Food manufacturing apparatus, rotation method, and food manufacturing method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a food production apparatus, rotation method, and food production method, which rotate a food material workpiece stably and accurately by a desired angle. [Solution] A food material workpiece W is held between a first rotating part 31 and a second rotating part by moving the first rotating part 31 and / or the second rotating part 32. The first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32, which are holding the food material workpiece W therebetween, are actively rotated while being synchronized with each other. The food material workpiece W is released from the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 by moving the first rotating part 31 and / or the second rotating part 32.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food production apparatus, a rotation method, and a food production method. [Background technology]

[0002] A wide variety of processed foods are widely available not only to general consumers but also to stores. Thanks to developments in food processing technology (particularly in refrigeration and freezing technology), processed foods can be provided in a variety of forms, such as room temperature foods, refrigerated foods, chilled foods, and frozen foods. Demand for such processed foods is expected to continue to increase in the future as consumer preferences diversify, needs for convenience increase, and awareness of food safety improves. In particular, there is a demand for the provision of not only processed foods that are easy to process, but also processed foods that are complex and difficult to process.

[0003] Examples of such processed foods include rolled foods such as spring rolls and egg rolls. To make rolled foods, ingredients need to be wrapped in a wrapper made of wheat flour or the like. To neatly and properly wrap ingredients in the wrapper requires a certain level of skill and experience, and such work is very difficult for people who are not accustomed to cooking, so they are often avoided. Furthermore, making a large amount of rolled foods with uniform quality is difficult even for people who are accustomed to cooking, and is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. For this reason, food processors use food manufacturing equipment that can automatically make such rolled foods to make large amounts of rolled foods.

[0004] For example, US Pat. No. 5,399,633 teaches an apparatus for producing food products using polygonal dough sheets, and in particular discloses an apparatus for rotating the dough sheet by a predetermined angle during conveyance.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a turning device that turns triangular pieces, which have been cut and separated from a sheet-like food dough, by 90° in both the forward and reverse rotation directions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,550,228 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5647777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described above, the sheet-like food workpiece such as skin may be rotated by a desired angle and its posture adjusted before being sent to a subsequent stage. In this case, in order to perform food processing in a subsequent stage stably and with high precision, it is required to rotate the food workpiece stably and accurately. However, it is not easy to continuously rotate a large number of food workpieces stably and accurately. In particular, the shape and posture of a flexible sheet-like food workpiece are easily changed unintentionally during rotation, making it difficult to stably rotate such a food workpiece by a desired angle.

[0008] According to the device of Patent Document 1, the dough sheet is rotated by rotating the multiple push bars while the dough sheet is sandwiched between the press plate and the multiple push bars. However, in the device of Patent Document 1, the push bar is actively rotated by power from a power source, but the press plate, although rotatably provided, cannot be actively rotated. Therefore, when rotating the dough sheet, the press plate cannot properly follow the rotation of the push bar, and a discrepancy may occur between the rotation amount of the press plate and the rotation amount of the multiple push bars. In this case, since the press plate acts to hinder the rotation of the dough sheet, if the dough sheet is not properly held by the multiple push bars, the dough sheet may not be rotated at the desired angle.

[0009] If the dough sheet is held at the appropriate places by the multiple push bars, it can be rotated stably and accurately by the device of Patent Document 1, but the size and shape of such a dough sheet are limited depending on the arrangement of the multiple push bars. In particular, since the multiple push bars in the device of Patent Document 1 are arranged at equal distances from each other from the center of rotation, the size and shape of the dough sheet that can be rotated appropriately are very limited. For example, if the dough sheet has a regular polygonal or circular planar shape and a planar length that is approximately the same as the horizontal distance between the push bars, it may be possible to rotate it stably and accurately by the device of Patent Document 1. However, it may be difficult to properly hold a dough sheet that has a planar length greater than the horizontal distance between the push bars by the multiple push bars of Patent Document 1. In particular, when a dough sheet is transported by a conveyer with gaps such as the belt conveyer of Patent Document 1, if the dough sheet is rotated without the outer periphery of the dough sheet being properly held by the push bars, the outer periphery of the dough sheet may unintentionally enter the gaps in the conveyer, causing the dough sheet to become twisted or damaged.

[0010] On the other hand, in the turning device of Patent Document 2, the cut pieces separated from the food dough are rotated on the conveyor while being pierced by pins. Therefore, it is difficult to use the turning device of Patent Document 2 for food workpieces that cannot be pierced with pins, food workpieces that are not preferable to be pierced with pins, and food workpieces that are not preferable to be subjected to frictional forces from the conveyor during rotation. For example, when a very soft or brittle food workpiece is rotated by the turning device of Patent Document 2, the food workpiece is twisted or damaged due to the piercing of the pins and the frictional forces from the conveyor. In addition, holes are formed in the food workpiece by the pins, so there is a concern that, for example, ingredients wrapped in the food workpiece may leak out from such holes or the surrounding parts of the food workpiece around the holes may break.

[0011] As described above, it is not easy to rotate a sheet-shaped food workpiece stably and accurately to a desired angle. If the food workpiece is not rotated accurately, the accuracy of the food processing performed in the subsequent stage will also deteriorate. In addition, if the food workpiece is twisted or damaged during rotation, it may be necessary to stop the production line to correct the shape and posture of such food workpiece or to remove the defective food workpiece. In this way, if the food workpiece cannot be rotated stably and accurately to a desired angle, not only will the accuracy of the food processing performed in the subsequent stage be unstable, but it will also hinder the speed-up of food processing and the improvement of yield.

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a technique for stably and accurately rotating a food workpiece by a desired angle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] One aspect of the present invention relates to a food manufacturing apparatus comprising a first conveyor that transports food material workpieces, a rotation mechanism that rotates the food material workpieces, and a control unit that controls the rotation mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism has a first rotating unit and a second rotating unit that are actively rotatable, at least one of which is movable so that the distance between them is variable, and the control unit controls the rotation of both the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit and the movement of at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to move at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to clamp and hold the food material workpiece between the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit, actively rotate the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit that clamp and hold the food material workpiece in sync with each other, and move at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit.

[0014] The first conveyor has a plurality of string-like bodies, and the second rotating part is provided at a position opposite the first rotating part and has a plurality of protrusions extending toward the first rotating part, and when the food workpiece is held by clamping it between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, the multiple protrusions may penetrate between the string-like bodies and lift the food workpiece from the first conveyor.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a food manufacturing apparatus comprising a first conveyor having a plurality of string-like bodies and transporting a food material workpiece, a rotation mechanism for rotating the food material workpiece, and a control unit for controlling the rotation mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism has a first rotating unit and a second rotating unit arranged opposite the first rotating unit and having a plurality of protrusions extending toward the first rotating unit, one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit being arranged to be actively rotatable and the other being arranged to be passively rotatable, and the control unit controls the movement and rotation of at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to clamp and hold the food material workpiece between the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit, and while the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit are holding the food material workpiece, actively rotates one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit.

[0016] The multiple protrusions may include two or more inner protrusions provided at a position relatively close to the rotation axis of the second rotating part, and one or more outer protrusions provided at a position relatively far from the rotation axis of the second rotating part.

[0017] The first rotating portion may have one or more protruding portions that protrude toward the second rotating portion and face the multiple protruding portions.

[0018] The food manufacturing apparatus further includes a food ingredient work supplying section that sends out the food ingredient work, and a second conveyor that receives the food ingredient work sent out from the food ingredient work supplying section from above and transfers the food ingredient work to the first conveyor, and the contact area between the food ingredient work placed on the second conveyor and the second conveyor per unit length in the conveying direction of the food ingredient work may be larger than the contact area between the food ingredient work placed on the first conveyor and the first conveyor.

[0019] The distance between the second conveyor and the first conveyor may be set so that when a portion of the food material workpiece is placed on the second conveyor, another portion of the food material workpiece lands on the first conveyor.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for rotating a food material workpiece, comprising: moving at least one of a first rotating unit and a second rotating unit to clamp and hold the food material workpiece between the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit; actively rotating the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit which clamp and hold the food material workpiece in sync with each other; and moving at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for rotating a food material workpiece, in which the food material workpiece is transported by a first conveyor having a plurality of string-like bodies, a first rotating unit and a second rotating unit are provided facing each other, the second rotating unit has a plurality of protrusions extending toward the first rotating unit, at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is moved to clamp and hold the food material workpiece between the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit, and while the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit are holding the food material workpiece by clamping it, one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is actively rotated while the other is passively rotated, and at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is moved to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a food production method that rotates an ingredient workpiece, comprising moving at least one of a first rotating unit and a second rotating unit to clamp and hold the ingredient workpiece between the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit, actively rotating the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit that clamp and hold the ingredient workpiece in sync with each other, and moving at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit to release the ingredient workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a food production method for rotating an ingredient workpiece, the ingredient workpiece being transported by a first conveyor having a plurality of string-like bodies, a first rotating unit and a second rotating unit being provided facing each other, the second rotating unit having a plurality of protrusions extending toward the first rotating unit, at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit being moved to clamp and hold the ingredient workpiece between the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit, one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit being actively rotated while the other being passively rotated while at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit being moved to release the ingredient workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, the food workpiece can be rotated stably and accurately to a desired angle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an example of a food production method. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of a method for rotating the food material workpiece. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a food production apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the rotation mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the rotation mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the rotation mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the rotation mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit and the rotation mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a side view showing the rotation mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the rotation mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit and a rotation mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit and a rotation mechanism according to the first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a first example of a protrusion that the first rotating portion has. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a bottom view showing a first example of a protrusion that the first rotating portion has. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view showing a second example of the convex portion of the first rotating portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a bottom view showing a second example of the protrusion of the first rotating portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view showing a third example of a protrusion that the first rotating portion has. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a bottom view showing a third example of a protrusion that the first rotating portion has. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a rotation mechanism according to a third modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a rotation mechanism according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a side view showing a rotation mechanism according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a rotation mechanism according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a side view showing a rotation mechanism according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view showing an example of a rotation mechanism according to the sixth modified example. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a plan view showing another example of the rotation mechanism according to the sixth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The size and scale of the elements shown in each drawing are not necessarily the same as the actual ones for the convenience of illustration and understanding, and are not necessarily the same between drawings. However, a person skilled in the art can clearly understand the configuration and operation effect of the elements shown in each drawing by considering the description of this specification and the scope of claims.

[0027] In this specification, the terms "upper" and "lower" are based on the vertical direction, which is the direction of gravity, unless otherwise specified, and the vertical direction is the downward direction, and the opposite direction to the vertical direction is the upward direction. The height direction is the direction parallel to the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction is the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In addition, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the conveying direction of the ingredients (dough and ingredient workpieces described below) unless otherwise specified.

[0028] In the following embodiment, an apparatus for producing spring rolls (food production apparatus) is described as an example, and spring roll wrappers are used as the "ingredient workpiece". However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below, and can be applied to foods other than spring rolls. Typically, the present invention can be suitably applied to foods that use a sheet-like flexible wrapper that wraps ingredients. However, the present invention can also be applied to apparatuses and methods for producing other foods, and for example, the present invention can be applied to an apparatus for producing rolled foods that are composed only of a wrapper without any ingredients inside (for example, rolled foods made of sheet-like ingredients formed by frying or steaming an egg, etc.).

[0029] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an example of a food production method.

[0030] In a food production apparatus for making spring rolls, first, ingredients are prepared (S1 in FIG. 1), and then a food workpiece (wrapper in this example) for wrapping the ingredients is prepared (S2). The food workpiece has a shape and size suitable for wrapping the ingredients. Food workpieces having a desired shape and size may be prepared in advance before being supplied to the food production apparatus, or may be made in the food production apparatus. Typically, the food production apparatus can cut out the food workpieces from a large sheet-like food dough.

[0031] Then, a desired amount of ingredients is placed on the food work (S3), and the food work is folded so that the ingredients are wrapped in the food work (S4).

[0032] By performing the above-mentioned series of processes (S1 to S4) continuously and at high speed, it is possible to mass-produce food having food material workpieces and ingredients (spring rolls in this embodiment). There is no limitation on the food material workpieces that can be used in the above-mentioned food production method, and it is possible to use food material workpieces of any shape, size, and composition that can wrap the ingredients.

[0033] However, when the food workpiece has anisotropy in terms of properties such as shape, attention must be paid to the orientation of the food workpiece. For example, in the case of spring rolls, it is necessary to fold a predetermined portion of the food workpiece having a predetermined orientation in a predetermined order. On the other hand, in food manufacturing equipment, the food workpiece is not necessarily conveyed in an orientation suitable for folding from the beginning. When the orientation of the food workpiece is not suitable for folding, the orientation of the food workpiece is adjusted by rotating the food workpiece so that it has an orientation suitable for folding.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of a method for rotating the food material workpiece.

[0035] First, food material workpieces of a desired shape and size are placed on a conveyor (S11 in FIG. 2), and the conveyor transports the food material workpieces downstream (S12). At this time, the orientation of the food material workpieces placed on the conveyor is determined mainly according to the specifications of the supply device (food material workpiece supply unit) that supplies the food material workpieces onto the conveyor, and in this example, the orientation is different from the orientation suitable for the food processing performed in the subsequent stage.

[0036] Therefore, the food material workpiece is lifted from the conveyor by the rotation mechanism, and the lifted food material workpiece is rotated (S13). This adjusts the position of the food material workpiece so that it is oriented in a direction suitable for the food processing in the subsequent stage. The rotated food material workpiece, which has a position suitable for the food processing, is then placed back on the conveyor (S14) and transported by the conveyor toward the subsequent stage (S15). When the food material workpiece is lifted from the conveyor (S13) and when the food material workpiece is placed back on the conveyor (S14), the conveyor may continue to run or may stop running. However, from the viewpoint of preventing interruption of processing in the stages before and after the point where the food material workpiece is rotated, it is preferable for the conveyor to continue running regardless of whether the food material workpiece is rotated or not.

[0037] Next, a configuration example of a food production apparatus capable of carrying out the above-mentioned food production method and rotation method will be described.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a food production apparatus 10. Fig. 3 shows a schematic configuration of each element, and the specific configuration is omitted. The elements shown in Fig. 3 include elements shown at sizes different from their actual sizes. The solid arrows shown in Fig. 3 indicate the movement direction of the conveyor (particularly the transport section), and the dotted arrows indicate the transport direction of the ingredients (specifically the dough W0 and the ingredient work W).

[0039] The food production apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 3 includes a first conveyor 11, a second conveyor 12, and a third conveyor 13 as conveyors for transporting food ingredients.

[0040] The third conveyor 13 transports the dough W0 downstream. A portion of the dough W0 discharged from the third conveyor 13 hangs down from the third conveyor 13 toward the cutting unit 14.

[0041] The method of supplying the dough W0 to the third conveyor 13 is not limited. For example, the dough W0 may be supplied to the third conveyor 13 directly from a device that produces the dough W0, or pre-produced dough W0 may be supplied to the third conveyor 13. The third conveyor 13 can typically be configured as a so-called net conveyor (i.e., mesh conveyor), and the third conveyor transfer section 23 of the third conveyor 13, which runs with the dough W0 placed thereon, can be configured as a net-like member such as a wire mesh. The illustrated third conveyor transfer section 23 has an endless shape, is stretched across a third conveyor roller 25, and runs in accordance with the rotation of the third conveyor roller 25.

[0042] The cutting unit 14, which is provided below the third conveyor 13, serves as an ingredient work supply section that delivers the ingredient work W. Specifically, the cutting unit 14 cuts the dough W0 delivered from the third conveyor 13 to produce the ingredient work W, and delivers the ingredient work W toward the second conveyor 12. The cutting unit 14 may employ any cutting mechanism capable of cutting out ingredient work W of a desired shape and size from the dough W0. Typically, the dough W0 can be cut by pressing a cutter possessed by the cutting unit 14 against the dough W0, but the cutting unit 14 may also cut the dough W0 by a non-physical means.

[0043] The cutting unit 14 may cut the dough W0 regularly at a predetermined timing, or may cut the dough W0 according to the amount of dough W0 supplied to the cutting unit 14 under the control of a control unit (see FIG. 8). The amount of dough W0 supplied to the cutting unit 14 can be calculated by any method. For example, a sensor that detects the amount of dough W0 supplied to the cutting unit 14 and transmits the detection result to the control unit may be provided in the cutting unit 14 itself, or may be provided upstream of the cutting unit 14. Alternatively, the control unit may calculate the amount of dough W0 supplied to the cutting unit 14 based on the transport amount or transport speed of the dough W0 of the third conveyor 13 (for example, the travel amount or travel speed of the third conveyor transfer unit 23).

[0044] The second conveyor 12, which is provided below the cutting unit 14, has a second conveyor transfer section 22. The second conveyor transfer section 22 receives the food material work W sent out from the cutting unit 14 from above, releases the food material work W downward, and finally delivers the food material work W to the first conveyor 11 (particularly the multiple string-like bodies 21).

[0045] The second conveyor 12, which is provided between the cutting unit 14 and the first conveyor 11 in the height direction, has the role of preventing the position of the food material workpiece W sent out from the cutting unit 14 from being disturbed. Therefore, the second conveyor transfer section 22 has a configuration capable of appropriately receiving the food material workpiece W delivered from the cutting unit 14 and transporting it downstream, and can typically be constituted by a belt member.

[0046] In this embodiment, the contact area between the food material work W placed on the second conveyor transfer section 22 and the second conveyor transfer section 22 is larger than the contact area between the food material work W placed on the multiple string-like bodies 21 of the first conveyor 11 and the multiple string-like bodies 21. The distance between the second conveyor transfer section 22 and the multiple string-like bodies 21 is set so that when a part of the food material work W is placed on the second conveyor transfer section 22, the other part of the food material work W lands on the multiple string-like bodies 21. The second conveyor transfer section 22 that satisfies these conditions can suppress the disturbance of the posture of the food material work W released from the cutting unit 14 compared to when the food material work W is directly delivered from the cutting unit 14 to the first conveyor 11 (i.e., the multiple string-like bodies 21).

[0047] The food production apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 3 further includes a curl prevention unit 17 to prevent disturbance of the food material work W delivered from the second conveyor transfer unit 22 to the multiple string-like bodies 21 (particularly the rear end of the food material work W curling up (jumping up) in the conveying direction). The food material work W may become curled when released from the cutting unit 14, or may jump up due to the momentum when transferred from the second conveyor transfer unit 22 to the first conveyor 11. In such cases, the food material work W may accidentally bend, and the tail of the food material work W may overlap with other parts of the food material work W. The curl prevention unit 17 is provided to prevent such unintended bending of the food material work W.

[0048] The roll-up prevention unit 17 shown in FIG. 3 has a rod-shaped member extending in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food work W. The food work W released from the second conveyor transfer unit 22 passes between the roll-up prevention unit 17 and the multiple string-like bodies 21. If the food work W is bent when moving from the second conveyor transfer unit 22 to the first conveyor 11, the tail of the food work W may roll up and cover the roll-up prevention unit 17 from above. In this case, the part of the food work W other than the tail passes between the first conveyor 11 and the roll-up prevention unit 17, so that the tail of the food work W also eventually passes between the first conveyor 11 and the roll-up prevention unit 17. By installing such a roll-up prevention unit 17, even a flexible food work W that is easily bent can be properly placed on the multiple string-like bodies 21.

[0049] The first conveyor 11, which is provided below the second conveyor 12, has a plurality of string-like bodies 21 and transports the food material workpieces W sent from the second conveyor 12 toward the rotating mechanism 15 and the food processing mechanism 16. The string-like bodies 21 are horizontally spaced apart from one another, and a space is formed between adjacent string-like bodies 21. A simplified first conveyor 11 (string-like bodies 21) is shown in FIG. 3. A specific configuration example of the first conveyor 11 will be described later.

[0050] In the example shown in Fig. 3, all of the string-like bodies 21 included in the first conveyor 11 are provided below the second conveyor transfer section 22 of the second conveyor 12, but this is not limited to this. For example, some of the string-like bodies 21 (particularly, the part of the string-like bodies 21 that corresponds to the second conveyor transfer section 22 in the transport direction of the food material work W) may be located at the same or approximately the same height as the second conveyor transfer section 22 (particularly the downstream part). In this case, the transfer of the food material work W from the second conveyor transfer section 22 to the string-like bodies 21 can be performed smoothly and stably, and disturbance of the food material work W during the transfer can be effectively prevented.

[0051] In the cross section (i.e., cross section perpendicular to the running direction) of each string-like body 21, the size in the lateral direction (e.g., horizontal direction) is equal to or smaller than the size in the vertical direction (e.g., height direction), and is preferably smaller than the size in the vertical direction. The shape of the cross section (particularly the cross section perpendicular to the running direction) of each string-like body 21 is not limited, and each string-like body 21 can have a polygonal, circular (e.g., perfect circle or ellipse) or other cross section. When each string-like body 21 has a circular cross section, if the upper surface of each string-like body 21 (particularly the surface that comes into contact with the food work W) is a smooth surface, it is possible to effectively prevent a large force from acting locally on the food work W from each string-like body 21.

[0052] The rotation mechanism 15 rotates the food material work W under the control of the control unit (see FIG. 8). Specifically, the rotation mechanism 15 lifts the food material work W from the multiple string-like bodies 21 of the first conveyor 11, rotates the food material work W, and places the rotated food material work W back onto the multiple string-like bodies 21. The food material work W extending in the horizontal direction is rotated by the rotation mechanism 15 about an axis extending parallel to the height direction. A specific configuration example of the rotation mechanism 15 will be described later.

[0053] The food processing mechanism 16, which is provided downstream of the rotation mechanism 15, receives the food material work W after its orientation has been adjusted by the rotation mechanism 15, and performs food processing using the food material work W. The food processing mechanism 16 of this embodiment wraps ingredients in the food material work W to make spring rolls as described above. The food processing mechanism 16 may have any configuration, and detailed explanations and illustrations thereof will be omitted. The configuration and operation of the food processing mechanism 16 are not limited, and it may have an appropriate configuration according to the food to be actually produced.

[0054] Next, a specific example of the rotation mechanism 15 and a method of rotating the food work W will be described.

[0055] [First embodiment] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are side views showing the rotation mechanism 15 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are plan views showing the rotation mechanism 15 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 50 and the rotation mechanism 15 according to the first embodiment.

[0056] The rotation mechanism 15 of this embodiment has a first rotating part 31 and a second rotating part 32. At least a part of the first rotating part 31 (the entire first rotating part 31 in the illustrated example) is provided above the first conveyor 11 (particularly the multiple cord-like bodies 21). The first rotating part 31 is formed of a disk-shaped member having a perfectly circular cross section, and the lower surface of the first rotating part 31 is formed of a flat surface that extends uniformly in the horizontal direction. The second rotating part 32 is provided at a position facing the first rotating part 31 in the height direction, and has multiple protrusions 41 extending toward the first rotating part 31.

[0057] The first rotating unit 31 is provided to be passively rotatable, and the second rotating unit 32 is provided to be actively rotatable. That is, the first rotating unit 31 cannot rotate independently without receiving an external force, but can rotate around the rotation axis Ax by receiving an external force. The second rotating unit 32 is connected to the second moving and rotating drive unit 54, and can rotate independently around the rotation axis Ax by the power transmitted from the second moving and rotating drive unit 54 without receiving an external force.

[0058] The first rotating part 31 of this embodiment is supported by the lifting guide 35 so as to be movable in the height direction. Meanwhile, a first lifting elastic part 36 is provided between the elastic stopper 37 and the first rotating part 31, and the first rotating part 31 receives a downward elastic force from the first lifting elastic part 36 when the first lifting elastic part 36 is compressed between the elastic stopper 37 and the first rotating part 31. The first lifting elastic part 36 may be always compressed between the first rotating part 31 and the elastic stopper 37, or may be in either a compressed state or a non-compressed state depending on the height position of the first rotating part 31. The lifting guide 35 is fixed to the passive rotating unit 38. The elastic stopper 37 is fixed to the passive rotating unit 38 via a support shaft 39. Therefore, the first rotating part 31 is relatively positioned downward under the influence of gravity while not receiving a force from below (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, when the first rotating part 31 receives a force from below as the second rotating part 32 rises as described below (see Figure 5), it moves upward along the lifting guide 35, preventing excessive force from acting on the member (i.e., the food work W) sandwiched between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32.

[0059] The passive rotation unit 38 is provided rotatably about the rotation axis Ax, and passively rotates, for example, in response to a force received by the first rotating part 31. The illustrated passive rotation unit 38 can rotate only in one direction, specifically, only in the same direction as the direction in which the second rotating part 32 rotates the food material workpiece W. The specific configuration of the passive rotation unit 38 is not limited, and can have any configuration.

[0060] The second rotating unit 32 in this embodiment is fixed to a second moving and rotating shaft 54a of the second moving and rotating drive unit 54. The second moving and rotating shaft 54a is rotatable about the rotation axis Ax and is capable of changing the amount of protrusion of the second moving and rotating drive unit 54 in the height direction from the main body unit. Therefore, the second moving and rotating drive unit 54 performs both the rotation drive and the movement drive of the second rotating unit 32 under the control of the control unit 50. That is, the second moving and rotating drive unit 54 functionally has a second moving drive unit 55 for moving the second rotating unit 32 and a second rotating drive unit 56 for rotating the second rotating unit 32.

[0061] The second moving and rotating drive unit 54 may have any configuration that functions as the second moving drive unit 55 and the second rotating drive unit 56. For example, a device that functions as the second moving drive unit 55 and a device that functions as the second rotating drive unit 56 may be provided separately, and the second moving and rotating drive unit 54 may be configured by connecting the two devices. Alternatively, the second moving drive unit 55 and the second rotating drive unit 56 may be realized by a common device that is inseparable from one another. The movement of the second rotating unit 32 and the rotation of the second rotating unit 32 performed by the second moving and rotating drive unit 54 can be performed independently of each other. The second moving and rotating drive unit 54 that functions as the second moving drive unit 55 and the second rotating drive unit 56 in this way can be realized by known elements (e.g., a ball screw, an air cylinder, or a motor, etc.), and can also be realized by using, for example, NB ball bearings (SPBR type, SPBF type) manufactured by Nippon Bearing Co., Ltd.

[0062] The multiple protrusions 41 of the second rotating part 32 include two or more inner protrusions 41a provided at a position relatively close to the rotation axis Ax of the second rotating part 32, and one or more outer protrusions 41b provided at a position relatively far from the rotation axis Ax of the second rotating part 32 (see Figs. 6 and 7). The illustrated second rotating part 32 has six protrusions 41 consisting of four inner protrusions 41a and two outer protrusions 41b. In the illustrated example, the four inner protrusions 41a are fixed to a disk-shaped part 32a having a circular cross section of the main body of the second rotating part 32, and the two outer protrusions 41b are fixed to two extension parts 32b protruding horizontally outward from the disk-shaped part 32a of the main body of the second rotating part 32. These inner protrusions 41a are arranged at equal angular intervals around the rotation axis Ax, and these outer protrusions 41b are also arranged at equal angular intervals around the rotation axis Ax. In the illustrated example, the angle around the rotation axis Ax formed by the adjacent inner protrusions 41a is 90 degrees (=360 degrees / 4), and the angle around the rotation axis Ax formed by the adjacent outer protrusions 41b is 180 degrees (=360 degrees / 2). In this manner, the multiple inner protrusions 41a of the second rotating part 32 are preferably provided at rotationally symmetric positions around the rotation axis Ax. In addition, the multiple outer protrusions 41b of the second rotating part 32 are preferably provided at rotationally symmetric positions around the rotation axis Ax. Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 41 of the second rotating part 32 are preferably provided at rotationally symmetric positions around the rotation axis Ax as a whole.

[0063] The multiple string-like bodies 21 are classified into a first string-like body 21a, a second string-like body 21b, and a third string-like body 21c. The first string-like body 21a is a string-like body 21 that runs so as to pass through the rotation mechanism 15, and in this embodiment, runs from the upstream side of the rotation mechanism 15 to the downstream side of the rotation mechanism 15. The second string-like body 21b is a string-like body 21 that runs upstream of the rotation mechanism 15. The third string-like body 21c is a string-like body 21 that runs downstream of the rotation mechanism 15. The second string-like body 21b is hung around a first return roller 26 provided upstream of the rotation mechanism 15, and reverses at the first return roller 26. The third string-like body 21c is hung around a second return roller 27 provided downstream of the rotation mechanism 15, and reverses at the second return roller 27. The first string-like body 21a runs parallel to the second string-like body 21b upstream of the rotation mechanism 15, and runs parallel to the third string-like body 21c downstream of the rotation mechanism 15, and runs while being supported from below by the guide plate 45 in the area corresponding to the rotation mechanism 15 (for example, between the first rotating section 31 and the second rotating section 32).

[0064] The first string-like body 21a runs so as to pass above the guide plate 45, while the second string-like body 21b and the third string-like body 21c run only upstream and downstream of the guide plate 45, respectively. Therefore, above the guide plate 45, the string-like body 21 (i.e., the first string-like body 21a) runs only in the space corresponding to the central part of the guide plate 45 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the running direction of the string-like body 21, and the string-like body 21 does not exist in the space corresponding to both end parts of the guide plate 45. In this way, by not providing the string-like body 21 at both end sides in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the running direction of the string-like body 21, when the food work W is rotated above the guide plate 45, it is possible to prevent the end (e.g., corner) of the food work W from getting caught on the string-like body 21, and the food work W can be rotated stably. In particular, the "end portion of the food work W that is rotated in a direction that includes a component of the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the string-like body 21" is likely to become disordered if it is unintentionally caught by the string-like body 21, because it receives a frictional force from the string-like body 21 that acts in the opposite direction to the rotation direction. According to the string-like body 21 of the present embodiment described above (i.e., the first string-like body 21a, the second string-like body 21b, and the third string-like body 21c), such disordering of the end portion of the food work W can be effectively prevented.

[0065] The guide plate 45 is fixedly provided by a support portion (not shown) and supports the first cord-like body 21a from below so as to be freely movable. The guide plate 45 of this embodiment has a plurality of inner movement holes 46a provided at positions corresponding to the respective inner protrusions 41a and a plurality of outer movement holes 46b provided at positions corresponding to the respective outer protrusions 41b. Each inner movement hole 46a is penetrated by the corresponding inner protrusion 41a when the second rotating portion 32 is placed in the raised position (see FIG. 5), and is provided over a range including the rotation track of the corresponding inner protrusion 41a so as not to inhibit the rotation of the corresponding inner protrusion 41a. Similarly, each outer movement hole 46b is penetrated by the corresponding outer protrusion 41b when the second rotating portion 32 is placed in the raised position, and is provided over a range including the rotation track of the corresponding outer protrusion 41b so as not to inhibit the rotation of the corresponding outer protrusion 41b. In the illustrated example, separate inner movement holes 46a and outer movement holes 46b are provided for the inner protrusions 41a and outer protrusions 41b, respectively. However, a single common movement hole may be provided for two or more inner protrusions 41a and outer protrusions 41b.

[0066] The control unit 50 of this embodiment controls the rotation mechanism 15 (particularly the movement and rotation of the second rotation unit 32) having the above-mentioned configuration, and rotates each of the food material works W in the following manner.

[0067] First, the control unit 50 controls the second moving and rotating drive unit 54, and the amount of protrusion of the second moving and rotating shaft 54a from the main body is adjusted to a first amount of protrusion, and the position in the rotation direction of the second moving and rotating shaft 54a is adjusted to a first rotation position. As a result, the second rotating unit 32 is disposed at a first heightwise position, and the multiple protrusions 41 of the second rotating unit 32 are disposed below the first string-like body 21a (below the guide plate 45 in the example shown in FIG. 4). The multiple protrusions 41 are also disposed at a first rotation position (see the inner protrusions 41a and the outer protrusions 41b shown in FIG. 6).

[0068] The control unit 50 controls the second moving rotation drive unit 54 to adjust the protruding amount of the second moving rotation shaft 54a from the main body to a second protruding amount greater than the first protruding amount, depending on the timing when the food material work W conveyed by the first conveyor 11 is positioned between the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32. As a result, the second rotating unit 32 moves upward so that the multiple protruding parts 41 penetrate between the string-like bodies 21 of the first conveyor 11 (particularly between the first string-like bodies 21a) and lift the food material work W from the string-like body 21 of the first conveyor 11, and is placed at the second height direction position (see FIG. 5). As a result, the food material work W is sandwiched and held by the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32 (particularly the multiple protruding parts 41) placed at the second height direction position.

[0069] Then, the control unit 50 controls the second moving rotation drive unit 54, and rotates the second moving rotation shaft 54a to place the food material work W in a second rotation position while the food material work W is held by the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32. As a result, the multiple protrusions 41 of the second rotating unit 32 are rotated from the first rotation position to be placed in the second rotation position (see the inner protrusions 41a and the outer protrusions 41b shown in FIG. 7). At this time, the first rotating unit 31 receives a force in the rotation direction from the second rotating unit 32 through the food material work W, and is rotated in the same direction as the second rotating unit 32. Therefore, the food material work W is rotated around the rotation axis Ax together with the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32 while being held between the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32 (particularly the multiple protrusions 41).

[0070] Then, the control unit 50 controls the second moving rotation drive unit 54 to adjust the protruding amount of the second moving rotation shaft 54a from the main body unit to the first protruding amount. At this time, the position of the second moving rotation shaft 54a in the rotation direction is maintained at the second rotation position. As a result, the second rotating unit 32 is moved downward while being placed at the second rotation position, and the multiple protruding parts 41 are positioned below the first string-like body 21a. The food material work W is released from the first rotating unit 31 by the second rotating unit 32 descending, and is also released from the second rotating unit 32 by being placed on the first conveyor 11 (particularly the first string-like body 21a).

[0071] By carrying out the above-mentioned series of processes, the food material work W is rotated by the rotation mechanism 15 (see Figs. 6 and 7). After rotation, the food material work W is placed on a plurality of first string-like bodies 21a and transported, and downstream of the rotation mechanism 15, placed on the first string-like body 21a and the third string-like body 21c and transported, and supplied to the food processing mechanism 16.

[0072] As described above, according to this embodiment, the food material work W is rotated while being supported by the inner protrusion 41a and the outer protrusion 41b that are at different distances from the rotation axis Ax. This allows the food material work W to be rotated with high precision while being stably held by the second rotating part 32 (i.e., the multiple protrusions 41). By providing not only the inner protrusion 41a but also the outer protrusion 41b in this way, the food material work W can be rotated stably and accurately at a desired angle.

[0073] In particular, the outer peripheral portion of the food work W that is prone to sagging is supported by the outer protrusion 41b, and the outer peripheral portion is positioned at a sufficient distance from the string-like body 21 (particularly the first string-like body 21a), so that the food work W can be stably and accurately rotated at a desired angle. If the outer peripheral portion of the food work W is in contact with the string-like body 21 when the food work W is rotated by the rotation mechanism 15, the rotation accuracy of the food work W will deteriorate due to the frictional force acting on the outer peripheral portion from the string-like body 21, and in some cases the outer peripheral portion may be twisted or damaged. In particular, when the food work W is transported by multiple string-like bodies 21 with a relatively large ratio of gaps, such unintended twisting or damage of the food work W is likely to occur. Therefore, by providing the outer protrusion 41b to the device that transports the food work W by the string-like body 21 as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the rotation accuracy of the food work W from deteriorating and to prevent the food work W from being twisted or damaged.

[0074] In addition, even if the food work W has a relatively large horizontal spread, if only the outer peripheral portion of the food work W is supported by the protrusions, the food work W may be rotated with the central portion of the food work W loosened and in contact with the string-like body 21. In this case, there is a concern that the food work W may not be rotated accurately or may become twisted or damaged. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, since the central portion of the food work W is supported by the inner protrusions 41a, it is possible to prevent the food work W from being rotated with the central portion of the food work W in contact with the string-like body 21.

[0075] The food material work W is rotated while being lifted from below by the second rotating part 32 moving upward. As a result, even if at least a part of the food material work W is in contact with the first conveyor 11 when rotating, the food material work W can be rotated with high precision while reducing the force (frictional force) that the food material work W receives from the first conveyor 11. When the food material work W (i.e., the food material work W not in contact with the first conveyor 11) that is completely lifted from the first conveyor 11 (i.e., the first string-like body 21a) is rotated while being sandwiched between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32, the food material work W can be rotated with higher precision without receiving any force (frictional force) from the first conveyor 11. In addition, since it is not necessary to stop the first conveyor 11 (i.e., the first string-like body 21a) in order to rotate the food material work W, it is possible to rotate the food material work W without causing any significant adverse effect on the devices and processes upstream and downstream of the rotation mechanism 15.

[0076] Furthermore, since the multiple protrusions 41 of the second rotating portion 32 include an inner protrusion 41a and an outer protrusion 41b, it is possible to rotate various types of food workpieces W having different shapes and / or sizes without deteriorating accuracy.

[0077] In addition, the configuration in which the food material work W is transported using a plurality of string-like bodies 21 is highly convenient in carrying out various processes on the food material work W. For example, when bending the food material work W in the food processing mechanism 16 as in this embodiment, the food material work W can be easily bent by blowing air onto the food material work W through the gaps between the string-like bodies 21.

[0078] In addition, by supplying the food material workpiece W from the cutting unit 14 (food material workpiece supplying section) to the first conveyor 11 via the second conveyor 12, the posture of the food material workpiece W supplied to the first conveyor 11 can be stabilized. In particular, when the first conveyor 11 includes a plurality of string-like bodies 21, there may be a speed difference between the string-like bodies 21, although it is very small. When the food material workpiece W is supplied to the plurality of string-like bodies 21 in an upright posture, the posture of the food material workpiece W is likely to be disturbed due to the influence of the speed difference between the string-like bodies 21. On the other hand, when the food material workpiece W is supplied to the plurality of string-like bodies 21 in a posture close to a horizontal posture, the influence of the speed difference between the string-like bodies 21 on the posture of the food material workpiece W is relatively small. Therefore, by supplying the food material workpiece W to the plurality of string-like bodies 21 from the above-mentioned second conveyor transfer section 22, the posture of the food material workpiece W supplied to the plurality of string-like bodies 21 can be stabilized.

[0079] By thus improving the accuracy and stability of the rotation of the food material work W performed by the rotation mechanism 15, the accuracy and stability of the food processing performed by the food processing mechanism 16 is also improved. It is also possible to increase the processing speed and improve the yield rate in the entire food production apparatus 10, making it possible to stably and quickly produce high-quality food.

[0080] The present inventors actually manufactured and compared a food production apparatus using a rotation mechanism based on the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 with food production apparatus 10 using rotation mechanism 15 of the above-mentioned embodiment. As a result, food production apparatus 10 using rotation mechanism 15 of the present embodiment was able to produce food (i.e., spring rolls) more efficiently than the food production apparatus using a rotation mechanism based on the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0081] [Second embodiment] In this embodiment, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above-described first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] The first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 of the rotation mechanism 15 of this embodiment are both provided to be actively rotatable. At least one of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 is provided to be movable so that the interval between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 is variable. That is, only one or both of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 are provided to be movable so that the interval between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 is variable. Hereinafter, as an example, an example will be described in which the first rotating part 31 cannot be raised and lowered in the height direction, but the second rotating part 32 is provided to be raised and lowered in the height direction.

[0083] Figures 9 and 10 are side views showing the rotation mechanism 15 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 50 and the rotation mechanism 15 according to the second embodiment.

[0084] The first rotating part 31 is fixed to the first rotating shaft 53a via the second lifting elastic part 61, and is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis Ax together with the second lifting elastic part 61 and the first rotating shaft 53a. The second lifting elastic part 61 is made of a member that is elastically compressible in the height direction, and prevents excessive force from acting on the member (i.e., the food work W) sandwiched between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32, similar to the above-mentioned first lifting elastic part 36 (see Figures 4 and 5). The first rotating shaft 53a of the first rotating drive part 53 is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis Ax, and the first rotating drive part 53 rotates the first rotating shaft 53a under the control of the control part 50.

[0085] In this manner, the first rotating portion 31 can be actively rotated by the rotational power transmitted from the first rotary drive portion 53 (particularly the first rotating shaft 53a) via the second lifting elastic portion 61.

[0086] In this example, since the first rotating unit 31 is not basically raised or lowered in the height direction, the first rotating shaft 53a does not change the amount of protrusion in the height direction from the main body of the first rotary drive unit 53. However, the first rotating shaft 53a may be capable of changing the amount of protrusion in the height direction from the main body of the first rotary drive unit 53.

[0087] The other configurations are similar to those in the above-described first embodiment.

[0088] The control unit 50 of this embodiment controls the rotation mechanism 15 having the above-mentioned configuration (particularly, the rotation of both the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32, and the movement of at least one of the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32 (the movement of the second rotating unit 32 in the example shown in Figures 9 to 11)) as follows, to rotate each food material work W.

[0089] First, the control unit 50 controls the second moving and rotating drive unit 54, and the amount of protrusion of the second moving and rotating shaft 54a from the main body is adjusted to a first amount of protrusion, and the position in the rotation direction of the second moving and rotating shaft 54a is adjusted to a first rotation position. As a result, the second rotating unit 32 is disposed at a first height direction position, and the multiple protrusions 41 of the second rotating unit 32 are disposed below the first string-like body 21a (below the guide plate 45 in the example shown in FIG. 9). The multiple protrusions 41 are also disposed at the first rotation position.

[0090] On the other hand, the position of the first rotating part 31 in the rotational direction may be adjusted under the control of the control unit 50, or the position of the first rotating part 31 in the rotational direction may not be adjusted. When the first rotating part 31 is made of a member that does not have anisotropy in terms of its horizontal shape, such as a disk-shaped member having a circular cross section, the position of the first rotating part 31 in the rotational direction may not be adjusted. On the other hand, when it is necessary to make a specific portion of the first rotating part 31 face the multiple protrusions 41 of the second rotating part 32, the control unit 50 controls the first rotation drive unit 53 to adjust the position of the first rotating part 31 in the rotational direction.

[0091] The control unit 50 then controls at least one of the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32 (the second rotating unit 32 in this example) to move and hold the food material work W lifted from the first string-like bodies 21a of the first conveyor 11 between the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32. That is, the control unit 50 controls the second moving rotation drive unit 54 to adjust the protruding amount of the second moving rotation shaft 54a from the main body to a second protruding amount greater than the first protruding amount according to the timing when the food material work W transported by the first conveyor 11 is positioned between the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32. As a result, the second rotating unit 32 moves upward so that the multiple protruding parts 41 penetrate between the string-like bodies 21 (particularly the first string-like bodies 21a) of the first conveyor 11 and lift the food material work W from the string-like bodies 21 of the first conveyor 11, and is positioned at the second height direction position (see FIG. 10). The food material work W is sandwiched and held by the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 (particularly the multiple protruding parts 41) disposed at the second height direction position.

[0092] The control unit 50 also controls the first rotation drive unit 53 and the second moving rotation drive unit 54 to rotate the first rotation shaft 53a and the second moving rotation shaft 54a to place them in the second rotation position. At this time, the control unit 50 actively rotates the first rotation unit 31 and the second rotation unit 32, which hold the food material work W, in synchronization with each other. As a result, the first rotation unit 31 and the multiple protrusions 41 of the second rotation unit 32 are rotated from the first rotation position and placed in the second rotation position. Therefore, the food material work W is rotated around the rotation axis Ax together with the first rotation unit 31 and the second rotation unit 32 while being held between the first rotation unit 31 and the second rotation unit 32 (particularly the multiple protrusions 41). In particular, since the first rotation unit 31 and the second rotation unit 32 rotate in synchronization with each other, the food material work W can be rotated reliably and accurately to the desired angle while reducing the load from the first rotation unit 31 and the second rotation unit 32 on the food material work W.

[0093] The control unit 50 then controls at least one of the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32 to move and release the food material work W from the first rotating unit 31 and the second rotating unit 32 and place it on the first string-like body 21a of the first conveyor 11. The control unit 50 in this example controls the second moving rotation drive unit 54 to adjust the protruding amount of the second moving rotating shaft 54a from the main body to the first protruding amount. At this time, the position of the second moving rotating shaft 54a in the rotation direction is maintained at the second rotation position. As a result, the second rotating unit 32 is moved downward while being placed at the second rotation position, and the multiple protruding parts 41 are positioned below the first string-like body 21a. The food material work W is released from the first rotating unit 31 by the second rotating unit 32 descending, and is released from the second rotating unit 32 by being placed on the first conveyor 11 (particularly the first string-like body 21a).

[0094] As described above, according to this embodiment, the food material work W is rotated while being held by the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 (particularly the multiple protrusions 41) which rotate synchronously. Therefore, the food material work W can be rotated stably and accurately at a desired angle.

[0095] In the case where the first rotating part 31 does not actively rotate as in the first embodiment described above, when the food material workpiece W is rotated, the first rotating part 31 does not necessarily rotate in the same manner as the food material workpiece W, and the food material workpiece W may be rubbed against the first rotating part 31. In this case, the food material workpiece W may be scraped, and scraps of the food material workpiece W may be generated. The scraps of the food material workpiece W generated in this manner may adhere to the first rotating part 31 or to the multiple string-like bodies 21 and the second rotating part 32 (multiple protrusions 41). If the scraps of the food material workpiece W adhere to the first rotating part 31, the food material workpiece W may adhere more firmly than necessary to the first rotating part 31, and there is a concern that the food material workpiece W may not be properly released from the first rotating part 31. In addition, the scraps of the food material workpiece W attached to the multiple string-like bodies 21 and the second rotating part 32 (multiple protrusions 41) may cause poor transport or rotation of the food material workpiece W.

[0096] On the other hand, by rotating the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 in unison as in this embodiment, waste food work W is less likely to be generated, and various defects caused by waste food work W can be effectively avoided.

[0097] [First Modification] In the first and second embodiments described above, the first rotating part 31 is provided to be passively movable in the height direction, but cannot be actively moved in the height direction. However, the first rotating part 31 may also be provided to be actively movable in the height direction.

[0098] 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 50 and the rotation mechanism 15 according to the first modified example. The first rotation unit 31 is connected to a first movement and rotation drive unit 51, and may move in the height direction or rotate about the rotation axis Ax independently without receiving an external force by power transmitted from the first movement and rotation drive unit 51 under the control of the control unit 50.

[0099] The first moving and rotating drive unit 51 functionally has a first moving drive unit 52 for moving the first rotating unit 31 and a first rotating drive unit 53 for rotating the first rotating unit 31. The first moving and rotating drive unit 51 can have any configuration that functions as the first moving drive unit 52 and the first rotating drive unit 53. For example, a device that serves as the first moving drive unit 52 and a device that serves as the first rotating drive unit 53 may be provided separately, and the first moving and rotating drive unit 51 may be configured by connecting both devices. The first moving drive unit 52 and the first rotating drive unit 53 may also be realized by a common device that is inseparable. The movement of the first rotating unit 31 and the rotation of the first rotating unit 31 performed by the first moving and rotating drive unit 51 can be performed independently of each other. Such a first moving and rotating drive unit 51 can have a configuration similar to that of the second moving and rotating drive unit 54 described above, for example.

[0100] [Second modified example] The first rotating part 31 in the first and second embodiments described above has a lower surface formed by a plane extending uniformly in the horizontal direction, but the shape of the lower surface of the first rotating part 31 is not limited. For example, from the viewpoint of improving the releasability of the first rotating part 31 with respect to the food material work W in order to prevent the food material work W from unintentionally adhering to the first rotating part 31, when the food material work W is sandwiched between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32, it is preferable that the contact area between the food material work W and the first rotating part 31 is small.

[0101] Therefore, it is preferable that the first rotating part 31 has one or more protruding parts that protrude toward the second rotating part 32 and face the multiple protruding parts 41. In this case, when the food material work W is sandwiched between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32, the food material work W comes into contact with the protruding parts, but does not come into contact with parts of the first rotating part 31 other than the protruding parts.

[0102] Fig. 13, Fig. 15, and Fig. 17 are side views showing first to third examples of the protrusion 70 of the first rotating part 31, respectively. Fig. 14, Fig. 16, and Fig. 18 are bottom views showing first to third examples of the protrusion 70 of the first rotating part 31, respectively.

[0103] The first rotating part 31 may have a circular convex part 70 having a center formed as a concave part 71, as shown in Figs. 13 to 16 (first and second examples), for example. The first rotating part 31 of the first example shown in Figs. 13 and 14 has a single convex part 70, and the convex part 70 faces all the protrusions 41 (i.e., all the inner protrusions 41a and all the outer protrusions 41b) in the height direction. On the other hand, the first rotating part 31 of the second example shown in Figs. 15 and 16 also has a single convex part 70, but the convex part 70 faces all the inner protrusions 41a in the height direction but does not face all the outer protrusions 41b.

[0104] The first rotating part 31 may have a plurality of protruding parts 41 facing one convex part as in the first and second examples described above, or may have only one protruding part 41 facing one convex part. The first rotating part 31 of the third example shown in Figures 17 and 18 has a plurality of columnar protruding parts 70, and these protruding parts 70 face the respective inner protruding parts 41a in the height direction.

[0105] Thus, according to this modification, since the first rotating part 31 has one or more protrusions 70, it is possible to improve the releasability of the first rotating part 31 from the food material workpiece W. In addition, since the contact area between the food material workpiece W and the first rotating part 31 is reduced, it is possible to reduce adhesion of the residue of the food material workpiece W to the contact surface of the first rotating part 31.

[0106] [Third Modification] 19 is a plan view showing the rotation mechanism 15 according to the third modified example. This modified example is suitable for the case where the rigidity of the food material work W is relatively high. In particular, this modified example is suitable for the case where the food material work W hardly bends or only bends to an extent that does not cause any problems even if only the end of the food material work W is supported by the string-like body 21 (first conveyor 11) as described later.

[0107] In this modification, the second rotating part 32 has a disk shape and a flat upper surface extending parallel to the horizontal direction. The second rotating part 32 is rotated about the rotation axis Ax and raised and lowered in the height direction by a second moving and rotating driving part 54 (see FIG. 4, etc.) not shown in FIG. 19.

[0108] The first conveyor 11 includes at least two string-like bodies 21. The second rotating part 32 is provided between the two string-like bodies 21 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material work W, and is provided so as to be able to rise and fall in the space between the string-like bodies 21.

[0109] The first rotating part 31 of this modified example, which is omitted from the illustration in Figure 19, may be configured in the same manner as the second rotating part 32 of this modified example, or may be configured in the same manner as the first rotating part 31 of any of the embodiments or modified examples described above.

[0110] According to this modified example, when the food material work W is positioned above the second rotating part 32, the second rotating part 32 rises to lift the food material work W from the string-like body 21 and rotate it. At this time, the food material work W is rotated while being sandwiched between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32. After the food material work W has been rotated, the second rotating part 32 descends to place the food material work W on the string-like body 21.

[0111] [Fourth Variation] Fig. 20 is a plan view showing the rotation mechanism 15 according to the fourth modified example. Fig. 21 is a side view of the rotation mechanism 15 according to the fourth modified example. The rotation mechanism 15 is shown generally in Fig. 20 and Fig. 21. For example, the connection structure between the second rotation unit 32 and the second moving rotation drive unit 54 is simplified in Fig. 20. Also, in Fig. 21, the first conveyor 11 (string-like body 21) and the food workpieces W are omitted from the illustration.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 20, the first conveyor 11 of this modification includes a string-like body 21 (hereinafter also referred to as "central string-like body 21") that supports the center of the food material work W in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material work W. The central string-like body 21 shown in FIG. 20 has a relatively large width, but the width of the central string-like body 21 may be large or small as long as it can properly support and convey the food material work W. The first conveyor 11 may also include multiple string-like bodies 21. For example, in addition to the central string-like body 21 shown in FIG. 20, another string-like body (not shown) may be provided as the first conveyor 11 at a position adjacent to the central string-like body 21 on the upstream side and / or downstream side of the rotation mechanism 15.

[0113] A plurality of second rotating parts 32 (two in FIG. 20) are provided, and are arranged so as to sandwich the first conveyor 11 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material work W. Each second rotating part 32 has an endless belt that runs parallel to the running direction of the first conveyor 11, and is driven by the corresponding second moving rotation drive part 54 to run in a direction according to the rotation direction of the food material work W. Specifically, the surface of the second rotating part 32 (the second rotating part 32 arranged on the right side of FIG. 20) arranged on one side of the first conveyor 11 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material work W that comes into contact with the food material work W runs in the same direction as the first conveyor 11. The surface of the second rotating part 32 (the second rotating part 32 arranged on the left side of FIG. 20) arranged on the other side of the first conveyor 11 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material work W that comes into contact with the food material work W runs in the opposite direction to the first conveyor 11.

[0114] Each of the second rotating parts 32 is stretched across a driving pulley 81b and a driving pulley 81c. Each of the driving pulleys 81b and 81c is rotatably connected to a support 83 via a rotary support shaft 84. The support 83 is fixed on a lifting plate 85, and the lifting plate 85 is supported by an elevator 86 (particularly, an elevator shaft 86a) so as to be capable of moving up and down. The elevator 86 is fixedly supported by a support member (not shown).

[0115] A second moving rotation drive unit 54 including a motor or the like is fixed to the lift plate 85 and the support 83. The second moving rotation drive unit 54 is connected to a drive pulley 81a via a rotation support shaft 84, and rotates the rotation support shaft 84 and the drive pulley 81a under the control of the control unit 50. A drive belt 82 is stretched between the drive pulley 81a and the drive pulley 81b. The drive belt 82 runs in response to the rotation of the drive pulley 81a, and transmits the power transmitted from the second moving rotation drive unit 54 via the rotation support shaft 84 and the drive pulley 81a to the drive pulley 81b. The drive pulley 81b rotates in response to the running of the drive belt 82, and the second rotating unit 32 runs in response to the rotation of the drive pulley 81b.

[0116] Each second moving rotation driving part 54 transmits power to the leading drive pulley (the left drive pulley 81b in the example shown in FIG. 21) in the running direction of the corresponding second rotating part 32, among the two drive pulleys 81b, 81c around which the corresponding second rotating part 32 is stretched. This allows the second rotating part 32 to run with high energy efficiency.

[0117] The first rotating section 31 has a similar configuration to the second rotating section 32. That is, a plurality of first rotating sections 31 (two in this modified example) are provided, and are arranged to sandwich the first conveyor 11 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material work W. Each first rotating section 31 has an endless belt that runs parallel to the running direction of the first conveyor 11, and is driven by the corresponding first rotation drive section 53 to run in a direction according to the rotation direction of the food material work W. Specifically, in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material work W, the contact surface of the first rotating section 31 arranged on one side of the first conveyor 11 with the food material work W runs in the same direction as the first conveyor 11, and the contact surface of the first rotating section 31 arranged on the other side with the food material work W runs in the opposite direction to the first conveyor 11. Each first rotating portion 31 is connected to a corresponding first rotary drive portion 53 via a rotary support shaft 84, drive pulleys 81a, 81b, 81c, and a drive belt 82, and runs by power transmitted from the corresponding first rotary drive portion 53.

[0118] Each of the first rotating parts 31 is stretched over a driving pulley 81b and a driving pulley 81c. Each of the driving pulleys 81b and 81c is fixed on a lifting plate 85 via a rotary support shaft 84 and a support 83, and the lifting plate 85 is supported so as to be freely raised and lowered by an elevator 86 fixedly supported by a support member (not shown). Each of the first rotating drive parts 53 (motor, etc.) is fixed to the lifting plate 85 and the support 83. Each of the first rotating drive parts 53 is connected to the driving pulley 81a via a rotary support shaft 84, and rotates the rotary support shaft 84 and the driving pulley 81a under the control of the control unit 50. A drive belt 82 is stretched over the driving pulleys 81a and 81b. The drive belt 82 runs in response to the rotation of the drive pulley 81a, and transmits power transmitted from the first rotary drive unit 53 via the rotary support shaft 84 and the drive pulley 81a to the drive pulley 81b. The drive pulley 81b rotates in response to the movement of the drive belt 82, and the first rotating unit 31 runs in response to the rotation of the drive pulley 81b.

[0119] According to this modification, when the food material work W is positioned above the second rotating part 32, the second rotating part 32 rises to lift the food material work W from the string-like body 21 and rotate it. At this time, the food material work W is sandwiched between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32, and travels in the same direction (leftward in FIG. 21) as the surface of the first rotating part 31 (i.e., the lower surface) and the surface of the second rotating part 32 (i.e., the upper surface) that contact the food material work W. After the food material work W is rotated, the second rotating part 32 descends to place the food material work W on the string-like body 21.

[0120] [Fifth Modification] Fig. 22 is a plan view showing the rotation mechanism 15 according to the fifth modified example. Fig. 23 is a side view of the rotation mechanism 15 according to the fifth modified example. In Fig. 22 and Fig. 23, the rotation mechanism 15 is shown generally. For example, in Fig. 22, the connection structure between the second rotation unit 32 and the second moving rotation drive unit 54 is simplified. Also, in Fig. 21, the first conveyor 11 (string-like body 21) and the food workpieces W are omitted.

[0121] The first conveyor 11 of this modified example includes a plurality of string-like bodies 21 (four string-like bodies 21 in the illustrated example) as shown in Fig. 22, and supports both ends of the food material work W in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material work W. The first conveyor 11 may further include one or more string-like bodies 21 not shown in Fig. 22. For example, in addition to the four string-like bodies 21 shown in Fig. 22, a string-like body 21 for supporting the center of the food material work W may be provided upstream and / or downstream of the rotation mechanism 15.

[0122] A plurality of second rotating parts 32 (four in FIG. 22) are provided. The four second rotating parts 32 are arranged at equal angular intervals from each other around an axis (not shown) extending in the height direction, and are arranged at equal distances from the axis. Each second rotating part 32 has a roller that is rotated by a corresponding second moving rotation driving part 54, and rotates and travels in a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the food material work W. Specifically, the rotation direction of one of the two second rotating parts 32 arranged on the left and right in FIG. 22 (the second rotating part 32 on the right) corresponds to the running direction of the first conveyor 11, and the rotation direction of the other (the second rotating part 32 on the left) corresponds to the opposite direction to the running direction of the first conveyor 11. The two second rotating parts 32 arranged on the top and bottom in FIG. 22 correspond to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the running direction of the first conveyor 11, but are opposite to each other.

[0123] Each second rotating unit 32 is rotatably supported by a support 93 via a rotary support shaft 94, and is connected to a drive pulley 91b via the rotary support shaft 94. The support 93 rotatably supports the drive pulley 91a via a bearing holder 95 and the rotary support shaft 94. The drive pulley 91a is connected to a second moving rotary drive unit 54 constituted by a motor or the like via the rotary support shaft 94. Each second moving rotary drive unit 54 is fixed to a lifting plate 96, and is driven under the control of the control unit 50. The lifting plate 96 is supported by an elevator 97 (especially an elevator shaft 97a) so as to be able to move up and down. The elevator 97 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0124] The first rotating unit 31 has a similar configuration to the second rotating unit 32. That is, a plurality of first rotating units 31 (four in the illustrated example) are provided, and are arranged at equal angular intervals from each other around an axis (not illustrated) extending in the height direction, and are arranged at equal distances from the axis, and are provided in positions facing the respective second rotating units 32. Each first rotating unit 31 has a roller that is rotationally driven by a corresponding first rotation drive unit 53, and travels in a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the food material work W.

[0125] Each first rotating unit 31 is rotatably supported by a support 93 via a rotary support shaft 94, and is connected to a drive pulley 91b via the rotary support shaft 94. The support 93 rotatably supports a drive pulley 91a via a bearing holder 95 and the rotary support shaft 94. The drive pulley 91a is connected to a first rotary drive unit 53 constituted by a motor or the like via the rotary support shaft 94. Each first rotary drive unit 53 is fixed to a lift plate 96, and is driven under the control of the control unit 50.

[0126] According to this modification, when the food material work W is positioned above the second rotating part 32, the second rotating part 32 rises to lift the food material work W from the string-like body 21 and rotate it. At this time, the food material work W is sandwiched between the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32, and the surface of the first rotating part 31 and the surface of the second rotating part 32 that contact the food material work W run in the same direction. After the food material work W has been rotated, the second rotating part 32 descends to place the food material work W on the string-like body 21.

[0127] [Sixth Modification] Fig. 24 is a plan view showing an example of the rotation mechanism 15 according to the sixth modified example. Fig. 25 is a plan view showing another example of the rotation mechanism 15 according to the sixth modified example.

[0128] The guide plate 45 may have an opening forming portion that forms an opening on the surface of the guide plate 45 (particularly the surface facing the food material workpiece W to be transported). The opening forming portion may penetrate the guide plate 45, or may be provided as a recessed portion that does not penetrate the guide plate 45. Therefore, the guide plate 45 may have, for example, a through hole 74 (see FIG. 24), a bottomed groove portion 75 (see FIG. 25), or both a through hole and a recessed portion as such an opening forming portion. The through hole 74 shown in FIG. 24 has a circular planar shape, and the groove portion 75 shown in FIG. 25 extends parallel to the transport direction of the food material workpiece W, but the shape, position, extension direction, and other forms of the opening forming portion are not limited.

[0129] By providing the guide plate 45 with an opening forming portion, the surface area of ​​the guide plate 45 that can come into contact with the food material work W can be reduced, thereby reducing the forces (frictional forces, adhesive forces, etc.) that the food material work W receives from the guide plate 45. In particular, when the food material work W has a high moisture content or is made of an adhesive food material, by reducing the surface area of ​​the guide plate 45 that can come into contact with the food material work W, the forces such as frictional forces and adhesive forces that the food material work W receives from the guide plate 45 can be effectively reduced.

[0130] In addition, the food material work W is likely to come into contact with the portion of the guide plate 45 where the string-like body 21 is not provided (i.e., the exposed portion). Therefore, by providing an opening forming portion in the portion of the guide plate 45 that is not covered by the string-like body 21, the force that the food material work W receives from the guide plate 45 can be efficiently reduced. On the other hand, the exposed portion of the guide plate 45 supports the food material work W from below when rotating the food material work W above the guide plate 45, and is useful for stably rotating the food material work W. Therefore, by providing the opening forming portions discretely in the guide plate 45 (for example, the exposed portion), it is possible to achieve a good balance between reducing the force that the food material work W receives from the guide plate 45 and supporting the food material work W by the guide plate 45.

[0131] [Other variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0132] For example, the first conveyor 11 in the first embodiment described above is composed of a plurality of cord-like bodies 21, but it may be composed of other members (e.g., belt members, roller-like members or net-like members) instead of the plurality of cord-like bodies 21.

[0133] Furthermore, while the first rotating part 31 in the second modified example described above has one or more convex parts 70 that face the multiple protrusions 41, the entire first rotating part 31 may have a shape and size that faces only one or more protrusions 41 of the second rotating part 32 (i.e., a shape and size that does not face any part of the second rotating part 32 other than the one or more protrusions 41).

[0134] In addition, instead of controlling the first moving rotation drive unit 51 and the second moving rotation drive unit 54, the control unit 50 may control each of the first moving drive unit 52 and the first rotation drive unit 53, which are provided separately, or may control each of the second moving drive unit 55 and the second rotation drive unit 56, which are provided separately.

[0135] Furthermore, the specific number and arrangement of the inner protrusions 41a and the outer protrusions 41b are not limited, and the shape of the main body of the second rotating part 32 that supports the inner protrusions 41a and the outer protrusions 41b is also not limited. For example, the inner protrusions 41a and the outer protrusions 41b may be supported by a disk-shaped main body of the second rotating part 32 that does not have any protrusions.

[0136] The second rotating part 32 may be provided to be passively rotatable, and the first rotating part 31 may be provided to be actively rotatable. In a state in which the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 hold the food material workpiece W between them, one of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 may be actively rotated while the other is passively rotated.

[0137] Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 has a plurality of protruding parts (see the above-mentioned "protruding part 41") extending from one of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 toward the other. Therefore, of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32, only the first rotating part 31 may have a plurality of protruding parts, only the second rotating part 32 may have a plurality of protruding parts, or both may have a plurality of protruding parts.

[0138] One of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 may have one or more protrusions 70 that protrude toward the other of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 and face the multiple protrusions 41 of the other. Thus, the first rotating part 31 may have multiple protrusions, and the second rotating part 32 may have one or more protrusions 70.

[0139] Furthermore, when the food material work W is rotated by the rotation mechanism 15, the food material work W does not necessarily have to be lifted from the first conveyor 11. The rotation mechanism 15 may rotate the food material work W while the food material work W is in contact with the first conveyor 11.

[0140] For example, when the food material work W is in contact with the first conveyor 11, the food material work W may be held between the first rotating part 31 arranged above and the second rotating part 32 (particularly the protruding part) arranged below and having a plurality of protrusions, and at least one of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 may be actively rotated to rotate the food material work W. Also, when the food material work W is in contact with the first conveyor 11, the food material work W may be held between the first rotating part 31 (particularly the protruding part) arranged above and having a plurality of protrusions, and the second rotating part 32 arranged below, and at least one of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32 may be actively rotated to rotate the food material work W. In addition, when the food material work W is in contact with the first conveyor 11, the food material work W may be held by clamping it between a first rotating part 31 (particularly the protruding part) arranged above and having multiple protrusions, and a second rotating part 32 (particularly the protruding part) arranged below and having multiple protrusions, and the food material work W may be rotated by actively rotating at least one of the first rotating part 31 and the second rotating part 32.

[0141] At least a part of the configurations and functions of the first rotating portion 31 and the second rotating portion 32 described above are interchangeable with each other.

[0142] In the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example, the food manufacturing apparatus 10 and the food manufacturing method for manufacturing spring rolls have been described, but the food manufacturing apparatus 10 and the food manufacturing method may manufacture other foods, and the rotation mechanism 15 may rotate food material workpieces other than spring roll wrappers. For example, the food manufacturing apparatus 10 and the food manufacturing method may manufacture shumai and gyoza, and the rotation mechanism 15 may manufacture shumai and gyoza wrappers. The rotation mechanism 15 may also rotate food material workpieces other than wrappers that wrap ingredients. The food manufacturing apparatus 10 (including the rotation mechanism 15) and the food manufacturing method (including the rotation method) according to the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example are suitable for food material workpieces W made of flexible sheet-like food material, but are also applicable to food material workpieces W made of food material with relatively high rigidity and food material workpieces W made of non-sheet-like food material.

[0143] Various modifications may be made to each element of the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations that include components and / or methods other than the above-mentioned components and / or methods. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations that do not include some of the above-mentioned components and / or methods. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations that include some components and / or methods included in an embodiment of the present disclosure and some components and / or methods included in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the components and / or methods included in the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure other than those described above, may be combined, and such combinations are also included in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and unique effects according to the specific configuration of each embodiment may also be achieved. In this way, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible for each element described in the claims, specification, abstract, and drawings, within the scope of the technical idea and intent of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 10 Food manufacturing equipment 11 First conveyor 12 Second conveyor 13 Third conveyor 14 Cutting unit 15 Rotation mechanism 16 Food Processing Organization 17 Winding prevention part 21 String-like body 21a 1st string body 21b Second string body 21c Third cord-like body 22 Second conveyor transfer section 23 Third conveyor transfer section 24 Second conveyor roller 25 Third conveyor roller 26 First return roller 27 Second return roller 31 First Rotating Section 32 Second Rotating Section 35 Lifting guide 36 First lifting elastic section 37 Elastic stopper 38 Passive Rotating Unit 39 Support shaft 41 Protrusion 41a Inner protrusion 41b Outer protrusion 45 Guide Plate 46a Inner movement hole 46b Outside movement hole 50 Control section 51 First moving and rotating drive unit 52 First moving drive unit 53 First Rotation Drive Unit 53a First Rotating Axis 54 Second moving and rotating drive unit 54a Second moving and rotating axis 55 Second moving drive unit 56 Second Rotary Drive Unit 61 Second lifting elastic section 70 Convex 71 Recess 74 Through hole 75 Groove 81a Drive pulley 81b Drive pulley 81c Drive pulley 82 Drive belt 83 Support 84 Rotating support shaft 85 Lifting plate 86 Elevator 86a Lifting shaft 91a Drive pulley 91b Drive pulley 92 Drive belt 93 Support 94 Rotating support shaft 95 Bearing holder 96 Lifting Plate 97 Elevator 97a Lifting shaft Ax Rotation axis W Ingredients Work W0 Fabric

Claims

1. A first conveyor for transporting the food material workpiece; A rotation mechanism for rotating the food material workpiece; A control unit for controlling the rotation mechanism, The rotation mechanism includes a first rotation unit and a second rotation unit that are actively rotatably provided, at least one of which is movably provided so that the distance between the first rotation unit and the second rotation unit is variable, and a lifting elastic unit made of a member that is elastically compressible in a height direction; The control unit controls rotation of both the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit and movement of at least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit, At least one of the first rotating part and the second rotating part is moved to sandwich and hold the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, and the lifting elastic part prevents excessive force from acting on the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, The first rotating part and the second rotating part, which hold the food material workpiece, are actively rotated in synchronization with each other, At least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is moved to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit; the second rotating portion is provided at a position opposite to the first rotating portion and has a plurality of protruding portions extending toward the first rotating portion, The plurality of protrusions include two or more inner protrusions provided at a position relatively close to the rotation axis of the second rotating part, and one or more outer protrusions provided at a position relatively far from the rotation axis of the second rotating part. Food manufacturing equipment.

2. The first conveyor has a plurality of cord-like bodies, The food manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the food material workpiece is clamped and held between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, the multiple protrusions penetrate between the string-like bodies and lift the food material workpiece from the first conveyor.

3. A first conveyor having a plurality of string-like bodies and transporting the food workpiece; A rotation mechanism for rotating the food material workpiece; A control unit for controlling the rotation mechanism, The rotation mechanism includes: A first rotating portion; a second rotating portion provided at a position opposite to the first rotating portion and having a plurality of protruding portions extending toward the first rotating portion; A lifting elastic portion made of a member that is elastically compressible in the height direction, one of the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion is actively rotatably provided, and the other is passively rotatably provided; The control unit controls the movement and rotation of at least one of the first rotation unit and the second rotation unit, The food material workpiece is sandwiched and held by the first rotating part and the second rotating part, and the lifting elastic part prevents excessive force from acting on the food material workpiece between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, In a state in which the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit hold the food material workpiece between each other, one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is actively rotated, Release the food material workpiece from the first rotating part and the second rotating part; The plurality of protrusions include two or more inner protrusions provided at a position relatively close to the rotation axis of the second rotating part, and one or more outer protrusions provided at a position relatively far from the rotation axis of the second rotating part. Food manufacturing equipment.

4. The food production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first rotating part has one or more convex parts that protrude toward the second rotating part and face the plurality of protruding parts.

5. A food material work supply unit that delivers the food material work; Further provided is a second conveyor that receives the food material work sent from the food material work supply unit from above and transfers the food material work to the first conveyor, A food manufacturing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact area between the food material workpiece placed on the second conveyor and the second conveyor is larger than the contact area between the food material workpiece placed on the first conveyor and the first conveyor per unit length in the conveying direction of the food material workpiece.

6. The food manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the distance between the second conveyor and the first conveyor is set to such a distance that when a portion of the food workpiece is placed on the second conveyor, another portion of the food workpiece lands on the first conveyor.

7. A method for rotating an ingredient workpiece, comprising: At least one of the first rotating part and the second rotating part is moved to sandwich and hold the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, and an elevating elastic part made of a member elastically compressible in the height direction prevents excessive force from acting on the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, The first rotating part and the second rotating part, which hold the food material workpiece, are actively rotated in synchronization with each other, At least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is moved to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit; the second rotating portion is provided at a position opposite to the first rotating portion and has a plurality of protruding portions extending toward the first rotating portion, The plurality of protrusions include two or more inner protrusions provided at a position relatively close to the rotation axis of the second rotating part, and one or more outer protrusions provided at a position relatively far from the rotation axis of the second rotating part. Rotation method.

8. A method for rotating an ingredient workpiece, comprising: The food material workpiece is transported by a first conveyor having a plurality of string-like bodies, and a first rotating part and a second rotating part are provided to face each other, and the second rotating part has a plurality of protrusions extending toward the first rotating part, At least one of the first rotating part and the second rotating part is moved to sandwich and hold the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, and an elevating elastic part made of a member elastically compressible in the height direction prevents excessive force from acting on the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, In a state in which the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit hold the food material workpiece between each other, one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is actively rotated while the other is passively rotated; At least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is moved to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit; The plurality of protrusions include two or more inner protrusions provided at a position relatively close to the rotation axis of the second rotating part, and one or more outer protrusions provided at a position relatively far from the rotation axis of the second rotating part. Rotation method.

9. A food manufacturing method for rotating an ingredient workpiece, comprising: At least one of the first rotating part and the second rotating part is moved to sandwich and hold the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, and an elevating elastic part made of a member elastically compressible in the height direction prevents excessive force from acting on the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, The first rotating part and the second rotating part, which hold the food material workpiece, are actively rotated in synchronization with each other, At least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is moved to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit; the second rotating portion is provided at a position opposite to the first rotating portion and has a plurality of protruding portions extending toward the first rotating portion, The plurality of protrusions include two or more inner protrusions provided at a position relatively close to the rotation axis of the second rotating part, and one or more outer protrusions provided at a position relatively far from the rotation axis of the second rotating part. Food production method.

10. A food manufacturing method for rotating an ingredient workpiece, comprising: The food material workpiece is transported by a first conveyor having a plurality of string-like bodies, and a first rotating part and a second rotating part are provided to face each other, and the second rotating part has a plurality of protrusions extending toward the first rotating part, At least one of the first rotating part and the second rotating part is moved to sandwich and hold the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, and an elevating elastic part made of a member elastically compressible in the height direction prevents excessive force from acting on the food material work between the first rotating part and the second rotating part, In a state in which the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit hold the food material workpiece between each other, one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is actively rotated while the other is passively rotated; At least one of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit is moved to release the food material workpiece from the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit; The plurality of protrusions include two or more inner protrusions provided at a position relatively close to the rotation axis of the second rotating part, and one or more outer protrusions provided at a position relatively far from the rotation axis of the second rotating part. Food production method.

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