Food processing system capable of cleaning-in-place and cleaning method of the same

Abstract

To provide: a food processing system capable of cleaning-in-place without requiring input by an operator; and a cleaning method of the same.SOLUTION: A food processing system according to the present invention comprises: a transport unit for continuously transporting food; processing units 20, 30, 40 through which the transport unit passes and each of which is formed with an internal space for processing the food transported by the transport unit; a plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724 for spraying the internal spaces with liquid, either cleaning material or cleaning water, to clean the interiors of the processing units 20, 30, 40; and a liquid supply module 71 for selectively supplying the plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724 with either the cleaning material or cleaning water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food processing system capable of stationary cleaning and a cleaning method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] A system used for the production of frozen foods, particularly dumplings, is provided such that food is cooked by performing appropriate processing such as heat treatment on the continuously passing food, and appropriate post-treatment such as sterilization and freezing is performed. In the food processing process, food residues or substances used for processing may remain in the apparatus. Such residues must be periodically cleaned and removed to maintain the quality of the food produced.

[0003] Workers may be involved in cleaning the system. When manually cleaning the apparatus through manual input, since the worker may be injured, the temperature of the part where steaming occurs must be sufficiently low, similar to room temperature, and the temperature of the part where freezing occurs must be sufficiently high, similar to room temperature. After cleaning, since the processing process for food must be performed normally again, the temperature of the part where steaming occurs becomes high, and the temperature of the part where freezing occurs must become low. That is, sufficient time and energy are required to adjust the temperature of each part of the apparatus before and after the worker's input.

[0004] On the other hand, the height of the system may be formed to be much larger than the average height of an adult. In this case, there is a risk of safety accidents for the worker due to working at a high place.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been devised to solve such problems, and provides a food processing system capable of stationary cleaning without the operator entering, and a cleaning method thereof.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The food processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a conveying unit provided to continuously convey food, a processing unit that forms an internal space through which the conveying unit passes and where processing is performed on the food conveyed through the conveying unit, a plurality of nozzles that inject either one of a cleaning substance and cleaning water into the internal space for cleaning the inside of the processing unit, and a cleaning unit including a fluid supply module that selectively supplies either one of the cleaning substance and the cleaning water to the plurality of nozzles.

[0007] A cleaning method of a food processing system including a processing unit that forms an internal space where processing is performed on continuously conveyed food according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step of injecting cleaning water into the internal space to remove residues located in the internal space, a step of injecting a cleaning foam into the internal space, a step of injecting the cleaning water into the internal space to remove the cleaning foam, a step of injecting a disinfectant into the internal space, and a step of injecting the cleaning water into the internal space to remove the disinfectant.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] Thereby, stationary cleaning of the food processing system is possible without the operator entering, the time required for cleaning is shortened, and the risk of injury to the operator is reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

[0010]

Figure 2

[0011]

Figure 3

[0012]

Figure 4

[0013]

Figure 5

[0014]

Figure 6

[0015]

Figure 7

[0016]

Figure 8

[0017]

Figure 9

[0018]

Figure 10

[0019]

Figure 11

[0020]

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0154069 filed on November 17, 2020, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that when adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components should be given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown on other drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if a specific description of a related known configuration or function is determined to interfere with the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] In addition, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by such terms. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but other components may also be "connected", "coupled", or "joined" between the components.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view looking down on the food processing system 1 from above in a state where the internal structure of the food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is exposed. FIG. 3 is a view looking at the side of the food processing system 1 in a state where the internal structure of the food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is exposed. FIG. 4 is a view looking at the food processing system 1 from the rear to the front so that the internal structure is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view showing a part of the internal structure of the steaming unit 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a conveying unit 10, processing units 20, 30, 40, 50, and a cleaning unit 70. The food processing system 1 can further include a defrosting unit 60, a processor, and an inverter. The front-back, left-right, and up-down directions in this specification are relative directions used for convenience of explanation, and may change depending on the state in which the food processing system 1 is arranged.

[0026]

[0027] <processing units 20, 30, 40, 50>

[0028] The processing units 20, 30, 40, 50 are parts including a chamber that forms an internal space through which the conveying unit 10 passes and where processing is performed on the food F conveyed through the conveying unit 10. The processing units 20, 30, 40, 50 can include a steaming unit 20, a cold prevention unit 30, a pre-cooling unit 40, and a freezing unit 50. Any one of the listed steaming unit 20, cold prevention unit 30, pre-cooling unit 40, and freezing unit 50 can be referred to as a first processing unit, and the other one can be referred to as a second processing unit. The chamber can include a steaming chamber 21 that constitutes the steaming unit 20, a cold prevention chamber 31 that constitutes the cold prevention unit 30, a pre-cooling chamber 41 that constitutes the pre-cooling unit 40, and a freezing chamber 51 that constitutes the freezing unit 50.

[0029] The internal space can include a first space A1, a second space A2 which is a different space that does not overlap with the first space A1, and a third space A3 which does not overlap with the first space A1 and the second space A2. The internal space may be composed of three levels with a first space A1, a second space A2, and a third space A3 arranged in order while going downward, but the number of levels is not limited to this.

[0030] It is a part provided for performing a steaming process for cooking the food F with the steaming unit 20 using steam. The steaming unit 20 can perform a steaming process on the food F conveyed through the conveying unit 10. The steaming unit 20 can include a steaming chamber 21 for forming a steaming space which is a part of the internal space inside, and can include steam providing means arranged inside the steaming chamber 21. The steam providing means may be composed of a plurality. The steaming space may be divided into respective steaming partition spaces.

[0031] The steaming chamber 21 may have the form of a box opened in the front - rear direction. The conveying unit 10 can penetrate the front - rear direction opening of the steaming chamber 21. Therefore, the food F transferred rearward through the conveying unit 10 may pass through the steaming space and be steamed. In order for effective steaming to occur, a steaming gate may be arranged at the front - rear direction opening of the steaming chamber 21, which can temporarily close or open the front - rear direction opening to seal or open the steaming space.

[0032] The steam providing means can be arranged at positions corresponding to each stage of the multi - stage conveying unit 10 to pump steam into respective steaming partition spaces. Therefore, the steam providing means can include steam generating means for heating water to generate steam, and steam discharging means for discharging the steam generated by the steam generating means into respective steaming partition spaces. The steam generating means can be a water heater, and the steam discharging means may be formed in a pipe type.

[0033] Among the plurality of steam supply means, the steam supply means arranged at positions corresponding to different stages can operate independently of each other. Therefore, the temperature and discharge amount of the steam discharged into the steaming section space corresponding to each conveyance stage may differ according to the situation. For such individual control, a steaming temperature sensor for obtaining the temperature may be arranged in each steaming section space. The steam supply means corresponding to the relevant steaming temperature sensor may be controlled by the temperature obtained by the steaming temperature sensor.

[0034] The steam discharge means is arranged below the conveyors 111, 121, 131 included in each conveyance group 11, 12, 13, discharges steam upward, and can steam the food F that is deposited on the upper surfaces of the conveyors 111, 121, 131 and transferred. The steam discharge means may include left - right pipes 231 and front - rear pipes 232 that receive the transmission of steam from the steam generation means and allow the steam to flow inside. The left - right pipes 231 may extend in the left - right direction, and the front - rear pipes 232 may extend in the front - rear direction.

[0035] A plurality of front - rear pipes 232 may be arranged at both ends and the center of the conveyors 111, 121, 131 with respect to the left - right direction, and a plurality of left - right pipes 231 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the front - rear direction between the front - rear pipes 232. Steam discharge holes or nozzles are formed upward at predetermined intervals along the left - right direction and the front - rear direction in the left - right pipes 231 and the front - rear pipes 232 respectively, and the steam can be discharged upward. The nozzles here are different from the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 included in the cleaning section 70. With such an arrangement of the front - rear pipes 232 and the left - right pipes 231, the food F in the steaming space may be steamed as if being selected by the steam sprayed. The temperature in the steaming section 20 may be 95 - 99 °C, and the food F discharged from the steaming section 20 may have a temperature of 75 - 85 °C, preferably 80 °C.

[0036] Among the front and rear pipes 232, the central front and rear pipe 2321 arranged at the center may be communicated with the left and right pipes 231 and the like. Therefore, the central front and rear pipe 2321 can supply steam to each of the left and right pipes 231. The front and rear pipes 232 may include a central front and rear pipe 2321 and outer front and rear pipes 2322 arranged on the left and right sides of the central front and rear pipe 2321. The outer front and rear pipes 2322 may be arranged at the centers of the conveyors 111, 121, and 131 with respect to the vertical direction and on both sides of the conveyors 111, 121, and 131 with respect to the horizontal direction. The central front and rear pipe 2321 may be arranged below the conveyors 111, 121, and 131 with respect to the vertical direction and at the center of the conveyors 111, 121, and 131 with respect to the horizontal direction. That is, the central front and rear pipe 2321 may be arranged below the outer front and rear pipes 2322.

[0037] The steaming chamber 21 may be formed in a double structure. That is, the steaming chamber 21 may be formed in such a form that an inner steaming chamber forming a steaming space is surrounded by a web steaming chamber. An opening may be further formed in the steaming chamber 21 along the horizontal direction. A double steaming door may be provided to open and close such a horizontal opening.

[0038] The cold prevention unit 30 is a component provided to perform cold prevention treatment on the food F conveyed from the steaming unit 20 via the conveying unit 10. The cold prevention treatment means a treatment method of cooling by exposing the food F to the outside air or allowing the outside air to flow around the food F without using a separate refrigerant or the like.

[0039] The cold prevention unit 30 may include a cold prevention chamber 31 for forming a cold prevention space that is a part of the internal space, and the cold prevention chamber 31 may have an opening that is open so that the outside air can enter and exit the cold prevention space. The cold prevention unit 30 can include an outside air providing means that is disposed inside the cold prevention chamber 31 and can pump and supply outside air to the cold prevention space. The cold prevention unit 30 may be disposed behind the steaming unit 20.

[0040] The cold prevention space may be divided into respective cold prevention divided spaces including a first cold prevention divided space, a second cold prevention divided space, and a third cold prevention divided space. The first space A1 can include the first cold prevention divided space, the second space A2 can include the second cold prevention divided space, and the third space A3 can include the third cold prevention divided space.

[0041] The cold prevention chamber 31 may have the form of a box that is open in the front-rear direction. The transport unit 10 can penetrate the front-rear direction opening of the cold prevention chamber 31. Therefore, the food F transferred rearward through the transport unit 10 may pass through the cold prevention space and be cold-prevented.

[0042] The precooling unit 40 is a component provided to perform precooling treatment on the food F that has been cold-prevented and is transported through the transport unit 10. The precooling treatment means a treatment method of cooling the food F by a method of causing air cooled using a refrigerant to flow around the food F. The precooling unit 40 may be disposed behind the cold prevention unit 30.

[0043] The precooling unit 40 can include a precooling chamber 41 for forming a precooling space that is part of the internal space inside. The precooling chamber 41 may have the form of a box that is open in the front-rear direction. The transport unit 10 can penetrate the front-rear direction opening of the precooling chamber 41. Therefore, the food F transferred rearward through the transport unit 10 may pass through the precooling space and be precooled.

[0044] The precooling space may be divided into respective precooling divided spaces including a first precooling divided space, a second precooling divided space, and a third precooling divided space. The first space A1 can include a first precooling section space, the second space A2 can include a second precooling section space, and the third space A3 can include a third precooling section space.

[0045] The precooling unit 40 can include precooled air providing means disposed inside the precooling chamber 41 for pumping and supplying air cooled by a refrigerant to the precooling space. The precooling unit 40 can include precooled air generating means for cooling air through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air and providing the cooled air by the precooled air providing means. The precooled air generating means may be disposed above the precooling chamber 41. The precooled air generating means may be a brine cooler using an indirect cooling method using a refrigerant containing brine or the like.

[0046] The temperature inside the precooling unit 40 may be 3 to 7°C, preferably 5°C, and the food F discharged from the precooling unit 40 may have a temperature of 35 to 45°C, preferably 40°C.

[0047] The freezing unit 50 is a component provided to freeze the food F that has been precooled and conveyed through the conveying unit 10. The freezing unit 50 may be disposed behind the precooling unit 40. The freezing unit 50 can include a freezing chamber 51 for forming a freezing space that is a part of the internal space therein. The freezing chamber 51 may have the form of a box that is open in the front-rear direction. The conveying unit 10 can penetrate the front-rear direction openings of the freezing chamber 51. Therefore, the food F transferred rearward through the conveying unit 10 may pass through the freezing space and be frozen.

[0048] The freezing space may be divided into respective freezing section spaces including a first freezing section space, a second freezing section space, and a third freezing section space. The first space A1 can include a first frozen compartment space, the second space A2 can include a second frozen compartment space, and the third space A3 can include a third frozen compartment space.

[0049] The freezing unit 50 can include a freezing module that provides cold air, which is cooled air. The freezing module can include a freezing air providing means and a freezing air generating means. The freezing air providing means can be disposed inside the freezing chamber 51 and pump and supply air cooled by a refrigerant to the freezing space. The freezing air generating means can cool air through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air and provide it to the freezing air providing means. The freezing air generating means can be disposed above the freezing chamber 51. The freezing air generating means can be a freezing device using a refrigerant such as R-404 or R-507.

[0050] The temperature inside the freezing unit 50 can be -37 to -40 °C, and the food F discharged from the freezing unit 50 has a temperature of -5 to -10 °C, preferably -7 °C. While passing through the cold insulation unit 30, the pre-cooling unit 40, and the freezing unit 50 in order, the food F conveyed through the conveying unit 10 can be gradually cooled to minimize experiencing a rapid temperature change and finally be discharged in a frozen state. Gradual cooling can be performed, and the load on the freezing unit 50 can be reduced.

[0051] At least one of the cold insulation unit 30, the pre-cooling unit 40, and the freezing unit 50 can be disposed at a position corresponding to each stage of the conveying unit 10 and include a plurality of air providing means for pumping air. Such air providing means can be outside air providing means in the cold insulation unit 30, pre-cooling air providing means in the pre-cooling unit 40, and freezing air providing means in the freezing unit 50. The air providing means can also suck and process external air and provide it to each chamber, or process the air used in the chamber again and provide it to the chamber again.

[0052] Among the plurality of air supply means, the air supply means arranged at a position corresponding to other stages can operate independently. Therefore, the food F settled on each conveyance stage may be processed at mutually different temperatures. For such individual control, a temperature sensor for acquiring temperature may be arranged at a position adjacent to each conveyance stage. The air supply means corresponding to the relevant temperature sensor may be controlled according to the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor.

[0053] At least one of the cold prevention unit 30, the pre-cooling unit 40, and the freezing unit 50 may include an air volume adjustment damper provided to adjust the air volume of the air supplied to the plurality of air supply means. The air volume adjustment damper has a pipe-shaped appearance and includes a damper member that can adjust its posture and is arranged inside in the middle of the flow path through which air flows. By adjusting the posture of such a damper member, the air volume provided through the air volume adjustment damper can be adjusted.

[0054] The cold prevention unit 30, the pre-cooling unit 40, and the freezing unit 50 may each be provided with an air curtain at their respective inlets and outlets for injecting air onto the food F. The air curtain can be arranged to remove foreign matter adhering to the food F conveyed by the conveying unit 10, and can block other foreign matter from entering the cold prevention chamber 31, the pre-cooling chamber 41, and the freezing chamber 51 other than the food F.

[0055] Since the pre-cooling unit 40 and the cold prevention unit 30 cool the food F but do not freeze it, they can constitute a cooling unit. That is, the cooling unit is arranged between the freezing unit 50 and the steaming unit 20, and is a part provided to cool the food F that has been steamed and is conveyed through the conveying unit 10 before transmitting it to the freezing unit 50.

[0056] The cold prevention unit 30, the pre-cooling unit 40, and the freezing unit 50 may have mutually different lengths in the front-rear direction. The length in the front-rear direction may become longer as it goes from the cold prevention part 30 to the precooling part 40 and the freezing part 50.

[0057] The food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a defrosting part 60. The defrosting part 60 is a component connected to the freezing part 50 so as to remove the frost formed inside the freezing part 50. The defrosting part 60 may be provided to inject air into the freezing part 50 to remove the frost. The defrosting part 60 can inject air into the freezing module instead of inside the freezing chamber 51 to remove the frost generated in the freezing module.

[0058] The defrosting part 60 may include a plurality of defrosting nozzles, an air tank, and an air drying module. The defrosting nozzles may be connected to the freezing module and provided to inject air into the freezing air generating means of the freezing module. The air tank can transmit the dried air stored inside to the defrosting nozzles through pipes. A valve is arranged in each pipe, and the amount of air transmitted to the defrosting nozzles can be adjusted. The air drying module is connected to the air tank and can inhale and dry the air flowing in from the outside so as to be stored in the air tank. The air drying module may be a dehumidifier that dehumidifies by freezing air to condense water vapor or by using an adsorbent such as silica gel, but the type thereof is not limited thereto.

[0059] The defrosting nozzles may be arranged so as to face the parts where frost is likely to occur in the freezing air generating means. The defrosting nozzles are arranged in a lattice pattern so as to overlook the freezing air generating means from the side of the freezing air generating means, and high-pressure air can be injected to physically remove the frost.

[0060]

[0061] <Conveyor section 10>

[0062] It is a component provided to continuously convey the food F to the conveyor section 10. The conveyor section 10 may be composed of a plurality of stages. Each stage of the conveyor section 10 may be arranged vertically separated from each other. The conveyor section 10 may be composed of three stages including a first conveyor stage 11, a second conveyor stage 12, and a third conveyor stage 13 arranged in order while going downward as in an embodiment of the present invention, but the number of the stages is not limited thereto.

[0063] The spaces in the housings of the processing sections 20, 30, 40, 50 may be divided into a first space A1, a second space A2, and a third space A3, but the number of the divided spaces is not limited thereto. The first conveyor stage 11 may be located in the first space A1, the second conveyor stage 12 may be located in the second space A2, and the third conveyor stage 13 may be located in the third space A3.

[0064] The first space A1, the second space A2, and the third space A3 may be vertically divided with reference to the lower ends of the conveyors 111, 121, 131. Explaining with reference to the steaming space, the space inside the steaming section 20 in the first space A1 may be a first steamed divided space, the space inside the steaming section 20 in the second space A2 may be a second steamed divided space, and the space inside the steaming section 20 in the third space A3 may be a third steamed divided space. The spaces between the lower ends of the adjacent conveyors 111, 121, 131 may be the respective divided spaces.

[0065] Food F supply equipment may be arranged in front of the conveyor section 10. The food F supply equipment may be arranged side by side with each stage of the conveyor section 10, but it may also be arranged on the left and right direction sides of each stage of the conveyor section 10 to transfer the food F to the conveyor section 10 along the left and right direction, and it is not a device that transfers the food F to the conveyor section 10 via a linearly formed path. It may be a rotary supply equipment having a rotating structure, and its type is not limited thereto.

[0066] Each stage of the conveying unit 10 can include conveyors 111, 121, and 131 provided to convey the food F. Each conveying stage can include a first conveyor 111, a second conveyor 121, and a third conveyor 131, respectively. The conveyors 111, 121, and 131 extend in the front-rear direction, and may be provided such that a plurality of foods F can be arranged along the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. The conveyors 111, 121, and 131 include a plurality of rollers and a belt wound around the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of rollers, and the belt is rotated by the rotation of the rollers so that the food F placed on the upper surface of the belt is conveyed in a predetermined direction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rollers rotate in the axial direction which is the left-right direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, and the belt can transfer the food F backward.

[0067] In order to drive the conveyors 111, 121, and 131, the conveying unit 10 can further include a drive module composed of a motor or the like that generates a rotating driving force and transmits it to the rollers. A single conveyor 111, 121, 131 may be arranged throughout the entire food processing system 1 along the front-rear direction, but the conveyors 111, 121, 131 can be separated into respective conveyor units for each predetermined section, and a plurality of continuous conveyor units can also constitute the conveyors 111, 121, 131. When the conveyors 111, 121, 131 include a plurality of conveyor units, different drive modules can be arranged in each conveyor unit to drive each conveyor unit.

[0068] Each stage of the conveying unit 10 can further include a conveying cover 141 that covers the conveyors 111, 121, 131 above the conveyors 111, 121, 131 passing through the inside of the steaming unit 20 included in the processing units 20, 30, 40, 50. The transfer cover 141 covers the conveyors 111, 121, and 131, and a steaming separation space in which the conveyors 111, 121, and 131 are located between the lower side of the transfer cover 141 and the steam pipe is formed in each stage, and the first steaming separation space, the second steaming separation space, and the third steaming separation space, which are the steaming separation spaces of each stage, can be separated from each other. In the case of the first transfer stage 11, since there is no other transfer stage arranged on the first conveyor 111, the first steaming separation space can be formed without including the transfer cover 141. The transfer cover 141 of the second transfer stage 12 can separate the second conveyor 121 of the second transfer stage 12 from the first transfer stage 11 to form the second steaming separation space. The transfer cover 141 of the third transfer stage 13 can separate the third conveyor 131 of the third transfer stage 13 from the second transfer stage 12 to form the third steaming separation space.

[0069] The transfer cover 141 may have a shape that is inclined upward with respect to the inner direction based on the left - right direction. Therefore, it can have a shape in which the distance from the conveyors 111, 121, 131 to the transfer cover 141 becomes farther while going toward the center. When the transfer cover 141 has such a shape, even if the water from the steam forms droplets on the lower surface of the transfer cover 141, the water can be guided to the outside and fall based on the left - right direction, and the situation where water falls on the food F located at the center based on the left - right direction can be prevented.

[0070] Each stage of the transfer unit 10 can further include a baffle plate 142 that protrudes from the lower surface of the transfer cover 141 toward the conveyors 111, 121, 131. The baffle plate 142 may extend along the left - right direction, be composed of a plurality, and be arranged at intervals along the front - rear direction. When viewed along the front - rear direction, the baffle plate 142 has a shape that is inclined upward with respect to the inner direction based on the left - right direction, similar to the transfer cover 141, and may have a predetermined thickness along the up - down direction. The baffle plate 142 can further divide each steaming separation space divided vertically in the front-rear direction.

[0071] The baffle plate 142 can accommodate a heat insulating material inside. The heat insulating material may be glass wool, but its type is not limited thereto. The baffle plate 142 accommodates the heat insulating material, and each steaming separation space can be effectively heat-insulated from each other.

[0072]

[0073] <Processor>

[0074] A component including an element capable of performing a logical operation for executing a processor control instruction, which can include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. Connected to various components of the processor, it can transmit signals according to control instructions to each component to perform control, and can be connected to various sensors or acquisition units to receive the acquired information in the form of signals. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, it may be electrically connected to various components included in the processor food processing system 1. Since it may be electrically connected to each component of the processor, it can be connected by a wire or further have a communication module capable of wireless communication to communicate with each other.

[0075] The food processing system 1 further includes a storage medium, and the control instructions executed by the processor may be stored in the storage medium and utilized. The storage medium may be a device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), server, volatile medium, non-volatile medium, etc., but its type is not limited thereto. In addition to this, data and the like necessary for the processor to perform operations may be further stored in the storage medium.

[0076]

[0077] <Cleaning Unit 70>

[0078] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the cleaning unit 70 included in the food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the conceptual diagram of FIG. 6, the freezing nozzle 725 disposed in the freezing unit 50 is not shown. The freezing nozzle 725 can be confirmed in FIG. 4.

[0079] The cleaning unit 70 includes nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 and a fluid supply module 71 for cleaning the interiors of the processing units 20, 30, 40, 50. By using the cleaning unit 70, the interior space can be cleaned only by control without the need for an operator to directly enter the inside of the processing unit, so that in-place cleaning of the processing units 20, 30, 40, 50 is possible. Since in-place cleaning is possible, the time required for cleaning the food processing system 1 is shortened, and the risk of injury to the operator is reduced.

[0080] The nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 are configured to inject either one of a cleaning substance and cleaning water in the internal space for cleaning the inside of each chamber of the processing units 20, 30, 40, 50, and may be composed of a plurality of them. The fluid supply module 71 selectively supplies either one of a cleaning substance and cleaning water to such a plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 so that the above-described selective fluid injection is performed. The food processing system 1 can further include an inverter provided to adjust the pressure at which the pump 711 pumps the fluid. The inverter is electrically connected to the pump 711 and can linearly control the pump 711. The inverter may be electrically connected to a processor.

[0081] The cleaning unit 70 can further include a control valve box 712 for controlling the pump 711. The control valve box 712 includes valves for controlling the operation of the pump 711 and the fluid supplied to the pump 711, and is a pneumatic device that controls such valves using compressed air received from the compressed air supply terminal 7131 via the compressed air control pipe 7163.

[0082] The cleaning substances provided by the fluid supply module 71 may be at least one of steam, cleaning foam, disinfectant, and compressed air. The cleaning foam and disinfectant are introduced through the cleaning substance supply terminal, and the compressed air flows into the compressed air supply pipe 7161 included in the compressed air pipe 716 from the compressed air supply terminal 7131, and is provided to the pump 711 included in the fluid supply module 71 via the compressed air transmission pipe 7162, and may be pumped to the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 via the fluid transfer pipe 714 by the pump 711. A cleaning water supply terminal is connected to the pump 711, and after the cleaning water is transmitted to the pump 711, it can be pumped to the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 via the fluid transfer pipe 714.

[0083] A hot water supply terminal 7132 for supplying hot water, which is water at a temperature higher than general water, to the pump 711 via the hot water pipe 717 and a service water supply terminal 7133 for supplying service water to the pump 711 via the service water pipe 718 may be further arranged. The service water pipe 718 may be combined with the hot water pipe 717 so that the supply of fluid to the pump 711 is not interrupted and the automatic CIP operation is not interrupted. The cleaning water may include hot water and service water. The hot water may be water obtained by heating the service water.

[0084] The plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 may be arranged in their respective processing units 20, 30, 40, 50. The nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in the steaming section 20 may be the steaming nozzles 722, the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in the cold prevention section 30 may be the cold prevention nozzles 723, the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in the pre-cooling section 40 may be the pre-cooling nozzles 724, and the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in the freezing section 50 may be the freezing nozzles 725. The nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in the different processing sections 20, 30, 40, 50 may be controlled independently of each other. For example, the flow rates of the fluids injected through the nozzles arranged in the first processing section among the plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 and the nozzles arranged in the second processing section among the plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 may be controlled independently of each other.

[0085] The plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 may include a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the first space A1, a plurality of second nozzles arranged in the second space A2, and a third nozzle arranged in the third space A3. Explaining with reference to the steaming nozzle 722, the steaming nozzle 722 may include a first steaming nozzle 7221 which is a first nozzle arranged in the first steaming separation space, a second steaming nozzle 7222 which is a second nozzle arranged in the second steaming separation space, and a third steaming nozzle 7223 which is a third nozzle arranged in the third steaming separation space. Therefore, the cleaning water or the like injected from the steaming nozzle 722 can clean the inner surfaces of the respective transport groups 11, 12, 13, the left and right pipes 231, the front and rear pipes 232, and the transport cover 141.

[0086] The cold prevention nozzles 723, the pre-cooling nozzles 724, and the freezing nozzles 725 may also have the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in each space. The nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in different divided spaces may be controlled independently of each other. Each of the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 may be arranged looking downward from the upper region of each divided space. Further, each of the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with reference to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0087] The fluid supply module 71 may include a fluid transfer pipe 714 that transfers fluid from the pump 711 to the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in each of the processing units 20, 30, 40, 50. The fluid transfer pipe 714 includes a main transfer pipe 7141 that receives the transfer of the fluid discharged from the pump 711, a steaming transfer pipe 7142 that is connected to the main transfer pipe 7141 and transfers the fluid to the steaming nozzle 722, an anti-cooling transfer pipe 7143 that is connected to the main transfer pipe 7141 and transfers the fluid to the anti-cooling nozzle 723, a pre-cooling transfer pipe 7144 that is connected to the main transfer pipe 7141 and transfers the fluid to the pre-cooling nozzle 724, and a freezing transfer pipe that is connected to the main transfer pipe 7141 and transfers the fluid to the freezing nozzle 725.

[0088] The fluid transferred through each fluid transfer pipe 714 may be distributed to each of the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 through the fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735 arranged in each of the processing units 20, 30, 40, 50. That is, the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 may be connected to the fluid transfer pipe 714 through the fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735. The fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735 include a steaming distribution pipe 732 that transfers the fluid from the steaming transfer pipe 7142 to the steaming nozzle 722, an anti-cooling distribution pipe 733 that transfers the fluid from the anti-cooling transfer pipe 7143 to the anti-cooling nozzle 723, a pre-cooling distribution pipe 734 that transfers the fluid from the pre-cooling transfer pipe 7144 to the pre-cooling nozzle 724, and a freezing distribution pipe 735 that transfers the fluid from the freezing transfer pipe to the freezing nozzle 725.

[0089] Each of the fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735 may include separate pipes arranged in the first space A1, the second space A2, and the third space A3. That is, when described with reference to the steamed distribution pipe 732, the steamed distribution pipe 732 can include a first steamed distribution pipe 7321 connected to the first steamed nozzle 7221, a second steamed distribution pipe 7322 connected to the second steamed nozzle 7222, and a third steamed distribution pipe 7323 connected to the third steamed nozzle 7223. The cold prevention nozzle 723, the pre-cooling nozzle 724, and the freezing nozzle 725 may also have fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735 connected to the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 arranged in each space.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, it can be confirmed that a first freezing distribution pipe 7351 is connected to the first freezing nozzle 7251 arranged on the first conveying stage 11 in the first freezing section space, a second freezing distribution pipe 7352 is connected to the second freezing nozzle 7252 arranged on the second conveying stage 12 in the second freezing section space, and a third freezing distribution pipe 7353 is connected to the third freezing nozzle 7253 arranged on the third conveying stage 13 in the third freezing section space. In FIG. 5, the second steamed nozzle 7222 and the second steamed distribution pipe 7322 arranged between the upper side of the second conveying stage 12 and the lower side of the conveying cover 141 in the steaming section 20 can be confirmed.

[0091] In the fluid transfer pipe 714, distribution valves 742, 743, 744 for adjusting the opening and closing of each fluid distribution pipe 732, 733, 734, 735 may be arranged on each fluid distribution pipe 732, 733, 734, 735 so that fluid is provided or not provided to each fluid distribution pipe 732, 733, 734, 735. That is, a steamed distribution valve 742 is arranged on the steamed distribution pipe 732, a cold prevention distribution valve 743 is arranged on the cold prevention distribution pipe 733, a pre-cooling distribution valve 744 is arranged on the pre-cooling distribution pipe 734, and a freezing distribution valve is arranged on the freezing distribution pipe 735, and the opening and closing of each fluid distribution pipe 732, 733, 734, 735 can be adjusted. Describing with the steamed distribution pipe 732 as a reference, a first steamed distribution valve 7421 may be arranged in the first steamed distribution pipe 7321, a second steamed distribution valve 7422 may be arranged in the second steamed distribution pipe 7322, and a third steamed distribution valve 7423 may be arranged in the third steamed distribution pipe 7323.

[0092] The distribution valves 742, 743, 744 may be pneumatic valves. An operating air pipe 7164 is connected to each of the distribution valves 742, 743, 744, and the opening and closing of each of the distribution valves 742, 743, 744 can be controlled in response to providing compressed air.

[0093] Transfer valves 715 for adjusting the opening and closing of each fluid transfer pipe 714 may be arranged in each fluid transfer pipe 714 so that fluid is provided or not provided through each fluid transfer pipe 714. That is, a steamed transfer valve 7152 may be arranged in the steamed transfer pipe 7142, a cold prevention transfer valve 7153 may be arranged in the cold prevention transfer pipe 7143, a pre-cooling transfer valve 7154 may be arranged in the pre-cooling transfer pipe 7144, a freezing transfer valve 715 may be arranged in the freezing transfer pipe, and a main transfer valve 7151 may be arranged in the main transfer pipe 7141 to adjust the opening and closing of each fluid transfer pipe 714.

[0094] A discharge pipe 719 may be connected to the pump 711 so that fluid is discharged from the pump 711 to the outside. A discharge valve 7191 may be arranged in the discharge pipe 719 to control the opening and closing of the discharge pipe 719. An injection valve is connected to the pump 711, and it may serve as a passage for receiving inputs such as a cleaning foam and a disinfectant, which are cleaning substances, from the outside. When the cleaning substance tank is positioned adjacent to the pump 711, one end is connected to the cleaning substance tank and the other end is connected to the injection valve, and the cleaning substance can be transmitted by the pump 711.

[0095] The cleaning unit 70 may be controlled such that the flow rates of the fluids ejected by the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 connected to the different fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735 among the plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 are independent of each other. For example, control may be performed on each valve or the like such that the flow rates of the fluids ejected by a plurality of first nozzles among the plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 and a plurality of other second nozzles among the plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 are independent of each other. As another example, while the cleaning water is ejected at a predetermined flow rate from the steaming nozzle 722, the cleaning water may be ejected from the precooling nozzle 724 at a flow rate different from the predetermined flow rate.

[0096] In the working mode, the food processing system 1 may be controlled such that each of the processing units 20, 30, 40, 50 operates as intended. The cleaning mode may be implemented after the working mode is completed. After the cleaning mode is implemented and completed, the fluid supply module 71 can supply compressed air to the freezing nozzle 725 to remove moisture due to cleaning water or the like remaining in the freezing unit 50.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the nozzle N of the food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the shape in which the nozzle N of the food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention ejects fluid.

[0098] The nozzle N in FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same as the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 in FIGS. 1 to 6. The nozzle N may include an upper ejector U and a lower ejector D and may be divided into the lower ejector D and the upper ejector U. The upper ejector U is a portion connected to the fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735, and the lower ejector D is a portion connected to the lower end of such an upper ejector U. The lower injector D may be formed to inject fluid at a pressure greater than the pressure at which the upper injector U injects fluid.

[0099] The lower injector D is provided so as to inject fluid while drawing a cone downward when looking downward. The upper injector U is provided to inject fluid to the periphery from above the lower injector D. Therefore, the lower injector D is formed with a plurality of lower injection holes formed in a direction inclined outward with respect to the downward direction so that fluid is injected while drawing a cone, or conical lower injection holes whose cross-sectional area increases in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction as it goes downward, and a rotating injector R which is a part of the upper injector U located in the square formed by the broken line in the drawing may be formed with a plurality of upper injection holes H for injecting fluid in a direction crossing the vertical direction. The directions in which the plurality of upper injection holes H inject fluid may be different from each other. For example, two upper injection holes H are formed at the upper and lower parts of the rotating injector R, but the directions of injecting fluid may have different angles with respect to the horizontal direction. Four of the plurality of upper injection holes H may be formed in the middle part of the rotating injector R, but the directions of injecting fluid may have different angles with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0100] The rotating injector R may be provided to rotate and inject fluid to the periphery. That is, the portion corresponding to the rotating injector R may be formed to be rotatable or may be rotatably coupled to the fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735. When the rotating injector R rotates, the remaining part of the nozzle N may not rotate. Since the nozzle N injects fluid in such a manner, the fluid is evenly injected into the internal space, and the dead zone where injection is not performed can be reduced.

[0101] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the nozzle N of the food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention disassembled into the lower injector D and the upper injector U. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a situation where a lower injection body D of a food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to an upper injection body U.

[0102] The upper part of the lower injection body D may be formed in a screw shape and coupled to the lower end of the upper injection body U. Since the lower injection body D and the upper injection body U are coupled along the thread, it is easy to replace and maintain each part of the nozzle N.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a flowchart diagram of a cleaning method of a food processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] In the cleaning mode, the fluid supply module 71 can supply fluid to a plurality of nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 in the order of cleaning water, cleaning foam, cleaning water, disinfectant, and cleaning water. Specifically, when the cleaning mode starts, cleaning water can be injected into the internal space using the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 to remove residues located in the internal space (S10). After the residues are removed through the injection of the cleaning water, cleaning foam can be injected into the internal space using the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 (S20). Cleaning water can be injected into the internal space using the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 to remove the cleaning foam (S30). Thereafter, a disinfectant can be injected into the internal space using the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 (S40). Cleaning water can be injected into the internal space using the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 to remove the disinfectant (S50). After such a cleaning mode is completed, if necessary, compressed air can be injected into the freezing unit 50 using the nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 to remove moisture (S60).

[0105] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a nozzle arrangement state of a food processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The food processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention is similar to the food processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention but has some differences. Therefore, for another embodiment of the present invention, the description of an embodiment of the present invention is applicable, and only the differences will be described below.

[0106] Referring to the drawings, in the food processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention, a nozzle 7261 that receives and injects fluid from a fluid supply module 71 may be movably arranged. Here, the fluid injected by the nozzle 7261 may be either a cleaning substance or cleaning water, as in an embodiment of the present invention, and the types of the cleaning substance and the cleaning water are also the same as those described in an embodiment.

[0107] The cleaning unit 70 according to another embodiment may include a nozzle unit 726 that is connected to a fluid distribution pipe 736 and receives fluid transmission from a fluid supply module 71. The nozzle unit 726 may include a hose 7262 connected to the distribution pipe 736 and a nozzle 7261 connected to the hose 7262 for injecting fluid into the conveying unit 10 and the surrounding area. Since the nozzle 7261 is connected to the fluid distribution pipe 736 via the hose 7262, the relative position of the nozzle 7261 with respect to the end of the distribution pipe 736 can be changed.

[0108] The nozzle 7261 may be arranged to be movable along the left - right direction. To enable such an operation, the cleaning unit 70 may include a nozzle moving unit 75. The nozzle moving unit 75 may include a slider 753 coupled to the nozzle and a cylinder unit 752 to which the slider 753 is coupled. The cylinder unit 752 may extend along the left - right direction and may be arranged at a position spaced upward from each conveying stage. The cylinder unit 752 may include a frame with a fixed length and a piston capable of relative linear movement along the left - right direction with respect to the frame. The slider 753 is coupled to the piston and linearly moves along the left - right direction, and the nozzle 7261 coupled to the slider 753 can inject fluid into the conveying unit 10 while linearly moving along the left - right direction. The cylinder part 752 may be a hydraulic cylinder that operates by the pressure of the supplied fluid, but its type is not limited thereto.

[0109] The nozzle moving part 75 can further include a support part 751. The support part 751 may be extended along the left - right direction and arranged at a distance above the conveying stage. The cylinder part 752 may be coupled to and supported by the support part 751. The hose 7262 may be coupled to and supported by the support part 751. Therefore, a part of the hose 7262 between one location of the hose 7262 coupled to the support part 751 and the other location of the hose 7262 coupled to the fluid distribution pipe 736 may not be affected by the movement of the slider 753. However, the other part of the hose 7262 between the support part 751 and the slider 753 may move when the slider 753 moves along the left - right direction.

[0110] The above descriptions of the nozzle 7261, the fluid distribution pipe 736, etc. may be applied to various nozzles 722, 723, 724, 725 and fluid distribution pipes 732, 733, 734, 735 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] In the above, even if all the components constituting the embodiment of the present invention are described as being combined into one or combined and operating, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such an embodiment. That is, within the scope of the object of the present invention, all of its components can also be selectively combined and operate in one or more. In addition, terms such as "including", "comprising", or "having" described above, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, are meant to imply that the component can be inherent, and thus should not be construed as excluding other components, but rather as being able to further include other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms such as pre-defined terms shall be construed to be consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and shall not be construed as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless clearly defined in the present invention.

[0112] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention shall be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope shall be construed as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conveying unit configured to continuously convey food products; a processing section that defines an internal space through which the conveying section penetrates and in which food transported through the conveying section is processed; A food processing system comprising: a cleaning unit having a plurality of nozzles for spraying one of a cleaning substance and cleaning water into the internal space for cleaning the inside of the processing unit; and a fluid supply module for selectively supplying one of the cleaning substance and the cleaning water to the plurality of nozzles.

2. The internal space includes a first space and a second space that is a different space that does not overlap with the first space, the plurality of nozzles includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in the first space and a plurality of second nozzles arranged in the second space, 2. The food processing system of claim 1, wherein flow rates of fluid ejected by the first plurality of nozzles and the second plurality of nozzles are controlled to be independent of each other.

3. The conveying section includes a first conveying stage and a second conveying stage that are vertically spaced apart from each other, The food processing system of claim 2 , wherein the first transfer stage is located in the first space and the second transfer stage is located in the second space.

4. The processing section includes a first processing section, which is one of a steaming section, a cold prevention section, a pre-cooling section, and a freezing section, and another second processing section, The food processing system of claim 1 , wherein the flow rates of fluids sprayed by the nozzles among the plurality of nozzles arranged in the first processing section and the nozzles among the plurality of nozzles arranged in the second processing section are controlled independently of each other.

5. The food processing system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nozzles includes a lower projectile configured to eject the fluid in a downward direction.

6. 6. The food processing system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of nozzles further comprises an upper projectile disposed above the lower projectile and adapted to spray the fluid in a circumferential direction.

7. 7. The food processing system of claim 6, wherein the lower injector is arranged to inject the fluid at a pressure greater than the pressure at which the upper injector injects the fluid.

8. The upper projectile includes a plurality of upper injection holes for injecting the fluid in a direction transverse to the vertical direction, The food processing system of claim 6 , wherein the directions in which the upper injection holes inject the fluid are different from each other.

9. The food processing system according to claim 6 , wherein the rotating jets included in the upper jet are configured to rotate and jet the fluid in a circumferential direction.

10. the fluid supply module includes a pump configured to pump the fluid to the plurality of nozzles; 10. The food processing system of claim 1, further comprising an inverter configured to regulate the pressure at which said pump pumps said fluid.

11. 10. The food processing system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning substance is at least one of steam, a cleaning foam, a sanitizing agent, and compressed air.

12. The food processing system of claim 11 , wherein in a cleaning mode, the fluid supply module supplies fluids to the plurality of nozzles in the following order: cleaning water, cleaning foam, cleaning water, sanitizer, and cleaning water.

13. In a freezing space which is at least a part of the internal space, food transported through the transport unit is frozen, The food processing system of claim 12, wherein the fluid supply module supplies the compressed air to a plurality of nozzles disposed in the freezing space after the cleaning mode is performed.

14. The cleaning unit includes: The food processing system of claim 1 , further comprising a nozzle moving unit including a slider coupled to the plurality of nozzles and a cylinder portion coupled to the slider so as to linearly move the plurality of nozzles.

15. A method for cleaning a food processing system including a processing section that forms an internal space in which food that is continuously conveyed is processed, comprising the steps of: spraying cleaning water into the interior space to remove residues located in the interior space; injecting a cleaning foam into the internal space; spraying the cleaning water into the internal space to remove the cleaning foam; injecting a disinfectant into the interior space; and spraying the cleaning water into the interior space to remove the sanitizing agent.

Images