Stirring device and fermentation processing device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of stirring various types of processing objects through fragmentation.SOLUTION: An exemplary stirring device includes: a tank to which a processing object is input; and a stirring unit which is disposed within the tank for stirring the processing object. The stirring unit includes a rotating shaft and a plurality of claws attached to the rotating shaft. The plurality of claws include crushing claws that perform crushing of the processing object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an agitation device and a fermentation treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fermentation treatment machine that ferments food waste, livestock manure, etc. into compost, etc. is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the fermentation treatment machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the material to be fermented is introduced into the fermentation stirring tank from the inlet, and the rotating shaft placed in the fermentation stirring tank is rotated, so that the stirring blades attached to the rotating shaft perform subdivision and stirring of the material to be fermented in the fermentation stirring tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, various types of food residues, etc. are introduced into the tank of the fermentation treatment machine, and these may include large lumps or hard objects such as fish heads, block-shaped meat, dead chickens, etc. During the fermentation treatment, it is necessary to make such large lumps or hard objects fine. Conventional stirring blades cannot make such large lumps or hard residues fine enough, and there is a risk that the fermentation treatment will become inappropriate.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of stirring while subdividing various types of objects to be treated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary stirring device of the present invention includes a tank into which an object to be processed is introduced, and a stirring unit disposed in the tank for stirring the object to be processed. The stirring unit has a rotating shaft and a plurality of claws attached to the rotating shaft. The plurality of claws includes crushing claws for crushing the object to be processed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the exemplary stirring device of the present invention, various types of objects to be processed can be stirred while being subdivided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the case where the stirring device of the present invention is applied to a fermentation treatment device will be exemplified. However, the stirring device of the present invention is not limited to the fermentation treatment device, and can also be applied to other treatment devices such as a drying treatment device that performs a drying treatment on an object to be treated, for example.

[0010] <1. Fermentation treatment device> First, an embodiment of the fermentation treatment device to which the stirring device of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a fermentation treatment device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fermentation treatment device 100 is a device that treats an object to be treated to produce compost or the like. In the present embodiment, the object to be treated is, for example, food waste, food residues, agricultural crop residues, livestock manure, etc. Note that the object to be treated is not limited to one type and may be a plurality of types. When treating the object to be treated, as a preferred form, microorganisms that promote the fermentation of the object to be treated are mixed into the object to be treated. The microorganisms are preferably aerobic bacteria in a preferred form. Note that, for example, in the case where the treatment device is a device (drying device) for the purpose of drying the object to be treated, the microorganisms do not have to be mixed.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the fermentation treatment device 100 includes a main body part 101 that is a part for treating the object to be treated, and an equipment arrangement part 102 that is arranged beside the main body part 101 and in which various facilities necessary for treating the object to be treated in the main body part 101 are arranged.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a view in which some members are removed from the fermentation treatment device 100 shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a view in which the lid part 1011, the equipment cover 1021, and the control box 1022 are removed from the fermentation treatment device 100 shown in FIG. 1. Note that the lid part 1011 is attached to the main body part cover 1012 of the main body part 101 so as to be able to open and close a cover opening 1012a provided in the main body part cover 1012. The equipment cover 1021 covers at least a part of the equipment arranged in the equipment arrangement part 102. The control box 1022 incorporates a control device (not shown) that controls the operation of the fermentation treatment device 100 and an input device (not shown) for inputting commands to the control device.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 101 is configured to include the stirring device 20. That is, the fermentation treatment device 100 is provided with the stirring device 20. The stirring device 20 includes a tank 21 and a stirring unit 22.

[0014] The tank 21 is a tank into which the object to be treated is introduced. Specifically, the tank 21 is a fermentation tank for fermenting the object to be treated. The tank 21 is covered by the main body cover 1012. In the present embodiment, the tank 21 has a cylindrical tube portion 211 and a pair of wall portions 212a and 212b disposed at both ends in the direction in which the tube portion 211 extends. The pair of wall portions 212a and 212b are flat plates. A tube opening 211a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 211. The tube opening 211a and the cover opening 1012a overlap each other to form an inlet 30 for introducing the object to be treated into the tank 21. The inlet 30 can be opened and closed by the lid portion 1011. Note that the inlet 30 may also be used for taking out the resultant (product) obtained by treating the object to be treated from the tank 21. However, a dedicated outlet for taking out the resultant may be provided separately. In particular, when the fermentation treatment device 100 is enlarged, it is preferable to provide a dedicated outlet for taking out the resultant separately.

[0015] The stirring unit 22 is disposed in the tank 21 and stirs the object to be treated. The stirring unit 22 includes a rotating shaft 221 and a plurality of claws 222.

[0016] The rotating shaft 221 is columnar or cylindrical. The rotating shaft 221 is preferably cylindrical or cylindrical. The rotating shaft 221 is rotatably supported by the tank 21. The rotating shaft 221 extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the cylindrical tube portion 211 extends. The axis (rotation center line) AX of the rotating shaft 221 (see FIG. 3 and the like described later) coincides with the center of the cylindrical tube portion 211. One of the both ends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 221 is rotatably supported by one of the pair of wall portions 212a and 212b. The other of the both ends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 221 is rotatably supported by the other of the pair of wall portions 212a and 212b.

[0017] The plurality of claws 222 are attached to the rotating shaft 221. Specifically, the plurality of claws 222 protrude in a direction intersecting the axis AX of the rotating shaft 221. At least a part of the plurality of claws 222 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction with respect to the rotating shaft 221. The plurality of claws 222 rotate together with the rotating shaft 221. When the plurality of claws 222 rotate, the object to be processed in the tank 21 is agitated. The fermentation treatment apparatus 100 promotes fermentation and drying while agitating the object to be processed in the tank 21 with the plurality of claws 222, and obtains a target product such as compost. Details of the plurality of claws 222 will be described later.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, in the equipment arrangement unit 102, a motor 40, a blower 41, and a filter unit 42 are arranged.

[0019] The motor 40 is a drive source for rotating the rotating shaft 221. The rotational output of the motor 40 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 221 via a power transmission mechanism 43 including power transmission means such as gears. The rotating shaft 221 rotates by the rotational output transmitted from the motor 40 via the power transmission mechanism 43. Note that the power transmission mechanism 43 may not be provided. Further, at least the motor 40 of the motor 40 and the power transmission mechanism 43 may be included in the stirring device 20.

[0020] The blower 41 is a blower that supplies gas into the tank 21. In the present embodiment, the gas is air. The air sent out from the blower 41 is introduced into the tank 21 from the wall portion 212a constituting one end surface of the tank 21 via the air supply path 44. By supplying air into the tank 21, oxygen can be appropriately supplied to aerobic bacteria, and the fermentation treatment by aerobic bacteria is promoted. The air sent from the blower 41 into the tank 21 is preferably supplied into the tank 21 in a warmed state in order to promote the treatment. For the same reason, it is preferable that the tank 21 can also be warmed.

[0021] In the present embodiment, a space for arranging an air supply pipe (not shown) for supplying the air supplied from the air blower 41 is provided in the tank 21. For this reason, although the tank 21 is not cylindrical in detail, it may be cylindrical without providing a space for the air supply pipe.

[0022] Also, the air in the tank 21 is sent from the wall portion 212a constituting one end surface of the tank 21 to the filter portion 42 via the exhaust path 45. In the present embodiment, in detail, an exhaust pipe (not shown) for discharging air in the tank 21 is arranged side by side with the above-described air supply pipe. However, the exhaust pipe may not be provided in the same manner as the above-described air supply pipe. The air sent to the filter portion 42 enters the filter portion 42 from the lower part thereof, passes through a filter (not shown) for removing foreign matters disposed inside, and is exhausted from the upper part of the filter portion 42 to the outside of the filter portion 42. The air exhausted to the outside of the filter portion 42 is sent to a deodorizing device (not shown), subjected to deodorizing treatment, and discharged into the atmosphere.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that the air blower 41 sends air into the tank 21, but air may be introduced into the tank 21 by another method. For example, air may be taken into the tank 21 by a method of sucking air from the exhaust side.

[0024] <2. Stirring Device> Next, the stirring device 20 will be described in detail. When explaining the stirring device 20, the directions will be defined as follows for the explanation.

[0025] The direction (axial direction) in which the axis AX of the above-described rotating shaft 221 extends is defined as the left-right direction (see FIG. 3). Under this definition, the direction in which the cylindrical tank 21 extends is also the left-right direction. Further, the left-right direction is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the axial direction of the rotating shaft 221 extends in the horizontal direction. The vertical direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane is defined as the up-down direction. The direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the up-down direction is defined as the front-back direction. On one side of the front-back direction, an inlet 30 (see FIG. 2) for charging the object to be processed into the tank 21 will be provided. In the present embodiment, the inlet 30 is provided on the front side, but it may be provided on the rear side (the side opposite to the side shown in FIG. 2). Furthermore, the direction that becomes the radial direction with respect to the axial direction may be simply referred to as the radial direction. The direction that becomes the circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction may be simply referred to as the circumferential direction. The directions defined above are merely names used for explanation purposes and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationship and direction.

[0026] [2-1. Flange] FIG. 3 is a first plan view showing a schematic configuration of the stirring unit 22. FIG. 4 is a second plan view showing a schematic configuration of the stirring unit 22. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the stirring unit 22. Note that the first plan view is a front view seen from the front, and the second plan view is a side view seen from the left. Also, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tank 21 is shown by a broken line in order to show the schematic relationship between the stirring unit 22 and the tank 21. Further, the arrow P shown in FIG. 4 indicates the rotation direction of the stirring unit 22 (rotating shaft 221).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the stirring unit 22 has a plurality of flanges 223 extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 221. Each flange 223 has a flange surface that extends in a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction. The plurality of flanges 223 are arranged on the rotating shaft 221 with a space therebetween in the left-right direction. Each flange 223 is integral with the rotating shaft 221. Each flange 223 is made of, for example, metal. Each flange 223 is attached to a metal rotating shaft 221 by welding and is integrated with the rotating shaft 221.

[0028] In this embodiment, the shapes of the plurality of flanges 223 are all the same. However, at least a part of the plurality of flanges 223 may be different from the shapes of the other flanges 223. Specifically, each flange 223 is in the shape of a flat plate. Each flange 223 is strip-shaped (oval-shaped) in a plan view from the left-right direction. However, the shape of each flange 223 may be changed as appropriate, and may be, for example, circular. By making the shape strip-shaped as in this embodiment, the area of the flange 223 can be made smaller than in the case of a circular shape, and cost reduction and weight reduction can be achieved.

[0029] Claws 222 are attached to each flange 223. In other words, each of the plurality of claws 222 is attached to one of the plurality of flanges 223. Note that the attachment angle of each strip-shaped flange 223 to the rotation axis 221 changes according to the direction of the claw 222 attached to the flange 223.

[0030] Since the flange 223 is configured to be provided over a wide area in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 221, it can be joined (for example, welded) to the rotation axis 221 with high strength. That is, the flange 223 can support the root portion of the claw 222 where stress concentration is likely to occur with high strength. Also, by using the flange 223 as the portion that supports the claw 222, the support structure can be made a simple structure, so that the support structure of the claw 222 can be provided at low cost.

[0031] The number of claws 222 and the number of flanges 223 may be the same, but in this embodiment, the numbers of both are different. In this embodiment, two claws 222 are attached to each flange 223. By attaching a plurality of claws 222 to the same flange 223, the claws 222 can be driven into the object to be processed a plurality of times in the same or a nearby area in the left-right direction within the tank 21 while the rotation axis 221 makes one rotation.

[0032] [Overview of the Configuration of the Claws] Each of the plurality of claws 222 has an attachment portion 222a, an arm portion 222b, and a claw portion 222c. The attachment portion 222a, the arm portion 222b, and the claw portion 222c are configured as a single member. The claw 222 is not particularly limited in terms of material, but is, for example, made of metal.

[0033] The attachment portion 222a constitutes the base side of the claw 222 that is attached to the flange 223. The attachment portion 222a has a rectangular flat plate shape. The attachment portion 222a is fastened to the flange 223 with its plate surface facing the flange surface (either the left or right end surface of the flange 223). The aforementioned plate surface is a surface that extends in a direction orthogonal to the left - right direction in the attached state to the flange 223. The fastening between the attachment portion 222a and the flange 223 may be, for example, a configuration using fasteners or welding. The fasteners may be constituted by, for example, bolts and nuts. If configured to be fastened with fasteners, the claw 222 can be easily removed from the rotation shaft 221 (flange 223), so that the replacement work and maintenance work of the claw 222 can be easily performed.

[0034] As described above, two claws 222 are fastened to each flange 223. The two claws 222 may be attached to the same surface or opposite surfaces among the left and right end surfaces (flange surfaces) of the flange 223.

[0035] Also, in the present embodiment, the attachment portions 222a of the two claws 222 attached to the same flange 223 are attached so as to be point-symmetrical with respect to the axis AX. According to this, the two claws 222 attached to the same flange 223 can be attached to the flange 223 such that the protruding directions from the flange 223 are opposite to each other (the directions are 180° different). As a result, since the two claws 222 can be arranged so as not to interfere with each other, the two claws 222 can be easily arranged on the same flange 223. Further, when the two claws 222 are attached to the flange 223 such that the protruding directions from the flange 223 are opposite to each other, the two claws 222 acting in the same or near regions in the left-right direction in the tank 21 can be supported by one flange 223. In this way, by attaching a plurality of claws 222 to one flange 223, the number of flanges 223 can be reduced, and the cost of the stirring device 20 can be reduced.

[0036] The arm portion 222b is disposed between the attachment portion 222a and the claw portion 222c. The arm portion 222b extends from the attachment portion 222a in the same direction as the direction in which the attachment portion 222a extends. Specifically, the arm portion 222b has the same width as the attachment portion 222a and extends straight from the attachment portion 222a. The arm portion 222b is provided as a portion for adjusting the length of the claw 222 extending from the rotating shaft 221 toward the inner peripheral surface of the tank 21. By adjusting the length of the arm portion 222b, the clearance between the tip of the claw portion 222c and the inner peripheral surface of the tank 21 can be adjusted. As will be described later, the plurality of claws 222 include a plurality of types of claws 222. The above-mentioned clearance may be adjusted according to the type of the claw 222, and the clearances of the plurality of claws 222 may or may not be the same.

[0037] In most of the plurality of claws 222, the arm portion 222b is flat and is arranged in the same plane as the mounting portion 222a. That is, in most of the plurality of claws 222, the arm portion 222b is flat. However, in the claws 222 attached to the flanges 223 arranged at the outermost ends (left end and right end) in the left-right direction, the arm portion 222b includes a shift portion 222d, and the arm portion 222b is not a simple flat plate shape.

[0038] Specifically, the shift portion 222d is provided at the tip of the arm portion 222b (the end on the claw portion 222c side). The shift portion 222d shifts the position of the claw portion 222c in the left-right direction from the flange surface of the flange 223 to which the mounting portion 222a is attached. The shift portion 222d can be configured, for example, by bending the tip side of the arm portion 222b by metal processing or the like. The shift portion 222d preferably includes a reinforcing member that reinforces the strength of the portion bent by metal processing or the like.

[0039] More specifically, for the claws 222 (two in this embodiment) attached to the leftmost flange 223, the shift portion 222d is provided so as to shift the position of the claw portion 222c to the left from the flange surface. For the claws 222 (two in this embodiment) attached to the rightmost flange 223, the shift portion 222d is provided so as to shift the position of the claw portion 222c to the right from the flange surface.

[0040] By providing the shift portion 222d, for the claws 222 attached to the leftmost flange 223, the claw portion 222c can be brought closer to the left wall portion 212a of the tank 21. Also, by providing the shift portion 222d, for the claws 222 attached to the rightmost flange 223, the claw portion 222c can be brought closer to the right wall portion 212b of the tank 21. By bringing the claw portion 222c closer to the left and right wall portions 212a, 212b, it is possible to suppress the deposition of the object to be processed near the wall portions 212a, 212b without sufficient agitation.

[0041] The claw portion 222c is provided on the tip side of the arm portion 222b. The claw portion 222c is provided on the tip side of the claw 222 and is a portion that substantially acts on the object to be processed. In the present embodiment, the claw portion 222c includes a plurality of types of claw portions having different shapes. The claw portions 222c having different shapes have different actions on the object to be processed. That is, the claw 222 includes a plurality of types of claws having different actions. Details of the plurality of types of claws 222 having different actions will be described later.

[0042] [2-3. Reinforcement of Claw] It is preferable that a reinforcing member 224 is disposed at least on the root side, which is the side attached to at least the flange 223, of at least one of the plurality of claws 222. With such a configuration, the strength of the root portion where the stress of the claw 222 tends to concentrate can be improved. By concentrating the arrangement of the reinforcing member 224 on the root side where the stress tends to concentrate, the strength of the claw 222 can be improved while making the weight of the claw 222 as light as possible. Further, with such a configuration, even when the stirring device 20 (fermentation treatment device 100) is enlarged, the durability of the claw 222 can be increased and the reliability can be improved.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the reinforcing member 224 is attached to all of the plurality of claws 222. Specifically, the reinforcing member 224 includes a reinforcing plate 224a and a reinforcing angle 224b. The reinforcing plate 224a has a rectangular plate shape. The reinforcing plate 224a is disposed so as to overlap with the mounting portion 222a of the claw 222. The reinforcing plate 224a and the mounting portion 222a are fastened together to the flange 223 using, for example, bolts and nuts.

[0044] In addition, a reinforcing angle 224b with an L-shaped cross section is arranged on the claw 222 so as to be aligned with the reinforcing plate 224a in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing plate 224a. The reinforcing angle 224b is attached to the claw 222 by welding both ends of the L-shaped portion in a cross-sectional view to the left and right side surfaces of the claw 222. Specifically, the reinforcing angle 224b is arranged closer to the base side of the arm portion 222b of the claw 222. Note that the L-shaped reinforcing angle 224b may extend toward the tip of the claw 222. For example, the reinforcing angle 224b may extend to the tip of the claw 222. With such a configuration, the claw 222 has a blade shape, and the L-shaped portion formed by the reinforcing angle 224b scoops up the object to be processed, and it is possible to obtain not only the effect of increasing the strength but also the effect of containing more air.

[0045] Note that the reinforcing member 224 is not an essential component and may not be arranged if sufficient strength is ensured. In addition, it is not necessary to always arrange both the reinforcing plate 224a and the reinforcing angle 224b on the claw 222. If sufficient strength is ensured, only one of them may be arranged on the claw 222. In the case of a configuration in which only one of them is arranged, the arranged reinforcing member 224 is preferably arranged at least on the base side of the claw 222.

[0046] [2-4. Types of Claws] As described above, the plurality of claws 222 include a plurality of types of claws with different functions. The plurality of types of claws will be described below. In the present embodiment, the plurality of claws 222 are specifically 16 claws 222. In the following, in order to distinguish and describe the 16 claws 222, the following symbols 1 to 16 are assigned to each claw 222.

[0047] Let the flange 223 arranged on the leftmost side of the rotating shaft 221 be the reference flange 223S. Assign claw 1 and claw 2 to the claw 222 attached to the reference flange 223S. Assign claw 3 and claw 4 to the claw 222 attached to the flange 223 one position to the right of the reference flange 223S. Assign claw 5 and claw 6 to the claw 222 attached to the flange 223 two positions to the right of the reference flange 223S. Assign claw 7 and claw 8 to the claw 222 attached to the flange 223 three positions to the right of the reference flange 223S. Assign claw 9 and claw 10 to the claw 222 attached to the flange 223 four positions to the right of the reference flange 223S. Assign claw 11 and claw 12 to the claw 222 attached to the flange 223 five positions to the right of the reference flange 223S. Assign claw 13 and claw 14 to the claw 222 attached to the flange 223 six positions to the right of the reference flange 223S. Assign claw 15 and claw 16 to the claw 222 attached to the flange 223 seven positions to the right (the rightmost side) of the reference flange 223S.

[0048] Due to the difference in the configuration of the claw part 222c and the arm part 222b, each of the claws 1 to 16 can be classified into four types of claws. The four types of claws include stirring claws, shift stirring claws, crushing claws, and peeling claws. That is, the plurality of claws 1 to 16 include stirring claws, shift stirring claws, crushing claws, and peeling claws. Note that the shift stirring claws may be interpreted as being included in the stirring claws.

[0049] (2-4-1. Stirring Claws) The claws classified as stirring claws are claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, and 14. The claw part 222c of the stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, and 14 extends in an arc shape from the arm part 222b within the same plane as the arm part 222b, and the tip side is curved in the left-right direction in a spoon shape. The stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, and 14 mainly have the function of stirring the part to be processed. The stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, and 14 also have the function of shredding (subdividing) the object to be processed.

[0050] The stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, 14 can be classified in detail into a left stirring claw whose tip side of the claw part 222c curves toward the left with respect to the plane orthogonal to the left - right direction, and a right stirring claw whose tip side curves toward the right. The stirring claws 3, 7, 10, 14 are left stirring claws. The stirring claws 4, 8, 9, 13 are right stirring claws.

[0051] (2 - 4 - 2. Shift Stirring Claw) The claws 1 and 15 that are classified as shift stirring claws include a shift part 222d in the arm part 222b. The shape of the claw part 222c of the shift stirring claws 1, 15 is a spoon shape similar to that of the stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, 14. Similar to the stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, 14, the shift stirring claws 1, 15 mainly have the function of stirring the object to be processed and also have the function of shredding (sub - dividing) the object to be processed. Further, the shift stirring claws 1, 15 approach the left and right wall parts 212a, 212b of the tank 21 due to the shift part 222d, and also have the function of suppressing the deposition of the object to be processed in the vicinity of the left and right wall parts 212a, 212b of the tank 21.

[0052] The shift stirring claws 1, 15 can be classified in detail, similar to the stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, 14, into a shift left stirring claw whose tip side of the claw part 222c curves toward the left and a shift right stirring claw whose tip side curves toward the right. The shift stirring claw 1 is a shift right - left stirring claw. The shift stirring claw 15 is a shift left stirring claw. The shift right stirring claw 1 stirs the object to be processed near the left wall part 212a of the tank 21, etc. The shift left stirring claw 15 stirs the object to be processed near the right wall part 212b of the tank 21, etc.

[0053] (2 - 4 - 3. Crushing Claw) The claws 5, 6, 11, 12 are classified as crushing claws. The tip parts of the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, 12 are T - shaped. Specifically, the shape of the claw part 222c that constitutes the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, 12 is T - shaped. The claw part 222c has a plate - like part 222c1 that extends in a direction orthogonal to the left - right direction and a column - like part 222c2 that extends in the left - right direction at the tip of the plate - like part 222c1 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0054] The crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 crush the object to be processed. Although the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 mainly have the function of crushing the object to be processed, they do not completely lack other functions (such as a stirring function). By providing the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12, which have the function of crushing the object to be processed, in the stirring unit 22 that stirs the object to be processed, for example, hard objects such as fish and animal bones can be subdivided.

[0055] As described above, among the plurality of claws 1 to 16, stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, and 14, which have a different shape from the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12, are included. That is, the stirring unit 22 combines the stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, and 14 with the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12. By adopting such a configuration of combination, for example, various types of food residues can be processed together at once.

[0056] Specifically, the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 crush the object to be processed between themselves and the tank 21. The crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 crush the object to be processed by grinding it in combination with the inner peripheral surface of the tank 21. Further, in the present embodiment, receiving teeth 23 (see FIG. 6 etc.), which are used in combination with the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12, are arranged in the tank 21. The crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 crush the object to be processed, which is in the form of a lump such as a chicken (carcass) or block-shaped meat, by cutting it in combination with the receiving teeth 23. The cut and subdivided object to be processed is further crushed finely by the grinding function of the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12.

[0057] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are diagrams showing the relationship between the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 and the receiving teeth 23. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the direction of viewing the receiving teeth 23 is different. In FIG. 6, the arrow P indicates the rotational direction of the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the receiving teeth 23 have a pair of blade portions 23a, 23b and a fixing portion (fixing jig) 23c that fixes the pair of blade portions 23a, 23b to the tank 21. The structure of the fixing portion 23c is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the pair of blade portions 23a, 23b at appropriate positions in the tank 21.

[0058] The pair of blade portions 23a and 23b have the same shape. However, the pair of blade portions 23a and 23b do not necessarily have to have the same shape, and for example, they may have different shapes such as the surfaces on which the blade BL is provided facing each other. The pair of blade portions 23a and 23b are arranged at intervals in the left - right direction. When the rotary shaft 221 rotates, the pair of blade portions 23a and 23b are arranged such that the T - shaped tip portions of the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 can pass through the space between the left and right directions of the pair of blade portions 23a.

[0059] In this embodiment, the crushing claw 5 and the crushing claw 6 are provided at the same position of the rotary shaft 221 in the left - right direction. For this reason, the crushing claw 5 and the crushing claw 6 share the same receiving tooth 23. Also, the crushing claw 11 and the crushing claw 12 are provided at the same position of the rotary shaft 221 in the left - right direction. For this reason, the crushing claw 11 and the crushing claw 12 share the same receiving tooth 23. Since the crushing claws 5, 6 and the crushing claws 11, 12 are provided at different positions of the rotary shaft 221 in the left - right direction, they use separate receiving teeth 23. That is, in this embodiment, the receiving teeth 23 are arranged at two positions in the left - right direction within the tank 21. Note that at each of the two positions in the left - right direction, a plurality of receiving teeth 23 may be arranged in the circumferential direction, but in this embodiment, there is one.

[0060] The blade BL of each of the pair of blade portions 23a and 23b is arranged at a portion where the object to be processed is pressed by the rotating crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12. Each blade BL may have an inclined portion SL so that the rotating crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 can efficiently cut the object to be processed. In the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the blade BL has an inclined portion SL whose height position increases from the front in the rotation direction to the rear in the rotation direction.

[0061] The receiving tooth 23 is preferably provided at a circumferential position where it is easy to cut a lump of chicken or the like input from the input port 30 by the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12. From this point, the receiving tooth 23 is preferably arranged below the rotary shaft 221. For example, the receiving tooth 23 may be arranged at the bottom of the tank 21.

[0062] Note that the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 have a T-shaped tip as described above. For this reason, the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 can easily catch a large lump such as a chicken at their tips. Since the tips of the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 have the function of easily catching an object, it is possible to prevent the chicken or the like from escaping from the receiving teeth 23 when being pressed against the receiving teeth 23. That is, since the tips of the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12 are configured to easily catch the object to be processed such as a chicken, the cutting using the receiving teeth 23 can be efficiently performed.

[0063] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are diagrams showing a configuration example of the blade edges BL of the blade portions 23a and 23b constituting the receiving teeth 23. FIG. 9 shows a configuration of a blade different from that of FIG. 8. The blade edges BL of the blade portions 23a and 23b may be a single straight blade as shown in FIG. 8. By adopting such a configuration, the blade portions 23a and 23b (the receiving teeth 23) can be manufactured at low cost.

[0064] Also, as another example, the blade edges BL of the blade portions 23a and 23b may be a serrated blade (serrated edge) in which minute blades are arranged in a wave shape as shown in FIG. 9. With such a configuration, when a lump such as a chicken is pressed against the receiving teeth 23 by the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, and 12, it is possible to make the lump of the chicken or the like difficult to slide with respect to the blade edge BL. That is, when a serrated edge is used, since the blade edge BL constituting the receiving teeth 23 is configured to be difficult to slide, the cutting using the receiving teeth 23 can be efficiently performed.

[0065] (2-4-4. Stripping Claw) Claws classified as peeling claws are claw 2 and claw 16 that include a shift portion 222d in the arm portion 222b. That is, in the present embodiment, the peeling claws 2 and 16 are disposed at the left and right outermost ends of the rotation axis 221 and are disposed close to the left and right wall portions 212a and 212b of the tank 21. The peeling claws 2 and 16 peel off the object to be processed adhering to the end face (inner end face) of the tank 21. By providing the peeling claws 2 and 16, it is possible to suppress the deposition of the object to be processed near the left and right wall portions 212a and 212b of the tank 21. When the object to be processed accumulates, the deposit is not agitated, so the supply of oxygen becomes insufficient, and there is a possibility of anaerobic fermentation. In such a case, the deposit can be a source of odor, but by providing the peeling claws 2 and 16, the generation of the deposit can be suppressed, so the generation of odor can also be suppressed. Note that the function of peeling off the object to be processed by the peeling claws 2 and 16 is the main function of the peeling claws 2 and 16, and it is not the case that the peeling claws 2 and 16 have no other functions (for example, a stirring function). Further, the peeling claw only needs to have a function of peeling off the object to be processed adhering to the end face of the tank 21, and does not necessarily mean only the claws disposed at the left and right outermost ends of the rotation axis 221. That is, as another example different from the present embodiment, peeling claws may be disposed inside the claws at the left and right outermost ends of the rotation axis 221. For example, not only at the left and right outermost ends of the rotation axis 221 but also at least one peeling claw may be added inward in the axial direction from the end sides. With such a configuration, it can be expected that a plurality of peeling claws arranged at intervals in the axial direction cooperate to peel off the object to be processed adhering to the end of the tank 21. Thereby, the deposits that are continuously deposited over a wide range on the left and right can be peeled off collectively, and the deposits in the tank 21 can be reduced. The interval in the axial direction of the peeling claws is preferably determined appropriately according to the quality of the object to be processed.

[0066] Specifically, the claw portions 222c of the peeling claws 2 and 16 extend in an arc shape in a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction from the arm portion 222b (specifically, the shift portion 222d). That is, the claw portions 222c of the peeling claws 2 and 16 are arranged parallel to the left and right inner end faces (wall portions 212a and 212b) of the tank 21. For this reason, the object to be processed adhering to the left and right end faces of the tank 21 can be peeled off.

[0067] Note that flat projections 222c3 are arranged at the tips of the claw portions 222c of the peeling claws 2 and 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). By arranging the projections 222c3, it is possible to suppress the escape of the object to be processed from the claws during stirring, and efficiently peel off the object to be processed adhering to the wall portions 212a and 212b.

[0068] [2-5. Outline of Claw Arrangement] For example, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, each of the crushing claws 5 and 6 is arranged between a plurality of stirring claws 3, 4, 7, and 8 that are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction (the axial direction of the rotating shaft 221). Further, each of the crushing claws 11 and 12 is arranged between a plurality of stirring claws 9, 10, 13, and 14 that are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily supply the object to be processed stirred by the stirring claws to the position where the crushing claws are provided.

[0069] In particular, each of the crushing claws 5 and 6 is arranged between the right stirring claw 4 and the left stirring claw 7 in the left-right direction. For this reason, the object to be processed can be pushed from the left and right using the stirring claws 4 and 7 toward the crushing claws 5 and 6. Similarly, each of the crushing claws 11 and 12 is arranged between the right stirring claw 9 and the left stirring claw 14 in the left-right direction. For this reason, the object to be processed can be pushed from the left and right using the stirring claws 9 and 14 toward the crushing claws 11 and 12.

[0070] As can be seen from the above, in the present embodiment, a set of claws is composed of a plurality of stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, 14 and crushing claws 5, 6, 11, 12 arranged between the plurality of stirring claws 3, 4, 7 to 10, 13, 14, and a plurality (two in the present embodiment) of such sets of claws are provided in the left-right direction (axial direction). Specifically, the first set of claws is a set composed of the crushing claws 5, 6 and the stirring claws 3, 4, 7, 8. The second set of claws is a set composed of the crushing claws 11, 12 and the stirring claws 9, 10, 13, 14. Stated in another way, the first set of claws is composed of claws 1 to 8 existing in a block (region) LBL on the left side with respect to the central position CP (see FIG. 3) in the left-right direction of the tank 21, and the second set of claws is composed of claws 9 to 16 existing in a block (region) RBL on the right side with respect to the central position CP.

[0071] When the plurality of claws 1 to 16 are arranged separately in the blocks LBL and RBL in this way, it becomes possible to stir the object to be processed for each block. By processing separately for each block, for example, it is possible to avoid the object to be processed concentrating in the center in the left-right direction of the tank 21. Note that the number of blocks (sets composed of stirring claws and crushing claws) configured in the tank 21 is not limited to the number in the present embodiment, and may be a single number or three or more. Also, the number of claws included in the stirring unit 22 may be appropriately changed from the number in the present embodiment.

[0072] [2-6. Detailed Design Example of Claw Arrangement] Next, a preferred design example regarding the arrangement of the claws 1 to 16 will be described.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a driving deployment diagram of a plurality of claws 1 to 16 provided on the rotating shaft 221. The horizontal axis in FIG. 10 indicates the positions of the claws 1 to 16. In FIG. 10, the positions of the claws 1 to 16 are indicated by claw numbers (reference signs). The vertical axis in FIG. 10 indicates the rotation angle and the driving order (rotation order). In FIG. 10 (the vertical axis on the right side), the rotation angle is 15° each, and the driving order is formally assigned. It should be noted that in the driving order shown in FIG. 10, there may be cases where the claws are not substantially driven.

[0074] In FIG. 10, the claws corresponding to each claw number are driven into the driving reference position at the rotation angle indicated by "R" or "L". "R" or "L" indicates the left - right direction of the claw. "R" indicates a claw facing the right side (such as the right stirring claw described above), and "L" indicates a claw facing the left side (such as the left stirring claw described above). For the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, 12, and the peeling claws 2, 16, although there is no left - right direction of the claw, they are shown in a direction that makes the design concept (design intention) easier to understand. The driving reference position is a reference position virtually provided to make it easier to understand the order in which the claws are driven into the object to be processed. The rotation angle is set such that the timing when the claws 1 and 9 are driven into the driving reference position is 0°.

[0075] In FIG. 10, a thick line connecting "R" and "L" indicating the rotation angle at which the claws are driven is shown. The thick line indicates that the claws connected by the thick line are fastened to the same flange 223. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the driving angles of the claws fastened to the same flange 223 are shifted by 180°. In other words, the two claws attached to the same flange 223 are attached to the flange 223 such that the rotation angles of driving are shifted by 180°. As described above, with such a configuration, the number of flanges 223 can be reduced, and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the circumferential arrangement of a plurality of claws 1 - 16 having the configuration shown in the developed view in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows the circumferential arrangement of the claws 1 - 16 when viewed along the axial direction from the left side of the rotation axis 221. In FIG. 11, the rotation axis 221 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow P). In FIG. 11, a plurality of broken lines extending radially from the position of the axis AX are lines drawn at intervals of 15°, and are auxiliary lines to make the circumferential angular relationship of the plurality of claws 1 - 16 easier to understand. The numbers shown at the tips of the auxiliary lines are the claw numbers. The "R" and "L" described in parentheses beside the claw numbers are the left - right directions of the claws described above.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 11, the interval between adjacent claws in the circumferential direction in a plan view from the axial direction is generally 30° or 15°. And a combination (set) of 30° intervals and 15° intervals is repeatedly arranged in order in the circumferential direction. However, in part, there is a portion where the interval between adjacent claws in the circumferential direction is 45°. In other words, the plurality of claws 1 to 16 are arranged at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction (with the axial direction as a reference) in a plan view from the axial direction of the rotation axis 221.

[0078] Hereinafter, the characteristic configurations and operations in the claw arrangement shown in Figs. 10 and 11 will be described.

[0079] As shown by the dashed-dotted line (virtual line for easy understanding) in Fig. 10, on the development drawing, the left-facing claws and the right-facing claws are each arranged in a mountain shape. In the mountain shape arrangement, the claws are alternately driven on the left side and the right side of the groove 21. The left side and the right side of the groove 21 mentioned here are expressions based on the central position CP (see Fig. 3) in the left-right direction of the groove 21. That is, when driving is performed on the left side of the central position CP, it is the left-side driving, and when driving is performed on the right side of the central position CP, it is the right-side driving.

[0080] Specifically, from the rotation angle of 0° to 180°, generally, the driving of the mountain shape arrangement using the left-facing claws is performed. From the rotation angle of 0° to 180°, generally, using the left-facing claws, the claws are alternately driven on the right side and the left side of the groove 21. For example, the left stirring claw 3 arranged on the left side of the groove 21 is driven at the rotation angle of 45°, and the next driving is performed with the left stirring claw 14 arranged on the right side of the groove 21 at the rotation angle of 75°. As the rotation angle increases toward the rotation angle of 180°, the driving positions on the left and right of the groove 21 approach the central position CP side.

[0081] Also, from a rotation angle of 180° to 360°, driving in a chevron arrangement using generally right-facing claws is performed. From a rotation angle of 180° to 360°, using generally right-facing claws, the claws are alternately driven on the right side and the left side of the tank 21. For example, at a rotation angle of 225°, the right stirring claw 4 arranged on the left side of the tank 21 is driven in, and at a rotation angle of 255°, the next driving is performed with the right stirring claw 13 arranged on the left side of the tank 21. As the rotation angle increases toward 360°, the driving positions on the left and right of the tank 21 approach the center position CP side.

[0082] In each region (each position) in the left-right direction of the tank 21, during one rotation of the rotary shaft 221, driving in is performed once each with left-facing claws and right-facing claws.

[0083] By adopting such a chevron arrangement for the claw arrangement, it is possible to make it easier to move the object to be processed slightly toward the center of the tank 21. Also, it is possible to make it easier to move the object to be processed toward the crushing claws 5, 6, 11, 12 at the center in the left-right direction of each block LBL, RBL (see FIG. 3), and appropriate subdivision of hard objects to be processed such as chicken bones can be performed. Further, since the claws are alternately driven on the left side and the right side of the tank 21, vibration during stirring can be suppressed.

[0084] To realize the chevron arrangement, the angular difference between claws of the same direction that are horizontal to each other in the left-right direction is either 45° (the first angle) or 60° (the second angle). Note that the first angle and the second angle may be appropriately changed according to the number of claws. Also, when determining the arrangement of each of the claws 1 to 16, consideration is given to arranging the plurality of claws 1 to 16 in a well-balanced manner and minimizing simultaneous driving. Arranging in a well-balanced manner specifically means making the angular differences as the same as possible and arranging them evenly.

[0085] Specifically, in the left-facing claws, the angular differences between the horizontally aligned claws 3 and 5, claws 5 and 7, claws 7 and 10, claws 12 and 14, and claws 14 and 16 are 45°. In the left-facing claws, the angular difference between the horizontally aligned claws 10 and 12 is 60°. Also, in the right-facing claws, the angular differences between the horizontally aligned claws 2 and 4, claws 4 and 6, claws 6 and 8, claws 8 and 9, and claws 11 and 13 are 45°. In the right-facing claws, the angular difference between the horizontally aligned claws 9 and 11 is 60°.

[0086] In the configurations shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the angular difference (the smaller angular difference within 180°) between the horizontally aligned claws (the inward-facing claws) with opposite left-right directions is configured to be as large as possible. By configuring in this way, the workload of each of the claws 1 to 16 can be equalized, and the variation in wear of the claws can be suppressed.

[0087] Specifically, the angular differences between claws 2 and 3, claws 4 and 5, claws 6 and 7, claws 8 and 10, claws 11 and 14, and claws 13 and 16 are 135°. The angular difference between claws 9 and 12 is 120°. In the set of left-facing and right-facing claws (the set of inward-facing claws), during one rotation of the rotation shaft 221, driving can be performed once each, and the interval between these drivings is made as large as possible.

[0088] <4. Precautions> Various technical features disclosed in this specification can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the technical creation. Also, a plurality of embodiments and variations shown in this specification may be combined and implemented within the possible range.

[0089] <5. Supplementary Note> The exemplary stirring device of the present invention includes a tank into which an object to be processed is introduced, and a stirring unit disposed in the tank for stirring the object to be processed. The stirring unit has a rotation shaft and a plurality of claws attached to the rotation shaft, and the plurality of claws may include crushing claws for crushing the object to be processed (the first configuration).

[0090] In the stirring device of the first configuration, the plurality of claws may include stirring claws having a shape different from that of the crushing claws (second configuration).

[0091] In the stirring device of the second configuration, a plurality of the stirring claws may be provided in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the crushing claws may be arranged between the plurality of stirring claws in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (third configuration).

[0092] In the stirring device of the third configuration, a plurality of sets of claws composed of the plurality of stirring claws and the crushing claws arranged between the plurality of stirring claws may be provided in the axial direction (fourth configuration).

[0093] In the stirring device of any one of the first to fourth configurations, the crushing claws may be configured to crush the object to be processed between the crushing claws and the tank (fifth configuration).

[0094] In the stirring device of any one of the first to fifth configurations, receiving teeth used in combination with the crushing claws may be arranged in the tank (sixth configuration).

[0095] In the stirring device of the sixth configuration, the receiving teeth may be arranged below the rotating shaft (seventh configuration).

[0096] In the stirring device of any one of the first to seventh configurations, the crushing claws may have a T-shaped tip (eighth configuration).

[0097] In the stirring device of any one of the first to eighth configurations, the stirring part may have a plurality of flanges extending in the radial direction with respect to the axial direction of the rotating shaft from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, and each of the plurality of claws may be attached to any one of the plurality of flanges (ninth configuration).

[0098] In the stirring device of the ninth configuration described above, a configuration (tenth configuration) may be adopted in which a reinforcing member is disposed at least on the root side of at least one of the plurality of claws, which is the side attached to the flange.

[0099] In the stirring device of any one of the first to tenth configurations described above, a configuration (eleventh configuration) may be adopted in which the plurality of claws include peeling claws for peeling the object to be treated adhering to the end face of the tank.

[0100] In the stirring device of any one of the first to eleventh configurations described above, a configuration (twelfth configuration) may be adopted in which the plurality of claws are arranged at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction in a plan view from the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

[0101] Further, an exemplary fermentation treatment apparatus of the present invention may have a configuration (thirteenth configuration) including the stirring device of any one of the first to twelfth configurations.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0102] 1 ··· Claw, Shift Stirring Claw, Shift Right Stirring Claw 2, 16 ··· Claw, Peeling Claw 3, 7, 10, 14 ··· Claw, Stirring Claw, Left Stirring Claw 4, 8, 9, 13 ··· Claw, Stirring Claw, Right Stirring Claw 5, 6, 11, 12 ··· Claw, Crushing Claw 15 ··· Claw, Shift Stirring Claw, Shift Left Stirring Claw 20 ··· Stirring Device 21 ··· Tank 22 ··· Stirring Unit 23 ··· Receiving Tooth 100 ··· Fermentation Treatment Apparatus 212a, 212b ··· Wall Portion 221 ··· Rotating Shaft 222 ··· Claw 223 ··· Flange 224 ··· Reinforcing Member 224a ··· Reinforcing Plate 224b ··· Reinforcing Angle AX ··· Axis

Claims

1. A tank into which an object to be processed is introduced, A stirring unit disposed in the tank for stirring the object to be processed, Comprising, The stirring unit, A rotating shaft, A plurality of claws attached to the rotating shaft, Having, The plurality of claws include crushing claws for crushing the object to be processed, a stirring device.

2. The stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of claws include stirring claws having a shape different from that of the crushing claws.

3. A plurality of the stirring claws are provided in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, The crushing claws are disposed between the plurality of stirring claws in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the stirring device according to claim 2.

4. The stirring device according to claim 3, wherein a set of claws composed of the plurality of stirring claws and the crushing claws disposed between the plurality of stirring claws is provided in plurality in the axial direction.

5. The crushing claws crush the object to be processed between the crushing claws and the tank, the stirring device according to claim 1.

6. Receiving teeth used in combination with the crushing claws are disposed in the tank, the stirring device according to claim 1.

7. The receiving teeth are disposed below the rotating shaft, the stirring device according to claim 6.

8. The crushing claws have a T-shaped tip, the stirring device according to claim 1.

9. The stirring unit has a plurality of flanges extending in the radial direction with respect to the axial direction of the rotating shaft from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, Each of the plurality of claws is attached to any one of the plurality of flanges, the stirring device according to claim 1.

10. A reinforcing member is disposed on at least the base side which is the side attached to the flange in at least one of the plurality of claws, the stirring device according to claim 9.

11. The plurality of claws include peeling claws for peeling the object to be processed adhering to the end face of the tank, the stirring device according to claim 1.

12. The plurality of claws are arranged at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the axial direction in a plan view from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the stirring device according to claim 1.

13. A fermentation treatment device comprising the stirring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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