Food processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a food product processing apparatus capable of obtaining a desired sterilization effect even when a kind of a food product is changed.SOLUTION: A food product processing apparatus comprises: a conveyance part which conveys a food product; an irradiation part which irradiates the conveyed food product with processing light having a wavelength in an ultraviolet region; a controller which controls the conveyance part and the irradiation part; and an input part which inputs the kind of the food product or an integrated quantity of light to the controller. The controller stores data of the integrated quantity of light for each kind of a plurality of food products; when the kind of the food products is inputted to the controller from the input part, the controller reads the integrated quantity of light concerning the food products inputted from the stored data; on the basis of the read integrated quantity of light, the controller controls at least any one of a conveying speed of the conveyance part, an illuminance of processing light irradiated from the irradiation part, and an irradiation period of time; and when the integrated quantity of light is inputted to the controller from the input part, on the basis of the inputted integrated quantity of light, the controller controls at least any one of the conveying speed of the conveyance part, the illuminance of processing light irradiated from the irradiation part, and the irradiation period of time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a food processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In the food market, awareness of food safety is increasing due to measures such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point). However, the food market also faces problems such as food waste due to spoilage.

[0003] In this case, heat treatment or treatment with chemicals such as chlorine or hypochlorous acid can sterilize bacteria and viruses attached to the surface of the food. Sterilizing bacteria makes it easier to maintain the freshness and quality of the food. However, heat treatment or treatment with chemicals creates new problems, such as the food being altered by heat or chemicals, or health risks arising from chemical residues remaining in the food.

[0004] Therefore, a processing device has been proposed that uses ultraviolet light to sterilize food by eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms attached to the surface of the food. By treating food with ultraviolet light, it is possible to suppress food deterioration and reduce health risks compared to heat treatment or treatment using chemicals.

[0005] However, it has been found that simply irradiating food with ultraviolet light results in different sterilization effects depending on the type of food. Therefore, simply irradiating food with ultraviolet light may not produce the desired sterilization effect depending on the type of food.

[0006] In this case, increasing the intensity of ultraviolet light or extending the exposure time can enhance the sterilization effect. However, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light may cause deterioration of the food surface, although this is less severe than heat treatment or chemical treatment.

[0007] Therefore, there was a need to develop a technology that could achieve the desired sterilization effect even when the type of food changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-194331 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a food processing apparatus that can achieve the desired sterilization effect even when the type of food changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The food processing apparatus according to this embodiment is citrus A transport unit that transports the; the transport unit that transports the citrus The device includes: an irradiation unit that irradiates processing light having wavelengths in the ultraviolet region; a transport unit and a controller that controls the irradiation unit; and the controller citrus It is equipped with an input section for inputting the type or accumulated light quantity. The controller comprises a plurality of the above citrus The integrated light quantity data for each type is stored, and the input unit is sent to the controller. citrus If a type is entered, the controller will select the entered type from the stored data. citrus The integrated light quantity is read out, and based on the read integrated light quantity, the transport speed of the transport unit, the illuminance of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit, and the irradiation time of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit are controlled. The input unit sends the controller, Depending on the type of citrus fruit, 50 mJ / cm³ 2 The aboveWhen the integrated light quantity is input, the controller controls at least one of the conveyance speed of the conveyance unit, the illuminance of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit, and the irradiation time of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit based on the input integrated light quantity.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a food processing apparatus capable of obtaining a desired sterilization effect even when the type of food changes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram for illustrating a processing apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating an irradiation unit. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram for illustrating a discharge lamp. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating an irradiation unit. [Figure 5] It is a table for illustrating the relationship between the wavelength of the processing light and the sterilization effect. [Figure 6] It is a table for illustrating the relationship between the type of food and the sterilization effect. [Figure 7] It is a table for illustrating the relationship between the integrated light quantity, the sterilization effect, and the spoilage suppression effect in citrus varieties.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be exemplified while referring to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. In addition, the arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the X direction and the Y direction are horizontal directions, and the Z direction is a vertical direction. Also, the X direction is the conveyance direction of the food 100. In this specification, "sterilization" includes not only reducing the number of bacteria and viruses attached to food 100, but also sterilization that kills bacteria and viruses.

[0014] Food item 100 includes, for example, agricultural products, meat ingredients, fresh fish ingredients, and processed foods. Furthermore, "agricultural products" can refer to plants that are artificially cultivated and harvested, or plants that grow and are harvested in nature. "Agricultural products" are obtained through methods such as farming, which involves the planned cultivation and harvesting of cultivated plants; collecting plants that grow naturally in the wild (collection of wild plants); and so-called semi-cultivation, which involves growing and harvesting plants in a state intermediate between cultivation and wild conditions. There are no particular limitations on the uses of "agricultural products," and various uses such as food and medicine are possible. "Processed foods" include, for example, prepared dishes, bento boxes, and salads. Furthermore, food item 100 is not limited to the examples given; for example, any food item with an expiration date is acceptable.

[0015] Furthermore, the food 100 may be stored inside a storage container. The storage container in which the 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. Examples of materials that can transmit the processing light include polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinyl chloride.

[0016] However, the food processing device 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "processing device 1") can effectively sterilize processed foods and fresh produce (for example, fruits and vegetables) that are not stored inside a storage container. Furthermore, as will be described later, the processing device 1 can even more effectively sterilize citrus fruits that are not stored inside a storage container.

[0017] 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 transport unit 20, an irradiation unit 30 (30a), a storage unit 40, and a controller 50.

[0018] The supply unit 10 is provided, for example, near the input end of the transport unit 20. For example, the supply unit 10 stores multiple food items 100 inside and supplies the stored food items 100 to the transport unit 20.

[0019] For example, the supply unit 10 includes a hopper for storing multiple food items 100 in a stacked manner, and a supply device for taking the food items 100 stored in the hopper and supplying them to the conveying unit 20. Alternatively, for example, the supply unit 10 may include a hopper for storing multiple food items 100 randomly, and a chute connected to the hopper and equipped with a vibrator or the like. Note that the configuration of the supply unit 10 is not limited to the examples given. The supply unit 10 only needs to be capable of supplying the food items 100 to the conveying unit 20 in a way that prevents them from overlapping.

[0020] Furthermore, the supply unit 10 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. If the supply unit 10 is omitted, for example, an operator can supply the food 100 to the transport unit 20, or the food 100 can be transferred to the transport unit 20 from another conveyor that transports incoming food 100.

[0021] The conveying unit 20 conveys the food 100 in a predetermined direction (for example, the X direction). For example, the conveying unit 20 conveys 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). Furthermore, the conveying unit 20 can change the conveying speed of the food 100. The conveying unit 20 can be equipped with, for example, an inverter and a motor, or it can be equipped with a control motor such as a servo motor.

[0022] The conveying unit 20 illustrated in Figure 1 has a plurality of rollers 20a arranged at equal intervals. The plurality of rollers 20a move in a predetermined direction while rotating on their own axis, and also circulate between one end and the other end of the conveying unit 20.

[0023] The conveying section 20 can also be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The belt conveyor can be equipped with a mesh belt, a wire net, a belt with crossbars, etc. The roller conveyor can be equipped with multiple rotating rollers.

[0024] In this case, if the orientation of the food 100 changes as it is transported, the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) can be directed onto a wider area of ​​the surface of the food 100. If the processing light is directed onto a wider area of ​​the surface of the food 100, the sterilization effect can be improved.

[0025] In this case, the food 100 may have a shape close to a sphere, such as citrus fruits, plums, or vegetables like tomatoes and onions. Food 100 with a shape close to a sphere can change its orientation relatively easily during transport.

[0026] Since the roller conveyor is equipped with multiple rotating rollers, it is easier to change the orientation of the food 100 which has a nearly spherical shape. The transport unit 20 illustrated in Figure 1 moves in a predetermined direction while rotating and is equipped with multiple rollers 20a that circulate between one end and the other end of the transport unit 20, so it is even easier to change the orientation of the food 100 which has a nearly spherical shape. For this reason, considering that the processing light should be incident on a wider area of ​​the surface of the food 100, it is preferable that the transport unit 20 be a roller conveyor, and it is even more preferable that the transport unit have the configuration illustrated in Figure 1.

[0027] Furthermore, the transport unit 20 may, for example, have a roller conveyor or a transport unit with a configuration as illustrated in Figure 1 in the area facing the irradiation unit 30 (30a), and a belt conveyor or the like in other areas. In this way, the orientation of the food 100 can be changed in the irradiation area of ​​the processing light to improve the sterilization effect, and the posture of the food 100 can be stabilized in other areas to suppress the occurrence of scratches or other damage on the surface of the food 100.

[0028] Furthermore, although Figure 1 illustrates a case where the conveying unit 20 conveys the food 100 in a horizontal direction, the conveying unit 20 may, for example, convey the food 100 in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal.

[0029] The irradiation unit 30 irradiates the food 100, which is being transported by the transport unit 20 in a predetermined direction (for example, the X direction), with processing light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region. The irradiation unit 30 is located opposite the side of the transport unit 20 on which the food 100 is being transported.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the irradiation unit 30. As shown in Figure 2, the irradiation unit 30 includes, for example, a light-emitting module 31, a cooling unit 32, a circuit unit 33, a housing 34, and a detection unit 35. The light-emitting module 31 is housed inside the housing 34. The light-emitting module 31 includes, for example, a discharge lamp 31a, a socket 31b, and a reflector 31c.

[0031] The discharge lamp 31a is installed between the reflector 31c and the transport unit 20. Multiple discharge lamps 31a can be installed. Multiple discharge lamps 31a are installed at predetermined intervals in the direction of transport of the food 100 (for example, the X direction). The number of discharge lamps 31a can be changed as appropriate depending on the required sterilization effect.

[0032] The discharge lamp 31a irradiates with processing light having wavelengths in at least the ultraviolet region. The discharge lamp 31a 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, or the like.

[0033] In this case, a hot cathode low-pressure mercury lamp provides high ultraviolet irradiance and is low-cost. Therefore, if the discharge lamp 31a is a hot cathode low-pressure mercury lamp, the number of discharge lamps 31a can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization and cost reduction of the irradiation unit 30. Accordingly, the following will describe, as an example, the case in which the discharge lamp 31a is a hot cathode low-pressure mercury lamp.

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a discharge lamp 31a. As shown in Figure 3, the discharge lamp 31a has, for example, a discharge tube 31a1, a base 31a2, and an electrode 31a3.

[0035] The discharge tube 31a1 is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The discharge tube 31a1 is made from a material that transmits ultraviolet light and is heat-resistant. For example, the discharge tube 31a1 is made from quartz, glass, etc. The outer diameter of the discharge tube 31a1 is approximately 14 mm to 38 mm, and the length of the discharge tube 31a1 is approximately 40 cm to 200 cm. The dimensions of the discharge tube 31a1 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the food 100, etc.

[0036] Both ends of the discharge tube 31a1 are sealed. A discharge medium is sealed inside the discharge tube 31a1. The discharge medium is, for example, a noble gas and mercury, or a noble gas and amalgam. The noble gas can be, for example, a single gas such as argon or xenon, or a mixed gas of several types of noble gases. The gas pressure (sealing pressure) inside the discharge tube 31a1 at 25°C is, for example, about 1 Torr (133.322 Pa) to 10 Torr (1333.22 Pa). The sealing pressure can be determined using the standard conditions of the gas (SATP (Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure): temperature 25°C, 1 bar). The amount of mercury or amalgam sealed inside is, for example, about 1 mg to 10 mg.

[0037] The base 31a2 is provided at each end of the discharge tube 31a1. The base 31a2 is fixed to the end of the discharge tube 31a1 using an adhesive. The base 31a2 insulates the leads 31a3a of the electrode 31a3 that are exposed from the end of the discharge tube 31a1. The base 31a2 also electrically connects the leads 31a3a of the electrode 31a3 to the circuit section 33.

[0038] The electrodes 31a3 are provided at each of the ends on both sides of the discharge tube 31a1. The electrodes 31a3 have a lead 31a3a and a filament 31a3b. A pair of leads 31a3a are provided for each electrode 31a3. The pair of leads 31a3a are held in the sealing portion at the end of the discharge tube 31a1. The leads 31a3a are linear in shape. One end of the leads 31a3a is exposed to the internal space of the discharge tube 31a1. The other end of the leads 31a3a is located inside the base 31a2.

[0039] The filament 31a3b is located in the internal space of the discharge tube 31a1. The filament 31a3b is held by a pair of leads 31a3a within the internal space of the discharge tube 31a1. The filament 31a3b is formed, for example, by winding a wire in a spiral shape. The wire may contain, for example, tungsten or a rhenium-tungsten alloy.

[0040] Furthermore, the filament 31a3b holds an emitter containing, for example, a mixture of BaO, SrO, and CaO. A ribbon 31a3c containing, for example, a mercury alloy (e.g., mercury-titanium alloy), zirconium, or aluminum can also be bonded to the filament 31a3b.

[0041] Here, when power is applied to one electrode 31a3 (cathode), the filament 31a3b is heated. Then, thermionic electrons are emitted from the emitter held in the filament 31a3b, which has reached a temperature of approximately 600°C to 1100°C. The emitted electrons move to the other electrode 31a3 (anode), causing a discharge. The emitted electrons collide with the mercury atoms sealed inside the discharge tube 31a1. When electrons and mercury atoms collide, the mercury atoms receive energy from the electrons, generating ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength of approximately 254 nm. The generated ultraviolet light is irradiated outside the discharge tube 31a1 as processing light.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the sockets 31b are provided on the inner wall of the housing 34 at the location where the discharge lamps 31a are installed. A pair of sockets 31b are provided for each discharge lamp 31a. The base 31a2 of the discharge lamp 31a is detachably connected to the sockets 31b. The pair of sockets 31b are electrically connected to the circuit unit 33 via wiring. Therefore, by installing the discharge lamps 31a into the pair of sockets 31b, the discharge lamps 31a (electrodes 31a3) and the circuit unit 33 are electrically connected.

[0043] The reflector 31c is provided on the inner wall of the housing 34. The reflector 31c reflects the processing light emitted from the discharge lamp 31a, which is directed away from the transport unit 20, toward the transport unit 20.

[0044] Next, we will return to Figure 2 and describe the cooling unit 32, the circuit unit 33, the housing 34, and the detection unit 35. The cooling unit 32 cools the discharge lamp 31a and the circuit unit 33, which are located inside the housing 34. The cooling unit 32 can be located on the side of the housing 34 or on the top surface of the housing 34 (the side opposite to the transport unit 20). The cooling unit 32 can be a fan or the like that exhausts air from inside the housing 34 or supplies outside air to the inside of the housing 34.

[0045] The circuit unit 33 is located inside the housing 34. The circuit unit 33 switches the discharge lamp 31a on and off, and controls the power applied to the discharge lamp 31a. In this case, the circuit unit 33 can control the illuminance of the processing light emitted from the discharge lamp 31a by controlling the power applied to the discharge lamp 31a.

[0046] The housing 34 is box-shaped and houses the light-emitting module 31, the cooling unit 32, and the circuit unit 33 inside. The end of the housing 34 on the transport unit 20 side (the end on the side where the processing light is emitted) is open. The processing light emitted from the light-emitting module 31 (discharge lamp 31a) is irradiated onto the food 100 through the opening in the housing 34.

[0047] A light-shielding section 34a can be provided between the output side of the housing 34 (where the processing light is emitted) and the transport section 20. The light-shielding section 34a surrounds the irradiation range of the irradiation section 30. For example, the light-shielding section 34a may be sheet-like and be provided on the side of the housing 34. The end of the light-shielding section 34a on the transport section 20 side is located near the roller 20a. The light-shielding section 34a prevents the processing light emitted from the light-emitting module 31 (discharge lamp 31a) from leaking to the periphery of the housing 34. If a light-shielding section 34a is provided, it is possible to prevent the processing light from entering objects around the light-emitting module 31 or the operator.

[0048] The food 100 transported by the transport unit 20 pushes aside the light-shielding section 34a and enters the irradiation range of the irradiation unit 30. Therefore, the light-shielding section 34a is formed from a material that is difficult for processing light to penetrate and is elastically deformable. The light-shielding section 34a is formed from, for example, rubber or resin. In addition, multiple slits can be provided in the light-shielding section 34a provided in the transport direction of the food 100 (for example, the X direction). The multiple slits can, for example, extend in the Z direction and be aligned in the Y direction. In addition, multiple light-shielding sections 34a with a shorter dimension in the Y direction can be arranged in the Y direction. If multiple slits are provided, or if multiple light-shielding sections 34a with a shorter dimension in the Y direction are provided, the light-shielding section 34a becomes more elastically deformable. Therefore, it becomes easier for the food 100 to push aside the light-shielding section 34a. In addition, a highly reflective film or layer can be provided on the side of the light-shielding section 34a that faces the irradiation range. Highly reflective films or layers can include, for example, metals such as aluminum alloys. If a highly reflective film or layer is provided, the processing light incident on the light-shielding portion 34a can be reflected towards the irradiation area, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the processing light.

[0049] The detection unit 35 is located outside the housing 34. The detection unit 35 can be located, for example, between the housing 34 and the supply unit 10. The detection unit 35 detects food 100 entering the irradiation area of ​​the processing light. The detection unit 35 can be, for example, an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. If the detection unit 35 is provided, the processing light can be irradiated when food 100 is detected, and the processing light can not be irradiated when food 100 is not detected. Note that the detection unit 35 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. If the detection unit 35 is omitted, for example, the processing light can be continuously irradiated when the processing device 1 is in operation.

[0050] Next, an irradiation unit 30a according to another embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the irradiation section 30a. As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation unit 30a includes, for example, a light-emitting module 131, a cooling unit 132, a circuit unit 133, a housing 134, and a detection unit 35. The light-emitting module 131, the cooling unit 132, and the circuit unit 133 are housed inside the housing 134.

[0051] The light-emitting module 131 is located near the end of the housing 134 on the transport section 20 side. The light-emitting module 131 includes, for example, a substrate 131a and a plurality of light-emitting elements 131b. The substrate 131a is plate-shaped. The substrate 131a is attached to the heat dissipation section 132a of the cooling section 132, for example, using fastening members such as screws.

[0052] Multiple light-emitting elements 131b are provided on the substrate 131a on the side facing the transport section 20. The arrangement and number of the multiple light-emitting elements 131b can be appropriately changed according to the size of the food 100. The processing light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 131b is irradiated to the outside of the irradiation section 30a through a window 134a provided at the end of the housing 134.

[0053] The light-emitting element 131b is irradiated with processing light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region. For example, the light-emitting element 131b can be a light-emitting diode or a laser diode capable of irradiating processing light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 320 nm or less. The relationship between the wavelength of the processing light emitted from the light-emitting element 131b and the sterilization effect will be discussed later.

[0054] The cooling unit 132 is located on the side of the light-emitting module 131 opposite to the transport unit 20. The cooling unit 132 includes, for example, a heat dissipation unit 132a and a fan 132b. The heat dissipation section 132a has, for example, a block-shaped base to which the light-emitting module 131 is attached, and a plurality of fins. The heat dissipation section 132a is formed from, for example, a material with high thermal conductivity such as an aluminum alloy. The fan 132b supplies air to a plurality of fins provided on the heat dissipation section 132a. The fan 132b is attached, for example, to the inner wall of the housing 134.

[0055] The circuit unit 133 is located on the opposite side of the cooling unit 132 from the light-emitting module 131. The circuit unit 133 switches the multiple light-emitting elements 131b on and off, and controls the power applied to the multiple light-emitting elements 131b. In this case, the circuit unit 133 can control the illuminance of the processing light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 131b by controlling the power applied to the multiple light-emitting elements 131b.

[0056] The housing 134 is box-shaped and houses the light-emitting module 131, the cooling unit 132, and the circuit unit 133 inside. A window 134a is provided at the end of the housing 134 on the transport unit 20 side. The window 134a transmits processing light irradiated from the light-emitting module 131 (light-emitting element 131b). The window 134a is formed from, for example, ultraviolet transmitting glass or acrylic resin.

[0057] Here, the irradiation range of the processing light from the discharge lamp 31a is wider than that of the processing light from the light-emitting element 131b. Also, the price of the discharge lamp 31a is cheaper than the price of multiple light-emitting elements 131b. Therefore, by using the irradiation unit 30 equipped with the discharge lamp 31a, the number of food items 100 can be processed can be increased, and the cost of the processing device 1 can be reduced. On the other hand, the spectral distribution of the light-emitting element 131b is narrower than that of the discharge lamp 31a. Therefore, by using an irradiation unit 30a equipped with multiple light-emitting elements 131b, bacteria and viruses can be efficiently sterilized. The irradiation unit 30 and the irradiation unit 30a can be appropriately selected according to the required manufacturing cost, sterilization effect, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, the processing device 1 may also be equipped with multiple irradiation units 30, multiple irradiation units 30a, or at least one irradiation unit 30 and at least one irradiation unit 30a.

[0059] 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 conveying section 20. The storage section 40 may also be equipped with a chute or a vibrator to facilitate the discharge of the food 100a from the conveying section 20. Alternatively, instead of the storage section 40, a conveyor for discharging the processed food 100a may be provided.

[0060] The controller 50 controls the operation of each element provided in the processing unit 1. For example, the controller 50 controls the transport unit 20 and the irradiation unit 30 (30a). The controller 50 has, for example, a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit such as a 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. The storage unit can also store, for example, appropriate cumulative light doses (cumulative irradiation doses) for each of the multiple food types 100. The appropriate cumulative light intensity for each of the 100 different food items will be discussed later.

[0061] Furthermore, an input unit 50a can be connected to the controller 50 to input data on the irradiation conditions of the processing light. For example, the data on the irradiation conditions of the processing light can include the type of food 100 or the cumulative light intensity.

[0062] For example, the controller 50 can store data on the cumulative light intensity for each of the multiple food types 100. When the type of food 100 is input to the controller 50 from the input unit 50a, the controller 50 reads the cumulative light intensity for the input food 100 from the stored data and controls at least one of the following based on the read cumulative light intensity: the transport speed of the transport unit 20, the illuminance of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a), and the irradiation time of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a).

[0063] When the integrated light quantity is input to the controller 50 from the input unit 50a, the controller 50 controls at least one of the following based on the input integrated light quantity: the transport speed of the transport unit 20, the illuminance of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a), and the irradiation time of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a).

[0064] Furthermore, the controller 50 may also be equipped with a monitor that displays the number of food items 100 to be processed, the operating status of each element in the processing device 1, and any abnormality indications.

[0065] Next, we will further explain the sterilization effect of Food 100. First, let's explain the relationship between the wavelength of the treatment light and its sterilization effect. Figure 5 is a table illustrating the relationship between the wavelength of the treatment light and the sterilization effect. In Figure 5, the sterilization effect is expressed as the sterilization rate. The sterilization rate was evaluated by irradiating general viable bacteria (e.g., E. coli) cultured on a petri dish with treatment light having a peak wavelength of 280 nm for 10 seconds. The integrated light intensity of the treatment light was 50 mJ / cm². 2 The sterilization rate R is a simplified indicator that can be expressed as R = -(L0 - L), where L0 is the initial number of viable bacteria (cfu / ml) and L is the number of viable bacteria (cfu / ml) after UV irradiation (cfu / ml).

[0066] By allowing the DNA and RNA of bacteria and viruses to absorb treatment light, their DNA and RNA can be destroyed. Bacterial and viral DNA and RNA readily absorb ultraviolet light with a wavelength of around 260 nm. Therefore, as can be seen in Figure 5, irradiating food 100 with treatment light having a peak wavelength of 220 nm or more and 320 nm or less can achieve a high sterilization effect.

[0067] As mentioned above, the discharge lamp 31a emits processing light with a peak wavelength of approximately 254 nm, thus achieving a high sterilization effect (bacterial reduction effect). Furthermore, a high sterilization effect (detoxification effect) can also be obtained by using a light-emitting element 131b that irradiates with processing light having a peak wavelength of 220 nm or more and 320 nm or less. Note that some light-emitting elements 131b irradiate with processing light having a peak wavelength exceeding 320 nm. Some substances contained in bacteria and viruses readily absorb processing light with a peak wavelength exceeding 320 nm. Therefore, a sterilization effect (detoxification effect) can be obtained even when food 100 is irradiated with processing light having a peak wavelength exceeding 320 nm.

[0068] However, as can be seen from Figure 5, a higher sterilization effect (detoxification effect) can be obtained by irradiating with processing light having a peak wavelength of 220 nm or more and 320 nm or less to destroy the DNA and RNA of bacteria and viruses. For this reason, it is preferable to use a light-emitting element 131b that irradiates with processing light having a peak wavelength of 220 nm or more and 320 nm or less.

[0069] As explained above, a high sterilization effect can be obtained by irradiating food 100 with treatment light having a peak wavelength of 220 nm or higher and 320 nm or lower. However, it was found that the sterilization effect differs depending on the type of food 100 when the irradiation conditions of the treatment light are kept constant.

[0070] Figure 6 is a table illustrating the relationship between 100 types of food and their sterilization effects. In Figure 6, the sterilization effect is expressed as the sterilization rate. The sterilization rate was evaluated by irradiating with treatment light having a peak wavelength of 280 nm for 10 seconds. The integrated light intensity of the treatment light was 50 mJ / cm². 2 The sterilization rate was calculated in the same manner as in Figure 5.

[0071] As can be seen from Figure 6, when the irradiation conditions (cumulative light intensity) of the processing light are kept constant, the sterilization effect (de-bacterial effect) differs greatly depending on the type of food (100 types). For example, processed foods have a lower sterilization effect (de-bacterial effect) than fresh produce, and the sterilization effect (de-bacterial effect) decreases further as the degree of processing of processed foods increases. Also, while fresh produce generally shows a similar sterilization effect (de-bacterial effect), citrus fruits show an even higher sterilization effect (de-bacterial effect).

[0072] In this case, if the treatment light is irradiated onto the produce using irradiation conditions (cumulative light intensity) that enhance the sterilization effect (detoxification effect) of processed foods, the irradiation time will be longer, and the irradiation unit 30 (30a) will become larger and more expensive. In addition, the produce will be irradiated with more treatment light than necessary, which may cause the surface of the produce to deteriorate.

[0073] In other words, if all types of food are irradiated with treatment light using irradiation conditions designed for foods with low sterilization (bactericidal) effects (e.g., processed foods), excessive irradiation may occur. On the other hand, if all types of food are irradiated with treatment light using irradiation conditions designed for foods with high sterilization (bactericidal) effects (e.g., fruits and vegetables), the desired sterilization (bactericidal) effect may not be achieved.

[0074] By appropriately changing the irradiation conditions (cumulative light intensity) of the processing light according to the 100 types of food, the desired sterilization effect can be obtained, and work efficiency can be improved, as well as energy can be saved.

[0075] Figure 7 is a table illustrating the relationship between cumulative light intensity and sterilization and spoilage inhibition effects in citrus varieties. In Figure 7, the sterilization effect is expressed as the sterilization rate. The sterilization rate was evaluated by irradiation with treatment light having a peak wavelength of 280 nm. The sterilization rate was calculated in the same manner as in Figure 5. In addition, the effect of suppressing spoilage was evaluated as the spoilage rate. The spoilage rate was defined as the percentage of items that spoiled 30 days after treatment.

[0076] As can be seen from Figure 7, in the case of citrus fruits, the cumulative light intensity is 50 mJ / cm². 2 By doing so, a high disinfection (sterilization) effect can be obtained, and the rate of spoilage can be reduced. In other words, if the food 100 is a citrus fruit, the controller 50 can store data on the cumulative light intensity for each type of citrus fruit. The data on the cumulative light intensity for each type of citrus fruit stored in the controller 50 is 50 mJ / cm². 2 This can be done.

[0077] In this case, if the integrated light quantity is about 100 mJ / cm 2 , a higher decay inhibition effect can be obtained in most citrus fruits. In the case of "Unshu mikan", if the integrated light quantity is 50 mJ / cm 2 or more and 100 mJ / cm 2 or less, a higher decay inhibition effect can be obtained. In the case of "Benimadonna", if the integrated light quantity is 50 mJ / cm 2 , a higher decay inhibition effect can be obtained. That is, by appropriately changing the irradiation conditions (integrated light quantity) of the treatment light according to the type of citrus fruit, further improvement of the sterilization effect (bacterium reduction effect) and decay inhibition effect can be achieved. Note that the appropriate integrated light quantity for 100 types of foods can be obtained by conducting experiments and simulations in advance.

[0078] Here, the integrated light quantity (mJ / cm 2 ) can be obtained by multiplying the illuminance (mW / cm 2 ) of the treatment light at the conveyance position of the food 100 (for example, the position at the upper end of the roller 20a) by the irradiation time (s).

[0079] In the case of the irradiation unit 30, the illuminance of the treatment light can be changed by controlling the power applied to the discharge lamp 31a by the circuit unit 33. In the case of the irradiation unit 30a, the illuminance of the treatment light can be changed by controlling the power applied to the light emitting element 131b by the circuit unit 133. Also, by changing the conveyance speed of the food 100 (the conveyance speed of the conveyance unit 20), the time (irradiation time (s)) for the food 100 to pass through the irradiation region of the irradiation unit 30 (30a) can be changed. Also, the irradiation time (s) can be changed by changing the lighting time of the irradiation unit 30 (30a).

[0080] Therefore, the controller 50 controls, for example, the illuminance of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a), the transport speed of the transport unit 20, and the lighting time of the irradiation unit 30 (30a) based on data input from the input unit 50a (for example, the type of food 100 and the total amount of light emitted), so that the total amount of processing light emitted onto the food 100 is an appropriate value.

[0081] As described above, with the processing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the desired sterilization effect can be obtained even when the type of food 100 changes. Furthermore, when the food 100 is citrus fruit, the cumulative light intensity is 50 mJ / cm². 2 By doing so, a high sterilization effect can be obtained, and the rate of spoilage can be kept low.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The following are additional notes regarding the embodiments described above.

[0084] (Note 1) A conveying unit for transporting food; The food being transported by the transport unit is irradiated with processing light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region by an irradiation unit; A controller that controls the transport unit and the irradiation unit; The controller includes an input unit for inputting the type of food or the cumulative light quantity; It is equipped with, The controller stores data on the cumulative light intensity for each of the multiple types of food, and when the type of food is input to the controller from the input unit, the controller reads the cumulative light intensity for the input food from the stored data, and controls at least one of the transport speed of the transport unit, the illuminance of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit, and the irradiation time of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit based on the read cumulative light intensity. A food processing apparatus in which, when the integrated light quantity is input from the input unit to the controller, the controller controls at least one of the transport speed of the transport unit, the illuminance of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit, and the irradiation time of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit, based on the input integrated light quantity.

[0085] (Note 2) The aforementioned food is a citrus fruit. The food processing apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the controller stores the data of the accumulated light intensity for each type of citrus fruit.

[0086] (Note 3) The data on the cumulative light intensity for each type of citrus fruit stored in the controller is 50 mJ / cm². 2 The food processing apparatus described in Appendix 2 above.

[0087] (Note 4) The irradiation unit is A housing that houses a discharge lamp that emits the processing light, or a light-emitting element that emits the processing light; A light-shielding section is provided between the output side of the housing and the transport section to suppress leakage of the processing light to the periphery of the housing; A food processing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, having the following characteristics.

[0088] (Note 5) The light-shielding portion is elastically deformable, The food processing apparatus described in Appendix 4, wherein the food conveyed by the conveying unit pushes aside the light-shielding unit and enters the irradiation range of the irradiation unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1 Processing unit, 20 Conveying unit, 20a Roller, 30 Irradiation unit, 30a Irradiation unit, 31a Discharge lamp, 34 Housing, 34a Light shielding unit, 50 Controller, 50a Input unit, 100 Food, 131b Light-emitting element, 134 Housing

Claims

1. A conveying unit for transporting citrus fruits; An irradiation unit that irradiates the citrus fruits being transported by the transport unit with processing light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region; A controller that controls the transport unit and the irradiation unit; The controller includes an input unit for inputting the type of citrus fruit or the accumulated light quantity; It is equipped with, The controller stores data on the cumulative light intensity for each of the multiple types of citrus fruits, and when the type of citrus fruit is input to the controller from the input unit, the controller reads the cumulative light intensity for the input citrus fruit from the stored data, and controls at least one of the transport speed of the transport unit, the illuminance of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit, and the irradiation time of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit based on the read cumulative light intensity. A food processing apparatus in which, when an integrated light amount of 50 mJ / cm² or more, corresponding to the type of citrus fruit, is input from the input unit to the controller, the controller controls at least one of the following based on the input integrated light amount: the transport speed of the transport unit, the illuminance of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit, and the irradiation time of the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit.

2. The irradiation unit is A housing that houses a discharge lamp that emits the processing light, or a light-emitting element that emits the processing light; A light-shielding portion is provided between the output side of the housing and the transport portion to suppress leakage of the processing light to the periphery of the housing; A food processing apparatus according to claim 1, having the following:

3. The light-shielding portion is elastically deformable, The food processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the citrus fruits conveyed by the conveying unit push aside the light-shielding unit and enter the irradiation range of the irradiation unit.

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