JP2018162891A - Food product dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide a food drying apparatus capable of providing safe dried products, shortening the drying time, and suppressing production costs without incurring a reduction in commercial value or deterioration of food. A dew point saturated air generating mechanism (1) includes a water tank section (3) configured to be able to control a predetermined water temperature, a cylindrical section (11) provided in communication with the water tank section (3), and an air duct below the cylindrical section (11). An air delivery unit 23 is connected to introduce air into the cylindrical portion 11, and is provided in the cylindrical portion 11 and sprays water controlled at a predetermined temperature in the water tank portion 3 toward the inner wall of the cylinder at high pressure. and a high-pressure water sprinkling unit 13 configured to be capable of forming mist-like dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets by the air introduced from the air delivery unit 23. The saturated air is further reheated to a predetermined temperature to set the inside of the refrigerator to a predetermined temperature and humidity, thereby drying the target food stored in the refrigerator to a predetermined moisture content. [Selection drawing] Fig. 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a food drying apparatus used in a food drying process.

  Conventionally, various methods are known as a drying apparatus used in a food drying process. For example, methods of circulating air at normal temperature (constant temperature) in addition to sun drying and hot air drying are known (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

When meat, such as prosciutto, is produced using a hot air drying device, a cold air drying device, or a drying device that circulates room temperature (constant temperature) air, drying proceeds rapidly in the initial stage of drying.
However, the drying speed slows down after a certain period of time, and the slow drying proceeds. This is due to the fact that the surface of the meat dries first and traps moisture inside the meat.
In such a situation, if the pasteurization is not sufficiently sterilized before drying, fungi may be generated during the drying process and the surface of the meat is often covered with white, which may cause a reduction in commercial value. It was. In addition, since the drying time is long, the production cost has increased.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-75048 Japanese Patent No. 4444808

  The object of the present invention is to provide a safe dry product (dried food) without reducing or deteriorating the commercial value of the food, and to shorten the drying time and to reduce the production cost. It is to provide a food drying apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the technical means achieved by the first present invention are:
It consists of a dew point saturated air generation mechanism and a drying cabinet,
The dew point saturated air generation mechanism is
A water tank unit configured to be manageable to a predetermined water temperature;
A cylindrical portion provided in communication with the water tank portion and raised in a vertical direction;
An air delivery unit connected to a lower part of the cylindrical part and introducing air into the cylindrical part;
Water provided in the cylinder part and sprayed at a predetermined temperature in the water tank part with a high-pressure water spray in the direction of the cylinder inner wall and containing fine water droplets of a predetermined temperature by the air introduced from the air delivery part A high-pressure water sprinkling part configured to be capable of forming mist-like dew point saturated air,
The dryer is
The mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets sent from the cylinder part is communicated with the cylinder part, and is further reheated to a predetermined temperature to bring the inside to a predetermined temperature / predetermined humidity. The food drying apparatus is characterized in that the stored target food is dried until a predetermined moisture content is obtained.

  The second aspect of the present invention is the food drying apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the temperature and relative humidity in the drying chamber are alternately and repeatedly changed within a predetermined range every predetermined time. It is.

3rd invention is 1st invention or 2nd invention, While the said drying cabinet is provided with an air introduction part and an air discharge part, the inside of the said drying cabinet can accommodate the reheating area | region and the foodstuffs to dry. And at least a compartment that is configured,
The air introduction part is bridged between the tube part and the reheating region,
The reheating region includes a reheating unit that reheats a mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets sent from the cylindrical part via the air introduction unit to a predetermined temperature,
Between the reheat area and the storage area for the food to be dried at a position spaced apart from the air introduction unit, a communication area that communicates the both areas is provided,
A circulation fan that sends mist-like dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets controlled to a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity in the reheating region to the storage region of the food to be dried in the communication region or in the vicinity of the communication region With
A drying apparatus comprising an internal atmosphere adjustment unit capable of adjusting the atmosphere in the storage area of the food to be dried on the opposite side of the communication area in the storage area of the food to be dried. It is.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the air delivery section is configured such that the lower end of the air delivery outlet of the air duct is separated by a predetermined height in the vertical direction from the water surface of the water stored in the water tank section. The drying apparatus is characterized in that it is provided at a different position.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect or the fourth aspect of the present invention, the air outlet is in communication with the cylindrical portion at a position shifted in either the left or right direction from the cylindrical axis center of the cylindrical portion. The drying device is characterized by the fact that

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the third aspect to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the fine water droplets provided between the cylindrical portion and the drying chamber and formed and sent in the cylindrical portion. A mist-like dew-point saturated air containing mist is introduced, and an air-water branching section that removes water droplets of a larger diameter from the mist-like dew-point saturated air containing fine water droplets and sends them to the drying cabinet is provided. It is that it was set as the drying apparatus which performs.

  In a seventh aspect of the present invention according to any one of the third aspect to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the storage area, the circulating fan is sent to the storage area below the communication area. Drying characterized in that it comprises an air flow adjustment unit that can be adjusted so that mist-shaped dew point saturated air controlled to a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity is evenly distributed to the food to be dried placed in the storage area. It is a device.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the third aspect to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the air flow adjusting portion is inclined downward toward the center of the interior with the upper end positioned near the opening of the communication region. A mixed flow section, a plurality of rectification sections provided in the length direction of the mixed flow section, and provided at a predetermined interval, and a wind direction control provided above the mixed flow section in the vertical direction. And a drying device characterized in that the drying device is configured.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the water temperature in the water tank is set to 7 ° C to 30 ° C,
The inside of the drying chamber is a drying device characterized in that the temperature in the chamber is set to 10 ° C. to 60 ° C. and the humidity in the chamber is set to 5% to 95%.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a safe dry product (dried food) without deteriorating or deteriorating the commercial value of the food, and it is possible to shorten the drying time and to reduce the production cost. A food drying device could be provided.

It is a schematic plan view which shows 1st embodiment of this invention drying apparatus. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 1st embodiment of this invention drying apparatus. It is a schematic enlarged view which partially cuts and shows the dew point saturated air generation mechanism which comprises 1st embodiment of this invention drying apparatus. It is a schematic side view which shows the dew point saturated air generation | occurrence | production mechanism which comprises 1st embodiment of this invention drying apparatus. It is a schematic plan view which shows the dew point saturated air generation | occurrence | production mechanism which comprises 1st embodiment of this invention drying apparatus. It is a schematic front view which shows one Embodiment of the watering nozzle structure which comprises a dew point saturated air generation | occurrence | production mechanism. FIG. 7 is a partial end view of FIG. 6, (a) is an end view taken along line aa, (b) is an end view taken along line bb, and (c) is an end view taken along line cc. It is a schematic side view which shows the reheat heater arrange | positioned in the drying store | warehouse | chamber which comprises one Embodiment of this invention drying apparatus. FIG. 8 is a structural member constituting the reheating heater shown in FIG. 8, wherein (a) is a schematic overall view of an outer heater portion, and (b) is a schematic overall view of an inner heater portion accommodated in the outer heater portion. is there. (A) is a schematic side view which shows one Embodiment of a wind direction control part, (b) is a partial schematic perspective view which shows the bolting position of each blade | wing plate part. FIG. 5 is a partial schematic side view showing a positional relationship among a reheating heater, a circulation fan, and an air flow adjusting unit by partially enlarging a communication area. It is the XII-XII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a schematic side view which shows the dew point saturated air generation | occurrence | production mechanism which comprises 2nd embodiment of this invention drying apparatus. It is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the inside of the cylinder part which comprises the dew point saturated air generation | occurrence | production mechanism of 2nd embodiment. It is a cross-sectional top view of the cylinder part shown in FIG. It is the Example which used the drying apparatus of 1st embodiment for the drying of the raw log (specimen), Comprising: It is a figure which shows the chart of the drying chamber internal temperature and humidity during drying. It is a figure which shows the dehydrated weight by the relative humidity change of a raw log (specimen). It is the Example which used the drying apparatus of 1st embodiment for the drying of a kite. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the time of the case where the conventional drying apparatus (cold air drying apparatus) is used, and the case where the drying apparatus of 1st embodiment is used, and time. It is a figure which shows the drying rate (weight reduction rate) per time when the conventional drying device (cold air drying device) is used and when the drying device of the first embodiment is used.

Hereinafter, a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this embodiment is only one embodiment of the present invention, and is not construed as being limited to these, and can be designed within the scope of the present invention.
"First embodiment"
"Configuration of the drying apparatus of the present embodiment"

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drying apparatus according to the present embodiment is roughly composed of two blocks, a dew point saturated air generation mechanism 1 and a drying cabinet 35. An embodiment used as a drying apparatus will be described. Moreover, in this embodiment, it is one Embodiment provided with the three dew point saturated air generation mechanisms 1 with respect to one drying store | warehouse | chamber 35. FIG. The number of dew point saturated air generation mechanisms 1 provided according to the size (capacity) of the drying cabinet 35 is changed in design.

  The dew point saturated air generating mechanism 1 includes a water tank part 3 configured to be manageable to a predetermined water temperature, a cylinder part 11 provided in communication with the water tank part 3 and raised in a vertical direction, An air delivery part 23 that is connected downward and introduces air into the cylinder part 11, and is provided in the cylinder part 11, and water controlled at a predetermined temperature in the water tank part 3 is directed toward the cylinder inner wall. A high-pressure water spraying section 13 configured to form a mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets by air introduced from the air delivery section 23 and formed in the cylinder section 11. Introducing a mist-shaped dew point saturated air with a predetermined temperature containing fine water droplets that has been sent, and removing water droplets of larger diameter from the mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets and sending them to the drying chamber 35 Part 29 (see FIG. 2).

  The water tank 3 stores a predetermined amount of water with a predetermined size and is configured to be managed at a predetermined water temperature. An opening (upper end opening) 5 provided at the upper end 5 It communicates (see FIG. 3).

  In the present embodiment, the water tank unit 3 is set and managed so that the water in the water tank unit 3 can be maintained at a predetermined water temperature by communicating with the heater 8 and a chiller unit (not shown). The water temperature in the water tank unit 3 is set and managed at, for example, 7 ° C. to 30 ° C., and is set and managed at 16 ° C. in this embodiment.

One end (upstream end) 7a of the water supply pipe 7 for sending the water in the water tank 3 into the cylindrical part 11 is connected to the water tank 3 at a lower position in the depth direction (vertical direction). (See FIGS. 3 to 5).
The water supply pipe 7 is provided with a pump 9 at a midway part, and the other end (downstream end part) 7 b is connected to the upper end of the high-pressure water spray part 13.
Moreover, in this embodiment, although not shown in figure, in the water tank part 3, the water surface position maintenance part is provided in order to keep a water surface position constant. The water surface position maintaining unit is assumed to have a ball tap structure, for example. Further, the water tank unit 3 has a filtering / sterilizing function (not shown), and filters and removes impurities such as fungi contained in the water.

The cylindrical portion 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a predetermined diameter (650 mm in this embodiment) formed by blocking the upper end and opening the lower end, and the lower end opening 11a is coaxial with the upper end opening 5 of the water tank unit 3 in the vertical direction. Is integrally formed at the upper end of the water tank portion 3 so as to communicate with the water tank portion 3. A side opening (air inlet) 11 b that can be connected to the air outlet 27 a of the air duct of the air delivery part 23 is formed on the lower side surface of the cylinder part 11.
Further, an air delivery pipe 11c that can be connected (communicated) to an air introduction pipe 29a projecting from the upper side face of the air / water branching part 29 is projected on the upper side face of the cylinder part 11, and the air delivery pipe 11c. Communicates with the internal space of the cylindrical portion 11 and opens the tip connected to the air introduction pipe 29a. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 11 has been described as an embodiment of the cylindrical portion 11, but other forms such as each cylindrical shape may be used as long as they are within the scope of the present invention.

  The high-pressure water spray unit 13 is a water spray nozzle unit 15 configured in a predetermined shape. In the present embodiment, the upper end side is connected to the water supply pipe 7 on the upper surface of the cylinder part 11 and is perpendicular to the inner center of the cylinder part 11. The suspension is supported (fixed) (see FIGS. 2 to 5).

  The watering nozzle unit 15 is provided with a large number of watering nozzles 19, and in this embodiment, the circular pipe part 17 connected to the water supply pipe 7 and the same pitch every predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the circular pipe part 17. A plurality of nozzles (four in this embodiment) are arranged on a circle, and are composed of a nozzle group consisting of watering nozzles 19 communicating with the inside of the annular portion. In this embodiment, the nozzle group is the length direction of the circular pipe portion 17. In the (vertical direction), a plurality are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction (see FIGS. 3 and 6).

Each of the water spray nozzles 19 is disposed in the same direction in the horizontal direction (right direction in FIG. 6 and counterclockwise in FIG. 7) with the water spray port (spout port) 19a directed.
Moreover, in this embodiment, each watering nozzle group distribute | arranged to the perpendicular direction differs in the nozzle arrangement position. For example, in the present embodiment, the first watering nozzle group 15a (FIG. 7A), the second watering nozzle group 15b (FIG. 7B), and the third nozzle group 15c (FIG. 7C). )) Are repeatedly arranged in the vertical direction, and are configured to be shifted by 30 degrees for each group (see FIGS. 6 and 7).
Further, in the present embodiment, the lower end 21 of the watering nozzle unit 15 is located a predetermined distance away from the water surface of the water tank unit 3 that is integrally disposed below the cylindrical portion 11, and a side opening (air inlet). 11b (refer to FIG. 3).

  From each watering nozzle 19 of the watering nozzle unit 15 formed in this way, water is sprinkled in a mist shape, and the water sprayed hits the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 11 to form finer mist-like fine water droplets and a large diameter. Isolated on water drops.

The air delivery unit 23 includes a blower fan and a blower duct that is connected to the blower fan and is connected to a communication port on the lower side surface of the cylindrical part 11.
In the present embodiment, the side surface opening (air inlet) 11b of the cylinder part 11 is formed at a position shifted in the left or right direction from the center of the cylinder axis of the cylinder part 11, and the air duct is connected to the air supply duct. The outlet 27 a is connected to the cylinder portion 11 so as to be displaced laterally from the center of the cylinder axis.
With this configuration, in this embodiment, the air sent from the air duct is sent out along the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion 11 and along the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion 11. It rises while turning. Then, fine water droplets are sprayed in the form of mist by the watering nozzle unit 15, and the air sent out (introduced) from the air delivery part 23 into the cylindrical part 11 includes the mist-like fine water droplets to the outside of the cylindrical part 11. Most of the water falls into the water tank 3. When the falling water comes into contact with air, impurities such as fungi contained in the air are taken in, and the water that has taken in the impurities is taken into the water tank section 3 below.

The air delivery part 23 is provided at a position where the lower end of the air delivery port 27a of the air duct is separated from the water surface of the water stored in the water tank part 3 by a predetermined height in the vertical direction (see FIG. 3). .
Moreover, in this embodiment, the air delivery part 23 is a position (at distance L1) where the lower end of the air delivery outlet 27a of the air duct is about 100 mm-200 mm away from the water surface of the water stored in the water tank part 3 in the vertical direction. Provided). In this embodiment, it is 130 mm.
If the distance between the air outlet 27a and the water surface is too far or too close, the effect is not exhibited. That is, if the distance between the air outlet 27a and the water surface is too short, the air sent out from the air outlet 27a takes in coarse water particles, so that water droplets of coarse particles ( Even if you try to remove large-diameter water droplets), it may not catch up. Then, since the dew point saturated air sent out from the air / water branching portion 29 into the drying chamber 35 contains water droplets of coarse particles (large diameter water droplets), the humidity in the chamber increases, Condensation may occur. In addition, if the distance between the air outlet 27a and the water surface is too long, there is a possibility that the intake of water is small and the formation of dew point saturated air may be hindered.
The distance between the air outlet 27a and the water surface is set to an optimum distance depending on the diameter of the cylindrical portion 11.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing the fine water droplet formed and sent in the cylinder part 11 is introduce | transduced, and a larger diameter water droplet from the mist-like dew point saturated air containing the fine water droplet An air-water branching portion 29 that removes the water and sends it to the drying chamber 35 is provided between the cylinder portion 11 and the drying chamber 35.

The air / water branching portion 29 protrudes from the upper side surface, has an air introduction pipe 29a communicating with the internal space, and the tip of the air introduction pipe 29a connected to the air delivery pipe 11c of the cylinder portion 11 is opened. . Then, the diameter of the mist-like dew point saturated air formed in the cylindrical portion 11 and sent via the air delivery pipe 11c connected (communicated) with the air introduction pipe 29a is further increased by the steam-water contact process. The dew point saturated air containing only mist-like fine water droplets is sent to the drying chamber 35, and for example, a cyclone separator or an eliminator can be employed.
Further, the air / water branching portion 29 has an air supply duct 31 provided in communication with the upper end, and the air supply duct 31 is bridged between the reheating region 49 of the drying chamber 35.

  The drying cabinet 35 includes an air introduction part (introduction part) 37 and an air discharge part (discharge part) 39 on the side wall 35a side, and has a predetermined storage area 43 having a size (capacity) that can accommodate the food to be dried. It is formed in a box shape.

The storage area 43 is set at a predetermined height standing at a predetermined position in the storage with a predetermined interval from the ceiling surface 35c so as to form a predetermined space with the ceiling surface 35c of the drying chamber 35. And the other side wall 35b facing the one side wall 35a side provided with the air introduction part (introduction part) 37 and the air discharge part (discharge part) 39 from the upper end of the vertical direction partition plate 45. It is formed by a horizontal partition plate (intermediate ceiling panel) 47 disposed in a horizontal direction toward the direction (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
In addition, the code | symbol D shows the trolley | bogie which can accommodate the foodstuffs to dry and can accommodate in the accommodating area | region 43 in FIG. The carriage D is not in the form of suspending and accommodating the raw log R as in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but may be a carriage having a plurality of trays in a multistage shape, etc. Other types of carts can be used. Moreover, since the cart is not an essential component in the present invention, it is within the scope of the present invention to accommodate the food to be dried without using the cart.

Between the storage area 43 and the ceiling surface 35c of the drying chamber 35, mist-shaped dew point saturated air controlled to a predetermined temperature sent from the air / water branching portion 29 via the air supply duct 31 is further supplied. A reheating region 49 for heating to a temperature is formed (see FIG. 2). Further, the drying cabinet 35 has both the reheating region 49 and the storage region 43 for the food to be dried between the other side wall 35b and the edge 47a of the horizontal partition plate 47 facing the other side wall 35b. Is provided with a communication area (opening area) 57 (see FIG. 2).
That is, in the storage area 43 for the food to be dried, mist-shaped dew point saturated air having a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity after reheating sent from the reheating area 49 is supplied, and the mist is controlled to have a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity. In a state where the atmosphere is filled with dew point saturated air, the predetermined internal temperature and internal humidity are within a predetermined range, for example, the internal temperature is 10 ° C-60 ° C, and the internal humidity is 5%. The food to be dried is subjected to drying processing by alternately changing at −95% (in this embodiment, the temperature in the cabinet is 20 ° C. and the humidity in the cabinet is 60% to 80%) every predetermined time (for example, every 6 hours). .

  A region opposite to the storage region 43 (the region on the right side in FIG. 2) partitioned by the vertical partition plate is a discharge region 97 that discharges air discharged to adjust the atmosphere in the storage region 43. Function as. The discharge area 97 communicates with the reheating area 49 above the drying chamber 35.

The air introduction part (introduction part) 37 is provided so as to open on one side wall surface located on the opposite side of the communication area 57 in the reheating area 49, and is provided in communication with the upper end of the air / water branch part 29. The other end (downstream end) 31a of the air supply duct 31 is connected (see FIG. 2). The air introduction part (introduction part) 37 is in communication with the air supply duct 31, and is a long tubular guide that sends mist-shaped dew point saturated air controlled to a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity into the reheating region 49. A duct 33 is provided. In this embodiment, it is extended toward the vicinity of the reheating part (reheating heater) 51 mentioned later (refer FIG. 2).
The air discharge part (discharge part) 39 is provided side by side in a horizontal direction on one side wall surface where the air introduction part (introduction part) 37 is provided, and is provided in communication with the air delivery part 23. The other end (downstream end) 41a of the recovery duct 41 is connected.

In the reheating area 49, mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets controlled to a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity sent from the cylinder portion 11 via the air introduction portion (introduction portion) 37 is further supplied to the reheating region 49 at a predetermined temperature. A reheating unit 51 for reheating is provided. In the present embodiment, the reheating area 49 is set so that the entire region including the inside of the accommodation area 43 is 20 ° C.
In the present embodiment, a reheating heater (internal heater) 51 shown in FIGS. 1, 8, 9, and 12 is employed.
For example, in this embodiment, the reheat heater (internal heater) 51 includes an outer heater portion 53 configured in a large-diameter coil shape and a small-diameter coil shape, and is provided in the outer heater portion 53. What is comprised with the inner heater part 55 is used (refer FIG.8 and FIG.9).

The outer heater portion 53 of the present embodiment is configured by combining two coil-shaped heaters 53a and 53a having the same diameter made of two tubular heating elements, and the pitches of the heaters 53a and 53a are shifted. They are to be combined (see FIGS. 8 and 9).
In this embodiment, the reheat heater (internal heater) 51 formed by combining the inner heater portion 55 with the outer heater portion 53 is configured in the lateral direction of the drying chamber 35 in this embodiment. They are arranged side by side on the same axis. Adjacent reheat heaters 51 are juxtaposed at a predetermined interval. In the present embodiment, these reheat heaters 51 are provided in the vicinity of the communication region 57 (see FIG. 2).
Accordingly, the mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets controlled to a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity sent to the reheating area 49 is extended to the vicinity of the reheating heater (internal heater) 51. It is sent out from the duct 33 toward a reheating heater (internal heater) 51. At this time, since the reheating heater (internal heater) 51 has the above-described multiple configuration, when passing through the reheating heater (internal heater) 51, a large contact area with the heater can be efficiently reheated. is there.
The reheating unit 51 is not construed as being limited to the present embodiment, and the design can be changed within the scope of the present invention.

The communication area 57 includes a shielding plate 59 that shields a communication space between the other side wall 35b and the edge 47a of the horizontal partition plate 47, and an opening 61 having a predetermined shape that is opened at a predetermined position of the shielding plate 59. A circulation fan 63 that is provided in the opening 61 and that feeds mist-like dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets reheated to a predetermined temperature in the reheating region 49 into the storage region 43 for the food to be dried. (See FIGS. 1, 2 and 11). The circulation fan 63 may be provided in the vicinity of the opening 61. In the present embodiment, six openings 61 are formed in the horizontal direction of the drying cabinet 35, and six circulation fans 63 are provided in parallel in each opening 61 (see FIG. 1). In the figure, reference numeral 65 denotes a fan hood protruding from the reheating region 49, and the circulation fan 63 is provided inside the fan hood 65. By providing the circulation fan 63 in the fan hood 65 protruding in the reheating region 49, the mist-shaped dew point saturated air has a longer time in the reheating region 49, so the reheating efficiency is good.
In the present embodiment, all of the six circulation fans 63 are the circulation fans having the same performance, but one or a plurality of circulation fans having different performances can be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, in the accommodation area 43, the mist-shaped dew point saturated air after reheating sent to the accommodation area 43 by the circulation fan 63 is placed in the accommodation area 43 below the communication area 57. In addition, an air flow adjusting unit 67 that can be adjusted so as to evenly reach the food to be dried is provided (see FIGS. 2 and 10 to 12).

  The air flow adjusting unit 67 includes a guide unit (diagonal flow plate) 69 disposed at an upper end near the opening 61 of the communication area 57 and inclined downward toward the center of the interior, and a guide unit (diagonal flow). Plate) 69 provided in the length direction of the plate, and a plurality of rectification units (rectification plates) 71 provided at predetermined intervals, and a wind direction control unit (provided above the guide unit (diagonal flow plate) 69 in the vertical direction) (Wind direction damper) 73 (see FIGS. 10 to 12).

The guide portion (diagonal flow plate) 69 is a rectangular plate material having a predetermined width and a predetermined length, and the upper end 69a is positioned below the circulation fan 63 in the communication area 57 and the lower end 69b side is accommodated. It arrange | positions so that it may become a downward slope shape toward the center direction of the area | region 43 (refer FIG.11 and FIG.12). The guide part (diagonal flow plate) 69 guides the reheated mist-shaped dew point saturated air sent from the circulation fan 63 to the area where the food to be dried is accommodated. Although it is fixed at an angle, it is also possible to adjust the inclination state gradually and rapidly depending on the dry state of the food.
Further, the guide portion (diagonal flow plate) 69 is configured such that the lower end 69b is separated from the bottom surface 35d of the accommodation region 43 by a predetermined distance (see FIG. 11). In the present embodiment, guide portions (diagonal flow plates) 69 are disposed below the circulation fans 63, and adjacent guide portions (diagonal flow plates) 69 are connected so as not to be separated from each other. (See FIG. 12).

The rectifying part (rectifying plate) 71 is a mountain-like long plate material formed in a triangular shape in cross section, and two rectifying parts (rectifying plate) are provided in parallel with the surface of the guide part (diagonal flow plate) 69 (see FIGS. 11 and 11). 12). The rectifying unit (rectifying plate) 71 is for adjusting the flow of mist-like dew point saturated air that is sent from the circulation fan 63 and reaches the guide unit (diagonal flow plate) 69 after reheating.
As the parallel arrangement interval and the number of parallel arrangements of the respective rectification units (rectification plates) 71, optimal intervals are appropriately adopted within the scope of the present invention. Further, the present invention is not limited to those provided in parallel, and cases where they are not provided in parallel are also within the scope of the present invention.

The wind direction control unit (wind direction damper) 73 has a function of adjusting the falling direction (wind direction) of the mist-like dew point saturated air sent from the circulation fan 63 after reheating.
In the present embodiment, a pair of rod-like support members 75 and 75 having a predetermined length arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval, and a damper member 77 that is rotatably spanned between the pair of rod-like support members 75 and 75. And a rotation mechanism 87 that rotates the damper member 77. In the present embodiment, three damper members 77 are provided between the pair of rod-like support members 75, 75 at a predetermined interval in the length direction of the rod-like support member 75 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). ).

  The damper member 77 includes a base portion main body 79a formed in a flat plate shape having a predetermined length, and a shaft portion 79b that protrudes integrally from the base portion main body 79a. The damper member 77 is coaxial with the pair of rod-like support members 75 and 75. A pair of base holes 79 are rotatably mounted in a pair of shaft mounting holes provided, and spanned across a pair of base part main bodies 79a and attached to a predetermined position of the base part main body 79a. And a fixed blade plate 81. Further, in the present embodiment, the guide piece (upper end portion) 81a is taken up at the upper end edge in the vertical direction of the slat portion 81, and the guide piece (upper end portion) 81a is raised in the direction of the other side wall 35b (rightward in FIG. 11) and integrated in an inclined manner. In the vertical direction, a discharge guide piece (tip portion) 81b is integrally provided in a downwardly inclined manner toward the central direction of the accommodation region 43 (leftward in FIG. 11) at the lower end edge in the vertical direction (see FIG. 10).

In the present embodiment, the three damper members 77 are configured to have different orientations (arrangement angles) (see FIG. 10A).
For example, the damper member 77 disposed on the farthest side (near the other side wall 35b on the right side in FIG. 11) is the first damper member 77a, and the damper member 77 disposed on the front side thereof is the damper member 77. A second damper member 77b, a damper member 77 disposed on the front side thereof is a third damper member 77c, and the first damper member 77a is perpendicular to the rod-like support members 75 and 75 in the vertical direction. The second damper member 77b is axially attached, and the distance L2 between the discharge guide piece (tip portion) 81b of the first damper member 77a and the discharge guide piece (tip portion) 81b of the second damper member 77b is 270 mm. The mounting control is performed so that the distance L3 between the discharge guide piece (tip portion) 81b of the second damper member 77b and the discharge guide piece (tip portion) 81b of the third damper member 77c is 220 mm. (See FIG. 10 (a).).

Further, in the damper member 77 of the present embodiment, a long hole 83 provided in an elongated shape in the vertical direction is formed at both ends of the blade plate 81, and an arbitrary position of the long hole 83 is selected and a bolt 85, the blade plate 81 is attached to the base body 79a. That is, the height position in the vertical direction of the blade plate 81 is determined by which position of the long hole 83 is selected and bolted to the base body 79a. In this embodiment, the height of each damper member 77 is determined. A configuration with different positions is adopted.
For example, the first damper member 77a is mounted and arranged at the uppermost position by selecting the lowest position in the vertical direction of the elongated hole 83 and bolting, and the second damper member 77b is disposed in the vertical direction of the elongated hole 83. The third damper member 77c is bolted by selecting an intermediate position in the vertical direction of the long hole 83 by bolting by selecting the uppermost position in the bolt and fixing it to the lowermost position. It is attached and arranged at an intermediate position between the damper member 77a and the second damper member 77b (see FIG. 10B).

  The rotation mechanism 87 is integrally attached to the base portion main body 79a of each damper member 77 and protrudes upward in the vertical direction, and the upper end of each crank arm 89 (fixed to the base portion main body 79a). A bar-like interlocking member 91 that spans the upper end of each crank arm 89, and a movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the bar-like interlocking member 91 back and forth. And a drive source (motor) 93.

Accordingly, when the rod-like interlocking member 91 is moved in the front-rear direction via a moving mechanism (not shown) by turning on the drive source 93, the first damper member 77a, the second damper member 77b, Each damper member of the third damper member 77c swings in the rearward direction, and controls the adjustment of the wind direction to the accommodation region 43 of the reheated mist-like dew point saturated air sent from the circulation fan 63.
Further, the drying state of the food to be dried accommodated in the accommodating area 43 is observed, and when the food to be dried accommodated in the lower part is poorly dried, the damper member 77 is oriented downward and is accommodated upward. If the food to be dried is poorly dried, the damper member 77 can be adjusted with the direction (angle) of the damper member 77 facing upward.

  The vertical partition plate 45 includes an internal atmosphere adjustment unit (air flow adjustment unit) 95 that can adjust the atmosphere in the storage area 43 of the food to be dried.

  A discharge area 97 for discharging air discharged from the storage area 43 is formed outside the internal atmosphere adjusting unit. In the discharge area 97, an air discharge portion (discharge portion) 39 is provided in communication, and the other end (downstream end portion) 41a of the recovery duct 41 is connected and spanned over the air delivery portion 23. The exhaust air of the discharge area 97 is collected by the blower fan of the sending part 23 and sent into the cylinder part 11.

  In the present embodiment, the internal atmosphere adjusting unit (air flow adjusting unit) 95 includes a plurality of open / close plates 95a (long rectangular plate members in the present embodiment) across the width direction of the drying chamber 35 in the vertical partition plate 45. Each open / close plate 95a is fixed to one long bar-like portion 95b that is rotatably pivoted across the width direction of the drying cabinet 35 to form an open / close mechanism. Opening / closing adjustment is possible by rotating the shank-like portion 95b and moving the open / close plate 95a up and down.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of opening / closing mechanisms are provided in the vertical direction.
In other words, the vertical partition plate 45 of the present embodiment is configured such that substantially the entire surface can be ventilated by the plurality of opening / closing mechanisms, and the air volume adjustment (atmosphere adjustment) in the accommodation region 43 depends on the opening / closing adjustment of the opening / closing mechanism. ) Can be done arbitrarily.
Although this opening / closing mechanism is configured to be performed manually in the present embodiment, it can of course be configured to be automatically adjustable and is within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the number of opening / closing mechanisms can be freely set within one or more ranges and is not limited.
"Operational effects of the drying apparatus of this embodiment"

The operation and effect of the drying apparatus of this embodiment will be described.
First, water controlled to a predetermined temperature pumped from the water tank 3 through the water supply pipe 7 by the pump 9 is sent to the watering nozzle unit 15 that is suspended and supported in the cylinder 11.
Then, mist-like watering controlled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 16 ° C. in the present embodiment) is made from each watering nozzle 19 provided in the watering nozzle unit 15 toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 11. At this time, water sprayed in the form of mist is sprayed in the same direction from each of the water spray nozzles 19, that is, in the same direction (circumferential direction) toward the inner periphery of the tube portion 11, and the inner wall surface of the tube portion 11. And then split into fine water droplets and large water droplets. That is, it is ejected in a spiral shape in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical tube portion 11.
The air rising while rotating along the inner peripheral surface from below the cylindrical tube portion 11 contains fine water droplets and is adjacent to the adjacent tube portion 11 as mist dew point saturated air controlled at a predetermined temperature. It is sent to the installed steam-water branching section 29. Further, even if impurities such as fungi are floating in the cylinder part 11, it falls to the lower water tank part 3 together with large-diameter water droplets in the cylinder part 11.
Then, a dew point saturated air containing mist-like fine water droplets controlled to a predetermined temperature from which impurities and the like are removed through the air duct 31 by separating and recovering water droplets of a larger diameter by the air-water branching portion 29. Is sent to the drying cabinet 35.
The dew point saturated air containing mist-shaped fine water droplets controlled to a predetermined temperature sent to the drying chamber 35 via the air supply duct 31 is heated to a predetermined temperature (20 ° C.) in the reheating region 49 of the drying chamber 35. Is reheated to a predetermined humidity atmosphere with a relative humidity of 80% to 60%. The relative humidity is alternately and repeatedly controlled at 80% and 60% every predetermined time (every 6 hours).
Then, dew point saturated air containing mist-shaped fine water droplets having a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity is sent to the storage area 43 below the reheating area 49 by the circulation fan 63, and the predetermined temperature The storage area 43 is filled with dew point saturated air containing mist-like fine water droplets of a predetermined humidity, and the food to be dried stored in the storage area 43 is dried until it reaches a predetermined dry state (predetermined moisture content).
"Example"

FIG.16 and FIG.17 is the Example which used the drying apparatus of this embodiment for the drying of raw ham (loose log).
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a chart of the temperature and humidity in the drying cabinet during drying of raw ham (loose log) R. The internal temperature is controlled to 20 ° C., the internal humidity is 60% to 80%, and the water temperature of the water in the water tank unit 3 is controlled to change from 12 ° C. to 16 ° C. every 6 hours. In the figure, symbol T1 indicates the internal temperature, symbol H1 indicates the internal humidity, and symbol WH1 indicates the water temperature of the water in the water tank unit 3.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing changes in dehydrated weight due to changes in relative humidity of raw ham (loose logs) R. FIG. In the figure, symbol T2 indicates the inside humidity, and symbol W1 indicates the weight of the raw log R.
As can be seen from the figure, in the time zone when the relative humidity is reduced to 60%, the drying speed is faster (weight change becomes larger) than the time zone where the relative humidity is 80%. In this way, by repeatedly changing the relative humidity to 80% and 60% every predetermined time, the surface hardening that occurs due to the rapid progress of drying is suppressed, and the movement of internal moisture to the surface is promoted. As the drying speed becomes faster or slower, a dried food that has been uniformly changed to a predetermined moisture content can be provided in a short time.

18 to 20 are examples in which the drying apparatus of the present embodiment is used for drying strawberries.
In FIG. 18, the sputum as a specimen was dried in a fillet state for 24 hours and then dried in a slit state.
In this embodiment, the water temperature of the water in the water tank unit 3 was controlled within a range of 10 ° C to 20 ° C.
And the inside temperature in the drying cabinet is controlled in the range of 20 ° C-25 ° C, and the humidity in the cabinet is controlled in the range of 35% -65%, alternately changing 35% and 65% every 3 hours. did. In the figure, symbol R1 indicates the first sample (weight before drying 1.7 kg), symbol R2 indicates the second sample (weight before drying 1.8 kg), symbol T3 indicates the internal temperature, and symbol H3 indicates the internal temperature. Humidity is indicated, and symbol WH2 indicates the water temperature of the water in the water tank section 3. As a result, the target water content was 28% and WB in about 54 hours.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a change in weight and time when a conventional drying device (cold air drying device) is used and when the drying device according to the present embodiment is used. In the figure, “ACDS” indicates the prior art, and “LeD” indicates the present embodiment.
As a result, in the case of the conventional drying apparatus, the drying proceeds rapidly from the start of drying, and a difference from the drying apparatus of the present embodiment occurs. However, the speed gradually decreases after about 30 hours, and as a result, the same degree. It became the drying time.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a drying rate (weight reduction rate) per time when the conventional drying device (cold air drying device) is used and when the drying device of the present embodiment is used. In the figure, “ACDS” indicates the prior art, and “LeD” indicates the present embodiment.
According to this, it can be seen that until 6 hours have passed since the start, the conventional drying apparatus has a faster weight reduction rate, but the weight reduction rate is not much different after about 6 hours. That is. It can be seen that the conventional drying apparatus has an extremely slow weight reduction rate from a certain time. After 24 hours, the rate of weight reduction when using a conventional drying apparatus once increased, because the specimen in the fillet state was finely slit after 24 hours. It can be seen that the speed is reversed after 30 hours.
"Second embodiment"

  13 to 15 show a second embodiment of the drying apparatus of the present invention, which is an embodiment in which the entire apparatus is enlarged. It should be noted that, when the entire apparatus is enlarged, most of the necessary parts are simply enlarged except for some parts adopting different configurations, and the basic configuration and operational effects are the first embodiment. Is the same. For example, the structure of the cylinder part 11 and the high pressure water spray part 13 arrange | positioned in the cylinder part 11 differs from the high pressure water spray part 13 of 1st embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the description of the high-pressure water sprinkling unit 13 is not limited, and the description of the first embodiment is used for other configurations and effects.

The cylindrical portion 11 is formed with a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 11 of the first embodiment, and a heat exchanger 107 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. In the present embodiment, a coil-type heat exchange pipe 107a communicated with a hot water boiler (not shown) outside the cylinder portion 11 is stretched around the inner peripheral surface, so that the inside of the cylinder portion 11 can be controlled to a predetermined temperature. In FIG.13 and FIG.14, the code | symbol 99 shows the water-injection side joint connected with a hot water boiler, and the code | symbol 101 shows the drainage side joint connected with a hot water boiler via a circulation pump.
The heat exchanger 107 is not limited to the illustrated form, and the design can be changed within the scope of the present invention as long as the inside of the cylindrical portion 11 can be controlled to a predetermined temperature.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the air delivery part 23 is the position (at distance L1) where the lower end of the air delivery port 27a of the air duct 27 is about 100 mm-200 mm away from the water surface of the water stored in the water tank part 3 in the vertical direction. Provided). In this embodiment, it is 150 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the high-pressure water sprinkling unit 13 is configured by suspending and holding a plurality of watering nozzle units 15 capable of sprinkling toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 11 formed with a large diameter.
In the present embodiment, the water spray nozzle unit 15 is suspended and supported (fixed) in the vertical direction with a predetermined interval between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 11 and a predetermined interval between each. Yes.
Moreover, in this embodiment, each watering nozzle unit 15 is arrange | positioned on the same pitch circle. The upper ends of the adjacent watering nozzle units 15 communicate with each other in the circumferential direction through the connecting pipe 103, and one of the connecting pipes 103 is located at a predetermined position on the side surface near the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 11. The upper end side of the water supply pipe 7 which is in communication with the water tank unit 3 and started up in the vertical direction is connected. That is, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the six watering nozzle units 15 and the connecting pipes 103 form a substantially hexagonal shape in plan view. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each connecting pipe 103 which connects each watering nozzle unit 15 to the circumferential direction is also provided between the lower ends of each watering nozzle unit 15 adjacent.
In FIG. 14, the code | symbol 105 is a coupling with which the upper end side of the water supply pipe 7 is connected.
The watering nozzle unit 15 is provided with a large number of watering nozzles 19. In this embodiment, the watering nozzles 19 are arranged on the same line in the vertical direction, and are arranged in each watering nozzle unit 15. Each of the watering nozzles 19 provided is arranged with the watering port (spout port) 19a facing in the horizontal direction. Moreover, each watering nozzle 19 arrange | positioned at each watering nozzle unit 15 orients the watering port (injection port) 19a in the same direction.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the watering nozzle 19 of each watering nozzle unit 15 is each arrange | positioned on the same pitch circle, and each is the same direction (right direction, FIG. 15, the water spray port (injection port) 19 a is directed in the counterclockwise direction.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the water controlled to the predetermined temperature sent from the water supply pipe 7 is sent to each watering nozzle unit 15 through each connecting pipe, and is supplied to each watering nozzle unit 15. Mist watering controlled to a predetermined temperature is made from each watering nozzle 19 provided.
The air rising while rotating along the inner peripheral surface from the lower side of the cylindrical portion 11 includes mist-like fine water droplets controlled to a predetermined temperature sprayed (spouted) from the watering nozzle 19, and further the cylindrical portion 11. The mist dew point saturated air controlled to a predetermined temperature is sent from the upper duct to the steam / water branching section 29.

  The number of the watering nozzle units 15 disposed is not limited to the present embodiment, and the number capable of sufficient watering is selected in the cylindrical portion 11 and is within the scope of the present invention according to the diameter of the cylindrical portion 11. Is optional. The number and direction of the water spray ports (spout ports) 19a of the water spray nozzles 19 disposed in each water spray nozzle unit 15 can be changed within the scope of the present invention. The water spray nozzles 19 may be different from each other in the water spray nozzle units 15 in the number of the water spray nozzles 19 and the direction of the water spray ports (spout ports) 19a.

  The present invention can be used for all foods that require a drying process, and can also be used for drying meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dew point saturated air generation mechanism 3 Water tank part 11 Cylinder part 13 High pressure water spray part 23 Air sending part 27 Blowing duct 35 Drying cabinet 43 Accommodating area 49 Reheating area 51 Reheating part (reheating heater)
63 Circulating fan 69 Guide (diagonal flow plate)
71 Rectifier (rectifier plate)
73 Wind direction control unit (wind direction damper)

Claims (9)

It consists of a dew point saturated air generation mechanism and a drying cabinet,
The dew point saturated air generation mechanism is
A water tank unit configured to be manageable to a predetermined water temperature;
A cylindrical portion provided in communication with the water tank portion and raised in a vertical direction;
An air delivery unit connected to a lower part of the cylindrical part and introducing air into the cylindrical part;
Water provided in the cylinder part and sprayed at a predetermined temperature in the water tank part with a high-pressure water spray in the direction of the cylinder inner wall and containing fine water droplets of a predetermined temperature by the air introduced from the air delivery part A high-pressure water sprinkling part configured to be capable of forming mist-like dew point saturated air,
The dryer is
The mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets sent from the cylinder part is communicated with the cylinder part, and is further reheated to a predetermined temperature to bring the inside to a predetermined temperature / predetermined humidity. A food drying apparatus for drying a contained target food product until a predetermined moisture content is obtained.   The food drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature and the relative humidity in the drying chamber are alternately and repeatedly changed within a predetermined range every predetermined time. The drying chamber includes an air introduction unit and an air discharge unit, and the drying chamber is at least partitioned into a reheating region and a storage region configured to be able to store food to be dried,
The air introduction part is bridged between the tube part and the reheating region,
The reheating region includes a reheating unit that reheats a mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets sent from the cylindrical part via the air introduction unit to a predetermined temperature,
Between the reheat area and the storage area for the food to be dried at a position spaced apart from the air introduction unit, a communication area that communicates the both areas is provided,
A circulation fan that sends mist-like dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets controlled to a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity in the reheating region to the storage region of the food to be dried in the communication region or in the vicinity of the communication region With
The inside atmosphere adjustment part which can adjust the atmosphere in the accommodation area | region of the said drying object food is provided in the opposite side to the said communication area | region in the accommodation area | region of the said drying object foodstuff. The drying apparatus described in 1.   The said air delivery part is provided in the position where the lower end of the air delivery port of the said air duct is a predetermined height away from the water surface of the water stored in the water tank part in the perpendicular direction. 4. The drying apparatus according to 3.   5. The drying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the air delivery port communicates with the cylinder part at a position shifted in a left or right direction from a cylinder axis center of the cylinder part.   A mist-shaped dew point saturated air containing fine water droplets provided between the cylindrical part and the drying chamber and formed and sent in the cylindrical part is introduced, and a mist dew point saturated air containing the fine water droplets is introduced. The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising an air-water branching section that removes water droplets having a larger diameter and sends the water droplets to the drying cabinet.   In the storage area, below the communication area, mist-shaped dew point saturated air controlled to the predetermined temperature and predetermined humidity sent to the storage area by the circulation fan is placed in the storage area. The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising an air flow adjustment unit that can be adjusted so as to spread evenly over the dried food to be dried.   The air flow adjusting portion is provided in a lengthwise direction of the mixed flow portion, the diagonal flow portion disposed in an inclined downward direction toward the center of the warehouse with the upper end positioned near the opening of the communication region, The rectifying unit provided with a plurality at intervals, and a wind direction control unit provided above the mixed flow part in the vertical direction, are configured with any one of claims 3 to 7. Drying equipment. The water temperature in the water tank is set to 7 ° C. to 30 ° C.,
The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inside of the drying chamber is set to an atmosphere having a chamber temperature of 10 ° C to 60 ° C and a chamber humidity of 5% to 95%. .

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