C. The shaft of the motor 24 passes through the motor holding portion 22C and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the motor holding portion 22C. The motor 24 is electrically connected to the control device 50, and rotates the shaft in response to a control signal received from the control device 50.

[0027] The discharge mechanism 26 has a nozzle member 28 , a screw member 29 , and a connection member 27 . Nozzle member 28 is made of, for example, stainless steel, and has an internal space 280 formed therein. Internal space 280 has a hopper section 281, a transfer pipe section 282 extending downward from hopper section 281, a reduced diameter section 283 continuing below transfer pipe section 282, and a discharge outlet 284 continuing below reduced diameter section 283. Internal space 280 has the shape of a body of revolution about a central axis extending vertically.

[0028] The hopper section 281 has a cylindrical shape with an upper portion extending in the vertical direction, and a truncated cone shape with a diameter decreasing toward the lower end. The transfer pipe section 282 is also cylindrical with an upper portion extending in the vertical direction. The diameter decreasing section 283 is funnel-shaped with a radius decreasing toward the lower end. The discharge outlet 284 is also cylindrical with an upper portion extending in the vertical direction, and is open at the lower end.

[0029] An opening 28A is formed in the side of the nozzle member 28, and a connecting member 27 is attached to this opening 28A. Furthermore, a monitoring opening 28B for attaching a sensor device 70 is formed at the end of the upper surface of the nozzle member 28 on the holding frame 22 side. Also, a circular opening 28C through which a screw member 29 passes is formed in the center of the upper surface of the nozzle member 28.

[0030] The nozzle device 20 also includes a heater 22D. In this embodiment, the heater 22D is incorporated in the clamp 22B. The heater 22D is electrically connected to the control device 50, and generates heat when power is supplied from the control device 50. This heats the nozzle member 28, and the liquid food supplied to the nozzle member 28 can be heated. The position where the heater is provided is not limited to this, and the heater may be provided in the nozzle member 28, as long as it is capable of heating the liquid food supplied to the nozzle device 20.

[0031] The screw member 29 includes a central shaft 290, a plurality of spatula portions 291 provided on the upper portion of the central shaft 290, and a screw portion 292 provided on the lower portion of the central shaft 290. The central shaft 290 is a cylindrical member. The spatula portion 291 is an L-shaped member, and is attached so as to extend radially outward from the central shaft 290 and further upward. The base end of the spatula portion 291 is connected to the central shaft 290 at a height position where the hopper portion 281 is in the shape of a truncated cone, and the upper end of the spatula portion 291 extends to the height of the upper portion of the hopper portion 281. The screw portion 292 is formed in a spiral shape centered on the central shaft 290. The upper end of the central shaft 290 of the screw member 29 is connected to the lower end of the shaft of the motor 24 via a connecting member 293 .

[0032] The connecting member 27 is attached to an opening 28A formed in a side surface of the nozzle member 28. By inserting the tip of a supply line 84 of a flexible container into this connecting member 27, the supply line 84 can be attached to the connecting member 27, whereby the internal space of the supply line 84 and the internal space 280 of the nozzle member 28 are fluidly connected.

[0033] With this configuration, the liquid food sent from the flexible container body 82 by the pump device 10 through the supply line 84 is supplied to the hopper section 281. Then, as the screw member 29 is rotated by the motor 24, the liquid food in the hopper section 281 is kneaded by the spatula section 291, and the liquid food is sent from the lower part of the hopper section 281 by the screw section 292 and discharged from the discharge outlet 284.

[0034] The sensor device 70 is attached to a mounting member 72 that protrudes forward from the base 22A of the holding frame 22. An opening is formed in the mounting member 72. The sensor device 70 is, for example, a distance sensor (range finder) such as an ultrasonic sensor or a laser sensor. The sensor device 70 measures the distance to the surface height of the liquid food stored in the hopper section 281 through the mounting member 72 and the monitoring opening 28B of the nozzle member 28. This distance to the surface height of the liquid food stored in the hopper section 281 corresponds to the amount of liquid food stored in the hopper section 281. The sensor device 70 is electrically connected to the control device 50 and transmits the measured distance data to the control device 50. In this embodiment, the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20 is detected by measuring the distance to the surface height of the liquid food, but this is not limiting, and the sensor device 70 may be of any type as long as it can detect the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows the structure of the pump device of the molding device shown in FIG. 1 with the front cover removed. As shown in FIG. 9, the pump device 10 of this embodiment can pump out the liquid food in the supply line 84 by pressing the supply line 84 from the outside, and for example, a peristaltic pump can be used. The pump device 10 includes a housing 12, a rotor 14 provided in the housing 12, and a motor 16 (FIG. 4) provided on the back side of the housing 12. The housing 12 includes a base 12A, an inner wall portion 12B and an outer wall portion 12D erected on the base 12A, and a lid portion 12C (FIG. 1). The base 12A is made of a plate material formed in a rectangular shape. The outer wall portion 12D is erected along the edge of the base 12A. An opening 12E is formed on each side of the lower part of the outer wall portion 12D. The lid portion 12C can be detachably attached to the outer wall portion 12D and closes the internal space.

[0036] The rotor 14 has a plurality of protrusions 14A that protrude outward in the radial direction. The rotor 14 has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical about its center. The rotor 14 is rotatably mounted on a base 12A, and can be rotated by a motor 16. The rotor 14 is also held by the housing 12 so as to be movable downward. The motor 16 is electrically connected to a control device 50, and rotates the rotor 14 in response to a signal from the control device 50.

[0037] The inner wall portion 12B is formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation center of the rotor 14. As a result, a line passage capable of accommodating a supply line is formed between the rotor 14 and the inner wall portion 12B.

[0038] With this configuration, the supply line 84 can be arranged to pass through one opening 12E of the outer wall 12D, insert a line passage between the rotor 14 and the inner wall 12B, and pass through the other opening 12E. By rotating the motor 16 in this state, the protruding portion 14A of the rotor 14 rotates while pinching and pressing the supply line 84 with the inner wall 12B, generating negative pressure on the upstream side (flexible container body 82 side) of the pinched portion in the supply line 84. In this way, negative pressure is continuously generated in the supply line 84 by the rotation of the rotor 14, and the liquid food is sucked from the flexible container body 82. Furthermore, the liquid food in the supply line 84 is urged by the protruding portion 14A, and the liquid food in the supply line 84 can be sent out.

[0039] In addition, by pulling the rotor 14 downward relative to the housing 12, i.e., by moving it away from the inner wall portion 12B, the gap between the inner wall portion 12B and the rotor 14 increases, making it easy to replace the supply line 84.

[0040] Fig. 10 to Fig. 12 show a flexible-container holding device of the molding apparatus shown in Fig. 1, with Fig. 10 being a perspective view with a pressing plate closed, Fig. 11 being a perspective view with the pressing plate opened, and Fig. 12 being a side view. The flexible-container holding device 30 includes a base portion 31, a heater 32 fixed to the base portion 31, and a press plate 33.

[0041] The base 31 has a flat rectangular plate 31A and a receiving portion 31B extending rearward from the lower edge of the plate 31A. A pair of height adjustment bolts 31C are erected on the upper portion of the plate 31A. The height adjustment bolts 31C are attached to the base 31 so as to be movable in the height direction. The height adjustment bolts 31C can hook a pair of mounting openings 82A formed in the flexible container body 82 of the flexible container 80, and are adjusted to a height such that the bottom of the flexible container body 82 abuts against the receiving portion 31B in this state. An opening is formed in the center of the receiving portion 31B through which the supply line 84 of the flexible container 80 can be inserted. In addition, a catch member 31D is provided on the rear surface (the surface on the right side in FIG. 12) of the receiving portion 31B. Since the height of the height adjustment bolts 31C can be freely adjusted, flexible container bodies 82 of various sizes (various capacities) can be attached to the flexible container holding device 30. This allows, for example, when flexible containers filled with different colored food inks (colored liquid food) to be attached to a pair of flexible container holding devices 30, a large-capacity flexible container 80 containing liquid food colored in a color that is used in large quantities to be attached to one flexible container holding device 30, and a small-capacity flexible container 80 containing liquid food of a color that is used only in small quantities to be attached to the other flexible container holding device 30, so that flexible containers 80 of capacities according to the amount used when shaping the food can be attached.

[0042] The heater 32 is plate-shaped and provided over the entire surface of the plate portion 31A of the base portion 31. The heater 32 is electrically connected to the control device 50 and generates heat by power supplied from the control device 50. The temperature of the heater 32 can be controlled by the control device 50, and the heater 32 heats the flexible-container body 82 of the flexible container 80 held by the flexible-container holding device 30.

[0043] The press plate 33 is a plate-shaped member, and the upper edge of the press plate 33 and the upper edge of the base part 31 are rotatably connected by a hinge. A mounting plate 33C is attached to the lower edge of the press plate 33 via a pressing mechanism 34 so as to extend laterally. A slide lock 33A is provided in the center of the mounting plate 33C. The slide lock 33A has a protruding part 33B that can advance and retreat in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 10, when the press plate 33 is closed, the protruding part 33B is advanced downward, so that the tip of the protruding part 33B enters the catch member 31D of the base part 31, and the movement of the mounting plate 33C relative to the base part 31 can be restricted.

[0044] In addition, a pressing mechanism 34 is provided below the press plate 33. The pressing mechanism 34 has a pair of sleeves 34A fixed to the mounting plate 33C, a tension screw 34D arranged in the sleeves 34A, a support rod 34B erected at the bottom of the press plate 33, and a spring 34C arranged in the sleeve 34A.

[0045] The tension screw 34D has a through hole formed in the center, and the support rod 34B is inserted into the through hole, so that the tension screw 34D is held by the support rod 34B so as to be movable in the axial direction. In addition, a spiral is formed on the outer surface of the tension screw 34D.

[0046] The sleeve 34A is cylindrical and has a helical inner surface. The helical inner surface of the sleeve 34A and the tension screw 34D are engaged with each other, and the tension screw 34D can be advanced and retreated relative to the sleeve 34A by rotating the tension screw 34D about its axis relative to the sleeve 34A. The spring 34C is sandwiched between the tension screw 34D and the press plate 33.

[0047] With this configuration, the spring 34C is compressed by tightening the tension screw 34D and advancing it toward the base 31 while the movement of the mounting plate 33C relative to the base 31 is restrained. This allows the spring 34C to press the press plate 33 toward the base 31, and press the flexible-container body 82 of the flexible container 80 disposed between the press plate 33 and the base 31. In addition, the pressing force on the press plate 33 can be adjusted by adjusting the tightening of the tension screw 34D. Note that, in this embodiment, the tension screw 34D is tightened manually, but this is not limited thereto, and the tension screw 34D may be tightened by a motor or the like connected to the control device 50.

[0048] The flexible container holding device 30 is also provided with a remaining amount detection sensor for detecting the remaining amount of liquid food in the flexible container body 82. In this embodiment, a limit switch 35 is provided at the lower end of the press plate 33 as the remaining amount detection sensor. The limit switch 35 detects that the lower end of the press plate 33 has approached the base part 31 to a predetermined distance. The distance detected by the limit switch 35 is set to the distance between the lower end of the press plate 33 and the base part 31 when the liquid food in the flexible container body 82 has been almost completely discharged, that is, the limit switch 35 detects that the remaining amount of liquid food in the flexible container body 82 is almost gone. The limit switch 35 is electrically connected to the control device 50, and transmits a predetermined signal to the control device 50 when the remaining amount of liquid food in the flexible container body 82 is almost gone.

[0049] In addition, such a remaining amount detection sensor is not limited to the limit switch of this embodiment, and for example, a pressure sensor such as a weighing scale that measures the weight of the flexible container body 82 or the weight of the entire flexible container holding device 30, or a photoelectric switch in which a light source such as an LED is installed on the press plate 33 and the light that has passed through the flexible container body 82 is detected on the base portion 31 side can be used.

[0050] The control device 50 includes at least a CPU, a memory, an input interface, an input device such as a touch panel, and a display. The control device 50 controls the driving of various devices by executing a program stored in the memory with the CPU. Specifically, the control device 50 is electrically connected to the pump device 10, the motor 24 and the heater 22D of the nozzle device 20, the heater 32 of the flexible container holding device 30, the base device 40, and the driving device 68 of the frame 60, and can control the driving of these devices. The control device 50 is also connected to the sensor device 70 and receives a signal indicating the distance to the surface height of the liquid food stored in the hopper section 281 measured by the sensor device 70. The control device 50 is also connected to a remaining amount detection sensor (limit switch 35), and transmits a predetermined signal to the control device 50 when the remaining amount of liquid food in the flexible container body 82 is almost gone.

[0051] The flexible container body 82 of the flexible container 80 is held by the flexible container holding device 30 by attaching the mounting opening 82A to the height adjustment bolt 31C of the flexible container holding device 30. The supply line 84 of the flexible container 80 passes through an opening formed in the center of the receiving portion 31B of the base portion 31 of the flexible container holding device 30, extends forward, and is introduced into the pump device 10. The supply line 84 passes through a line passage formed between the rotor 14 and the inner wall portion 12B in the pump device 10, and protrudes to the outside. The tip of the supply line 84 is attached to the connection member 27 of the nozzle device 20.

[0052] The molding apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a pair of flexible container holding devices 30, a pair of pump devices 10, and a pair of nozzle devices 20. One flexible container holding device 30, one pump device 10, and one nozzle device 20 form a first system that discharges liquid food, and the other flexible container holding device 30, the other pump device 10, and the other nozzle device 20 form a second system that discharges liquid food. For this reason, it is preferable to use flexible containers 80 attached to the flexible container holding devices 30 of each system that contain different liquid food, for example, colored in different colors in the flexible container main body 82. However, it is not necessary to provide two systems as in this embodiment, and one system or three or more systems may be used.

[0053] Next, a method for three-dimensionally modeling food A using the modeling apparatus of this embodiment will be described. In the drawings, food A is shown as a cube, but food of any three-dimensional shape can be manufactured.

[0054] First, three-dimensional data relating to the food to be shaped is input to the control device 50. Then, based on the three-dimensional data, the control device 50 extracts data relating to multiple cross sections of the food to be shaped at each predetermined height, determines the area in the cross-sectional data of each layer into which the liquid food is to be discharged, and creates discharge area data for each layer. When liquid food is to be discharged by two systems, the area into which the liquid food of each system is to be discharged is determined. Note that such discharge area data for each layer may be created in advance by another processing terminal, and the data may be input to the control device 50.

[0055] Next, the flexible container 80 is attached to the flexible container holding device 30. To attach the flexible container 80 to the flexible container holding device 30, the attachment opening 82A is attached to the height adjustment bolt 31C of the flexible container holding device 30, and the supply line 84 is inserted through an opening formed in the center of the receiving portion 31B of the base portion 31 of the flexible container holding device 30. Then, the press plate 33 of the flexible container holding device 30 is closed, and the movement of the attachment plate 33C relative to the base portion 31 is restricted by the slide lock 33A.

[0056] Next, the lid of the pump device 10 is opened, and the rotor 14 is moved downward to place the supply line 84 in the line passage. Next, the rotor 14 is moved upward to abut the supply line 84. Then, the tip of the supply line 84 of the flexible container 80 is connected to the connection member 27 of the nozzle device 20.

[0057] Next, the control device 50 causes the heater 32 of the flexible-container holding device 30 to generate heat, and heats the liquid food in the flexible-container body 82 of the flexible container 80 to a predetermined temperature. By heating the liquid food, it is possible to adjust the liquid food to a desired viscosity.

[0058] Next, the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20 is measured, and if the nozzle device 20 is empty of liquid food or if sufficient liquid food is not filled in the nozzle device 20, liquid food is supplied to the nozzle device 20. Specifically, first, the height of the upper surface of the liquid food in the hopper section 281 of the nozzle device 20 is measured by the sensor device 70. If the height of the upper surface of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is lower than a predetermined height, the control device 50 determines that the amount of liquid food in the hopper section 281 is insufficient, and drives the pump device 10. By driving the pump device 10, the liquid food is sent out from the flexible container body 82 of the flexible container 80 and supplied to the hopper section 281 via the supply line 84. Then, when the height of the upper surface of the liquid food reaches a predetermined height, the supply of the liquid food to the hopper section 281 is stopped. At this time, even if the supply line 84 is empty, the pump device 10 generates a negative pressure on the upstream side of the supply line 84, so that the liquid food is sent out from the flexible container body 82.

[0059] Next, each layer is modeled. That is, the nozzle device 20 and the pump device 10 are driven, and the modeling table 44 is moved horizontally by the base device 40 so that the liquid food is discharged from the nozzle device 20 to the area specified by the discharge area data.

[0060] At this time, the rotation speed of the screw member 29 of the nozzle device 20 and the rotation speed of the rotor 14 of the pump device 10 are controlled by the control device 50 so that the amount of liquid food fed by the pump device 10 is greater than the amount of liquid food discharged from the nozzle device 20. This prevents the liquid food in the hopper section 281 from becoming empty, preventing continuous discharge.

[0061] Moreover, when discharging the liquid food from the nozzle device 20, the height of the upper surface of the liquid food in the hopper section 281 of the nozzle device 20 is measured by the sensor device 70. Then, when the height of the upper surface of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is lower than the preset upper limit height (i.e., when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20 is less than the predetermined upper limit amount), the nozzle device 20 and the pump device 10 are driven simultaneously. Also, when the height of the upper surface of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 becomes equal to or higher than the preset upper limit height (i.e., when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined upper limit amount), the pump device 10 is stopped and only the nozzle device 20 is driven. Then, when the height of the upper surface of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 becomes lower than the preset upper limit height again, the nozzle device 20 and the pump device 10 are driven simultaneously. By driving in this manner, it is possible to prevent the liquid food in the hopper section 281 from being insufficient, causing the discharge of the liquid food to stop, or the liquid food from overflowing from the hopper section 281.

[0062] Then, when the formation of one layer is completed, the horizontal frame 66 is raised by the thickness of the layer, and the nozzle device 20 is raised. In this manner, the formation of each layer is repeated from below.

[0063] At this time, if the amount of liquid food inside the flexible container body 82 of the flexible container 80 becomes small, the tension screw 34D of the pressing mechanism 34 is tightened and adjusted so that the press plate 33 is pressed with a greater force.

[0064] In addition, when the limit switch 35 detects that the remaining amount of liquid food in the flexible container body 82 is almost gone, the control device 50 displays an alert to that effect on the display. When the control device 50 displays an alert, the liquid food in the flexible container body 82 is gone, so the flexible container 80 is replaced. To replace the flexible container 80, first, the tip of the supply line 84 of the flexible container 80 is removed from the connection member 27 of the nozzle device 20. Then, the lid of the pump device 10 is opened, the rotor 14 is moved downward, and the supply line 84 is removed from the line passage. Next, the slide lock 33A is used to release the restriction on the movement of the mounting plate 33C relative to the base part 31, and the press plate 33 of the flexible container holding device 30 is opened. Then, the flexible container body 82 is removed from the flexible container holding device 30. Next, a new flexible container 80 is attached in the same manner as in the above-described flexible container attachment work, and the tip of the supply line 84 is connected to the connection member 27 of the nozzle device 20. As described above, in this embodiment, the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are integrally formed, and the pump device 10 is configured to press the supply line 84 to deliver the liquid food, so that the flexible container 80 can be replaced in a clean state. In this manner, the production of the food product is completed by shaping the top layer.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved. According to this embodiment, since the liquid food is supplied from the flexible container 80 to the nozzle device 20 through the supply line 84, the liquid food is continuously supplied to the nozzle device 20, and food can be continuously produced. Furthermore, since the flexible container body 82 and the supply line 84 are integrated and the pump device 10 is configured to push the supply line 84 from the outside to feed the liquid food in the supply line 84, the liquid food can be fed hygienically without exposing the liquid food to outside air.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pump device 10 is configured to generate a negative pressure on the upstream side of the pressed portion of the supply line 84 by pressing the supply line 84 from the outside. With this configuration, even if the supply line 84 is empty, the negative pressure generated by the pump device 10 can draw the liquid food from the flexible container body 82 .

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pump device 10 has a rotor 14, which is provided with a protrusion 14A radially outward and is rotatable, and the rotor 14 rotates while the protrusion 14A presses against the supply line 84, thereby discharging the liquid food in the supply line 84. With this configuration, by rotating the rotor 14, the protrusion 14A presses against the supply line 84, thereby discharging the liquid food in the supply line 84. Also, according to this embodiment, the pump device 10 has a rotatable rotor 14 and an inner wall portion 12B that is provided in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the rotor 14, the rotor 14 has a protruding portion 14A on the radially outward side, and the rotor 14 rotates while the protruding portion 14A pinches and presses the supply line 84 with the inner wall portion 12B, thereby discharging the liquid food in the supply line 84, and the rotor 14 is provided so as to be separable from the inner wall portion 12B. According to this configuration, by rotating the rotor 14, the protruding portion 14A presses the supply line 84, thereby discharging the liquid food in the supply line 84. Also, by separating the rotor 14 from the inner wall portion 12B, the supply line 84 can be easily removed.

[0068] In addition, according to this embodiment, the device further includes a sensor device 70 capable of detecting the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device, and a control device 50 connected to the sensor device 70 and the pump device 10, and the control device 50 controls the operation of the pump device 10 in accordance with the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20 detected by the sensor device 70. For example, pumps such as peristaltic pumps that push the supply line from the outside to send out liquid food have been used to send out low-viscosity fluids, and the performance of sending out liquid food has not been guaranteed. In contrast, according to this embodiment, by controlling the operation of the pump device 10 according to the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20 detected by the sensor device 70, it is possible to supply liquid food to the nozzle device 20 without causing an excess or shortage of liquid food in the nozzle device 20.

[0069] In addition, according to this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the pump device 10 to stop delivery when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20 detected by the sensor device 70 becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined upper limit amount. With this configuration, the liquid food can be prevented from overflowing from the nozzle device 20.

[0070] In addition, according to this embodiment, the control device 50 is controllably connected to the nozzle device 20, and the control device 50 controls the operation of the nozzle device depending on the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device 20 detected by the sensor device 70. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the liquid food inside the nozzle device 20 from becoming low or empty, which would make it impossible to perform three-dimensional modeling.

[0071] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control device stops driving the nozzle device when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor becomes less than a predetermined lower limit amount. According to the above aspect, for example, when the liquid food inside the flexible container body runs out and the supply of liquid food to the nozzle device stops, the nozzle device can be stopped.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the nozzle device 20 regardless of detection by the sensor device 70, and the control device stops the pump device when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit amount, and drives the pump device when the amount of liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor is less than the predetermined upper limit amount. According to the above aspect, the nozzle device can be driven independently of the detection by the sensor, and three-dimensional modeling can be performed smoothly.

[0073] Moreover, according to this embodiment, the flexible container holding device 30 for holding the flexible container body 82 is further provided, and the flexible container holding device 30 has a heater 32 . According to this embodiment, the flexible container body 82 can be heated to bring the liquid food to a predetermined viscosity suitable for delivery through the supply line 84 in advance.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the flexible container holding device 30 is located on the rear side of the molding apparatus 1, and the pump device 10 and the nozzle device 20 are located on the front side of the molding apparatus 1. According to this embodiment, the path from the flexible container holding device 30 through the pump device 10 to the nozzle device 20 can be shortened, and the supply line 84 can be shortened.

[0075] Moreover, according to this embodiment, a heater 22D for heating the nozzle device 20 is further provided. According to this embodiment, the liquid food can be heated in the nozzle device 20 before being discharged, the liquidity of the liquid food can be adjusted, and the viscosity of the discharged liquid food can be maintained at a predetermined viscosity.

[0076] In the above embodiment, when the surface height of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is higher than a preset upper limit height, only the nozzle device 20 is driven and the pump device 10 is stopped, and when the surface height of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is equal to or lower than the preset upper limit height, both the nozzle device 20 and the pump device 10 are driven, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0077] For example, an upper limit height and a lower limit height may be set in the control device 50 as reference values ​​for the surface height of the liquid food, and the control may be performed as follows. When the surface height of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is higher than a preset upper limit height, only the nozzle device 20 is driven and the pump device 10 is stopped. When the surface height of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is equal to or lower than a preset upper limit height and higher than a preset lower limit height, the nozzle device 20 and the pump device 10 are driven simultaneously. - If the surface height of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is lower than a preset lower limit height, it is determined that the liquid food has run out in the flexible container body 82, the nozzle device 20 and the pump device 10 are stopped, and a message is displayed on the display indicating that the liquid food has run out in the flexible container body 82 (a message encouraging the replacement of the flexible container 80).

[0078] By setting the lower limit height in this manner, it is possible to detect when the liquid food on the upstream side of the hopper, i.e., in the flexible container body 82, has run out, and it is possible to prevent shaping from being performed when there is insufficient liquid food in the nozzle device 20.

[0079] In addition, an upper limit height and a lower limit height can be set in the control device 50 as reference values ​​for the surface height of the liquid food, and only the pump device 10 can be controlled in accordance with the detection of the sensor device 70 as described below, while the nozzle device 20 can be driven regardless of the detection of the sensor device 70. - stopping the pump device 10 if the height of the surface of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is higher than a preset upper limit height; When the surface height of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is equal to or lower than a preset upper limit height and higher than a preset lower limit height, the pump device 10 is driven to adjust the discharge amount according to the difference between the upper limit value and the surface height of the liquid food. That is, for example, when the difference between the upper limit value and the surface height of the liquid food is large, the supply amount of the pump device 10 is increased, and when the difference between the upper limit value and the surface height of the liquid food is small, the supply amount of the pump device 10 is decreased. - If the surface height of the liquid food measured by the sensor device 70 is lower than a preset lower limit height, it is determined that the liquid food has run out in the flexible container body 82, the nozzle device 20 and the pump device 10 are stopped, and a message is displayed on the display indicating that the liquid food has run out in the flexible container body 82 (a message encouraging the replacement of the flexible container 80).

[0080] According to this embodiment, the discharge volume of the pump device 10 is adjusted according to the difference between the upper limit value and the surface height of the liquid food, so that the liquid food in the hopper section 281 can be supplied without shortage even if the nozzle device 20 is driven independently.

[0081] The inventors have confirmed through experiments that the pump device of the molding apparatus of the present invention can pump out liquid food, which will be described below. (1) Liquid foods (soft foods) The soft food used was a mixture of the following ingredients: Burdock puree 40(%(w / w)) Gelling agent formulation 1.3 (% (w / w)) Egg white 1(%(w / w)) Milk protein 2(%(w / w)) Ion-exchanged water 55.7(%(w / w)) These ingredients were mixed for 15 minutes to create a mousse, which was used as a liquid food. Before the transfer, the gelling agent was dissolved by heating at about 95 degrees.

[0082] (2) Pump equipment The pump devices used were WPX1-S4 8FA4-C (model number) and WPM2-S3 EA-CB (model number) manufactured by Welco Co., Ltd. The sizes and maximum flow rates of these pumps are as shown in Table 1 below.

[0083] [Table 1]

[0084] (3) Viscosity measurement The viscosity of the liquid food was measured using a B-type rotational viscometer (RB-85L: Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at 0.25, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 (s -1 The rotors (No. 22 and 23) were rotated by a pressure of 1000 rpm, and the readings were taken after 2 minutes. The measurements were carried out twice, and the average value was used as the measured value.

[0085] (4) Fluid delivery A spouted flexible container connected to a silicon tube was filled with mousse (liquid food), and the liquid was pumped for 1 minute using a pump device, and the weight of the liquid pumped was measured.

[0086] (5) Measurement results The relationship between shear rate and viscosity is shown in FIG.

[0087] The amount of liquid delivered by each pump device is shown in Table 2. As shown in Table 2, it was confirmed that the pump device of the present invention can deliver liquid food. [Table 2] [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] A: Food 1: Molding device 10: Pump equipment 12: Housing 12A: Base 12B:Inner wall part 12C: Lid 12D: External wall part 12E: Opening 14: Rotor 14A:Protrusion 16: Motor 20: Nozzle device 22: Holding frame 22A: Base 22B: Clamp 22C: Motor holder 22D: Heater 24: Motor 26:Discharge mechanism 27: Connection parts 28: Nozzle member 28A:Aperture 28B: Monitoring aperture 28C: Opening 29: Screw member 30: Flexible container holding device 31: Base part 31A: Plate part 31B: Receiving part 31C: Height adjustment bolt 31D: Catch member 32: Heater 33: Press plate 33A: Slide lock 33B:Protrusion 33C: Mounting plate 34: Pressing mechanism 34A: Sleeve 34B: Support rod 34C: Spring 34D: Tension screw 35: Limit switch 40: Pedestal device 42: Moving parts 44: Modeling table 50: Control device 60: Frame 62: Base part 62A: Base material 64: Vertical frame 66: Horizontal frame 68: Drive unit 70: Sensor device 72: Mounting material 80: Flexible container 82:Flexible container body 82A: Installation opening 84: Supply line 280: Interior space 281: Hopper section 282:Transfer pipe section 283: Reduced diameter part 284:Discharge outlet 290: Central axis 291: Spatula 292: Screw section 293: Connection parts

Claims

1. A food three-dimensional modeling device for three-dimensionally modeling food using a fluid food, comprising: A flexible container having a flexible container body containing a liquid food and a supply line formed integrally with the flexible container body can be attached, A pump device to which the supply line can be attached and which can pump out the liquid food in the supply line by pressing the supply line from the outside; A nozzle device provided downstream of the supply line for discharging the liquid food delivered by the pump device; A food three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising:

2. The pump device is configured to generate a negative pressure on the upstream side of a pressed portion of the supply line by pressing the supply line from the outside. The food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The pump device includes a rotatable rotor and a wall portion that is provided in an arc shape along an outer periphery of the rotor, The rotor has a protrusion on the radially outward side, and the protrusion pinches and presses the supply line against the wall portion while the rotor rotates, thereby feeding the liquid food in the supply line; The rotor is provided so as to be separable from the wall portion. The food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further, a sensor capable of detecting the amount of the liquid food in the nozzle device; a control device connected to the sensor and the pump device, The control device controls the operation of the pump device in accordance with the amount of the liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor. The food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The control device controls the pump device to stop the delivery when the amount of the liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined upper limit amount. The food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4.

6. the controller is controllably connected to the nozzle arrangement; The control device controls the operation of the nozzle device in accordance with the amount of the liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor. The food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The control device stops driving the nozzle device when the amount of the liquid food in the nozzle device detected by the sensor becomes less than a predetermined lower limit amount. The food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The flexible container further includes a flexible container holding device that holds the flexible container body, The flexible container holding device has a heater. The food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. the flexible container holding device is located at the rear side of the food 3D modeling device, The pump device and the nozzle device are located at the front side of the food 3D modeling apparatus. The food three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 8.

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