Noodles measuring tool

Abstract

To enable the specific, objective determination of whether the same quality of noodles is being produced each time using numerical values.SOLUTION: A noodle measuring device 1 comprises a tensile testing section 7 having a pair of noodle clamps 3, 4 capable of gripping both ends of a noodle strand 2, a horizontal platform 5 on which the pair of noodle clamps 3, 4 gripping the noodle strand 2 can be placed, and a vertical guide 6 provided at one end of the horizontal platform 5 and extending downward. The horizontal platform 5 has a movable side clamp set section 8 capable of holding one noodle clamp 3 so it can move freely toward the vertical guide 6 side, and a fixed side clamp set section 9 capable of holding the other noodle clamp 4 in position. The vertical guide 6 is configured to guide a weight 11 connected to the one noodle clamp 3 in a suspended state and has a measuring section 12 for measuring the stretch amount of the noodle strand 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a noodle measuring device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, noodles such as udon, soba, and Chinese noodles are made from flour such as wheat flour and buckwheat flour (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Even if the conditions for making these noodles, such as the ratio of ingredients and the manufacturing process, are the same, the noodles are not always the same depending on factors such as the season and the temperature and humidity of the day. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-150903 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For this reason, noodle manufacturers and sellers (such as restaurants) judge whether the noodles they make are of the same quality every day or every time by actually eating them or crushing them with their fingers (sensory evaluation).

[0005] However, such sensory evaluations are subjective and subjective, and therefore prone to variations in evaluations and are not objective. Therefore, noodle manufacturers and sellers need a method for specifically and objectively assessing the quality of noodles using numerical values. Such a method is not readily available at present.

[0006] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to contribute to improving the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In response to the above problems, the present invention provides: a pair of noodle clamps capable of gripping both ends of the noodle strings; a horizontal table on which the pair of noodle clamps holding the noodle strings can be placed; a vertical guide extending downwardly from one end of the horizontal platform; The horizontal base is a movable clamp set portion capable of holding one of the noodle clamps movably toward the vertical guide; and a fixed clamp set portion capable of holding the other noodle clamp in position; The vertical guide is The weight connected to one of the noodle clamps can be guided in a suspended state, The noodle measuring device is characterized by having a measuring unit that measures the amount of stretch of the noodle strings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] With the above-described configuration, the present invention can specifically and objectively determine, using numerical values, whether noodles of the same quality are produced every time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a noodle measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tensile test section of FIG. 1, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the tensile test section of FIG. 1 as viewed from one side. [Figure 4] 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a clamp set portion on the movable side of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5A] 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a clamp set unit and a temporary placement unit on the fixed side of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5B] 1A is an overall perspective view of the noodle clamp, FIG. 1B is a side view of the noodle clamp, and FIG. 1C is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the noodle clamp. [Figure 5C] Component diagrams of the upper clamp piece, where (a) is an overall perspective view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a bottom view, and (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 5D] Parts diagrams of the lower clamp piece, where (a) is an overall perspective view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a top view, (d) is a bottom view, and (e) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a temporary fixing portion of the temporary placement portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an operational diagram showing the state of measurement by the tensile testing unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the shear test section of FIG. 1, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the shear test section. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an operational diagram showing the state of measurement by the shear test unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an operational diagram showing the state of measurement when the shear test section is viewed from one side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. [Example]

[0011] <Configuration> This embodiment has the following configuration.

[0012] 1 is an overall perspective view of a noodle measuring device 1 according to this embodiment. This noodle measuring device 1 is used, for example, to determine whether noodles of the same quality are produced every day or every time, and has the following configuration.

[0013] (1) Noodle measuring device 1 a pair of noodle clamps 3 and 4 capable of gripping both ends of the noodle strings 2 (FIG. 2); a horizontal table 5 on which a pair of noodle clamps 3, 4 holding the noodle strings 2 can be placed; The tensile test section 7 has a vertical guide 6 extending downward and provided at one end of the horizontal table 5. The horizontal base 5 has a movable clamp set section 8 that can hold one noodle clamp 3 movably toward the vertical guide 6, and a fixed clamp set section 9 that can hold the other noodle clamp 4 in position. The vertical guide 6 is capable of guiding a weight 11 (FIG. 3) connected to one of the noodle clamps 3 in a suspended state, and also has a measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of stretch of the noodle strings 2.

[0014] Here, the noodle measuring device 1 is a device for measuring noodles such as udon, soba, Chinese noodles, and other noodles, allowing the doneness of the noodles to be specifically and objectively determined numerically. The noodle measuring device 1 is a device that allows a user to measure and quantitatively evaluate the properties of manufactured noodles, such as stickiness and chewiness. The noodle measuring device 1 is a small, handy device that allows the user to easily and quickly measure boiled noodles on the spot when the noodles are finished boiling, for example. The noodle measuring device 1 is formed from resin, metal, or the like.

[0015] The noodle strands 2 are formed by cutting a noodle band (strip-shaped or plate-shaped noodle dough) into multiple thin, long strands. The noodle strands 2 represent the final shape of the noodles, and come in two forms: before and after boiling. The noodle measuring device 1 measures the characteristics of the noodle strands 2 after boiling.

[0016] The end of the noodle string 2 is the end portion of the test piece A of the noodle string 2 that is measured by the noodle measuring instrument 1. The tensile tester 7 uses the test piece A of the noodle string 2 that has been cut to a length of, for example, approximately 6 cm to 10 cm. In this example, the test piece A of the noodle string 2 is 8 cm in length. Hereinafter, the test piece A of the noodle string 2 may be simply referred to as the noodle string 2.

[0017] The noodle clamps 3 and 4 are auxiliary tools that clamp and hold the ends of the test piece A of the noodle string 2 when the noodle string 2 is measured with the noodle measuring instrument 1. The noodle clamps 3 and 4 are placed on the upper surface of the horizontal table 5 and slide along the upper surface of the horizontal table 5. The noodle clamps 3 and 4 have almost the same configuration, and as shown in Figures 5A (to 5D), each has a pair of upper and lower clamp pieces 13a and 13b.

[0018] The pair of upper and lower clamping pieces 13a, 13b each have a recessed hole 13c that opens to the side surface facing the center of the horizontal base 5. The recessed hole 13c is a recessed hole (non-through hole) that holds the end of the noodle string 2 by clamping it, and is formed between the pair of upper and lower clamping pieces 13a, 13b with a depth long enough to clamp the end of the noodle string 2. Inside the recessed hole 13c of the clamping pieces 13a, 13b, there is formed a clamping portion 13d ( FIG. 5A ) with an uneven shape that clamps the end of the noodle string 2 from above and below to make it difficult for it to slip out. In this embodiment, the clamping portion 13d has multiple pointed protrusions. Each recess extends in the width direction of the noodle string 2 to be clamped. The clamping portion 13d of the lower clamping piece 13b is sharper and longer than the clamping portion 13d of the upper clamping piece 13a, and protrudes in the thickness direction of the noodle string 2, and the upper and lower clamping portions 13d are formed so that the tips of the protrusions face each other.

[0019] The pair of upper and lower clamp pieces 13a, 13b are basically formed of separate members. The clamp pieces 13a, 13b made of separate members may be separable and connectable, or may be connected by a hinge or the like. The clamp pieces 13a, 13b may also be integrally connected by a resin hinge.

[0020] The pair of upper and lower clamp pieces 13a, 13b have locking portions 13e that hold (lock) the ends of the noodle strings 2 in a clamped state in the recessed hole portion 13c (FIGS. 5A and 6). The locking portions 13e may be, for example, a fitting-fixing portion made up of a fitting convex portion and a fitting concave portion that fit together, a locking-fixing portion made up of a claw locking portion and a claw receiving portion that lock together, or a biasing means such as a spring. In this embodiment, the locking portion 13e is a fitting-fixing portion that has a fitting convex portion on the upper clamp piece 13a and a fitting concave portion on the lower clamp piece 13b. The fitting convex portion and the fitting concave portion are provided at positions facing each other between the mating surfaces of the clamp pieces 13a, 13b.

[0021] Furthermore, the upper clamp piece 13a has a gripping portion 13f (Fig. 5B) that protrudes upward from its upper surface. The lower clamp piece 13b has a binding portion 13g for the weight 11 on the side opposite the recessed hole portion 13c (Fig. 5D). Multiple types of noodle clamps 3 and 4 with recessed hole portions 13c corresponding to the type of noodle and the cross-sectional shape and size of the noodles to be produced can be prepared and used as appropriate. The noodle strings 2 clamped between the noodle clamps 3 and 4 are slightly suspended above the horizontal table 5.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 , the horizontal table 5 is a substantially horizontal measurement table provided on the noodle measuring device 1. The horizontal table 5 is formed in a long, slender, substantially rectangular shape in plan view, with a width that is approximately the same as or slightly wider than the noodle clamps 3 and 4 and a length that is sufficiently longer than the test piece A of the noodle string 2. The noodle clamps 3 and 4 are placed on the upper surface of the horizontal table 5, and when the noodle clamps 3 and 4 are slid, a linear track is formed along which the noodle clamps 3 and 4 move. The horizontal table 5 has a continuous or discontinuous clamp guide wall 5a around its periphery to prevent the noodle clamps 3 and 4 from falling off. In this embodiment, the clamp guide wall 5a is partially discontinuous at the end on the vertical guide 6 side. The clamp guide wall 5a is set to a height that is the same as or lower than the lower clamp piece 13b.

[0023] The horizontal base 5 has a smooth and slippery upper surface to allow the noodle clamps 3, 4 to slide easily. The horizontal base 5 may be formed of a slippery material such as fluororesin to increase flatness. Furthermore, for example, the horizontal base 5 may have a slippery surface coating such as a fluororesin coating applied to its upper surface, or a layer of a slippery material such as fluororesin attached to its upper surface.

[0024] The vertical guide 6 is a guide member that extends vertically up and down and is attached to the horizontal base 5 either integrally or separately, and guides the weight 11 up and down. In this embodiment, the vertical guide 6 is formed integrally with the horizontal base 5. The side of the horizontal base 5 where the vertical guide 6 is provided is one end, and the side opposite the vertical guide 6 is the other end.

[0025] The tensile testing section 7 is a section where a tensile test is performed on the boiled noodle strings 2. The tensile testing section 7 quantitatively measures the tensile strength of the noodles.

[0026] The movable clamp set section 8 is provided near the vertical guide 6 on one end of the horizontal base 5, and is the section that holds one noodle clamp 3 movably relative to the horizontal base 5 during measurement. As shown in Figure 4, the movable clamp set section 8 has clamp holding walls 8a, which are partially higher versions of the clamp guide walls 5a, on both sides of the horizontal base 5. The clamp holding walls 8a have a clamp guide rib that is approximately L-shaped in side view and consists of a horizontal protrusion 8b and a vertical protrusion 8c on the inner surface of the clamp holding walls 8a, so that one noodle clamp 3 can be set in the clamp set section 8 from the other end of the horizontal base 5 and held movably.

[0027] The horizontal extension 8b guides the upper surface of one of the noodle clamps 3 in the horizontal direction, while the vertical extension 8c engages the side surface of one of the noodle clamps 3 facing the vertical guide 6. The horizontal extension 8b extends laterally along the upper surface of the horizontal base 5 at a position on the clamp holding wall 8a that is roughly the same as or slightly higher than the upper surface of one of the noodle clamps 3, and is longer than the upper surface of the clamp by the amount of elongation of the test piece A of the noodle string 2. The vertical extension 8c extends downward from the end of the horizontal extension 8b on the vertical guide 6 side. The vertical extension 8c may be long enough to reach the upper surface of the horizontal base 5, or it may be long enough not to reach the upper surface of the horizontal base 5.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5A, the fixed clamp set part 9 is provided at a position on the other end of the horizontal base 5, away from the vertical guide 6, and is the part that holds the other noodle clamp 4 in a fixed state relative to the horizontal base 5 during measurement.

[0029] The clamp set section 9 on the fixed side has clamp holding walls 9a that are partially elevated versions of the clamp guide walls 5a on both sides of the horizontal base 5. The clamp holding walls 9a have a clamp holding rib that is substantially L-shaped in side view and is made up of a horizontal protrusion 9b and a vertical protrusion 9c, so that the other noodle clamp 4 can be set in the clamp set section 9 from the other end side of the horizontal base 5 and fixedly held thereon.

[0030] The horizontal extension 9b guides the upper surface of the other noodle clamp 4 laterally, while the vertical extension 9c engages the side surface of the other noodle clamp 4 facing the vertical guide 6. The horizontal extension 9b extends laterally along the upper surface of the horizontal base 5 at a position on the clamp holding wall 9a that is roughly the same as or slightly higher than the upper surface of the other noodle clamp 4, for roughly the same length as the upper surface of the clamp. The vertical extension 9c extends downward from the end of the horizontal extension 9b on the vertical guide 6 side. The vertical extension 9c may be long enough to reach the upper surface of the horizontal base 5, or it may be long enough not to reach the upper surface of the horizontal base 5.

[0031] The distance between the movable clamp set part 8 and the fixed clamp set part 9 is formed to be approximately the same as the length between the pair of noodle clamps 3, 4 when the noodle strings 2 are held and held taut.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 , the weight 11 is a member that applies a load to the noodle strands 2 during the tensile test (first weight 11 or weight for tensile testing). The weight 11 is set to an optimum weight for the tensile test of the noodle strands 2. In this embodiment, the weight 11 is set to, for example, 100 g. The upper end of the weight 11 is tied to the binding portion 13 g of one of the noodle clamps 3 by a thread-like connecting member 14 such as fishing line so that the weight is spaced apart by a required length, and the weight is inserted into the vertical guide 6. The fishing line is a long, thin connecting member 14 made of resin that has high tensile strength and negligible weight. The connecting member 14 that connects the noodle clamp 4 and the weight 11 inside the vertical guide 6 may be bent at the end of the horizontal base 5 or at the top of the vertical guide 6. The connecting member 14 may also be bent using a friction-reducing member such as a shaft member or pulley (not shown). In this case, the shaft member is a member with a circular cross section that extends approximately horizontally in the width direction of the horizontal base 5. The pulley is rotatably mounted on an axis that extends almost horizontally in the width direction of the horizontal platform 5. The axis member or pulley is installed on or above the vertical guide 6 and bends the connecting member 14 from an almost horizontal state toward the weight 11 in the vertical guide 6 from the noodle clamp 4 to an almost vertical state that passes through the approximate center of the vertical guide 6.

[0033] The measuring unit 12 may be any type of unit, but is, for example, at least one of a scale unit 15 that measures the amount of stretching of the noodle strings 2 and a timer 16 (FIG. 1) that measures the stretching time of the noodle strings 2.

[0034] The graduated section 15 is an indicator for measuring the elongation of the noodle strings 2, and is formed over a range from top to bottom along the vertical guide 6. The graduated section 15 measures the displacement of the weight 11 inside the vertical guide 6 to indicate the elongation of the noodle strings 2. The graduated section 15 may be formed directly on the vertical guide 6, or a ruler with the graduated section 15 may be attached to the vertical guide 6. The length of the graduated section 15 is equal to or greater than the elongation of the noodle strings 2, and it measures the elongation of the noodle strings 2 with an accuracy of, for example, 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0035] The timer 16 is a time measuring device that measures the time for a tensile test, etc. The timer 16 is attached to the noodle measuring device 1 in a position that is easy to operate and easy to see.

[0036] It is preferable that the measuring unit 12 is provided with both the scale unit 15 and the timer 16 at the same time, but it may be provided with only one of them, in which case the other is an external unit.

[0037] (2) In the noodle measuring device 1, as shown in FIG. The horizontal base 5 may have an inclined portion 21 that slopes downward toward the vertical guide 6 at the position of the clamp set portion 8 on the movable side. The vertical guide 6 may have a cylindrical guide portion 23 that accommodates the weight 11 with a gap therebetween.

[0038] Here, the inclined portion 21 is provided on one end side of the horizontal base 5 as needed to assist the movement of one of the noodle clamps 3 on the horizontal base 5.

[0039] The inclined portion 21 may have a linear gradient or a curved gradient that approximates a straight line. The curved gradient may be, for example, an arc shape with a large radius of curvature. The downward inclination angle of the inclined portion 21 is appropriately set within a range of 0 to 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal line. The inclination angle of the inclined portion 21 is preferably approximately the same as or smaller than the angle (friction angle) at which one noodle clamp 3 begins to slide down the inclined portion 21 under its own weight against friction. In particular, it is most preferable that the inclination angle be slightly smaller than the friction angle. In this embodiment, the inclination angle is appropriately set within a range of approximately 5 to 20 degrees.

[0040] The inclined portion 21 may start at a position on the other end side of the movable clamp setting portion 8, or may start at a position midway between the other end side and one end side. The length of the inclined portion 21 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly longer than the maximum expected amount of stretch of the noodle strings 2. At the position of the inclined portion 21, the lateral protrusion 8b of the clamp holding wall 8a becomes an inclined portion 8d with a downward slope that matches the inclined portion 21. The inclined portion 21 ends at or near the end on one end side of the horizontal table 5.

[0041] The gap is the distance between the vertical guide 6 and the weight 11. It is preferable that the gap is very small, on the order of a few millimeters or less, and that it is substantially constant in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the weight 11 is substantially cylindrical, and the gap is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the outer periphery of the weight 11.

[0042] The cylindrical guide portion 23 forms a cylindrical space therein that can accommodate the weight 11 so that it can move up and down freely. The cylindrical guide portion 23 may be a partial cylinder having an open portion 23a extending up and down on the side so that the weight 11 can be seen from the outside, or may be a transparent cylinder. In this embodiment, the guide portion 23 is a partial cylinder with an outer peripheral surface that is approximately rectangular and an inner peripheral surface that is cylindrical. The partial cylindrical guide portion 23 has an open portion 23a extending over a range of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0043] When the guide portion 23 is partially cylindrical, the scale portion 15 of the measuring unit 12 is formed, for example, along the edge of the open portion 23a. When the guide portion 23 is transparent cylindrical, the scale portion 15 is formed directly on the guide portion 23.

[0044] (3) In the noodle measuring device 1, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, The horizontal base 5 may have temporary placement sections 31, 32 on the side opposite the vertical guide 6 of the movable clamp set section 8 (Fig. 4) and the fixed clamp set section 9 (Fig. 5A) for temporarily placing the noodle clamps 3, 4 when the ends of the noodle strings 2 are gripped by the noodle clamps 3, 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the temporary placement units 31 and 32 may include temporary fixing units 33 that can temporarily fix the noodle clamps 3 and 4.

[0045] Here, the temporary placement sections 31 and 32 are preparation spaces provided on the horizontal base 5, and are sections where the work of gripping the ends of the noodle strings 2 with the noodle clamps 3 and 4 (preparation of the noodle strings 2) is carried out on the horizontal base 5. The temporary placement sections 31 and 32 are formed in two places: between the movable clamp set section 8 and the fixed clamp set section 9, and at the end on the other end side of the horizontal base 5.

[0046] One temporary placement section 31 is formed for one noodle clamp 3 on the other end side of the movable clamp set section 8 of the horizontal base 5. The other temporary placement section 32 is formed for the other noodle clamp 4 by extending the end portion on the other end side of the horizontal base 5 to the other end side by the length of the fixed noodle clamp 4 or longer.

[0047] The noodle clamps 3, 4, which have clamped the ends of the noodle strings 2 in the temporary placement sections 31, 32, are moved (slid) toward one end along the horizontal base 5 in this state, and are set in the movable clamp set section 8 and the fixed clamp set section 9.

[0048] The temporary fixing portion 33 is a portion that temporarily fixes the noodle clamps 3, 4 placed in the temporary placement portions 31, 32 so that they do not move. By temporarily fixing the noodle clamps 3, 4 in this way, it is possible to prevent tensile force from acting on the noodle strings 2 while setting the noodle strings 2 in the noodle clamps 3, 4. The temporary fixing portion 33 may be any type of component, such as a stopper, but in this embodiment it is a (permanent) magnet 33a.

[0049] Magnet 33a is embedded inside horizontal base 5 so that it does not protrude above the height of the upper surface. Accordingly, noodle clamps 3 and 4 have magnetic material 33b that is attracted to magnet 33a. For this reason, noodle clamps 3 and 4 may be made of metal. Also, if noodle clamps 3 and 4 are made of resin, magnetic material 33b may be a magnet or a metal piece. The magnet or metal piece serving as magnetic material 33b is embedded in mounting hole 13h provided on the underside of clamp piece 13b on the lower side of noodle clamps 3 and 4.

[0050] (4) In the noodle measuring device 1, as shown in FIG. 8 (to FIG. 11), The tensile testing section 7 may be integrally provided with a shear testing section 41 . The shear test section 41 may include a noodle placement table 43 having a noodle placement section 42 on which the noodle strings 2 are placed horizontally, a shearing thread 44 that shears the noodle strings 2, and a weight 45 that applies a load to the shearing thread 44. The noodle placing table 43 may have a guide groove 47 that extends in the vertical direction of the noodle strings 2 set in the noodle placing section 42 and guides the movement of the sheared threads 44 from the top to the bottom of the noodle strings 2.

[0051] Here, the shear test unit 41 is a section that performs a shear test on the boiled noodle strands 2. The shear strength of the noodle strands 2 is measured by the shear test unit 41. The shear strength of the noodle strands 2 measured by the shear test unit 41 and the tensile strength of the noodle strands 2 measured by the tensile test unit 7 can be used to quantitatively evaluate properties such as noodle stickiness and chewiness.

[0052] The shear test section 41 uses a test piece B (second test piece B) of the noodle strand 2, for example, approximately 2 cm to 5 cm in length. The test piece B of the noodle strand 2 used in the shear test is an appropriate portion of noodles that was boiled at the same time as the test piece A of the noodle strand 2 used in the tensile test (first test piece A), and that was not used in the tensile test. Hereinafter, the test piece B of the noodle strand 2 may sometimes be simply referred to as the noodle strand 2.

[0053] The noodle placing section 42 is the area where the test piece B of the noodle strand 2 used in the shear test is placed. The test piece B of the noodle strand 2 may be placed on the noodle placing section 42 with its cross section oriented vertically or horizontally, but the measurement is always carried out with it placed in the same orientation.

[0054] Noodle placing table 43 is a table having noodle placing portion 42. The top surface of noodle placing table 43 has a stepped shape with a nearly horizontal upper step portion 43a, a nearly vertical step portion 43b, and a nearly horizontal lower step portion 43c. Noodle placing portion 42 is formed in the corner between step portion 43b and lower step portion 43c. Test piece B of noodle string 2 is placed on noodle placing portion 42 so that its underside is placed on lower step portion 43c and one side surface is in surface contact with step portion 43b.

[0055] The shearing thread 44 is a thread-like cutting tool that cuts the test piece B of the noodle strings 2, and is made of fishing line or the like of the required length. One end of the shearing thread 44 is tied around one end of the noodle placing table 43. The length of the shearing thread 44 is approximately the same as or longer than the length from one end to the other end of the noodle placing table 43.

[0056] The weight 45 is a member (second weight 45 or weight for shear test) that applies a load to the shearing threads 44 to shear the noodle strings 2 during the shear test, and is tied to the other end of the shearing threads 44. A weight different from the first weight 11 (weight for tensile test) of the tensile test unit 7 is used for the weight 45. The weight 45 is set to an optimum weight for the shear test of the noodle strings 2. In this embodiment, the weight 45 is set to, for example, 50 g. If necessary, a vertical guide similar to the vertical guide 6 of the tensile test unit 7 may be provided at the other end of the noodle placing table 43, and the weight 45 may be guided by this vertical guide, but a vertical guide is not necessary.

[0057] The vertical direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the test piece B of the noodle string 2 set horizontally in the noodle placing section 42.

[0058] The guide groove 47 is a groove that guides the shearing thread 44 so that the shearing thread 44 always passes through the same position when the test piece B of the noodle strings 2 placed on the noodle placing section 42 is sheared. The guide groove 47 is linear when viewed from above. The guide groove 47 is provided in at least the upper step portion 43a and the stepped portion 43b of the noodle placing table 43. The guide groove 47 may also be provided in the lower step portion 43c of the noodle placing table 43.

[0059] (5) In the noodle measuring device 1, The noodle rest 43 may be formed by stacking two plate-like bodies 51 and 52 together. The noodle placing portion 42 may be provided across the two plate-like bodies 51 and 52. The guide groove 47 for the shearing thread 44 may be formed in the joining portion of the two plate-like bodies 51 and 52.

[0060] Here, plate-like bodies 51 and 52 are plate-like members having a portion with the same shape as the side shape of noodle placing table 43 having noodle placing portion 42. Plate-like bodies 51 and 52 have a thickness that is approximately half or more of the minimum required length of test piece B of noodle string 2. Noodle placing portion 42 is formed in the thickness direction of plate-like bodies 51 and 52.

[0061] The joining portion is the portion between the contact surfaces of the two overlapping plate-like bodies 51, 52. In order to form a guide groove 47 at the joining portion, a spacer 53 having a thickness approximately the same as or slightly thicker than the thickness of the shearing thread 44 is interposed between the two plate-like bodies 51, 52. This allows the shearing thread 44 to be placed between the two plate-like bodies 51, 52. The spacer 53 is provided at a position lower than the upper surfaces of the plate-like bodies 51, 52. The spacer 53 is also provided within a range that does not interfere with the cutting of the test pieces B of the noodle strings 2 by the shearing threads 44.

[0062] (6) As shown in FIG. 1, in the noodle measuring device 1, A tensile test section 7 and a shear test section 41 may be provided at the upper end of a support 62 extending upward from the base plate 61. The tensile testing section 7 may be configured such that the noodle placing table 43 of the shear testing section 41 is attached to a side plate 63 rising from the side of the horizontal table 5 with bolts 64 and 65 .

[0063] Here, the base plate 61 is a flat plate with a nearly horizontal surface that allows the noodle measuring device 1 to stand on its own. By having the base plate 61, the noodle measuring device 1 can be used by placing it on, for example, a kitchen counter.

[0064] The support pillar 62 is a vertical member of a required height attached to the base plate 61. The support pillar 62 is at least higher than the vertical guide 6 so that the vertical guide 6 does not reach the base plate 61.

[0065] The support column 62 may have the tensile test section 7 and shear test section 41 attached to its upper end in any manner. In this embodiment, the support column 62 has the shear test section 41 attached to its upper end, and the tensile test section 7 is attached to the shear test section 41. That is, the support column 62 is a flat plate-like member and is formed integrally with the plate-like body 52. ​​The side plate 63 of the tensile test section 7 is integrally fastened to the plate-like bodies 51 and 52 of the shear test section 41 with bolts 64 and 65. The base plate 61, the support column 62, and the plate-like body 52 of the shear test section 41 may be formed integrally, or may be formed as separate members that can be disassembled and reassembled as needed.

[0066] The side plate 63 of the tensile testing section 7 is a vertical wall provided on one side (the rear side in the figure) of the horizontal table 5, and is formed to connect and integrate the clamp holding walls 8a, 9a on one side. The side plate 63 is formed so that its upper edge is at the same height as or slightly lower than the lower tier part 43c of the noodle placing table 43.

[0067] One side of the horizontal base 5 is connected to the clamp guide wall 5a and the side plate 63, and the side plate 63 includes the clamp holding wall 8a on one end side and the clamp holding wall 9a on the other end side, forming an integrated state.

[0068] In addition, the other side (the front side in the figure) of the horizontal base 5 is such that the clamp guide wall 5a and the clamp holding walls 8a and 9a are continuous and integrated, and no side plate 63 is provided between the clamp holding walls 8a and 9a.

[0069] The two plate-like bodies 51 and 52 of the shear test section 41 are attached to the side of one side plate 63 opposite to the horizontal stand 5 (the back side in the figure).

[0070] This allows the noodle measuring instrument 1 to simultaneously visually confirm, from the front side in the figure, test piece A of the noodle string 2 on the horizontal table 5 of the tensile test section 7 and test piece B of the noodle string 2 placed on the noodle placement section 42 of the shear test section 41.

[0071] The bolts 64, 65 are fastening fixtures that fasten together the side plate 63 of the tensile testing section 7 and the two plate-like bodies 51, 52 of the shear testing section 41, and are provided at least on one end and the other end of the side plate 63 in positions that do not interfere with measurement. Additional bolts 64, 65 may be provided in between, etc., as needed.

[0072] In this embodiment, the bolts 64, 65 are provided above the horizontal protrusions 8b, 9b that constitute the clamp guide ribs of the clamp setting parts 8, 9, and below the upper edge of the side plate 63 and the step lower part 43c of the noodle placing table 43. One end (one end) of the shearing thread 44 is tied to one of the bolts 64 (away from the noodle placing part 42).

[0073] At this time, the side plate 63 and the two plate-like bodies 51, 52 are fastened and fixed with bolts 64, 65 with their surfaces oriented in the same direction. The extension direction of the horizontal table 5 and the extension direction of the guide groove 47 are parallel. Furthermore, the orientation of the test piece A of the noodle strings 2 set on the horizontal table 5 and the orientation of the test piece B of the noodle strings 2 placed in the noodle placing section 42 are perpendicular to each other.

[0074] Furthermore, the weight 45 of the shear test section 41 and the weight 11 of the tensile test section 7 may be provided on the same side, but it is preferable that they are located on opposite sides.

[0075] <Operation> The operation of this embodiment is as follows.

[0076] Noodles such as udon, soba, and Chinese noodles are produced, for example, by the following production process.

[0077] Mixing process → Aging process → Pressing process → Aging process → Rolling process → Cutting process

[0078] The mixing process is a process in which water is added to the flour and other ingredients and kneaded to produce noodle dough. The aging process is a process in which the noodle dough is left to rest for a certain period of time to mature. The pressing process is a process in which the rested noodle dough is kneaded using a press. The aging process is a process in which the pressed noodle dough is left to rest for a certain period of time to further mature. The rolling process is a process in which the noodle dough is rolled into a strip-shaped noodle band. The cutting process is a process in which the noodle band is cut to form noodle strands 2.

[0079] The noodle strands 2 cut in the cutting step are, for example, shipped as fresh noodles or used by noodle sellers themselves. The fresh noodle strands 2 are then boiled in a boiling step to become boiled noodles, which are then served to consumers or frozen and stored, for example.

[0080] Even if the conditions for making such noodles, such as the composition of ingredients and manufacturing process, are the same, the noodles may not always be the same depending on factors such as the season or the temperature and humidity of the day.

[0081] For this reason, noodle manufacturers and sellers desire a means to determine, in concrete and objective numerical terms, whether or not noodles of the same quality are being produced every day or every time, and the noodle measuring device 1 of this embodiment fulfills the above-mentioned demand.

[0082] That is, the noodle measuring instrument 1 can perform a tensile test on the boiled noodle strings 2 in the tensile testing section 7.

[0083] The procedure for a tensile test is as follows: first, one of the boiled noodle strands 2 is cut to a predetermined length (e.g., 8 cm) to form test piece A. Next, both ends of the noodle strand 2 that has become test piece A are clamped between noodle clamps 3 and 4. Test piece A of the noodle strand 2 is attached to the noodle clamps 3 and 4 using temporary placement sections 31 and 32 on the horizontal table 5. Temporary placement sections 31 and 32 are provided with temporary fixing sections 33 such as magnets 33a, so that both ends of the noodle strand 2 can be easily clamped between the noodle clamps 3 and 4 while the noodle clamps 3 and 4 are temporarily fixed (fixed by suction) by temporary fixing sections 33 such as magnets 33a.

[0084] More specifically, the noodle clamps 3 and 4 are placed on the temporary placement sections 31 and 32 of the horizontal table 5 with their lower clamp pieces 13b facing inward with their recessed holes 13c facing inward. The lower clamp pieces 13b are then temporarily fixed to the temporary placement sections 31 and 32 with temporary fixing parts 33, such as magnets 33a (Fig. 6). Next, the end of the test piece A of the noodle strip 2, which is laid horizontally, is placed in the recessed holes 13c of the lower clamp pieces 13b. The upper clamp piece 13a is attached onto the lower clamp piece 13b with the end of the test piece A of the noodle strip 2 placed thereon, and the two are integrated with the locking parts 13e (Fig. 5A). This allows both ends of the test piece A of the noodle strip 2 to be gripped by the pair of noodle clamps 3 and 4 on the horizontal table 5, as shown in Fig. 7. This completes the preparation of the noodle strip 2.

[0085] Next, the other noodle clamp 4 attached to the other end of the noodle string 2 is slid sideways on the horizontal table 5, moving it from the temporary placement section 32 to the fixed clamp setting section 9. At this time, the temporary fixing section 33, such as the magnet 33a, is easily released from the temporary fixation (adhered state) by the lateral sliding. In this state, the test piece A of the noodle string 2 is bent with almost no load being applied.

[0086] Then, one noodle clamp 3 attached to one end of the noodle strings 2 slides sideways on the horizontal table 5, moving from the temporary placement section 31 to the movable clamp setting section 8. At this time, the temporary fixing section 33 such as the magnet 33a is easily released from the temporary fixation (adsorption state) by the sideways sliding.

[0087] In the temporary placement section 31, the load of the weight 11 is received by the temporary fixing section 33 and is not transmitted to the noodle strings 2. Then, when one of the noodle clamps 3 is moved from the temporary placement section 31 to the movable clamp set section 8, the load is no longer supported by the temporary fixing section 33, and the load of the weight 11 is transmitted to the noodle strings 2 via the movable clamp set section 8. This causes the noodle strings 2 to begin to stretch, and the tensile test begins.

[0088] Then, for example, the weight of the weight 11 is applied to the noodle strands 2 for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds), and the elongation of the noodle strands 2 is measured using the scale section 15. Alternatively, the weight of the weight 11 is applied to the noodle strands 2, and the timer 16 measures the time required for the noodle strands 2 to reach a predetermined elongation while visually checking the scale section 15. The timer 16 is operated to start measurement when one of the noodle clamps 3 is moved to the clamp set section 8 on the moving side. This completes the tensile test of the noodle strands 2.

[0089] Furthermore, the noodle measuring instrument 1 can perform a shear test on the boiled noodle strings 2 in the shear test section 41.

[0090] The shear test procedure involves first cutting one of the boiled noodle strands 2 to an appropriate length to prepare test piece B. Although the noodle strand 2 was boiled together with test piece A used in the tensile test section 7, a different part is used. For example, test piece B may be a different part of the same noodle strand 2, or a different noodle strand 2 may be used.

[0091] Next, the test piece B of the noodle string 2 is placed directly on the noodle placing portion 42 of the noodle placing table 43. This completes the preparation of the noodle string 2 for the shear breaking test.

[0092] The sheared thread 44 is then aligned with the guide groove 47 and placed on top of the test piece B of the noodle strand 2, and the user then releases the sheared thread 44 and places it directly on top of the test piece B of the noodle strand 2. At this time, the sheared thread 44 passes through the step upper portion 43a and the step portion 43b of the guide groove 47 and is placed on top of the test piece B of the noodle strand 2.

[0093] As a result, the load of the weight 45 attached to the shearing thread 44 is applied to the test piece B of the noodle string 2, and the load of the weight 45 causes the test piece B of the noodle string 2 to be gradually sheared by the shearing thread 44. The time it takes for the noodle string 2 to be completely cut is measured by the timer 16. The timer 16 starts measuring when the user releases his / her hand from the shearing thread 44 and places it on the test piece B of the noodle string 2. This completes the shearing test of the noodle string 2.

[0094] The results of the tensile test and shear test are then used to quantitatively evaluate the noodle strings 2.

[0095] <Effects> The effects of this embodiment are as follows.

[0096] (Effect 1) In the noodle measuring device 1, both ends of the noodle string 2 are held by a pair of noodle clamps 3, 4, and the pair of noodle clamps 3, 4 holding the noodle string 2 are placed on a horizontal table 5. The pair of noodle clamps 3, 4 are set in clamp set sections 9 on the movable side and fixed side of the horizontal table 5, respectively, and the weight 11 connected to one of the noodle clamps 3 is suspended and guided by the vertical guide 6.

[0097] As a result, one noodle clamp 3 is moved toward the vertical guide 6 inside the movable clamp set unit 8 as the noodle strings 2 stretch. The weight 11 is then moved downward as the noodle strings 2 stretch, and the movement of the weight 11 is measured by the measuring unit 12, thereby measuring the elongation of the noodle strings 2.

[0098] The measuring unit 12 can be, for example, at least one of a scale unit 15 that measures the amount of elongation of the noodle strands 2 and a timer 16 that measures the elongation time of the noodle strands 2. The scale unit 15 or the timer 16 measures the elongation of the noodle strands 2 by the time it takes for the noodle strands 2 to reach a certain amount of elongation, or the amount of elongation of the noodle strands 2 over a certain period of time.

[0099] By performing the above measurements, it is possible to determine concretely and objectively, using numerical values, whether or not noodles of the same quality are being produced every day or every time. Moreover, the measurements can be performed simply, quickly, and easily by hand, and physical evaluation of the stickiness and chewiness of noodles can be performed. This allows noodles to be provided with a consistent, consistent taste. Furthermore, for example, if a noodle seller is a chain store, it will be possible to provide noodles of the same quality at every store across Japan.

[0100] If the results of the physical evaluation reveal any variation in the quality of the noodles, the conditions for making the noodles can be easily revised by referring to the results of the physical evaluation.

[0101] In this case, the noodle measuring instrument 1 is equipped with a dedicated horizontal table 5. The horizontal table 5 is specialized for tensile testing of the noodle strands 2, and has the advantage of being easy to work with. The tensile testing unit 7 measures the noodle strands 2 by placing them on the horizontal table 5 and stretching them horizontally along the horizontal table 5. This reduces the strain on the noodle strands 2, allowing them to be stretched more slowly than when measuring by stretching them vertically while suspended up and down in the air.

[0102] Furthermore, both ends of the noodle string 2 are clamped by noodle clamps 3 and 4. By clamping both ends of the noodle string 2 by the noodle clamps 3 and 4, the noodle string 2 can be easily handled during measurement.

[0103] The noodle strings 2 are set in the clamp setting units 8, 9 of the horizontal base 5 via the noodle clamps 3, 4. As a result, the noodle strings 2 can be set on the horizontal base 5 by holding the noodle clamps 3, 4 in the clamp setting units 8, 9, and the noodle strings 2 can be set without being touched much. Furthermore, the noodle strings 2 can always be set in the clamp setting units 8, 9 in the same state. The load of the weight 11 is then indirectly transmitted to the noodle strings 2 via the noodle clamps 3, 4 on the horizontal base 5.

[0104] As a result of the above, the load of the weight 11 is not suddenly applied to the noodle strands 2 immediately after the load of the weight 11 is applied to one of the noodle clamps 3, preventing the noodle strands 2 from breaking. This reduces the chance of failure in the tensile test, making it possible to carry out the tensile test easily and reliably.

[0105] Furthermore, the horizontal table 5 is provided with a vertical guide 6 on one end side. This allows the weight 11 to be guided by the vertical guide 6. This allows for quick and stable measurement.

[0106] (Effect 2) In the noodle measuring device 1, the horizontal base 5 may be provided with an inclined portion 21 at the position of the movable clamp set portion 8. This inclined portion 21 makes one of the noodle clamps 3 more slippery than on a horizontal surface. This reduces the effect of friction between the horizontal base 5 and the noodle clamp 3, and also allows the load of the weight 11 to be applied efficiently to one of the noodle clamps 3, allowing measurements to be performed quickly in a short time and improving measurement accuracy.

[0107] Furthermore, the vertical guide 6 provided on one end of the horizontal table 5 may have a cylindrical guide portion 23. The cylindrical guide portion 23 enables the vertical guide 6 to prevent the weight 11 from shaking. This reduces fluctuations in load due to shaking of the weight 11, enabling stable and accurate measurement. Measurement time is also reduced. In this case, for example, if the weight 11 is cylindrical, the cylindrical guide portion 23 should have a cylindrical or partially cylindrical inner surface that is approximately one size larger than the weight 11.

[0108] (Effect 3) In the noodle measuring device 1, the horizontal base 5 may be provided with temporary placement sections 31, 32. By providing the temporary placement sections 31, 32, the horizontal base 5 can perform the task of having the noodle clamps 3, 4 grip both ends of the noodle strings 2 (hereinafter referred to as "preparing the noodle strings 2") by placing the noodle strings 2 horizontally on the base.

[0109] This allows the preparation of the noodle strings 2 to be carried out directly and easily in the temporary placement sections 31, 32 of the horizontal table 5, and also improves space efficiency because there is no need to prepare the noodle strings 2 in a separate location. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary strain from being placed on the noodle strings 2 before the tensile test is carried out, and to prevent the noodle strings 2 from breaking during the period from preparation to measurement.

[0110] The temporary placing units 31, 32 may be provided with a temporary fixing unit 33. By including the temporary fixing unit 33, the temporary placing units 31, 32 can temporarily fix the noodle clamps 3, 4 (the lower clamp pieces 13a), which means that, for example, it is no longer necessary to hold the noodle clamps 3, 4 by hand while making the noodle clamps 3, 4 grip the noodle strings 2. Therefore, the temporary fixing unit 33 eliminates unnecessary effort and work when preparing the noodle strings 2, making the preparation easier and more accurate. Furthermore, the temporary fixing unit 33 can reduce the burden on the noodle strings 2 when preparing the noodle strings 2.

[0111] Furthermore, the timing for starting measurement is made clear by using the movement of temporarily fixing the noodle clamps 3, 4 by the temporary fixing portion 33 and releasing the temporary fixation as a trigger, so the temporary fixing portion 33 can be used to obtain accurate measurement results.

[0112] In addition, by using magnets 33a as temporary fixing portions 33 and allowing magnetic attraction and release, temporary fixing of noodle clamps 3 and 4 to temporary fixing portions 33 and release of the temporary fixation can be facilitated.

[0113] (Effect 4) The noodle measuring device 1 has a tensile test section 7 and a shear test section 41, allowing for both tensile tests and shear tests. The shear test section 41 has a noodle placement table 43 with a noodle placement section 42, a shearing string 44, a weight 45, and a guide groove 47, allowing for shear tests to be performed with a simple structure. The guide groove 47 allows the noodle strings 2 to be sheared accurately and vertically at all times, allowing for stable measurements.

[0114] (Effect 5) In the noodle measuring device 1, the shear test section 41 may be formed by two plate-like bodies 51, 52 to form the noodle placing table 43. By joining the two plate-like bodies 51, 52 together, both the noodle placing section 42 and the guide groove 47 can be formed at the same time, resulting in a simple structure.

[0115] (Effect 6) In the noodle measuring device 1, the shear test unit 41 and the tensile test unit 7 may be installed adjacent to the upper end of the support column 62. This allows the noodle measuring device 1 to be made smaller and simpler. Furthermore, the noodle measuring device 1 can perform both tensile tests and shear tests with just one device of simple configuration. Because the noodle measuring device 1 can stand on its own using the base plate 61, it can be placed on a kitchen counter, for example, and measurements can be taken while cooking. Furthermore, by providing the shear test unit 41 and the tensile test unit 7 at the upper end of the support column 62, the noodle measuring device 1 can perform measurements at a height slightly higher than the kitchen counter, making it easy to handle and see. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Noodle measuring device 2: Noodle strings 3, 4: Noodle clamp 5: Horizontal stand 6: Vertical guide 7: Tensile test section 8, 9: Clamp set section 11: Weight 12: Measuring unit 15: Scale unit 16: Timer 21: Inclined portion 23: Guide portion 31, 32: Temporary placement portion 33: Temporary fixing portion 41: Shear test section 42: Noodle placement section 43: Noodle placement table 44: Shear thread 45: Weight 47: Guide groove 51, 52: Plate-shaped body 61: Base plate 62: Support 63: Side plate 64, 65: Bolts

Claims

1. a pair of noodle clamps capable of gripping both ends of the noodle strings; a horizontal table on which the pair of noodle clamps holding the noodle strings can be placed; a vertical guide extending downwardly from one end of the horizontal platform; The horizontal base is a movable clamp set portion capable of holding one of the noodle clamps movably toward the vertical guide; and a fixed clamp set portion capable of holding the other noodle clamp in position; The vertical guide is The weight connected to one of the noodle clamps can be guided in a suspended state, A noodle measuring device comprising a measuring unit that measures the extension of the noodle strings.

2. The noodle measuring device according to claim 1, the horizontal base has an inclined portion at the position of the clamp set portion on the movable side, the inclined portion being inclined downward toward the vertical guide, The noodle measuring device, wherein the vertical guide has a cylindrical guide portion that accommodates the weight with a gap therebetween.

3. The noodle measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, The horizontal base is provided on the opposite side of the clamp set portion from the vertical guide. a temporary placement portion for temporarily placing the noodle clamp when the noodle clamp is to grip the end of the noodle string, The noodle measuring device is characterized in that the temporary placement section is provided with a temporary fixing section that can temporarily fix the noodle clamp.

4. The noodle measuring device according to claim 1, The tensile test section is integrally provided with a shear test section, The shear test section comprises: The noodle making machine comprises a noodle placing table having a noodle placing section for placing noodle strings horizontally, shearing threads for shearing the noodle strings, and a weight for applying a load to the shearing threads, the noodle placing table has a guide groove that extends in a vertical direction of the noodle strings set in the noodle placing section and that guides the movement of the shear threads from above to below the noodle strings.

5. The noodle measuring device according to claim 4, The noodle stand is formed by stacking two plate-shaped bodies, The noodle placement portion is provided across the two plate-like bodies, The noodle measuring device is characterized in that the guide groove for the sheared yarn is formed at the joining portion of the two plate-like bodies.

6. The noodle measuring device according to any one of claims 4 to 5, The tensile test section and the shear test section are provided at the upper end of a support column extending upward from the base plate, The noodle measuring device is characterized in that the tensile testing unit has a side plate rising from the side of the horizontal table, and the noodle placing table of the shear testing unit is attached to the side plate with bolts.

Images