Vacuum low temperature cooking process and apparatus for heat sensitive functional soft candies

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of soft candy production, in particular to a vacuum low-temperature boiling process and equipment for heat-sensitive functional soft candy, comprising a supporting assembly, a heating assembly and a sealing assembly, wherein the supporting assembly comprises a bottom plate, a side plate, a top plate, a lifter, a lifting plate and a supporting plate; the vacuum low-temperature boiling process and equipment for heat-sensitive functional soft candy is characterized in that the sealing assembly adopts a "vacuum generator + sealing ring" structure, the vacuum degree in the heating box is quickly extracted to -0.06~‑0.09MPa, the boiling point of the material is reduced, low-temperature boiling at 60‑75℃ is realized, and the inactivation of heat-sensitive components such as probiotics and vitamins caused by high temperature is avoided; the angle adjusting assembly adopts a servo motor to drive a worm gear transmission, which drives the heating box to freely roll around the hinged shaft; when loading, the heating box can be rolled to an inclined state, which facilitates the pouring of the material; when discharging, the heating box is inclined by 30‑45°, and uniform discharging is realized in cooperation with the flow guide plate, thereby solving the problem of inconvenient loading and unloading of the traditional equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gummy candy production technology, specifically to a vacuum low-temperature cooking process and equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummy candies. Background Technology

[0002] Thermosensitive functional gummies are a type of functional food fortified with heat-sensitive ingredients such as probiotics, vitamins, and plant extracts. Their core value lies in preserving the bioactivity of these heat-sensitive ingredients while maintaining the gummies' taste and texture. The cooking process is a crucial step in gummy production, requiring heating to bring the base material (such as syrup or gelatin) to a predetermined consistency. However, heat-sensitive ingredients are sensitive to temperature and oxygen; high temperatures or prolonged exposure to air can easily lead to loss of activity and degradation of the ingredients. Therefore, vacuum low-temperature cooking has become a core technological requirement for the production of thermosensitive functional gummies.

[0003] Current gummy cooking equipment on the market has many technical shortcomings when adapted to the production of heat-sensitive functional gummies:

[0004] Difficulty in preserving the activity of heat-sensitive components: Traditional cooking equipment is mostly in atmospheric pressure heating mode, which requires a relatively high temperature (above 85℃) to achieve the required viscosity. High temperature environment can easily lead to the deactivation of heat-sensitive components; some vacuum equipment has insufficient temperature control precision, or poor synergy between vacuum and heating, which cannot balance the needs of "low temperature cooking" and "rapid concentration", and there is still a risk of component degradation.

[0005] Some equipment lacks angle adjustment function, making it inconvenient to load and unload materials.

[0006] The contradiction between equipment sealing and ease of operation: Vacuum cooking requires extremely high equipment sealing, but the connection structure between the lid and the heating chamber of traditional equipment is complicated and time-consuming to open and close; moreover, the vacuum must be broken and parts disassembled before discharging, which is cumbersome and can easily lead to the material coming into contact with air, which not only affects the stability of heat-sensitive components, but also reduces production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a vacuum low-temperature cooking process and equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a vacuum low-temperature cooking device for heat-sensitive functional gummies, comprising a support assembly, a heating assembly, and a sealing assembly. The support assembly includes a base plate, side plates, a top plate, a lifter, a lifting plate, and a support plate. Side plates are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides above the base plate, and the left and right sides below the top plate are connected to the side plates. The upper and lower ends of the lifter are respectively connected to the lifting plate and the base plate. Support plates are also arranged on the left and right sides above the lifting plate. The heating assembly includes a heating chamber, a hinge shaft, and an angle adjustment assembly. The left and right sides of the heating chamber are symmetrically arranged with hinge shafts rotatably connected to the support plate. An angle adjustment assembly that drives one hinge shaft to rotate is also provided on the support plate. The sealing assembly includes a lid, a vacuum generator, a sealing ring, and a mounting bracket. A mounting bracket is provided below the top plate, and a lid is provided below the mounting bracket. A vacuum generator is also provided on the lid, and a sealing ring connected to the heating chamber is provided on the lower edge of the lid.

[0011] To facilitate adjustment of the heating chamber's angle, the present invention is improved in that the angle adjustment component includes a motor, a worm gear, a worm, and a cover. The cover is provided on the support plate, and the worm gear and worm are provided inside the cover. The motor output end passes through the cover and is connected to the worm, and the worm meshes with the worm gear.

[0012] To ensure the stability of the lifting platform's movement, the present invention includes an improvement where a partition is provided between the two sets of side plates, the output end of the lifter passes through the partition, and a guide rod passing through the partition is provided below the lifting platform.

[0013] Preferably, the lifting plate is further provided with a flow guiding component, which includes a limiting frame and a flow guiding plate. The limiting frame is provided with a slot adapted to the lifting plate below it. Flow guiding plates are symmetrically arranged on the front and rear sides of the limiting frame. The support plate is also provided with a fixing member connected to the limiting frame.

[0014] Preferably, the fastener includes a stud and a handle, the support plate is provided with a screw hole adapted to the stud, and the stud is also provided with a handle.

[0015] Preferably, the handle is also provided with a friction edge.

[0016] Preferably, the motor is a servo motor.

[0017] This invention further provides a vacuum low-temperature cooking process for heat-sensitive functional gummies, comprising the following steps:

[0018] Step 1, Material Preparation and Equipment Pretreatment: Prepare the gummies base material, heat-sensitive functional ingredients and excipients according to the formula ratio. Mix the base material evenly and pour it into the heating box, ensuring that the amount of material does not exceed 70% of the heating box volume. Check the equipment's sealing performance and confirm that the sealing ring on the box lid is undamaged. Start the vacuum generator to conduct a short-term vacuum test to ensure that the equipment is leak-free. Set the cooking temperature through the controller.

[0019] Step 2, Vacuum Low-Temperature Cooking: Start the lifting device to drive the lifting plate to raise the heating box until the top of the heating box is pressed tightly against the lid; start the vacuum generator to draw the vacuum degree in the heating box to -0.06~-0.09MPa, and at the same time start the heating components to start heating; control the cooking time to 30-60 minutes, and adjust according to the consistency of the material;

[0020] Step 3, Discharge and Post-processing: After mixing, turn off the vacuum generator and slowly release the pressure inside the heating box; start the lifting device to lower the heating box, and use the angle adjustment component to flip the heating box to an inclined state, so that the mixed material flows out at a uniform speed along the guide plate of the guide component and is introduced into the subsequent molding equipment;

[0021] Step 4: Clean the heating box and wait for the next processing.

[0022] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a vacuum low-temperature cooking process and equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The vacuum low-temperature cooking process and equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies adopts a "vacuum generator + sealing ring" structure in the closed component, which quickly draws the vacuum degree in the heating box to -0.06~-0.09MPa, reduces the boiling point of the material, and achieves low-temperature cooking at 60-75℃, avoiding the inactivation of heat-sensitive components such as probiotics and vitamins due to high temperature.

[0025] The angle adjustment component uses a servo motor to drive a worm gear transmission, which drives the heating box to rotate freely around the hinge axis. When feeding, it can be rotated to an inclined state to facilitate material pouring; when discharging, it is tilted at 30-45°, and with the guide plate, it can achieve uniform discharge, solving the problem of inconvenient loading and unloading of traditional equipment.

[0026] The flow guide assembly is positioned by the limit frame and the lifting plate slot, and the stud and handle (with friction edge) are quickly fixed, making it easy to install and disassemble. The flow guide plate guides the material to flow out in an orderly manner, avoiding spillage or contact with air during discharge, which not only ensures the stability of heat-sensitive components, but also improves production continuity. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 The structure of this invention Figure 3 Enlarged view of a portion of the image;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a second partial schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Base plate; 2. Side plate; 3. Top plate; 4. Lifter; 5. Lifting plate; 6. Support plate; 7. Heating box; 8. Hinge shaft; 9. Box cover; 10. Vacuum generator; 11. Sealing ring; 12. Mounting bracket; 13. Motor; 14. Worm gear; 15. Worm; 16. Cover; 17. Partition plate; 18. Guide rod; 19. Limiting bracket; 20. Deflector plate; 21. Stud; 22. Handle; 23. Friction flange. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Please see Figures 1-5 A vacuum low-temperature cooking device for heat-sensitive functional gummies includes a support assembly, a heating assembly, and a sealing assembly. The support assembly includes a base plate 1, side plates 2, a top plate 3, a lifter 4, a lifting plate 5, and a support plate 6. Side plates 2 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides above the base plate 1. The top plate 3 is connected to the side plates 2 on the left and right sides below. The lifter 4 is connected to the lifting plate 5 and the base plate 1 at its upper and lower ends, respectively. Support plates 6 are also arranged on the left and right sides above the lifting plate 5. The heating assembly includes a heating box 7, a hinge shaft 8, and... An angle adjustment assembly is provided. The heating box 7 has hinge shafts 8 symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides, which are rotatably connected to the support plate 6. The support plate 6 is also provided with an angle adjustment assembly that drives one of the hinge shafts 8 to rotate. The sealing assembly includes a box cover 9, a vacuum generator 10, a sealing ring 11, and a mounting bracket 12. The mounting bracket 12 is provided below the top plate 3, and the box cover 9 is provided below the mounting bracket 12. The vacuum generator 10 is also provided on the box cover 9, and the sealing ring 11 connected to the heating box 7 is provided on the lower edge of the box cover 9.

[0035] The base plate 1, side plates 2, and top plate 3 form a rigid frame, providing stable installation support for the enclosed components, lifting device 4, etc. The outriggers ensure that the workbench is placed stably, preventing the equipment from shaking during the cooking process and affecting the sealing performance. The lifting device 4 is the core power component. After starting, it outputs torque to drive the lifting plate 5 to move up and down in a straight line, thereby moving the heating box 7 closer to or away from the lid 9 to achieve sealing and separation. The partition 17 is fixed between the two sets of side plates 2. The guide rod 18 under the lifting plate 5 passes through the partition 17 and slides with the partition 17 to limit the lateral displacement of the lifting plate 5, ensuring that the lifting process of the heating box 7 is stable and accurately aligned with the lid 9 to achieve sealing.

[0036] The mounting bracket 12 is fixed below the top plate 3 to provide stable support for the box cover 9. The sealing ring 11 below the box cover 9 is made of flexible sealing material. When the heating box 7 rises to fit against the box cover 9, the sealing ring 11 is squeezed to fill the gap, achieving efficient sealing.

[0037] After the vacuum generator 10 is started, it quickly extracts the air from the heating box 7, so that the internal vacuum degree reaches -0.06~-0.09MPa, which lowers the boiling point of the material and allows the substrate to be quickly concentrated at a low temperature of 60-75℃, avoiding high temperature damage to heat-sensitive components.

[0038] During the cooking and mixing process, the sealing ring 11 remains sealed to isolate the outside air and reduce the oxidation and degradation of heat-sensitive components; when discharging, the vacuum generator 10 is turned off and the pressure is released slowly to avoid sudden pressure changes that could cause material splashing or component deactivation.

[0039] The heating chamber 7 has built-in heating elements (such as electric heating tubes, heat transfer oil jackets, etc.). After starting, it heats up precisely according to the temperature set by the controller (60-75℃). The heat is conducted to the material through the chamber wall to achieve low-temperature cooking. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature inside the heating chamber 7 in real time and feeds it back to the controller. When the temperature exceeds the set range, the heating power is automatically adjusted to ensure temperature stability and balance the needs of "low-temperature preservation" and "rapid concentration".

[0040] In this embodiment, the angle adjustment assembly includes a motor 13, a worm gear 14, a worm 15, and a cover 16. The cover 16 is mounted on the support plate 6, and the worm gear 14 and worm 15 are disposed within the cover 16. The output end of the motor 13 passes through the cover 16 and is connected to the worm 15. The worm 15 meshes with the worm gear 14. After the servo motor 13 of the angle adjustment assembly starts, its output torque passes through the cover 16, driving the worm 15 to rotate. The worm 15 meshes with the worm gear 14, transmitting the rotational motion to the hinge shaft 8 (worm gear 14). 4. The center is fixedly connected to the hinge shaft 8. The hinge shaft 8 is rotatably connected to the support plate 6, which drives the heating box 7 to rotate around the hinge shaft 8: when feeding, it rotates to a 15-30° tilted state to facilitate material pouring; when discharging, it rotates to 30-45°, and guides the material out with the guide plate 20. The cover 16 protects the transmission structure of the worm gear 14 and worm 15 to avoid material residue or external impurities affecting the transmission accuracy; the servo motor 13 has high control accuracy, and with the self-locking characteristics of the worm gear 14 and worm 15, the rotation angle can be stably locked without the risk of deviation.

[0041] The limiting frame 19 is positioned with the lifting plate 5 via the lower slot. The stud 21 on the support plate 6 passes through the screw hole. Rotating the handle 22 (the friction edge 23 increases the grip friction) moves the stud 21 toward the limiting frame 19 until it is pressed against the limiting frame 19, thus achieving rapid fixation of the flow guide component. When discharging, the gravity generated by the tilt of the heating box 7 causes the material to flow toward the box opening. The flow guide plate 20 is arranged at an angle, guiding the material to flow downwards at a uniform speed along the plate surface to avoid spillage. At the same time, it reduces the contact area and time between the material and the air, ensuring the stability of the heat-sensitive components. When disassembling, rotating the handle 22 in the opposite direction and loosening the stud 21 allows the limiting frame 19 and the flow guide plate 20 to be removed, facilitating the cleaning of residual material.

[0042] This invention further provides a vacuum low-temperature cooking process for heat-sensitive functional gummies, comprising the following steps:

[0043] Step 1, Material Preparation and Equipment Pretreatment: Prepare the soft candy base material, heat-sensitive functional ingredients and excipients according to the formula ratio. Mix the base material evenly and pour it into the heating box 7, ensuring that the amount of material does not exceed 70% of the volume of the heating box 7. Check the equipment's sealing performance and confirm that the sealing ring 11 on the box cover 9 is undamaged. Start the vacuum generator 10 to conduct a short-term vacuum test to ensure that the equipment is leak-free. Set the cooking temperature through the controller.

[0044] Step 2, Vacuum Low-Temperature Cooking: Start the lifting device 4, drive the lifting plate 5 to raise the heating box 7 until the top of the heating box 7 is pressed tightly against the lid 9; start the vacuum generator 10 to draw the vacuum degree inside the heating box 7 to -0.06~-0.09MPa, and start the heating components to start heating; control the cooking time to 30-60 minutes, adjust according to the consistency of the material;

[0045] Step 3, Discharge and Post-processing: After mixing is completed, turn off the vacuum generator 10 and slowly release the pressure inside the heating box 7; start the lifting device 4 to drive the heating box 7 down, and use the angle adjustment component to flip the heating box 7 to an inclined state, so that the mixed material flows out at a uniform speed along the guide plate 20 of the guide component and is introduced into the subsequent molding equipment.

[0046] Step 4: Clean and wash the heating box 7, and wait for the next processing.

[0047] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The term "embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it specifically limit its independence or connection with other embodiments. In principle, in this application, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way to form corresponding implementable technical solutions.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the use of related terms herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit this application.

[0049] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum low-temperature cooking device for heat-sensitive functional gummies, comprising a support assembly, a heating assembly, and a sealing assembly, characterized in that, The support assembly includes a base plate (1), side plates (2), a top plate (3), a lifter (4), a lifting plate (5), and a support plate (6). Side plates (2) are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides above the base plate (1). The left and right sides below the top plate (3) are connected to the side plates (2). The upper and lower ends of the lifter (4) are connected to the lifting plate (5) and the base plate (1), respectively. Support plates (6) are also arranged on the left and right sides above the lifting plate (5). The heating assembly includes a heating box (7), a hinge shaft (8), and an angle adjustment assembly. The left and right sides of the heating box (7) are symmetrically arranged with side plates (2) on the left and right sides. The enclosure is provided with a hinge shaft (8) rotatably connected to the support plate (6). The support plate (6) is also provided with an angle adjustment assembly that drives the hinge shaft (8) to rotate. The enclosure assembly includes a box cover (9), a vacuum generator (10), a sealing ring (11), and a mounting bracket (12). The mounting bracket (12) is provided below the top plate (3). The box cover (9) is provided below the mounting bracket (12). The vacuum generator (10) is also provided on the box cover (9). The sealing ring (11) connected to the heating box (7) is also provided on the lower edge of the box cover (9).

2. The vacuum low-temperature cooking equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle adjustment assembly includes a motor (13), a worm gear (14), a worm (15), and a cover (16). The cover (16) is provided on the support plate (6). The worm gear (14) and the worm (15) are provided inside the cover (16). The output end of the motor (13) passes through the cover (16) and is connected to the worm (15). The worm (15) meshes with the worm gear (14).

3. The vacuum low-temperature cooking equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies according to claim 2, characterized in that, A partition (17) is also provided between the two sets of side plates (2), the output end of the lifter (4) passes through the partition (17), and a guide rod (18) passing through the partition (17) is also provided below the lift plate (5).

4. The vacuum low-temperature cooking equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lifting plate (5) is also provided with a flow guiding component, which includes a limiting frame (19) and a flow guiding plate (20). The limiting frame (19) is provided with a slot adapted to the lifting plate (5) below it. The limiting frame (19) is symmetrically provided with flow guiding plates (20) on its front and rear sides. The support plate (6) is also provided with a fixing member connected to the limiting frame (19).

5. The vacuum low-temperature cooking equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fastener includes a stud (21) and a handle (22). The support plate (6) is provided with a screw hole that is compatible with the stud (21). The stud (21) is also provided with a handle (22).

6. The vacuum low-temperature cooking equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies according to claim 5, characterized in that, The handle (22) is also provided with a friction edge (23).

7. The vacuum low-temperature cooking equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies according to claim 6, characterized in that, The motor (13) is a servo motor.

8. A vacuum low-temperature cooking process for heat-sensitive functional gummies, applicable to the vacuum low-temperature cooking equipment for heat-sensitive functional gummies as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1, Material preparation and equipment pretreatment: Prepare the soft candy base material, heat-sensitive functional ingredients and excipients according to the formula ratio. Mix the base material evenly and pour it into the heating box (7) to ensure that the amount of material does not exceed 70% of the heating box volume; check the equipment sealing performance and confirm that the sealing ring (11) on the box cover (9) is not damaged. Start the vacuum generator (10) to conduct a short-term vacuum test to ensure that the equipment is leak-free; set the cooking temperature through the controller. Step 2, Vacuum Low-Temperature Cooking: Start the lifting device (4) and drive the lifting plate (5) to raise the heating box (7) until the top of the heating box (7) is pressed tightly against the box cover (9); start the vacuum generator (10) to draw the vacuum degree in the heating box (7) to -0.06~-0.09MPa, and start the heating components to start heating at the same time; control the cooking time at 30-60 minutes, and adjust according to the consistency of the material; Step 3, Discharge and post-processing: After mixing, turn off the vacuum generator (10) and slowly release the pressure inside the heating box (7); start the lifting device (4) to drive the heating box (7) down, and flip the heating box (7) to the tilted state through the angle adjustment component, so that the mixed material flows out at a uniform speed along the guide plate (20) of the guide component and is introduced into the subsequent molding equipment; Step 4: Clean the heating box (7) and wait for the next processing.

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