Water jet cutting device for food

Abstract

This design suppresses contamination falling from near the nozzle and prevents splashes of the water jet from scattering into the surrounding area after spraying. [Solution] The water jet cutting device 1 for food includes a main body 1a having a processing chamber 1f inside, a high-pressure water supply device P that generates a water jet, a column 5 that is movable in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a column cover 6 that covers the periphery of the column 5, a nozzle head 2 fixed to the lower end of the column 5, a nozzle 3 that sprays the water jet supplied from the high-pressure water supply device P via the column 5 and the nozzle head 2, and a tray 4 on which the object to be processed W is placed.

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water jet cutting device for food.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known to cut food by moving a water jet cutting head and injecting a water jet. Also, in the field of food processing, the dimensions and materials of the processing target and peripheral equipment are often determined. Also, it is sometimes difficult to secure a large usage area. Therefore, a compact device has been demanded.

[0003] For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-535590 and European Patent Application Publication No. 3711913, a moving device that processes food while moving compactly inside a processing chamber by moving a nozzle with a swivel arm or a telescopic arm is disclosed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the nozzle moves by a swivel arm or a telescopic arm, the nozzle moves widely over the tray. In this case, contamination may fall as the nozzle moves. Also, the area where contaminants attached from the nozzle to the arm etc. must be collected or removed increases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a water jet cutting device for food that suppresses contamination falling from near the nozzle and prevents the splash of the water jet after injection from scattering to the surroundings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the water jet cutting device for food of the present invention, it is possible to suppress contamination falling from near the nozzle and prevent splashes of the water jet after spraying from scattering into the surrounding area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the water jet cutting apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle head of the embodiment, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle head of the embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle head of Modified Example 1, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle head of Modified Example 1. [Figure 4] (a) is a perspective view of the nozzle head of Modified Example 2, and (b) is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle head of Modified Example 2. [Figure 5] Perspective view showing the internal structure of the water jet cutting device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] Perspective view showing the tray of the embodiment [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0009] The following description of the water jet cutting apparatus for food according to the embodiment will be made with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water jet cutting apparatus for food (hereinafter referred to as "water jet cutting apparatus") 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the water jet cutting apparatus 1 according to the embodiment cuts the object to be processed W. The object to be processed W is food such as cakes, confectionery, vegetables, and meat. The water jet cutting apparatus 1 has a main body 1a, a high-pressure water supply device P, a nozzle head 2, a nozzle 3, a tray 4, and a column 5.

[0010] The main body 1a has an opening / closing window 1b and a monitor M. The main body 1a has a processing chamber 1f inside for processing the object to be processed W. The opening / closing window 1b is opened and closed when the object to be processed W is moved in and out of the processing chamber 1f. The opening / closing window 1b has a gripping part 1c. The opening / closing window 1b can be opened and closed by manually raising or lowering the gripping part 1c. The monitor M is, for example, a touch panel. The cutting process can be operated using the monitor M. In Figure 1, the side having the opening / closing window 1b is the front of the water jet cutting device 1. The X-axis direction in Figure 1 indicates the left-right direction. The Y-axis direction (first direction) in Figure 1 indicates the front-back direction. The Z-axis direction (second direction) in Figure 1 indicates the up-down direction.

[0011] The high-pressure water supply device P is a pump that generates a water jet L. The high-pressure water supply device P generates a water jet L in the range of 10 MPa to 300 MPa. For example, the high-pressure water supply device P is a reciprocating pump. Preferably, the high-pressure water supply device P is a plunger pump or a piston pump.

[0012] The water jet L generated by the high-pressure water supply device P is ejected from the nozzle 3. The nozzle 3 is, for example, a straight spray nozzle or a flat spray nozzle. The nozzle 3 is located at the tip of the nozzle head 2. The column 5 can move in the YZ plane. The nozzle head 2 is connected to the column 5. When the water jet L is supplied inside the nozzle head 2, the water jet L is ejected from the nozzle 3 by turning ON the monitor M.

[0013] The nozzle head 2 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2(a) and (b). The nozzle head 2 has a main cover plate 31 and a sub-cover plate 32. Figure 2(a) shows the main cover plate 31 and the sub-cover plate 32 connected. Figure 2(b) shows the main cover plate 31 and the sub-cover plate 32 separated. As shown in Figure 2(a), the nozzle head 2 has a recessed portion 30 on its upper surface. The recessed portion 30 prevents contaminants scattered or falling from above from reaching the target W to be processed. The recessed portion 30 is composed of the main cover plate 31 and the sub-cover plate 32. The main cover plate 31 and the sub-cover plate 32 are connected in the Y direction so as to surround the column 5. The main cover plate 31 has a connecting portion 33 at its +Y direction end. The sub-cover plate 32 has a connecting portion 34 at its -Y direction end. The connecting portions 33 and 34 are semi-circular in shape surrounding the column 5. The connecting portion 33 and the connecting portion 34 are connected by magnets, protrusions, hooks, etc., provided on their surfaces.

[0014] Referring to Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the details of the nozzle head 2' of the modified example 1 will be described. Figure 3(a) shows the main cover plate 31' and the sub-cover plate 32' connected. Figure 3(b) shows the main cover plate 31' and the sub-cover plate 32' separated. The main cover plate 31' and the sub-cover plate 32' are connected in the X direction so as to surround the column 5'. The main cover plate 31' has a connecting portion 33' at its -X end. The sub-cover plate 32' has a connecting portion 34' at its +X end. The connecting portions 33' and 34' are semi-circular in shape surrounding the column 5'. The connecting portions 33' and 34' are connected by magnets, uneven surfaces, hooks, etc., provided on their surfaces.

[0015] Referring to Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the details of the nozzle head 2'' of Modified Example 2 will be described. Figure 4(a) shows the nozzle head with the bounce-prevention part 36 attached. Figure 4(b) shows the nozzle head with the bounce-prevention part 36 removed. The nozzle head 2'' of Modified Example 2 has a bounce-prevention part 36 that can be attached to the nozzle head 2 of the embodiment or the nozzle head 2' of Modified Example 1. The bounce-prevention part 36 suppresses the water jet L ejected from the nozzle 3'' from bouncing off the object to be treated W and scattering into the surroundings. The main cover plate 31'' of Modified Example 2 has a groove 35 on its side surface. The bounce-prevention part 36 is fitted into the groove 35 and fixed in place. The bounce-prevention part 36 may have an adsorption part 37 on its surface. The adsorption part 37 may be made of a material that can absorb moisture, such as a nonwoven fabric. The bounce-prevention part 36 and the adsorption part 37 may be replaceable.

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the water jet cutting apparatus 1 of the embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the water jet cutting apparatus 1 includes a partition surface 1d, a column cover 6, a first moving mechanism 10, a first drive source 11, a second moving mechanism 12, a second drive source 13, a third moving mechanism 14, a third drive source 15, a support part 16, a protective sheet 20, a support part 21 for the protective sheet, and a fixing part 22.

[0017] As shown in Figure 5, the column 5 fixes the nozzle head 2 at its lower end. The column 5 is a support that moves in the front-to-back or up-and-down direction. The partition surface 1d separates the processing chamber 1f and the non-processing chamber 1g inside the main body 1a. The partition surface 1d has a column opening 1e. The column 5 penetrates the column opening 1e. In the example shown in Figure 5, the column opening 1e extends long in the front-to-back direction. The direction in which the column opening 1e extends is not limited to the front-to-back direction. The column cover 6 surrounds the periphery of the column 5. The column cover 6 is disposed below the column opening 1e. The column cover 6 covers so as not to disperse contaminants that scatter or fall in the processing chamber 1f or the non-processing chamber 1g. The column cover 6 is in a semi-arc shape. Only the passage of the column 5 is open in the column cover 6. The shape of the column cover 6 is not limited as long as it covers both side surfaces and the front and rear of the column 5. The column cover 6 may be in a rectangular parallelepiped shape instead of the semi-arc shape as shown in FIG. 5. The bottom opening of the column cover 6 may be blocked by a flexible material such as a bellows.

[0018] Contaminants may pass between the processing chamber 1f and the non-processing chamber 1g through the column opening 1e. Therefore, the column opening 1e is shielded by the protective sheet 20. The protective sheet 20 is supported by the protective sheet support portions 21 arranged at a plurality of locations. The protective sheet 20 is fixed to the fixing portion 22. The fixing portion 22 is slidable in the extending direction of the protective sheet 20 in a state where the column 5 penetrates. The protective sheet 20 may be made of a material that can provide shielding. The material of the protective sheet 20 is, for example, polyethylene or resin. The end portion of the protective sheet 20 is fixed to the fixing portion 22. When the column 5 moves back and forth, the fixing portion 22 and the protective sheet 20 move simultaneously. The protective sheet 20 may be configured to circulate in the non-processing chamber 1g as shown in FIG. 5, or may be configured to have a winding machine. In this case, the protective sheet 20 sandwiches the front and rear of the fixing portion 22, and the end portion of the protective sheet 20 is held by the winding machine. The winding machine winds and unwinds the protective sheet 20 according to the movement of the column 5.

[0019] The second moving mechanism 12 integrally moves the support portion 16 and the column 5 in the Y-axis direction by the second driving source 13. The second moving mechanism 12 includes a guide rail 12a, a guide block 12b, and a feed screw 12c. The guide block 12b moves along the guide rail 12a. The guide block 12b may be integrally formed with the support portion 16. The third moving mechanism 14 moves the support portion 16 and the column 5 integrally in the Z-axis direction by the third drive source 15. The third moving mechanism 14 includes a guide rail 14a, a guide block 14b, and a feed screw 14c. The guide block 14b moves along the guide rail 14a. The guide block 14b supports the second moving mechanism 12 and the second drive source 13. The second drive source 13 and the third drive source 15 are drive motors. In FIG. 5, the arrangements of the second moving mechanism 12 and the third moving mechanism 14 may be interchanged. In this case, the third moving mechanism 14 may be integrally formed with the support portion 16.

[0020] The object W to be processed is placed on the tray 4. The tray 4 is, for example, 530 mm in length × 380 mm in width, 430 mm in length × 340 mm in width, 600 mm in length × 400 mm in width, 450 mm in length × 350 mm in width, 400 mm in length × 300 mm in width, etc.

[0021] The first moving mechanism 10 moves the tray 4 in the X-axis direction by the first drive source 11. The first drive source 11 is a drive motor. Note that the moving ranges of the first moving mechanism 10, the second moving mechanism 12, and the third moving mechanism 14 may be adjusted in advance or in real time.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 6, the tray 4 may be placed on the tray mounting portion 4a. The tray 4 has a convex portion 4b. The tray mounting portion 4a has a concave portion 4c. By fitting the convex portion 4b and the concave portion 4c, the tray 4 can be smoothly placed on the tray mounting portion 4a.

[0023] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. All technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above embodiments show preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various alternative examples, modified examples, deformed examples, or improved examples from the content disclosed in this specification, and these are included in the technical scope described in the appended claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0024] 1. Water jet cutting device for food 1a Main unit 1b Opening and closing window 1c Grip 1d Partition surface 1e Column opening 1st floor processing room 1g Unprocessed chamber 2 Nozzle heads 3 nozzles 4 trays 4a Tray mounting section 4b Convex part 4c recess 5 Columns 6 Column Cover 10. First movement mechanism (X-axis) 11 First drive source 12. Second movement mechanism (Y-axis) 12a Guide rail 12b Guide Block 12c lead screw 13 Second drive source 14. Third movement mechanism (Z-axis) 14a Guide rail 14b Guide Block 14c lead screw 15. Third drive source 16 Support part 20 Protective Sheets 21 Support section for protective sheet 22 Fixed part 30 Recessed area 31 Main cover plate 32 Sub-cover plate 33 Connecting part 34 Connecting part 35 groove 36. Anti-rebound section 37 Adsorption part W Processing Target P High-pressure water supply device M Monitor L Water Jet

Claims

1. A main body having a processing chamber inside, A high-pressure water supply device that generates a water jet, A column that is movable in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A column cover that surrounds the aforementioned column, A nozzle head fixed to the lower end of the column, A nozzle that sprays a water jet supplied from the high-pressure water supply device via the column and the nozzle head, A tray on which the items to be processed are placed, A water jet cutting device for food products.

2. The nozzle head has a recess on its upper surface. A water jet cutting apparatus for food according to claim 1.

3. The nozzle head is A main cover plate that covers the column from a first direction, A sub-cover plate covering the column from a second direction opposite to the first direction, A water jet cutting apparatus for food according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. The nozzle head further has a bounce-prevention part that can be attached to the side of the nozzle head. A water jet cutting apparatus for food according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The main body has a partition surface that divides the interior into a processing chamber and a non-processing chamber. The partition surface has a column opening through which the column passes, The column further comprises a protective sheet covering the column opening. A water jet cutting apparatus for food according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A support section for the protective sheet that supports the aforementioned protective sheet, A fixing part that is slidable in the direction of extension of the protective sheet with the column passing through it, It further possesses, The edge of the protective sheet is fixed to the fixing part. The water jet cutting apparatus for food according to claim 5.

7. The column further has a moving mechanism that allows it to move in the first direction and the second direction. A water jet cutting apparatus for food according to claim 1 or 2.

8. It further has a tray mounting section having a recess, The tray has a protrusion that can be fitted into the recess, The tray is slidable relative to the tray mounting section. A water jet cutting apparatus for food according to claim 1 or 2.

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