JP2004173580A

JP2004173580A - Apparatus and method for conveying fish-paste product under heating

Info

Publication number: JP2004173580A
Application number: JP2002343561A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hiroshi Hoshino; 弘星野
Original assignee: Frontier Engineering Co Ltd
Current assignee: Frontier Engineering Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-11-27
Filing date: 2002-11-27
Publication date: 2004-06-24

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and a method for conveying fish-paste products under uniform heating as a whole through Joule heat by electrically energizing them. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus for conveying the fish-paste products under heating includes looped 1st and 2nd conveyors 10 and 20 equipped with a plurality of electrode plates 16 and a plurality of electrode plates 26, respectively. In this apparatus, the fish-paste products P are conveyed in a condition of being nipped by both kinds of the electrode plates 16 and 26. For the fish-paste products P under conveyance in a condition that both of the electrode plates 16 and 26 become parallel to each other, the respective electrode plates 16 and 26 are electrically connected via 1st and 2nd power supply terminals 31 and 32 and power supply brushes 34 and 35 to a source unit 33, therefore when the fish-paste products P are electrically energized, both of the whole surfaces of the fish-paste products P come into contact with the respective energizing surfaces of the electrode plates 16 and 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は魚肉などを素材とする練り製品を自動的に搬送しながら練り製品に通電することによりジュール熱により加熱するようにした練り製品の加熱搬送技術に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
板蒲鉾や笹蒲鉾などの練り製品は、魚肉などを調味料とともにすり潰して形成したペーストを、それぞれの製品に応じた所定の形状に成形した後に、食品の保形と殺菌とを行うために加熱処理される。この加熱処理を連続的に効率良く行うために、それぞれ複数の電極板が所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられた２つの搬送体を用いた加熱搬送装置が開発されている。搬送体は無端のベルトコンベアやチェーンコンベアによりループ状に形成されており、２つの搬送体はそれぞれの搬送体の電極板が相互に対向して練り製品を挟んだ状態で練り製品を通電するように、相互に平行となって配置される。
【０００３】
第１と第２の２つの搬送体を上下に重ねた状態で隙間を隔てて配置すると、下側となった搬送体で練り製品を支持しながら、相互に対向する第１と第２の電極板の間に練り製品を挟んだ状態で両方の搬送体により練り製品を搬送しつつ通電することになる。一方、第１と第２の２つの搬送体を水平方向に隙間を隔てて配置する場合には、練り製品をその下方で支持しながら搬送するコンベアが使用され、相互に対向する第１と第２の電極板の間に練り製品を挟んだ状態で両方の搬送体とコンベアとにより練り製品を搬送しながら通電することになる。このような練り製品の加熱装置は、特許文献１に開示されている。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開平５−１３７５４１号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
それぞれの搬送体をベルトコンベアにより形成するようにした場合には、ベルトコンベアは所定距離離れた２つのローラに掛け渡されることになり、搬送体をチェーンコンベアにより形成するようにした場合にはチェーンコンベアは所定距離離れたスプロケットに掛け渡されることになる。このようにループ状ないし無端状となった搬送体を使用した加熱装置においては、それぞれの搬送体は、搬送体により移動する電極板が他の搬送体の電極板に対向する位置となる対向移動部と、これの反対側の戻り移動部と、電極板が戻り移動部から対向移動部に姿勢を反転させる上流側の反転移動部と、電極板が対向移動部から戻り移動部に姿勢を反転させる下流側の反転移動部とを有している。
【０００６】
このような構造の加熱搬送装置を使用して練り製品を通電加熱する場合には、練り製品の各部位における通電量を均一として製品の発熱量を全体的に均一とすることが望ましい。種々の実験の結果、練り製品の部位によっては通電量に差が発生していることが判明し、場合によっては練り製品の一部のみにこげ目が発生することがあり、特に通電量を大きくして短時間で所定の温度にまで加熱するとこれらの発生は顕著であった。このように練り製品に通電量の偏りが発生したり、こげ目が発生すると、製品化することかできず、練り製品の製造歩留まりを低下させることになる。そこで、搬送体を有する加熱装置により練り製品を均一に加熱し得るようにすべく、種々の検討がなされた。
【０００７】
練り製品は練り製品搬送用空間を隔てて相互に対向する第１と第２の電極板の間で挟み付けられて搬送されるので、両方の搬送体の対向移動部の上流側で練り製品が加熱装置に搬入され、通電搬送された後に下流側で加熱装置から搬出されることになる。練り製品が搬入される対向移動部の上流側では、それぞれの電極板は相互に対向する位置まで上流側の反転移動部から姿勢を変えながら移動することになるので、相互に対向して対をなす２つの電極板は、相互に傾斜した状態から徐々に平行となる状態に変化することになる。
【０００８】
したがって、それぞれの電極板の通電面に接触する練り製品の両面は、その一部が通電面の一部に接触した状態から全体に接触する状態に変化することになる。たとえば、２つの搬送体を前述のように上下に配置した場合には、下側の電極に練り製品が投入されるので、下側の搬送体の電極板の通電面には練り製品の下面全体が投入時から接触するが、上側の搬送体の電極は搬送体の駆動に伴って練り製品に接触する通電面は徐々に増加し、対向する電極が相互に平行となったときに上側の電極板の通電面全体が練り製品の上側面全体に接触することになる。
【０００９】
このため、練り製品の両面全体が両方の電極板に接触する前に練り製品に通電が行われると、練り製品の一部の表面に多量の電流が流れ始めることになり、練り製品全体に均一に電流が流れずに通電量の偏りを発生させ、場合によっては練り製品の一部が電極板との間でスパークして練り製品にこげ目を発生させるということが解明された。このような現象は通電量を大きくすると顕著であった。本発明はこのような解明に基づいてなされたものである。
【００１０】
本発明の目的は、練り製品に通電してジュール熱により練り製品を加熱する際に、練り製品全体を均一に加熱し得るようにすることにある。
【００１１】
本発明の他の目的は、ジュール熱により加熱して製造される練り製品の製造歩留まりを向上することにある。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の練り製品の加熱搬送装置は、相互に対向する第１と第２の電極間で練り製品を挟んだ状態で搬送しながら練り製品に通電しジュール熱により練り製品を加熱する練り製品の加熱搬送装置であって、複数の前記第１電極が所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられ、ループ状に形成された第１搬送体と、前記第１搬送体に練り製品搬送用空間を隔てて対向する複数の前記第２電極が所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられ、ループ状に形成された第２搬送体と、それぞれの前記搬送体を同期させて駆動する駆動手段と、前記第１搬送体に沿って配置される第１給電端子、および前記第２搬送体に沿って配置される第２給電端子に接続される電源ユニットと、それぞれの前記搬送体の移動に伴って前記第１電極とこれに対向する前記第２電極とが相互に平行となって練り製品の両面全体にそれぞれの前記電極が接触した状態のもとで、前記第１給電端子と前記第２給電端子をそれぞれの前記電極に電気的に接続させる給電ブラシとを有することを特徴とする。
【００１３】
本発明の練り製品の加熱搬送装置は、前記給電ブラシが前記電極が練り製品の両面全体に接触した後に前記第１給電端子と前記第２給電端子をそれぞれの前記電極に電気的に接続させて通電を開始し、前記電極が練り製品の両面全体への接触から離れ始める前に通電を停止することを特徴とする。
【００１４】
本発明の練り製品の加熱搬送装置は、前記給電ブラシをそれぞれの前記給電端子に取り付けたことを特徴とする。また、本発明の練り製品の加熱搬送装置は、前記給電ブラシをそれぞれの前記給電端子に取り付けたことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
本発明の練り製品の加熱搬送装置は、それぞれの前記電極の練り製品に接触する通電面が上下方向に対向するように前記第１搬送体と前記第２搬送体とを上下方向に間隔を隔てて配置したことを特徴とする。また、本発明の練り製品の加熱搬送装置は、それぞれの前記電極の練り製品に接触する通電面が水平方向に対向するように前記第１搬送体と前記第２搬送体とを水平方向に間隔を隔てて配置し、練り製品を支持してそれぞれの前記搬送体とともに練り製品を搬送する支持コンベアをそれぞれの前記搬送体に平行に配置したことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
本発明の練り製品の加熱搬送方法は、相互に対向する第１と第２の電極間で練り製品を挟んだ状態で搬送しながら練り製品に通電しジュール熱により練り製品を加熱する練り製品の加熱搬送方法であって、ループ状に形成された第１搬送体に所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられた複数の前記第１電極と、ループ状に形成された第２搬送体に所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられ、練り製品搬送用空間を隔てて対向する複数の前記第２電極との間で練り製品を挟んで搬送する搬送工程と、それぞれの前記搬送体の移動に伴って前記第１電極とこれに対向する前記第２電極とが相互に平行となって練り製品の両面全体にそれぞれの前記電極が接触した後に前記第１給電端子と前記第２給電端子に通電を開始し、前記電極が練り製品の両面全体への接触から離れ始める前まで通電する通電工程とを有することを特徴とする。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。図１（Ａ），（Ｂ）は本発明の一実施の形態である練り製品の加熱搬送装置を示す概略正面図であり、図２は図１（Ａ）におけるＩＩ−ＩＩ線に沿う断面図である。この加熱搬送装置は、ループ状に形成された第１搬送体１０と、この第１搬送体１０の上方に配置され、ループ状に形成された第２搬送体２０とを有している。第１搬送体１０は相互に平行となった２本のエンドレスつまり無端のチェーンコンベア１１ａ，１１ｂにより形成されており、図２に示されるように、それぞれのチェーンコンベア１１ａ，１１ｂは回転軸１２に取り付けられたスプロケット１３ａ，１３ｂと、回転軸１４に取り付けられたスプロケット１５ａ，１５ｂとに掛け渡されている。このようにチェーンコンベア１１ａ，１１ｂは回転体としてのスプロケット１３ａ，１３ｂ，１５ａ，１５ｂに掛け渡されてループ状の搬送体１０を形成している。
【００１８】
この搬送体１０には、複数枚の第１電極板１６が所定の間隔を隔てて取付具１７により取り付けられており、２つの回転軸１２，１４の一方を電動モータなどの駆動手段により駆動すると、搬送体１０は図１（Ａ）において矢印で示す方向に駆動され、第１電極板１６は搬送体１０によって移動することになる。複数の第１電極板１６のうちの１枚を示すと、図３の通りであり、図示する場合には電極板１６は四辺形であり、表面が通電面となっている。
【００１９】
第２搬送体２０は第１搬送体１０の上方に所定の間隔を隔てて配置されている。第２搬送体２０は第１搬送体１０とほぼ同様の構造であり、相互に平行となった２本のチェーンコンベア２１ａ，２１ｂにより形成されており、それぞれのチェーンコンベア２１ａ，２１ｂは回転軸２２に取り付けられたスプロケット２３ａ，２３ｂと、回転軸２４に取り付けられたスプロケット２５ａ，２５ｂとに掛け渡されている。このようにチェーンコンベア２１ａ，２１ｂは回転体としてのスプロケット２３ａ，２３ｂ，２５ａ，２５ｂに掛け渡されてループ状の搬送体２０を形成している。
【００２０】
この搬送体２０には、複数枚の第２電極板２６が所定の間隔を隔てて取付具２７により取り付けられており、２つの回転軸２２，２４の一方を電動モータなどの駆動手段により駆動すると、搬送体２０は図１（Ａ）において矢印で示す方向に駆動され、第２電極板２６は搬送体２０によって移動することになる。それぞれの第２電極板２６は第１電極板１６と同様に四辺形であり、表面が通電面となっている。第１電極板１６と第２電極板２６はそれぞれ通電面がほぼ水平となって搬送体１０，２０により移動するように、それぞれの搬送体１０，２０はほぼ水平方向を向いて図示しない基台に配置されており、それぞれの電極板１６，２６の通電面は上下方向に対向し合うようになっている。
【００２１】
搬送体１０を駆動するために、図２に示すように、回転軸１２には電動モータＭが連結されており、両方の搬送体１０，２０を同期させて駆動するために、回転軸１２に取り付けられたスプロケット１８と回転軸２２に取り付けられたスプロケット２８にはチェーン３０が掛け渡されている。ただし、両方の搬送体１０，２０を同期させて駆動させることができれば、両方の回転軸１２，２２を別々の電動モータにより駆動するようにしても良く、４本の回転軸１２，１４，２２および２４を別々の電動モータにより駆動するようにしても良い。
【００２２】
図１に示すように、第１搬送体１０の両端間のうち、第２搬送体２０に対向する部分は第１電極板１６が第２電極板２６と対向する位置となって移動する対向移動部１９ａとなっており、これの反対側の部分が戻り移動部１９ｂとなっている。そして、第１電極板１６が戻り移動部１９ｂから対向側移動部１９ａに姿勢を反転する部分つまりスプロケット１３ａ，１３ｂにより案内される部分は通電面が下向きの姿勢から上向きの姿勢に反転する上流側の反転移動部１９ｃとなっており、さらに、第１電極板１６が対向側移動部１９ａから戻り側移動部１９ｂに姿勢を反転する部分つまりスプロケット１５ａ，１５ｂに案内される部分は通電面が上向きの姿勢から下向きの姿勢に反転する上流側の反転移動部１９ｄとなっている。
【００２３】
同様に、第２搬送体２０の両端間のうち、第１搬送体１０に対向する部分は第２電極板２６が第１電極板１６と対向する位置となって移動する対向移動部２９ａとなっており、これの反対側の部分が戻り移動部２９ｂとなっている。そして、第２電極板２６が戻り移動部２９ｂから対向側移動部２９ａに姿勢を反転する部分つまりスプロケット２３ａ，２３ｂにより案内される部分は通電面が下向きの姿勢から上向きの姿勢に反転する上流側の反転移動部２９ｃとなっており、さらに、第２電極板２６が対向側移動部２９ａから戻り側移動部２９ｂに姿勢を反転する部分つまりスプロケット２５ａ，２５ｂに対応する部分は通電面が上向きの姿勢から下向きの姿勢に反転する上流側の反転移動部２９ｄとなっている。
【００２４】
それぞれ第１搬送体１０が掛け渡されるスプロケット１３ａ，１３ｂの回転軸１２とスプロケット１５ａ，１５ｂの回転軸１４との間の間隔は、それぞれ第２搬送体２０が掛け渡されるスプロケット２３ａ，２３ｂの回転軸２２とスプロケット２５ａ，２５ｂの回転軸２４との間の間隔よりも大きくなっている。したがって、第１搬送体１０は第２搬送体２０よりも長くなっており、第１搬送体１０は第２搬送体２０の両端部よりも外方にせり出している。せり出した両端部のうち図１の右側端部が練り製品Ｐの搬入端となっており、左側端部が練り製品Ｐの搬出端となっている。これにより、通電加熱が行われる練り製品Ｐは、搬入端の第１電極板１６の通電面に搬入されることになる。
【００２５】
搬入端の第１搬送体１０は第２搬送体２０の端部よりもせり出しているので、第１電極板１６の上に搬入された練り製品Ｐの下側面の全体が第１電極１６の通電面に接触することになる。第１電極板１６が移動すると、これに同期して移動する第２電極板２６と第１電極板１６とが相互に接近することになり、接近時には両方の電極板１６，２６は相互に傾斜した状態となって接近し、最接近したときには相互にほぼ平行な状態となる。図４には対をなす第１電極板１６と第２電極板２６とが相互に傾斜した状態と、移動に伴って相互にほぼ平行となった状態とが拡大して示されている。
【００２６】
図１（Ａ）にはそれぞれ電極板が取り付けられるとともにスプロケットに掛け渡された状態の搬送体１０，２０が示され、図１（Ｂ）には搬送体を省略して第１電極板１６と第２電極板２６が示されている。図１（Ｂ）に示すように、第１搬送体１０には電極板１６の搬送方向に沿って第１給電端子３１が配置されており、第２搬送体２０には電極板２６の搬送方向に沿って第２給電端子３２が配置されている。これらの給電端子３１，３２は電源ユニット３３にケーブルを介して電気的に接続されており、電源ユニット３３は所定周波数の高周波電力を出力する。
【００２７】
第１給電端子３１にはそれぞれ第１電極板１６に接触する第１給電ブラシ３４が複数取り付けられ、第２給電端子３２にはそれぞれ第２電極板２６に接触する第２給電ブラシ３５が複数取り付けられている。図１において符号３６ａ，３６ｂで示す位置における電極板１６，２６のように、練り製品Ｐの両面全体が両方の電極板１６，２６の通電面全体に接触していない状態では、それぞれの給電ブラシ３４，３５は電極板１６，２６には接触しない。一方、これらの位置の間の電極板１６，２６のように、対をなす電極板１６，２６が相互に平行となって練り製品Ｐの両面全体が両方の電極板１６，２６に接触した状態のもとでは給電ブラシ３４，３５は電極板１６，２６に接触し、これらの給電ブラシ３４，３５は給電端子３１，３２に電気的に接続する。
【００２８】
したがって、加熱搬送装置の搬入端の位置の第１電極板１６に搬入された練り製品Ｐが第１搬送体１０の駆動によって下流側に移動すると、第１搬送体１０の第１電極板１６に同期して第２搬送体２０によって駆動される第２電極板２６が徐々に練り製品Ｐに接近してこれに接触し始める。しかし、一部が接触した状態では、それぞれの電極板１６，２６には給電ブラシ３４，３５が接触しないので、電源ユニット３３からの電力は練り製品Ｐには供給されない。電極板１６，２６の移動に伴って、対となって練り製品Ｐを挟み込んだ状態の両方の電極板１６，２６は徐々に相互に傾斜した状態から相互にほぼ平行な状態となる。
【００２９】
対となった電極板１６，２６が相互にほぼ平行となった状態つまり相互に最接近した状態では、練り製品Ｐの両面全体に電極板１６，２６の通電面が接触することになり、この状態となったときには電源ユニット３３から練り製品Ｐに対して給電端子３１，３２および給電ブラシ３４，３５を介して電力が供給される。電極板１６，２６が確実に平行となった状態のもとで、通電が開始されるようにするには、平行状態となって練り製品Ｐの両面全体に電極板１６，２６が接触した後に通電を開始するように、給電ブラシ３４，３５の位置を設定することになる。
【００３０】
一方、練り製品Ｐが搬出端に近づくと、位置３６ｂにおいては両方の電極板１６，２６は相互に傾斜した状態となり、徐々に離れることになる。このように電極板１６，２６が相互に傾斜した状態となると、給電ブラシ３４，３５が電極板１６，２６から離れて電源ユニット３３からの電力は練り製品Ｐに対しては供給されなくなる。電力供給の停止を確実に行うには、電極板１６，２６が練り製品Ｐの両面全体へ接触した状態から離れ始める前に通電が停止されるように、離れる直前に給電ブラシ３４，３５が電極板１６，２６から離れるように給電ブラシ３４，３５の位置を設定することになる。
【００３１】
このような加熱搬送装置を用いて練り製品Ｐを加熱する手順について説明すると、それぞれの搬送体１０，２０の搬入端に搬入された練り製品Ｐはまず第１搬送体１０の最上流側の第１電極板１６の上に乗せられて、下流側に移動することになり、徐々に第１電極板１６と第２電極板２６とが接近し合って両方の電極板１６，２６により練り製品Ｐは挟み付けられる。挟み付けられた状態で練り製品Ｐは下流側に向けて搬送されることになる。この搬送工程において、練り製品Ｐが所定の距離だけ下流側となると、両方の電極板１６，２６は練り製品Ｐの両面全体に接触することになり、両面全体に電極板１６，２６の通電面が接触した状態のもとで、練り製品Ｐに対する電力供給が給電ブラシ３４，３５を介して行われる。この通電工程において練り製品Ｐには電流が流れて練り製品Ｐは通電加熱される。練り製品Ｐがそれぞれの搬送体１０，２０の下流側端部に接近すると、電極板１６，２６が傾斜しながら離れる前に通電が停止されることになる。そして、練り製品Ｐは通電停止後所定の距離だけ移動した後に外部に搬出される。
【００３２】
このような工程を経て練り製品Ｐは通電加熱されるので、練り製品Ｐに通電が行われるときには、練り製品Ｐの両面全体に電極板１６，２６の通電面が接触した状態となり、練り製品Ｐの一部に集中的に電流が流れることが防止され、練り製品Ｐの全体に均一に電流が流れることになる。これにより、練り製品Ｐの各部位の通電量がほぼ同一となり、練り製品Ｐを全体的に均一に加熱することが可能となる。
【００３３】
実験によると、搬入時の練り製品Ｐの温度をＴ１とし、加熱後の温度をＴ２とすると、加熱温度ΔＴを２０℃〜７０℃程度まで高くしても、練り製品Ｐ全体で加熱温度はほぼ均一となり、練り製品Ｐにこげ目の発生は見られなかった。
【００３４】
図示する場合には、相互に平行となった両方の電極板１６，２６に給電ブラシ３４，３５が接触するようにしているが、平行状態のもとで両方の電極板１６，２６が同時に給電ブラシ３４，３５に接触するように設定すれば良く、両方の電極板１６，２６の一方が接触しても練り製品Ｐには電流が流れないので、両方の電極板１６，２６が平行状態となる前に電極板１６，２６の一方に給電ブラシが接触するようにしても良い。さらに、給電ブラシ３４，３５はそれぞれ給電端子３１，３２に取り付けられているが、それぞれの電極板１６，２６に給電ブラシを取り付けるようにし、電極板１６，２６が相互に平行となって最接近した状態のもとで、給電ブラシを給電端子３１，３２に接触させるようにしても良い。
【００３５】
図１に示した練り製品の加熱搬送装置は、練り製品に通電する際には電極板１６，２６がそれぞれ水平方向を向いて上下方向に対向するように搬送体１０，２０が設置されているが、練り製品の種類によっては電極板１６，２６がそれぞれ垂直方向を向いて水平方向に対向するように搬送体１０，２０を設置するようにしても良い。その場合には図１に示したそれぞれの回転軸１２，１４，２２，２４はそれぞれ垂直方向を向くように設置されることになる。このような場合には、練り製品Ｐは両方の搬送体１０，２０の間に搬入することができるので、２つの搬送体１０，２０の長さは相互にほぼ同一に設定することができる。
【００３６】
図５は本発明の他の実施の形態である練り製品の加熱搬送装置を示す断面図であり、図５は図３と同様に加熱搬送装置における搬送方向に対して直角方向から見た部分を示している。図６は図５に示された電極板を示す斜視図である。この加熱搬送装置は前述したように、回転軸が垂直方向を向くように配置されており、第１電極板１６と第２電極板２６とがそれぞれ垂直方向となるように搬送体１０，２０は設置されている。第１送体体１０および第２搬送体２０は、それぞれチェーンコンベア１１ａ，２１ａにより形成されており、それぞれのチェーンコンベア１１ａ，２１ａは２つの回転軸に取り付けられたスプロケットに掛け渡されている。図５にはそれぞれスプロケット１３ａ，２３ａが固定された回転軸１２，２２が示されており、これに対して反対側の回転軸は図示省略されている。
【００３７】
この加熱搬送装置は、第１搬送体１０に取り付けられる第１電極板１６と第２搬送体２０に取り付けられる第２電極板２６とが相互に水平方向に所定の間隔を隔てて配置されおり、それぞれの電極板１６，２６は垂直方向を向いており相互に水平方向に対向するようになっている。加熱される練り製品Ｐは板材Ｑに盛り付けられた板蒲鉾であり、練り製品Ｐを搬送するために、ベルトコンベアにより形成された支持コンベア４０がローラ４１に掛け渡されており、この支持コンベア４０もエンドレスとなっている。第１搬送体１０と第２搬送体２０の対向側移動部１９ａ，２９ａの第１電極板１６と第２電極板２６は支持コンベア４０の両側に相互に水平方向に対向することになる。
【００３８】
図５に示すように、第１搬送体１０と第２搬送体２０とを水平方向に間隔を隔てて配置し、電極板１６，２６が通電面を垂直として相互に水平方向に対向するように搬送体１０，２０に取り付けられた場合には、それぞれの搬送体１０，２０の長さをほぼ同一に設定することができる。したがって、搬送体１０，２０の搬入端の間に練り製品Ｐが搬入されることになり、電極板１６，２６が練り製品Ｐを挟み付ける際には、両方の電極板１６，２６がそれぞれ練り製品Ｐに徐々に接触し、相互に平行となったときに練り製品Ｐの両面全体に両方の電極板１６，２６が接触することになる。
【００３９】
この場合にも前記実施の形態と同様に相互に対向する電極板１６，２６が平行となり、練り製品Ｐの両端面全体に電極板の通電面が接触した状態のもとで練り製品Ｐに対する通電が行われる。このように、通電面が水平方向に対向するように搬送体１０，２０を配置するようにした場合には、前述した特許文献１に開示されるように、練り製品Ｐを串に刺して搬送するようにしたタイプにも適用することができる。また、同様に、搬送体１０，２０をそれぞれチェーンコンベアに代えてベルトコンベアとした場合にも適用することができる。
【００４０】
本発明は前記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変更可能である。たとえば、図示する実施の形態にあっては、電極板１６，２６の通電面に練り製品Ｐが直接接触するようにしているが、前記特許文献１に開示されるように、透水性フィルムを介して練り製品Ｐが電極板１６，２６に接触するようにしても良い。また、それぞれ電極としては板状の電極が使用されているが、電極板１６，２６に代えてブロック状の電極を使用するようにしても良い。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、練り製品はその両面全体が第１と第２の電極に接触した状態で通電されるので、練り製品の各部位における通電量が均一となり、練り製品の発熱量を全体的に均一とすることができる。また、練り製品の一部のみにこげ目が発生する現象は発生せず、練り製品の部位によって通電量の偏りが発生することが防止され、練り製品の製造歩留まりを向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】（Ａ），（Ｂ）は本発明の一実施の形態である練り製品の加熱搬送装置を示す概略正面図であり、（Ａ）は搬送体と電極とを示し、（Ｂ）は電極を示す。
【図２】図１（Ａ）におけるＩＩ−ＩＩ線に沿う断面図である。
【図３】電極板を示す斜視図である。
【図４】電極板が相互に傾斜した状態から相互に平行となる状態を示す正面図である。
【図５】本発明の他の実施の形態である練り製品の加熱搬送装置をその搬送方向に対して直角方向から見た断面図である。
【図６】図５に示された支持コンベアと電極板とを示す斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１０第１搬送体
１１ａ，１１ｂチェーンコンベア
１２回転軸
１３ａ，１３ｂスプロケット
１４回転軸
１５ａ，１５ｂスプロケット
１６第１電極板
１７取付具
１８スプロケット
２０第２搬送体
２１ａ，２１ｂチェーンコンベア
２２回転軸
２３ａ，２３ｂスプロケット
２４回転軸
２５ａ，２５ｂスプロケット
２６第２電極板
２７取付具
２８スプロケット
３１第１給電端子
３２第２給電端子
３３電源ユニット
３４第１給電ブラシ
３５第２給電ブラシ
４０支持コンベア[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a heating and conveying technique for a kneaded product in which a kneaded product made of fish meat or the like is automatically conveyed and heated by Joule heat by energizing the kneaded product.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Paste made from mashed fish and other seasonings together with seasonings is molded into a predetermined shape according to each product, and then heat-treated to preserve and sterilize food. Is done. In order to continuously and efficiently perform this heating process, a heating and transporting device using two transporting bodies each having a plurality of electrode plates attached at a predetermined interval has been developed. The carrier is formed in a loop by an endless belt conveyor or chain conveyor, and the two carriers are energized to the kneaded product in a state where the electrode plates of each carrier oppose each other and sandwich the kneaded product, They are arranged parallel to each other.
[0003]
When the first and second transport members are arranged vertically with a gap therebetween, the kneaded product is supported by the lower transport member while the first and second electrode plates are opposed to each other. Electricity is supplied while the kneaded product is being conveyed by both carriers in a state where the kneaded product is sandwiched. On the other hand, in the case where the first and second transport bodies are arranged with a gap in the horizontal direction, a conveyor for transporting the kneaded product while supporting it below the first and second transport bodies is used. In the state where the kneaded product is sandwiched between the electrode plates, the current is supplied while the kneaded product is being conveyed by both of the carriers and the conveyor. A heating device for such a kneaded product is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-137541
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
If each conveyor is formed by a belt conveyor, the belt conveyor is stretched over two rollers separated by a predetermined distance, and if the conveyor is formed by a chain conveyor, a chain is used. The conveyor is wound around a sprocket at a predetermined distance. In the heating apparatus using the loop-shaped or endless carrier as described above, each carrier has an opposing movement in which the electrode plate moved by the carrier faces the electrode plate of another carrier. Part, a return moving part on the opposite side thereof, an electrode plate reversing the posture from the return moving part to the opposing moving part on the upstream side, and an electrode plate reversing the posture from the opposing moving part to the returning moving part. And a downstream reversing moving section.
[0006]
In the case of electrically heating the kneaded product using the heating and conveying device having such a structure, it is desirable that the amount of electricity supplied to each part of the kneaded product is made uniform and the calorific value of the product as a whole is made uniform. As a result of various experiments, it has been found that there is a difference in the amount of electricity depending on the part of the kneaded product, and in some cases, only a part of the kneaded product may have dark spots. When heated to a predetermined temperature in a short time, these occurrences were remarkable. In this way, if the unevenness of the amount of electricity occurs in the kneaded product or the burr occurs, the kneaded product cannot be commercialized, and the production yield of the kneaded product is reduced. Therefore, various studies have been made to make it possible to uniformly heat the kneaded product using a heating device having a carrier.
[0007]
Since the kneaded product is conveyed while being sandwiched between the first and second electrode plates facing each other across the space for conveying the kneaded product, the kneaded product is carried into the heating device on the upstream side of the opposing moving portions of both the carriers. After being energized and conveyed, it is carried out of the heating device on the downstream side. On the upstream side of the opposing moving unit into which the kneaded product is carried in, the respective electrode plates move while changing their postures from the reversing moving unit on the upstream side to a position facing each other, so that they form a pair facing each other. The two electrode plates will gradually change from a mutually inclined state to a parallel state.
[0008]
Therefore, both surfaces of the kneaded product that comes into contact with the current-carrying surface of each electrode plate change from a state in which a part thereof contacts a part of the current-carrying surface to a state in which it contacts the whole. For example, when two carriers are arranged vertically as described above, the kneaded product is supplied to the lower electrode, and the entire lower surface of the kneaded product is supplied to the energizing surface of the electrode plate of the lower carrier. Although the electrodes come into contact from time to time, the current-carrying surface of the electrodes of the upper carrier that comes into contact with the kneaded product gradually increases as the carrier is driven, and the current flows to the upper electrode plate when the opposing electrodes become parallel to each other. The entire surface will contact the entire upper surface of the kneaded product.
[0009]
For this reason, if the kneaded product is energized before the entire surface of the kneaded product comes into contact with both electrode plates, a large amount of current starts to flow on a part of the surface of the kneaded product, and the current flows uniformly throughout the kneaded product. It was clarified that a bias in the amount of current flow was generated without any occurrence, and in some cases, a part of the kneaded product was sparked between the electrode plate and the surface of the kneaded product to cause burns. Such a phenomenon was remarkable when the amount of energization was increased. The present invention has been made based on such elucidation.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to uniformly heat the whole kneaded product when applying electricity to the kneaded product and heating the kneaded product by Joule heat.
[0011]
Another object of the present invention is to improve the production yield of kneaded products manufactured by heating with Joule heat.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The apparatus for heating and conveying a kneaded product of the present invention is a heating and conveying apparatus for a kneaded product that energizes the kneaded product while conveying the kneaded product between first and second electrodes facing each other and heats the kneaded product by Joule heat. A plurality of the first electrodes are attached at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of the second transporters are formed in a loop shape, and the plurality of the second transporters are opposed to the first transporters via a kneaded product transport space. Electrodes are attached at predetermined intervals, a second carrier formed in a loop shape, driving means for driving each of the carriers in synchronization, and a second carrier arranged along the first carrier. A power supply unit connected to a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal disposed along the second carrier, and the first electrode and the second electrode facing the first electrode as the carrier moves. Electrodes and A power supply brush for electrically connecting the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal to each of the electrodes in a state where the electrodes are in contact with both surfaces of the kneaded product in a row. It is characterized.
[0013]
The heating and conveying device for a kneaded product of the present invention is configured such that the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal are electrically connected to the respective electrodes after the power supply brush contacts the entire surface of the kneaded product with the power supply brush. Starting, the energization is stopped before the electrode starts to separate from contact with the entire surface of the kneaded product.
[0014]
The apparatus for heating and conveying a kneaded product of the present invention is characterized in that the power supply brush is attached to each of the power supply terminals. In the heating and conveying apparatus for a kneaded product of the present invention, the power supply brush is attached to each of the power supply terminals.
[0015]
The apparatus for heating and transporting the kneaded product of the present invention arranges the first transport body and the second transport body at an interval in the up-down direction such that the current-carrying surfaces of the respective electrodes that come into contact with the kneaded product face in the up-down direction. It is characterized by having done. Further, the apparatus for heating and transporting the kneaded product of the present invention may be arranged such that the first transporting body and the second transporting body are spaced apart in the horizontal direction so that the current-carrying surfaces of the respective electrodes that come into contact with the kneaded product face in the horizontal direction. And a support conveyor for supporting the kneaded products and transporting the kneaded products together with the respective transport bodies is arranged in parallel to the respective transport bodies.
[0016]
The method for heating and conveying a kneaded product according to the present invention is a method for heating and conveying a kneaded product in which the kneaded product is energized while the kneaded product is conveyed while being sandwiched between first and second electrodes facing each other, and the kneaded product is heated by Joule heat. A plurality of the first electrodes attached to the first carrier formed in a loop at a predetermined interval, and attached to the second carrier formed in a loop at a predetermined interval, A transporting step of sandwiching and transporting the kneaded product between the plurality of second electrodes facing each other across the kneaded product transporting space, and the first electrode and the After the two electrodes are parallel to each other and each of the electrodes comes into contact with the entire surface of the kneaded product, the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal start energizing, and the electrode contacts the entire surface of the kneaded product. Or And having a current supply step of energizing until begins away.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are schematic front views showing a heating and conveying apparatus for a kneaded product according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. is there. The heating and transporting device includes a first transporting body 10 formed in a loop shape, and a second transporting body 20 disposed above the first transporting body 10 and formed in a loop shape. The first conveyor 10 is formed by two endless or endless chain conveyors 11a and 11b which are parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. The sprockets 13a, 13b are attached to the sprockets 15a, 15b attached to the rotating shaft 14. Thus, the chain conveyors 11a and 11b are wound around the sprockets 13a, 13b, 15a and 15b as rotating bodies to form the loop-shaped transporting body 10.
[0018]
A plurality of first electrode plates 16 are attached to the carrier 10 with attachments 17 at a predetermined interval, and when one of the two rotating shafts 12 and 14 is driven by a driving means such as an electric motor. The carrier 10 is driven in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1A, and the first electrode plate 16 is moved by the carrier 10. FIG. 3 shows one of the plurality of first electrode plates 16. In the illustrated case, the electrode plate 16 has a quadrilateral shape, and the surface is a current-carrying surface.
[0019]
The second carrier 20 is disposed above the first carrier 10 with a predetermined interval. The second conveyor 20 has substantially the same structure as the first conveyor 10, and is formed by two chain conveyors 21a and 21b which are parallel to each other. , And the sprockets 25a, 25b attached to the rotating shaft 24. As described above, the chain conveyors 21a and 21b are wound around the sprockets 23a, 23b, 25a and 25b as rotating bodies to form the loop-shaped transporting body 20.
[0020]
A plurality of second electrode plates 26 are attached to the carrier 20 at predetermined intervals by a fixture 27. When one of the two rotating shafts 22 and 24 is driven by a driving unit such as an electric motor, The carrier 20 is driven in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1A, and the second electrode plate 26 is moved by the carrier 20. Each of the second electrode plates 26 has a quadrilateral shape like the first electrode plate 16, and the surface is a current-carrying surface. The first electrode plate 16 and the second electrode plate 26 are substantially horizontally oriented, and each of the carriers 10 and 20 is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be moved by the carriers 10 and 20 so that the base is not shown. And the current-carrying surfaces of the respective electrode plates 16 and 26 face each other in the vertical direction.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, an electric motor M is connected to the rotating shaft 12 to drive the carrier 10, and the electric motor M is connected to the rotating shaft 12 to drive both carriers 10 and 20 in synchronization. A chain 30 is stretched over the attached sprocket 18 and the sprocket 28 attached to the rotating shaft 22. However, as long as both carriers 10 and 20 can be driven synchronously, both rotating shafts 12 and 22 may be driven by separate electric motors, and the four rotating shafts 12, 14 and 22 may be driven. And 24 may be driven by separate electric motors.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, a portion facing the second transporting body 20 between both ends of the first transporting body 10 is a facing movement in which the first electrode plate 16 moves to a position facing the second electrode plate 26. A portion on the opposite side is a return moving portion 19b. The portion where the first electrode plate 16 reverses the posture from the return moving portion 19b to the opposing moving portion 19a, that is, the portion guided by the sprockets 13a and 13b, is the upstream side where the conducting surface is reversed from the downward posture to the upward posture. In addition, the portion where the first electrode plate 16 reverses its attitude from the opposing side moving portion 19a to the return side moving portion 19b, that is, the portion guided by the sprockets 15a and 15b, has a current-carrying surface facing upward. And a reversing movement section 19d on the upstream side that reverses the posture from the above posture to the downward posture.
[0023]
Similarly, a portion facing the first transporting body 10 between both ends of the second transporting body 20 is an opposing moving part 29a that moves at a position where the second electrode plate 26 faces the first electrode plate 16. The portion on the opposite side is a return moving portion 29b. The portion where the second electrode plate 26 reverses the posture from the return moving portion 29b to the opposing side moving portion 29a, that is, the portion guided by the sprockets 23a and 23b, is the upstream side where the energizing surface is reversed from the downward posture to the upward posture. In addition, the portion where the second electrode plate 26 inverts the posture from the opposing side moving portion 29a to the return side moving portion 29b, that is, the portion corresponding to the sprockets 25a and 25b, has a current-carrying surface facing upward. The upstream reversing movement part 29d reverses the posture from the posture to the downward posture.
[0024]
The distance between the rotation shafts 12 of the sprockets 13a, 13b and the rotation shafts 14 of the sprockets 15a and 15b, respectively, over which the first carrier 10 is bridged is determined by the rotation of the sprockets 23a, 23b over which the second carrier 20 is bridged, respectively. It is larger than the distance between the shaft 22 and the rotation shaft 24 of the sprockets 25a, 25b. Therefore, the first transport body 10 is longer than the second transport body 20, and the first transport body 10 protrudes outward from both end portions of the second transport body 20. The right end in FIG. 1 among the protruding ends is the carry-in end of the kneaded product P, and the left end is the carry-out end of the kneaded product P. As a result, the kneaded product P to be energized and heated is carried into the conducting surface of the first electrode plate 16 at the carry-in end.
[0025]
Since the first transporting body 10 at the loading end protrudes beyond the end of the second transporting body 20, the entire lower surface of the kneaded product P loaded on the first electrode plate 16 is the conductive surface of the first electrode 16. Will come into contact with When the first electrode plate 16 moves, the second electrode plate 26 and the first electrode plate 16, which move in synchronization with each other, come closer to each other, and when approaching, both electrode plates 16, 26 are inclined with respect to each other. When they approach each other, they are almost parallel to each other. FIG. 4 shows, in an enlarged manner, a state in which the first electrode plate 16 and the second electrode plate 26 forming a pair are mutually inclined, and a state in which the first electrode plate 16 and the second electrode plate 26 become substantially parallel to each other as they move.
[0026]
FIG. 1 (A) shows the carriers 10 and 20 in a state where the electrode plates are respectively attached and is wound around a sprocket, and FIG. 1 (B) shows the first electrode plate 16 with the carrier omitted. The second electrode plate 26 is shown. As shown in FIG. 1B, a first power supply terminal 31 is disposed on the first transport body 10 along a transport direction of the electrode plate 16, and a transport direction of the electrode plate 26 is disposed on the second transport body 20. The second power supply terminal 32 is arranged along the line. These power supply terminals 31 and 32 are electrically connected to a power supply unit 33 via a cable, and the power supply unit 33 outputs high-frequency power having a predetermined frequency.
[0027]
A plurality of first power supply brushes 34 contacting the first electrode plate 16 are respectively attached to the first power supply terminals 31, and a plurality of second power supply brushes 35 contacting the second electrode plate 26 are respectively attached to the second power supply terminals 32. Has been. As in the case of the electrode plates 16 and 26 at positions indicated by reference numerals 36a and 36b in FIG. 1, in a state where the entire both surfaces of the kneaded product P are not in contact with the entire energizing surfaces of both electrode plates 16 and 26, the respective power supply brushes 34 , 35 do not contact the electrode plates 16, 26. On the other hand, like the electrode plates 16 and 26 between these positions, the pair of electrode plates 16 and 26 are parallel to each other so that the entire both surfaces of the kneaded product P are in contact with both electrode plates 16 and 26. Originally, the power supply brushes 34 and 35 contact the electrode plates 16 and 26, and these power supply brushes 34 and 35 are electrically connected to the power supply terminals 31 and 32.
[0028]
Therefore, when the kneaded product P carried into the first electrode plate 16 at the position of the carry-in end of the heating and carrying device moves downstream by driving the first carrier 10, the kneaded product P is synchronized with the first electrode plate 16 of the first carrier 10. Then, the second electrode plate 26 driven by the second carrier 20 gradually approaches the kneaded product P and starts to come into contact therewith. However, in a partially contacted state, the power supply brushes 34 and 35 do not contact the respective electrode plates 16 and 26, so that the power from the power supply unit 33 is not supplied to the kneaded product P. With the movement of the electrode plates 16 and 26, the two electrode plates 16 and 26 in a state where the kneaded product P is sandwiched as a pair gradually change from a mutually inclined state to a substantially parallel state.
[0029]
In a state where the paired electrode plates 16 and 26 are substantially parallel to each other, that is, in a state of being closest to each other, the energized surfaces of the electrode plates 16 and 26 are in contact with both surfaces of the kneaded product P. , Power is supplied from the power supply unit 33 to the kneaded product P via the power supply terminals 31, 32 and the power supply brushes 34, 35. In order to start energization in a state where the electrode plates 16 and 26 are surely parallel, the energization is performed after the electrode plates 16 and 26 are brought into a parallel state and contact the entire surface of the kneaded product P. , The positions of the power supply brushes 34 and 35 are set.
[0030]
On the other hand, when the kneaded product P approaches the carry-out end, at the position 36b, the two electrode plates 16, 26 are in a mutually inclined state and gradually separate. When the electrode plates 16 and 26 are in a mutually inclined state as described above, the power supply brushes 34 and 35 are separated from the electrode plates 16 and 26, and power from the power supply unit 33 is not supplied to the kneaded product P. In order to surely stop the power supply, the power supply brushes 34 and 35 immediately before the electrode plates 16 and 26 are separated from each other so that the power supply is stopped before the electrode plates 16 and 26 start to separate from the state in which the electrode plates 16 and 26 are in contact with both surfaces of the kneaded product P. The positions of the power supply brushes 34 and 35 are set to be away from the power supply brushes 16 and 26.
[0031]
A procedure for heating the kneaded product P using such a heating and conveying device will be described. The kneaded product P carried into the carrying-in end of each of the carriers 10 and 20 is first placed on the first electrode 10 on the most upstream side of the first carrier 10. The first electrode plate 16 and the second electrode plate 26 gradually come closer to each other and move downstream, so that the kneaded product P is sandwiched between the two electrode plates 16 and 26. Can be The kneaded product P is transported toward the downstream side while being sandwiched. In this transport step, when the kneaded product P is on the downstream side by a predetermined distance, both electrode plates 16 and 26 come into contact with both surfaces of the kneaded product P, and the current-carrying surfaces of the electrode plates 16 and 26 come into contact with both surfaces. In this state, power is supplied to the kneaded product P via the power supply brushes 34 and 35. In this energization step, an electric current flows through the kneaded product P, and the kneaded product P is energized and heated. When the kneaded product P approaches the downstream end of each of the carriers 10 and 20, the energization is stopped before the electrode plates 16 and 26 separate while being inclined. Then, the kneaded product P is carried out after being moved by a predetermined distance after the power supply is stopped.
[0032]
Since the kneaded product P is electrically heated through these steps, when the kneaded product P is energized, the energized surfaces of the electrode plates 16 and 26 are in contact with the entire surface of the kneaded product P, and a part of the kneaded product P The current is prevented from flowing intensively, and the current flows uniformly over the whole kneaded product P. Thereby, the amount of electricity at each part of the kneaded product P becomes substantially the same, and the kneaded product P can be uniformly heated as a whole.
[0033]
According to an experiment, when the temperature of the kneaded product P at the time of loading is T1 and the temperature after heating is T2, the heating temperature becomes substantially uniform over the entire kneaded product P even if the heating temperature ΔT is increased to about 20 ° C. to 70 ° C. No generation of burns was observed in the kneaded product P.
[0034]
In the illustrated case, the power supply brushes 34 and 35 are in contact with both electrode plates 16 and 26 which are parallel to each other, but both electrode plates 16 and 26 are simultaneously supplied with power in a parallel state. What is necessary is just to set so that it may contact the brushes 34 and 35, and even if one of the both electrode plates 16 and 26 contacts, the electric current does not flow through the kneaded product P, so that both electrode plates 16 and 26 are in a parallel state. The power supply brush may be brought into contact with one of the electrode plates 16 and 26 beforehand. Further, although the power supply brushes 34 and 35 are attached to the power supply terminals 31 and 32, respectively, the power supply brushes are attached to the respective electrode plates 16 and 26 so that the electrode plates 16 and 26 are parallel to each other and are closest to each other. In this state, the power supply brush may be brought into contact with the power supply terminals 31 and 32.
[0035]
In the apparatus for heating and conveying the kneaded product shown in FIG. 1, the carriers 10 and 20 are installed so that the electrode plates 16 and 26 face the horizontal direction and face up and down when the kneaded product is energized. Depending on the type of the kneaded product, the carriers 10 and 20 may be installed so that the electrode plates 16 and 26 face the vertical direction and face the horizontal direction, respectively. In that case, the respective rotating shafts 12, 14, 22, and 24 shown in FIG. 1 are installed so as to be oriented in the vertical direction. In such a case, the kneaded product P can be carried in between the two carriers 10 and 20, so that the lengths of the two carriers 10 and 20 can be set to be substantially the same.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a heating and conveying device for a kneaded product according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows a portion viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in the heating and conveying device as in FIG. ing. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the electrode plate shown in FIG. As described above, the heating and transporting device is arranged so that the rotation axis is oriented in the vertical direction, and the transporting bodies 10 and 20 are arranged such that the first electrode plate 16 and the second electrode plate 26 are respectively in the vertical direction. is set up. The first transport body 10 and the second transport body 20 are formed by chain conveyors 11a and 21a, respectively, and each of the chain conveyors 11a and 21a is stretched over sprockets attached to two rotating shafts. FIG. 5 shows the rotating shafts 12 and 22 to which the sprockets 13a and 23a are fixed, respectively, and the rotating shafts on the other side are not shown.
[0037]
In this heating and transporting apparatus, the first electrode plate 16 attached to the first transporting body 10 and the second electrode plate 26 attached to the second transporting body 20 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction, and Each of the electrode plates 16 and 26 is oriented in the vertical direction, and is opposed to each other in the horizontal direction. The kneaded product P to be heated is a plate-shaped kamaboko put on a plate material Q. In order to transport the kneaded product P, a support conveyor 40 formed by a belt conveyor is stretched over rollers 41, and this support conveyor 40 is also endless. It has become. The first electrode plate 16 and the second electrode plate 26 of the opposing side moving portions 19a and 29a of the first transport body 10 and the second transport body 20 face each other on both sides of the support conveyor 40 in the horizontal direction.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 5, the first transporting body 10 and the second transporting body 20 are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction so that the electrode plates 16 and 26 face each other in the horizontal direction with the energizing surfaces being vertical. When attached to the carriers 10 and 20, the lengths of the carriers 10 and 20 can be set to be substantially the same. Therefore, the kneaded product P is carried in between the carry-in ends of the carriers 10 and 20. When the electrode plates 16 and 26 sandwich the kneaded product P, both the electrode plates 16 and 26 are respectively attached to the kneaded product P. The two electrode plates 16 and 26 come into contact with both surfaces of the kneaded product P when they gradually come into contact with each other and become parallel to each other.
[0039]
In this case as well, the electrode plates 16 and 26 facing each other are parallel in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and power is applied to the kneaded product P in a state where the energized surfaces of the electrode plates are in contact with both end surfaces of the kneaded product P. Be done. As described above, when the transport bodies 10 and 20 are arranged so that the energized surfaces face each other in the horizontal direction, the kneaded product P is skewered and transported as disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above. It can be applied to the above type. Similarly, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the conveyors 10 and 20 are replaced with a belt conveyor instead of a chain conveyor.
[0040]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the kneaded product P is in direct contact with the current-carrying surfaces of the electrode plates 16 and 26. However, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the kneaded product P is interposed through a water-permeable film. The kneaded product P may contact the electrode plates 16 and 26. Further, although a plate-shaped electrode is used as each electrode, a block-shaped electrode may be used instead of the electrode plates 16 and 26.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the kneaded product is energized in a state where the entire surface thereof is in contact with the first and second electrodes, so that the energization amount in each part of the kneaded product is uniform, and the calorific value of the kneaded product is generally uniform. can do. In addition, the phenomenon that a burn occurs in only a part of the kneaded product does not occur, and the unevenness in the amount of energization depending on the portion of the kneaded product is prevented, so that the production yield of the kneaded product can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic front views showing a kneaded product heating and transporting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A shows a transporting body and electrodes, and FIG. 2 shows an electrode.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electrode plate.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which electrode plates are parallel to each other from a state in which the electrode plates are inclined with respect to each other.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a kneaded product heating and conveying apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a support conveyor and an electrode plate shown in FIG. 5;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 First carrier
11a, 11b Chain conveyor
12 Rotary axis
13a, 13b sprocket
14 Rotary axis
15a, 15b sprocket
16 First electrode plate
17 Fixture
18 sprockets
20 Second carrier
21a, 21b chain conveyor
22 Rotation axis
23a, 23b sprocket
24 rotating shaft
25a, 25b sprocket
26 Second electrode plate
27 Fixture
28 sprockets
31 1st power supply terminal
32 Second power supply terminal
33 power supply unit
34 1st feeding brush
35 Second power supply brush
40 support conveyor

Claims

相互に対向する第１と第２の電極間で練り製品を挟んだ状態で搬送しながら練り製品に通電しジュール熱により練り製品を加熱する練り製品の加熱搬送装置であって、
複数の前記第１電極が所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられ、ループ状に形成された第１搬送体と、
前記第１搬送体に練り製品搬送用空間を隔てて対向する複数の前記第２電極が所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられ、ループ状に形成された第２搬送体と、
それぞれの前記搬送体を同期させて駆動する駆動手段と、
前記第１搬送体に沿って配置される第１給電端子、および前記第２搬送体に沿って配置される第２給電端子に接続される電源ユニットと、
それぞれの前記搬送体の移動に伴って前記第１電極とこれに対向する前記第２電極とが相互に平行となって練り製品の両面全体にそれぞれの前記電極が接触した状態のもとで、前記第１給電端子と前記第２給電端子をそれぞれの前記電極に電気的に接続させる給電ブラシとを有することを特徴とする練り製品の加熱搬送装置。A heating and conveying device for a kneaded product, in which the kneaded product is heated by Joule heat while the kneaded product is conveyed while sandwiching the kneaded product between the first and second electrodes facing each other,
A plurality of first electrodes attached at predetermined intervals, a first carrier formed in a loop shape,
A plurality of second electrodes opposed to the first carrier with a space for conveying the kneaded product being attached at a predetermined interval, and a second carrier formed in a loop shape;
Driving means for driving each of the transport bodies in synchronization with each other,
A power supply unit connected to a first power supply terminal arranged along the first carrier, and a second power supply terminal arranged along the second carrier;
In a state where the first electrode and the second electrode facing the first electrode are parallel to each other with the movement of each of the carriers, and the respective electrodes are in contact with both surfaces of the kneaded product, A heating and conveying device for a kneaded product, comprising: a power supply brush for electrically connecting a first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal to the respective electrodes.

請求項１記載の練り製品の加熱搬送装置において、前記給電ブラシは前記電極が練り製品のほぼ両面全体に接触した後に前記第１給電端子と前記第２給電端子をそれぞれの前記電極に電気的に接続させて通電を開始し、前記電極が練り製品の両面全体への接触から離れ始める前に通電を停止することを特徴とする練り製品の加熱搬送装置。2. The heating and conveying device for a kneaded product according to claim 1, wherein the power supply brush electrically connects the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal to the respective electrodes after the electrode comes into contact with substantially the entire surface of the kneaded product. A heating and conveying device for the kneaded product, wherein the energization is stopped before the electrode starts to separate from contact with the entire surface of the kneaded product.

請求項１または２記載の練り製品の加熱搬送装置において、前記給電ブラシをそれぞれの前記給電端子に取り付けたことを特徴とする練り製品の加熱搬送装置。3. The apparatus for heating and conveying a kneaded product according to claim 1, wherein the power supply brush is attached to each of the power supply terminals.

請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載の練り製品の加熱搬送装置において、それぞれの前記電極の練り製品に接触する通電面が上下方向に対向するように前記第１搬送体と前記第２搬送体とを上下方向に間隔を隔てて配置したことを特徴とする練り製品の加熱搬送装置。The apparatus for heating and transporting a kneaded product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first transporting body and the second transporting body are arranged such that current-carrying surfaces of the respective electrodes that come into contact with the kneaded product are vertically opposed. And a heating device for heating and conveying the kneaded product, wherein the heating device and the heating device are arranged at an interval in the vertical direction.

請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載の練り製品の加熱搬送装置において、それぞれの前記電極の練り製品に接触する通電面が水平方向に対向するように前記第１搬送体と前記第２搬送体とを水平方向に間隔を隔てて配置し、練り製品を支持してそれぞれの前記搬送体とともに練り製品を搬送する支持コンベアをそれぞれの前記搬送体に平行に配置したことを特徴とする練り製品の加熱搬送装置。5. The apparatus for heating and transporting a kneaded product according to claim 1, wherein the first transporting body and the second transporting body are arranged such that a current-carrying surface of each of the electrodes in contact with the kneaded product is horizontally opposed. 6. And a heating conveyor for kneaded products, wherein support conveyors for supporting the kneaded products and transporting the kneaded products together with the respective transporters are arranged in parallel to the respective transporters. .

相互に対向する第１と第２の電極間で練り製品を挟んだ状態で搬送しながら練り製品に通電しジュール熱により練り製品を加熱する練り製品の加熱搬送方法であって、
ループ状に形成された第１搬送体に所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられた複数の前記第１電極と、ループ状に形成された第２搬送体に所定の間隔を隔てて取り付けられ、練り製品搬送用空間を隔てて対向する複数の前記第２電極との間で練り製品を挟んで搬送する搬送工程と、
それぞれの前記搬送体の移動に伴って前記第１電極とこれに対向する前記第２電極とが相互に平行となって練り製品の両面全体にそれぞれの前記電極が接触した後に前記第１給電端子と前記第２給電端子に通電を開始し、前記電極が練り製品の両面全体への接触から離れ始める前まで通電する通電工程とを有することを特徴とする練り製品の加熱搬送方法。A method of heating and conveying a kneaded product, in which the kneaded product is heated by Joule heat while the kneaded product is conveyed while sandwiching the kneaded product between the first and second electrodes facing each other,
A plurality of the first electrodes attached to the first carrier formed in a loop at a predetermined interval, and a plurality of the first electrodes attached to the second carrier formed in a loop at a predetermined interval to convey a kneaded product. A transporting step of transporting the kneaded product between the plurality of second electrodes facing each other across the space for use,
The first power supply terminal and the first power supply terminal after the first electrode and the second electrode facing the first electrode are in parallel with each other with the movement of each carrier and each electrode comes into contact with both surfaces of the kneaded product. Energizing the second power supply terminal, and energizing the electrode until the electrode starts to separate from contact with the entire both surfaces of the kneaded product.