Title of Invention

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUSLY FEEDING FOOD MATERIAL HELD IN A HOPPER

Abstract The invention discloses a method for feeding food material (WA) held in a hopper (11) characterized by, a step to control the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) of the vane pump (13) so that the rate can be switched between a basic rate of rotation and a rate of rotation higher than the basic one, while the vanes (16), which are disposed on the periphery of the rotor (15) at even intervals, move to supply the food material (WA) to the exit-side flow path (11D), wherein the switching of the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) is repeated in correspondence with the location of rotation of each vane (16). The invention is also for an apparatus (10) for carrying out said method, wherein a controlling apparatus (60) is provided to control the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) of the vane pump (13).
Full Text Field of the Inventions
These inventions generally relate to a method and an apparatus for
feeding food material which is viscoelastic, such as material for a steamed
bean-jam bun and a bean-paste, an apparatus for extruding bar-like
double-layered food material, which is made of an inner food material
enveloped with an outer food material, and an apparatus for enveloping a
food material. More particularly, they relate to an apparatus for extruding
food material and an apparatus for enveloping food material, which can
stably provide food material, and which are compact and are better suited for
high-mix low-volume manufacturing.
Background of the Inventions
Conventionally, an apparatus for feeding food material is comprised
of vane pumps to provide outer food material and inner food material with a
double nozzle to extrude bar-like double-layered food material, and an
apparatus for controlling the vane pumps. An apparatus for enveloping
food material is further comprised of a cutting apparatus to cut the barlike
double-layered food material to form a double-layered food product.
(Reference 1)
In this conventional technology, each part of the food material held in
hoppers is transferred into the vane pumps by screw conveyors. The
measuring space that is defined by two vanes, a rotor, and the casings of the
vane pumps is filled with the transferred food material, and then the food
material is transferred into an exit-side flow path that communicates with
the double nozzle, in correspondence with the rotations of the rotor of the
vane pumps. Since the vanes move along the outer cams disposed in the
housing of the vana pumps, the forward vane, which is disposed at the front
side of the measuring space, sinks in the rotor, and then the measuring space
communicates with the exit-side flow path. Further, in correspondence
with the rotations of the rotor, the food material is pushed by the rear vane,
which is disposed at the rear side of the measuring space, and is supplied to
the double nozzle through the exit-side flow path, The bar-like
double-layered food material, which is made of an inner food material
enveloped with an outer food material, is continuously extruded from the
double nozzle having an inner nozzle and an outer nozzle, to form an
extruding port. Then, the barlike double-layered food material is cut to
form enveloped food products having a substantially constant weight by the
cutting apparatus disposed under the double nozzle.
In this conventional technology, however, the pressure of the food
material which is transferred to the double nozzle by each vane of the vane
pumps and which has a viscoelaatic property is higher than that of the food
material in the measuring space because of frictional resistance in the flow
path from the vane pump to the extruding port, based on the properties of
the food material. Thus, when the forward vane, which defines the
measuring space, sinks in the rotor and then the measuring space
communicates with the exifside flow path of the apparatus for feeding food
material, the pressure of the food material in the exit-side flow path
decreases due to the food material having a relatively lower pressure in the
measuring space. Thus, the pressure of the food material in the double
nozzle also temporarily decreases, and then the quantity (flow rate) of the
food material being extruded is reduced. Namely, the bar-like
double-layered food material is pulsating while it is being extruded due to
variations of the pressure of the food material in the exit-side flow path and
the double nozzle. In particular, when the food material has many air
bubbles or has a low fluidity, and when the food material is extruded from
the narrow extruding port, the pulsating is significant. In this condition, if
the barlike double-layered food material is cut by the cutting apparatus
being driven in a predetermined time cycle, the weight of the enveloped food
products ia dispersed, and the size and the configuration of them varies
widely.
Further, since the forward vane sinks in the rotor, the height of the
protrusion of the forward vane gradually decreases. Consequently, the
quantity of the food material supplied to the double nozzle decreases, and the
pressure of the food material is reduced. If the rate of the sinking of the
forward vane is not constant, since the pressure of the food material in the
exit-side flow path is varied, the barlike double-layered food material is
pulsating while it is being extruded from the double nozzle.
As an apparatus for transferring food material to the vane pump,
there are the screw conveyors, explained above, and a roller for transferring
food material explained below. They are used in embodiments of these
inventions. When the food material is transferred to the vane pump by
using/these conveyors, sometimes the measuring space is not completely
filled with the food material. In this case, it is possible to increase the rate
of rotation of these conveyors and increase the quantity of the food material
to be transferred so that the measuring; space is completely filled with the
food material. However, if the rate of rotation of these conveyors is
increased, since the food material is excessively stirred, there is a possibility
of destroying its properties. Thus, the rate of rotation of these conveyors is
limited. As explained above, if the- measuring space is not completely filled
with the food material, the same problem as explained in Reference 1 occurs,
because the pressure of the food material in the measuring space becomes
lower than that of it in the exit-side flow path.
In the apparatus for feeding food material for the inner and the outer
food material, if the food material is transferred to the vane pump by the
screw conveyors, there is a problem in that the size of the entire apparatus
for feeding food material becomes larger.
Further, when, in small-lot production, many kinds of enveloped food
products, such as a steamed bean-jam bun, are manufactured, there are
intensive needs for reducing the food material remaining in the apparatus
after manufacturing the products.
In high-mix low-volume manufacturing, when the types of products
are changed, the apparatus for feeding food material has to be removed from
. the apparatus for extruding food material, and then it has to be cleaned. 1b
improve the manufacturing efficiency, it is required that the apparatus for
feeding food material can be easily removed from, and installed in, the
apparatus for extruding food material.
Reference i: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2001-352960
Summary of the Inventions
The purposes of these inventions are to reduce pressure pulsations of
food material in an exit-side flow path. These pulsations occur when the food
material is continuously supplied to the exit-side flow path by a vane pump
disposed in an apparatus for feeding food material. Bar-like double-layered
food material extruded from a double nozzle communicating with the exit-side flow
path is pulsating while it is being extruded due to the variations of the pressure of the
food material. Consequently, the weight and the size of the enveloped food products,
which are manufactured by cutting the bar-like double-layered food material, vary
widely. Thus, it is strongly required to reduce the pressure pulsations of the food
material.
Another purpose of these inventions is to reduce the size of the entire apparatus
for extruding bar-like double-layered food material so that it can be placed in a small
space.
Further, another purpose of these inventions is to reduce the food material
remaining in the apparatus after manufacturing the products, to improve the
manufacturing efficiency, in case of high-mix low-volume manufacturing.
For high-mix low-volume manufacturing, when the types of products are
changed, it is necessary to rapidly change the food material. Thus, another purpose of
these inventions is to add a function to the apparatus for feeding food material so that it
can be easily removed from, and easily installed in, the apparatus for extruding food
material.
These inventions of this application intend to achieve the above purposes. The
invention of the first aspect relates to a method for continuously feeding food material
held in a hopper to an exit-side flow path by a vane pump. It comprises a step to control
the rate of rotation of the rotor of the vane pump so that the rate can be switched
between a basic rate and a higher rate than the that of the basic one, while the vanes,
which are disposed on the periphery of the rotor at even intervals, move to supply the
food material to the exit-side flow path, wherein the switching of the rate of the rotor is
repeated in correspondence with the location where each vane rotates.
The invention of the second aspect relates to an apparatus for feeding food
material, comprising: a vane pump to supply the food material to an exit-side flow path,
and a controlling apparatus to control the vane pump, wherein the controlling apparatus
is provided with a detecting apparatus to detect the angle of rotation of the rotor of the
vane pump, wherein the controlling apparatus controls the rate of rotation of the rotor of
the vane pump so that the rate can be switched between a basic rate and a higher rate
than that of the basic one, while the vanes, which are disposed on the periphery of the
rotor at even intervals, move to supply the food material to the exit-side flow path, and
wherein the switching of the rate of rotation of the rotor is repeated in correspondence
with the location where each vane rotates.
The invention of the third aspect relates to the apparatus of the second aspect,
wherein the timing of the switching of the rate of rotation of the rotor from the basic
rate to the higher rate (the timing to start to accelerate the rate of rotation of the rotor)
can be adjusted.
The invention of the fourth aspect relates to a method for continuously feeding
food material held in a hopper to an exit-side flow path by a vane pump disposed at the
bottom of the hopper, comprising: a step for transferring the food material held in the
hopper to the vane pump by rotating a roller for transferring food material disposed at
the side of the vane pump.
The invention of the fifth aspect relates to an apparatus for continuously
feeding food material held in a hopper to an exit-side flow path by a vane pump
disposed at the bottom of the hopper, comprising: a means for transferring the food
material held in the hopper to the vane pump by rotating a roller for transferring food
material disposed at the side of the vane pump.
The invention of the sixth aspect relates to an apparatus for continuously
extruding bar-like double-layered food material which includes two kinds of food
material, which double-layered food material consists of an inner food material
enveloped by an outer food material, comprising: an apparatus for feeding the outer
food material having a hopper to hold the outer food material and a vane pump for the
outer food material disposed at the bottom of the hopper, an apparatus for feeding the
inner food material having a hopper to hold the inner food material and a vane pump for
the inner food material disposed at the bottom of the hopper, and a double nozzle that
communicates with the apparatus for feeding the inner food material and the apparatus
for feeding the outer food material to continuously extrude bar-like double-layered food
material by enveloping the inner food material with the outer food material, wherein the
vane pumps for the outer food material and the inner food material are disposed so that
the axis of rotation of one of the vane pumps is vertically arranged and that of the other
is horizontally arranged.
The invention of the seventh aspect relates to the apparatus of the sixth aspect,
wherein the vane pumps for the outer food material and the inner food material are
disposed so that the axis of rotation of the vane pump for the outer food material is
horizontally arranged and that of the vane pump for the inner food material is vertically
arranged.
The invention of the eighth aspect relates to the apparatus of the sixth or
seventh aspect, optionally comprising: an apparatus for controlling the vane pump for
the outer food material, wherein the apparatus for controlling the vane pump has an
apparatus for detecting the angle of rotation of the rotor of the vane pump for the outer
food material and controls the vane pump for the outer food material so that it can
switch between the basic rate of rotation of the rotor and the higher rate of rotation of
the rotor than that of the basic one, while the vanes, which are disposed on the periphery
of the rotor at even intervals, move to supply the food material to the exit-side flow
path, and wherein the switching of the rate of rotation of the rotor is repeated in
correspondence with the location of rotation of each vane.
The invention of the ninth aspect relates to the apparatus of the sixth or seventh
aspect, optionally comprising: a roller for transferring food material disposed at the side
of the vane pump for the outer food material to transfer the food material held in the
hopper for the outer food material to the vane pump for the outer food material by
rotating the roller for transferring food material, and a screw conveyor disposed at the
bottom of the hopper for the inner food material to transfer the food material held in the
hopper for the inner food material to the vane pump for the inner food material by
rotating the screw conveyor.
The invention of the tenth aspect relates to the apparatus of the sixth or seventh
aspect, optionally comprising: a connecting interface tube disposed between the
apparatus for feeding the outer food material and the double nozzle, wherein the
connecting interface tube is slidably installed between them, can seal the connecting
interface surface for the food material, and allows the apparatus for feeding the outer
food material to be easily removed from the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-
layered food material and to be easily installed in it.
The invention of the eleventh aspect relates to the apparatus of the sixth or
seventh aspect, optionally comprising: a connecting interface tube disposed between the
apparatus for feeding the inner food material and the double nozzle, wherein the
connecting interface tube is slidably installed between them, can seal the connecting
interface surface for the food material, and allows the apparatus for feeding the inner
food material to be easily removed from the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-
layered food material and to be easily installed in it.
The invention of the twelfth aspect relates to the apparatus of the sixth or
seventh aspect, optionally comprising: connecting interface tubes disposed between the
apparatus for feeding the outer food material and the double nozzle and between the
apparatus for feeding the inner food material and the double nozzle, wherein the
connecting interface tubes are slidably installed between them, can seal the connecting
interface surfaces for the food material, and wherein the connecting interface tube
disposed between the apparatus for feeding the outer food material and the double
nozzle is smaller than that disposed between the apparatus for feeding the inner food
material and the double nozzle.
The invention of the thirteenth aspect relates to the apparatus of the sixth or
seventh aspect wherein the exit-side flow path of the apparatus for feeding the outer
food material, which communicates with the double nozzle, is inclined downward.
The invention of the fourteenth aspect relates to an apparatus for manufacturing
enveloped food products by using the apparatus of the eighth aspect, optionally
comprising: a cutting apparatus disposed under the double nozzle to cut the bar-like
double-layered food material extruded from the double nozzle, and a linear conveyor
apparatus disposed under the cutting apparatus to convey the enveloped food products
cut by the cutting apparatus.
By the inventions of the method and apparatus for feeding food material of the
first, second, and third aspect, when the vane pump continuously provides the exit-side
flow path with the food material, it is possible to compensate for the decrease of the
pressure of the food material in the exit-side flow path, and to inhibit any variation of
the pressure. Further, it is possible to inhibit the pulsating flow of the bar-like double-
layered food material continuously extruded from the double nozzle that communicates
with the exit-side flow path, and to reduce the variations of the weight of the enveloped
food products, which are cut from the bar-like double-layered food material by the
cutting apparatus.
By the inventions of the method and apparatus for feeding food material of the
fourth and fifth aspect, since the food material held in the hopper is continuously
provided with the exit-side flow path by the vane pump disposed at the bottom of the
hopper, and since it is transferred to the vane pump by rotating a roller for transferring
food material disposed at the side of the vane pump, it is possible to reduce the entire
size of the apparatus for feeding food material and to reduce the food material
remaining in the apparatus after manufacturing the products.
By the invention of the apparatus for extruding the bar-like double-layered food
material of the sixth aspect, since the apparatus is comprised of the apparatuses for
feeding the outer and inner food material, and since the vane pumps for the outer and
inner food material are disposed so that the rotating axis of one of the vane pumps is
vertically arranged and that of the other is horizontally arranged, it is possible to reduce
the entire size of the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material.
By the invention of the apparatus for extruding the bar-like double-layered food
material of the seventh aspect, since the vane pumps for the outer and inner food
material are disposed so that the axis of rotation of the vane pump for the outer food
material is horizontally arranged and that of the vane pump for the inner food material is
vertically arranged, it is possible to reduce the entire size of the apparatus for extruding
bar-like double-layered food material so that it is especially better suited to enable the
quantity of the outer food material that is consumed to be less than that of the inner food
material.
By the invention of the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food
material of the eighth aspect, when the vane pump for the outer food material
continuously provides the exit-side flow path with the food material, it is possible to
compensate for the decrease of the pressure of the food material in the exit-side flow
path, and to inhibit any variation of the pressure. Further, it is possible to inhibit the
pulsating flow of the bar-like double-layered food material continuously extruded from
the double nozzle that communicates with the exit-side flow path, and to reduce the
variations of the weight of the enveloped food products, which are cut from the bar-like
double-layered food material by the cutting apparatus.
By the invention of the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food
material of the ninth aspect, since the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered
food material is further comprised of the roller for transferring food material disposed at
the side of the vane pump for the outer food material, and the screw conveyor disposed
at the bottom of the hopper for the inner food material, it is possible to reduce the entire
size of the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material. Thus it is
especially better suited to enable the quantity consumed of the outer food material to be
less than that of the inner food material.
By the inventions of the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food
material of the tenth and eleventh aspect, since the connecting interface tube disposed
between the apparatus for feeding the outer or inner food material and the double
nozzle, wherein the connecting interface tube is slidably installed between them, can
seal the connecting interface surface for the food material, and allows the apparatus for
feeding the outer food material to be easily removed from the apparatus for extruding
bar-like double-layered food material and to be easily installed in it, it is possible to
rapidly change food material, when the types of products are changed.
By the invention of the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food
material of the twelfth aspect, since the connecting interface tube disposed between the
apparatus for feeding the outer food material and the double nozzle is smaller than that
disposed between the apparatus for feeding the inner food material and the double
nozzle, it is possible to reduce the food material remaining in the apparatus after
manufacturing the products.
By the invention of the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food
material of the thirteenth aspect, since the exit-side flow path of the apparatus for
feeding the outer food material inclines downwardly, it is possible to reduce the food
material remaining in the apparatus after manufacturing the products.
By the invention of the apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, since the apparatus
uses the apparatus of the eighth aspect, so that addtionally it is comprised of a cutting
apparatus and a linear conveyor apparatus, it is possible to reduce the entire size of the
apparatus for manufacturing the enveloped food products. Thus it is especially better
suited for high-mix low-volume manufacturing, for inhibiting the pulsating flow of the
bar-like double-layered food material continuously extruded from the double nozzle,
and for reducing any variations of the weight of the enveloped food products, which are
cut from the bar-like double-layered food material by the cutting apparatus.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present
inventions will be further understood from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments and from the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 relates to the first embodiment and shows an elevational view of an
apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material (1) having an apparatus
for feeding the outer food material (10).
Fig. 2 shows a partial detailed view of the apparatus for extruding the bar-like
double-layered food material (1) shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view at the line AD A shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the apparatus for feeding the outer food
material (10) shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 5 relates to the first embodiment and illustrates the motion of the rotor (15)
of the apparatus for feeding the outer food material (10).
Fig. 6 is a chart which shows weights of a divided outer food material WA.
Fig. 7 relates to the second embodiment and shows an elevational view of the
apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material (1) having an apparatus
for feeding the outer food material (10).
Fig. 7(A) shows a plane view, partly in cross section, of the apparatus for
extruding bar-like double-layered food material (1).
Fig. 7(B) shows an elevational view at the line BQ B shown in Fig. 7(A).
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
First, the apparatus for feeding outer food material (10) of the first embodiment
of these inventions is explained based on the Figures.
By Figs. ID 4, the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material
(1) includes the apparatus for feeding outer food material (10) disposed on a support
base (3) to supply the outer food material (WA) and the apparatus for feeding inner food
material (20) disposed on the support base (3) to supply the inner food material (WB).
The apparatus further includes a double nozzle (30) disposed between the apparatus for
feeding the outer
food material (10) and the apparatus for feeding the inner food material (20)
to continuously extrude the bar-like double-layered food material (WC),
which is made by enveloping the inner food material (WB) with the outer
food material (WA). . . .
A cutting apparatus (40) to cut the bar-like double-layered food
material (WC) extruded from the double nozzle (3d) is disposed under the
double nos&le (30). Further, a linear conveyor apparatus (50) to convey the
enveloped food products (WD) which are cut by a cutting apparatus (40) to a
next prpcess is disposed under the cutting apparatus (40). A control
apparatus (60) to control each apparatus is also provided.
The apparatus for feeding the outer food material (10) includes a
hopper for the outer food material (11) to hold the outer food material (WA),
and a roller for transferring food material (12) and a vane pump for the outer
food material (13), which are disposed at the bottom of the hopper for the
outer food material (ll). The hopper (11) includes the roller for
transferring food material (12) and the vane pump (13) at its bottom and is
installed on the support base (3) so that it (11) can be easily removed from,
and installed on, the base (3).
This embodiment is now explained in more detail. The hopper for
the outer food material (ll) has an opening (11A) to be charged with the
outer food material (WA). The hopper (ll) also has a concave portion (11B)
for the roller for transferring food material (12) a.t its bottom to fit the
contours of the roller for transferring food material (12) and a concave
portion (11C) for the vane pump (13) at its bottom to fit the contours of the
vane pump (13). Further, an exit-side flow path (11D) that communicates
with the double nozzle (30) is disposed adjacent to the concave portion (HC)
for the vane pump (13). It is possible to improve the flowability of the outer
food material (WA) by inclining the exit-side flow path (llD) downward.
The roller for transferring food material (12) transfers the outer food
material (WA) to the vane pump for the outer food material (13) by rotating
its roller. The roller for transferring food material (12) ia connected to a
rotating shaft (14) supported by the hopper (ll) and arranged horizontally
and rotatably. The roller for transferring food material (12) and the
rotating shaft (14) rotate together in the direction shown by an arrow Rl.
Since a plurality of grooves is disposed at the surface of the roller for
transferring food material (12) at even intervals, it can efficiently transfer
the outer food material (WA) to the vane pump (13).
The vane pump for the outer food material (13) is used to measure a
quantity of the outer food material (WA) and to transfer it to the exit-side
flow path (llD). The vane pump (13) includes a rotor (15) and three sets,
namely, six parts, of the vanes (16). The rotor (15) is horizontally' and
rotatably supported by the hopper for the outer food material (ll) and
arranged parallel to the rotating shaft (14) of the roller for transferring food
material (12). Slits (15A) are radially formed in the rotor (15). Further,
the three sets, namely, the six parts, of the vanes (16) are alidably inserted in
the slits (15A). A pair of cams (17), which form a cam surface to allow the
vanes to radially move along its surface, is disposed at the hopper for the
outer food material (11).
The surface of the each cam is now explained in more detail based on
the rotations of the rotor (15) in the direction shown by an arrow R2. As
shown in Pig. 4, the curved surface (17A) of the cam is formed so that the
vane (16) gradually sinks in the rotor (15). The curved surface (17B) of the
cam is formed so that the tip of the vane (16) corresponds to the periphery of
the rotoT (15). The curved surface (17C) is formed so that it is symmetrical
to the curved surface (17A), and so that the vane (16) gradually comes out
from the peripheral surface of the rotor (15). The curved surface (17D) is
formed so that the height of the vane (16) that is projected from the rotor (15)
is maintained at a maximum value.
The vane pump for the outer food material (13) forms a measuring
space (13A) defined by the periphery of the rotor (15), two vanes adjacent to
each other (for example, 16A and 16B, shown in Fig. 4), and the concave
portion (11C) of the pump casing of the vane pump (13), which casing forms a
circular surface corresponding to the curved surface (17D) of the cam, in the
interval of the curved surface (17D).
In correspondence with the rotations of the rotor (15), the forward
vane (16A) contacts and slides on the curved surface (17D) of the cam (17),
and then the vane (16A) moves in the slit (15A) and gradually sinks in the
rotor (15).
The rear vane (16B), which defines the measuring space (13A),
continues to move along the inside of the concave portion (11C) for the vane
pump (13) and supplies the outer food material (WA) to the double nozzle
(30) through the exit-side flow path (llD) of the hopper (11). As shown in
Pig. 4, the space (13B) between the position of the vane (16B) and that of the
vane (16A) is to hold the outer food material (WA) to supply it. The outer
food material (WA) filled in the measuring space (ISA) is sequentially
transferred to the double nozzle (30) by moving each vane in the space (13B).
In this embodiment, six measuring spaces (13A) are formed at every
revolution of the rotor (15). It is possible to integrate the cam (17) with the
hopper for the outer food material (ll).
The rotating shaft (14) inserted into the roller for transferring food
material (12) and the rotor (15) of the vane pump for the outer food material
(13) are respectively connected to a roller driving shaft (18) and a pump
driving shaft (19) disposed in the support base (3) through connecting
interfaces (ISA) and (19A) so that they can rotate together.
For example, as shown in Fig. 3, at the connecting interfaces (18A)
and (19A), grooves are disposed at the end surfaces of the roller driving shaft
(18) and the pump driving shaft (19). In contrast, the projections are
disposed at the end surfaces of the rotating shaft (14) inserted into the roller
for transferring food material (12) and the rotor (15) of the vane pump for the
outer food material (13) so that they can respectively engage the roller
driving shaft (18) and the pump driving shaft (19) and can transfer the
driving force. It is preferable to position the rotating shaft (14) and the
rotor (15) by using guide shafts (not shown) disposed"around the end surfaces
of the roller driving shaft (18) and the pump driving shaft (19). Since the
above method for connecting the shafts is used, as explained in detail later,
the apparatus for feeding the outer food material can be easily removed from
and installed in the apparatus for extruding food material.
The roller driving shaft (18) and the pump driving shaft (19) are
connected to a control motor (Ml) through a power transfer mechanism
using gears and rotate in the direction shown by the arrow in Fig. 4.
It is possible to use two control motors to drive the roller for
transferring food material (12) and the vane pump (13) and to adjust the rate
of them individually.
As shown in Figs. 1—3, the apparatus for feeding an inner food
material (20) includes a hopper for the inner food material (21) to hold the
inner food material (WB) and screw conveyors (22R) and (22L), which are
horizontally and rotatably disposed at the bottom of the hopper for the inner
food material (21). The directions of the helices of the rotor blades of the
screw conveyors (22R) and (221) are opposite from each other, and the
pitches of the rotor blades of them are identical.
The screw conveyors (22R) and (22L) are connected to the control
motor (M2) disposed in the support base (3) through a power transfer
mechanism, such as gears, and rotate reversely from each other so as to
convey the food material. The inner food material (WB) is transferred to
the vane pump for the inner food material (23) by rotating the screw
conveyors (22R) and (22L).
The vane pump for the inner food material (23) is similar to that for
the outer food material (13). It has three sets, namely, six parts, of the
vanes (26), which are slidably inserted in the slits of the rotor (25). The
vane pump (23) has a pump casing (24) connected to the end surface of the
hopper for the inner food material (21). An opening (24A) is disposed at the
end surface of the hopper (21). The rotor (25) is vertically and rotatably
disposed at the side of the opening (24A). The lower end of the shaft of the
rotor (25) is connected to the control motor (M3) through a power transfer
mechanism, such as gears.
A plurality of slits (25A) is radially formed in the rotor (25) at even
intervals. Each of three vanes (26A), (26B), and (26C) is slidably supported
in the radial direction of the rotor (25). A cam (27), having a proper curved
surface to move the vanes (26A), (26B), and (26C) in the radial direction in
correspondence with rotations of the rotor (25), is disposed in the pump
casing (24).
The vane pump for the inner food material (23) forms a measuring
space (23A) denned by the periphery of the rotor (25), two vanes adjacent to
each other (for example, 26A and 26B, shown in Fig. 3), and the inner surface
of the pump casing (24). The forward vane (26A), disposed at the front side
of the measuring space, moves along the curved surface (27A) of the cam (27)
that ia disposed in the pump casing (24) in correspondence with the rotations
of the rotor (25), and gradually sinks in the rotor (25) by being moved in the
slit (25A) along the curved surface (27A). The rear vane (26B), which
defines the measuring space (23A) and is disposed at the rear side of it,
moves along the inner surface of the pump casing (24) and supplies the inner
food material (WB) to the double nozzle (30) through the exit-side flow path
(24B) of the pump casing (24). It is possible to integrate the cam (27) with
the pump casing (24).
In the above explanation, the apparatus for feeding the outer food
material (10) contains the roller for transferring food material (12) and the
vane pump for the outer food material (13) that have rotating axes
horizontally arranged, and the apparatus for feeding the inner food material
(20) contains the screw conveyors (22R) and (22Ij) having the rotating axes
horizontally arranged and the vane pump for the inner food material (23)
that have rotating axes vertically arranged. However, the apparatus for
feeding the outer and inner food materials (10) and (20) is not limited to
these configurations. Namely, the apparatus for feeding the outer food
material (10) may have screw conveyors having the rotating axes
horizontally arranged and the vane pump for the outer food material that
has the rotating axes vertically arranged, and the apparatus for feeding the
inner food material (20) may have a roller for transferring food material and
a vane pump for the inner food material that have rotating axes horizontally
arranged.
As shown in Fig. 2, the double nozzle (30) has a nozzle (35) to extrude
the inner food material (WB) and a nozzle (36) for the outer food material
(WA) surrounding the nofczle (35). The nozzles (35) and (36) can be freely
removed from and installed in the double nozzle. The nozzle (35) for the
inner food material and the nozzle (36) for the outer food material are
respectively connected to the apparatus for feeding the inner and the outer
food material (20), (10) through connecting interface tubes (37 A) and (37B).
The connecting interface tube (37A) is slidably inserted in the nozzle
(36) for the outer food material and the apparatus for feeding the outer food
material (10). ,The connecting interface tube (37A) ha9 Orings to seal the
food material at the sliding surface. Further, the connecting interface tube
(37B) can also be slidably inserted in the nozzle (35) for the inner food
material and the apparatus for feeding the inner food material (20).
When the quantity of the inner food material used to manufacture
enveloped food products is less than that of the outer food materials it is
possible to reduce the outer food material remaining in the apparatus for
feeding the outer food material (10) after manufacturing the products by
reducing the size of the connecting interface tube (37A), which is disposed
between the apparatus for feeding the outer food material (10) and the
double nozzle (30), so that it becomes smaller than the connecting interface
tube (37B), -which is disposed between the apparatus for feeding the inner
food material (20) and the double nozzle (30).
Now, a method for removing the apparatus fox feeding the outer food
material (10) from the apparatus for extruding barlike double-layered food
material (l) and installing the apparatus (10) in it is explained.
The apparatus for feeding the outer food material (10) is supported
by the bar (72) that protrudes from the support base (3) and that is attached
to the support base (3) by rotating the knob (71) having threads at its distal
end. (See Pigs. 3 and 4.)
Further, at the connecting portions between the apparatus for
feeding the outer food material (10) and other elements, namely, at the
connecting portion (18A), which connects the roller driving shaft (18) to the
rotating shaft (1-4), at the connecting portion. (19A), which connects the pump
driving shaft (19) to the vane pump (13), and at another connecting portion,
which, connects the double nozzle (30) to the apparatus (10) by using the
connecting interface tube (37A), no mechanical fasteners, such as screws, are
used to fix these elements. Thus, it is possible to easily remove the
apparatus for feeding the outer food material (10) from the apparatus for
extruding bar-like double-layered food material (1) and to easily install the
apparatus (10) in it by just rotating the knob 71.
The apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material (l)
is provided with the double nozzle (30) explained above. Thus, the bar-like
double-layered food material (WG), which is made by enveloping the inner
food material (WB) with the outer food material (WA), is extruded from the
double nozzle by supplying the outer food material (WA) from the apparatus
for feeding the outer food material (10), and by supplying the inner food
material (WB) from the apparatus for feeding the inner food material (20).
The form of the port of each no2«le to extrude the food material may be
selected from various forms, such as a circular one, a quadrilateral one, a
polygonal one, etc. It can be also designed so that a plurality of the food
material constitutes layered food material.
The cutting apparatus (40) is disposed under the double nozzle (30).
The cutting apparatus (40) is comprised of a plurality of shutters (42) to cut
the bar-like double-layered food material (WC) extruded from the double
nozzle (30) and to form the enveloped food products (WD). A plurality of
shutters (42), which are well known, as for example, by Japanese Patent Nos.
2916515 and 3016246, can be used. Further, the cutting apparatus (40)
moves up and down in synchronization with the motions of the vertical
moving table (51) of the linear conveyor apparatus (50), explained below.
The linear conveyor apparatus (50) is disposed below the cutting
apparatus (40). The vertical moving table (51) can be freely moved up. and
down by a cam (54) and a link mechanism connected to a control motor (M4)
to move it up and down. A driving roller (52) is connected to a control motor
(M5) through a series of gears (not shown). A belt (53) wound around a
plurality of rollers, such as the roller of the vertical moving table (51) and the
driving roller (52), moves up and down in correspondence with the motions of
the vertical moving table (51). The belt (53) supports the lower surface of
the bar-like double-layered food material (WC) when the cutting apparatus
(40) cuts it into the enveloped food products (WD). The driving roller (52) is
driven by intermittently driving the control motor (M5), and then the
enveloped food products (WD) are transferred to a next step by moving the
belt (53).
As shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus for extruding bar-like
double-layered food material (1) is provided with the control apparatus (60).
The control apparatus (60) is provided with a control panel (61) having a
control switch to control the quantity of the outer food material (WA) and the
inner food material (WB) to be supplied, the angular rate, the angular
acceleration, and the timing to start the acceleration of the rate of rotation of
the rotor (15) of the vane pump for the outer food material (13) and the rotor
(25) of the vane pump for the inner food material (23). It also controls the
rate to divide the enveloped food products (WD), the rate of transfer by the
belt (53), and the activation and the shutoff of the elements of the apparatus
for extruding the bar-like double-layered food material (l). The control
apparatus (60) also has a control apparatus (62) to drive each control motor
based on the data that is input.
As shown in Fig. 3, a pulse encoder (65) is connected to the pump
driving shaft (19) of the apparatus for feeding the outer food material (10), to
detect the angle (D) of rotation of the rotor (15). A driving: gear (63) is fixed
on the pump driving shaft (19) connected to the rotor (18). Further, the
pulse encoder (65) is fixed to a bracket (66), which is supported on the
support base (3), and a driven gear (64) is fixed on the rotating shaft (65A) of
the pulse encoder (65), and the driven gear (64) engages the driving gear (63).
The number of teeth of the driven gear (64) equals that of the driving gear
(63). Thus, since the pulse encoder (65) rotates in synchronization with the
rotor (15), it can detect the angle (D) of rotation of the rotor (15).
Now a method for controlling the rate of rotation (equal to the
angular velocity) of the rotor (15) is explained. The position, of the vane
(16B) shown in Fig. 4 is defined as the reference position of the rotor (15) and
as w0" degrees- As explained above, the position,of the vane (16B) is the
starting point of the space (13B) for supplying the outer food material (WA).
The position of the vane (16A) corresponds to the ending point of the curved
surface (17D) of the cam (17) and corresponds to the starting point of the
curved surface (17A). Further, at the position of the vane (16B), the
position of the rotating shaft (65A) of the pulse encoder (65) is defined as the
reference position of the rotating shaft (65A) and as "0* degrees.
Fig. 5 shows a change of the rate (V) of rotation of the rotor (15).
The horizontal scale of Fig. 5 shows the angle (D) of rotation of the rotor (15)
rotating in the direction of the arrow (R2), and the vertical scale shows the
rate (V). The interval of the rotor (15) is defined by the angle formed by the
adjacent slits (15A) (equal to the angle formed by the adjacent vanes [16]),
and the rotor (15) rotates at a reference-rotating rate (Vl) at the portion of
the interval defined by an angle (Dl) from- the reference position. Then the
rotor (15) rotates at rate (V2) that is higher than the reference "rotating rate
(VI), at the portion of the interval defined by an angle (D2). Then, the rotor
(15) has its rate of rotation reduced and rotates at the reference-rotating rate
(VI) at the remaining portion of the interval defined by an angle (DS). This
cycle of the rotor (15) is repeated six times while it rotates one round.
The values of the raferenc6-rotating rate (VI), the higher rate of
rotation (V2), and the angles (Dl), (D2), and (D3) can be inputted by using
the control panel (6l). Further, as explained above, the angles (Pi), (£2),
and 033) axe detected by the pulse encoder (65), and the data on the angles
(Dl), (D2), and (D3) are transmitted to the control apparatus (62).
Examples 1—7
Now, test results of cutting food dough for a steamed bean-jam bun
(kasuga manju) as the outer food material (WA) by using the apparatus for
extruding barlike double-layered food material (l) are explained.
In these embodiments, the nozzle for the inner food material (35) of
the double nox2l© (30) is plugged, and the nozzle for the outer food material
(36) having a nozzle diameter of 38 mm is used. Further, the
reference-rotating rate (Vl) of the rotor (15) is set at one revolution per
minute, and the angle (D2), which is the portion of the interval to rotate at a
higher rate of rotation, is set at 15 degrees. The rate of cutting the harliie
double-layered food material by the cutting apparatus (40) is set at 20 times
a minute.
Besides the above conditions, the angle (Dl) is set at "0" degrees, "10"
degrees, "20" degrees, and "30" degrees, and the higher rate of rotation (V2)
is set at 1.05 x Vl, 1.1 x VI, 1.2 x VI. The tests for cutting the food material
are performed with a combination of these parameters. The samples of the
tests consist of 30 food products which are continuously cut by the cutting
apparatus.
Comparative Example 1
In comparative example 1, the rotor (15) rotates at the
reference-rotating rate (Vi) (at a constant rate), and the other parameters
are the same as those of examples 1—7. Namely, comparative Example 1
shows a conventional method for cutting the barlike double-layered food
material.
Now examples 1 — 7 are compared with comparative example 1.
Table 1 shows the results of examples 1—7 and comparative example 1. It
contains the angle (Dl), the higher rate of rotation (V2\ the maximum
weight of the products (unit: grams), the minimum weight of the products
(unit: grams), and the standard deviation of the weights of the products. If
the value of the standard deviation is small, it can be understood that the
variations of the weights are small.
Fig. 6(A) is a sequential line graph indicating the weights of the
products of example 3 in sequence. Fig. €(B) is the sequential line graph
indicating in sequence the weight of the products of comparative example 1.
It is clearly found that the values of the standard deviations of
examples 2 — 6 are smaller than those of comparative example 1, by
comparing the standard deviations of the weights of their products. Namely,
the variations of the weights of the products of examples 2—6 are smaller
than those of comparative example 1. It is clearly found that the changes of
the sequential line of Fig. 6(A) are smaller than those of Fig. 6(B), by
comparing Fig. 6(A) to Fig. 6(B). Thus, it is also found that the pulsating
flow of the outer food material (WA) extruded from the double nozzle (30) of
examples 2—6 is smaller than that of comparative example 1. From these
facts, it is also found that in examples 2—6 the change of the pressure of the
outer food material (WA) at the exit-side flow path is smaller than that of
comparative example 1. Thus, in examples 2—6, the pulsations of the
pressure of the outer food material (WA) are reduced.
It is clearly found that the minimum weight of the products of
examples 1 and 7 is almost equal that of examples 2—6, by comparing
examples 1 and 7 with examples 2—6, However, the maximum weight and
the standard deviations of the weights of the products of examples 1 and 7
are greater than those of examples 2—6. From these results, it is clearly
found that the pulsating flow of the outer food material (WA) extruded from
the double nozzle (30) of examples 1 and 7 is greater than that of examples
2-6.
For example 1, since the rate of the rotor (15) increases before the
pressure of the outer food material (WA) in the exit-side flow path (11D)
decreases, and since the quantity of the food material to be supplied to the
double nozzle increases, it is clearly found that the pressure in the exit-side
flow path further decreases. From this fact, it is found that the outer food
material (WA) does not start to be transferred to the double nozzle just after
the vane (16A) starts to sink in the rotor (15), and the exit-side flow path
(llD) of the hopper (ll) starts to communicate with the measuring space
(13A). Namely, some more time is necessary before the outer food material
(WA) can start to be transferred to the double nozzle.
For example 7, since the pressure of the outer food material (WA) in
the exit-side flow path (llD) temporarily decreases, and then the pressure
gradually increases, it ia found that the rate of the rotor (15) increases at the
portion of the interval in which the pressure of the food material ia relatively
high.
The average weights of the food products of examples 1 — 7 are
greater than those of comparative example 1. The reason is that the
quantity of the outer food material (WA) which is transferred from the vane
pump for the outer food material (13) to the double nozzle (30) increases,
because the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) increases at the interval where
the rotor rotates at the higher rate of rotation (V2).
Example 8
Under the same conditions as in example 3, tests for cutting dough
fox sponge cake buns (dough for baking) to be used as the outer food material
(WA) were performed. The samples of the tents consist of 30 food products
which were continuously cut by the cutting apparatus-
Comparative Example 2
For comparative example 2, the rotor (15) rotates at the
reference-rotating rate (VI), and the other parameters axe the same as those
of example 8. Namely, comparative example 2 shows a conventional method
for cutting bar-like double-layered food material.
Table 2 shows the results of example 8 and comparative example 2.
It is clearly found that the values of the standard deviations of example 8 are
smaller than those of comparative example 1, by comparing the standard
deviations of the weights of the products of them. Namely, the variations of
the weights of the products of example 8 are smaller than those of
comparative example 2. Thus, it is clearly found that for example 8 the
pulsating flow of the bai-Hke food material of the outer food material (WA)
extruded from the double nozzle is reduced.
It is found that the changes in the sequential line of Fig. 6(A) are
smaller than those of Fig, 6(B), by comparing Figs. 6(A) and Fig. 6(B). Thus,
it is also found that the pulsating flow of the outer food material (WA)
extruded from the double nozde (30) of examples 2—6 is smaller than that of
comparative example 1. From these facts, it is also found that in examples
2—6 the change of the pressure of the outer food material (WA) at the
exit*side flow path is smaller than that of comparative example 1. Thus, in
examples 2— 6, the pulsations of the pressure of the outer food material (WA)
are reduced.
Example 9
Next, food dough for a steamed bean-jam bun (kasuga manju) as the
outer food material (WA) and a strained bean-jam as the inner food material
(WB) are loaded in the hoppers of the apparatus for extruding bar-like
double-layered food material (l), and then the enveloped food products (WD)
are manufactured by cutting the bar-Eke double-layered food material (WC),
which includes the inner food material (WB) enveloped with the outer food
material (WA) and which is extruded from the double nozzle (30). For
example 9, the double nozzle (30) having the nozzle for the inner food
material (35) and the nozzle for the outer food material (36), which
respectively have a nozzle diameter of 36 mm and 37 mm, is used. The
reference-rotating rate (Vl) of the rotor (15) is set at one revolution per
minute, and the higher rate of rotation (V2) is set at 1.1 x Vl. About the
angles of the rotor (15), the angles (Dl), (D2), and (D3) are respectively set at
10 degrees, 15 degrees, and 35 degrees. The angle (D2) defines the interval
where the rotor (15) rotates at the higher rate of rotation (V2). The rate of
rotation of the rotor (25) of the vane pump (23) disposed in the apparatus for
feeding an inner food material (20) is set at a predetermined constant value.
Further, the operating rate of the cutting apparatus is set at 20 times per
minute. The 30 samples of the enveloped food products to be continuously
manufactured are then selected.
In comparative example 3, the rotor (15) rotates at the
reference-rotating rate (Vl), and the other parameters are the same as thoae
of example 9. Namely, comparative example 3 shows a conventional method
for cutting the bar-like double-layered food material.
Besides Table 2, Table 3 also shows the results of example 9 and
comparative example 3. It is found from the results that the values of the
standard deviations of example 9 are smaller than those of comparative
example 3, by comparing the standard deviations of the weights of the
products of them. Namely, the variations of the weights of the products of
example 9 are smaller than those of comparative example 3. Thus, it is
found that for example 9, the pulsating flow of the bar-like double-layered
food material (WC) extruded from the double nozzle (30) is reduced by
controlling the rate (V) of the rotor (15) of the vane pump for the outer food
material (13) disposed in the apparatus for feeding the outer food material
(10) of the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material (l),
and it is found that the variations of the weights of the products, which arc
cut by the cutting apparatus, are also reduced.
From the results of the examples, it is found that the outer food
material (WA) can be stably supplied to the double nozzle so that the
temporary decrease of the pressure of the food material in the exit-side flow
path (llD) is made up for by controlling the rate (V) of rotation of the rotor
(15). In accordance with the changes of the number of vanes, the properties
of the food material, and the quantity of the food material to be supplied to
the double nozzle, the movements of the rotor (15) can be modified by
changing the profile of the cam (17).
Next, the second embodiment of the apparatus for feeding the outer
food material (10) of these inventions is explained based on Fig. 7. Fig. 7(A)
shows a plane view, partly in cross section, of the apparatus for extruding
bar-like double-layered food material (l). Fig. 7(B) shows an elevational
view at the line B—B shown in Fig. 7(A). In the second embodiment, the
same denotations of the numbers as those of the first embodiment are used
for the same elements as those of the first embodiment. The explanations of
the same elements as those of the first embodiment are omitted.
The apparatus for extruding barlike double-layered food material (1)
of the second embodiment is comprised of an objective body (67), a
photodetector (68), and a bracket (69), instead of the driving gear (63), the
driven gear (64), the pulse encoder (65), and the bracket (66) of the control
apparatus (60) of the first embodiment. The objective body (67) is fixed to
the pump driving shaft (19) connected to the rotor (15), so that the position of
rotation of it for the shaft (19) can be freely set. The photodetector (68) for
detecting the objective body (67) is fixed to the bracket (69), which is
supported on the support base (3). The portions (67A) that protrude from
the objective body (67) are disposed on its periphery at even intervals, which
periphery is divided into six parts.
The position of rotation of the objective body (67) shown in Fig. 7(B)
corresponds to that of the vanes (16). Namely, the position of the objective
body (67) shown in Fig. 7(B) is the reference position of the rotor (15). When
the objective body (67) rotates at an angle (Dl) from the reference position at
the reference'rotating rate (Vl), the photodetector (68) detects the portion
(67A) that protrudes from the objective body (67), and then the signal
generated by the photodetector (68) is communicated to the control
apparatus (60). The control apparatus (60) controls the control motor (Ml)
so that the rotor (15) rotates at a predetermined and higher rate of rotation
(V2). Then, when the rotor (15) rotates at an angle (D2), since the
photodetector (68) cannot detect the portion (67A), the control apparatus (60)
begins to control the control motor (Ml) so that the rotor (15) rotates at the
reference-rotating rate (VI).
It is possible to adjust the angle of rotation of the objective body (67)
to that of the pump driving shaft (19) by providing either the objective body
(67) or the shaft (19) with a scale, and providing the other with a mark. For
example, the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material
(l) having the same condition as in example 3 can be set up by setting the
angle of the portion (67A) of the objective body (67) (corresponding to the
angle [D2]) at 15 degrees, and by fixing the objective body (67) to the pump
driving shaft (19) so that the angle (Dl), which is the angle of rotation from
the reference position of the rotor (15), becomes 10 degrees.
In the apparatus for extruding bar-like double-layered food material
(l) of the second embodiment, the rotor (15) can be controlled by a control
apparatus having a simpler constitution than that of the first embodiment.
Further, despite the fact that the food material used in the apparatus may be
of one type or plural types, if the properties of the food material are similar,
the apparatus (l) of the second embodiment is suited for using these
materials. In the second embodiment, though the photodetector (68) is used
as a means for detecting the angle of rotation of the objective body (67), a
limit switch, which can detect the angle of rotation by contacting the
objective body (67), can also be used.
The embodiments of the apparatus for extruding bar-like
double-layered food material (l) of these inventions are explained above.
However, the apparatus is not limited to these embodiments, and one can
make various improvements in the scope of the claimed inventions. For
example, in the above embodiments, though it is explained that the rate of
rotation of the rotor (15) of the apparatus for feeding the outer food material
(10) is controlled, it is possible to reduce the variations of the pressure of the
inner food material (WB) in an exit-side flow path (24B) and to inhibit the
pulsating flow of the inner food material extruded from the double nozzle
(30) by controlling the rate of the rotor (25) of the apparatus for feeding the
inner food material (20). Further, it ia poasible to inhibit the pulsating flow
of the bar like double-layered food material extruded from the double nozzle
(30) by controlling the rate of both the rotor (ID) and the rotor (25).
In the above embodiments, though it is explained that the rate of
rotation of the' rotor (15) of the apparatus for feeding the outer food material
(10) ia controlled by using the two-staged rate aa shown in Fig. 5, it ia
possible to control it by using the multi-staged rate or another rate having a
nonliner relationship, to inhibit the pulsating flow of the barlike
double-layered food material It is also possible to control the rate of
rotation of the rotor (25) of the apparatus (20) by the same method.
Further, in the above embodiments, though it is explained that the
cutting apparatus (40) cuts the bar-like double-layered food material (WC)
extruded from the double nozzle (30) to manufacture the enveloped food
products (WD), it is possible to cut the barliko double-layered food material
(WC) extruded from the double nozzle (30) to manufacture the bar-like
double-layered food material having a predetermined length. Since the
pulsating flow of the bar-like double-layered food material extruded from the
double nozzle (30) can be inhibited, the variations of the weight of the
divided bar-like double-layered food material are reduced, and it is possible
to manufacture food products having a stable configuration.
Further, it ia possible to use a flat-type nozzle for one material having,
for example, a long and thin shape in cross section, instead of the double
nozzle for plural materials.
Table 1 ¦' Results of Tests of Cutting Food Dough for Steamed Bean-jam Buns
Basic Rate of the Rotation of a Rotor 15 (Vl) = revolutions per minute
Angle at Higher Rate of the Rotation of a Rotor 15 (D2) = 15 degrees
Rate of Cutting Food Dough = 20 times per minute
Table2: Results of Tests of Cutting Food Dough for Sponge Cake BunB
Basic Rate of the Rotation of a Rotor 15 (Vl) = revolutions per minute
Angle at Higher Rate of the Rotation of a Rotor 15 (D2) = 15 degrees
Rate of Cutting Food Dough = 20 times per minute
Table3: Results of Tests of Cutting Food Dough for Sponge Cake Buns
Basic Rate of the Rotation of a Rotor 15 (VI) = revolutions per minute
Angle at Higher Rate of the Rotation of a Rotor 15 (D2) = 15 degrees
Rate of Cutting Food Dough = 20 times per minute
We claim :
1. A method for continuously feeding food material (WA) held in a hopper (11) to
an exit-side flow path (1 1D) by a vane pump (13), said method is characterized by,
a step to control the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) of the vane pump (13) so
that the rate can be switched between a basic rate of rotation and a rate of rotation
higher than the basic one, while the vanes (16), which are disposed on the periphery of
the rotor (15) at even intervals, move to supply the food material (WA) to the exit-side
flow path (1 1D),
wherein the switching of the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) is repeated in
correspondence with the location of rotation of each vane (16).
2. An apparatus (10) for continuously feeding food material (WA) held in a
hopper (11) comprising:
a vane pump (13) to supply the food material (WA) to an exit-side flow path,
characterized in that,
a controlling apparatus (60) controls the vane pump (13),
wherein the controlling apparatus (60) is provided with a detecting apparatus
(65) to detect the angle (D) of rotation of the rotor (15) of the vane pump (13) and
to control the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) of the vane pump (13) so that the
rate can be switched between a basic rate of rotation and a rate of rotation higher than
the basic one, while the vanes (16), which are disposed on the periphery of the rotor
(15) at even intervals, move to supply the food material (WA) to the exit-side flow path
(1 ID), and
wherein the switching of the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) is repeated in
correspondence with the location of rotation of each vane (16).
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the timing of the switching of the
rate of rotation from the basic rate of rotation to the higher rate of rotation (the timing to
start to the acceleration of the rate of rotation) is adjustable.


The invention discloses a method for feeding food material (WA) held in a hopper (11)
characterized by, a step to control the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) of the vane pump
(13) so that the rate can be switched between a basic rate of rotation and a rate of
rotation higher than the basic one, while the vanes (16), which are disposed on the
periphery of the rotor (15) at even intervals, move to supply the food material (WA) to
the exit-side flow path (11D), wherein the switching of the rate of rotation of the rotor
(15) is repeated in correspondence with the location of rotation of each vane (16).
The invention is also for an apparatus (10) for carrying out said method, wherein a
controlling apparatus (60) is provided to control the rate of rotation of the rotor (15) of
the vane pump (13).

Documents:

00971-kol-2005-abstract.pdf

00971-kol-2005-description complete.pdf

00971-kol-2005-drawings.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-ABSTRACT-1.3.pdf

971-kol-2005-abstract.pdf

971-KOL-2005-AMANDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION.pdf

971-KOL-2005-AMENDED CLAIMS.pdf

971-KOL-2005-ANNEXURE FORM 3.pdf

971-kol-2005-assignment.pdf

971-KOL-2005-CANCELLED PAGES-1.1.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-CLAIMS 1.1.pdf

971-KOL-2005-CLAIMS 1.3.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE) 1.1.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-DRAWINGS 1.1.pdf

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971-kol-2005-drawings.pdf

971-KOL-2005-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED 1.2.pdf

971-KOL-2005-FORM 1 1.3.pdf

971-KOL-2005-FORM 1-1.2.pdf

971-KOL-2005-FORM 1.1.1.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-FORM 2 1.4.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-FORM-27-1.pdf

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971-KOL-2005-OTHERS DOCUMENTS(CAN PAGES).pdf

971-KOL-2005-OTHERS-1.1.pdf

971-kol-2005-others.pdf

971-KOL-2005-PA.pdf

971-KOL-2005-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

971-kol-2005-priority document.pdf

971-KOL-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT-1.1.pdf

971-KOL-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

971-kol-2005-specification.pdf

971-KOL-2005-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

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Patent Number 247516
Indian Patent Application Number 971/KOL/2005
PG Journal Number 16/2011
Publication Date 22-Apr-2011
Grant Date 13-Apr-2011
Date of Filing 21-Oct-2005
Name of Patentee RHEON AUTOMATIC MACHINERY CO., LTD.
Applicant Address 2-3, NOZAWA-MACHI UTSUNOMIYA-SHI, TOCHIGI-KEN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 TSUJI SHINOBU C/O. RHEON AUTOM,ATIC MACHINERY CO., LTD. 2-3, NOZAWA-MACHI UTSUNOMIYA-SHI, TOCHIGI-KEN JAPAN
2 ONOGUCHI KAZUYOSHI C/O. RHEON AUTOMATIC MACHINERY CO., LTD. 2-3, NOZAWA-MACHI UTSUNOMIYA-SHI, TOCHIGI-KEN
3 ONUKI TOYOSUMI C/O. RHEON AUTOM,ATIC MACHINERY CO., LTD. 2-3, NOZAWA-MACHI UTSUNOMIYA-SHI, TOCHIGI-KEN JAPAN
PCT International Classification Number A23P1/12
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2004-316697 2004-10-29 Japan