Vacuum extractor for improving extraction performance by vacuum treatment section

Abstract

This invention relates to a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, which improves extraction performance by recovering extracts contained in the air drawn in when a vacuum is generated. The vacuum extractor includes: an extraction chamber for extracting extracts from a raw material using a solvent; a chamber heating unit for heating the extraction chamber with a heat medium to improve extraction performance by heating the raw material; and a vacuum treatment unit for generating a vacuum in the extraction chamber to facilitate extraction of the extract from the raw material, while simultaneously recovering the extracts contained in the drawn-in air using a vacuum pump. The vacuum treatment unit includes: a first cooler for cooling the air and recovering the extracts when a vacuum is generated in the extraction chamber using a vacuum pump; a cyclone tank for generating a cyclone and recovering the extracts contained in the air passing through the first cooler; a second cooler for further cooling the extracts contained in the air passing through the cyclone tank and recovering the extracts; and a recovery tank for storing the extracts recovered from the second cooler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit. The vacuum extractor can improve extraction performance by recovering extracts contained in the air drawn in when a vacuum is generated. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, when extracting active ingredients from raw materials, the raw materials are placed in water and heated for extraction.

[0003] As an example of an extractor used for heating and extracting raw materials, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2220495 (published on February 24, 2021) discloses a red ginseng extraction device for extracting active ingredients from red ginseng.

[0004] The aforementioned existing red ginseng extraction device includes: a water-insulated heating section, which is provided with a water-insulated heating jacket in the form of a double jacket, wherein red ginseng solution is contained inside the water-insulated heating jacket, and red ginseng extract is mixed into the red ginseng solution to generate a red ginseng mixture; an extraction section, which is provided inside the water-insulated heating jacket to generate the red ginseng extract; and a squeezing section, which is provided inside the extraction section and is configured to squeeze the red ginseng, thereby effectively and easily extracting the red ginseng extract from the red ginseng under low temperature conditions.

[0005] However, in existing red ginseng extraction devices, the extraction efficiency is not high because the extract is simply extracted by heating in a water bath. Furthermore, the evaporated extract is evaporated and discarded, resulting in a decline in extraction performance.

[0006] In addition, in existing red ginseng extraction devices, trace amounts of extract are present even in the red ginseng residue after the extract has been extracted. Furthermore, since the extract contained in the residue is discarded directly without being extracted, there is a problem of reduced extraction performance of the extract.

[0007] In addition, existing red ginseng extraction devices have the problem of not being able to properly remove the residue after extracting the extract from a large amount of red ginseng. Summary of the Invention

[0008] (a) Technical problems to be solved The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems. The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the extract is extracted by vacuum extraction, which not only improves the extraction performance compared with non-vacuum conditions, but also recovers the extract contained in the steam drawn in to form a vacuum in the vacuum treatment unit, thereby improving the extraction performance of the extract.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, wherein the extract is recovered in three stages through a first cooler, a cyclone tank, and a second cooler in the vacuum treatment unit, thereby improving the extraction performance and increasing the extraction yield.

[0010] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, wherein the mixing efficiency of raw materials and solvent is improved by installing upper and lower stirring screws on the stirring shaft of a stirrer, thereby improving the extraction performance of the extract.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, wherein residues remaining in the extraction chamber are easily discharged by installing a conveying device in the extraction chamber, thereby preventing safety accidents caused by the operator directly discharging residues, and improving the production efficiency of the extract by rapidly discharging residues.

[0012] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, wherein a residue extraction unit for extracting extracts contained in residues is provided in a conveying device, thereby improving the extraction efficiency of extracts.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section, wherein the conveying screw is divided into a first screw section and a second screw section. Since the first screw section squeezes the residue to extract the extract through a squeezing plate, and the second screw section compresses the residue to extract the extract, the extraction efficiency of the extract can be improved.

[0014] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section, wherein a rotary cutter is installed in the residue extraction section, and solvent is sprayed onto the extrusion plate to break down the residue compressed in the first screw section, thereby preventing an increase in the load on the second screw section and thus preventing energy waste.

[0015] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section, wherein a vacuum shield plate is installed in the residual extraction section to prevent the vacuum level of the extraction chamber from decreasing due to external gas flowing into the extraction chamber through the conveying device, thereby improving the extraction efficiency of the extract.

[0016] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, a vacuum extractor according to an embodiment of the present invention, which improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, comprises: an extraction chamber for extracting an extract from a raw material using a solvent; a chamber heating unit for heating the extraction chamber using a heat medium to improve extraction performance by heating the raw material; and a vacuum treatment unit for generating a vacuum in the extraction chamber to facilitate extraction of the extract from the raw material, while simultaneously recovering the extract contained in the intake air using a vacuum pump. The vacuum treatment unit comprises: a first cooler for cooling the air and recovering the extract when air is drawn in by the vacuum pump to generate a vacuum in the extraction chamber; a cyclone tank for generating a cyclone and recovering the extract contained in the air passing through the first cooler; a second cooler for further cooling the extract contained in the air passing through the cyclone tank and recovering the extract; and a recovery tank for storing the extract recovered from the second cooler.

[0017] The extraction chamber includes a stirrer that stirs the raw materials and solvent inside the extraction chamber. The stirrer may include: lower stirring blades that stir in the lower part of the extraction chamber; and upper and lower stirring screws that are mounted on a stirring shaft and, as the stirring shaft rotates, convey the raw materials and solvent from the lower part of the extraction chamber to the upper part for stirring, so as to make the raw materials located in the lower part of the extraction chamber float to the upper part to improve the stirring performance.

[0018] The vacuum extractor may include a conveying device, which includes a conveying screw installed in the extraction chamber. The conveying screw, while rotating, conveys and discharges the residue of the remaining raw material after the extraction of the extract to the outside of the extraction chamber.

[0019] The conveying screw may include: a first screw section, through which residue flows from the extraction chamber; a second screw section, continuous with the first screw section and extending outward from the extraction chamber; and a residue extraction section, located between the first screw section and the second screw section, which squeezes the residue conveyed from the first screw section to extract residual extracts from the residue.

[0020] The residue extraction section may include: a compression plate having a plurality of compression holes through which residue is compressed from the first screw section to the second screw section and passes through the plurality of compression holes; and a rotary cutter for cutting the residue compressed through the compression holes to reduce the load on the second screw section.

[0021] The vacuum extractor may include a vacuum shield plate that overlaps the extrusion plate and opens or closes the extrusion hole according to the rotation direction of the conveying screw to prevent external gas from flowing in through the conveying device and causing the vacuum in the extraction chamber to be released.

[0022] The extrusion plate may include a solvent spray nozzle for spraying additional solvent, which sprays the additional solvent onto the residue passing through the extrusion orifice to further extrude extracts contained in the residue.

[0023] The chamber heating section may include a branch recovery line that supplies a portion of the heat medium supplied to the chamber heating section for heat exchange to the extrusion plate for use as the additional solvent.

[0024] (III) Beneficial Effects According to the present invention, since a vacuum treatment unit is installed in the extraction chamber, the extract contained in the vapor is recovered in the vacuum treatment unit while a vacuum is formed in the extraction chamber, thereby improving the extraction performance of the extract and increasing the extraction yield.

[0025] Furthermore, in this invention, since the extract is recovered in three stages through a first cooler, a cyclone tank, and a second cooler in the vacuum processing section, the recovery efficiency of the extract can be improved, thereby increasing the extraction performance and extraction yield.

[0026] Furthermore, in this invention, the mixing efficiency is improved by installing lower stirring blades and upper and lower stirring screws in the mixer, thereby improving the extraction performance.

[0027] Furthermore, in this invention, by installing a conveying device in the extraction chamber, the residue in the extraction chamber can be easily discharged. Therefore, the residue can be easily handled even without the operator entering the extraction chamber, which not only prevents safety accidents but also allows for rapid discharge of residue, thereby improving the production efficiency of the extract.

[0028] Furthermore, in this invention, by providing a residue extraction section in the conveying device to extract the residual extract from the residue, the extraction performance of the extract can be improved.

[0029] Furthermore, in this invention, the extract remaining in the residue is extracted by compression in the first screw section and the extract contained in the residue is extracted by compression in the second screw section, thereby improving the extraction performance of the extract.

[0030] Furthermore, in this invention, a rotary cutter is installed in the residue extraction section, and the compressed residue is broken down by supplying solvent to the residue compressed by the first screw section, thereby reducing the load applied to the second screw section and preventing the second screw section from being damaged due to the load.

[0031] In addition, in this invention, a vacuum shield is installed in the residue extraction section, and the residue extraction section is opened and closed by the vacuum shield to prevent the vacuum in the extraction chamber from being released due to the inflow of external gas through the conveying device. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a vacuum extractor with improved extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing a vacuum extractor according to an embodiment of the present invention, which improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view of a conveying device of a vacuum extractor according to an embodiment of the present invention, which improves extraction performance through a vacuum processing section.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the residual extraction section of a conveying device for a vacuum extractor, according to an embodiment of the present invention, which improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section.

[0036] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the breakdown of the residual extraction section of a conveying device constituting a vacuum extractor whose extraction performance is improved by a vacuum treatment section, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of the residual extraction section of the conveying device of a vacuum extractor according to an embodiment of the present invention, which improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section.

[0038] Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the residual extraction section of the conveying device, which constitutes a vacuum extractor whose extraction performance is improved by the vacuum treatment section, seals the conveying device.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100: Vacuum extractor; 110: Extraction chamber 111: Vacuum suction port; 112: Extract discharge port 113: Inspection port; 114: Input port 115: Heating jacket; 116: Insulation jacket 117: Medium supply port; 118: Medium discharge port 119: Chamber floor plate; 119a: Floor plate outlet. 120: Heat medium heater; 121: Branch recovery pipeline 130: Vacuum processing unit; 131: First cooler 132: Cyclone Tank 133: Recycling Pipeline 134: Secondary Cooler 135: Recovery Tank 137: Vacuum pump; 140: Stirrer 141: Lower stirring blades; 143: Stirring shaft 145: Mixing motor; 147: Upper and lower mixing screws 150: Conveying device; 151: Conveying screw 152: First screw section; 152a: First auxiliary outlet. 153: Second screw section; 153a: Second additional outlet. 154: Conveying pipe; 154a: Residue discharge port 155: Conveyor shaft; 156: Conveyor motor 157: Additional discharge pipes; 157a, 157b: Additional discharge valves 158: Additional storage container; 160: Residue extraction section 161: Extrusion plate; 161a: First plate 161b: Second plate; 161c: Extrusion hole 161d: Additional solvent supply port; 161e: Solvent injection nozzle section 161f: Connecting flow channel; 163: Vacuum shielding plate 163a: Shielding plate hole; 165: Rotary cutter Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum extractor 100, which improves the extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, can extract an extract containing effective components from raw materials such as red ginseng or Chinese medicinal materials using solvents such as alcohol or water, while the residue can be the residue left after extracting the red ginseng or Chinese medicinal materials.

[0042] Alternatively, the raw materials can be placed in a solvent and heated for a long time, and the extract can be concentrated and extracted by heating for a long time until the solvent evaporates.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a vacuum extractor 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, may include: an extraction chamber 110 for containing raw materials; a vacuum treatment unit 130 for generating a vacuum in the extraction chamber 110 while recovering extracts contained in the intake air; a chamber heating unit for heating the extraction chamber 110; and a conveying device 150 for conveying the residue of the extracted raw materials to the outside of the extraction chamber 110.

[0044] The extraction chamber 110 can be formed in the form of a sealed container. An inlet 114 for feeding raw materials is formed at the top of the extraction chamber 110. Solvents for extracting the extract can also be fed in through the inlet 114.

[0045] An inspection port 113 for inspecting the interior of the extraction chamber 110 may be formed on the side of the extraction chamber 110, and an extract outlet 112 for discharging the extracted extract to the outside of the extraction chamber 110 may be formed at the bottom of the extraction chamber 110.

[0046] A chamber heating section can be provided on the outer edge of the extraction chamber 110 to heat the extraction chamber 110 by means of a heat medium. The chamber heating section is equipped with a heating jacket 115 to wrap the outer edge of the extraction chamber 110, and a medium space can be formed between the heating jacket 115 and the extraction chamber 110 for the heat supply medium to pass through and exchange heat.

[0047] The heating jacket 115 may have a medium supply port 117 for supplying heat medium and a medium discharge port 118 for discharging the heat medium supplied to the medium space through the medium supply port 117 and subjected to heat exchange to the outside.

[0048] The heating jacket 115 can be wrapped by an insulating jacket 116 made of insulating material to prevent heat exchange with the outside from causing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0049] The heat medium supplied to the heating jacket 115 can be steam generated by heating water. The steam generated by heating the heat medium in the heat medium heater 120 is supplied to the medium supply port 117 and exchanged heat with the extraction chamber 110 through the medium space. The steam can then be discharged through the medium discharge port 118.

[0050] Additionally, a vacuum inlet 111 for drawing air into the interior through the vacuum processing unit 130 can be formed at the upper part of the extraction chamber 110.

[0051] The vacuum treatment unit 130 is connected to the vacuum inlet 111, so that the evaporated extract can be recovered while a vacuum is formed in the extraction chamber 110 by drawing in air.

[0052] The vacuum processing unit 130 may include: a first cooler 131 for cooling evaporated vapor; a cyclone tank 132 for removing extract contained in the vapor from which the extract has been removed by the first cooler 131 by means of a cyclone; a second cooler 134 for further cooling and recovering the extract contained in the vapor via the cyclone tank 132; a recovery tank 135 for containing the extract recovered from the second cooler 134; and a vacuum pump 137 for drawing in air to create a vacuum in the vacuum processing unit 130.

[0053] The first cooler 131 supplies refrigerant to exchange heat with the vapor drawn in from the vacuum inlet, while simultaneously lowering the temperature of the extract to the dew point temperature, thereby liquefying and recovering the extract in the form of condensation.

[0054] The refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 131 can be water, and the extract recovered from the first cooler 131 can flow back into the extraction chamber 110.

[0055] In addition, steam via the first cooler 131 is supplied to the cyclone tank 132, and a cyclone rotating in one direction is generated in the cyclone tank 131, thereby recovering the extract contained in the steam by means of the difference in specific gravity.

[0056] The extract recovered from the cyclone tank 132 can flow back into the extraction chamber 110 along with the extract recovered from the first cooler 131 through the recovery pipe 133.

[0057] The steam passing through the cyclone tank 132 can be passed through the second cooler 134 again to liquefy the extract below the dew point temperature and recover the extract, while the extract recovered from the second cooler 134 can be stored in the recovery tank 135.

[0058] Similar to the first cooler 131, the second cooler 134 can also exchange heat with the extract through a refrigerant to cool the extract to below the dew point temperature, and the refrigerant supplied to the second cooler 134 can also be cooled water.

[0059] Multiple recycling tanks 135 are configured so that when any one is filled with extract, the recycled extract can be stored in another recycling tank 135. The recycling tank 135 can be equipped with a recycling outlet that can discharge the stored extract to the outside.

[0060] A vacuum pump 137 is connected to the recovery tank 135, so that suction for generating steam and vacuum can be provided to the vacuum inlet 111 of the extraction tank via the second cooler 134, the cyclone tank 132 and the first cooler 131 in the form of drawing air into the recovery tank 135.

[0061] On the other hand, a stirrer 140 for stirring solvent and raw materials to improve extraction performance can be installed in the extraction chamber 110. The stirrer 140 is configured to rotate a stirring shaft 143 that runs through the interior of the extraction chamber 110 via a stirring motor 145 located at the top of the extraction chamber 110.

[0062] In addition, a lower stirring blade 141 is installed at the lower part of the stirring shaft 143. As the lower stirring blade 141 rotates, a vortex is generated at the lower part of the extraction chamber 110, thereby stirring the solvent and raw materials.

[0063] Upper and lower stirring screws 147 can be installed on the stirring shaft 143. The upper and lower stirring screws 147 form an airflow in the center of the lower part to make the solvent and raw materials rise, thereby improving the stirring efficiency of the solvent and raw materials.

[0064] The upper and lower stirring screws 147 can be formed in a spiral shape along the length of the stirring shaft 143, and rotate in a spiral shape in the direction in which the raw materials and solvent move from the bottom to the top when the stirring shaft 143 rotates to make the lower stirring blades 141 rotate.

[0065] The upper and lower stirring screws 147 move from the bottom to the top in the center of the extraction chamber 110 where the stirring shaft 143 is located, and then descend and move back towards the center after spreading outward from the top. This forms an overall circulating airflow inside the extraction chamber 110, thereby improving stirring efficiency by minimizing the amount of material deposited.

[0066] A conveying device 150 can be installed in the extraction chamber 110 to transport the residue remaining after the extraction of the active ingredient to the outside.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the conveying device 150 has a helical conveying screw 151 that is rotated by a conveying motor 156 installed in the conveying pipe 154 for discharging the residue to the outside of the extraction chamber 110. Therefore, as the conveying screw 151 rotates, the residue can be conveyed from the inside of the extraction chamber 110 to the outside of the extraction chamber 110 for discharge.

[0068] A chamber bottom plate 119 is installed inside the extraction chamber 110, and a bottom plate outlet 119a extending downwards is formed on the chamber bottom plate 119. Therefore, as the lower stirring blade 141 rotates, the residue inside the extraction chamber 110 is swept toward the bottom plate outlet 119a. Subsequently, the conveying screw 151 located at the end of the conveying device 150 rotates, thereby discharging the residue to the outside of the extraction chamber 110 through the inside of the conveying pipe 154.

[0069] On the other hand, the conveying screw 151 can be divided into a first screw section 152 and a second screw section 153. The first screw section 152 and the second screw section 153 can be separated by the residue extraction section 160, so that the extract remaining in the residue can be further extracted respectively.

[0070] The first screw section 152 transports the residue to the outside in the extraction chamber 110. The second screw section 153 can be continuously connected to the first screw section 152 by a conveying shaft 155. The conveying shaft 155 can be rotated by a conveying motor 156, so that the first screw section 152 and the second screw section 153 rotate together.

[0071] The first screw portion 152 rapidly discharges a relatively large amount of residue from the extraction chamber 110. The second screw portion 153 can compress the residue transferred from the first screw portion 152 and further extract the extract. For this purpose, the thread spacing of the second screw portion 153 can be formed to be narrower than the thread spacing of the first screw portion 152.

[0072] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the residual extraction section 160 that divides the first screw section 152 and the second screw section 153 may include a squeezing plate 161, a vacuum shielding plate 163 and a rotary cutter 165.

[0073] The extrusion plate 161 can be located inside the delivery pipe 154 in the form of a disc. Multiple extrusion holes 161c are formed through the extrusion plate 161, so that the residue moving from the first screw part 152 to the second screw part 153 passes through the extrusion holes 161c and is compressed, thereby extracting the extract by extruding the solvent remaining in the residue.

[0074] In the first screw section 152, adjacent to the residual extraction section 160, a first additional outlet 152a may be formed in the delivery pipe 154 for discharging the extract extracted when passing through the extrusion hole 161c. On the outside of the second screw section 153, a second additional outlet 153a may also be formed in the delivery pipe 154 for discharging the solvent discharged from the residue compressed by the first screw section 152 to extract the extract.

[0075] Additionally, a residue discharge port 154a for discharging residues to the outside can be formed at the end of the second screw portion 153 in the conveying pipe 154.

[0076] The first additional discharge port 152a and the second additional discharge port 153a may be connected to each other by an additional storage container 158 for storing solvents extracted from the residue and an additional discharge pipe 157, respectively. Additional discharge valves 157a and 157b for opening and closing the respective additional discharge ports may be installed at the first additional discharge port 152a and the second additional discharge port 153a.

[0077] A solvent injection nozzle 161e may be provided on the extrusion plate 161. The solvent injection nozzle 161e sprays solvent so that when passing through the extrusion plate 161 of the first screw section 152, the hardness is reduced by loosening the residue that has hardened due to solvent discharge. This allows the second screw section 153 to further supply solvent to the residue while reducing the rotational load on the second screw section 153, so as to extract the extract.

[0078] The extrusion plate 161 can be arranged in a form where the first plate 161a and the second plate 161b face each other and overlap, so as to be able to spray solvent from the extrusion hole 161c, and the first plate 161a and the second plate 161b can be arranged in a symmetrical form and overlap each other.

[0079] The extrusion holes 161c of the first plate 161a and the second plate 161b are connected to each other by a connecting channel 161f. The connecting channel 161f is configured to communicate with the solvent injection nozzle portion 161e of each extrusion hole 161c, and an additional solvent supply port 161d is formed in the connecting channel 161f, so that the solvent supplied through the additional solvent supply port 161d passes through the connecting channel 161f and moves to each extrusion hole 161c. In each extrusion hole 161c, the solvent is injected through the solvent injection nozzle portion 161e, so that the solvent can be supplied to the residue after passing through the extrusion hole 161c.

[0080] Here, the connecting channel 161f, the solvent injection nozzle portion 161e, and the additional solvent supply port 161d are formed in an intaglio form on the opposing surfaces of the first plate 161a and the second plate 161b, respectively. Therefore, when the first plate 161a and the second plate 161b overlap, they can be easily arranged on the extrusion plate 161 in a form that appears to form the connecting channel 161f, the solvent injection nozzle portion 161e, and the additional solvent supply port 161d inside the extrusion plate 161.

[0081] A branch recovery line 121, which branches from the media recovery line connected to the media outlet 118, can be connected to the additional solvent supply port 161d to use a portion of the hot medium supplied to the heating jacket 115 for heat exchange and recovery as a solvent.

[0082] A branch recovery valve can be installed on branch recovery line 121 to selectively supply or block solvent through additional solvent supply port 161d.

[0083] When a vacuum is created in the extraction chamber 110 by suction, the vacuum shield 163 can seal the squeezing hole 161c to prevent external gas from flowing into the extraction chamber 110, thereby preventing the vacuum in the extraction chamber 110 from being released, and can open the squeezing hole 161c to discharge the residue through the squeezing hole 161c.

[0084] The vacuum shield plate 163 can overlap with the portion of the extrusion plate 161 where the second screw portion 153 is located, and the vacuum shield plate 163 has a shield plate hole 163a that coincides with the extrusion hole 161c of the extrusion plate 161. The remaining portion, except for the shield plate hole 163a, can cover and seal the extrusion hole 161c as the vacuum shield plate 163 rotates, or can be opened when the extrusion hole 161c and the shield plate hole 163a coincide.

[0085] The vacuum shield plate 163 can rotate together with the conveyor shaft 155 by friction, and after rotating a predetermined angle, the vacuum shield plate 163 slides on the conveyor shaft 155, so that only the conveyor shaft 155 can be rotated.

[0086] At this time, a rotation limiting part can be provided between the extrusion plate 161 and the vacuum shield plate 163 to limit the rotation angle of the vacuum shield plate 163. An angle groove with a preset angle and an angle protrusion that inserts into the angle groove are formed in the rotation limiting part. Therefore, when the vacuum shield plate 163 rotates by the conveyor shaft 155, if the angle protrusion is attached to one end and the other end of the angle groove, the vacuum shield plate 163 does not rotate, and only the conveyor shaft 155 rotates. When the angle protrusion moves between one end and the other end of the angle groove, the vacuum shield plate 163 can rotate together with the conveyor shaft 155.

[0087] A magnetic sleeve can be installed in the portion of the vacuum shield 163 through which the conveyor shaft 155 passes, so that the vacuum shield 163 can rotate and slide together with the conveyor shaft 155 by magnetic force.

[0088] When the conveying shaft 155 rotates in the direction of discharging the residue to the outside, the shielding hole 163a of the vacuum shielding plate 163 coincides with the squeezing hole 161c, thereby opening the squeezing hole 161c. When the extraction chamber 110 is in a vacuum state, the conveying shaft 155 rotates in the opposite direction to the discharge direction of the residue, so that the vacuum shielding plate 163 can seal the squeezing hole 161c to prevent the inflow of external air from causing the vacuum of the extraction chamber 110 to be released.

[0089] Here, the additional discharge valve 157b installed in the second additional discharge port 153a is a three-way valve, which allows the extract to flow in through the inlet and discharge the extract to the additional discharge pipe 157 in the first direction, and discharge the solvent flowing into the second screw section 153 to the outside in the second direction.

[0090] For example, when the auxiliary discharge valve 157b installed in the second auxiliary discharge port 153a is opened in the first direction, the extract extracted by the second screw section 153 is stored in the auxiliary storage container 158 through the auxiliary discharge pipe 157. When the second direction is opened, solvent is sprayed through the extrusion plate 161 in a state where there is no residue in the conveying screw 151. The sealing status of the vacuum shield plate 163 to the extrusion hole 161c can be confirmed by identifying whether there is solvent flowing out in the second direction.

[0091] That is, by means of the additional discharge valve 157b installed in the second additional discharge port 153a, solvent is supplied to the extrusion plate 161 in the second direction. If the solvent is discharged in the second direction, it can be understood that it is difficult to form a vacuum in the extraction chamber 110 because the extrusion hole 161c is not sealed, and thus processing is performed. If the solvent is not discharged in the second direction, it can be confirmed that the extrusion hole 161c is sealed by the vacuum shield plate 163 to block the inflow of external gas, thereby performing the function of confirming whether a vacuum can be formed in the extraction chamber 110 (vacuum operation is possible).

[0092] On the other hand, a rotary cutter 165 for cutting the residue passing through the extrusion hole 161c can be installed on the outside of the vacuum shield plate 163 in the conveyor shaft 155. The rotary cutter 165 rotates together with the conveyor shaft 155 and can reduce the load applied to the second screw section 153 by breaking down the residue that is compressed into a hard state when passing through the extrusion hole 161c, and can improve the permeability of the residue to the solvent.

[0093] Additionally, the residue cut by the rotary cutter 165 is compressed by the second screw portion 153, which has a smaller thread spacing than the first screw portion 152, thereby extracting the extract from the solvent absorbed by the residue once again. The extracted solvent is stored in the additional storage container 158 via the additional discharge pipe 157 through the second additional discharge port 153a.

[0094] The extract stored in the additional storage container 158 contains relatively small amounts of active ingredients, so it can be used in animal feed or as an additive for animal or plant nutrients.

[0095] The functions and effects of the various configurations described above will be explained.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum extractor 100, which improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit, opens the inlet 114 of the extraction chamber 110 and simultaneously introduces the raw materials and solvents for extracting the extract.

[0097] When the raw materials and solvents are added, the extraction chamber 110 is covered and sealed, and the extraction chamber 110 is heated by the chamber heating unit.

[0098] The chamber heating section supplies steam, which is the heat medium generated by the heat medium heater 120, to the medium space through the medium supply port 117 of the heating jacket 115. The steam is heated in the form of heat exchange between the steam and the extraction chamber 110. The steam that has undergone heat exchange in the medium space is discharged through the medium discharge port 118, and then recirculated through the medium recovery pipeline and supplied to the heat medium heater 120.

[0099] While heating the extraction chamber 110 through the chamber heating unit, in order to improve the extraction efficiency of the effective components in the raw material, the vacuum treatment unit 130 draws in the air inside the extraction chamber 110 and discharges it, thus maintaining a vacuum state inside the extraction chamber 110.

[0100] At this time, when the vacuum processing unit 130 draws air into the extraction chamber 110 through the vacuum pump 137, it also draws in the extract mixed with the vapor. The extract is then extracted for the first time through the first cooler 131 and then extracted a second time through the cyclone tank 132. The extract recovered from the first cooler 131 and the cyclone tank 132 flows back into the extraction chamber 110 through the recovery pipe 133, and the vapor in the cyclone tank 132 is cooled a third time when it passes through the second cooler 134, thereby recovering the extract.

[0101] The recovered extract is stored in a recovery tank 135 located below the second cooler 134 and is recovered through three stages.

[0102] In addition, the stirrer 140 is operated while a vacuum is generated inside the extraction chamber 110 by the vacuum treatment unit 130.

[0103] When the stirrer 140 rotates the stirring shaft 143 via the stirring motor 145, the lower stirring blades 141 rotate, causing the raw material deposited in the lower part of the extraction chamber 110 to float to the surface.

[0104] In addition, the floating raw material is moved upward by the upper and lower stirring screws 147 formed along the length of the stirring shaft 143 and moves to the upper part of the extraction chamber 110. The raw material that has moved to the upper part diffuses outward and downward again, thereby moving back to the center where the upper and lower stirring screws 147 are located, so as to form a circulating airflow that circulates inside the extraction chamber 110.

[0105] As described above, in the extraction chamber 110, when the extract is extracted from the raw material within a preset time, the extract outlet 112 of the extraction chamber 110 is opened and the extract is recovered.

[0106] Of course, when recovering the extract, the operation of vacuum pump 137 can be stopped, the heating of the chamber heating section can be stopped, and the operation of stirrer 140 can also be stopped.

[0107] If the extract is recovered, the conveying device 150 is activated to process the residue in the extraction chamber 110.

[0108] When the conveying device 150 is started, the conveying shaft 155 rotates through the conveying motor 156, and then the conveying screw 151 rotates. When the conveying screw 151 rotates, the residue will be conveyed to the outside of the conveying pipe 154 through the conveying screw 151.

[0109] At this time, the mixer 140 is operated and the lower mixing blades 141 sweep the residue located in the lower part of the extraction chamber 110 into the bottom plate outlet 119a. Then the conveying screw 151 rotates and discharges the residue.

[0110] Here, when the conveyor shaft 155 rotates via the conveyor motor 156, the vacuum shield plate 163, which seals the extrusion hole 161c together with the conveyor shaft 155, will rotate by a preset angle, thereby opening the extrusion hole 161c.

[0111] The residue conveyed by the conveying device 150 passes through the first screw section 152, and the extract is further extracted by squeezing out the solvent contained in the residue through the residue extraction section 160 located at the end of the first screw section 152.

[0112] The residue from the residue extraction section 160 passes through the extrusion plate 161 through the extrusion hole 161c, thereby discharging the solvent contained in the residue. The solvent is discharged through the first additional discharge port 152a and stored in the additional storage container 158 through the additional discharge pipe 157.

[0113] The residue passing through the extrusion hole 161c is compressed as it passes through the extrusion hole 161c, which may result in a relatively higher hardness. Therefore, the residue passing through the extrusion hole 161c will be cut by the rotary cutter 165, and the heat medium remaining in the chamber heating section as it passes through the extrusion hole 161c will be supplied to the additional solvent supply port 161d of the extrusion plate 161 through the branch recovery line 121.

[0114] The hot medium used to supply the solvent to the additional solvent supply port 161d is dispersed to each extrusion hole 161c through the connecting flow channel 161f formed inside the extrusion plate 161, and is sprayed through the solvent spray nozzle portion 161e formed on the outer edge of each extrusion hole 161c, so that the solvent is absorbed by the residue passing through the extrusion hole 161c, thereby breaking down the tissue to weaken its strength.

[0115] On the other hand, the residue after passing through the residue extraction section 160 enters the second screw section 153, and since the second screw section 153 has a smaller thread spacing than the first screw section 152, the residue is compressed, thereby causing the solvent absorbed by the residue to be discharged again.

[0116] Although in minute quantities, the solvent absorbed by the residue will be extracted along with the extract and discharged through the second additional outlet 153a, while the discharged extract flows into the additional storage container 158 through the additional discharge pipe 157 and mixes with the solvent discharged through the first additional outlet 152a.

[0117] In addition, the residue after passing through the second screw section 153 is finally discharged to the residue discharge port 154a through the extract discharge port 112.

[0118] On the other hand, when the residue is processed and the extract is extracted again with new raw materials, the conveyor shaft 155 is rotated several times in the opposite direction to the discharge direction of the residue. When the conveyor shaft 155 rotates in the opposite direction, the vacuum shield plate 163, which is magnetically connected to the conveyor shaft 155, rotates together with the conveyor shaft 155, thereby sealing the extrusion hole 161c.

[0119] At this time, due to the rotation limiting part, the vacuum shield plate 163 only rotates at a preset angle, while the conveyor shaft 155 will slide and rotate.

[0120] After rotating the conveyor shaft 155 in the direction of sealing the extrusion hole 161c of the vacuum shield plate 163, in order to confirm the state of the vacuum shield plate 163 sealing the extrusion hole 161c, the heat medium supplied to the heating jacket 115 is supplied to the extrusion plate 161 through the branch recovery line 121.

[0121] In addition, by opening the auxiliary discharge valve 157b of the second auxiliary discharge port 153a, it can be determined whether the hot medium injected from the extrusion plate 161 is discharged through the second auxiliary discharge port 153a, and the sealing status of the vacuum shield plate 163 on the extrusion hole 161c can be confirmed. If the hot medium is discharged through the second auxiliary discharge port 153a, it can be determined that the extrusion hole 161c is not sealed, and maintenance can be carried out.

[0122] To verify the effect of vacuum extraction and non-vacuum extraction on the extraction efficiency of active ingredients, the applicant used red ginseng (1 ton) extracted by conventional and known concentration extraction and vacuum extraction according to the example as raw materials, and repeatedly measured the extraction content of active ingredients (ginsenosides) relative to the weight of the raw materials. The results showed that conventional non-vacuum extraction yielded approximately 10% to 12%, while vacuum extraction yielded approximately 15% to 18%, improving the extraction performance by about 5% to 10%.

[0123] Therefore, in the vacuum extractor 100 that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the extract is extracted by vacuum, not only can the extraction performance be further improved compared to a non-vacuum state, but the extract contained in the vapor drawn in to form a vacuum can also be recovered in the vacuum treatment unit 130, thereby improving the extraction performance of the extract.

[0124] Furthermore, in this invention, since the extract is recovered from the steam multiple times in the vacuum processing unit 130 through the first cooler 131, the cyclone tank 132, and the second cooler 134, the recovery efficiency of the extract can be improved, thereby increasing the amount of extract extracted.

[0125] In addition, in this invention, a lower stirring blade 141 and an upper and lower stirring screw 147 are installed simultaneously in the stirrer 140 to form an overall circulating airflow inside the extraction chamber 110, thereby improving the extraction performance of the extract by increasing the stirring efficiency of the raw materials and solvent.

[0126] In addition, in this invention, a conveying device 150 is installed in the extraction chamber 110, which makes it easy to handle a relatively large amount of residue, and by quickly processing the residue and extracting it again, the production efficiency of the extract can be improved.

[0127] Furthermore, in this invention, a residue extraction section 160 is provided in the conveying device 150, and the residue extraction section 160 further extracts the residual extract in the residue by squeezing, thereby improving the extraction performance of the extract and increasing the utilization rate of the extract.

[0128] Furthermore, in this invention, the residue is squeezed by the extrusion plate 161 of the residue extraction section 160 in the first screw section 152 of the conveying device 150, thereby extracting the extract contained in the residue for the first time. And while the second screw section 153 supplies an additional solvent, the extract contained in the residue is further extracted, thereby improving the extraction performance of the extract.

[0129] Furthermore, in this invention, by spraying solvent onto the residue squeezed in the first screw section 152 to break down the tissue, and by cutting it with a rotary cutter 165 to transfer it to the second screw section 153, the discharge process can be carried out quickly by preventing the load on the second screw section 153 from increasing, and the occurrence of failures caused by the increase in load can be minimized.

[0130] Furthermore, in this invention, by using the heat medium supplied to the chamber heating section as a solvent supplied to the second screw section 153, energy waste can be minimized by improving the recycling rate of the heat medium.

[0131] In addition, in this invention, by overlapping the vacuum shield plate 163 on the extrusion plate 161 and shielding or deshielding according to the operation of the conveying device 150, the inflow of external air can be easily blocked by the conveying device 150, thereby improving the vacuum level of the extraction chamber 110.

[0132] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. It should include all changes and modifications that can be easily altered by those skilled in the art through the embodiments of the present invention and are considered equivalent.

Claims

1. A vacuum extractor that improves extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section, characterized in that, include: Extraction chamber, through which extracts are extracted from raw materials using solvents; The chamber heating section heats the extraction chamber via a heat medium to improve extraction performance by heating the raw material; and The vacuum processing unit generates a vacuum in the extraction chamber to facilitate the extraction of the extract from the raw material, while simultaneously recovering the extract contained in the intake air using a vacuum pump. The vacuum processing unit further includes: The first cooler cools the air and recovers the extract when air is drawn in by the vacuum pump to create a vacuum in the extraction chamber; Cyclone tank, which generates a cyclone and uses the cyclone to recover extracts contained in the air passing through the first cooler; The second cooler further cools the extract contained in the air passing through the cyclone tank and recovers the extract; and The recovery tank stores the extract recovered from the second cooler.

2. The vacuum extractor for improving extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extraction chamber includes a stirrer, which stirs the raw materials and solvent inside the extraction chamber. The stirrer includes: The lower stirring blades stir the lower part of the extraction chamber; and The upper and lower stirring screws are mounted on the stirring shaft. As the stirring shaft rotates, the raw materials and solvents are transported from the lower part to the upper part of the extraction chamber for stirring, so as to make the raw materials located in the lower part of the extraction chamber float to the upper part to improve the stirring performance.

3. The vacuum extractor for improving extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: A conveying device, comprising a conveying screw installed in the extraction chamber, which, while rotating, conveys and discharges the residue of the remaining raw material after the extraction of the extract to the outside of the extraction chamber.

4. The vacuum extractor for improving extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying screw includes: The residue flows from the extraction chamber into the first screw section; The second screw section is continuous with the first screw section and extends outward from the extraction chamber; and The residue extraction unit is located between the first screw section and the second screw section, and squeezes the residue conveyed from the first screw section to extract the residual extract from the residue.

5. The vacuum extractor for improving extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section according to claim 4, characterized in that, The residue extraction unit includes: An extrusion plate having multiple extrusion holes, through which residue is extruded from the first screw portion to the second screw portion and passes; and A rotary cutter cuts through the compressed residue passing through the extrusion hole to reduce the load on the second screw section.

6. The vacuum extractor for improving extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section according to claim 5, characterized in that, include: A vacuum shield plate is stacked on the extrusion plate and opens or closes the extrusion hole according to the rotation direction of the conveying screw to prevent external gas from flowing in through the conveying device and causing the vacuum in the extraction chamber to be released.

7. The vacuum extractor for improving extraction performance through a vacuum treatment unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The extrusion plate includes a solvent spray nozzle that sprays additional solvent onto the residue passing through the extrusion orifice, so as to further extrude and extract the extract contained in the residue.

8. The vacuum extractor for improving extraction performance through a vacuum treatment section according to claim 7, characterized in that, The chamber heating section includes a branch recovery line that supplies a portion of the heat medium supplied to the chamber heating section for heat exchange to the extrusion plate for use as the additional solvent.

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