Condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of dryers, in particular to a condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer which comprises a first space with the interior in a vacuum state and a second space for drying food located inside, a partition wall is arranged between the first space and the second space, a condenser is arranged in the second space, and an evaporator is arranged in the first space. An expansion valve is arranged between the condenser and the evaporator to communicate the condenser with the evaporator; the partition wall is provided with a connecting part for connecting the first space and the second space, and the compressor is arranged between the first space and the second space; the present invention relates to a food drying apparatus which enables the interior of a sealed space to be in a vacuum state by phase-changing water vapor existing in the sealed space using an evaporator, dries food by using a compressor to dissipate heat from a compressed refrigerant to a drying chamber, and prevents moisture from coming into contact with the food due to external factors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of drying machines, and in particular to a condensation chamber isolation type vacuum drying machine, which uses an evaporator to change the phase of water vapor in a sealed space so that the interior of the space is in a vacuum state, and uses compressed refrigerant to dissipate heat to a drying chamber to dry food, and prevents moisture from contacting the food due to external factors. Background Art

[0002] The purpose of food drying is to reduce the moisture content of food, increase the shelf life, and ensure the safety of food, thereby overcoming the limitations of time and space and providing consumers with a stable food supply.

[0003] Most agricultural and seafood products contain a lot of water and must go through a drying process before they can be stored or distributed.

[0004] Most dryers place agricultural and aquatic products on racks or trays, put them into a drying chamber, start a heater to generate heat, and blow air to dry them.

[0005] However, as agricultural and sideline products are exposed to heat for a long time, they turn brown and become hard due to shrinkage, and the loss of flavor, natural color and nutrients leads to a sharp decline in quality. Therefore, a vacuum drying method has been developed that can reduce the drying temperature without reducing the quality of food by setting a vacuum. However, in the vacuum drying method, a vacuum pump is used to reduce the water activity and maintain the quality, resulting in increased power consumption of the dryer, which incurs additional costs and management difficulties, such as the need to regularly replace the vacuum pump oil.

[0006] In addition, PCT Patent Publication No. 2021 / 154044 describes a vacuum dryer, which saturates the drying chamber with water vapor, lowers the temperature, and causes the volume of the water vapor to decrease suddenly during the process of transferring to the liquid phase, thereby setting a vacuum inside the drying chamber, thereby drying the object to be dried without a vacuum pump. However, since the evaporator for phase transition of water vapor and the condenser for dissipating heat using compressed refrigerant are both present inside the drying chamber, heat exchange occurs between the condenser and the evaporator, and the water vapor is inevitably absorbed by the object to be dried, thereby reducing the drying efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to use an evaporator to change the phase of water vapor in a sealed space, so that the space is in a vacuum state, and to use the refrigerant produced by a compressor to dissipate heat to a drying chamber, thereby drying food, and to provide a condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer to prevent moisture from contacting food due to external factors.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical scheme: a condensation chamber isolation type vacuum drying machine, comprising a first space in a vacuum state, a second space for drying food located therein, a partition wall being arranged between the first space and the second space, a condenser being arranged in the second space, an evaporator being arranged in the first space, an expansion valve being arranged between the condenser and the evaporator to connect the two; a connecting portion being arranged on the partition wall to connect the first space and the second space, and a compressor being arranged between the first space and the second space;

[0009] Preferably, the connection portion is provided with an opening portion opened in one direction and a regulating valve for regulating the opening and closing of the opening portion on the partition wall.

[0010] Preferably, a four-sided valve for switching the moving direction of the refrigerant is provided between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0011] Preferably, a vacuum strength measuring unit is provided inside the first space, and the measuring unit is connected to the four-sided valve via the second control unit, and the second control unit can adjust the four-sided valve to change the moving direction of the refrigerant.

[0012] Preferably, a heating wire is installed on the evaporator.

[0013] Preferably, the four-sided valve can transport the refrigerant to the evaporator and the condenser respectively.

[0014] Preferably, a temperature sensor is provided on the side wall of the first space, which is connected to a control unit, which controls a drain valve, and the drain valve is installed on a discharge pipe. One end of the discharge pipe is connected to a condensation water pool at the bottom of the first space, and the other end is connected to a vacuum pump through the drain valve, and the vacuum pump is connected to a drainage tank.

[0015] Preferably, an air pipe is further provided on the side wall of the first space, a water vapor injection part is installed on the air pipe, the water vapor injection part is connected to the water vapor generation part through the air pipe, and the water vapor generation part is connected to the water tank.

[0016] Preferably, a water level sensor is provided in the condensation water pool at the bottom of the first space, and the water level sensor is connected to a control unit. When the water level rises to a set height, the control unit controls the drain valve to open for drainage.

[0017] Preferably, another solution of the condensing chamber isolation type vacuum dryer is that the first space and the second space are arranged at intervals, and a solenoid valve is provided on the middle connecting part to control the opening and closing of the connecting part.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by using an evaporator to change the phase of water vapor in a sealed space so that the space is in a vacuum state, and by using a refrigerant compressed by a compressor to dissipate heat to a drying chamber to dry food, a condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer can be realized. Using vacuum drying can better preserve the original quality of agricultural products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an external view showing a vacuum dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vacuum dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a connecting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an internal view showing a vacuum dryer including a four-sided valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an internal view showing a vacuum dryer including a heating wire according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vacuum dryer including a water vapor injection portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is an internal view showing a vacuum dryer including a vacuum pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vacuum dryer including a temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vacuum dryer including a water level sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is an internal view of a vacuum dryer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Attached Figure 1 —10, vacuum dryer 10, first space 100, second space 200, evaporator 300, compressor 400, condenser 500, partition wall 600, expansion valve 700, connection part 800, water tank 111, water vapor generating part 112, water vapor injection part 113, discharge pipe 121, drain valve 122, drain tank 123, vacuum pump 124, temperature sensor 125, water level sensor 126, control part 127, opening part 811, regulating valve 812, solenoid valve 820, four-sided valve 910, heating wire 920, measuring unit 930, control part 2 940. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A vacuum dryer (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first space (100), a second space (200), an evaporator (300), a compressor (400), a condenser (500), a partition wall (600), an expansion valve (700), and a connection portion (800).

[0032] The first space (100) can be placed in a vacuum state by means of the evaporator (300). The evaporator (300) is a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant that absorbs heat from the surrounding air, water vapor, etc., causing the refrigerant to evaporate, thereby lowering the temperature of the surrounding air. The evaporator (300) is provided inside the first space (100) and can play a role in lowering the temperature inside the first space (100). In addition, in the process of the evaporator (300) absorbing heat from the surrounding air, water vapor, etc., as the temperature decreases, the water vapor can be phase-changed into ice or liquid (water), thereby phase-changing inside the first space (100), thereby accumulating the generated ice or liquid. In addition, as the water vapor inside the first space (100) changes phase, the air volume decreases, and the first space (100) can be placed in a vacuum state.

[0033] The compressor (400) is disposed between the first chamber (100) and the second chamber (200), and can compress the refrigerant provided to the first space (100). The refrigerant that absorbs heat from the first space (100) can be supplied to the compressor (400), the compressor (400) can compress the refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant can be supplied to the condenser (500). During the process of the compressor (400) compressing the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant increases, and the refrigerant with increased temperature is supplied to the condenser (500), thereby dissipating heat inside the second space (200).

[0034] The condenser (500) is installed inside the second space (200), and the compressor (400) supplies the refrigerant with a raised temperature to the condenser (500) to dissipate heat inside the second space (200). The second space (200) is a space configured for drying food, and a tray, a shelf, etc. for placing food can be arranged, and the condenser (500) can be built inside the tray, shelf, etc. inside the second space (200).

[0035] That is, food can be placed on a tray or a rack, and the food can be heated as the condenser (500) built in the tray or the rack radiates heat, and the food can be dried by the heat applied to the food.

[0036] The vacuum dryer (10) according to the embodiment of the present invention does not directly inject hot water vapor into the interior of the second space (200), but uses heat to dry food, and the water vapor does not contact the food to be dried, thereby maintaining the quality of the dried food.

[0037] The partition wall (600) is disposed between the first space (100) and the second space (200), so that the first space (100) and the second space (200) can be separated. Since the first space (100) and the second space (200) are separated by the partition wall (600), the evaporation process and the condensation process performed in each space can be performed more efficiently.

[0038] That is, when the first space (100) and the second space (200) are not separated, water vapor injected during the evaporation process in the first space (100) may diffuse into the second space (200). On the other hand, the heat used to dry the food is emitted from the inside of the second space (200), and the humidity inside the second space (200) increases due to the water vapor from the first space (100), and the food drying efficiency may be reduced. In addition, the water vapor from the first space (100) may directly contact the food, thereby reducing the quality of the dried food.

[0039] Therefore, the food dryer (10) according to the embodiment of the present invention can increase the evaporation effect set inside the first space (100) and increase the condensation effect set inside the second space (200) by separating the first space (100) and the second space (200).

[0040] The expansion valve (700) is disposed between the condenser (500) and the evaporator (300), and causes the heat-dissipating refrigerant to expand through the condenser (500) and to be supplied to the evaporator (300). During the process of the expansion valve (700) causing the refrigerant to expand, the temperature of the refrigerant decreases, and the refrigerant with the decreased temperature is supplied to the evaporator (300), and can be used to evaporate the air inside the first space (100).

[0041] The connecting portion (800) is arranged between the first space (100) and the second space (200) and serves as an air flow passage between the first space (100) and the second space (200).

[0042] The second space (200) is a closed space, and water vapor dried from the food inside the second space (200) exists inside the second space (200), which may reduce the efficiency of drying the food. Therefore, the air inside the second space (200) can be moved to the inside of the first space (100) through the connection part (800). On the other hand, since the inside of the first space (100) is in a vacuum state, the pressure inside the first space (100) is lower than the pressure inside the second space (100), so the air inside the second space (200) can be moved to the inside of the first space (100). Here, the air including water vapor flowing from the second space (200) into the first space (100) undergoes a phase change through the evaporator (300), and the inside of the first space (100) can still maintain a vacuum state.

[0043] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a connecting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The connecting member (800) comprises an opening (811) and a regulating valve (812). The opening portion (811) is arranged on the partition wall (600) and is arranged as a one-way opening, so that air can only move in one direction. That is, the opening portion (811) is arranged to be open in a direction from the first space (100) to the second space (200), so that air can move from the second space (200) to the first space (100).

[0045] Specifically, one end of the open portion (811) can be fixed on the partition wall (600), and the other end of the open portion (811) can be arranged not to be fixed on the partition wall (600). With one end of the opening (811) as a fixed axis, the other end of the opening (811) can be opened to a predetermined angle in the direction of the second space (200). As the other end of the opening (811) is opened, air can flow between the first space (100) and the second space (200).

[0046] The regulating valve (812) is used to regulate the opening and closing of the opening and closing part (811), and the passage between the first space (100) and the second space (200) is blocked by the opening and closing part (811) to prevent the air from flowing between the first space (100) and the second space (200); if the air inside the second space (200) needs to move to the first space (100), the opening and closing part 811 is regulated to open the passage between the first space 100 and the second space.

[0047] The regulating valve (812) opening the opening portion (811) may mean that the end of the opening portion (811) moves in the direction of the second space (200), and the amount of air moving from the second space (200) to the first space (100) may vary depending on the angle at which the end of the opening portion (811) moves.

[0048] In addition, when it is necessary to move the air inside the second space (200) to the first space (100), this may correspond to a situation where the amount of water vapor inside the second space (200) exceeds a certain amount, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] In addition, the regulating valve (812) can be adjusted to open the opening portion (811) at a certain time interval and then close after a certain time. In addition, the regulating valve (812) can adjust the opening portion (811) to maintain an open state, and when the amount of water vapor inside the first space (100) and the second space (200) is the same within a certain range, the regulating valve (812) can adjust the opening portion (811) to close. In this way, water vapor can be prevented from being further supplied from the second space (200) to the first space (100), thereby providing a time for the first space (100) to maintain a vacuum.

[0050] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an internal view showing a vacuum dryer including a four-sided valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 The vacuum drying machine (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a four-sided valve (910), a measuring unit (930) and a control unit (940).

[0052] A four-sided valve (910) is installed between the evaporator (300) and the compressor (400) to switch the moving direction of the refrigerant. That is, the four-sided valve (910) can switch the direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (400) moves to the evaporator (300) instead of the condenser (500).

[0053] That is, in the process of evaporating the air inside the first space (100) in the evaporator (300), water vapor in the air will adhere to the surface of the evaporator (300) and turn into ice. As the amount of ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) increases, the efficiency of the evaporator (300) in evaporating air will decrease. In this case, the ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) can be removed by supplying compressed refrigerant to the evaporator (300) using a four-sided valve (910). That is, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (400) is in a state of increased temperature, and as the refrigerant with increased temperature is supplied to the evaporator (300), the heat caused by the refrigerant with increased temperature is transferred to the ice on the surface of the evaporator (300), thereby converting the ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) into a liquid state.

[0054] On the other hand, the amount of ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) can be predicted using the measuring unit (930). The measuring unit (930) can measure the vacuum strength inside the first space (100). The vacuum strength can mean the pressure inside the space or the atmospheric pressure versus the pressure inside the space, or can mean a numerical value obtained by converting the pressure inside the space or the atmospheric pressure versus the pressure inside the space into strength.

[0055] The control unit (940) calculates the change in vacuum strength within a certain period of time based on the vacuum strength measured by the measuring unit (930). When the change in vacuum strength is less than a certain value, the four-sided valve (910) can be controlled to change the moving direction of the refrigerant. That is, as the amount of ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) increases, the efficiency of the evaporator (300) decreases, and therefore the change in vacuum strength in the time series may not be large. When the control unit (940) determines that the change in vacuum strength is less than a certain value, the amount of ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) is large, and de-icing can be performed by controlling the four-sided valve (910) to change the moving direction of the refrigerant.

[0056] When the amount of refrigerant transferred from the compressor (400) to the evaporator (300) exceeds a certain amount, the second control unit (940) can control the four-sided valve (910) to transfer the refrigerant from the condenser (500) to the compressor (400) again.

[0057] In addition, when the vacuum strength inside the first space (100) measured by the measuring unit (930) is less than a predetermined value, the second control unit (940) can control the four-sided valve (910) to change the direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant moves from the condenser (500) to the compressor (400) again.

[0058] In addition, when the change in the vacuum strength inside the first space (100) measured by the measuring unit (930) exceeds a predetermined value, the second control unit (940) can control the four-sided valve (910) to change the direction of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant moves from the condenser (500) to the compressor (400) again.

[0059] However, the time point at which the control unit (940) changes the direction of refrigerant movement so as to switch the refrigerant from the condenser (500) to the compressor (400) is not limited to the above, and may also be the time point when the ice on the surface of the evaporator (300) has fully changed phase, and the criteria for judging the time point when the ice attached to the surface has fully changed phase are also not limited to this.

[0060] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an internal view showing a vacuum dryer including a heating wire according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] like Figure 5As shown, the vacuum drying machine (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a heating wire (920), a measuring unit (930) and a control unit (940).

[0062] The heating wire (920) is installed on the evaporator (300) and may be a heat generating component. For example, the heating wire (920) may be installed on the surface of the evaporator (300) according to the shape of the evaporator (300), but is not limited thereto.

[0063] As described above, during the process of evaporating the air inside the first space (100), water vapor in the air may adhere to the surface of the evaporator (300) and turn into ice. In this case, the heating wire (920) may be used to remove the ice adhered to the surface of the evaporator (300).

[0064] On the other hand, the amount of ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) can be predicted using the measuring unit (930). The measuring unit (930) can measure the vacuum strength inside the first space (100). The vacuum strength can mean the pressure inside the space or the atmospheric pressure versus the pressure inside the space, or can mean a numerical value obtained by converting the pressure inside the space or the atmospheric pressure versus the pressure inside the space into strength.

[0065] The control unit (940) calculates the change in vacuum strength within a certain period of time based on the vacuum strength measured by the measuring unit (830). When the change in vacuum strength is less than or equal to a certain value, the heating wire (920) can be controlled to be activated. That is, as the amount of ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) increases, the efficiency of the evaporator (300) decreases, so the change in vacuum strength in the time series may not be large. When the control unit (940) determines that the change in vacuum strength is less than a certain value, the amount of ice attached to the surface of the evaporator (300) is large, and the heating wire (920) can be activated to remove ice.

[0066] In addition, the second control unit (940) can activate the heating wire (920) within a certain period of time, and turn off the power to the heating wire (920) after a certain period of time. Here, the certain period of time can be set according to the amount of ice adhering to the surface of the evaporator (300), and the amount of ice adhering to the surface can be determined by the vacuum strength inside the first space (100), the amount of change in the vacuum strength within a certain period of time, the amount of liquid that changes into ice after the heating wire (920) is activated, and the like.

[0067] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vacuum dryer including a water vapor injection portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] refer to Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum drying machine (10) may include a water tank (111), a water vapor generating unit (112) and a water vapor injecting unit (113).

[0069] The water tank (111) stores clean water, and the water vapor generation unit (112) absorbs the clean water stored in the water tank (111) to generate water vapor. The water vapor generated by the water vapor injection unit (113) can be injected into the first space (100). The water vapor injected into the first space (100) undergoes a phase change through the evaporator (200), thereby reducing the pressure inside the first space (100). That is, the water vapor injected into the first space (100) through the water vapor injection unit (113) can enhance the vacuum strength inside the first space (100).

[0070] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is an internal view showing a vacuum dryer including a vacuum pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, the vacuum drying machine (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a discharge pipe (121), a drain valve (122), a drain box (123) and a vacuum pump (124).

[0072] The drain pipe (121) may be provided with a passage for draining condensed water accumulated inside the first space (100), and the drain valve (122) may be installed to open and close the drain pipe (121). The drain valve (122) is installed to block or open an area inside the drain pipe (121) to determine whether the condensed water moves.

[0073] For example, the drain valve (122) cuts off an area inside the drain pipe (121). When condensed water is generated inside the first space (100), an area inside the drain pipe (121) can be opened to control the condensed water to be discharged into the drain tank (123) along the drain pipe (121).

[0074] When the condensed water is fully discharged into the drain box (123), an area inside the drain valve (122) can be blocked again to prevent the condensed water from being discharged into the drain box (123). Here, the drain valve (122) can be repeatedly opened and cut off at a certain time interval to allow the condensed water to be discharged into the drain box (123). For example, after the vacuum dryer (10) starts to operate for a period of time, the discharge pipe (121) is opened to allow the condensed water to be discharged. After the discharge pipe (121) is opened for a period of time, the discharge pipe (121) can be blocked to prevent the condensed water from being discharged.

[0075] The vacuum pump (124) can remove the air inside the drainage tank (123) to make the inside of the drainage tank (123) in a vacuum state. The vacuum pump (124) can include a diffusion pump, a rotary pump, a turbo pump, a Lon pump, etc., but is not limited thereto. The vacuum strength of the drainage tank (123) is set to be stronger than the vacuum strength inside the first space (100). Since the drainage tank (123) has a greater vacuum strength than the first space (100), the condensed water inside the first space (100) can be discharged into the drainage tank (123).

[0076] Here, since the vacuum pump (124) only works instantaneously when discharging condensed water, the electric energy used in the vacuum pump (124) can be minimized, and the life of the vacuum pump (124) can be increased, thereby increasing the stability of the equipment.

[0077] In addition, a sensor capable of measuring vacuum strength may be installed in the drainage tank (123), and whether the vacuum pump (124) is operating may be determined based on a result of comparing a value measured by the vacuum strength measuring sensor installed inside the first space (100) with a value measured by the vacuum strength measuring sensor installed inside the drainage tank (123).

[0078] For example, if it is determined that the vacuum strength inside the drainage box (123) is greater than the vacuum strength inside the first space (100), the vacuum pump (124) may stop operating, the drainage valve (122) may be opened, and the discharge pipe (121) may be opened.

[0079] In addition, if it is determined that the vacuum strength inside the drainage box (123) is stronger than the vacuum strength inside the first space (100), the drainage valve (122) is opened to open the discharge pipe (121), and the operation of the vacuum pump (124) is continued, and is stopped when the condensed water is fully discharged. In this case, the stopping of the vacuum pump (124) and the cutting off of the discharge pipe (121) can be performed simultaneously or sequentially, but are not limited thereto.

[0080] In addition, the temperature sensor and the water level sensor 126 can be used to check whether the condensed water is fully discharged. The temperature sensor and the water level sensor 126 can be used to check whether the condensed water is fully discharged. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Provide explanation.

[0081] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vacuum dryer including a temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 8 The vacuum dryer (10) shown may further include a temperature sensor (125) and a control unit (127).

[0083] The temperature sensor (125) is installed inside the first space (100) and can measure the temperature inside the first space (100). A control unit (127) predicts the amount of condensed water generated inside the first space (100) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (125) and the average temperature within a certain period of time. When the predicted value of the condensed water amount is higher than a predetermined value, the drain valve (122) is controlled to open.

[0084] That is, the temperature of a space in a vacuum state may vary as the pressure changes with the vacuum strength. For example, the greater the vacuum strength, the lower the pressure and the lower the temperature. In addition, the amount of condensed water generated will also vary depending on the amount of water vapor that undergoes a temperature phase change. The amount of condensed water generated is extracted in advance based on the temperature, and the extraction result is used to allow the control unit (127) to predict the amount of condensed water generated. When the amount of condensed water predicted based on the average temperature is a preset value, the control unit (127) can determine that the condensed water inside the first space (100) has been fully accumulated, and control the drain valve (127) to open.

[0085] In addition, the control unit (127) predicts the amount of condensed water based on the average temperature within a certain period of time, in order to prevent errors that may occur when predicting the amount of condensed water in a short period of time or using only the temperature at a specific time point. For example, even if the vacuum dryer is driven for a short time, the inside of the first space (100) may be in a strong vacuum state. In this case, the temperature inside the first space (100) can be measured to be very low.

[0086] When the temperature inside the first space (100) is low, it can be judged that a large amount of water vapor existing inside the first space (100) has undergone a phase change, and the amount of condensed water generated thereby will also be large. However, when in a strong vacuum state shortly after driving, even if the temperature is low, the amount of condensed water may not be generated in sufficient amount to be discharged. In this case, when operating the vacuum pump (124) to discharge the condensed water, electric energy can be used inefficiently, and the life of the vacuum pump (124) can also be reduced. Therefore, by predicting the amount of condensed water based on measuring the temperature for a certain period of time, the amount of condensed water can be predicted more accurately.

[0087] For another example, when the water vapor injection portion (113) injects water vapor for a certain period, the vacuum strength may decrease after the water vapor is injected, thereby causing the temperature to rise, and the vacuum strength that is about to inject water vapor will increase, thereby reducing the temperature. As described above, the vacuum strength can repeatedly rise and fall, so the temperature inside the first space (100) at each time point can also repeatedly rise and fall. In this case, if only the temperature at a specific time point is used to predict the amount of condensed water, an inaccurate result value may be output. Therefore, predicting the amount of condensed water based on the average temperature within a certain period of time can improve accuracy.

[0088] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the interior of a vacuum dryer including a water level sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Reference Figure 7 and Fig. 9 , Figure 8 The vacuum dryer (10) shown may further include a water level sensor (126) and a control unit (127).

[0090] The water level sensor (126) is installed inside the first space (100) and can measure the height of condensed water inside the first space (100). The control unit (127) determines the amount of condensed water inside the first space (100) based on the height of condensed water measured from the water level sensor (126), and controls the drain valve (122) to open according to the determined amount of condensed water.

[0091] The water level sensor (126) may be installed at a certain height from the bottom surface of the first space (100) where condensed water accumulates. When a large amount of condensed water accumulates inside the first space (100), the air layer may be reduced due to the condensed water, thereby reducing the efficiency of creating a vacuum state in the first space (100) and reducing the vacuum strength. Therefore, discharging the condensed water at an appropriate time and generating an air layer above a certain level may be a method of improving the efficiency of the vacuum dryer (10). Therefore, the water level sensor (126) may be installed at a position corresponding to the height of the condensed water, but the installation position of the water level sensor (126) is not limited thereto.

[0092] When condensed water accumulates to a height at which a water level sensor (126) is installed, the water level sensor (126) can output a signal to control a part (127) to control a drain valve (127). When a signal is output from the water level sensor (127), the discharge pipe (121) opens.

[0093] On the other hand, the water level sensor (126) can be installed at each predetermined height, and the water level sensor (126) installed at each height can output a signal when condensed water accumulates to a corresponding height. For example, the first water level sensor is installed at a height of 30 cm from the bottom surface, the second water level sensor is installed at a height of 40 cm from the bottom surface, and the third water level sensor can be installed at a height of 50 cm from the bottom surface.

[0094] When condensed water accumulates to a height of 30 cm from the ground, the first water level sensor may output a signal. Thereafter, when condensed water gradually accumulates and accumulates to 40 cm, the second water level sensor may output a signal. As described above, signals may be gradually received from the water level sensors installed at each position, and when each signal is output, the control unit may guide the signal to a user using the vacuum dryer. For example, LEDs corresponding to the number of water level sensors may be provided outside the vacuum dryer (10), and each time a signal is output from the water level sensor, the LEDs may light up in sequence.

[0095] Thus, the user can be controlled to discharge condensed water at will, and the control unit (127) can control the drain valve (122) to open under the control of the user. However, it is not limited to this, and when a signal is output from a water level sensor provided in a plurality of water level sensors, the condensed water can also be automatically discharged.

[0096] on the other hand, Figure 4 , 5 , 8 and 9 related descriptions may all mean the same configuration, but are not limited to this.

[0097] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is an internal view showing a vacuum dryer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] refer to Fig.10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum dryer (20) may include a first space (100), a second space (200), an evaporator (300), a compressor (400), a condenser (500), an expansion valve (700), a connection portion (800), and a solenoid valve (820).

[0099] The first space (100), the second space (200), the evaporator (300), the compressor (400), the condenser (500), and the expansion valve (700) of the vacuum dryer (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be the same as those of the above-mentioned Figure 2 The first space (100), the second space (200), the evaporator (300), the compressor (400), the condenser (500) and the expansion valve (700) of the vacuum dryer (10) are implemented in the same manner.

[0100] On the other hand, the first space (100) and the second space (200) of the vacuum dryer (20) according to the second embodiment can be separated from each other.

[0101] The connection part (800) is arranged between the first space (100) and the second space (200) to provide an air flow passage between the first space (100) and the second space (200). The connection part (800) may be a structure that physically connects the first space (100) and the second space (200). For example, a cylindrical structure with an empty interior, one end of which may be connected to the first space (100) and the other end of which may be connected to the second space (200), but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0102] One side of the first space (100) connected to one end of the connection part (800) can penetrate the interior of the first space (100) and the interior of the connection part (800), and one side of the second space (200) connected to the other end of the connection part (800) can penetrate the interior of the second space (200) and the interior of the connection part (800). That is, the interior of the first space (100) and the interior of the second space (200) can be connected through the connection part (800), so that air can be moved between the first space (100) and the second space (200).

[0103] The solenoid valve (820) can be opened or closed using a magnetic field, and is installed at a portion of a channel connecting the first space (100) and the second space (200) to open or close the channel.

[0104] The solenoid valve (820) can be installed at the connection to enable the air flow passage between the first space (100) and the second space (200) to be opened and closed. The solenoid valve (820) blocks the air flow passage between the first space (100) and the second space (200), and when it is necessary to move the air inside the second space (200) to the first space (100), the passage between the first space (100) and the second space (200) can be opened.

[0105] By using the electromagnetic valve (820) to cut off the connection between the first space (100) and the second space (200), the evaporation process and the condensation process performed in each space can be performed more efficiently. That is, it can prevent the water vapor injected during the evaporation process in the first space (100) from being supplied to the second space (200), and the water vapor will not contact the food to be dried. Therefore, the quality of the dried food can be maintained, and the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0106] On the other hand, when it is necessary to move the air inside the second space (200) to the first space (100), this may correspond to a situation where the amount of water vapor inside the second space (200) exceeds a certain amount, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] In addition, the solenoid valve (820) can be opened at a certain time interval and cut off after a certain time. In addition, the solenoid valve (820) remains in an open state and can be blocked when the amount of water vapor inside the first space (100) and the second space (200) is the same within a certain range. In this way, water vapor can be prevented from being further supplied from the second space (200) to the first space (100), thereby providing a time for the first space (100) to maintain a vacuum.

[0108] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by using an evaporator to change the phase of water vapor present in a sealed space so that the interior of the space is in a vacuum state, and by using a refrigerant compressed by a compressor to dissipate heat to a drying chamber to dry food, a condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer can be realized, which prevents moisture from contacting food due to external factors.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for those skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or to make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A condensation chamber isolation type vacuum drying machine, characterized in that: It includes a first space with a vacuum state inside, a second space for drying food inside, a partition wall is arranged between the two, a condenser is arranged in the second space, an evaporator is arranged in the first space, and an expansion valve is arranged between the condenser and the evaporator to connect the two; a connecting part is arranged on the partition wall to connect the first space and the second space, and a compressor is arranged between the first space and the second space.

2. A condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection portion is provided with an opening portion opened in one direction and a regulating valve for regulating the opening and closing of the opening portion on the partition wall.

3. The condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A four-way valve is provided between the evaporator and the compressor to switch the direction of movement of the refrigerant.

4. The condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vacuum strength measuring unit is arranged inside the first space, and the measuring unit is connected with the four-sided valve through the second control part. The second control part can adjust the four-sided valve to change the moving direction of the refrigerant.

5. The condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heating wire is installed on the evaporator.

6. The condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The four-sided valve can transport the refrigerant to the evaporator and the condenser respectively.

7. The condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A temperature sensor is arranged on the side wall of the first space, which is connected to a control part, which controls a drain valve, and the drain valve is installed on a discharge pipe. One end of the discharge pipe is connected to the condensation water pool at the bottom of the first space, and the other end is connected to a vacuum pump through the drain valve, and the vacuum pump is connected to a drain tank.

8. The condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air pipe is also arranged on the side wall of the first space, a water vapor injection part is installed on the air pipe, the water vapor injection part is connected to the water vapor generation part through the air pipe, and the water vapor generation part is connected to the water tank.

9. The condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water level sensor is arranged in the condensation water pool at the bottom of the first space, and the water level sensor is connected to a control unit. When the water level rises to a set height, the control unit controls the drain valve to open for drainage.

10. The condensation chamber isolation type vacuum dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Another solution of the condensing chamber isolation type vacuum drying machine is that the first space and the second space are arranged at intervals, and a solenoid valve is provided on the middle connecting part to control the opening and closing of the connecting part.

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