Thickness measuring device and thickness measuring method

Abstract

To provide a thickening measuring device that can measure the degree of thickening of food and beverage in a short time in a hygienic manner.SOLUTION: A thickening measuring device AA has a vertical cylinder 10 into which fluidized food and beverage are injected, a nozzle 20 provided at the lower end of the vertical tube 10 and having a first outlet from which the food and beverage flow out, and a pedestal 30 supporting the nozzle 20 above a container C collecting the food and beverage that flow out from the first outlet. The vertical cylinder 10 has a scale indicating the liquid level of the food and beverage. The spilled food and beverage are collected in the container C, which is sanitary. Since the method is to measure the degree of thickening by letting the food and beverage flow out of the vertical cylinder 10, the time required for measurement is relatively short.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a viscosity measuring device and a viscosity measuring method, and more particularly to a viscosity measuring device for measuring the thickness of food and drink in medical and nursing care settings, and a method for measuring the thickness of food and drink. [Background technology]

[0002] Swallowing refers to the process of swallowing food and drink from the mouth and sending it to the stomach, and a condition in which the swallowing action is not performed properly is called dysphagia. When dysphagia occurs, food and drink cannot be swallowed properly, and aspiration can lead to pneumonia. Therefore, when providing beverages to patients with dysphagia, thickening agents are added to the beverage to thicken it. The degree of viscosity of the beverage needs to be adjusted according to the severity of the swallowing disorder. However, thickening agents are sold by various companies and their performance varies slightly. For this reason, in medical and nursing care settings, the viscosity is measured each time a thickened beverage is prepared.

[0003] Accurately measuring the viscosity of a liquid requires a viscosity measurement device such as a rotational viscometer. However, this type of device is expensive, and it is not practical to install it in all hospitals and elderly care facilities. Therefore, in many cases, a simpler measurement method is chosen. For example, the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation has proposed the line spread test (LST) as a simple measurement method that can be performed without a viscosity measurement device (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] The line spread test is performed as follows: A metal ring with an inner diameter of 30 mm is placed on a graduated plastic measuring plate. 20 mL of sample is poured into the ring and left to stand for 30 seconds to stop the flow of the sample. The ring is then lifted and the spread distance of the sample is measured at six points after 30 seconds, and the average value is taken as the LST value. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Dysphagia Adjusted Diet Committee, "2021 Dysphagia Adjusted Diet Classification for the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation," Journal of the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation 25(2), 2021, pp. 135-149 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The line spread test is unhygienic because the food or drink spreads over the measuring plate and may overflow, especially if the consistency is thin. Also, the viscosity of a liquid increases as the temperature drops, so a short measurement time is better for accurately measuring viscosity. However, the line spread test requires at least one minute to complete.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a viscosity measuring device and a viscosity measuring method that can hygienically measure the degree of thickness of food and drink in a short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The viscosity measuring device of the first invention comprises a vertical cylinder into which fluid food or drink is poured, a nozzle provided at the bottom end of the vertical cylinder and having a first outlet through which the food or drink flows out, and a base supporting the nozzle above a container that collects the food or drink that flows out from the first outlet, and the vertical cylinder has a scale that indicates the liquid level of the food or drink. And before The base has a second outlet, and the first outlet and the second outlet are positioned offset from the center of the nozzle, and by rotating the nozzle relative to the base, the first outlet and the second outlet are switched between connected and disconnected. No. 2 The viscosity measuring device of the invention is No. 1 In the invention, a liquid cutter ring is provided around the second outlet on the bottom surface of the base. Third The viscosity measuring device of the invention is 1st or 2ndThe invention is characterized in that it includes a handle provided on the vertical tube. Fourth The viscosity measuring device of the invention is Third In any one of the inventions, a funnel is provided at the upper end of the vertical cylinder. No. 5 The viscosity measuring device of the invention is a vertical cylinder into which fluid food or beverage is poured, a nozzle provided at the lower end of the vertical cylinder and having a first outlet through which the food or beverage flows out, and a base for supporting the nozzle above a container for collecting the food or beverage that flows out from the first outlet, wherein the vertical cylinder has a scale indicating the liquid level of the food or beverage, The vertical cylinder, the nozzle, and the base are each removable. No. 6 The viscosity measuring device of the invention is No. 5 In any one of the inventions, the height dimension of the vertical tube is 15 to 25 cm. Seventh The viscosity measuring device of the invention is No. 6 In any one of the inventions, the inner diameter of the vertical tube is 15 to 25 mm. No. 8 The viscosity measuring device of the invention is Seventh In any one of the inventions, the first outlet has an inner diameter of 2 to 6 mm. No. 9 The method for measuring viscosity of the invention is as follows: In a state where the first outlet of the nozzle provided at the lower end of the vertical cylinder is disconnected from the second outlet of the base supporting the nozzle, A step of pouring a fluid food or beverage into the vertical tube; The nozzle is rotated relative to the base to connect the first outlet and the second outlet; 1st outlet and the second outlet The method is characterized by comprising the steps of: causing the food and beverage to flow out of the vertical tube and recovering it in a container; and measuring the time required for the liquid level of the food and beverage in the vertical tube to drop from a predetermined liquid level at the start of measurement to a liquid level at the end of measurement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the first invention, spilled food and drink is collected in a container, which is hygienic. Also, since the method measures the thickness of food and drink by spilling it from a vertical tube, the time required for measurement is relatively short. moreover, By rotating the nozzle, the flow of food or drink can be started or stopped, making measurement easy. No. 2According to the invention, the food or drink flowing out from the second outlet is prevented from adhering to the bottom surface of the base, so the outflow time is stable and the accuracy of measuring the degree of viscosity is increased. Third According to the invention, the nozzle can be easily rotated by manually operating the handle. Fourth According to the invention, the funnel facilitates the pouring of food and drink into the stand. No. 5 According to the invention, the individual components can be removed for easy cleaning, and the viscosity measuring device can be kept clean. No. 6 According to the invention, the height of the vertical tube is 15 cm or more, so the head of the food or drink is high and the food or drink can flow out at a high speed. As a result, the time required to measure the viscosity can be shortened. Furthermore, the height of the vertical tube is 25 cm or less, so the volume of the vertical tube can be reduced, and the amount of food or drink required for measurement can be reduced. Seventh According to the invention, the inside of the vertical tube is easy to clean because the inside diameter of the vertical tube is 15 mm or more. Also, because the inside diameter of the vertical tube is 25 mm or less, the volume of the vertical tube can be reduced, and the amount of food or drink required for measurement can be reduced. No. 8 According to the invention, the inner diameter of the first outlet is 2 to 6 mm, so that the outflow speed of food and drink becomes appropriate, and measurement time can be shortened while maintaining measurement accuracy. No. 9 According to the invention, spilled food and drink is collected in a container, which is hygienic. Also, since the method measures the thickness of food and drink by letting it flow out of a vertical tube, the time required for measurement is relatively short. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a viscosity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure (A) is a plan view of the vertical cylinder, and Figure (B) is a front view of the vertical cylinder. [Figure 3] Figure (A) is a plan view of the nozzle, and Figure (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the nozzle. [Figure 4]Figure (A) is a plan view of the base, Figure (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the base, and Figure (C) is a bottom view of the base. [Figure 5] Figure (A) is a front view of the viscosity measuring device at the start of measurement, and Figure (B) is a front view of the viscosity measuring device at the end of measurement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The thickness measuring device AA according to one embodiment of the present invention is used for easily measuring the degree of thickness of fluid foods and beverages. Examples of foods and beverages include water, tea, beverages such as nutritional supplements, and foods such as soup. Food and beverages may contain small amounts of solid matter that do not significantly affect the fluidity. Typically, the thickness of foods and beverages is adjusted by adding thickeners (also called thickening foods), potato starch, arrowroot starch, etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the thickness measuring device AA comprises a vertical tube 10, a nozzle 20, and a base 30. As will be described later, the food or drink to be measured is poured into the vertical tube 10, and the degree of thickness is measured from the time it takes for the food or drink to flow out of the vertical tube 10. When measuring the degree of thickness, the thickness measuring device AA is placed above a container C. Therefore, the food or drink that flows out of the vertical tube 10 is collected in the container C. Note that the container C is not particularly limited as long as it can hold food or drink, and a cup, bowl, etc. can be used.

[0013] As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the vertical tube 10 is a tubular material with open top and bottom ends. A cylinder is preferably used as the vertical tube 10, but a tube with a polygonal cross section may also be used. When measuring the degree of viscosity, the vertical tube 10 is positioned vertically with its central axis aligned vertically.

[0014] The vertical tube 10 is provided with a scale 11 indicating the liquid level of the food or drink inside. The scale 11 is made up of multiple lines indicating the liquid level in predetermined units such as cm or inch. The scale 11 may also be made up of one or multiple lines or marks indicating a predetermined reference liquid level. For example, the scale 11 may be two lines indicating the liquid level at the start and end of the measurement of the food or drink outflow time. Alternatively, the liquid level at the start of the measurement of the food or drink outflow time may be set at the top of the vertical tube 10, and the scale 11 may be provided with a single line indicating the liquid level at the end of the measurement. The difference in liquid level between the start and end of the measurement is set in advance to provide an outflow time suitable for measurement.

[0015] The vertical tube 10 is formed of a transparent material so that the position of the liquid level of the food or drink inside the vertical tube 10 can be visually confirmed. As long as the liquid level of the food or drink can be visually confirmed within the range necessary for measuring the degree of viscosity, part of the vertical tube 10 may be transparent and other parts may be opaque.

[0016] If necessary, a funnel 12 is provided at the upper end of the vertical tube 10. The funnel 12 makes it easy to pour food or drink into the vertical tube 10. Furthermore, if necessary, a handle 13 is provided on the vertical tube 10.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), nozzle 20 is a cylindrical body with a bottom as a whole. Nozzle 20 is provided at the lower end of vertical tube 10. Nozzle 20 has a recess 21 into which the lower end of vertical tube 10 is inserted. Nozzle 20 also has a first outlet 22 that connects recess 21 to the bottom surface. Food and drink poured into vertical tube 10 flows out from first outlet 22. It is preferable that recess 21 has a slope 23 that tapers downward from the inner peripheral surface of first outlet 22 to ensure smooth flow even for thickly viscous food and drink.

[0018] The position of the first outlet 22 is not particularly limited, and may be in the central portion or the outer periphery of the nozzle 20. In this embodiment, the first outlet 22 is disposed at a position (eccentric position) offset from the center O of the nozzle 20. In addition, a protrusion 24 is provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle 20. The functions of these will be described later.

[0019] As shown in Figures 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C), the base 30 has a support 31 that engages with the edge of the container C. The support 31 shown in the figure is disk-shaped, but is not limited to this. For example, the support 31 may be composed of multiple arms arranged radially.

[0020] A storage section 32 for storing the nozzle 20 is provided in the center of the support 31. The storage section 32 has a circular recess 33 into which the nozzle 20 is inserted. By placing the base 30 with the nozzle 20 inserted into the storage section 32 on a container C, the nozzle 20 can be supported on the container C (see FIG. 1). Therefore, food and drink flowing out from the first outlet 22 is collected in the container C.

[0021] The accommodation section 32 has a second outlet 34 that communicates between the recess 33 and the bottom surface. The second outlet 34 is arranged at a position that allows connection to the first outlet 22. In this embodiment, the second outlet 34 is arranged at a position (eccentric position) offset from the center O of the nozzle 20 accommodated in the accommodation section 32. Here, the eccentric distance of the second outlet 34 is approximately the same as the eccentric distance of the first outlet 22. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the recess 33 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the nozzle 20, allowing the nozzle 20 to rotate around the central axis. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 33 expands outward, and the protrusion 24 of the nozzle 20 is inserted into this expansion section 35. The nozzle 20 rotates within the range in which the protrusion 24 is located in the expansion section 35. In other words, the rotation range of the nozzle 20 is limited.

[0022] When the nozzle 20 is rotated until the convex portion 24 reaches one end of the extension portion 35, the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34 are connected (the state shown in FIG. 4(B)). When the nozzle 20 is rotated from this state until the convex portion 24 reaches the other end of the extension portion 35, the connection between the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34 is released, and the first outlet 22 is blocked by the base 30. In this way, by rotating the nozzle 20 relative to the base 30, the connection / disconnection between the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34 is switched.

[0023] When the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34 are connected, the food and drink in the vertical tube 10 flows out from the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34. That is, the food and drink is discharged from the opening on the bottom surface of the base 30. When a viscous liquid flows out from the opening, the liquid adheres to the periphery of the opening. The liquid adhering to the periphery of the opening affects the flow of the liquid from the opening. As a result, the outflow time of the food and drink from the vertical tube 10 changes with each measurement, reducing the accuracy of the thickness measurement.

[0024] In this regard, in this embodiment, a liquid cutter ring 36 is provided on the bottom surface of the base 30 around the second outlet 34. The liquid cutter ring 36 prevents food and drink that flows out from the second outlet 34 from adhering to the bottom surface of the base 30. This stabilizes the outflow time of the food and drink, and increases the accuracy of measuring the degree of viscosity.

[0025] Next, a method for measuring the thickness of food and drink using the thickness measuring device AA will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the vertical cylinder 10, the nozzle 20, and the base 30 are connected to assemble the viscosity measuring device AA, and the device is placed on the container C.

[0026] Next, with the first outlet 22 of the nozzle 20 and the second outlet 34 of the base 30 disconnected (with the first outlet 22 closed), the food or drink to be measured is poured into the vertical tube 10. The food or drink is poured until it reaches a predetermined liquid level. For example, the food or drink is poured up to the top of the vertical tube 10.

[0027] Next, as shown in Figure 5(B), the nozzle 20 is rotated to connect the first outlet 22 and the second outlet 34. At this time, the handle 13 is operated by hand to rotate the nozzle 20 together with the vertical tube 10. In this way, the nozzle 20 can be easily rotated.

[0028] When nozzle 20 is rotated, the food or drink begins to flow. As the food or drink flows out, the liquid level inside vertical tube 10 drops. The time required for this flow to occur is measured. The liquid levels at the start and end of the flow time measurement are predetermined. For example, the liquid level at the start of the measurement is set to the top of vertical tube 10, and the liquid level at the end of the measurement is set to 5 cm below the top of vertical tube 10. The time required for the liquid level of the food or drink to drop from the level at the start of the measurement to the level at the end of the measurement (flow time) is measured using a stopwatch or similar device. Rotating nozzle 20 starts and stops the flow of food or drink, making it easy to start the flow of food or drink and start measurement with a stopwatch simultaneously.

[0029] Food and drink flows from the vertical tube 10, which has a large inner diameter, into the first outlet 22, which has a small inner diameter. The local loss due to the narrowing of the flow path correlates with the viscosity of the liquid; the higher the viscosity of the liquid, the greater the local loss. Furthermore, the greater the local loss, the slower the outflow speed and the longer the outflow time. Therefore, the outflow time of the food and drink correlates with the degree of viscosity. Therefore, the degree of viscosity can be evaluated using the outflow time as an index.

[0030] As described above, the viscosity measuring device AA measures the degree of viscosity by letting food or drink flow out of the vertical tube 10. Therefore, the time required for measurement is shorter than conventional line spread tests, etc. Because the measurement time is short, the temperature of the food or drink does not drop as easily, allowing for accurate measurement of viscosity.

[0031] Furthermore, food and drink that flows out of the vertical tube 10 is collected in the container C, making it hygienic. Moreover, the vertical tube 10, nozzle 20, and base 30 are all removable. By removing the individual components, they can be easily cleaned. Therefore, the viscosity meter AA can be kept clean.

[0032] It is preferable that the dimensions of each part of the viscosity measuring device AA be as follows: The height H1 of the vertical tube 10 (see FIG. 2(B)) is preferably 15 to 25 cm, and more preferably 17 to 23 cm. If the height H1 of the vertical tube 10 is 15 cm or more, the head of the food or drink is high, and the outflow rate of the food or drink can be increased. As a result, the time required to measure the viscosity can be shortened. Furthermore, if the height H1 of the vertical tube 10 is 25 cm or less, the volume of the vertical tube 10 can be reduced, and the amount of food or drink required for measurement can be reduced.

[0033] The difference H2 between the liquid level at the start and end of the outflow time measurement (see Figure 2(B)) is set so that the outflow time falls within an appropriate range, taking into account the range of viscosity of the food or drink. The difference H2 in liquid level is preferably 2 to 7 cm, more preferably 3 to 5 cm. If the difference in liquid level is 2 cm or more, the outflow time is not too short, making measurement easy. Furthermore, if the difference in liquid level is 7 cm or less, the outflow time is not too long, and the measurement time can be shortened.

[0034] The inner diameter D1 of the vertical tube 10 (see FIG. 2(A)) is preferably 15 to 25 mm, and more preferably 17 to 23 mm. If the inner diameter D1 of the vertical tube 10 is 15 mm or more, the inside of the vertical tube 10 can be easily cleaned. Furthermore, if the inner diameter D1 of the vertical tube 10 is 25 mm or less, the volume of the vertical tube 10 can be reduced, and the amount of food or drink required for measurement can be reduced.

[0035] The ratio of the height dimension H1 to the inner diameter D1 of the vertical cylinder 10 is preferably 5 to 15, and more preferably 7 to 13. In this way, the volume of the vertical cylinder 10 can be reduced while ensuring the head of food and drink.

[0036] The inner diameter of the first outlet 22 is preferably 2 to 6 mm, and more preferably 3 to 5 mm. If the inner diameter of the first outlet 22 is 2 to 6 mm, the outflow speed of the food or drink becomes appropriate, and the measurement time can be shortened while maintaining measurement accuracy. The inner diameter of the second outlet 34 may be approximately the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the first outlet 22. [Example]

[0037] Next, an example will be described. A viscosity measuring device was created with a nozzle at the bottom of a vertical cylinder. No base was provided. The vertical cylinder had a height of 20 cm and an inner diameter of 20 mm. The inner diameter of the first outlet was 5 mm.

[0038] A thickening agent (Tsururinko Quickly, manufactured by Clinico Co., Ltd.) was mixed with water to prepare samples with viscosities of 50, 150, 300, and 500 mPa·s. A rheometer (Physica MCR301, manufactured by Anton Paar) was used to measure the viscosity.

[0039] After the sample at 20±1°C was poured into the vertical tube up to the top, it began to flow out of the tube, and the time required for the liquid level to drop by 5cm was measured with a stopwatch. Eight measurements were taken for each sample, and the average value was calculated.

[0040] The results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0041] The measurement results are shown in Table 2, which is based on the 2021 Academic Classification (see Non-Patent Document 1). [Table 2]

[0042] The measurement time for a sample with a viscosity of 500 mPa·s was approximately 23 seconds. Compared to the line spread test, which requires at least one minute for measurement, it was confirmed that the degree of viscosity can be measured in a shorter time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] AA Thickness Meter 10 vertical tube 11 scales 12 Funnel 13 Handle 20 nozzles 22 1st outlet 30 pedestal 31 Support 34 2nd outlet 36 Liquid cutter ring

Claims

1. a vertical tube into which fluid food or drink is poured; a nozzle provided at a lower end of the vertical tube and having a first outlet through which the food or beverage flows out; a base for supporting the nozzle on a container for collecting the food or beverage that flows out from the first outlet, The vertical tube has a scale indicating the liquid level of the food or drink, the base has a second outlet; the first outlet and the second outlet are disposed at positions offset from the center of the nozzle, By rotating the nozzle relative to the base, connection / disconnection between the first outlet and the second outlet is switched. A viscosity measuring device characterized by the above.

2. A liquid cutoff ring is provided around the second outlet on the bottom surface of the base.

2. The viscosity measuring device according to claim 1 .

3. A handle is provided on the vertical cylinder.

3. The viscosity measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A funnel is provided at the upper end of the vertical cylinder. The viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A vertical tube into which fluid food or beverage is poured; a nozzle provided at a lower end of the vertical tube and having a first outlet through which the food or beverage flows out; a base for supporting the nozzle on a container for collecting the food or beverage that flows out from the first outlet, The vertical tube has a scale indicating the liquid level of the food or drink, The vertical cylinder, the nozzle, and the base are each removable. A viscosity measuring device characterized by the above.

6. The height of the vertical cylinder is 15 to 25 cm. The viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The inner diameter of the vertical cylinder is 15 to 25 mm. The viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The inner diameter of the first outlet is 2 to 6 mm. The viscosity measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A process of injecting fluid food or beverage into the vertical tube while disconnecting a first outlet of a nozzle provided at the lower end of the vertical tube from a second outlet of a base supporting the nozzle; a step of rotating the nozzle relative to the base to connect the first outlet and the second outlet, causing the food and beverage to flow out from the first outlet and the second outlet, and collecting the food and beverage in a container; measuring the time required for the liquid level of the food or drink in the vertical tube to decrease from a predetermined liquid level at the start of measurement to a liquid level at the end of measurement. A method for measuring viscosity.

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