Food processing device, food processing method, and food manufacturing method

Abstract

A food processing device according to the present invention includes: a first rotary shaft capable of rotating in a first direction about a first rotation axis; multiple first processing members coupled to the first rotary shaft and extending along the first rotation axis; a second rotary shaft capable of rotating in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, about a second rotation axis; and multiple second processing members coupled to the second rotary shaft and extending along the second rotation axis. The second processing members are arranged so as to overlap at least some of the first processing member when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis. The first processing members and the second processing members are adjacent to each other and rotate without touching each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a food processing apparatus, a food processing method, and a food manufacturing method. [Background technology]

[0002] A method and an apparatus for freezing cooked rice to separate and separate each grain of rice are known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3762832

[0004] When separating a food product consisting of multiple ingredients bonded together into individual ingredients, it is advantageous to maintain the desired shape of each ingredient, as this not only preserves the aesthetic appearance of the ingredients but also maintains the deliciousness of the texture, etc.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a food processing apparatus, a food processing method, and a food manufacturing method that are capable of reducing damage to food. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a food processing apparatus for processing food, comprising: a first rotating shaft rotatable in a first direction around a first rotation axis; a plurality of first processing members connected to the first rotating shaft and extending along the first rotation axis; a second rotating shaft rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction around a second rotation axis; and a plurality of second processing members connected to the second rotating shaft and extending along the second rotation axis, wherein the second processing members are arranged to overlap at least a portion of the first processing members when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and the first processing members and the second processing members rotate adjacent to each other without coming into contact with each other.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a food processing method for processing food, comprising the steps of: rotating a plurality of first processing members extending along a first rotation axis in a first direction; rotating a plurality of second processing members extending along a second rotation axis and arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the first processing members when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and supplying food between the first processing members and the second processing members.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a food manufacturing method for manufacturing food, comprising the steps of: rotating a plurality of first processing members extending along a first rotation axis in a first direction; rotating a plurality of second processing members extending along a second rotation axis and arranged to overlap at least a portion of the first processing members when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and supplying food between the first processing members and the second processing members.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, damage to food can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a food processing apparatus according to one embodiment, the food processing apparatus being attached to a support. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a food processing apparatus according to one embodiment, the food processing apparatus being attached to a support. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a food processing apparatus according to an embodiment, the food processing apparatus being removed from a support. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3) showing the food processing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to part V in FIG. 4) showing a food processing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a food processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a food production method according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modification (first modification) of the food processing apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8) showing a modified example (first modified example) of the food processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification (second modification) of the food processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modification (third modification) of the food processing apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 7 are diagrams showing the present embodiment. The size and scale of elements shown in each drawing do not necessarily correspond to the actual objects, and do not match between drawings, for the sake of convenience of illustration and understanding. However, a person skilled in the art will be able to clearly understand the configuration and effects of the elements shown in each drawing by taking into consideration the description of this specification and the claims.

[0012] In the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the height direction (i.e., the direction along the vertical direction in which gravity acts), and the horizontal direction is the direction perpendicular to the height direction.

[0013] In the following embodiments, "food" includes one or more types of ingredients. Furthermore, "food" may include multiple ingredients bound together by freezing. The specific type of each ingredient is not particularly limited. Therefore, ingredients may include, for example, one or more of eggs, seafood, meat, beans, vegetables, fruits, grains such as rice, and other ingredients. Furthermore, the size of the ingredients may be, for example, approximately 50 mm x 80 mm x 2.5 mm. Furthermore, if the food includes multiple ingredients bound together by freezing, the size of the food may be, for example, approximately 200 mm x 500 mm x 50 mm.

[0014] food processing equipment First, a food processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. This food processing apparatus 1 processes food F (see Figure 7).

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, food processing apparatus 1 includes a first rotating shaft 10, a plurality of first processing members 11 connected to first rotating shaft 10, a second rotating shaft 20, and a plurality of second processing members 21 connected to second rotating shaft 20. In this embodiment, food processing apparatus 1 further includes a first connecting member 12 connecting first rotating shaft 10 to the plurality of first processing members 11, and a second connecting member 22 connecting second rotating shaft 20 to the plurality of second processing members 21. In the illustrated example, first rotating shaft 10 and second rotating shaft 20 are each rotatably supported by support 2. Preferably, first rotating shaft 10 and second rotating shaft 20 are each configured to be detachable from support 2. This allows food processing apparatus 1 to be easily cleaned, maintaining hygiene of food processing apparatus 1.

[0016] Next, a detailed description will be given of the first rotating shaft 10, the first processing member 11, the first connecting member 12, the second rotating shaft 20, the second processing member 21, and the second connecting member 22. First, the first rotating shaft 10 will be described.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first rotating shaft 10 is configured to be rotatable in a first direction d1 around a first rotation axis Ax1. The first rotating shaft 10 is attached to a drive device (not shown) and rotates in a clockwise direction in Figures 3 and 4. This drive device may be, for example, a motor. The drive device is connected to a control device (not shown) and is configured to rotate the first rotating shaft 10 in response to a signal from the control device. The rotation speed of the first rotating shaft 10 may be, for example, approximately 5 rpm or more and 1000 rpm or less.

[0018] Next, the first processing members 11 will be described. Each of the multiple first processing members 11 extends along a first rotation axis Ax1. In this case, each first processing member 11 rotates so that the distance between it and any given second processing member 21 is constantly changing. This prevents excessive force from being continuously applied to the food F passing between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21.

[0019] Each of the first processing members 11 is made of a round bar. That is, the cross section of the first processing member 11 taken along a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction is circular. The diameter of the first processing member 11 depends on the size of the food F (or ingredient f (see FIG. 7)), but may be, for example, 1 mm or more and 100 mm or less. The cross section of the first processing member 11 taken along a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction may be polygonal or elliptical. The first processing member 11 may also be made of a plate-like member.

[0020] The multiple first processing members 11 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the first rotating shaft 10. In the illustrated example, eight first processing members 11 are provided. However, the number of first processing members 11 is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the food F or ingredient f. For example, the number of first processing members 11 may be 16 or 32.

[0021] A first opening S1 is formed between each of the first processing members 11, and one first opening S1 is connected to the other first openings S1. In this case, no other members are interposed between the first processing members 11. This prevents food material f that enters the region R1 (see FIG. 4) surrounded by the first processing members 11 from being crushed by the first processing members 11, the second processing members 21, and other members. Furthermore, the first openings S1 serve to allow food material f that enters the region R1 from one first opening S1 to escape from the other first openings S1 to the outside of the region R1. The width W1 of the first openings S1 (the distance between the outer surfaces of adjacent first processing members 11) may be, for example, approximately 1.1 mm or more and 500 mm or less.

[0022] Such a first processing member 11 is connected to the first rotating shaft 10 via a pair of first connecting members 12. Each first connecting member 12 has a first main body portion 13 connected to the first rotating shaft 10 and a plurality of first extending portions 14 that protrude radially (in the radial direction of the first rotating shaft 10) from the first main body portion 13 and are each connected to a different first processing member 11.

[0023] Of these, the first main body portion 13 has a disk shape. The first rotating shaft 10 penetrates the center of the first main body portion 13, and the first main body portion 13 rotates together with the first rotating shaft 10 in the first direction d1 around the first rotation axis Ax1. Note that in the illustrated example, the first rotating shaft 10 penetrates the first main body portion 13, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first rotating shaft 10 only needs to support the first connecting member 12 so that the first connecting member 12 can rotate together with the first rotating shaft 10. Although not illustrated, the first rotating shaft 10 does not have to penetrate the first main body portion 13. In other words, the first rotating shaft 10 may be coupled to each of the first connecting members 12 without being interposed between a pair of first connecting members 12.

[0024] The first extension portion 14 has a generally trapezoidal shape. In this embodiment, the first extension portion 14 functions as a gear tooth. That is, the first extension portion 14 is configured to rotate the second rotating shaft 20 connected to the second connecting member 22, which will be described later, by meshing with the second extension portion 24, which will be described later.

[0025] Next, the second rotating shaft 20 will be described. The second rotating shaft 20 is configured to be rotatable about the second rotation axis Ax2 in a second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1. That is, the second rotation axis Ax2 extends parallel to the first rotation axis Ax1, and the second rotating shaft 20 rotates counterclockwise in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this embodiment, as the first rotating shaft 10 rotates, the rotational force of the first rotating shaft 10 is applied to the second rotating shaft 20 via the first connecting member 12 and the second connecting member 22, causing the second rotating shaft 20 to rotate. The rotational speed of the second rotating shaft 20 may be, similar to the rotational speed of the first rotating shaft 10, for example, approximately 5 rpm or more and 1000 rpm or less. The rotational force of the first rotating shaft 10 may be transmitted to the second rotating shaft 20 via a power transmission means such as a pulley, gear, or timing belt (not shown). The second rotating shaft 20 may be configured to rotate independently of the first rotating shaft 10 by a driving device (not shown).

[0026] Next, the second processing members 21 will be described. Each of the multiple second processing members 21 extends along the second rotation axis Ax2. As shown in FIG. 2, the second processing members 21 are arranged so that they entirely overlap the first processing members 11 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis Ax1 (in this embodiment, the horizontal direction, the left-right direction in FIG. 2). In this case, each second processing member 21 rotates so that the distance between it and any one of the first processing members 11 is constantly changing. This prevents excessive force from being continuously applied to food F passing between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21. The second processing members 21 may be arranged so that a portion of them overlaps the first processing member 11 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis Ax1 (in this embodiment, the horizontal direction, the left-right direction in FIG. 2).

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each second processing member 21 is made of a round bar. That is, the cross section of the second processing member 21 taken along a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction is circular. The diameter of the second processing member 21 depends on the size of the food F (or ingredient f), but may be, for example, between 1 mm and 100 mm. The cross section of the second processing member 21 taken along a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction may be polygonal or elliptical. The second processing member 21 may also be made of a plate-like member.

[0028] The multiple second processing members 21 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the second rotating shaft 20. In the illustrated example, eight second processing members 21 are provided. However, the number of second processing members 21 is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the food F or ingredient f. For example, the number of second processing members 21 may be 16 or 32.

[0029] A second opening S2 is formed between each of the second processing members 21, and one second opening S2 is connected to the other second openings S2. In this case, no other members are interposed between the second processing members 21. This prevents food material f that enters the region R2 (see FIG. 4) surrounded by the second processing members 21 from being crushed by the first processing member 11, the second processing member 21, and other members. The second openings S2 also serve to allow food material f that enters the region R2 from one second opening S2 to escape from the other second openings S2 to the outside of the region R2. The width W2 of the second openings S2 (the distance between the outer surfaces of adjacent second processing members 21) may be, for example, approximately 1.1 mm or more and 500 mm or less.

[0030] Such a second processing member 21 is connected to the second rotating shaft 20 via a pair of second connecting members 22. Each second connecting member 22 has a second main body portion 23 connected to the second rotating shaft 20 and a plurality of second extending portions 24 that protrude radially (in the radial direction of the second rotating shaft 20) from the second main body portion 23 and are each connected to a different second processing member 21.

[0031] Of these, the second main body portion 23 has a disk shape. The second rotating shaft 20 penetrates the center of this second main body portion 23, and the second main body portion 23 rotates together with the second rotating shaft 20 in the second direction d2 around the second rotation axis Ax2. Note that in the illustrated example, the second rotating shaft 20 penetrates the second main body portion 23, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second rotating shaft 20 only needs to support the second connecting member 22 so that the second connecting member 22 can rotate together with the second rotating shaft 20. Although not illustrated, the second rotating shaft 20 does not have to penetrate the second main body portion 23. In other words, the second rotating shaft 20 may be coupled to each second connecting member 22 without being interposed between a pair of second connecting members 22.

[0032] The second extension portion 24 has a substantially trapezoidal shape. In this embodiment, the second extension portion 24 functions as a gear tooth. That is, the second extension portion 24 is configured to rotate the second processing member 21 connected to the second connecting member 22 by meshing with the first extension portion 14 described above.

[0033] The above-mentioned first rotating shaft 10, first processing member 11, first connecting member 12, second rotating shaft 20, second processing member 21 and second connecting member 22 may each be made of, for example, metal or the like.

[0034] The first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 are adjacent to each other and rotate without contacting each other, so that food F passing between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 is processed.

[0035] For example, when the food F includes a plurality of ingredients f that have been bound together by being frozen, the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 separate the plurality of ingredients f that pass between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21. That is, when the food F passes between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, it is sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, and the plurality of ingredients f that have been bound together are separated into individual ingredients f.

[0036] 4 and 5, in a cross section perpendicular to the first axis of rotation Ax1, the distance D (see FIG. 5) between the first processing member 11a, of which the central axis C1 is located on the line X connecting the first axis of rotation Ax1 and the second axis of rotation Ax2, and the second processing member 21a, of which the central axis C1 is located closest to the first processing member 11a, may be approximately 0.5 mm or more and 250 mm or less. Having the distance D of 0.5 mm or more prevents excessive force from being applied to each ingredient f when food F containing multiple ingredients f passes between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21. Furthermore, by setting the distance D to 250 mm or less, when food F containing multiple ingredients f passes between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, the food F can be sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, and force can be effectively applied to each ingredient f. Here, in this specification, the distance D refers to the distance between the outer surface of the first processing member 11a and the outer surface of the second processing member 21a.

[0037] Furthermore, in a cross section taken along a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis Ax1, at least a portion of the rotation locus L1 of the first processing member 11 (i.e., the rotation locus of the central axis C1) may overlap with the rotation locus L2 of the second processing member 21 (i.e., the rotation locus of the central axis C2). In the illustrated example, the rotation locus L1 of the first processing member 11 and the rotation locus L2 of the second processing member 21 are tangent to each other on a straight line X. However, this is not limiting. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the rotation locus L1 of the first processing member 11 and the rotation locus L2 of the second processing member 21 may intersect. In this case, the overlap amount A between the locus L1 and the locus L2 may be approximately 1 mm or more and 500 mm or less. By setting the overlap amount A to 1 mm or more, when food F containing ingredients f passes between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, the food F can be more effectively sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, allowing for more effective application of force to each ingredient f. Furthermore, by setting the overlap amount A to 500 mm or less, it is possible to prevent excessive force from being applied to the ingredients f, depending on the size of the ingredients f. This effectively reduces damage to the ingredients f. Herein, the overlap amount A between the trajectories L1 and L2 refers to the distance between the trajectories L1 and L2 on the line X. The radii of the trajectories L1 and L2 may be equal to or different from each other. Furthermore, the radii of the trajectories L1 and L2 may each be approximately 25 mm or more and 500 mm or less.

[0038] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, a food manufacturing method using food processing apparatus 1 (including a food processing method using food processing apparatus 1) will be described.

[0039] food manufacturing method

[0040] First, the multiple first processing members 11 extending along the first rotation axis Ax1 are rotated in the first direction d1. Furthermore, the multiple second processing members 21 extending along the second rotation axis Ax2 and arranged so as to overlap the first processing members 11 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis Ax1 (in this embodiment, the horizontal direction, that is, the left-right direction in FIG. 2 ) are rotated in the second direction d2. At this time, for example, first, the first rotating shaft 10 is rotated by driving a driving device (not shown). Then, as the first rotating shaft 10 rotates, the first connecting member 12 connected to the first rotating shaft 10 rotates. Here, the first extending portion 14 of the first connecting member 12 is engaged with the second extending portion 24 of the second connecting member 22 connected to the second rotating shaft 20. Therefore, as the first connecting member 12 rotates, the second connecting member 22 also rotates. This causes the second rotating shaft 20 connected to the second connecting member 22 to rotate.

[0041] Next, as shown in Fig. 7, food F is supplied between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21. At this time, the food F may include multiple ingredients f that have been bound together by being frozen. In this case, for example, the food F supplied between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 from above is sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 as it passes between them, thereby being separated into individual ingredients f. The individual ingredients f then fall below the food processing apparatus 1.

[0042] Furthermore, some of the food material f enters the region R1 surrounded by the first processing members 11 or the region R2 surrounded by the second processing members 21 through the first opening S1 (see FIG. 4) between the first processing members 11 or the second opening S2 (see FIG. 4) between the second processing members 21. Here, one first opening S1 is connected to another first opening S1, and one second opening S2 is connected to another second opening S2. As a result, the food material f that enters region R1 from one first opening S1 and the food material f that enters region R2 from one second opening S2 are released from the other first opening S1 and the other second opening S2 to the outside of the regions R1 and R2, respectively. This prevents the food material f from being crushed by the first processing members 11 and the second processing members 21.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, the food processing apparatus 1 includes a first rotating shaft 10 rotatable in a first direction d1 about a first rotation axis Ax1, a plurality of first processing members 11 connected to the first rotating shaft 10 and extending along the first rotation axis Ax1, a second rotating shaft 20 rotatable in a second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1 about a second rotation axis Ax2, and a plurality of second processing members 21 connected to the second rotating shaft 20 and extending along the second rotation axis Ax2. The second processing members 21 are arranged to overlap the first processing members 11 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis Ax1, and the first processing members 11 and the second processing members 21 rotate adjacent to each other without contacting each other. As a result, when food F passes between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, the food F is sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, allowing the food F to be easily processed. Furthermore, each first processing member 11 rotates so that the distance between it and any given second processing member 21 is constantly changing. Similarly, each second processing member 21 rotates so that the distance between it and any given first processing member 11 is constantly changing. This prevents excessive force from being continuously applied to food F passing between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21. As a result, damage to the food F can be reduced. Furthermore, even if the shape of the food F is uneven, the food F can be processed while reducing damage to the food F.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a first opening S1 is formed between each of the first processing members 11, and one first opening S1 is connected to the other first opening S1. This prevents food material f that enters the region R1 surrounded by the first processing members 11 from one first opening S1 from being crushed by the first processing members 11 and the second processing members 21. Furthermore, food material f that enters the region R1 from one first opening S1 can escape from the other first opening S1 to the outside of the region R1. This more effectively reduces damage to the food material f.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the food processing apparatus 1 further includes a first connecting member 12 that connects the first rotating shaft 10 and the plurality of first processing members 11 to each other, and a second connecting member 22 that connects the second rotating shaft 20 and the plurality of second processing members 21 to each other. The first connecting member 12 also includes a first main body portion 13 connected to the first rotating shaft 10 and a plurality of first extension portions 14 that protrude radially from the first main body portion 13 and are each connected to a different first processing member 11. This allows the first processing member 11 to be firmly connected to the first rotating shaft 10. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the circumferential position of the first processing member 11 from shifting relative to the first rotating shaft 10. Furthermore, the second connecting member 22 has a second main body portion 23 connected to the second rotating shaft 20 and a plurality of second extension portions 24 that protrude radially from the second main body portion 23 and are each connected to a different second processing member 21. This allows the second processing member 21 to be firmly connected to the second rotating shaft 20. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the circumferential position of the second processing member 21 from shifting relative to the second rotating shaft 20. As a result, it is possible to prevent the positional relationship between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 from shifting. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the food F from being unable to be sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 when the food F passes between them.

[0046] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in a cross section taken along a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis Ax1, at least a portion of the rotation trajectory L1 of the first processing member 11 overlaps with the rotation trajectory L2 of the second processing member 21. This allows the food F to be more securely sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 when the food F passes between them. This improves the accuracy of processing the food F. That is, for example, if the food F contains multiple ingredients f that have been frozen and bonded together, the food F can be more securely sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21, thereby efficiently separating the multiple ingredients f while reducing damage to the frozen ingredients f.

[0047] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the multiple first processing members 11 are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the first rotating shaft 10, and the multiple second processing members 21 are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the second rotating shaft 20. This allows the food F to be processed evenly.

[0048] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the food product F includes a plurality of ingredients f that have been bound together by being frozen, and the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 separate the plurality of ingredients f that pass between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21. This allows the plurality of ingredients f to be efficiently separated while reducing damage to the frozen plurality of ingredients f. In particular, when the ingredients f are frozen, the ingredients f are easily broken. Thus, even when the ingredients f are easily broken, according to this embodiment, the plurality of ingredients f can be efficiently separated without destroying the ingredients f.

[0049] Food processing equipment modifications Next, modified examples of the food processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. In Figures 8 to 11, the same parts as those in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0050] (First Modification) 8 and 9 show a first modified example of the food processing apparatus 1. In the food processing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, first reinforcing members 15 that reinforce the first processing members 11 are provided between the first processing members 11, and second reinforcing members 25 that reinforce the second processing members 21 are provided between the second processing members 21. In the illustrated example, each first processing member 11 is connected to one first reinforcing member 15 extending in the radial direction, and each first reinforcing member 15 is connected to the first rotating shaft 10. Similarly, each second processing member 21 is connected to one second reinforcing member 25 that extends in the radial direction, and each second reinforcing member 25 is connected to the second rotating shaft 20.

[0051] The first reinforcing member 15 and the second reinforcing member 25 are preferably provided at approximately the center in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the direction parallel to the first rotation axis Ax1) of the first processed member 11 and the second processed member 21, respectively, so that the first processed member 11 and the second processed member 21 can be more effectively prevented from being bent.

[0052] The first reinforcing member 15 and the second reinforcing member 25 may each be made of, for example, metal. Note that a plurality of first reinforcing members 15 may be provided between one first processed member 11 and the first rotating shaft 10 along the longitudinal direction of the first processed member 11. Similarly, a plurality of second reinforcing members 25 may be provided between one second processed member 21 and the second rotating shaft 20 along the longitudinal direction of the second processed member 21.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the first reinforcing members 15 are connected to the first rotating shaft 10, and the second reinforcing members 25 are connected to the second rotating shaft 20, but this is not limiting. For example, although not illustrated, the first reinforcing members 15 do not have to be connected to the first rotating shaft 10, and the second reinforcing members 25 do not have to be connected to the second rotating shaft 20. In this case, the first reinforcing members 15 may be provided between one first processed member 11 and another first processed member 11 that is not adjacent to the one first processed member 11. Similarly, the second reinforcing members 25 may be provided between one second processed member 21 and another second processed member 21 that is not adjacent to the one second processed member 21.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the first rotating shaft 10 penetrates the first main body portion 13, and the second rotating shaft 20 penetrates the second main body portion 23, but this is not limited to this. For example, although not illustrated, the first rotating shaft 10 and the second rotating shaft 20 do not have to penetrate the first main body portion 13 and the second main body portion 23, respectively. That is, the first rotating shaft 10 does not have to be interposed between a pair of first connecting members 12, and the second rotating shaft 20 does not have to be interposed between a pair of second connecting members 22. Even in this case, a first reinforcing member 15 can be provided between the first processed members 11, and a second reinforcing member 25 can be provided between the second processed members 21. This allows the first processed members 11 and the second processed members 21 to be reinforced.

[0055] According to this modification, a first reinforcing member 15 that reinforces the first processing member 11 is provided between the first processing members 11, and a second reinforcing member 25 that reinforces the second processing members 21 is provided between the second processing members 21. This prevents the first processing members 11 and the second processing members 21 from bending. This prevents the food F from being unable to be sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 when the food F passes between them.

[0056] (Second Modification) FIG. 10 shows a second modified example of the food processing apparatus 1. In the food processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 10, the rotation locus L1 of the first processing member 11 and the rotation locus L2 of the second processing member 21 are separated from each other in a cross section perpendicular to the first rotation axis Ax1. In this modified example, the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 rotate adjacent to each other, so that the food F can be sandwiched between the first processing member 11 and the second processing member 21 as it passes between them. This allows the food F to be easily processed.

[0057] (Third Modification) FIG. 11 shows a third modified example of the food processing apparatus 1. In the food processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 11, the first processing members 11 are directly connected to the first rotating shaft 10. Specifically, each first processing member 11 has a pair of connecting portions 11b extending radially (in the radial direction of the first rotating shaft 10) and a processing portion 11c provided between the pair of connecting portions 11b and extending along the first rotation axis Ax1. The pair of connecting portions 11b are each connected to the first rotating shaft 10. Similarly, the second processing members 21 are directly connected to the second rotating shaft 20. Specifically, each second processing member 21 has a pair of connecting portions 21b extending radially (in the radial direction of the second rotating shaft 20) and a processing portion 21c provided between the pair of connecting portions 21b and extending along the second rotation axis Ax2. The pair of connecting portions 21b are each connected to the second rotating shaft 20. In this modification, when food F passes between the processing portion 11c of the first processing member 11 and the processing portion 21c of the second processing member 21, the food F is sandwiched between the processing portions 11c, 21c, allowing the food F to be easily processed. In this modification, the rotational force of the first rotating shaft 10 (or the second rotating shaft 20) is preferably transmitted to the second rotating shaft 20 (or the first rotating shaft 10) via a power transmission means such as a pulley, gear, or timing belt (not shown). Alternatively, the first rotating shaft 10 and the second rotating shaft 20 are preferably configured to rotate independently of each other by a drive device (not shown). In this case, too, it is preferable that the above-mentioned distance D (see FIG. 5) is generated between the first processing member 11a (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and the second processing member 21a (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0058] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations. For example, various modifications may be made to each element of the above-described embodiments and variations. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations that include components other than those described above. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations that do not include some of the above-described components. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations that include some components included in one embodiment of the present disclosure and some components included in another embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, components included in the above-described embodiments and variations, and in other embodiments of the present disclosure, may be combined, and such combinations are also included in embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and unique effects may also be achieved depending on the specific configuration of each embodiment. Thus, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible to the elements described in the claims, specification, abstract, and drawings, as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0059] [Note] As is clear from the above, the present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0060] (Aspect 1) One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a food processing apparatus for processing food, comprising: a first rotating shaft rotatable in a first direction around a first rotation axis; a plurality of first processing members connected to the first rotating shaft and extending along the first rotation axis; a second rotating shaft rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction around a second rotation axis; and a plurality of second processing members connected to the second rotating shaft and extending along the second rotation axis, wherein the second processing members are arranged to overlap at least a portion of the first processing members when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and the first processing members and the second processing members rotate adjacent to each other without coming into contact with each other.

[0061] (Aspect 2) In one aspect of the present disclosure, an opening may be formed between each of the first processed members, and one of the openings may communicate with the other openings.

[0062] (Aspect 3) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the food processing apparatus further includes a first connecting member connecting the first rotating shaft and the plurality of first processing members to each other, and a second connecting member connecting the second rotating shaft and the plurality of second processing members to each other, wherein the first connecting member has a first main body portion connected to the first rotating shaft and a plurality of first extension portions protruding radially from the first main body portion and each connected to a different one of the first processing members, and the second connecting member has a second main body portion connected to the second rotating shaft and a plurality of second extension portions protruding radially from the second main body portion and each connected to a different one of the second processing members.

[0063] (Aspect 4) In one aspect of the present disclosure, a first reinforcing member that reinforces the first processed member may be provided between the first processed members, and a second reinforcing member that reinforces the second processed member may be provided between the second processed members.

[0064] (Aspect 5) In one aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of a rotational trajectory of the first processing member may overlap a rotational trajectory of the second processing member in a cross section taken along a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis.

[0065] (Aspect 6) In one aspect of the present disclosure, the food product may include a plurality of ingredients that are bound together by freezing, and the first processing member and the second processing member may separate the plurality of ingredients from each other as they pass between the first processing member and the second processing member.

[0066] (Aspect 7) Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a food processing method for processing food, comprising the steps of: rotating a plurality of first processing members extending along a first rotation axis in a first direction; rotating a plurality of second processing members extending along a second rotation axis and arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the first processing members when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and supplying food between the first processing members and the second processing members.

[0067] (Aspect 8) Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a food manufacturing method for manufacturing food, comprising the steps of: rotating a plurality of first processing members extending along a first rotation axis in a first direction; rotating a plurality of second processing members extending along a second rotation axis and arranged to overlap at least a portion of the first processing members when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and supplying food between the first processing members and the second processing members.

Claims

1. A food processing device for processing food, a first rotation shaft rotatable in a first direction about a first rotation axis; a plurality of first processing members coupled to the first rotation shaft and extending along the first rotation axis; a second rotation shaft rotatable about a second rotation axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a plurality of second processing members coupled to the second rotation shaft and extending along the second rotation axis; In a plan view, the assembly of the plurality of second processed members is arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the assembly of the plurality of first processed members when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis, the first processing member and the second processing member are adjacent to each other and rotate so as not to come into contact with each other; the food product comprises a plurality of ingredients bound together by freezing; The food processing device, wherein the first processing member and the second processing member separate a plurality of food ingredients passing between the first processing member and the second processing member.

2. An opening is formed between each of the first processed members, The food processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein one of the openings communicates with another of the openings.

3. a first connecting member that connects the first rotary shaft and the plurality of first processing members to each other; a second connecting member that connects the second rotation shaft and the plurality of second processing members to each other, The first connecting member is a first main body portion connected to the first rotating shaft; a plurality of first extension portions that protrude radially from the first main body portion and are each connected to a different first processing member; The second connecting member is a second main body portion connected to the second rotating shaft; The food processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of second extension portions that protrude radially from the second main body portion and are each connected to a different second processing member.

4. a first reinforcing member for reinforcing the first processed member is provided between the first processed members; The food processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second reinforcing member provided between the second processing members to reinforce the second processing members.

5. In a cross section taken along a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis, The food processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the rotational locus of the first processing member overlaps with a rotational locus of the second processing member.

6. A food processing method for processing food, comprising: rotating a plurality of first work members extending along a first axis of rotation in a first direction; a step of rotating an assembly of a plurality of second processing members in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the assembly extending along a second rotation axis and arranged so as to overlap with at least a portion of the assembly of a plurality of first processing members when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis in a plan view; and supplying food between the first processing member and the second processing member; the food product comprises a plurality of ingredients bound together by freezing; The food processing method, wherein the first processing member and the second processing member separate a plurality of food ingredients passing between the first processing member and the second processing member.

7. A food production method for producing a food product, comprising: rotating a plurality of first work members extending along a first axis of rotation in a first direction; a step of rotating an assembly of a plurality of second processing members in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the assembly extending along a second rotation axis and arranged so as to overlap with at least a portion of the assembly of a plurality of first processing members when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis in a plan view; and supplying food between the first processing member and the second processing member; the food product comprises a plurality of ingredients bound together by freezing; The first processing member and the second processing member separate a plurality of food ingredients passing between the first processing member and the second processing member.

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