Plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food

Abstract

The plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food disclosed herein is a device for sterilizing bagged liquid food after filling. This device aims to overcome the problems of existing ultra-high temperature sterilization of bagged liquid food before filling, which damages the nutritional components of the food and places high demands on environmental conditions during filling. The device comprises an anode discharge device, a cathode discharge device, and a propulsion device. The discharge ends of the anode discharge device and the cathode discharge device face each other, with a plasma discharge space between them. The propulsion device can move the cathode discharge device toward or away from the anode discharge device, allowing the discharge end of the anode discharge device to contact or separate from the bagged liquid food to be sterilized within the plasma discharge space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for sterilizing bagged liquid food after filling. Background Art

[0002] The existing sterilization technology for bagged liquid food mainly involves first ultra-high temperature sterilization of the liquid food and then filling the packaging bag in a sterile environment to form bagged liquid food.

[0003] However, because the current sterilization process for liquid foods involves high-temperature sterilization before filling, secondary contamination is easily generated during the filling process. To avoid secondary contamination, the liquid food must be filled in a sterile environment after high-temperature sterilization. This filling process is demanding and expensive. Furthermore, high-temperature sterilization can destroy components in the liquid food that are sensitive to high temperatures, causing unnecessary loss of nutrients and reducing the edible value of the liquid food. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems that ultra-high temperature sterilization of existing bagged liquid food before filling will damage the nutritional components in the food and has high requirements on environmental conditions during filling, and to provide a plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food.

[0005] The plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food of the present invention comprises an anode discharge device, a cathode discharge device and a driving device;

[0006] The discharge end of the anode discharge device and the discharge end of the cathode discharge device are opposite to each other with a plasma discharge space left between them;

[0007] The pushing device can drive the cathode discharge device to move toward or away from the anode discharge device, so that the discharge end of the anode discharge device contacts or separates from the bagged liquid food to be sterilized in the plasma discharge space.

[0008] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0009] This invention provides a technology for low-temperature sterilization of packaged liquid food under normal conditions. This technology uses high-voltage pulsed plasma to sterilize the bagged liquid food, reducing contamination during the filling process and improving environmental conditions. The pulsed plasma technology employed offers excellent sterilization effectiveness and low processing temperatures, avoiding the nutrient loss associated with conventional high-temperature sterilization. Experimental results demonstrate that the device has a sterilization rate of greater than 99% against Escherichia coli. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1It is a schematic structural diagram of the plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the anode discharge device in the plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the coordinated structure of the cathode discharge device, the pushing device and the vibrator in the plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the distribution of multiple anode conductive rods corresponding to the surface of the bagged liquid food to be sterilized in the plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the sterilization platform in the plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food of the present invention, wherein the shaded portion indicates the position of the anode discharge device or the cathode discharge device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but they are not intended to limit the present invention. Specific implementation method 1

[0019] The plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food of this embodiment includes an anode discharge device 1, a cathode discharge device 2 and a pushing device;

[0020] The discharge end of the anode discharge device 1 and the discharge end of the cathode discharge device 2 are opposite to each other with a plasma discharge space left between them;

[0021] The pushing device can drive the cathode discharge device 2 to move toward or away from the anode discharge device 1, so that the discharge ends of the cathode discharge device 2 and the anode discharge device 1 are in contact with or separated from the bagged liquid food 5 to be sterilized in the plasma discharge space.

[0022] Specifically, this embodiment includes an anode discharge device 1 and a cathode discharge device 2; the bagged liquid food is placed between the anode discharge device 1 and the cathode discharge device 2, and the high-voltage pulse power supply 3 provides power to the anode discharge device 1 and the cathode discharge device 2 respectively, thereby realizing discharge sterilization treatment of the bagged liquid food.

[0023] The packaging bags for bagged liquid foods are made of non-metallic materials such as plastic. Specific implementation method 2

[0025] This embodiment is a further explanation of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the anode discharge device 1 includes an anode fixing plate 1-1 and at least one anode discharge electrode;

[0026] Each anode discharge electrode includes an anode conductive rod 1-2, an anode limit stopper 1-3, an anode return spring 1-4, an anode spring chuck 1-5 and an anode discharge head 1-6;

[0027] Each anode conductive rod 1-2 passes through the anode fixing plate 1-1;

[0028] Each anode conductive rod 1-2 is vertically fixed with a positive limit stopper 1-3 on the rod body on one side of the anode fixing plate 1-1, and an anode spring chuck 1-5 is vertically fixed on the rod body on the other side of the anode fixing plate 1-1;

[0029] Each anode conductive rod 1-2 is provided with an anode return spring 1-4; one end of the anode return spring 1-4 contacts the anode fixing plate 1-1, and the other end contacts the anode spring chuck 1-5; when the anode spring chuck 1-5 moves toward the anode fixing plate 1-1, the anode return spring 1-4 can be compressed;

[0030] The end of each anode conductive rod 1-2 located on one side of the anode fixing plate 1-1 serves as the power input end of the anode discharge device 1, and the end located on the other side of the anode fixing plate 1-1 is fixed with an anode discharge head 1-6;

[0031] The anode discharge heads 1 - 6 serve as discharge ends of the corresponding anode discharge devices 1 .

[0032] The other technical features of this embodiment are exactly the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0033] Specifically, the anode discharge device 1 includes an anode fixing plate 1-1 and at least one anode discharge electrode (an anode conductive rod 1-2, a positive limit baffle 1-3, an anode return spring 1-4, an anode spring chuck 1-5 and an anode discharge head 1-6). The anode conductive rod 1-2 is inserted into the anode fixing plate 1-1, and the positive limit baffle 1-3 and the anode spring chuck 1-5 are screwed and fixed on the anode conductive rod 1-2, and are used to flexibly adjust the upper and lower positions of the anode conductive rod 1-2 relative to the anode fixing plate 1-1. The anode return spring 1-4 is inserted into the anode conductive rod 1-2 and is stopped by the anode spring chuck 1-5, so that the positive limit baffle 1-3 is tightly attached to the anode fixing plate 1-1, ensuring the upper and lower position limitation of the anode conductive rod 1-2. The anode return spring 1-4 is used to return the anode conductive rod 1-2 after discharge sterilization treatment.

[0034] The anode return spring 1-4 also enables the multiple anode conductive rods 1-2 to automatically adjust their positions according to the shape of the packaging bag, thereby adapting to a variety of packaging bags with different shapes.

[0035] The anode conductive rod 1-2, the anode limit stopper 1-3, the anode return spring 1-4, the anode spring chuck 1-5, and the anode discharge head 1-6 are made of sanitary stainless steel, and the anode fixing plate 1-1 is made of high-voltage insulating material. Specific implementation method three

[0037] This embodiment is a further explanation of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of anode discharge electrodes are distributed in an array;

[0038] Moreover, among the multiple anode discharge electrodes, the length of the anode conductive rod 1-2 located on the other side of the anode fixing plate 1-1 gradually shortens from the center of the array to the periphery of the array.

[0039] The other technical features of this embodiment are exactly the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0040] Specifically, the anode discharge device 1 is provided with a plurality of anode discharge electrodes, which can perform multi-point discharge on a single liquid food packaging bag, thereby ensuring discharge uniformity.

[0041] Multiple anode conductive rods 1-2 are arranged in multiple anode discharge electrodes, with a low middle position and high edge position, so that discharge occurs in the middle first, then the edge, and then in the middle again, avoiding concentrated discharge at a single point and facilitating uniform discharge.

[0042] According to the size of liquid food packaging bags with different surface areas, the number of anode conductive rods 1-2 can be adjusted to accommodate changes in the size of the liquid food packaging bags. The position of the anode conductive rods 1-2 can also be adjusted by adjusting the anode limit stopper 1-3 and the anode spring chuck 1-5 to accommodate changes in the shape of the liquid food packaging bags. Specific implementation method four

[0044] This embodiment is a further explanation of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the cathode discharge device 2 includes a cathode fixing plate 2-2 and at least one cathode discharge electrode;

[0045] The cathode discharge electrode includes a cathode conductive rod 2-1, a cathode return spring 2-3, a food placement table 2-4 and a cathode spring chuck 2-5;

[0046] The cathode conductive rod 2-1 passes through the cathode fixing plate 2-2;

[0047] The end of the cathode conductive rod 2-1 located on one side of the cathode fixing plate 2-2 is fixed to the bottom of the food placement table 2-4, and the food placement table 2-4 serves as the discharge end of the cathode discharge device 2;

[0048] The cathode conductive rod 2-1 is located on the other side of the cathode fixing plate 2-2 and a cathode spring chuck 2-5 is vertically fixed on the rod body;

[0049] The cathode return spring 2-3 is sleeved on the cathode conductive rod 2-1. One end of the cathode return spring 2-3 contacts the cathode fixing plate 2-2, and the other end contacts the cathode spring chuck 2-5. When the cathode spring chuck 2-5 moves toward the cathode fixing plate 2-2, the cathode return spring 2-3 can be compressed.

[0050] The end of the cathode conductive rod 2-1 located on the other side of the cathode fixing plate 2-2 serves as the power input end of the cathode discharge device 2;

[0051] A plasma discharge group is formed between a cathode discharge electrode and an anode discharge electrode.

[0052] The other technical features of this embodiment are exactly the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0053] Specifically, the cathode discharge device 2 includes a cathode fixed plate 2-2 and at least one cathode discharge electrode (cathode conductive rod 2-1, cathode return spring 2-3, food placement table 2-4, cathode spring chuck 2-5). The food placement table 2-4 has an inner arc surface that fits the curved surface of the packaging bag. The cathode conductive rod 2-1 is inserted into the cathode fixed plate 2-2, and the pulley 3-1 rolls on the guide rail 3-2, so that the cathode conductive rod 2-1 moves up and down on the cathode fixed plate 2-2. The cathode return spring 2-3 is pushed by the cathode spring chuck 2-5 and is close to the bottom of the cathode fixed plate 2-2, and is used for the cathode conductive rod 2-1 to return to its original position after discharge sterilization treatment.

[0054] The food placement table 2-4, cathode conductive rod 2-1, cathode return spring 2-3, and cathode spring chuck 2-5 are made of sanitary stainless steel. The cathode fixing plate 2-2 is made of high-voltage insulating material. Specific implementation method five

[0056] This embodiment is a further explanation of the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, a pair of disc-shaped sterilization platforms 7 are further included.

[0057] A pair of sterilization platforms 7 are arranged in parallel and coaxially, and the pair of sterilization platforms 7 can rotate synchronously with their common central axis as the rotation axis;

[0058] A plurality of anode discharge devices 1 are evenly arranged around a sterilization platform 7 , and a plurality of cathode discharge devices 2 are evenly arranged around another sterilization platform 7 .

[0059] The other technical features of this embodiment are exactly the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0060] Specifically, the sterilization platform 7 is disc-shaped, so that multiple pairs of anode discharge devices 1 and cathode discharge devices 2 are arranged in a ring shape, and are used for performing annular assembly line sterilization treatment on multiple bagged liquid foods.

[0061] The sterilization time can be controlled by the rotation speed of the sterilization platform 7. The corresponding positions of two adjacent pairs of anode discharge devices 1 and cathode discharge devices 2 are selected as the inlet and outlet of the annular assembly line to facilitate the placement and removal of bagged liquid food.

[0062] The sterilization platform itself can also directly serve as the anode fixing plate 1-1 or the cathode fixing plate 2-2. Specific implementation method six

[0064] This embodiment is a further explanation of the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the pushing device includes a pulley 3-1 and a guide rail 3-2;

[0065] The pulley 3-1 rotates with the end of the cathode conductive rod 2-1 on the other side of the cathode fixing plate 2-2; the guide rail 3-2 is set on the path passed by the pulley 3-1, and the pulley 3-1 and the guide rail 3-2 slide together;

[0066] The guide rail 3 - 2 is provided with a protrusion facing the anode discharge device 1 .

[0067] The other technical features of this embodiment are exactly the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, the shape of the protrusion of the guide rail 3 - 2 can be adjusted according to the shapes of different liquid food packaging bags.

[0069] Pulley 3-1 is made of sanitary stainless steel. Specific embodiment seven

[0071] This embodiment is a further explanation of the fourth, fifth or sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, a vibrator 6 is further included.

[0072] The vibrator 6 is fixed on the side wall of the cathode conductive rod 2-1.

[0073] The other technical features of this embodiment are exactly the same as those of the fourth, fifth or sixth embodiment.

[0074] Specifically, the vibrator 6 is fixed on the cathode conductive rod 2-1, driving the cathode conductive rod 2-1 to vibrate, causing the bagged liquid food on the food placement table 2-4 to vibrate, allowing the plasma to diffuse to achieve sterilization of the entire bag, ensuring uniform sterilization of the liquid food in the packaging bag.

[0075] The vibrator 6 is made of high-voltage insulating material.

[0076] This invention utilizes multi-point discharge within a single liquid food packaging bag, along with a vibrator to enhance the diffusion of sterilizing plasma within the bag. This ensures uniform sterilization of the individual liquid food bags, effectively sterilizing the entire bag. The anode discharge guide adopts a flexible design that allows for flexible adjustment to the surface shape of the liquid food bag, providing excellent adaptability to various bag shapes.

[0077] The method of use of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0078] Step 1: Place the liquid food packaging bag on the food placement table 2-4; the anode discharge device 1 and the cathode discharge device 2 start to rotate along with the anode fixing plate 1-1 and the cathode fixing plate 2-2;

[0079] Step 2: The pulley 3-1 moves along the guide rail 3-2. When it reaches the raised position of the guide rail 3-2, the cathode discharge device 2 drives the bagged liquid food to rise under the action of the guide rail 3-2.

[0080] Step 3: When the liquid food packaging bag rises to a certain height, it first contacts the lowest anode discharge head 1-6 in the middle of the anode discharge device 1. The high-voltage pulse power supply and the vibrator 6 are turned on. Discharge occurs between the anode discharge head 1-6 and the food placement table 2-4, forming a discharge arc in the bagged liquid food. The vibrator 6 synchronously drives the bagged liquid food to vibrate, causing the plasma material to diffuse in the bagged liquid food.

[0081] Step 4: The cathode discharge device 2 continues to rise under the action of the guide rail 3-2, and the liquid food packaging bag contacts the anode discharge head 1-6 with a higher edge from the middle to the edge. The discharge position is transferred from the middle position of the packaging bag to the edge, and discharge sterilization treatment is performed on different parts of the liquid food packaging bag. The sterilization process lasts for 0.1-1min, realizing high-voltage pulse discharge plasma sterilization of the entire bag of liquid food.

[0082] Step 5: After each pair of anode discharge device 1 and cathode discharge device 2 completes the sterilization of the bagged liquid food, the cathode conductive rod 2-1 begins to descend under the action of the guide rail 3-2, and the discharge position is transferred from the edge of the packaging bag to the middle. When the liquid food packaging bag is separated from the lowest anode discharge head 1-6 in the middle, the sterilization is completed. The whole sterilization process is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, after each pair of discharge electrodes completes one circle, the entire sterilization operation is completed. The packaging bag that has completed the sterilization process is then moved out of the sterilization work area, and the next liquid bottled food is sterilized according to steps one to four. Although the present invention is described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely examples of the principles and applications of the present invention. It should therefore be understood that many modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments, and other arrangements may be designed, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that different dependent claims and features herein may be combined in a manner different from that described in the original claims. It will also be understood that features described in conjunction with individual embodiments may be used in other embodiments.

Claims

1. Plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food, characterized in that: It comprises an anode discharge device (1), a cathode discharge device (2) and a driving device; The discharge end of the anode discharge device (1) and the discharge end of the cathode discharge device (2) are opposite to each other, and a plasma discharge space is left between the two; The pushing device is capable of driving the cathode discharge device (2) to move toward or away from the anode discharge device (1), so that the discharge end of the anode discharge device (1) contacts or separates from the bagged liquid food (5) to be sterilized located in the plasma discharge space; The anode discharge device (1) comprises an anode fixing plate (1-1) and at least one anode discharge electrode; Each anode discharge electrode includes an anode conductive rod (1-2), an anode limit stopper (1-3), an anode return spring (1-4), Anode spring chuck (1-5) and anode discharge head (1-6); Each anode conductive rod (1-2) passes through the anode fixing plate (1-1); Each anode conductive rod (1-2) is vertically fixed with an anode limit rod on the rod body on one side of the anode fixing plate (1-1). A stop plate (1-3) and an anode spring chuck (1-5) are vertically fixed on the rod body on the other side of the anode fixing plate (1-1); Each anode conductive rod (1-2) is sleeved with an anode return spring (1-4); the anode return spring (1-4) One end of the anode is in contact with the anode fixing plate (1-1), and the other end is in contact with the anode spring chuck (1-5); when the anode spring chuck When the disk (1-5) moves toward the anode fixing plate (1-1), the anode return spring (1-4) can be compressed; The end of each anode conductive rod (1-2) located on one side of the anode fixing plate (1-1) serves as the power input end of the anode discharge device (1), and an anode discharge head (1-6) is fixed to the end located on the other side of the anode fixing plate (1-1); The anode discharge heads (1-6) serve as discharge ends of the corresponding anode discharge devices (1); A plurality of anode discharge electrodes are distributed in an array; Among the multiple anode discharge electrodes, the anode conductive rod (1-2) is located on the rod body on the other side of the anode fixing plate (1-1). The length gradually decreases from the center of the array to the periphery of the array; The cathode discharge device (2) comprises a cathode fixing plate (2-2) and at least one cathode discharge electrode; The cathode discharge electrode comprises a cathode conductive rod (2-1), a cathode return spring (2-3), a food placement table (2-4) and a cathode spring chuck (2-5); The cathode conductive rod (2-1) passes through the cathode fixing plate (2-2); The end of the cathode conductive rod (2-1) located on one side of the cathode fixing plate (2-2) is fixed on the food placement table (2-4). The bottom of the food placement table (2-4) serves as the discharge end of the cathode discharge device (2); The cathode conductive rod (2-1) is located on the other side of the cathode fixing plate (2-2), and a cathode spring chuck (2-5) is vertically fixed on the rod body; The cathode return spring (2-3) is sleeved on the cathode conductive rod (2-1), one end of the cathode return spring (2-3) contacts the cathode fixing plate (2-2), and the other end contacts the cathode spring chuck (2-5); when the cathode spring chuck When the disk (2-5) moves toward the cathode fixing plate (2-2), the cathode return spring (2-3) can be compressed; The end of the cathode conductive rod (2-1) located on the other side of the cathode fixing plate (2-2) serves as the power input end of the cathode discharge device (2); A plasma discharge group is formed between a cathode discharge electrode and an anode discharge electrode.

2. The plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pair of disc-shaped sterilization platforms (7); The pair of sterilization platforms (7) are arranged in parallel and coaxially, and the pair of sterilization platforms (7) can rotate synchronously with their common central axis as the rotation axis; A plurality of anode discharge devices (1) are evenly arranged around a sterilization platform (7), and a plurality of cathode discharge devices (2) are evenly arranged around another sterilization platform (7).

3. The plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pushing device comprises a pulley (3-1) and a guide rail (3-2); The pulley (3-1) is rotatably matched with the end of the cathode conductive rod (2-1) located on the other side of the cathode fixed plate (2-2); the guide rail (3-2) is provided on the path passed by the pulley (3-1), and the pulley (3-1) and the guide rail (3-2) are Sliding fit; The guide rail (3-2) is provided with a protrusion facing the anode discharge device (1).

4. The plasma sterilization device for bagged liquid food according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: Also included is a vibrator (6); The vibrator (6) is fixed on the side wall of the cathode conductive rod (2-1).

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