Ultraviolet irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an ultraviolet light irradiation device in which the number of ultraviolet light lamps in the irradiation space is appropriately adjusted within a range that can adequately suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the food ingredients. [Solution] According to the embodiment, the ultraviolet light irradiation device comprises a housing and ultraviolet light lamps. The housing covers a part of the transport section that transports citrus fruits as food ingredients horizontally, and defines an irradiation space inside. The ultraviolet light lamps irradiate each of the transported citrus fruits with ultraviolet light in the irradiation space inside the housing, and when the transport speed in the transport section is Vm / min, the number of lamps placed in the irradiation space is less than or equal to the value of the solution of (7 × 100 × V) / 184 rounded up.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an ultraviolet light irradiation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation devices are being used to suppress the deterioration of food freshness. Such UV light irradiation devices are installed in the conveying section, such as a conveying line, that transports food. In the UV light irradiation device, the housing covers a part of the conveying section, and an irradiation space is defined inside the housing. In the UV light irradiation device, one or more UV lamps are arranged in the irradiation space. In the irradiation space, each UV lamp irradiates UV light toward the food being transported. In such UV light irradiation devices, from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the device configuration and reduction of power consumption of the device, it is required that the number of UV lamps arranged in the irradiation space be adjusted to an appropriate number while adequately suppressing the deterioration of food freshness. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-97528 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an ultraviolet light irradiation device in which the number of ultraviolet light lamps in the irradiation space can be appropriately adjusted within a range in which the deterioration of the freshness of food ingredients can be adequately suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the embodiment, the ultraviolet light irradiation device comprises a housing and ultraviolet light lamps. The housing covers a portion of the conveying section that transports citrus fruits as food ingredients horizontally, and defines an irradiation space inside. The ultraviolet light lamps irradiate each of the transported citrus fruits with ultraviolet light within the irradiation space inside the housing, and when the transporting speed in the conveying section is Vm / min, the number of lamps placed in the irradiation space is less than or equal to the value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184 rounded up. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultraviolet light irradiation device in which the number of ultraviolet light lamps in the irradiation space is appropriately adjusted within a range in which the deterioration of the freshness of food ingredients can be adequately suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system equipped with an ultraviolet light irradiation device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system equipped with an ultraviolet light irradiation device in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The ultraviolet light irradiation device (10) of the embodiment comprises a housing (11) and ultraviolet light lamps (21). The housing (11) covers a part of the transport section (2) that transports citrus fruits as food ingredients (6) along the horizontal direction, and defines an irradiation space (12) inside. The ultraviolet light lamps (21) irradiate ultraviolet light onto the transported citrus fruits in the irradiation space (12) inside the housing (11), and when the transport speed in the transport section (2) is Vm / min, the number of lamps placed in the irradiation space (12) is less than or equal to the value of the solution of (7 × 100 × V) / 184 rounded up. In this configuration in which citrus fruits are transported along the horizontal direction, the number of ultraviolet light lamps (21) in the irradiation space (12) is appropriately adjusted to a range in which the deterioration of the freshness of the citrus fruits is appropriately suppressed.

[0009] In the ultraviolet light irradiation device (10) of the embodiment, the number of ultraviolet light lamps (21) arranged in the irradiation space (12) is greater than or equal to the value obtained by rounding up the decimal part of the solution to (7 × 20 × V) / 184. As a result, in a configuration in which citrus fruits are transported along the horizontal direction, the number of ultraviolet light lamps (21) in the irradiation space (12) is adjusted to a more appropriate number within a range in which the deterioration of the freshness of the citrus fruits is appropriately suppressed.

[0010] The ultraviolet light irradiation device (10) of the embodiment comprises a housing (11) and an ultraviolet light lamp (21). The housing (11) covers a part of the transport section (2) that transports fruits of the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae family horizontally as food ingredients (6), and defines an irradiation space (12) inside. The ultraviolet light lamps (21) irradiate ultraviolet light onto the transported fruits in the irradiation space (12) inside the housing (11), and when the transport speed in the transport section (2) is Vm / min, the number of lamps placed in the irradiation space (12) is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 300 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 150 × V) / 184. As a result, in a configuration in which fruits of the genus Prunus in the Rosaceae family are transported horizontally, the number of ultraviolet light lamps (21) in the irradiation space (12) is adjusted to an appropriate number so as to suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the fruits appropriately.

[0011] The ultraviolet light irradiation device (10) of the embodiment comprises a housing (11) and ultraviolet light lamps (21). The housing (11) covers a part of the transport section (2) that transports strawberries as food ingredients (6) along the horizontal direction, and defines an irradiation space inside. The ultraviolet light lamps (21) irradiate each of the transporting strawberries with ultraviolet light in the irradiation space (12) inside the housing (11), and when the transport speed in the transport section (2) is Vm / min, the number of lamps placed in the irradiation space (12) is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 250 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184. As a result, in a configuration in which strawberries are transported along the horizontal direction, the number of ultraviolet light lamps (21) in the irradiation space (12) is adjusted to an appropriate number so as to appropriately suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the strawberries.

[0012] The ultraviolet light irradiation device (10) of the embodiment comprises a housing (11) and ultraviolet light lamps (21). The housing (11) covers a part of the conveying section (2) that conveys tomatoes as food ingredients (6) along the horizontal direction, and defines an irradiation space (12) inside. The ultraviolet light lamps (21) each irradiate ultraviolet light toward the conveying tomatoes in the irradiation space (12) inside the housing (11), and when the conveying speed in the conveying section (2) is Vm / min, the number of lamps placed in the irradiation space (12) is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 20 × V) / 184. As a result, in a configuration in which tomatoes are conveyed along the horizontal direction, the number of ultraviolet light lamps (21) in the irradiation space (12) is adjusted to an appropriate number so as to appropriately suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the tomatoes.

[0013] The ultraviolet light irradiation device (10) of the embodiment includes a housing (11) and an ultraviolet light lamp (21). The housing (11) covers a part of the conveying unit (2) that conveys bread as the food (6) along the horizontal direction, and defines an irradiation space (12) inside. The ultraviolet light lamps (21) irradiate ultraviolet light toward the conveyed bread in the irradiation space (12) inside the housing (11). When the conveying speed in the conveying unit (2) is V m / min, the number of ultraviolet light lamps arranged in the irradiation space (12) is not more than the ceiling value of the decimal part of the solution of (7×100×V) / 184, and not less than the ceiling value of the decimal part of the solution of (7×20×V) / 184. Thereby, in the configuration where the bread is conveyed along the horizontal direction, the number of ultraviolet light lamps (21) in the irradiation space (12) is adjusted to an appropriate number within the range where the decrease in the freshness of the bread is appropriately suppressed.

[0014] The ultraviolet light irradiation device (10) of the embodiment includes a housing (11) and an ultraviolet light lamp (21). The housing (11) covers a part of the conveying unit (2) that conveys citrus fruits as the food (6) along the vertical direction, and defines an irradiation space (12) inside. The ultraviolet light lamps (21) irradiate ultraviolet light toward the conveyed citrus fruits in the irradiation space (12) inside the housing (11). When the conveying speed in the conveying unit (2) is V m / min, the number of ultraviolet light lamps arranged in the irradiation space (12) is not more than the ceiling value of the decimal part of the solution of (9.8×100×V) / 184, and not less than the ceiling value of the decimal part of the solution of (9.8×20×V) / 184. Thereby, in the configuration where the citrus fruits are conveyed along the vertical direction, the number of ultraviolet light lamps (21) in the irradiation space (12) is adjusted to an appropriate number within the range where the decrease in the freshness of the citrus fruits is appropriately suppressed.

[0015] In the ultraviolet light irradiation device (10) of the embodiment, in each of the ultraviolet light lamps (21), the input density is 1 W / cm or more, and a mixed gas of neon gas and argon gas is enclosed. Thereby, even if the number (N) of ultraviolet light lamps (21) arranged in the irradiation space (12) is reduced, it is possible to appropriately suppress the decrease in the freshness of the food (16), and it is possible to realize miniaturization of the device.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (First Embodiment) First, as an example of an embodiment, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 including an ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10, the system 1 includes a transport unit 2 such as a transport line. The transport unit 2 is formed, for example, from a belt conveyor. The transport unit 2 includes a transport surface 3 and a back surface 5 facing the side opposite to the transport surface 3. In the transport unit 2, the foodstuffs 6 to be transported are arranged on the transport surface 3, and the foodstuffs 6 arranged on the transport surface 3 are transported in the transport direction (the direction of arrow P1). In the example of FIG. 1, citrus fruits are transported as the foodstuffs 6. The transport surface 3 and the back surface 5 may be flat surfaces, surfaces with irregularities, or inclined surfaces.

[0018] In the transport unit 2, the transport direction of the foodstuffs 6 is also referred to as the "downstream side", and the direction opposite to the transport direction is also referred to as the "upstream side". Also, in the transport unit 2, a width direction (a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1) that intersects (is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal) to the transport direction is defined. Further, in the present embodiment, a direction that intersects (is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal) to the transport direction and the width direction of the transport unit 2 is also referred to as the "height direction" of the transport unit 2.

[0019] In the present embodiment including the example of FIG. 1, each of the transport direction and the width direction of the transport unit 2 is along a virtual horizontal plane and intersects (is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal) to the vertical direction (the directions indicated by arrow Z1 and arrow Z2). For this reason, in the transport unit 2, the foodstuffs 6 are transported along the horizontal direction, that is, along the horizontal plane. In the transport unit 2, the transport surface 3 faces the vertically upper side (arrow Z1 side), and the back surface 5 faces the vertically lower side (arrow Z2 side). Also, the unit of the transport speed V of the foodstuffs in the transport unit 2 is, for example, m / min, and in a certain example, the transport speed V in the transport unit 2 is about 3.3 m / min.

[0020] The ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 is installed in the transport unit 2 that transports food ingredients 6. The ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 includes a housing 11 that forms the exterior. In system 1, the housing 11 covers a part of the transport unit 2. An irradiation space 12 is defined inside the housing 11. In the example in Figure 1, the housing 11 covers a part of the transport unit 2 from the vertically upward side. The space enclosed by the housing 11 and the transport surface 3 of the transport unit 2 is defined as the irradiation space 12. The housing 11 covers the irradiation space 12 from the vertically upward side and from both sides in the width direction of the transport unit 2, and is adjacent to the irradiation space 12 from the vertically upward side and from both sides in the width direction of the transport unit 2. In addition, the transport surface 3 of the transport unit 2 covers the irradiation space 12 from the vertically downward side and is adjacent to the irradiation space 12 from the vertically downward side. In the irradiation space 12, the food ingredients 6 being transported pass between the housing 11 and the transport surface 3 in the vertical direction.

[0021] The housing 11 has an entrance 13 and an exit 15. The irradiation space 12 opens upstream at the entrance 13 and downstream (in the transport direction) at the exit 15. The food to be transported 6 is brought into the irradiation space 12 from outside the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 through the entrance 13. Then, in the irradiation space 12, the food 6 is transported from the entrance 13 to the exit 15. Then, the food 6 is transported out of the irradiation space 12 to the outside of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 through the exit 15. In the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 and housing 11, the entrance 13 forms the upstream end and the exit 15 forms the downstream end. In the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 and housing 11, the distance downstream from the entrance 13 to the exit 15 is defined as the dimension L of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 along the transport direction. Dimension L is approximately equal to the length dimension of the housing 11 in the transport direction.

[0022] In the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10, one or more ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged in the irradiation space 12. In one example shown in Figure 1, multiple ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged in the irradiation space 12, and in the irradiation space 12, the multiple ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged in a line along the transport direction with the longitudinal direction of the lamps aligned with the width direction. In one example, the multiple ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals. Each of the ultraviolet light lamps 21 is mounted on the housing 11 and is positioned vertically above the transport surface 3 of the transport unit 2. Each of the ultraviolet light lamps 21 faces the transport surface 3 of the transport unit 2 from vertically above. In the irradiation space 12, the food items 6 being transported pass between each of the ultraviolet light lamps 21 and the transport surface 3 in the vertical direction.

[0023] Furthermore, the longitudinal direction is defined for each ultraviolet lamp 21. In the example shown in Figure 1, each ultraviolet lamp 21 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction aligns with the width direction of the transport unit 2, and so that its longitudinal direction aligns with the horizontal plane. For each ultraviolet lamp 21, the dimensions of the light-emitting portion along the longitudinal direction are defined as the light emission length. Then, for each ultraviolet lamp 21, the parameter obtained by dividing the input power by the light emission length is defined as the input density. The unit of input density is, for example, W / cm.

[0024] In this embodiment, the input density is 1 W / cm or more for each of the ultraviolet light lamps 21. Therefore, for each of the ultraviolet light lamps 21, the input density is 1 W / cm or more when power is input at the rated power, or when power is input within the power range for normal use. In addition, in this embodiment, a mixed gas of neon gas and argon gas is sealed in each of the ultraviolet light lamps 21 as the sealing gas.

[0025] In one example, each ultraviolet light lamp 21 is formed in a tubular shape along its longitudinal direction, with a diameter of approximately 15.5 mm for each lamp. Each tubular portion of the ultraviolet light lamp 21 is made of quartz glass or soft glass that allows ultraviolet light (UV-C) to pass through. Each tubular portion of the ultraviolet light lamp 21 is filled with a mixed gas consisting of 80% neon gas and 20% argon gas, with a pressure of approximately 665 Pa. Each ultraviolet light lamp 21 has an input density of 1 W / cm². In the following text, an ultraviolet light lamp 21 similar to this example will also be referred to as a "Type α1 ultraviolet light lamp."

[0026] Each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 irradiates ultraviolet light toward the transport surface 3 of the transport unit 2 in the irradiation space 12, and also irradiates ultraviolet light toward the food being transported 6. Each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 mainly emits ultraviolet light, i.e., UV-C, with a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm or more and 320 nm or less. In the example in Figure 1, each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 irradiates ultraviolet light toward the vertically downward side. By irradiating the food 6 with ultraviolet light (mainly UV-C) from each of the ultraviolet lamps 21, the activity of viruses and bacteria on the surface of the food 6 is suppressed. This disinfects the food 6 and suppresses the deterioration of its freshness. Note that "disinfection" means inactivating viruses and bacteria, etc., and terms such as "sterilization," "detoxification," and "sterilization" can also be used instead of "disinfection."

[0027] In this embodiment and others, when an ultraviolet light lamp 21 is used that has an input density of 1 W / cm or more and is filled with a mixed gas of neon and argon, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 to be placed in the irradiation space 12 is defined as follows. The number N corresponds to the number of ultraviolet light lamps 21 mounted on the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10. Furthermore, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 to be placed in the irradiation space 12 corresponds to the transport speed V in the transport unit 2 and the required amount of ultraviolet light X necessary to suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the food ingredients 6.

[0028] The required irradiation dose X is set as a standard for the net irradiation dose of ultraviolet light irradiated on the foodstuff 6 while being irradiated from the carry-in port 13 to the carry-out port 15. Therefore, the unit of the required irradiation dose X is, for example, mJ / cm 2 That is. By ensuring that the net irradiation dose described above is not less than the required irradiation dose X, it is guaranteed that the deterioration of the freshness of the foodstuff 6 is appropriately suppressed for one week or longer from the end point of the irradiation of ultraviolet light. The required irradiation dose X varies corresponding to the type of the foodstuff 6. Also, even for the same type of foodstuff 6, the required irradiation dose X may vary corresponding to the state of the foodstuff 6 or the like.

[0029] For example, when the conveyed foodstuff 6 is citrus fruits, the required irradiation dose X can vary within a range of not less than 20 mJ / cm 2 and not more than 100 mJ / cm 2 When the conveyed foodstuff 6 is a fruit of the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae family such as a cherry, the required irradiation dose X can vary within a range of not less than 150 mJ / cm 2 and not more than 300 mJ / cm 2 When the conveyed foodstuff 6 is a strawberry, the required irradiation dose X can vary within a range of not less than 100 mJ / cm 2 and not more than 250 mJ / cm 2 When the conveyed foodstuff 6 is a tomato and when the conveyed foodstuff 6 is bread, the required irradiation dose X can vary within a range of not less than 20 mJ / cm 2 and not more than 100 mJ / cm 2 That is.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the number N (the number of units) of the ultraviolet lamps 2 21 arranged in the irradiation space 12 is calculated by the following formula (1) when the required irradiation dose X (mJ / cm 2 ) and the conveyance speed V (m / min) are given. That is, the value obtained by rounding up the decimal part of the solution of (7 × X × V) / 184 is the number N of the ultraviolet lamps 21 arranged in the irradiation space.

[0031]

Equation

[0032] Furthermore, the required irradiation dose X can vary within the aforementioned range even for the same type of food ingredient 6. Therefore, when the food ingredient 6 being transported is a citrus fruit, the relationship shown in equation (2) holds true for the number (number) N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12. Consequently, when the food ingredient 6 being transported is a citrus fruit, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps placed in the irradiation space 12 is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 20 × V) / 184.

[0033]

number

[0034] If the food item 6 being transported is a fruit of the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae, the relationship in equation (3) holds true for the number (number) N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12. If the food item 6 being transported is a strawberry, the relationship in equation (4) holds true for the number (number) N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12. Therefore, if the food item 6 being transported is a fruit of the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps placed in the irradiation space 12 is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 300 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 150 × V) / 184. Furthermore, if the food item 6 being transported is a strawberry, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps to be placed in the irradiation space 12 will be less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 250 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184.

[0035]

number

[0036] Furthermore, in both the case where the food item 6 being transported is a tomato, and the case where the food item 6 being transported is bread, the relationship in equation (2) holds true with respect to the number (number) N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12, just as in the case where citrus fruits are transported. Therefore, in both the case where the food item 6 being transported is a tomato, and the case where the food item 6 being transported is bread, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps placed in the irradiation space 12 is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 20 × V) / 184.

[0037] In this embodiment, in a configuration in which food ingredients 6 are transported along the horizontal direction, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 is adjusted as described above. This makes it possible to reduce the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 to a minimum while ensuring that the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food ingredients 6 in the irradiation space 12 is equal to or greater than the required irradiation amount X. As a result, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps in the irradiation space is appropriately adjusted within a range in which the deterioration of the freshness of the food ingredients 6 is adequately suppressed. For example, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 is reduced to the minimum number necessary to adequately suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the food ingredients 6 over a predetermined period (e.g., one week or more).

[0038] By reducing the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 in the irradiation space 12 to the minimum number necessary to adequately suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the food ingredients 6, the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 can be made smaller in its configuration and its power consumption reduced. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 is reduced, the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food ingredients 6 in the irradiation space 12 is ensured to be greater than or equal to the required irradiation amount X, thereby adequately suppressing the deterioration of the freshness of the food ingredients 6.

[0039] Here, as an example of this embodiment, Example 1 will be described. In Example 1, the same transport unit 2 and ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 as in the example in Figure 1 are used. In Example 1, the transport speed V in the transport unit 2 is 3.3 m / min, and the required irradiation dose X for the food ingredient 6 is 50 mJ / cm². 2The citrus fruits are transported. Then, the aforementioned Type α1 ultraviolet lamp is placed in the irradiation space 12 as ultraviolet lamp 21.

[0040] In Example 1, seven ultraviolet lamps 21 are arranged in the irradiation space 12. The number N of ultraviolet lamps 21 arranged in the irradiation space 12, which is 7, represents the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food 6 in the irradiation space 12, which is the required irradiation amount X (50 mJ / cm²). 2 This corresponds to the minimum number required to achieve a certain level of performance. The number N, which is 7, is derived by substituting the values ​​of the transport speed V and the required irradiation amount X into the aforementioned equation (1). In Example 1, seven ultraviolet lamps 21 are arranged in a line along the transport direction. The dimension L of the ultraviolet irradiation device 10 (housing 11) along the transport direction is 190.5 mm.

[0041] Next, Comparative Example 1 will be described as a comparative example to Example 1. In Comparative Example 1, the type of ultraviolet light lamp 21 and the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 arranged in the irradiation space 12 are changed from Example 1. In Comparative Example 1, a type α2 ultraviolet light lamp, which is a different type from type α1, is arranged in the irradiation space 12 as the ultraviolet light lamp 21.

[0042] In the Type α2 ultraviolet lamp, the ultraviolet lamp 21 is formed in a tubular shape along its longitudinal direction, and the diameter of the ultraviolet lamp 21 is approximately 15.5 mm. The tubular portion of the ultraviolet lamp 21 is formed from quartz glass or soft glass that allows ultraviolet light (UV-C) to pass through. However, in the Type α2 ultraviolet lamp, argon gas is sealed in the tubular portion of the ultraviolet lamp 21 at a ratio of 100%, and the pressure of the sealed gas is approximately 399 Pa. The input density of the ultraviolet lamp 21 is 0.2 W / cm². In Comparative Example 1, the transport speed V in the transport section 2 is 3.3 m / min, and the required irradiation dose X for the food ingredient 6 is 50 mJ / cm². 2 Citrus fruits are being transported.

[0043] Here, when a type α2 ultraviolet lamp is used as the ultraviolet lamp 21, the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food 6 in the irradiation space 12 is the required irradiation amount X, which is 50 mJ / cm². 2 To achieve the above, it is necessary to place 32 or more ultraviolet light lamps 21 in the irradiation space 12. In Comparative Example 1, the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food 6 in the irradiation space 12 was 50 mJ / cm². 2 The minimum number required to achieve the above is 32, which corresponds to the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12. In Comparative Example 1, the 32 ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged in a line along the transport direction. The dimension L of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 (housing 11) along the transport direction is 815.5 mm.

[0044] As described above, in Example 1, which is an example of this embodiment, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 is reduced compared to Comparative Example 1 by changing the type and specifications of the ultraviolet light lamps 21 from Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, in Example 1, the reduction in the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 reduces the dimensions L of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 along the transport direction compared to Comparative Example 1, making it possible to miniaturize the device.

[0045] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described as an example different from the first embodiment of the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 equipped with an ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment as well, in addition to the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10, the system 1 is equipped with a transport unit 2, and in the transport unit 2, the food ingredients 6 are transported in the transport direction (direction of arrow P1). In the example in Figure 2, citrus fruits are transported as the food ingredients 6. In this embodiment as well, in the transport unit 2, a width direction (direction of orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the plane of the paper in Figure 2) that intersects (orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to) the transport direction is defined. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction that intersects (orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to) the transport direction and the width direction of the transport unit 2 is defined as the depth direction of the transport unit 2 (direction shown by arrows Y1 and Y2).

[0046] In this embodiment, the conveying unit 2 is formed, for example, from a conveyor lift. The width and depth directions of the conveying unit 2 are aligned with a virtual horizontal plane and intersect (orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to) the vertical direction (directions indicated by arrows Z1 and Z2). Therefore, in this embodiment, the food ingredients 6 are conveyed in the conveying unit 2 along the vertical direction. In the example shown in Figure 2, the food ingredients 6 are conveyed from the vertically downward side (arrow Z2 side) to the vertically upward side (arrow Z1 side), and the vertically upward side coincides with or nearly coincides with the conveying direction. However, in this embodiment, the vertically downward side may also coincide with or nearly coincides with the conveying direction. In this embodiment as well, the conveying speed V in the conveying unit 2 is defined in the same manner as in the embodiments described above.

[0047] In this embodiment, the conveying unit 2 is equipped with a plurality of support plates 7. Each of the plurality of support plates 7 supports a corresponding one of the conveyed food items 6 from the vertically downward side. Therefore, each of the food items 6 being conveyed in the conveying unit 2 is supported from the vertically downward side by a corresponding one of the plurality of support plates 7.

[0048] In this embodiment as well, in System 1, the housing 11 of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 covers a part of the transport unit 2, and the irradiation space 12 is defined inside the housing 11. However, as shown in Figure 2, etc., in this embodiment, the housing 11 covers a part of the transport unit 2 from one side in the depth direction of the transport unit 2. The space enclosed by the housing 11 and the transport unit 2 is defined as the irradiation space 12. In this embodiment, the housing 11 covers the irradiation space 12 from one side in the depth direction of the transport unit 2 and from both sides in the width direction of the transport unit 2, and is adjacent to the irradiation space 12 from one side in the depth direction of the transport unit 2 and from both sides in the width direction of the transport unit 2. Furthermore, the transport unit 2 covers the irradiation space 12 from the side opposite to the housing 11 in the depth direction of the transport unit 2, and is adjacent to the irradiation space 12 from the side opposite to the housing 11 in the depth direction of the transport unit 2.

[0049] In this embodiment as well, the housing 11 has an inlet 13 and an outlet 15. The irradiation space 12 opens upstream at the inlet 13 and downstream (in the transport direction) at the outlet 15. In this embodiment, the food ingredients 6 are transported along the vertical direction. Therefore, the irradiation space 12 opens to one side in the vertical direction at the inlet 13 and opens to the opposite side of the vertical inlet 13 at the outlet 15. In the example in Figure 2, the irradiation space 12 opens vertically downward at the inlet 13 and vertically upward at the outlet 15. Also in this embodiment as well, in the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 and the housing 11, the distance downstream from the inlet 13 to the outlet 15 is defined as the dimension L of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 along the transport direction.

[0050] In the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 of this embodiment, one or more ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged in the irradiation space 12. In the example shown in Figure 2, multiple ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged in the irradiation space 12, and in the irradiation space 12, the multiple ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged in a line along the transport direction. The direction in which the multiple ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged is along the vertical direction. In this embodiment, each ultraviolet light lamp 21 is mounted on the housing 11 and is positioned away from the transport unit 2 on one side in the depth direction (for example, the Y1 side). Each ultraviolet light lamp 21 faces the transport unit 2 from one side in the depth direction of the transport unit 2.

[0051] In this embodiment as well, each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 is positioned such that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the width direction of the transport unit 2, and its longitudinal direction is aligned with the horizontal plane. In this embodiment as well, each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 has an input density of 1 W / cm or more. In this embodiment as well, each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 is sealed with a mixed gas of neon gas and argon gas as the sealing gas. In one example, the ultraviolet lamps 21 are the aforementioned type α1 ultraviolet lamps.

[0052] In this embodiment as well, each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 irradiates ultraviolet light toward the food 6 being transported in the transport unit 2. Each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 primarily emits UV-C light. In the example shown in Figure 2, each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 irradiates ultraviolet light toward one side in the depth direction of the transport unit 2. In this embodiment as well, the irradiation of the food 6 with ultraviolet light (mainly UV-C) from each of the ultraviolet lamps 21 suppresses the activity of viruses and bacteria on the surface of the food 6. This disinfects the food 6 and suppresses the deterioration of its freshness.

[0053] In this embodiment, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 is defined as follows. In this embodiment as well, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 corresponds to the transport speed V in the transport unit 2 and the required amount of ultraviolet light X necessary to suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the food ingredients 6. The required amount of irradiation X is defined as described above. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the required amount of irradiation X can vary within the range described above when the food ingredients 6 being transported are citrus fruits, fruits of the genus Prunus in the Rosaceae family, strawberries, tomatoes, and bread.

[0054] In this embodiment, the number (number) N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 is the required irradiation dose X (mJ / cm²). 2 When the transport speed is V (m / min), the number of ultraviolet lamps N to be placed in the irradiation space is calculated as shown in equation (5). That is, the value obtained by rounding up the decimal part of the solution to (9.8 × X × V) / 184 is the number of ultraviolet lamps N to be placed in the irradiation space.

[0055]

number

[0056] Furthermore, if the food item 6 being transported is a citrus fruit, the relationship shown in equation (6) holds true for the number (number) N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12. Therefore, if the food item 6 being transported is a citrus fruit, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps placed in the irradiation space 12 is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (9.8 × 100 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (9.8 × 20 × V) / 184.

[0057]

number

[0058] Even when the transported food items 6 are fruits of the genus Prunus in the Rosaceae family, strawberries, tomatoes, and bread, the number of ultraviolet light lamps 21 N to be placed in the irradiation space 12 can be calculated by using a value corresponding to the type of food item 6 as the required irradiation dose X. Therefore, even when the transported food items 6 are fruits of the genus Prunus in the Rosaceae family, strawberries, tomatoes, and bread, a relationship similar to that in equation (6) can be derived with respect to the number of ultraviolet light lamps 21 N to be placed in the irradiation space 12.

[0059] When food ingredients 6 are transported vertically, they are supported by support plates 7. Therefore, even when using the same type of ultraviolet lamps 21, the minimum number required to ensure that the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food ingredients 6 in the irradiation space 12 is equal to or greater than the required irradiation amount X is different from when the food ingredients 6 are transported horizontally. For this reason, even when using the same type of ultraviolet lamps 21, the number (number) N of ultraviolet lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 in this embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0060] In this embodiment, in a configuration in which food ingredients 6 are transported along the vertical direction, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 is adjusted as described above. This makes it possible to reduce the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 to the minimum number while ensuring that the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food ingredients 6 in the irradiation space 12 is equal to or greater than the required irradiation amount X. As a result, in this embodiment as well, similar to the embodiments described above, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps in the irradiation space is appropriately adjusted within a range in which the deterioration of the freshness of the food ingredients 6 is appropriately suppressed.

[0061] Here, as an example of this embodiment, Example 2 will be described. In Example 2, the same transport unit 2 and ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 as in the example in Figure 2 are used. In Example 2, the transport speed V in the transport unit 2 is 3.3 m / min, and the required irradiation dose X for the food ingredient 6 is 50 mJ / cm². 2 The citrus fruits are transported. Then, the aforementioned Type α1 ultraviolet lamp is placed in the irradiation space 12 as ultraviolet lamp 21.

[0062] In Example 2, nine ultraviolet lamps 21 are arranged in the irradiation space 12. The number N, which is 9, of the ultraviolet lamps 21 arranged in the irradiation space 12 is the required irradiation amount X (50 mJ / cm²) of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food 6 in the irradiation space 12. 2 This corresponds to the minimum number required to achieve a load of 9 or more. The number N, which is 9, is derived by substituting the values ​​of the transport speed V and the required irradiation amount X into the aforementioned equation (5). In Example 2, nine ultraviolet lamps 21 are arranged in a line along the transport direction (vertical direction). The dimension L of the ultraviolet irradiation device 10 (housing 11) along the transport direction (vertical direction) is 240.5 mm.

[0063] Next, Comparative Example 2 will be described as a comparative example to Example 2. In Comparative Example 2, the type of ultraviolet light lamp 21 and the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 are changed from Example 2. In Comparative Example 2, the type α2 ultraviolet light lamp used in Comparative Example 1 is placed in the irradiation space 12 as the ultraviolet light lamp 21. In Comparative Example 2 as well, the transport speed V in the transport unit 2 is 3.3 m / min, and the required irradiation dose X for the food ingredient 6 is 50 mJ / cm². 2 Citrus fruits are being transported.

[0064] Here, when a type α2 ultraviolet lamp is used as the ultraviolet lamp 21, the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food 6 in the irradiation space 12 is the required irradiation amount X, which is 50 mJ / cm². 2 To achieve the above, it is necessary to place 44 or more ultraviolet light lamps 21 in the irradiation space 12. In Comparative Example 2, the net amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the food 6 in the irradiation space 12 is 50 mJ / cm². 2 The minimum number of ultraviolet light lamps 21 to achieve the above is 44, which corresponds to the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 to be placed in the irradiation space 12. In Comparative Example 2, the 44 ultraviolet light lamps 21 are arranged in a line along the transport direction (vertical direction). The dimension L of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 (housing 11) along the transport direction (vertical direction) is 1115.5 mm.

[0065] As described above, in Example 2, which is an example of this embodiment, the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 is reduced compared to Comparative Example 2 by changing the type and specifications of the ultraviolet light lamps 21 from Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, in Example 2, the reduction in the number N of ultraviolet light lamps 21 placed in the irradiation space 12 reduces the dimensions L of the ultraviolet light irradiation device 10 along the transport direction (vertical direction) compared to Comparative Example 2, making it possible to miniaturize the device.

[0066] According to at least one of these embodiments, the housing covers a portion of the conveying section that transports food horizontally. The ultraviolet lamps irradiate the food being transported with ultraviolet light in the irradiation space inside the housing, the transporting speed in the conveying section is set to Vm / min, and the required amount of ultraviolet light irradiation necessary to suppress the deterioration of the food's freshness is set to XmJ / cm². 2 In this case, the number of lamps placed in the irradiation space will be the value obtained by rounding up the decimal part of the solution to (7 × X × V) / 184. This allows the number of ultraviolet lamps in the irradiation space to be appropriately adjusted so as to suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the food in a configuration where food is transported horizontally.

[0067] Furthermore, according to at least one of these embodiments, the housing covers a portion of the conveying section that transports food ingredients vertically. The ultraviolet lamps irradiate each food ingredient being transported within the irradiation space inside the housing, the transport speed in the conveying section is set to Vm / min, and the required amount of ultraviolet light irradiation necessary to suppress the deterioration of the food ingredients' freshness is set to XmJ / cm². 2 In this case, the number of lamps placed in the irradiation space will be the value obtained by rounding up the decimal part of the solution to (9.8 × X × V) / 184. This allows the number of ultraviolet lamps in the irradiation space to be appropriately adjusted so as to suppress the deterioration of the freshness of the food in a configuration where the food is transported along the vertical direction.

[0068] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1...System, 2...Conveyor unit, 6...Food ingredients, 10...Ultraviolet light irradiation device, 11...Housing, 12...Irradiation space, 21...Ultraviolet light lamp.

Claims

1. A housing that covers a portion of the transport section that transports citrus fruits as food ingredients horizontally, and defines an illuminated space inside; In the irradiation space inside the housing, each of the citrus fruits being transported is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and when the transport speed in the transport section is Vm / min, the number of ultraviolet light lamps arranged in the irradiation space is less than or equal to the value of the solution of (7 × 100 × V) / 184 rounded up; A device for irradiating ultraviolet light, equipped with the following features.

2. The ultraviolet light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the number of ultraviolet light lamps arranged in the irradiation space is greater than or equal to the value obtained by rounding up the decimal part of the solution to (7 × 20 × V) / 184.

3. A housing that covers a portion of the transport section that horizontally transports the fruit of the genus Prunus in the Rosaceae family as food, and defines an illuminated space inside; In the irradiation space inside the housing, each ultraviolet light lamp irradiates ultraviolet light toward the transported fruit, and when the transport speed in the transport section is Vm / min, the number of ultraviolet light lamps arranged in the irradiation space is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 300 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 150 × V) / 184; A device for irradiating ultraviolet light, equipped with the following features.

4. A housing that covers a portion of the conveying section that transports strawberries horizontally as food ingredients, and defines an illuminated space inside; In the irradiation space inside the housing, each of the ultraviolet lamps irradiates ultraviolet light toward the strawberries being transported, and when the transport speed in the transport section is Vm / min, the number of ultraviolet lamps arranged in the irradiation space is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 250 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184; A device for irradiating ultraviolet light, equipped with the following features.

5. A housing that covers a portion of the conveying section that transports tomatoes horizontally as food ingredients, and defines an illuminated space inside; In the irradiation space inside the housing, each ultraviolet light lamp irradiates ultraviolet light toward the transported tomatoes, and when the transport speed in the transport section is Vm / min, the number of ultraviolet light lamps arranged in the irradiation space is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 20 × V) / 184; A device for irradiating ultraviolet light, equipped with the following features.

6. A housing that covers a portion of the conveying section that transports bread horizontally as an ingredient, and defines an illuminated space inside; In the irradiation space inside the housing, each ultraviolet light lamp irradiates ultraviolet light toward the conveyed pan, and when the conveying speed in the conveying section is Vm / min, the number of ultraviolet light lamps arranged in the irradiation space is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 100 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (7 × 20 × V) / 184; A device for irradiating ultraviolet light, equipped with the following features.

7. A housing that covers a portion of the transport section that transports citrus fruits as food ingredients in a vertical direction, and defines an illuminated space inside; In the irradiation space inside the housing, each of the ultraviolet lamps irradiates ultraviolet light toward the citrus fruits being transported, and when the transport speed in the transport section is Vm / min, the number of ultraviolet lamps arranged in the irradiation space is less than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (9.8 × 100 × V) / 184, and greater than or equal to the rounded-up decimal value of the solution to (9.8 × 20 × V) / 184; A device for irradiating ultraviolet light, equipped with the following features.

8. The ultraviolet light irradiation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the ultraviolet light lamps has an input density of 1 W / cm or more and is sealed with a mixed gas of neon gas and argon gas.

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