Food processing tank with fluid supply pipe

Abstract

To develop a processing tank including easily-detachable fluid supply pipes in the processing tank for cooking a food product.SOLUTION: A food processing tank 100 having width and length directions for processing a food product, includes a plurality of detachable fluid supply pipes 1 traversing inside the processing tank in the width direction so as to facilitate attachment / detachment. Preferably. the fluid supply pipes are a type to be inserted from the outside of the processing tank. Further preferably, the fluid supply pipes are a type divided into two, and are a type to be inserted one by one from both sides of the outside in the width direction, of the processing tank and to be engaged together in the tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment tank for heating food, which is equipped with a plurality of fluid supply pipes that traverse the width of the treatment tank and supply fluid into the treatment tank. [Background technology]

[0002] A processing tank is often used to boil or fry food in order to heat the food, etc. For example, a processing tank is used to boil noodles or produce fried foods. In the processing tank, it is sometimes desirable to promote dispersion of the food being processed to achieve efficient processing, and for this reason, the processing is often promoted by, for example, supplying a fluid such as steam or air current into the processing tank during processing to perform bubbling or the like.

[0003] For example, the following prior art 1 discloses a technique for providing holes in a partition member in a boiling water tank in a noodle boiling device to supply bubbles generated by boiling.The supplied bubbles loosen the noodles and enable efficient boiling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-37832 A

[0005] On the other hand, it is pointed out that in the boiling device described above, the number of holes for supplying the fluid (air bubbles) cannot be easily changed. In this regard, it would be convenient if the fluid supply pipe could be easily detached as needed.Furthermore, when food is processed in a processing tank by a continuous conveyor, it would be advantageous if the fluid supply pipe could be similarly detached in accordance with changes in the layout of the conveyor apparatus. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, in order to avoid this problem, the inventors set out to develop a processing tank for heat-treating food that is equipped with an easily detachable fluid supply pipe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of intensive research by the inventors, it was discovered that in a processing tank having a width and length for processing food, attachment and detachment can be easily performed by providing multiple detachable fluid supply pipes that traverse the processing tank in the width direction. That is, the first invention of the present application is: "A food processing apparatus comprising a processing tank for processing food and a plurality of detachable fluid supply pipes that traverse the processing tank in the width direction."

[0008] Next, it is preferable that the fluid supply pipe is of a type that is inserted from the outside of the processing tank. That is, the second invention of the present application is: "A food processing device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid supply pipe is inserted from the outside of the processing tank."

[0009] Next, it is preferable that the fluid supply pipe is of a type divided into two parts, one of which is inserted from each of the two outer sides in the width direction of the processing tank, and is engaged inside the tank. That is, the third invention of the present application is: "A food processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid supply pipe is divided into two parts, one of which is inserted from each side of the outside width of the processing tank and engages within the tank."

[0010] Next, the food processing apparatus of the present application may be provided with a conveyor device in the processing tank for conveying food in the length direction of the processing tank. That is, the fourth invention of the present application is: "The food processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a conveyor device that transports food in the lengthwise direction within the processing tank."

[0011] Next, it is preferable that the conveyor device is a conveyor device that includes a pair of first and second sprockets arranged in parallel, a pair of endless conveyor chains wound between the first and second sprockets, and a food storage frame attached between the conveyor chains. That is, the fifth invention of the present application is: "The food processing device of claim 4, wherein the conveyor device is a conveyor device having a pair of first and second sprockets arranged in parallel, and a pair of endless conveyor chains wound between the first and second sprockets."

[0012] Next, the conveyor device may be of a type in which the pair of first sprockets is disposed inside the treatment tank and the pair of second sprockets is disposed outside the treatment tank.

[0013] That is, the sixth invention of the present application is: "A food processing device as described in claim 5, wherein in the conveyor device, the pair of first sprockets is positioned inside the processing tank and the pair of second sprockets is positioned outside the processing tank."

[0014] Next, in the conveyor device, the pair of first and second sprockets may be slidably movable in a substantially horizontal direction. That is, the seventh invention of the present application is: "The food processing device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the conveyor device, the pair of first sprockets and second sprockets are slidable in a substantially horizontal direction."

[0015] Next, in the conveyor device, it is preferable to provide a plurality of pairs of intermediate sprockets that regulate the transport paths of the conveyor chains in order to form approximately parallel transport paths of the pair of conveyor chains inside and outside the treatment tank. That is, the eighth invention of the present application is: "A food processing device as described in claim 6 or 7, wherein the conveyor device is provided with a plurality of pairs of intermediate sprockets that regulate the conveyor chain conveying path so as to form approximately parallel conveying paths of the pair of conveyor chains inside and outside the treatment tank." [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] By using the food processing apparatus of the present invention, food can be effectively dispersed in the processing tank, thereby facilitating processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a food processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the treatment tank in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is another cross-sectional view of the food processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention when inserting a fluid supply pipe. [Figure 4] 1A is a front view showing a fluid supply pipe inserted into a hole protruding from the treatment tank; FIG. 1B is a front view showing a detached state of the ferrule joint; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing one fluid supply pipe. [Figure 6] 1A is a front view of the state in which two fluid supply pipes are engaged, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the vicinity of the center of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing two fluid supply pipes screwed together. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a first embodiment of a food processing apparatus equipped with a conveyor device. [Figure 9]9 is a perspective view showing a fluid supply pipe in a processing tank portion of the food processing apparatus of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective perspective view showing a case where a food storage frame is further added in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the food processing device of the first embodiment when the first sprocket and the second sprocket are moved in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a second embodiment of a food processing apparatus equipped with a conveyor device. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fixed support rail. [Figure 14] 1A is a perspective view of the movable support rail in a retracted state, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the movable support rail in a chain-supported state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0018] 1 Fluid supply pipe 3. Protruding hole (protruding hole) 5 Fluid supply device 7 Spout hole part 9 Ferrule fitting 11 Gasket 13 Clamp band 15 Food storage compartment 21 First sprocket 23 Second sprocket 25 conveyor chain 27 First Mobile Unit 29 Rail for the first mobile unit 31 Conveyor chain for first moving unit 33 Sprocket for first mobile unit 35 Second Mobile Unit 37 Rail for second mobile unit 39 Conveyor chain for second moving unit 41 Sprocket for second mobile unit 43 First intermediate sprocket 45 Second intermediate sprocket 47 Third intermediate sprocket 49 Fourth intermediate sprocket 51 Fifth intermediate sprocket 53 Sixth intermediate sprocket 55 Fixed support rail 57 Movable support rail 59 Shoot 100 Treatment tank 150 Conveyor equipment 200 Food Processing Equipment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Fig. 1 is a partial schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inside of the treatment tank in Fig. 1. The present invention will now be described.

[0020] ─Treatment tank─ The treatment tank 100 of the present invention has a width direction and a length direction. The treatment tank 100 of the present invention includes various shapes as long as it is a tank that can be filled with a liquid or gas as a treatment liquid, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, the tank 100 can be used for any purpose as long as it is a tank that can store food and perform some kind of treatment on the food. It should be noted that a given food conveying device may be configured to convey food in the processing tank 100 in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] Examples include a boiling tank for boiling food in high-temperature water (hot water), a frying tank for frying food in vegetable oil or animal fat, etc. The processing tank need not necessarily be used only for hot water or frying oil, but may also be suitably used as a steaming tank for steaming with steam or as a drying tank for drying with air currents.

[0022] More specifically, the treatment vessel can be used as a steam heating treatment vessel even when the treatment vessel is a closed or semi-closed system and is heated by steam. Of course, superheated steam may be used instead of normal steam. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is of course possible to supply hot water from outside to the treatment tank, and to install steam piping, heat exchangers, etc. as needed to heat the treatment tank.

[0023] ─Fluid supply pipe─ The fluid supply pipe 1 in the present invention is a pipe for supplying a fluid to promote dispersion of the food being processed and to process it efficiently during the processing in the processing tank 100. For example, in the case of boiling processing, the processing can be promoted by supplying a fluid such as steam or hot water into the processing tank during the processing to promote bubbling, stirring, etc.

[0024] For example, when the target food is noodle strings, steam bubbling or the like can be used to prevent the noodle strings from sticking together and to enable stirring, thereby improving boiling efficiency. Furthermore, in the case of a frying processing device, the processing can be accelerated by promoting bubbling, stirring, etc. during the frying process. For example, this can be effectively used in the production of fried snacks such as potato chips.

[0025] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the fluid supply pipe 1 of the present invention can be suitably used as a type that is inserted and pulled out from the outside of the treatment tank 100. There are various possible methods for attaching the fluid supply pipe 1, but using a type that is inserted from the outside has the advantage of making effective use of the space inside the treatment tank 100 and facilitating the attachment and detachment of the fluid supply pipe 1. Furthermore, it has the advantage of improving cleanability and, when the fluid used is steam, making it easier to limit the locations where the steam is used.

[0026] In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a type is disclosed in which a protruding hole 3 is provided on the outside of the side wall of the treatment tank 100, and the device is inserted into the protruding hole. The protruding hole 3 can be provided by welding or the like. Next, the fluid supply pipe 1 is connected to a predetermined fluid supply device 5. The fluid supply device 5 can be a device for supplying various fluids, such as a steam generator, a gas supply device, or a liquid supply device. Next, the fluid supply pipes 1 may be arranged in two stages in the treatment tank as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or may of course be arranged in one stage.

[0027] For example, in the case of a two-tier system, a mesh basket or the like can be placed above the fluid supply pipe 1 of the upper tier and between the upper and lower tiers. The food to be processed can be stored in the mesh basket. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the fluid supply pipes 1 in the treatment tank are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various configurations are possible.

[0028] —Hole provided in fluid supply pipe— The fluid supply pipe is provided with a plurality of nozzle holes 7, and fluid is supplied through the nozzle holes 7. There are no particular limitations on the size or number of nozzle holes 7, but for example, if the food treatment tank 100 is a boiling tank that supplies steam for bubbling or the like, holes of approximately 0.5 to 5.0 mm are suitable. The nozzle holes 7 can have various shapes, such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0029] ─Fluid─ In the present invention, various fluids can be supplied. For example, if the food processing vessel is for boiling, fluids such as steam or hot water can be used. If the processing vessel is a frying oil vessel, fluids such as frying oil or steam can be used. Furthermore, in either the boiling tank or the frying oil tank, a gas such as air, nitrogen, or argon may be heated to a high temperature and supplied as the fluid.

[0030] ─Detachable─ The fluid supply pipe 1 of the present invention is of a type that can be easily attached and detached. Various methods for attachment and detachment are possible. Furthermore, when a liquid such as hot water is used in the treatment tank 100, it is necessary to prevent leakage of the treatment liquid. Specifically, any of the methods such as flange joints, screw joints, and ferrule joints are possible. The first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 discloses a type that uses a ferrule type joint.

[0031] 4(a) and (b), a type is disclosed in which a ferrule fitting 9 attached to the fluid supply pipe and a ferrule fitting at the end of the hole protruding to the outside of the food treatment tank are brought into close contact via a gasket 11, and then fastened with a clamp band 13. In the present invention, a ferrule fitting 9 is preferred because it is easy to attach and detach.

[0032] The fluid supply pipe is divided into two parts, one of which is inserted from each of the two outer sides of the processing tank in the width direction, and is engaged inside the tank. In the present invention, a single fluid supply pipe 1 may be used as shown in FIG. It is also preferable that the fluid supply pipe 1 is hollow and divided into two parts, and is inserted from both sides of the outside of the side wall parts that face each other in the width direction of the treatment tank 100, and engages inside the treatment tank 100 (Fig. 6). First, by dividing the fluid supply pipe 1 into two parts and making it a type that can be inserted from both sides, the length of the fluid supply pipe 1 can be shortened, it will not get caught on obstacles during the insertion work, and it is easy to secure working space for inserting the fluid supply pipe 1.

[0033] Furthermore, various types of engagement are possible, but in the first embodiment of the present invention, a type that engages at the center is shown as shown in Figures 6(a) and (b). Any type of engagement is possible. In such an engagement type, the tip region that engages may not be hollow. In the above embodiment, the desired fluid is supplied from the open end of each fluid supply pipe 1.

[0034] However, the present invention is not limited to the engagement type as shown in FIG. 6, and for example, a screw-type as shown in FIG. 7 is also possible.

[0035] The food processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a conveyor device for conveying food in the lengthwise direction within the processing tank. In the present invention, it is preferable that the treatment vessel 100 further includes a conveyor device 150 for conveying food in the lengthwise direction within the treatment vessel.

[0036] Specifically, Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of food processing apparatus 200, in which a conveyor device 150 for conveying food in the longitudinal direction of a processing tank 100 equipped with a plurality of fluid supply pipes 1 of the present invention is arranged. Fig. 9 is a perspective view seen from the processing tank side, showing only specific components such as the arrangement of fluid supply pipes 1. Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view of the perspective view in Fig. 9, in which food storage frames 15 are attached to conveyor device 150.

[0037] 8 to 10 shows a food processing device 200 that has a boiling tank as the processing tank 100 and a conveyor device 150 that transports food storage frames 15 that store food in the length direction of the processing tank (boiling tank) within the boiling tank. The food storage frames 15 are made of a mesh structure made of liquid-permeable stainless steel and have nine rows of storage areas.

[0038] That is, Figure 8 shows a method of boiling food, in which the food to be boiled (e.g., fresh noodles) is stored in a food storage frame 15, and the food storage frame 15 is passed through a boiling tank 100, during which the food is boiled while passing through for a predetermined time, and after leaving the boiling tank, the food is discharged from the food storage frame 15.

[0039] In particular, FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which raw noodles supplied from above are stored in food storage frame 15, and the raw noodles are boiled by transporting the boiling tank. The conveyor device 150 shown in Figures 8 to 11 is a conveyor device 150 that has a pair of first sprockets 21 and second sprockets 23 arranged in parallel, and has a pair of endless conveyor chains 25 that are wound between the first sprockets 21 and the second sprockets 23.

[0040] In the conveyor device 150, the pair of first sprockets 21 are arranged inside (in the space of) the treatment tank, and the pair of second sprockets 23 are arranged outside the treatment tank 100. Furthermore, the first sprocket 23 in the first embodiment of the present invention defines one end of the conveyor and is movable in a substantially horizontal direction. In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first sprocket 23 is attached to the lower part of a slidable first moving unit 27, which is placed on a rail 29 for the first moving unit and is configured to be able to slide left and right on the rail 29 as needed.

[0041] In addition, in order to allow the first moving unit 27 to slide, a conveyor chain 27 for the first moving unit is connected to the front and rear of the frame of the first moving unit 27, and the conveyor chain 27 is wound around a plurality of sprockets 33 provided on the upper part thereof, so that the first moving unit 27 can be moved by driving any of the sprockets 27 for the first moving unit.

[0042] It should be noted that such a moving device for moving the sprocket is not necessarily required, and it is also possible to move the sprocket manually and fix its position with a screw or the like. In addition, the second sprocket 23 in the first embodiment is located above the first sprocket 21, defines the other end of the conveyor, and is movable in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0043] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second sprocket 23 is positioned above the first sprocket 21, thereby forming a lower conveying path including the first sprocket 21 and an upper conveying path including the second sprocket 23. In addition, the second sprocket 23 is attached to the center of a second moving unit 35 that can slide, and the second moving unit 35 is placed on a rail 37 for the second moving unit and is configured to be able to slide left and right on the rail as needed.

[0044] In addition, in order to allow the second moving unit 35 to slide, a conveyor chain 39 for the second moving unit is connected to the front and rear of the frame body, and the conveyor chain 39 is wound around multiple sprockets provided on the top of it, so that the second moving unit 35 can be moved by driving any of the sprockets 41.

[0045] It should be noted that such a moving device for moving the sprockets is not necessarily required, and it is also possible to move them manually and fix their positions with screws, etc. Furthermore, when the first sprocket 21 and the second sprocket 23 move, the movements of the first moving unit 27 and the second moving unit 35 are synchronized so that the conveyor chain 25 does not become significantly loose.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a plurality of pairs of intermediate sprockets are required to define the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 25 in order to form the above-mentioned lower conveying path and upper conveying path.

[0047] In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 8, in addition to the first sprocket 21 and the second sprocket 23, there are provided a first intermediate sprocket 43 for changing the lower conveying path upward, and a second intermediate sprocket 45 for changing the direction to horizontal after moving upward. Furthermore, there is provided a third intermediate sprocket 47 which, in cooperation with the second intermediate sprocket 45, determines the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 25. The third intermediate sprocket 47 also serves as a drive sprocket and is provided to transmit rotational force from a predetermined power unit to the conveyor chain.

[0048] Furthermore, the conveyor chain 25 turns around at the second sprocket 23 to form an upper conveying path, and then a fourth intermediate sprocket 49 is provided, which cooperates with the third intermediate sprocket 47, which is also the previous driving sprocket, to determine the conveying direction of the conveyor chain 25.

[0049] Furthermore, after passing through the fifth intermediate sprocket 51, the conveyor chain 25 moves downward, and then changes its conveying direction horizontally by the sixth intermediate sprocket 53, thereby moving to the lower conveying path.

[0050] Next, the first sprocket 21 and the second sprocket 23 are horizontally movable because sliding the first sprocket 21 and / or the second sprocket 23 can shorten the distance the conveyor device 150 transports the processing tank 100. In other words, when processing food in the processing tank 100, it may be necessary to change the processing time depending on the type and size of the food. This is particularly necessary when the speed at which the food to be processed is supplied does not change.

[0051] In such a case, by moving first sprocket 21 to the right side of the paper as shown in Figure 8 and similarly moving second sprocket 23 to the right side of the paper, the transport distance of food storage frame 15 within the processing tank can be shortened, thereby shortening the food processing time. For example, it is necessary to change the processing time depending on the type and size of food, and this can be easily accommodated.

[0052] More specifically, in the case shown in Figure 8, when fresh noodles are to be boiled, the boiling time may need to be changed depending on the thickness and quantity of the noodles. Since thicker fresh noodles usually need to be boiled for a longer time and thinner fresh noodles for a shorter time, it is preferable to set the first sprocket 21 and second sprocket 23 so that the distance traveled through the boiling tank 100 is longer for thicker fresh noodles, as shown in Figure 8, and to set the first sprocket 21 and second sprocket 23 so that the distance traveled through the boiling tank 100 is shorter for thinner fresh noodles, as shown in Figure 11.

[0053] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, when the first sprocket 21 and the second sprocket 23 are moved using their own moving devices to change the processing time depending on the product type, it is preferable to synchronize the power units of both moving devices to prevent slack in the conveyor chain 25.

[0054] In the present invention, in order to promote dispersion of the food being processed within the processing tank 100 and to process it efficiently, a fluid such as steam or airflow is supplied into the processing tank 100 during processing and bubbling is performed to promote the processing, so multiple fluid supply pipes 1 are installed and configured to bubble steam, and the fluid supply pipes 1 are positioned below the food storage frame 15 being transported and in close proximity to the food storage frame 15.

[0055] On the other hand, when attempting to slide the first sprocket 21 in the boiling tank 100 as described above, the moving first sprocket 21 and conveyor chain 25 will hit the fluid supply pipe 1 inserted from the outside, so it is necessary to easily remove the inserted fluid supply pipe 1.

[0056] The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8 has the advantage that the fluid supply pipe 1 can be easily attached and detached, and therefore such work can be carried out efficiently. In this way, in the first embodiment, by providing multiple detachable fluid supply pipes 1 that traverse the width of the treatment tank 100 in the present invention, it is possible to easily respond even when the first sprocket 21 moves. Furthermore, the conveyor device of the present invention described above is merely an example, and it goes without saying that it is also possible for the first and second sprockets to be fixed, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 below.

[0057] -Conveyor chain support rail- In the present invention, when a conveyor device 150 for transporting food is provided, it is preferable to provide a support rail 55 for supporting the conveyor chain 25 below the conveyor chain 25 in order to prevent the conveyor chain 25 from swinging. For example, one method is to attach the support rail 55 as a fixed type below the conveyor chain to the side of the processing tank, etc., as shown in Figure 13.

[0058] On the other hand, when the first sprocket 21 is movable as shown in Figures 8 and 11, the support rail may interfere with the movement of the first sprocket 21. In such cases, it is preferable to use a type in which the movable support rail 57 can be moved in and out, as shown in Figure 14.

[0059] That is, when the first sprocket 21 moves, the support rail is retracted so as not to interfere with the movement of the sprocket (Figure 14(a)), and when the first sprocket 21 does not move, the support rail can be placed under the conveyor chain 25 (Figure 14(b)).

[0060] Specifically, in the configurations shown in Figures 8 and 11, the support rails of the upper conveyance path of the conveyor chain 25 in the lower conveyance path within the treatment tank 100 interfere with the movement of the sprocket as it moves, so they are the movable support rails shown in Figure 14. On the other hand, the support rails of the lower conveyance path of the conveyor chain 25 in the lower conveyance path within the treatment tank are fixed support rails 55 shown in Figure 13, so they do not interfere with the movement of the sprocket even if it moves.

[0061] ─Transportation procedure for boiling food (raw noodles) when using the food processing equipment (boiling tank) shown in Figures 8 and 11─ 8 is intended to process noodle strings. Food storage frame 15 is connected at both ends to a pair of conveyor chains 25, which circulate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. First, an empty food storage frame 15 that has passed through the sixth intermediate sprocket 53 enters the boiling tank 100, and nine rows of food (fresh noodles) are individually supplied from above. The storage frame 15 has a rotating lid on top, which is put on after the fresh noodles have been supplied.

[0062] Next, the noodles are transported in a boiling tank 100 while immersed in boiling water. During transport, they are subjected to bubbling with steam from multiple fluid supply pipes 1 attached below. This bubbling agitates the noodle strands in the food storage frame, preventing the raw noodles from sticking together and allowing the noodles to be boiled efficiently.

[0063] Next, the first sprocket 21 moves the food storage frame 15 downward and turns it over, so that it is transported in a state where it is completely immersed in the boiling tank 100. During this transport, the food storage frame 15 is also subjected to bubbling by steam from the fluid supply pipe 1 attached below. The bubbling agitates the noodle strands in the food storage frame 15, so the noodle boiling process is carried out efficiently.

[0064] The food storage frame 15 containing the raw noodles moves upward on the first intermediate sprocket 43, escapes from the boiling tank 100, and moves approximately horizontally on the second intermediate sprocket 45.The food storage frame then turns over, and the boiled noodles inside are transferred via chute 59 to a separately prepared conveyor device or the like, and transported to the specified process.

[0065] On the other hand, after the noodle bundles have been discharged, the empty food storage frame 15 is transported horizontally, then moves upward at the second sprocket, turns over, and is transported horizontally with the lid open. It moves downward after passing through the fourth intermediate sprocket 49 and the fifth intermediate sprocket 51, and then moves approximately horizontally at the sixth intermediate sprocket 53.

[0066] Next, in the food processing device 200 shown in Figure 11, compared to the case of Figure 8, the first sprocket 21 slides a predetermined distance to the right of the page, and at the same time, the second sprocket 23 also slides a predetermined distance. This movement shortens the transport distance of the food storage frame 15 within the processing tank 100 (boiling tank), and the boiling time is set to be shorter. In this way, the boiling time can be changed.

[0067] In this case, the first sprocket 21 is moved to the right side of the paper in Figure 8 (towards the center of the treatment tank), but to do this, it is necessary to remove the fluid supply pipe 1 on the upper side within the treatment tank 100 within the range of movement of the first sprocket 21. In the present invention, the detachable fluid supply pipe 1 as described above is used, so that detachment can be easily performed. Furthermore, the movable support rail 57 on the upper side in the treatment tank can also be set in the retracted state shown in FIG. 14(a) within the range in which the first sprocket 21 moves.

Claims

1. The food processing apparatus includes a processing tank for processing food, and a plurality of detachable fluid supply pipes that extend across the processing tank in a width direction, The food processing device is of a type in which the fluid supply pipe is divided into two parts, one of which is inserted from each of the outer sides of the processing tank in the width direction, and which engages within the tank.

2. 2. The food processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid supply pipe is inserted from the outside of the processing tank.

3. 3. The food processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a conveyor device for conveying food in the processing tank in the longitudinal direction.

4. 4. The food processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the conveyor device is a conveyor device having a pair of first and second sprockets arranged in parallel, and a pair of endless conveyor chains wound between the first and second sprockets.

5. 5. The food processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein in the conveyor device, the pair of first sprockets is disposed inside the processing vessel and the pair of second sprockets is disposed outside the processing vessel.

6. 5. The food processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pair of first and second sprockets in the conveyor device are slidable in a substantially horizontal direction.

7. 7. A food processing device as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the conveyor device is provided with a plurality of pairs of intermediate sprockets that regulate the conveyor chain conveying path so as to form approximately parallel conveying paths of the pair of conveyor chains inside and outside the processing tank.

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