Food processing apparatus and food processing method

Abstract

To provide a food processing device which can prevent food from being unevenly treated by means of a simple structure, and provide a food processing method.SOLUTION: A food processing device according to an embodiment irradiates a food with processing light having at least a wavelength in an ultraviolet region. The food processing device comprises: a moving part having a placing part where the food is placed and capable of moving the placing part in a predetermined direction; and an irradiation part having a light-emitting element or a discharge lamp and capable of applying the processing light to the food placed on the placing part. The placing part reflects a portion of the processing light not incident on the food toward the food.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a food processing apparatus and a food processing method.

Background Art

[0002] In the food market, safety awareness regarding food is increasing due to responses such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point). Also, there are problems in the food market such as food loss due to spoilage.

[0003] In this case, if a preservative is added to the food, the food is heat-sterilized, or the food is sterilized using a chemical such as chlorine or hypochlorous acid, the expiration date of the food can be extended. However, doing so causes new problems such as risks to health and loss of the taste and flavor of the food.

[0004] Here, a food processing apparatus has been proposed that includes a conveyor on which crops are conveyed and a light source provided above the conveyor that irradiates the crops with near-infrared light together with visible light. According to this food processing apparatus, since the crops can be irradiated with near-infrared light on the surface of the crops, the freshness of the crops can be maintained.

[0005] However, since the light source is provided above the conveyor, even if near-infrared light enters the upper part of the crops, a region where it is difficult for near-infrared light to enter the lower part of the crops occurs. Therefore, there is a possibility that uneven processing will occur on the surface of the crops. In this case, if light sources are provided above and below the conveyor respectively, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven processing on the surface of the crops. However, doing so makes the configuration of the food processing apparatus complicated, and it becomes difficult to miniaturize and reduce the cost of the food processing apparatus. Therefore, the development of a technology that can suppress the occurrence of uneven processing in food with a simple configuration has been desired.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-194331 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a food processing device and a food processing method that can suppress uneven processing of food with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The food processing apparatus according to the embodiment irradiates food with processing light having wavelengths in at least the ultraviolet region. The food processing apparatus has a placement section on which the food is placed, and a moving section that moves the placement section in a predetermined direction; and an irradiation section having a light-emitting element or a discharge lamp, which irradiates the food placed on the placement section with the processing light. The placement section has a first section on which the food is placed, into which a portion of the incident processing light is introduced and which transmits a portion of the introduced processing light; and a second section provided on the side of the first section opposite to the side on which the food is placed, which reflects the processing light that has been incident through the first section. The processing light irradiated from the irradiation section is incident directly on the food, and a portion of it is introduced into the first section, and a portion of the processing light that has been incident on the second section through the first section teeth , Propagating within the first part described above The aforementioned food incident do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a food processing apparatus and a food processing method that can suppress uneven processing of food with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a processing unit. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the irradiation area. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation area as seen from the direction of the AA line. [Figure 4] This graph illustrates an example of a spectral distribution curve for an irradiation area equipped with a light-emitting element. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the irradiation section according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a discharge lamp. [Figure 7] This graph illustrates an example of a spectral distribution curve for an irradiation area equipped with a discharge lamp. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the reflection of processing light in the mounting section. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the reflection of processing light in the mounting section according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Food processing equipment) The embodiments will be illustrated below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate. Also, the arrows X, Y, and Z in each drawing represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the X and Y directions are horizontal, and the X direction is the conveying direction of the food 100. For example, the Z direction is vertical.

[0012] The food processing device 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "processing device 1") irradiates the food 100 with processing light having a wavelength in at least the ultraviolet region. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the processing device 1. As shown in Figure 1, the processing apparatus 1 includes, for example, a supply unit 10, a moving unit 20, an irradiation unit 30, a storage unit 40, and a controller 50.

[0013] The supply unit 10 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the carry-in side end of the moving unit 20. For example, the supply unit 10 houses a plurality of foods 100 to be processed inside, and supplies the housed foods 100 to the moving unit 20 one by one.

[0014] For example, the supply unit 10 includes a hopper that stores a plurality of foods 100 in a stacked manner, and a supply device that takes out the foods 100 stored in the hopper and supplies them to the moving unit 20. Also, for example, the supply unit 10 may include a hopper that stores a plurality of foods 100 randomly, and a chute connected to the hopper and provided with a vibration device or the like. Note that the configuration of the supply unit 10 is not limited to the example shown. The supply unit 10 may be any device that can supply the foods 100 to the moving unit 20 so that the foods 100 do not overlap with each other. Moreover, the supply unit 10 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. When omitting the supply unit 10, for example, an operator may supply the food 100 to the moving unit 20.

[0015] The food 100 can be, for example, a food that is not stored inside a storage container (single food), or a food stored inside a storage container.

[0016] The food 100 is, for example, agricultural products, meat materials, fresh fish materials, processed foods, etc. Note that "agricultural products" can be, for example, plants artificially cultivated and harvested, or plants growing and harvested in nature. "Agricultural products" may be obtained by farming in which cultivated plants are cultivated and harvested plannedly, collection of plants growing naturally in nature (collection of wild plants), so-called semi-cultivation in which plants grow and are harvested in an intermediate state between cultivation and wildness, etc. There is no particular limitation on the use of "agricultural products", and various uses such as food use and medicinal use can be considered. "Processed foods" are, for example, prepared vegetables, boxed lunches, salads, etc. Also, the food 100 is not limited to the examples shown, and may be, for example, anything that has an expiration date.

[0017] The "storage container in which food is stored" is made of a material that can transmit the processing light described later. The storage container can be, for example, a film, bag, tray, or box that can transmit the processing light. The storage container can be made of, for example, polyvinylidene chloride or polyvinyl chloride.

[0018] The mobile unit 20 has a placement section 20a (20b) on which the food 100 is placed, and moves the placement section 20a (20b) on which the food 100 is placed in a predetermined direction. In the mobile unit 20 illustrated in Figure 1, the placement section 20a (20b) on which the food 100 is placed moves in the X direction. For example, the mobile unit 20 moves the food 100 from the supply position of the food 100 before processing (the position of the supply unit 10) to the discharge position of the processed food 100a (the position of the storage unit 40).

[0019] As illustrated in Figure 1, the moving section 20 can be, for example, a conveyor. If the moving section 20 is a conveyor, the mounting section 20a (20b) can be, for example, a belt. In Figure 1, the example shows the moving section 20 moving the food 100 in a horizontal direction, but the moving section 20 may also move the food 100 in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal, or in a vertical direction.

[0020] Furthermore, although Figure 1 illustrates the case where the moving section 20 is a conveyor, the moving section 20 may also have a table on which the food 100 is placed, and rotate or swivel the table on which the food 100 is placed in a predetermined direction. In this case, the table becomes the placement section.

[0021] As described later, the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) is incident on the food 100 which is moved by the moving unit 20. At this time, a portion of the processing light that does not incident on the food 100 is incident on the placement unit 20a (20b), and a portion of the processing light reflected by the placement unit 20a (20b) is incident on the food 100. In other words, the placement unit 20a (20b) reflects a portion of the processing light that did not incident on the food 100 toward the food 100. Further details regarding the reflection of processing light in the mounting section 20a (20b) will be described later.

[0022] The irradiation unit 30 is placed on the mounting unit 20a (20b) and irradiates processing light onto the food 100 as it moves in a predetermined direction (for example, the X direction). Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the irradiation unit 30. Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation unit 30 in Figure 2, as seen from the direction of the AA line. As shown in Figure 2, the irradiation unit 30 includes, for example, a light-emitting module 31, a cooling unit 32, a circuit board 33, and a housing 34.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, multiple light-emitting modules 31 can be provided. Multiple light-emitting modules 31 can be arranged in a line in the Y direction, for example. Multiple light-emitting modules 31 can be provided inside the housing 34. The number of light-emitting modules 31 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the food 100. In other words, it is sufficient to provide at least one light-emitting module 31.

[0024] The light-emitting module 31 includes, for example, a substrate 31a and a plurality of light-emitting elements 31b. The substrate 31a is plate-shaped. The planar shape of the substrate 31a is, for example, a rectangle. The material of the substrate 31a can be, for example, an inorganic material such as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, an organic material such as paper phenol or glass epoxy, or a metal core substrate in which the surface of a metal plate is coated with an insulating material. In this case, considering the heat dissipation of heat generated in the light-emitting elements 31b, it is preferable to form the substrate 31a using a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the substrate 31a can be formed from ceramics such as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride, a highly thermally conductive resin, or a metal core substrate. The highly thermally conductive resin is, for example, a resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or nylon mixed with a filler containing aluminum oxide.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the substrate 31a is attached to the heat dissipation section 32a using fastening members such as screws. In this case, an elastic heat transfer sheet or a layer made of silicone grease can be provided between the substrate 31a and the heat dissipation section 32a. In this way, the heat generated in the light-emitting element 31b is more easily transferred to the heat dissipation section 32a, thereby preventing the temperature of the light-emitting element 31b from exceeding the maximum junction temperature.

[0026] Furthermore, the substrate 31a can be bonded to the heat dissipation section 32a using, for example, an adhesive with high thermal conductivity. If the substrate 31a is bonded to the heat dissipation section 32a using an adhesive with high thermal conductivity, the formation of a gap between the substrate 31a and the heat dissipation section 32a can be suppressed, making it easier for the heat generated in the light-emitting element 31b to be transferred to the heat dissipation section 32a. In addition, the configuration of the light-emitting module 31 becomes simpler.

[0027] Multiple light-emitting elements 31b are provided on the substrate 31a on the side opposite to the heat dissipation section 32a. The light-emitting surfaces of the multiple light-emitting elements 31b are directed toward a window 34e provided in the housing 34. The processing light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 31b is irradiated to the outside of the irradiation section 30 through the window 34e.

[0028] Multiple light-emitting elements 31b are arranged in a row. For example, as shown in Figure 3, multiple light-emitting elements 31b are arranged in a matrix. The arrangement and number of multiple light-emitting elements 31b are not limited to those exemplified in Figure 3, and can be appropriately changed depending on the type, size, and planar shape of the food 100.

[0029] The light-emitting element 31b is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of irradiating ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less. For example, the light-emitting element 31b may be a light-emitting diode or laser diode capable of irradiating ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less. Multiple light-emitting elements 31b may be chip-shaped light-emitting elements, surface-mount type light-emitting elements, or leaded elements such as bullet-shaped light-emitting elements.

[0030] Furthermore, along with the light-emitting element 31b capable of emitting ultraviolet light, a light-emitting element capable of emitting light in the near-infrared region (for example, a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 960 nm or less) (near-infrared light) can also be provided. In this case, ultraviolet light can be used to sterilize or inactivate bacteria and viruses attached to the surface of the food 100. Also, for example, if the food 100 is an agricultural product, when near-infrared light is irradiated onto the surface of the agricultural product, it can suppress the evaporation of liquid components from the surface of the agricultural product, similar to the discharge lamp 132 described later. Therefore, the freshness of the agricultural product can be maintained. In other words, the irradiation unit 30 irradiates the food 100, which is moving in a predetermined direction, with processing light having at least a wavelength in the ultraviolet region.

[0031] The cooling unit 32 includes, for example, a heat dissipation unit 32a and an air blowing unit 32b. As shown in Figure 3, for example, multiple heat dissipation sections 32a can be provided. When multiple heat dissipation sections 32a are provided, for example, they can be arranged in the Y direction. Alternatively, only one heat dissipation section 32a may be provided. In other words, at least one heat dissipation section 32a can be provided.

[0032] The heat dissipation section 32a has, for example, a block-shaped base to which the light-emitting module 31 is attached, and a plurality of fins. The heat dissipation section 32a is formed from, for example, a material with high thermal conductivity, such as an aluminum alloy.

[0033] The air blower 32b supplies gas G to a plurality of fins provided on the heat dissipation unit 32a. The gas G is, for example, air contained in the atmosphere in which the processing device 1 is installed. The air blower 32b is provided inside the housing 34. The air blower 32b is, for example, attached to the inner wall of the housing 34. The air blower 32b is, for example, provided on the side of the heat dissipation unit 32a opposite to the light-emitting module 31. The air blower 32b can be, for example, an axial fan.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the circuit board 33 is located inside the housing 34. The circuit board 33 is located, for example, near the end of the housing 34 opposite to the side where the light-emitting module 31 is located. The circuit board 33 controls, for example, the on and off states of the multiple light-emitting elements 31b, the power applied to the multiple light-emitting elements 31b, and the supply and cessation of the gas G by the blower 32b.

[0035] The housing 34 is box-shaped and has a space inside for housing, for example, a light-emitting module 31, a cooling unit 32, and a circuit board 33. Multiple exhaust vents 34a can be provided on the side of the housing 34. The housing 34 can also be provided with a power connector 34b, a communication connector 34c, and a filter 34d.

[0036] The window 34e is provided at the end of the housing 34 on the side where the light-emitting module 31 is installed. The window 34e transmits the processing light irradiated from the light-emitting module 31 (light-emitting element 31b). The window 34e is formed from, for example, ultraviolet transmitting glass, acrylic resin, or the like.

[0037] Figure 4 is a graph illustrating an example of the spectral distribution curve of the irradiation unit 30 equipped with the light-emitting element 31b. The light-emitting element 31b was a light-emitting diode that was irradiated with ultraviolet light. The spectral distribution data was measured using, for example, a spectrometer (model number: C7473-36) manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., in an atmosphere with an ambient temperature of 25°C.

[0038] As can be seen from Figure 4, if the irradiation unit 30 is equipped with a light-emitting element 31b that emits ultraviolet light, the spectral characteristics in the ultraviolet region (for example, a peak wavelength of 300 nm or less, and a wavelength band of 200 nm or more and 400 nm or less) become narrow. Therefore, bacteria and viruses attached to the surface of food 100 can be efficiently sterilized or inactivated.

[0039] Next, an irradiation unit 30a according to another embodiment will be described. The irradiation unit 30a irradiates the food 100, which is placed on the mounting unit 20a (20b) and moves in a predetermined direction (for example, the X direction), with processing light containing wavelengths from the ultraviolet region to the near-infrared region.

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an irradiation unit 30a according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the irradiation unit 30a includes, for example, a reflector 131 and a discharge lamp 132. The reflector 131 reflects the processing light emitted from the discharge lamp 132, which is directed away from the food 100, so that it is directed towards the food 100. The reflector 131 is, for example, a concave mirror.

[0041] The discharge lamp 132 is installed inside the reflector 131. For example, the discharge lamp 132 irradiates processing light that includes wavelengths from the ultraviolet region to the near-infrared region. The discharge lamp 132 can be, for example, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, an excimer lamp, an excimer fluorescent lamp, a flash lamp, etc. In the following example, we will describe the case where the discharge lamp 132 is a xenon flash lamp.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a discharge lamp 132. As shown in Figure 6, the discharge lamp 132 has, for example, a discharge tube 132a, an electrode 132b, and a trigger electrode 132c.

[0043] The discharge tube 132a has a cylindrical shape, with its total length (length in the axial direction) being longer than its outer diameter. For example, the discharge tube 132a is cylindrical. The length in the axial direction and the outer diameter of the discharge tube 132a can be appropriately changed depending on the size of the food 100. For example, if the food 100 is a common agricultural product, the length in the axial direction of the discharge tube 132a can be about 40 cm to 200 cm. The outer diameter of the discharge tube 132a can be about 6 mm to 30 mm. In this case, if the outer diameter is reduced (if the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space of the discharge tube 132a in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is reduced), the current density of the current flowing during discharge (lamp current density) increases. Therefore, by reducing the outer diameter, the luminescence intensity of the processed light can be increased. The discharge tube 132a is formed from a translucent material such as quartz glass.

[0044] A discharge medium is sealed inside the discharge tube 132a. The discharge medium can be, for example, pure xenon gas, or a mixed gas obtained by mixing xenon with one or more other noble gases (e.g., argon, neon, krypton, etc.). Increasing the sealing pressure of the discharge medium increases the intensity of ultraviolet light emission. For example, the intensity of ultraviolet light emission can be increased by setting the sealing pressure of the discharge medium to 10 kPa or more and 200 kPa or less. The sealing pressure of the discharge medium can be determined using the standard conditions of the gas (SATP (Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure): temperature 25°C, 1 bar).

[0045] A pair of electrodes 132b are provided in the internal space of the discharge tube 132a. One electrode 132b is provided at each end of the discharge tube 132a in the axial direction of the tube. The pair of electrodes 132b face each other. One end of the electrode 132b is provided in the internal space of the discharge tube 132a, and the other end of the electrode 132b is exposed from the end of the discharge tube 132a. The electrode 132b can be, for example, a so-called cold cathode type electrode. The electrode 132b can be made of, for example, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, titanium, etc.

[0046] As mentioned above, the intensity of ultraviolet light emission can be increased by setting the sealing pressure of the discharge medium to between 10 kPa and 200 kPa. However, if the sealing pressure of the discharge medium is high, it becomes difficult for a discharge to occur between the pair of electrodes 132b. For this reason, the discharge lamp 132 is provided with a trigger electrode 132c.

[0047] If a trigger electrode 132c is provided, a large potential gradient can be formed between it and at least one of the electrodes 132b. As a result, dielectric breakdown is more likely to occur in the internal space of the discharge tube 132a, and discharge is more likely to occur between the pair of electrodes 132b.

[0048] The trigger electrode 132c is provided on the outside of the discharge tube 132a. The trigger electrode 132c can be formed, for example, by wrapping a linear member around the outer surface of the discharge tube 132a. The thickness of the linear member used to form the trigger electrode 132c is approximately 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm. The material of the trigger electrode 132c can be, for example, the same as the material of electrode 132b.

[0049] Figure 7 is a graph illustrating an example of the spectral distribution curve of the irradiation unit 30a equipped with a discharge lamp 132. The spectral distribution data was obtained, for example, using a spectrometer (model number: C7473-36) manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., in an atmosphere with an ambient temperature of 25°C. Figure 7 shows the case where the axial length of the discharge tube 132a is 300 mm, the outer diameter of the discharge tube 132a is 12 mm, and the inner diameter of the discharge tube 132a is 10 mm. This is the case when the discharge medium is 100% xenon. The sealing pressure of the discharge medium at 25°C is 40 kPa.

[0050] As can be seen from Figure 7, if the irradiation unit 30a is equipped with a discharge lamp 132, it is possible to irradiate with processing light that includes wavelengths from the ultraviolet region (for example, a wavelength range of 200 nm to 400 nm) to the near-infrared region (for example, a wavelength range of 700 nm to 960 nm). In this case, the light in the ultraviolet region (ultraviolet light) can be used to sterilize or inactivate bacteria and viruses attached to the surface of the food 100. Also, for example, if the food 100 is an agricultural product, irradiating the surface of the agricultural product with light in the near-infrared region (near-infrared light) can suppress the evaporation of liquid components from the surface of the agricultural product. Therefore, the freshness of the agricultural product can be maintained.

[0051] In other words, if the irradiation unit 30a is equipped with a discharge lamp 132, it is possible to sterilize or inactivate bacteria and viruses attached to the surface of food 100, and also maintain the freshness of agricultural products, for example.

[0052] As explained above, using the irradiation unit 30 allows for efficient sterilization and inactivation of bacteria and viruses. Using the irradiation unit 30a, in addition to sterilizing and inactivating bacteria and viruses, it is possible to maintain the freshness of agricultural products, for example. Therefore, for example, the irradiation unit 30 or the irradiation unit 30a can be selected depending on the purpose of processing or the type of food 100. In this case, for example, the irradiation unit 30 or the irradiation unit 30a can be selected in advance and installed in the processing device 1 according to the purpose of processing or the type of food 100. In this way, the processing device 1 can be made smaller and less expensive. Figure 1 shows the case where the processing apparatus 1 is equipped only with the irradiation unit 30.

[0053] On the other hand, as a processing apparatus 1 equipped with an irradiation unit 30 and an irradiation unit 30a, the irradiation unit 30 or the irradiation unit 30a can be selected and used, or both the irradiation unit 30 and the irradiation unit 30a can be used simultaneously, depending on the purpose of processing and the type of food 100. In this way, the versatility of the processing apparatus 1 can be increased.

[0054] Furthermore, although the example given illustrates a case where one irradiation unit 30(30a) is provided, multiple irradiation units 30(30a) may also be provided.

[0055] In this case, if the food 100 is not stored in a container, such as agricultural products, then dirt or other debris may be attached to the food 100. Also, components contained in the food 100 may be released from the food 100. If dirt attached to the food 100 or components released from the food 100 adhere to the window 34e of the irradiation unit 30 or the discharge tube 132a of the discharge lamp 132 of the irradiation unit 30a, the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) may decrease over time.

[0056] Therefore, a gas supply unit 60 can be further provided to supply gas to the space between the irradiation unit 30 (30a) and the mounting unit 20a (20b), the window 34e of the irradiation unit 30, the discharge tube 132a of the discharge lamp 132 of the irradiation unit 30a, etc. The gas supply by the gas supply unit 60 can also be performed on the mounting unit 20a (20b).

[0057] The gas supply unit 60 can be a blower or other air blowing device that injects gas. The gas is not particularly limited as long as it has little effect on the quality of the food 100. The gas can be, for example, air or nitrogen gas.

[0058] The gas supply unit 60 can supply gas continuously, at predetermined time intervals, when dust is detected by a sensor or the like, or at the discretion of the operator. In addition, a device for sucking up dust and other debris can be provided instead of, or together with, the gas supply unit 60.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a sensor 70 for detecting the position of the food 100 can also be provided. The sensor 70 is provided, for example, to determine the timing of irradiation by the irradiation unit 30 (30a), to switch between starting and stopping irradiation, and to determine the timing of gas supply by the gas supply unit 60. For example, the sensor 70 can be provided upstream of the irradiation unit 30 (30a) and in the vicinity of the irradiation unit 30 (30a). There are no particular limitations on the type of sensor 70. The sensor 70 can be, for example, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, etc.

[0060] Next, we will return to Figure 1 and describe the housing unit 40 and the controller 50. The storage section 40 stores the processed food 100a. The storage section 40 can be, for example, a container located near the discharge end of the mobile section 20. The storage section 40 may also be equipped with a chute, a vibrator, or the like to facilitate the discharge of the food 100a from the mobile section 20.

[0061] The controller 50 controls the operation of each element provided in the processing unit 1. The controller 50 has, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit such as semiconductor memory. The controller 50 is, for example, a computer. The storage unit can store, for example, control programs that control the operation of each element provided in the processing unit 1.

[0062] For example, if the sensor 70 detects that food 100 has been brought into the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation unit 30 (30a), the controller 50 controls the irradiation unit 30 (30a) to irradiate it with processing light.

[0063] For example, the controller 50 can control the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) and the movement speed of the food 100 by the moving unit 20 so that the amount of processing light irradiated onto the surface of the food 100 is a predetermined value.

[0064] Next, we will further explain the reflection of processing light in the mounting section 20a. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the reflection of processing light in the mounting section 20a. As shown in Figure 8, a portion of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) directly enters the food 100 (processing light 101a). As mentioned above, since the irradiation unit 30 (30a) is located on one side of the food 100, the processing light 101a easily enters the side of the food 100 facing the irradiation unit 30 (30a). However, on the side of the food 100 opposite to the side facing the irradiation unit 30 (30a) (the side of the mounting unit 20a), there is a region where the processing light 101a is difficult to enter.

[0065] In this case, the processing light 101b that does not enter the food 100 enters the placement section 20a. Therefore, by reflecting the processing light 101b that enters the placement section 20a, a portion of the reflected light 101b1 can be directed onto the side of the food 100 opposite to the side facing the irradiation section 30 (30a) (the side facing the placement section 20a). In other words, the food 100 can be processed by the processing light 101a that is irradiated from the irradiation section 30 (30a) and directly enters the food 100, and by the reflected light 101b1 reflected by the placement section 20a. In this way, the processing light can be directed onto a wider area of ​​the food 100, thus suppressing uneven processing.

[0066] In this case, the reflection of the processing light 101b that did not enter the food 100 mainly occurs on the side of the placement section 20a on which the food 100 is placed. Therefore, it is preferable that the placement section 20a is made of a material with high reflectivity to processing light, or that diffuse reflection of processing light is easily generated.

[0067] Materials with high reflectivity to processing light include, for example, aluminum and white resin (e.g., fluororesin). In this case, it is sufficient that the reflectivity of the side of the mounting section 20a on which the food 100 is placed is high. For this reason, for example, an aluminum film or a white resin film may be formed on the surface of a belt or the like made of resin. For example, an aluminum film can be formed by sputtering or plating. For example, a white resin film can be formed by applying a resin softened with a solvent. These films can also be attached to the surface of a belt or the like. Furthermore, if multiple irregularities are provided on the surface of the mounting section 20a on which the food 100 is placed, diffuse reflection of the processing light 101b will be more likely to occur. In other words, the surface of the mounting section 20a on which the food 100 is placed contains a material with high reflectivity to processing light, and has a plurality of irregularities.

[0068] Furthermore, as mentioned above, by supplying gas to the surface of the placement section 20a on which the food 100 is placed using the gas supply unit 60, it is possible to suppress interference with the reflection of processing light 101b due to dust and other debris.

[0069] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the reflection of processing light in the mounting section 20b according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the mounting portion 20b has a first portion 20b1 and a second portion 20b2. The first portion 20b1 is provided on the side of the placement portion 20b on which the food 100 is placed. The first portion 20b1 can transmit a portion of the processing light 101b. The first portion 20b1 is formed from, for example, acrylic resin. In addition, multiple irregularities can be provided on the surface of the first portion 20b1 on the side on which the second portion 20b2 is provided.

[0070] The second portion 20b2 is provided on the side of the mounting portion 20b opposite to the side on which the food 100 is placed. The second portion 20b2 is made of a material with high reflectivity to the processing light 101b. Examples of materials with high reflectivity to the processing light 101b include aluminum and white resin (e.g., fluororesin).

[0071] For example, the second portion 20b2 can be formed on one surface of the first portion 20b1. For example, the second portion 20b2 can be an aluminum-containing film formed on one surface of the first portion 20b1 by sputtering or plating. For example, the second portion 20b2 can be a film formed by applying a white resin softened with a solvent to one surface of the first portion 20b1. Alternatively, the second portion 20b2 can be attached to one surface of the first portion 20b1. In other words, the placement section 20b has a first portion 20b1 on which the food 100 is placed and into which a portion of the incident processing light is introduced, and a second portion 20b2 provided on the side of the first portion 20b1 opposite to the side on which the food 100 is placed, and which reflects the processing light introduced into the first portion 20b1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, a portion of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) is directly incident on the food 100 (processing light 101a). The processing light 101b that does not incident on the food 100 is incident on the first portion 20b1 of the placement unit 20b. A portion of the processing light 101b is reflected by the surface of the first portion 20b1 on which the food 100 is placed, becoming reflected light 101b2. A portion of the reflected light 101b2 can be incident on the side of the food 100 opposite to the side facing the irradiation unit 30 (30a) (the side of the placement unit 20b). In addition, a portion of the processing light 101b is introduced into the interior of the first portion 20b1. Therefore, reflected light 101b3 is formed inside the first portion 20b1 between the surface of the first portion 20b1 on which the food 100 is placed and the second portion 20b2. A portion of the reflected light 101b3 can be directed onto the food 100 on the side opposite to the side facing the irradiation unit 30 (30a) (the side facing the mounting unit 20b).

[0073] In other words, the food 100 can be processed by the processing light 101a irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) and directly incident on the food 100, the reflected light 101b2 reflected from the surface of the first portion 20b1 on which the food 100 is placed, and the reflected light 101b3 formed inside the first portion 20b1. In this way, the processing light can be incident on an even wider area of ​​the food 100, so uneven processing can be further suppressed.

[0074] In this case, as mentioned above, multiple irregularities can be provided on the surface of the first portion 20b1 on the side where the second portion 20b2 is provided. If multiple irregularities are provided, some of the reflected light 101b3 can be diffusely reflected, making it easier to incident the processing light on a wide area of ​​the food 100. In addition, the bonding strength between the first portion 20b1 and the second portion 20b2 can be increased.

[0075] Furthermore, as mentioned above, by supplying gas to the surface of the placement section 20b (first section 20b1) on which the food 100 is placed using the gas supply unit 60, it is possible to suppress the reflection of the processing light 101b and the introduction of the processing light 101b into the first section 20b1 being obstructed by dust and other debris.

[0076] Here, two opposing irradiation units 30(30a) can be provided, and the food 100 can be irradiated with processing light from both irradiation units 30(30a). In this case, the processing light can be incident on a wider area of ​​the food 100, so uneven processing can be suppressed. However, providing two opposing irradiation units 30(30a) makes the configuration of the processing device complex, making it difficult to miniaturize and reduce the cost of the processing device.

[0077] Since the processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a mounting section 20a (20b) that reflects processing light, the configuration of the processing apparatus 1 can be simplified compared to the case where two irradiation sections 30 (30a) facing each other are provided, and uneven processing of the food 100 can be suppressed.

[0078] (Food processing methods) Next, a method for processing food according to this embodiment will be described. The food processing method according to this embodiment can be carried out, for example, using the processing apparatus 1 described above. The food processing method according to this embodiment involves irradiating the food 100 with processing light having a wavelength in at least the ultraviolet region. The processing method for this food product may include the following steps. A step of placing food 100 on a mounting section 20a (20b) that is movable in a predetermined direction. A step of irradiating a food item 100 that is moving in a predetermined direction with processing light. Then, in the process of irradiating with processing light, the processing light is directed directly onto the food 100, and the mounting section 20a (20b) reflects a portion of the processing light 101b that did not come into contact with the food 100 back towards the food 100. Since the contents of these procedures can be the same as those described in Processing Unit 1, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0079] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1 Processing apparatus, 20 Mobile unit, 20a Mounting unit, 20b Mounting unit, 20b1 First part, 20b2 Second part, 30 Irradiation unit, 31 Light-emitting module, 31b Light-emitting element, 30a Irradiation unit, 132 Discharge lamp, 100 Food, 101a Processing light, 101b Processing light, 101b1 Reflected light, 101b2 Reflected light, 101b3 Reflected light

Claims

1. A food processing apparatus that irradiates food with processing light having wavelengths in at least the ultraviolet region, A moving part having a placement section for placing the food, and moving the placement section described above in a predetermined direction; An irradiation unit having a light-emitting element or a discharge lamp, which irradiates the food placed on the aforementioned mounting unit with the processing light; It is equipped with, The aforementioned mounting section is The food is placed on a first portion on which a portion of the incident processing light is introduced and which transmits a portion of the introduced processing light; The first portion comprises a second portion provided on the side opposite to the side on which the food is placed, which reflects the processing light incident through the first portion; It has, A food processing apparatus wherein the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit is directly incident on the food and a portion of it is introduced into the first portion, and a portion of the processing light that is incident on the second portion via the first portion propagates inside the first portion and is incident on the food.

2. The food processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first part is joined to the second part.

3. The food processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of the first portion on the side to which the second portion is provided is provided with a plurality of irregularities.

4. A method for processing food, comprising irradiating food with processing light having wavelengths in at least the ultraviolet region, A step of placing the food on a mounting section that is movable in a predetermined direction; A step of irradiating the food, which is moving in the predetermined direction, with the processing light; It is equipped with, The aforementioned mounting section is The food is placed on a first portion on which a portion of the incident processing light is introduced and which transmits a portion of the introduced processing light; The first portion comprises a second portion provided on the side opposite to the side on which the food is placed, which reflects the processing light incident through the first portion; It has, A method for processing food, wherein, in the step of irradiating with the processing light, the processing light is directly incident on the food and a portion of it is introduced into the first portion, and a portion of the processing light that is incident on the second portion via the first portion propagates inside the first portion and is incident on the food.

Images