Noodle string group transport device

Abstract

To provide a transport device for a noodle string group transported by a conveyor, capable of facilitating transfer between the conveyors.SOLUTION: In a conveyor transport device 3, a leading portion of a bundled noodle string group MS is blocked and pressed from the top to make it into a clumped shape, and then transported by a conveyor. By going through this step, even when the noodle string group is transferred between conveyor transport devices later, it can be easily transferred between the conveyor transport devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a noodle string conveying device used in the production of instant noodles and the like to ensure that the production process proceeds smoothly, particularly at the start of production. [Background technology]

[0002] When instant noodles are mass-produced in a factory, ingredients such as wheat flour are generally placed in a mixer or other kneading machine, and pre-prepared kneading water is added, followed by compounding, rolling, cutting, steaming, or It is often produced through the processes of boiling (gelatinization), seasoning, cutting, molding, and drying (oil drying, hot air drying, etc.).

[0003] Here, in order to carry out each step, it is necessary to transport the noodle strings, and a conveyor device is used to transport the noodle strings. Furthermore, it is common to use multiple conveyor transport devices for each process or between processes, and the noodle strings are transferred between conveyor devices by transferring the noodle strings from one conveyor device to another.

[0004] On the other hand, at the start of production, handling the front part of the noodle strings can often be complicated.In other words, because the front part of the noodle strings contains multiple, irregularly sized noodle strings, even when attempting to transfer this front part from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, not all of the noodle strings are transferred, and some of the noodle strings may turn over together as the conveyor turns over, causing problems. This problem is particularly noticeable when a group of noodle strings is steamed, passes through a peeling process, and is transferred to the next process, resulting in the group of noodle strings being transferred between conveyors. As methods for solving such problems at the start of production in an instant noodle factory, for example, the following prior art has been disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2017-6091

[0006] This prior art relates to a technique for folding the front end of a group of noodle strings in half. However, it has been pointed out that this technique requires the preparation of a somewhat complicated device, and there is room for consideration of other methods. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, the inventors set out to develop a conveying device for noodle strings that can process the leading portion of a noodle string being conveyed by a conveyor, and can easily transfer the noodle strings between conveyors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of extensive research, the inventors discovered that groups of noodle strings can be easily transferred between conveyors by blocking the front end of the group of noodle strings in the conveyor transport device, pressing down from above to form a flat mass, and then transferring the mass to another process, which led to the completion of the present invention. That is, the first invention of the present application is: A conveyor conveying device that conveys the cut noodle strings in groups of multiple rows; a liftable blocking plate that blocks the leading end of the noodle strings; a pressing means for pressing a leading region of the blocked noodle strings from above after the noodle strings have been blocked by the blocking plate for a predetermined time; A noodle string conveying device equipped with the device.

[0009] Next, the noodle string conveying device of the present invention preferably includes a separating plate that is provided above the conveying surface of the conveyor conveying device and separates the cut noodle strings into groups of multiple rows. That is, the second invention of the present application is: "Furthermore, the conveying device for conveying noodle strings is provided with a separating plate that is provided above the conveying surface of the conveyor conveying device and separates the cut noodle string strings into groups of multiple rows."

[0010] Next, it is preferable that the spacing between the dividing plates be increased in the direction of travel of the conveyor, thereby increasing the spacing between each group of noodle strings. That is, the third invention of the present application is: "The noodle string conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the spacing between the dividing plates is arranged to expand in the conveyor travel direction."

[0011] Next, in order to adjust the timing of lowering the blocking plate, it is preferable to provide a detection means for detecting the leading end of each row of noodle strings. That is, the fourth invention of the present application is: "The conveying device for noodle strings according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprises a detection means for detecting the leading end of each row of noodle strings."

[0012] Next, the noodle string conveying device is preferably used in an instant noodle production line. That is, the fifth invention of the present application is: "The noodle string conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the noodle string conveying device is used in an instant noodle production line." [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] By utilizing the present invention, at the start of production of instant noodles or the like, after a group of noodle strings has been steamed, the task of transferring the group of noodle strings from the steaming process to the next process becomes easy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective schematic view of a noodle string conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2]1 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of a conveyor conveying surface and a separating member of a noodle string conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a perspective view showing the movement of a blocking plate and a pressing member according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic diagram showing a case where the leading end of a noodle string being conveyed is subjected to a pressing process in the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the transfer state of noodle strings between conveyors to illustrate the effect of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0015] 1. Noodle group conveying device 3 Conveyor transport device 4. Conveyor Belt 5 Division board 7 Damming board 9 Sensors 11 Lifting device 13 Pressing member 15. Another conveyor transport device MS Noodles DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention will be described below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a noodle string conveying device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] -Conveyor conveying device for conveying cut noodle strings in groups of multiple rows- The noodle string conveying device 1 of the present invention is intended to convey noodle strings MS after they have been cut out. In the production of ordinary instant noodles, noodle strings MS are processed in the following order: kneading the ingredients → combining and rolling → cutting → steaming → flavoring → cutting (for one serving at a time) → drying, but the noodle string conveying device 1 of the present invention is an apparatus for conveying noodle strings after they have been cut out but before they have been steamed.

[0018] Furthermore, the noodle strings MS are often divided when they are cut out. That is, partition plates are used to separate the noodle strings cut out by the cutting blade roll at predetermined intervals, and the noodle strings cut out by the cutting roll are grouped into noodle strings MS each consisting of multiple rows. In the present invention, such a group of noodle strings MS in a plurality of rows is the object to be transported by the conveyor transport device.

[0019] In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, immediately after cutting, the noodle strings are still close to each other due to the dividers (division), but a division plate 5 is provided to continue to divide the noodle strings MS into multiple rows even on the conveyor, and the division plate 5 is positioned so that it spreads out in the direction of travel of the conveyor.

[0020] By providing the dividing plates 5 in this manner, the intervals between the noodle string groups can be increased, making it easier to process each group (each row) of noodle string groups MS. Furthermore, if the spacing between rows of noodle strings is too small, the noodle strings may irregularly move to the adjacent row, resulting in variations in weight between rows. Wider spacing between rows can reduce this problem.

[0021] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the noodle string groups MS are grouped in four rows as shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, the present invention is not limited to four rows, and it goes without saying that various numbers of rows such as 6, 8, 12, etc. may also be used.

[0022] Furthermore, the "expanding" of the dividing plate 5 in the present invention does not necessarily mean that all areas are expanded, but rather that there may be areas of the same width, or areas that are temporarily narrowed. It is sufficient that the dividing plate 5 is expanded at the time of pressing, which will be described later, so that the spacing between the rows (between groups of noodle strings) is wider than it was initially, and it is sufficient that the dividing plate 5 is installed in such a way as to bring about this state.

[0023] It is preferable that the sorting plate 5 is installed above the conveyor conveying device with a small gap between it and the conveyor conveying surface (the conveyor surface of the conveyor belt 4). However, it goes without saying that some contact with the conveyor conveying surface is acceptable. The conveyor transport device 3 in the first embodiment of the present invention is configured so that the belt-shaped conveyor belt 4 travels on a support frame.

[0024] -A liftable blocking plate for blocking the leading end of the noodle strings- In the present invention, a blocking plate 7 for blocking the leading portion of each row of noodle strings MS is mounted so as to be able to move up and down. That is, when the leading portion of the noodle string is conveyed, the blocking plate 7 moves down to come close to or slightly contact the conveying surface of the conveyor transport device 3, blocking the advance of the leading portion of the noodle strings and causing the noodle strings to accumulate on the blocking plate 7. In this way, the irregular leading portions of the noodle strings can be accumulated.

[0025] In particular, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a sensor 9 is installed to detect the noodle strands being conveyed by the conveyor, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. By setting the timing for lowering the blocking plate 7 to a certain time after the detection time of the sensor 9, it is possible to allow an appropriate amount of noodle strands to accumulate on the blocking plate 7.

[0026] Furthermore, when the damming plate 7 is in the lowered state, the lower end of the damming plate 7 may be in contact with the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 4, or a small gap may be provided between the damming plate 7 and the conveyor belt surface. Note that even when the damming plate 7 is lowered, the conveyor continues to transport the noodle strings, basically.

[0027] - a pressing means for pressing from above the leading region of the blocked noodle strings after blocking them with the blocking plate for a predetermined time; Next, the gathered front noodle strings are pressed to slightly crush the accumulated noodle strings (FIGS. 3(C) and 4(C)). This makes it possible to form the front part of the noodle strings into a flat lump (dumpling-like shape).

[0028] In the present invention, the term "lump" means that the noodle string group MS is generally united after pressing, and it goes without saying that the shape of the noodle strings may remain. In other words, if pressing ensures even a small degree of unity compared to when pressing is not performed, it falls within the meaning of the term "lump" in the present invention. Therefore, it is acceptable for some of the noodle string group MS to not be united.

[0029] In the first embodiment of the present application shown in Fig. 1, row 1 in Fig. 1 shows a state in which the damming plate 7 attached to the lifting device has descended after the sensor 9 has detected the front of the noodle string MS. Next, row 2 shows a state in which the damming plate 7 has descended, and then the pressing member 13 attached to the lifting device 11 has also descended. Next, row 3 shows a state before the sensor 9 has detected the front of the noodle string. Next, row 4 shows a state in which the damming plate 7 has descended, similar to row 1.

[0030] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member 13 is of a square type, but it goes without saying that it may have any other shape. Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present application, the blocking plate 7 has a frame-like shape as shown in Fig. 3, but the present invention is not limited to this and various shapes can be adopted. In other words, any shape can be selected as long as it prevents the leading portion of the noodle string from being transported on the conveyor and causes the noodle string group MS to remain.

[0031] Next, the effect of this processing is that, as mentioned above, the leading end of the noodle string group MS is in a state where the leading positions of the noodle strings are uneven and overlapping. These leading portions are gathered together and pressed to form a flat lump (dumpling-like shape), which makes the leading portions easier to handle. This allows for smooth transfer of noodle strings between conveyor devices in subsequent processes, particularly when transferring noodle strings to another conveyor device 15 after being steamed.

[0032] That is, after steaming, the noodle strings MS are usually in a state of adhering to the surface of the conveyor (often a net conveyor), but these are peeled off manually or automatically and then transferred to another conveyor device 15. In this case, the noodle strings can be peeled off as a unit, so that the leading portion of the noodle strings can be easily transferred to the next conveyor device 15 after peeling.

[0033] In other words, as shown in Figure 5, if the above-described gathering and pressing process of the front portions of the noodle string groups MS is not carried out, when the noodle strings are transferred between conveyors after steaming and peeling, multiple noodle string groups may end up being reversed together while remaining attached to the belt when the conveyor belt is reversed, as shown in Figure 5(A). This phenomenon in particular tends to occur after the noodle strings have been steamed. On the other hand, in the present invention, the leading portion is formed in a flat lump, so as shown in FIG. 5(B), when the noodle strings are transferred after steaming and peeling, there is less turning over of the noodle strings, and smooth transfer between conveyor transport devices 15 is possible.

[0034] Furthermore, by integrating the front portions of the noodle string group MS into a single mass, the following effect is also achieved: If the front portions of the noodle string group MS are not integrated into a single mass, the front portions of the noodle string group may become displaced during the seasoning process after the noodle strings are transferred (the process in which the steamed noodle string group is passed through a seasoning liquid on a conveyor for seasoning), causing the noodle strings to move irregularly to adjacent rows, resulting in variations in weight between rows. This type of problem can also be reduced.

[0035] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 4(C), after the noodle strings MS have been accumulated, a pressing member 13 having a pressing surface at one end is lowered from above at a predetermined timing, pressing the accumulated noodle strings MS in a short period of time into a flat mass. After this processing is completed, the pressing member 13 rises and the blocking plate 7 also rises, restarting the transportation of the front part of the noodle strings and moving on to the next process of steaming and peeling.

[0036] Furthermore, even during the steps of accumulating the noodle string groups MS by lowering the blocking plate 7 and then pressing the accumulated noodle string groups by the pressing member, it is of course possible to continue transporting the entire noodle string group in the main body portion by the conveyor transport device 3 without stopping.

[0037] ─Overall composition─ In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the blocking plate lifting device, the tip pressing device, the sensor, etc. are linked via a control device. The control device can be a PLC or relay control device, or a microcomputer.

[0038] ─Other─ By using the conveying device for noodle strings MS of the present invention, the need for processing the tips of noodle strings at the start of instant noodle production, which has traditionally been a complicated task, can be alleviated. Furthermore, the use of the present invention can contribute to further promoting automation in instant noodle production lines.

Claims

1. a conveyor transport device that transports the cut noodle strings in groups of multiple rows; a liftable blocking plate that blocks the leading end of the noodle strings; a pressing means for pressing a leading region of the blocked noodle strings from above after the noodle strings have been blocked by the blocking plate for a predetermined time; A noodle string conveying device equipped with the device.

2. The noodle string conveying device further includes a separating plate provided above the conveying surface of the conveyor conveying device for separating the cut noodle strings into groups of multiple rows.

3. 3. The noodle string conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the separating plates are arranged so that the intervals between the separating plates increase and decrease in the direction in which the conveyor travels.

4. 4. The noodle string conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection means for detecting the leading end of each row of noodle strings.

5. 4. The noodle string conveying device according to claim 1, which is used in an instant noodle production line.

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