Irradiation device and food processing device

Abstract

To provide an irradiation apparatus that can control integrated light quantity by a simple constitution, and a processing device of food products.SOLUTION: An irradiation apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a light-emitting element or a discharge lamp which irradiates food products conveyed in a predetermined direction by a conveying part with processing light having a wavelength of an ultraviolet region; a detection part which detects a plurality of detection bodies provided for areas of the conveying part on which the food products are mounted at an equal gap; a controller which calculates a moving speed of areas on which the food products are mounted by a gap between the plurality of detection bodies and changes of output from the detection part, and controls the light quantity of the processing light on the basis of the calculated moving speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 Embodiments of the present invention relate to an irradiation device and a food processing device. 【Background Art】 【0002】 In the food market, safety awareness regarding food is increasing due to measures such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point). Also, the food market has problems such as food loss due to spoilage. 【0003】 In this case, if food is heat-treated or treated with chemicals such as chlorine or hypochlorous acid, sterilization of bacteria, viruses, etc. adhering to the surface of the food can be performed. If sterilization of bacteria, etc. can be performed, it becomes easier to maintain the freshness and quality of the food. However, doing so creates new problems such as the food being deteriorated by heat or a risk to health being caused by the chemicals remaining in the food. 【0004】 Therefore, a processing device that irradiates food with ultraviolet rays to perform sterilization of bacteria, etc. adhering to the surface of the food has been proposed. In such a processing device, ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto food conveyed in a predetermined direction by a conveying device such as a conveyor. By doing so, the food can be continuously processed, so a large number of foods can be sterilized in a relatively short time. 【0005】 However, depending on the size and type of the food, etc., the conveying speed of the food may be adjusted. When the conveying speed of the food changes, the irradiation amount (integrated light amount) of ultraviolet rays on the surface of the food changes. If the integrated light amount changes, there is a risk that the sterilization effect will vary or that the freshness and quality of the food cannot be maintained. In this case, if an operator adjusts the integrated light amount according to the conveying speed of the food, there is a risk that the burden on the operator will increase or that a predetermined sterilization effect cannot be obtained due to an adjustment error. 【0006】 Furthermore, in recent years, it has become desirable to add an irradiation device capable of controlling the integrated light intensity to existing equipment. In this case, it is preferable to avoid modifying the existing equipment when adding the irradiation device. 【0007】 Therefore, there was a need for the development of an irradiation device and a food processing device that could control the cumulative light intensity with a simple configuration. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents] 【0008】 [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-194331 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0009】 The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an irradiation device and a food processing device that can control the cumulative light intensity with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem] 【0010】 The irradiation device according to the embodiment includes: a light-emitting element or discharge lamp that irradiates food being transported in a predetermined direction by a transport unit with processing light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region; a detection unit that detects a plurality of detection elements provided at equal intervals in the portion of the transport unit on which the food is placed; and a unit that calculates the moving speed of the portion on which the food is placed based on the interval between the plurality of detection elements and the change in output of the detection unit, and the calculated moving speed If the speed slows down, the amount of light from the processing light is reduced, and if the calculated speed increases, the amount of light from the processing light is increased. It is equipped with a controller; [Effects of the Invention] 【0011】 According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an irradiation device and a food processing device that can control the cumulative light intensity with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0012】 [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a processing unit. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an irradiation device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the irradiation device as seen from the direction of the AA line. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an irradiation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a discharge lamp. [Figure 6] This graph illustrates an example of a spectral distribution curve for an irradiation device equipped with a discharge lamp. [Figure 7] This graph illustrates the detection of rollers by the detection unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0013】 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. Furthermore, in this specification, "sterilization" includes not only reducing the number of bacteria and viruses present, but also sterilization that kills bacteria and viruses. 【0014】 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 transport unit 20, an irradiation unit 30, a storage unit 40, and a controller 50. 【0015】 The supply unit 10 is provided, for example, near the end of the loading side of the conveying unit 20. For example, the supply unit 10 stores a plurality of foods 100 inside and supplies the stored foods 100 to the conveying unit 20. 【0016】 For example, the supply unit 10 includes a hopper for storing a plurality of foods 100 in a stacked manner, and a supply device for taking out the foods 100 stored in the hopper and supplying them to the conveying unit 20. Also, for example, the supply unit 10 may include a hopper for randomly storing a plurality of foods 100, 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 exemplified ones. As long as the supply unit 10 can supply the foods 100 to the conveying 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 conveying unit 20. 【0017】 The food 100 can be, for example, a food that is not stored inside a storage container (a single food), or a food stored inside a storage container. 【0018】 The food 100 is, for example, agricultural products, meat materials, fresh fish materials, processed foods, etc. Note that the "agricultural products" can be, for example, plants that are artificially cultivated and harvested, or plants that grow and are harvested in nature. The "agricultural products" may be obtained by farming where cultivated plants are cultivated and harvested plannedly, collection of plants growing naturally in nature (collection of wild plants), so-called semi-cultivation where plants grow and are harvested in an intermediate state between cultivation and wildness, etc. There is no particular limitation on the use of the "agricultural products", and various uses such as edible and medicinal can be considered. The "processed foods" are, for example, pre-packaged vegetables, boxed lunches, salads, etc. Also, the food 100 is not limited to the exemplified ones, and for example, it may have an expiration date. 【0019】 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. 【0020】 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). 【0021】 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 circulate between one end and the other end of the conveying unit 20. The conveying unit 20 conveys the food 100 placed on the plurality of rollers 20a. In this case, since the plurality of rollers 20a move in a predetermined direction while rotating on their own axis, the position of the food 100 placed on the rollers 20a is likely to change. Therefore, the processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 (30a), which will be described later, can be incident on a wider area of ​​the surface of the food 100. As a result, the sterilization effect can be improved. 【0022】 The configuration of the conveying unit 20 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. For example, the conveying unit 20 can be a conveyor using a mesh belt or wire net, or a belt conveyor with crossbars. Using a conveyor with a mesh belt or a belt conveyor with crossbars allows for stabilization of the food 100's orientation, making it easier to illuminate a predetermined area of ​​the food 100's surface with processing light. 【0023】 As described above, the conveying unit 20 can have any of the following: a plurality of holes, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of protrusions provided at equal intervals on the part on which the food 100 is placed. The configuration of the conveying unit 20 can be appropriately selected depending on the type of food 100. For example, if the conveying unit 20 is used for fruits such as oranges and plums, or vegetables such as tomatoes and onions, which have a nearly spherical shape, and it is preferable to irradiate as wide an area of ​​the surface as possible with processing light, then it is preferable to use a conveying unit 20 having a plurality of rollers 20a as illustrated in Figure 1. For example, the conveying unit 20 illustrated in Figure 1 is suitable for sorting fruits and vegetables. 【0024】 In Figure 1, the transport unit 20 is shown as an example of transporting the food 100 in a horizontal direction, but the transport unit 20 may also transport the food 100 in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal. 【0025】 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. 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, a housing 34, and a detection unit 35. 【0026】 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. 【0027】 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. 【0028】 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. 【0029】 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. 【0030】 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. 【0031】 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 size and shape of the food 100. 【0032】 The light-emitting element 31b is irradiated with processing light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region. In this case, shortening the peak wavelength of the processing light can improve the sterilization effect. Therefore, it is preferable that the light-emitting element 31b be capable of irradiating with UVC (UVC region ultraviolet light). For example, the light-emitting element 31b can be a light-emitting diode or laser diode capable of irradiating processing light with a peak wavelength of 200 nm or more and 300 nm or less. 【0033】 The light-emitting element 31b may be a chip-shaped light-emitting element, a surface-mount type light-emitting element, or a light-emitting element with lead wires such as a bullet-shaped element. 【0034】 Furthermore, along with the light-emitting element 31b capable of emitting processing light having wavelengths in the ultraviolet region, a light-emitting element capable of emitting light in the near-infrared region (for example, a wavelength band of 700 nm or more and 960 nm or less) can also be provided. In this case, the processing light having wavelengths in the ultraviolet region can be used to sterilize 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, evaporation of liquid components from the surface of the agricultural product can be suppressed, similar to the case of the discharge lamp 132 described later. Therefore, maintaining the freshness of the agricultural product becomes even easier. In other words, the irradiation unit 30 (light-emitting element 31b) irradiates the food 100, which is being transported in a predetermined direction, with processing light having at least a wavelength in the ultraviolet region. 【0035】 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. 【0036】 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. 【0037】 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. 【0038】 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 can also be located on the controller 50. The circuit board 33 can, for example, switch the multiple light-emitting elements 31b on and off, control the power applied to the multiple light-emitting elements 31b, and switch the supply of gas G by the blower unit 32b on and off. Furthermore, by controlling the power applied to multiple light-emitting elements 31b, the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (light-emitting elements 31b) can be controlled. 【0039】 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. 【0040】 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. 【0041】 Next, an irradiation unit 30a according to another embodiment will be described. The irradiation unit 30a 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. 【0042】 Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an irradiation unit 30a according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the irradiation unit 30a includes, for example, a reflector 131, a discharge lamp 132, and a detection unit 35. 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. 【0043】 The discharge lamp 132 is installed inside the reflector 131. For example, the discharge lamp 132 emits processing light that includes wavelengths from the ultraviolet region to the near-infrared region. A lighting circuit that switches the discharge lamp 132 on and off and controls the power applied to the discharge lamp 132 can be provided in the controller 50, for example. By controlling the power applied to the discharge lamp 132, the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30a (discharge lamp 132) can be controlled. 【0044】 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, or the like. In the following example, we will describe the case where the discharge lamp 132 is a xenon flash lamp. 【0045】 Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the discharge lamp 132. As shown in Figure 5, the discharge lamp 132 has, for example, a discharge tube 132a, an electrode 132b, and a trigger electrode 132c. 【0046】 The discharge tube 132a is cylindrical in shape, with a length (length in the axial direction) that is longer than the outer diameter. For example, the discharge tube 132a is cylindrical in shape. The length in the axial direction and the outer diameter of the discharge tube 132a can be appropriately changed according to 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. The discharge tube 132a is formed from a translucent material such as quartz glass. 【0047】 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 ultraviolet emission intensity. For example, the ultraviolet emission intensity 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). 【0048】 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. 【0049】 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. 【0050】 If a trigger electrode 132c is provided, a large potential gradient can be formed between the trigger electrode 132c 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. 【0051】 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. 【0052】 Figure 6 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 6 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. The discharge medium is xenon single gas. The sealing pressure of the discharge medium at 25°C is 40 kPa. 【0053】 As can be seen from Figure 6, 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 can be used to sterilize bacteria and viruses attached to the surface of the food 100. Also, for example, if the food 100 is an agricultural product, when the surface of the agricultural product is irradiated with light in the near-infrared region, the evaporation of liquid components from the surface of the agricultural product is suppressed. Therefore, it becomes easier to maintain the freshness of the agricultural product. 【0054】 In other words, by using the irradiation unit 30a equipped with the discharge lamp 132, it is possible to sterilize bacteria and viruses attached to the surface of food 100, and also maintain the freshness of agricultural products, for example. On the other hand, if the irradiation unit 30 is equipped with a light-emitting element 31b, the spectral distribution becomes narrow. Therefore, using the irradiation unit 30 allows for efficient sterilization of bacteria and viruses. The irradiation unit 30 and the irradiation unit 30a can be appropriately selected according to the purpose of processing, the type of food 100, etc. 【0055】 Furthermore, 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. 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. 【0056】 Here, the conveying speed of the food 100 by the conveying unit 20 may be adjusted depending on the size and type of the food 100. When the conveying speed of the food 100 changes, the time it takes for the food 100 to pass through the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation unit 30 (30a) changes. Therefore, when the conveying speed of the food 100 by the conveying unit 20 is adjusted, the amount of treatment light irradiated on the surface of the food 100 (cumulative light amount) changes. When the cumulative light amount of treatment light changes, the sterilization effect may vary. Also, if the cumulative light amount is insufficient, the desired sterilization effect may not be obtained, and the freshness of the food 100 may not be maintained. Also, if the cumulative light amount is excessive, the surface of the food 100 may deteriorate, and the quality of the food 100 may not be maintained. 【0057】 In this case, if the transport speed of the food 100 can be determined, the time it takes for the food 100 to pass through the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation unit 30 (30a) can be determined. Then, by changing the amount of processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) according to the determined passage time, the integrated amount of processing light on the surface of the food 100 can be set to an appropriate range. 【0058】 Generally, since the food 100 is supplied randomly to the conveying unit 20, there is a large variation in the spacing between the food 100. Therefore, even if the food 100 being conveyed by the conveying unit 20 is detected, it is not possible to determine the conveying speed of the food 100. 【0059】 In this case, for example, a sensor such as an encoder can be installed in the drive unit of the transport unit 20, and the transport speed of the food 100 can be determined from the rotation speed of the drive unit. However, if this is done, when adding the irradiation unit 30 (30a) to the transport unit of an already existing device, it becomes necessary to modify the existing device to install sensors, external interfaces, etc. 【0060】 For example, fruit and vegetable sorting machines are equipped with a conveying section for transporting fruits and vegetables. In recent years, it has become desirable to add an irradiation section 30 (30a) to sorting machines already in use in order to maintain the freshness and quality of fruits and vegetables. In this case, if the aforementioned modifications are necessary, the work of adding the irradiation section 30 (30a) becomes complicated. 【0061】 Therefore, it is preferable to have an irradiation unit 30 (30a) that can control the cumulative light intensity according to the conveying speed of the food 100 and can be easily added to equipment such as a sorting machine that is already in use. 【0062】 Therefore, the irradiation unit 30 (30a) is provided with a detection unit 35. The detection unit 35 detects a plurality of detection bodies provided at equal intervals in the portion of the transport unit 20 on which the food 100 is placed. As described above, the transport unit 20 has any of the following: multiple holes, multiple recesses, and multiple protrusions provided at equal intervals in the area on which the food 100 is placed. In other words, the detection object detected by the detection unit 35 can be any of the multiple holes, multiple recesses, and multiple protrusions provided at equal intervals in the area on which the food 100 is placed. Therefore, by detecting any of the equally spaced holes, recesses, or protrusions using the detection unit 35, the movement speed of the portion of the conveying unit 20 on which the food 100 is placed, and consequently the conveying speed of the food 100, can be determined. 【0063】 For example, the conveying unit 20 illustrated in Figure 1 has a plurality of rollers 20a on which the food 100 is placed. Therefore, for example, the plurality of rollers 20a correspond to a plurality of protrusions provided at equal intervals in the area where the food 100 is placed. Also, for example, the gaps between the plurality of rollers 20a correspond to a plurality of recesses provided at equal intervals in the area where the food 100 is placed. In this case, the detection unit 35 can detect the rollers 20a, for example. 【0064】 Furthermore, if the conveying section 20 is a conveyor using a mesh belt or wire net, for example, the linear elements constituting the mesh belt correspond to multiple protrusions provided at equal intervals in the area where the food 100 is placed. Also, for example, multiple holes provided in the mesh belt correspond to multiple holes provided at equal intervals in the area where the food 100 is placed. In this case, the detection unit 35 can detect, for example, linear elements that make up a mesh-like belt. 【0065】 Furthermore, if the conveying section 20 is a belt conveyor with crossbars, for example, the multiple crossbars provided on the conveyor belt correspond to multiple protrusions provided at equal intervals on the portion where the food 100 is placed. For example, the spaces between the multiple crossbars correspond to multiple recesses provided at equal intervals on the portion where the food 100 is placed. In this case, the detection unit 35 can, for example, detect a horizontal bar. 【0066】 The detection unit 35 can be, for example, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a proximity sensor. The detection unit 35 may be a through-type sensor or a reflective type sensor. However, considering versatility for the object being detected, it is preferable that the detection unit 35 be a reflective type sensor. However, if a reflective sensor is used, the detection error may increase depending on the surface condition of the object being detected. Therefore, it is preferable that the detection unit 35 be a laser displacement sensor. If the detection unit 35 is a laser displacement sensor, the versatility for the object being detected can be improved, and the detection error due to the surface condition of the object being detected can be reduced. 【0067】 Figure 7 is a graph illustrating the detection of the roller 20a by the detection unit 35. As shown in Figure 7, when multiple rollers 20a pass through the detection area of ​​the detection unit 35, the output of the detection unit 35 changes at approximately constant time T(s). Since the spacing L(mm) between the rollers 20a is known in advance, the movement speed of the rollers 20a can be calculated using "L(mm) / T(s)". Alternatively, the movement speed of the rollers 20a can be calculated from the spacing (mm) between N rollers 20a and the time (s) between N rollers 20a. That is, it can also be expressed as "N·L(mm) / N·T(s)". In this way, the error in movement speed can be reduced. 【0068】 Since the movement speed of the roller 20a can be considered as the transport speed of the food 100 placed on the roller 20a, the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) can be controlled based on the determined movement speed of the roller 20a. For example, if the transport speed of the food 100 (movement speed of the roller 20a) slows down, the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) is reduced. For example, if the transport speed of the food 100 (movement speed of the roller 20a) speeds up, the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) is increased. In this way, even if the conveying speed of the food 100 by the conveying unit 20 is adjusted according to the size and type of food 100, the cumulative amount of processing light on the surface of the food 100 can be kept within an appropriate range. When the cumulative amount of processing light on the surface of the food 100 is within an appropriate range, the desired sterilization effect can be obtained. 【0069】 The same applies to mesh belts, wire nets, and other mesh-like belts, as well as belts with crossbars, as mentioned above. 【0070】 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. 【0071】 Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the processing apparatus 1 may further have a gas supply unit 60. The gas supply unit 60 supplies gas to the space between the irradiation unit 30 (30a) and the transport unit 20 (roller 20a), 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 transport unit 20 (roller 20a). 【0072】 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. 【0073】 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. 【0074】 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 transport 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 transport section 20. 【0075】 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. 【0076】 For example, the controller 50 calculates the movement speed of the area on which the food 100 is placed (the transport speed of the food 100) based on the output of the detection unit 35. Based on the determined transport speed of the food 100, the controller 50 controls the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a). In other words, the controller 50 calculates the movement speed of the portion on which the food 100 is placed based on the spacing between the multiple detection objects and the change in the output of the detection unit 35, and controls the amount of processing light based on the calculated movement speed. For example, if the transport speed of the food 100 slows down, the controller 50 reduces the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a). For example, if the transport speed of the food 100 speeds up, the controller 50 increases the amount of processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a). The amount of light from the processed light can be controlled, for example, by controlling the power applied to the multiple light-emitting elements 31b using the circuit board 33 described above, or by controlling the power applied to the discharge lamp 132 using the lighting circuit described above. 【0077】 Furthermore, the appropriate cumulative light intensity may vary depending on the type and size of the food 100, the required degree of sterilization, and other factors. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the relationship between the movement speed of the area on which the food 100 is placed and the light intensity of the processing light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) in advance through experiments or simulations. 【0078】 Furthermore, the controller 50 can also control the operation of the supply unit 10 and the conveying unit 20. When adding an irradiation unit 30 (30a) to a sorting machine or other device that is already in use, the controller 50 only needs to control the amount of processing light irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 (30a) based on the movement speed of the part of the conveying unit in the sorting machine or other device on which the food 100 is placed, as detected by the detection unit 35. For example, the controller 50 does not need to control the conveying unit or other components already installed in the sorting machine or other device that is already in use. 【0079】 In this case, if the detection unit 35 detects the portion of the conveying section of the sorting machine or other device on which the food 100 is placed, there is no need to add sensors to the drive unit of the sorting machine or other device, or to add an external interface to the controller of the sorting machine or other device. Therefore, the work of adding an irradiation unit 30 (30a) becomes easier. 【0080】 As described above, the irradiation unit 30(30a) according to this embodiment allows for control of the integrated light intensity with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the irradiation unit 30(30a) allows for control of the integrated light intensity according to the transport speed of the food 100, and the irradiation unit 30(30a) can be easily added to existing equipment such as sorting machines. 【0081】 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] 【0082】 1 Processing unit, 20 Conveying unit, 20a Roller, 30 Irradiation unit, 30a Irradiation unit, 31 Light-emitting module, 31b Light-emitting element, 35 Detection unit, 50 Controller, 132 Discharge lamp, 100 Food

Claims

[Claim 1] A conveying unit irradiates food being conveyed in a predetermined direction with a light-emitting element or discharge lamp having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region; The transport unit includes a detection unit that detects a plurality of detection bodies provided at equal intervals in the portion of the transport unit on which the food is placed; A controller that calculates the movement speed of the portion on which the food is placed based on the spacing between the plurality of detection objects and the change in the output of the detection unit, and reduces the amount of processing light when the calculated movement speed slows down, and increases the amount of processing light when the calculated movement speed speeds up; An irradiation device equipped with the following. [Claim 2] The irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of detection bodies are at least one of a plurality of holes, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of protrusions. [Claim 3] The irradiation device according to claim 1 or 2; A conveying unit having a plurality of rollers provided at equal intervals, moving in a predetermined direction and circulating between one end and the other, for conveying food placed on the plurality of rollers; It is equipped with, A food processing device comprising an irradiation device and a detection unit that detects the rollers of the conveying unit.

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