koji maker

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of fermentation brewing equipment, and particularly relates to a koji making machine. The koji making machine comprises: a disc, which comprises a disc body, an inner ring and an outer ring, and the inner ring and the outer ring are arranged at the inner circle and the outer circle of the disc body respectively; and a discharging mechanism, which is arranged above the disc body and is arranged in a rotatable manner relative to the disc, and the discharging mechanism is used for lifting the material on the disc to above the inner ring and / or the outer ring and conveying the lifted material out of the disc. Based on this, the discharging of the ring groove-shaped disc can be conveniently realized, and the discharging problem of the ring groove-shaped disc can be effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of fermentation and brewing equipment, and in particular to a koji making machine. Background Art

[0002] Koji making machines are commonly used in the fermentation and brewing process. They typically include a circular disc on which materials are placed for fermentation. Some koji making machines feature circular grooves with inner and outer rings, respectively, preventing materials from falling through the center or outer edges. This makes them particularly suitable for fermenting liquid materials. However, with these discs, discharging the materials presents a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure aims to solve the problem of discharging materials from a koji-making machine having a ring-grooved disc.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present disclosure provides a koji making machine, comprising:

[0005] A disc comprising a disc body, an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring are respectively arranged on the inner ring and the outer ring of the disc body; and

[0006] The discharging mechanism is arranged above the disc body and is rotatable relative to the disc. The discharging mechanism is used to lift the material on the disc to above the inner ring and / or outer ring and transport the lifted material to the outside of the disc.

[0007] In some embodiments, the discharge mechanism includes a conveyor and a material lifting mechanism, the axis of the conveyor is located above the inner ring and / or outer ring, and the material lifting mechanism lifts the material on the disc onto the conveyor so that the conveyor transports the lifted material radially along the disc to the outside of the disc.

[0008] In some embodiments, the material lifting mechanism is arranged to be liftable relative to the disc, and the discharging mechanism includes a discharging lifting mechanism, which is driven and connected to the material lifting mechanism and drives the material lifting mechanism to rise and fall between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the material lifting mechanism contacts the material on the disc, and when in the second position, the material lifting mechanism is separated from the material on the disc.

[0009] In some embodiments, the material lifting mechanism includes an elevator and a material guide plate, which are arranged obliquely on one circumferential side of the conveyor. The material guide plate is located between the elevator and the conveyor. The elevator is used to lift the material on the disc along the material guide plate to the conveyor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elevator is arranged to be liftable relative to the material guide plate, and the discharging mechanism includes a discharging lifting mechanism, which is driven and connected to the material lifting mechanism and drives the elevator to be lifted and lowered relative to the material guide plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the elevator includes a scraper conveyor or a vacuum suction mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, the disc is rotatably disposed, or alternatively, the disc is non-rotatably disposed.

[0013] In some embodiments, a discharge port is provided at the center of the disc body, and the discharge mechanism transports the lifted material to the discharge port.

[0014] In some embodiments, a chamber is provided inside the disc, and the koji making machine includes a first heat exchange system, which is connected to the chamber and introduces a heat exchange fluid into the chamber to regulate the temperature of the material by utilizing heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and the material on the disc.

[0015] In some embodiments, the chamber includes at least one of the following:

[0016] A first cavity is provided inside the disc body;

[0017] a second cavity, disposed inside the outer ring;

[0018] The third cavity is arranged inside the inner ring.

[0019] In some embodiments, the chamber includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber is connected to the first chamber, and the heat exchange fluid provided by the first heat exchange system flows from the first chamber to the second chamber and flows out of the second chamber to the outside of the disk.

[0020] In some embodiments, the interior of the first chamber is divided into at least two heat exchange chambers, and an inlet and an outlet are provided on the bottom wall of each heat exchange chamber, and the inlet and outlet are respectively used for heat exchange fluid to flow into and out of the first chamber.

[0021] In some embodiments, the disc is rotatably arranged, the chamber includes a first cavity arranged inside the disc body, the first heat exchange system includes a first shell and a second shell, the first shell is arranged on the disc body and rotates with the disc body, the second shell is connected to the bottom of the first shell and is rotatably arranged relative to the first shell, the first shell is provided with an inlet ring groove and a discharge ring groove separated from each other, and the second shell is provided with an inlet port and a discharge port separated from each other, the inlet port is connected to the first cavity through the inlet ring groove, and the discharge port is connected to the first cavity through the discharge ring groove, so that the heat exchange fluid enters the first cavity through the inlet port and the inlet ring groove, and after flowing through the disc, flows out to the outside from the discharge ring groove and the discharge port.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inlet annular groove is located radially inward of the outlet annular groove.

[0023] In some embodiments, a first partition plate and a second partition plate are provided in the first cavity. The first partition plate extends radially along the disk and is spaced apart from the inner ring. The second partition plate is located on one side of the first partition plate along the circumference of the disk and separates the space of the first cavity located on one side of the first partition plate along the circumference of the disk. An inlet and an outlet are provided on the bottom wall of the first cavity. The inlet and the outlet are connected to the inlet ring groove and the outlet ring groove respectively. The inlet and the inlet ring groove and the outlet and the outlet ring groove are located on opposite sides of the second partition plate radially along the disk.

[0024] In some embodiments, the chamber includes a second chamber arranged inside the outer ring, the second chamber is connected to the first chamber, and the first partition is in contact with the outer ring, so that the heat exchange fluid flowing into the first chamber from the inlet flows to the outlet through the second chamber; or, the second chamber is not arranged in the outer ring, and a gap is provided between the first partition and the outer ring, so that the heat exchange fluid flowing into the first chamber from the inlet flows to the outlet through the gap between the first partition and the outer ring.

[0025] In some embodiments, a baffle is provided in the chamber to guide the heat exchange fluid entering the chamber to perform baffled flow.

[0026] In some embodiments, the koji making machine includes at least one of the following:

[0027] The second heat exchange system includes a liquid storage tank, which is arranged below the disc and is used to hold liquid, and the disc is at least partially immersed in the liquid in the liquid storage tank;

[0028] a temperature regulating device including a heat exchanger rotatably arranged relative to the disc and extending into the material on the disc;

[0029] The spraying device is used to spray liquid onto the material on the disc and / or the discharge mechanism.

[0030] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the discharging mechanism can lift the material to above the inner ring and / or outer ring of the disc and then transport it, the discharging of the ring-grooved disc can be conveniently realized, effectively solving the discharging problem of the ring-grooved disc.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic top view of the koji making machine in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the koji making machine in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 The structure of the disk in the first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of the discharging mechanism on the disc in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a partial longitudinal section.

[0038] Figure 6-Figure 8 Both Figure 5 The side view shows the status of the discharging mechanism when discharging, not working and turning over.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic top view of the feeding mechanism on the disc in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of longitudinal section.

[0041] Figure 11 This is the first variation of the feeding mechanism.

[0042] Figure 12 This is the second variation of the feeding mechanism.

[0043] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the temperature control device on the disc in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 14 for Figure 13 The structure of the heat exchanger.

[0045] Figure 15 for Figure 14 AA cross-sectional view.

[0046] Figure 16 This is a first variation of the heat exchanger.

[0047] Figure 17 for Figure 16 BB cross-section diagram.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a second variation of the heat exchanger.

[0049] Figure 19 for Figure 18 CC cross-sectional view.

[0050] Figure 20 This is a third variation of the heat exchanger.

[0051] Figure 21 for Figure 20 DD cross-sectional diagram.

[0052] Figure 22 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the turntable mechanism on the disc in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 23 This is a schematic top view of the first transmission mechanism and the first supporting wheel on the disc in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 24 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the ventilation device in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 25 for Figure 24 Schematic top view of .

[0056] Figure 26 This is a first variation of the ventilation device.

[0057] Figure 27 for Figure 26 Schematic top view of .

[0058] Figure 28 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first heat exchange system in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 29 Show Figure 28 The first heat exchange system and disc in.

[0060] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path when the disc body is provided with a second cavity in the outer ring.

[0061] Figure 31 for Figure 30 A partial enlarged schematic diagram.

[0062] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path when the disc body is not provided with a second cavity in the outer ring.

[0063] Figure 33 for Figure 32 A partial enlarged schematic diagram.

[0064] Figure 34 Schematic diagram of the layout of the second heat exchange system in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 35 It is a schematic top view of the koji making machine in the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 36 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the koji making machine in the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 37 for Figure 36 A partial enlarged schematic diagram.

[0068] Figure 38 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the rotating frame and the rotating frame mechanism on the disc in the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 39 Schematic top view of the rotating frame and the rotating frame mechanism on the disc in the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 40 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the first heat exchange system in the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 41 for Figure 40 Schematic diagram of the flow path on the center plate.

[0072] Description of reference numerals:

[0073] 10. Koji making machine; 20. Materials;

[0074] 1. Disc; 11. Disc body; 12. Inner ring; 13. Outer ring; 14. Discharge port; 15. Chamber; 151. First chamber; 152. Second chamber; 153. Heat exchange chamber; 154. First baffle; 155. Second baffle; 156. Baffle; 157. Inlet; 158. Outlet; 15a. First space; 15b. Second space

[0075] 2. Discharging mechanism; 21. Conveyor; 22. Discharging lifting mechanism; 23. Screw conveyor; 24. Scraper conveyor; 25. Spraying device; 251. Liquid spray pipe; 26. Elevator; 27. Guide plate; 28. Material lifting mechanism;

[0076] 3. Feed mechanism; 31. First conveying device; 32. Second conveying device; 33. Feed rack; 34. Feed port; 35. Material distribution port; 36. Belt conveyor; 37. Screw conveyor; 38. Scraper conveyor; 39. Roller;

[0077] 5. Temperature control device; 51. Heat exchanger; 52. Main pipe; 53. Branch pipe; 54. Heat exchange medium inlet; 55. Heat exchange medium outlet; 56. Protrusion; 57. Bracket;

[0078] 61. Turntable mechanism; 611. Turntable drive mechanism; 612. First transmission mechanism; 613. First supporting roller; 614. Center bearing;

[0079] 7. Ventilation device; 71. Fan; 72. Air duct; 73. Heat exchanger; 74. Regulating valve; 75. Window; 76. Air inlet; 77. Air outlet; 78. Koji making room;

[0080] 81. First heat exchange system; 811. First shell; 812. Second shell; 813. Inlet ring groove; 814. Exhaust ring groove; 815. Sealing ring; 816. Bearing; 817. Control valve; 818. Inlet port; 819. Exhaust port; 81a. Inlet pipe; 81b. Exhaust pipe;

[0081] 82. Second heat exchange system; 821. Liquid storage tank; 822. Liquid level gauge; 823. Liquid inlet valve; 824. Liquid outlet valve;

[0082] 91. Frame; 92. Rotating frame; 93. Rotating frame mechanism; 931. Frame driving mechanism; 932. Second transmission mechanism; 933. Second supporting roller; 934. Self-aligning bearing; 935. Track. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without carrying out creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0084] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0085] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the use of words such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above words have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0086] In the description of the present disclosure, it needs to be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships when the koji making machine is normally placed, wherein the direction same as gravity is considered up, and the direction opposite to gravity is considered down; the directional words "inside, outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0087] In addition, the technical features involved in different embodiments of the present disclosure described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0088] Figure 1-Figure 41 The structure of the koji making machine disclosed in the present invention is shown as an example. In order to clearly illustrate each structure, some structures are simplified or omitted in some figures.

[0089] See also Figure 1-41 The koji making machine 10 includes a disc 1, a discharging mechanism 2, a feeding mechanism 3 and a frame 91.

[0090] Disc 1 is used to hold material 20 and provide a fermentation environment for material 20. Discharge mechanism 2 is used to transport brewed or fermented material 20 from disc 1 to a designated location in the downstream process. Feed mechanism 3 is used to deliver fermented material 20 into disc 1. Frame 91 provides support for disc 1.

[0091] The disc 1 is arranged on the frame 91 and supported by the frame 91. The discharging mechanism 2 and the feeding mechanism 3 are arranged above the disc 1 and are rotatable relative to the disc 1, so as to realize the discharging and feeding of the disc 1 in the entire circumference by utilizing the relative rotation between the discharging mechanism 2 and the feeding mechanism 3 and the disc 1. In order to realize the relative rotation between the discharging mechanism 2 and the feeding mechanism 3 and the disc 1, the disc 1 can be rotated while the discharging mechanism 2 and the feeding mechanism 3 do not rotate, or the discharging mechanism 2 and the feeding mechanism 3 can be rotated while the disc 1 does not rotate. Here, the rotation of the disc 1, the discharging mechanism 2 and the feeding mechanism 3 refers to the rotation around the longitudinal geometric center line of the disc 1. The longitudinal geometric center line of the disc 1 is also referred to as the longitudinal rotation axis hereinafter.

[0092] Among them, see Figure 2-3 In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the disc 1 includes a disc body 11, an inner ring 12, and an outer ring 13. The inner ring 12 and the outer ring 13 are respectively arranged on the inner and outer rings of the disc body 11, and both extend upward from the disc body 11 to form the inner and outer walls of the disc 1, so that the disc 1 as a whole is in the shape of an annular groove.

[0093] Compared to the non-grooved discs 1 of the related art, the grooved disc 1 has a wider range of applications. This is because the grooved disc 1 can be used not only for the fermentation of solid materials, but also for the fermentation of liquid or solid-liquid mixed materials, providing a foundation for the fermentation of liquid-containing materials. When the disc 1 is grooved, its outer ring 13 and inner ring 12 act as a barrier to the material 20, preventing it from falling from the outer or inner edges of the disc body 11. In particular, when the material 20 contains liquid, the outer ring 13 and inner ring 12 prevent the material 20 from flowing radially inward or outward to the exterior of the disc body 11. This facilitates the fermentation and brewing of the material 20, especially liquid-containing materials 20.

[0094] However, the disc 1 with an annular groove has the problem of difficulty in discharging. The disc 1 that is not in the shape of an annular groove can conveniently discharge the material from the radial side of the disc 1. For example, for the disc 1 that does not include the outer ring 13, the discharging method of discharging the material from the radial outside (which can be called the outer ring discharging method) is usually adopted, that is, the discharging mechanism 2 will transport the material toward the radial outside of the disc 1 after the fermentation is completed, and discharge the material from the radial outside of the disc 1. Since the outer ring 13 is not provided on the outer ring of the disc body 11, under the action of the discharging mechanism 2, the material 20 can fall directly from the outer edge of the disc body 11, realizing the outer ring discharging. However, for the disc 1 with an annular groove, since the outer edge and inner edge of the disc body 11 are respectively provided with the outer ring 13 and the inner ring 12, the outer ring 13 and the inner ring 12 will block the discharge of the material 20. Therefore, it is difficult to directly use the conventional discharging mechanism 2 to discharge the material from the radial side of the disc body 11.

[0095] Conventional discharge mechanisms 2 typically utilize a screw or scraper conveyor for material discharge. When material is required, the screw or scraper conveyor contacts the disc 11 and rotates about its axis to convey material 20. This conventional discharge mechanism 2 can successfully discharge material from discs 1 that are not grooved. However, for grooved discs 1, the material being conveyed by the screw or scraper conveyor is blocked by the inner and outer rings 12, 13 during discharge, hindering smooth material discharge.

[0096] It can be seen that the discharging problem is an important issue that restricts the development of ring-grooved disc-type koji making machines and needs to be solved urgently.

[0097] For the above situation, see Figure 2-8 In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the discharging mechanism 2 is configured to lift the material 20 on the disc 1 to above the inner ring 12 and / or the outer ring 13 , and to transport the lifted material 20 to the outside of the disc 1 .

[0098] Since the discharging mechanism 2 can lift the material 20 to above the inner ring 12 and / or the outer ring 13, the material 20 is no longer blocked by the inner ring 12 and / or the outer ring 13, and can be smoothly transported to the outside of the disc 1 to realize the discharging process.

[0099] It can be seen that the discharging mechanism 2 provided can cleverly solve the discharging problem of the annular groove disc, which is conducive to the promotion and application of the annular groove disc and facilitates the fermentation and brewing of liquid materials.

[0100] Since the discharging mechanism 2 is provided, the automatic discharging of the annular grooved disc can be smoothly realized without changing the structure of the disc 1 itself, the structure is relatively simple. Moreover, since there is no need to provide a discharging door on the disc 1, the disc 1 can maintain better integrity, achieve better sealing performance, and more reliably prevent material leakage, which is especially important for the fermentation and brewing of liquid materials.

[0101] In addition, the discharging mechanism 2 is used to realize the discharging of the annular groove disc. There is no special requirement on whether the disc 1 rotates. It can be applied to the case where the disc 1 rotates or not, and has a wide range of applications.

[0102] As an embodiment of the discharging mechanism 2, see Figure 4-8 The discharge mechanism 2 includes a conveyor 21 and a material lifting mechanism 28. The axis of the conveyor 21 (i.e., the rotation centerline of the conveyor 21 itself) is located above the inner ring 12 and / or the outer ring 13. The material lifting mechanism 28 lifts the material 20 on the disc 1 onto the conveyor 21, so that the conveyor 21 can transport the lifted material 20 radially out of the disc 1. Figure 4-5 The conveyor 21 may be a screw conveyor 23 or other types of conveying mechanisms such as a scraper conveyor 24 .

[0103] In the above arrangement, the lifting and conveying of the material 20 are accomplished by the material lifting mechanism 28 and the conveyor 21, respectively. When unloading is required, the material 20 is first lifted onto the conveyor 21 by the material lifting mechanism 28, and then conveyed by the conveyor 21. Because the axis of the conveyor 21 is located above the inner ring 12 and / or outer ring 13, as the conveyor 21 rotates about its axis, it conveys the material 20 radially along the disk 1 to above the inner ring 12 and / or outer ring 13. This allows the material 20 to fall smoothly from the inner ring 12 or outer ring 13, unimpeded by the inner ring 12 and / or outer ring 13, for unloading.

[0104] It can be seen that based on the cooperation between the material lifting mechanism 28 and the conveyor 21, the lifting and conveying functions of the material 20 by the discharge mechanism 2 can be smoothly realized.

[0105] In order to realize the material lifting function of the material lifting mechanism 28, the material lifting mechanism 28 can adopt various structural forms.

[0106] For example, in some embodiments, the material lifting mechanism 28 may include a vacuum suction mechanism (not shown in the figure), which is used to vacuum-suction the material 20 to achieve lifting of the material 20. Exemplarily, the vacuum suction mechanism includes a vacuum pump and a suction member (e.g., a suction pipe). The suction member contacts the material 20, and the vacuum pump draws a vacuum inside the suction member, driving the material 20 through the suction member to the conveyor 21, thereby achieving lifting of the material 20.

[0107] For example, see Figure 4-8 In some embodiments, the material lifting mechanism 28 includes an elevator 26 and a material guide plate 27. The elevator 26 and the material guide plate 27 are arranged obliquely on one circumferential side of the conveyor 21. The material guide plate 27 is located between the elevator 26 and the conveyor 21. The elevator 26 is used to lift the material 20 on the disc 1 along the material guide plate 27 to the conveyor 21.

[0108] In the above arrangement, the material lifting mechanism 28 utilizes the cooperation of the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 to achieve the lifting of the material 20. Since the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are arranged obliquely on one side of the circumference of the conveyor 21, and the guide plate 27 is located between the elevator 26 and the conveyor 21, Figure 6 When the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are in contact with the material 20 and the elevator 26 is running, the elevator 26 can drive the material 20 to move obliquely upward along the guide plate 27, gradually approaching the conveyor 21, and finally falling onto the conveyor 21, thereby lifting the material 20.

[0109] For example, Figure 4-8 As shown, the elevator 26 includes a scraper conveyor 24, so that the elevator 26 can use the scraper of the scraper conveyor 24 to drive the material 20 to rise. Of course, as an alternative, the elevator 26 can also be a vacuum suction mechanism or other conveying mechanism that can lift the material 20 onto the conveyor 21.

[0110] When the material lifting mechanism 28 adopts the above-mentioned structure including the elevator 26 and the material guide plate 27, it is convenient to realize different functions by controlling the relationship between the elevator 26 and the material guide plate 27. For example, the material turning function can be realized by controlling the relative lifting of the elevator 26 and the material guide plate 27.

[0111] Specifically, see Figure 8 In some embodiments, the elevator 26 is arranged to be liftable relative to the guide plate 27, and the discharging mechanism 2 includes a discharging lifting mechanism 22, which is driven by the material lifting mechanism 28 and drives the elevator 26 to rise and fall relative to the guide plate 27.

[0112] Based on the above settings, Figure 8As shown, under the action of the discharge lifting mechanism 22, the elevator 26 can be lowered relative to the guide plate 27, so that the elevator 26 contacts the material 20, while the guide plate 27 does not contact the material 20. In this case, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the guide plate 27 no longer guides the material 20 to move toward the conveyor 21. Therefore, when the elevator 26 is running, the material 20 is no longer conveyed obliquely upward, but rolls in the disc 1 to achieve the turning function. That is to say, at this time, the elevator 26 no longer cooperates with the guide plate 27 to achieve the discharging function, but becomes a turning mechanism alone to turn and stir the material 20 in the disc 1 to achieve the turning function.

[0113] It can be seen that by raising and lowering the elevator 26 relative to the guide plate 27, the function of the discharge mechanism 2 can be enriched, so that the discharge mechanism 2 not only has the discharge function, but also has the function of turning the material, thus serving two purposes in one machine. In this case, since the turning function can be achieved by using the discharge mechanism 2, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated turning mechanism, which is conducive to simplifying the structure of the koji making machine 10 and saving equipment costs.

[0114] In addition, in order to facilitate the discharge mechanism 2 to meet the different needs of different production stages, see Figure 6-7 In each of the above-described embodiments, the material lifting mechanism 28 can be arranged to be raised and lowered relative to the disc 1, and the discharge mechanism 2 can include a discharge lifting mechanism 22. The discharge lifting mechanism 22 is drivably connected to the material lifting mechanism 28 and drives the material lifting mechanism 28 to rise and fall between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are in contact with the material on the disc 1. In the second position, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are separated from the material on the disc 1. For example, if the material lifting mechanism 28 includes the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27, the discharge lifting mechanism 22 can drive the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 to rise and fall together between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are in contact with the material 20 on the disc 1. In the second position, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are separated from the material 20 on the disc 1.

[0115] By controlling the lifting and lowering of the material lifting mechanism 28, it is possible to control whether the material lifting mechanism 28 contacts the material 20, and further control whether the material lifting mechanism 28 lifts the material 20, so as to meet different requirements in the discharging stage and the non-discharging stage.

[0116] in, Figure 6The material lifting mechanism 28 is shown in its first position. As shown in FIG6 , when the material lifting mechanism 28 is in the first position, the material lifting mechanism 28 contacts the material 20 on the disc 1 . At this point, the material lifting mechanism 28 operates to lift the material 20, causing it to fall onto the conveyor 21 above the inner ring 12 and / or outer ring 13 .

[0117] Figure 7 2 shows the state when the material lifting mechanism 28 is in the second position. Figure 7 As shown, when the material lifting mechanism 28 is in the second position, it is at a higher position and is not in contact with the material 20 on the disc 1, but rather separated from the material 20 on the disc 1. At this point, even if the material lifting mechanism 28 is operating, it will not exert any effect on the material 20 and, therefore, will not lift the material 20. Because the material lifting mechanism 28 is at a higher position in this state and does not occupy the internal space of the disc 1, it does not affect the normal feeding or fermentation process, facilitating the smooth progress of the feeding or fermentation process.

[0118] It can be seen that by raising and lowering the material lifting mechanism 28, the different needs of the discharging process and the non-discharging process (such as the feeding process or the fermentation and brewing process) can be met, which facilitates the entire production process to proceed more smoothly.

[0119] Also, see Figure 4-8 In some embodiments, not only can the material lifting mechanism 28 be raised and lowered as a whole, but the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 in the material lifting mechanism 28 can also be raised and lowered separately. In this case, the material lifting mechanism 28 can meet the different needs of the discharging process and the non-discharging process (such as the feeding process or the fermentation and brewing process), and can also have both the discharging and turning functions, which is more conducive to simplifying the structure, saving costs, and improving production efficiency. At this time, the overall lifting and lowering of the material lifting mechanism 28, and the relative lifting and lowering of the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 can be driven by the same discharging lifting mechanism 22. Exemplarily, the discharging lifting mechanism 22 can include a first discharging lifting mechanism and a second discharging lifting mechanism, which are respectively connected to the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 to conveniently drive the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 to rise and fall simultaneously, or to rise and fall relative to each other.

[0120] In the aforementioned embodiments, the discharging mechanism 2 can either convey the material 20 to the radially outer side of the disc 1 for outer ring discharging, or convey the material 20 to the radially inner side of the disc 1 for center discharging.

[0121] For example, in some embodiments, the axis of the conveyor 21 is located above the outer ring 13, and the conveyor 21 conveys the material 20 radially outward of the disc 1. In this case, the discharge mechanism 2 lifts the material 20 onto the conveyor 21, and the conveyor 21 can then transport the material 20 to the radially outward side of the disc 1 for outer ring discharge.

[0122] For another example, in some embodiments, the axis of conveyor 21 is located above inner ring 12, and conveyor 21 conveys material 20 radially inward of disk 1. In this case, the discharge mechanism 2 lifts material 20 onto conveyor 21, which then transports material 20 radially inward of disk 1 for central discharge. In this case, a discharge port 14 can be provided at the center of disk body 11, allowing material 20 transported radially inward of disk 1 by conveyor 21 to fall through discharge port 14, achieving central discharge.

[0123] For another example, in some embodiments, the tops of the outer ring 13 and the inner ring 12 of the disc 1 are flush, that is, the tops of the outer ring 13 and the inner ring 12 are at the same height. In this case, when the axis of the conveyor 21 is located above one of the outer ring 13 and the inner ring 12, it is also located above the other of the outer ring 13 and the inner ring 12. In other words, the axis of the conveyor 21 is located above both the outer ring 13 and the inner ring 12. At this time, the conveyor 21 can either convey toward the radial outside of the disc 1 to realize the outer ring discharging method, or convey toward the radial inside of the disc 1 to realize the center discharging method.

[0124] Compared with the outer ring discharging method, the inner ring discharging method is simpler and more convenient, especially when the discharging mechanism 2 rotates around the longitudinal centerline of the disc 1, the inner ring discharging method is more convenient. Because when the discharging mechanism 2 rotates around the longitudinal centerline of the disc 1, the inner ring discharging method is more convenient for receiving materials.

[0125] Specifically, when the discharging mechanism 2 rotates around the longitudinal center line of the disc 1, if the outer ring discharging method is adopted, the material will fall from the entire circumference of the outer ring. However, since the outer ring diameter of the disc body 11 is much larger than the inner ring diameter, the outer ring 13 is much larger than the inner ring 12. Therefore, the reception of the material at this time will become a problem. It may be necessary to arrange a material receiving device around the entire circumference of the outer ring under the outer ring 13 to receive the material 20 falling from the entire outer periphery, but this has the problems of high cost and large space.

[0126] Unlike the outer ring discharging method, since the inner ring diameter is smaller, the outlet 14 located at the center of the disc body 11 can be smaller. Therefore, no matter whether the disc 1 rotates relative to the discharging mechanism 2 or the discharging mechanism 2 rotates relative to the disc 1, it is very convenient to receive the material 20 falling from the discharging port 14. For example, when a receiving device such as a receiving tray is set below the discharging port 14 to receive the material, the receiving device only needs to have a smaller diameter, so the cost is lower and the floor space is smaller. Moreover, when discharging from the center, in addition to using a receiving device such as a receiving tray to receive the material, it is also possible to use a receiving device such as a receiving tray to receive the material below the discharging port 14. A discharge mechanism (such as a belt or a screw conveyor) connected to the discharge port 14 is provided to directly transport the material 20 toward the downstream process. In this case, the material 20 falling from the discharge port 14 can fall directly onto the discharge mechanism and be transported radially outward of the disc 1 by the discharge mechanism. In this process, since there is no need to set up a receiving tray, the ground space occupied by the receiving tray can be saved. Moreover, since the material 20 does not need to fall into the receiving tray first and then be transferred outward, it can be directly transported outward by the discharge mechanism. Therefore, material transportation is more convenient, and the connection between processes is closer, which is conducive to improving overall production efficiency.

[0127] Also, see Figure 5 In some embodiments, the koji making machine 10 includes a spraying device 25, which is used to spray liquid onto the material 20 on the disc 1 and / or the discharging mechanism 2.

[0128] The spraying device 25 is used to spray liquid onto the material 20 on the disc 1, so as to meet the fermentation, brewing and transportation requirements of the material when needed. For example, some materials 20 need to be added with water or other liquids during the fermentation and brewing process in order to ferment well. Therefore, the spraying device 25 is used to spray liquid onto the material 20 on the disc 1, which can better meet the process requirements of the fermentation and brewing of these materials 20. For another example, some materials 20 are limited by their own characteristics. If they are not diluted, they will be difficult to transport. Therefore, the spraying device 25 is used to spray liquid onto the material 20 on the disc 1, which can better meet the transportation requirements of these materials 20. By diluting these materials 20, the transportation of these materials is facilitated, for example, the discharge of these materials 20 can be facilitated.

[0129] By using the spraying device 25 to spray liquid onto the discharging mechanism 2, the discharging mechanism 2 can be cleaned, which is beneficial to keeping the discharging mechanism 2 clean.

[0130] It can be seen that based on the provided spraying device 25, the requirements of the fermentation and brewing process, the material conveying process and the equipment cleaning process can be better met by spraying liquid onto the material 20 and / or the discharging mechanism 2.

[0131] Among them, the spraying device 25 can be set on the discharging mechanism 2, so that the spraying device 25 can conveniently spray liquid onto the discharging mechanism 2 when the discharging mechanism 2 needs to be cleaned, and can also conveniently spray liquid onto the material 20 during the fermentation and brewing process or the discharging process.

[0132] Furthermore, in the related art, during the fermentation and brewing process, only direct ventilation is typically used to regulate the temperature of the material 20. This temperature regulation method is relatively simple, and the temperature regulation effect needs to be improved, which affects the overall fermentation and brewing effect. To address this issue, the embodiments of the present disclosure further improve the temperature regulation method of the material 20, so that the temperature regulation method is no longer limited to direct ventilation heat exchange, but can also adopt indirect heat exchange to regulate the material temperature.

[0133] As one of the indirect heat exchange temperature control methods, see Figure 13 In some embodiments, the koji making machine 10 includes a temperature regulating device 5 , which includes a heat exchanger 51 . The heat exchanger 51 is rotatably arranged relative to the disc 1 and extends into the material 20 on the disc 1 .

[0134] The heat exchanger 51 is a heat exchanger with a heat exchange medium (such as water or other liquids) passing through it. Therefore, by extending it into the material 20, heat exchange between the material 20 and the heat exchange medium can be achieved, and the temperature of the material 20 can be adjusted to meet the temperature requirements of the fermentation and brewing process.

[0135] Furthermore, because the heat exchanger 51 and the disk 1 are rotatably arranged relative to each other, the heat exchanger 51 can regulate the temperature of the material 20 at different circumferential positions on the disk 1, thereby meeting the temperature control requirements of the material 20 on the entire disk 1. Furthermore, the relative rotation between the heat exchanger 51 and the disk 1 also creates relative motion between the heat exchanger 51 and the material 20, thus causing the heat exchanger 51 to stir the material 20 to a certain extent, thus enabling the heat exchanger 51 to perform both temperature control and material stirring functions.

[0136] As can be seen, based on the heat exchanger 51, the temperature control device 5 can implement an indirect heat exchange method, enriching the temperature control methods of the koji making machine 10, so that the koji making machine 10 is no longer limited to the temperature control method of direct ventilation heat exchange. Moreover, based on the heat exchanger 51, the temperature control device 5 can not only control the temperature of the material, but also turn the material, thus achieving dual functions in one machine and rich functions.

[0137] The temperature regulating device 5 can be raised or lowered relative to the disc 1 to control the temperature regulating device 5 to contact the material 20 only when needed.

[0138] Temperature control device 5 can achieve its stirring function solely through relative motion with disk 1. In this case, the stirring intensity of temperature control device 5 is less than that of a conventional stirring mechanism that both orbits relative to disk 1 and rotates about its own axis. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for materials 20 that are not suitable for vigorous stirring. For some materials 20, vigorous stirring during the fermentation process may affect the fermentation and brewing effect. In such cases, temperature control device 5 can be used to achieve the stirring function, meeting the material 20's requirement for a less intense stirring process.

[0139] When the koji making machine 10 includes both the temperature regulating device 5 and the material turning mechanism, the temperature regulating device 5 can be used together with the material turning mechanism to meet a wider range of material turning requirements, thereby enhancing the operational flexibility of the koji making machine 10. For example, when the material 20 requires vigorous stirring, the material turning mechanism can be activated to stir it, or the temperature regulating device 5 and the material turning mechanism can be used together to stir it. When the material 20 requires less vigorous stirring, only the temperature regulating device 5 can be used to stir it, without activating the material turning mechanism.

[0140] As another indirect heat exchange temperature control method, see Figures 28-29 as well as Figure 40 In some embodiments, a chamber 15 is provided inside the disc 1, and the koji making machine 10 includes a first heat exchange system 81, which is connected to the chamber 15 and introduces a heat exchange fluid into the chamber 15 to utilize the heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and the material 20 on the disc 1 to adjust the temperature of the material 20.

[0141] In the above arrangement, disk 1 is no longer a solid disk, but instead has a hollow interlayer. A heat exchange fluid can be introduced into the interlayer by a first heat exchange system 81. Heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and material 20 is used to control the temperature of material 20. First heat exchange system 81 can be referred to as an interlayer heat exchange system. The heat exchange fluid introduced into the interlayer can be a liquid such as water, allowing for better heat exchange with material 20 and achieving better temperature control.

[0142] It can be seen that based on the first heat exchange system 81, an indirect heat exchange temperature control method based on heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the material 20 can also be realized, enriching the temperature control method of the koji making machine 10, so that the koji making machine 10 is no longer limited to direct ventilation as a temperature control method.

[0143] In the above arrangement, chamber 15 can be located within at least one of the body 11, outer ring 13, and inner ring 12 of disk 1, giving disk 1 a sandwich structure in whole or in part. The portions of chamber 15 located within body 11, outer ring 13, and inner ring 12 are referred to as first chamber 151, second chamber 152, and third chamber (not shown) for ease of distinction.

[0144] For example, see Figure 28-Figure 29In some embodiments, the chamber 15 includes a first cavity 151 disposed inside the disc 11. In this case, the disc 11 is a sandwich structure. Since the material 20 is mainly deposited on the disc 11, the disc 11 is configured as a sandwich structure and a heat exchange fluid is introduced into the interlayer of the disc 11 to meet most of the heat exchange requirements of the material 20 and achieve a better temperature control effect. Figures 30-33 as well as Figure 41 The first chamber 151 in the disk 11 can be divided into at least two heat exchange chambers 153. The bottom wall of each heat exchange chamber 153 is provided with an inlet 157 and an outlet 158. The inlet 157 and the outlet 158 ​​are respectively used for the heat exchange fluid to flow into and out of the first chamber 151. The different heat exchange chambers 153 are provided inside the disk 11 to achieve regional heat exchange of the disk 11. Since each area can exchange heat independently, the failure of a certain area will not affect the heat exchange of other areas, which has high reliability and easy maintenance. This regional heat exchange method of the disk 11 is suitable for the case where the disk 1 rotates (see Figures 30-33 ), also applies to the case where the disk 1 does not rotate (see Figure 41 The heat exchange chambers 153 can be arranged in sequence along the circumference of the disc 1 and cover the entire circumference of the disc body 11, so as to achieve heat exchange of the material 20 on the entire circumference of the disc body 11.

[0145] For example, back to Figures 28-29 In some embodiments, chamber 15 includes a second chamber 152 disposed within outer ring 13. In this case, outer ring 13 has a sandwich structure. The heat exchange fluid within the sandwich of outer ring 13 can conveniently exchange heat with materials 20 at different heights (or thicknesses), achieving a better temperature control effect.

[0146] For example, see Figures 28-29 In some embodiments, chamber 15 includes both a first cavity 151 and a second cavity 152. In this case, both disk body 11 and outer ring 13 have a sandwich structure. In this case, heat can be exchanged not only with the heat exchange fluid in disk body 11 but also with the heat exchange fluid in outer ring 13. This allows heat to be exchanged with the heat exchange fluid at both the bottom and sides of material 20. This helps prevent uneven temperature of material 20 along the circumference or height of the material 20, achieving a more uniform temperature regulation effect.

[0147] When chamber 15 includes both a first chamber 151 and a second chamber 152, second chamber 152 can communicate with first chamber 151, and the heat exchange fluid provided by first heat exchange system 81 can flow from first chamber 151 to second chamber 152, and then out of second chamber 152 to the outside of disk 1. In this way, the heat exchange fluid can fully exchange heat with material 20 within disk body 11 before flowing to outer ring 13 to exchange heat with material 20. This heat exchange method, with disk body 11 first and outer ring 13 second, better suits the larger flat surface area and smaller thickness of material 20, resulting in a greater heat exchange demand at disk body 11, thus achieving a better heat exchange effect. Furthermore, this heat exchange method, with disk body 11 first and outer ring 13 second, also facilitates the layout of first heat exchange system 81. In this case, first heat exchange system 81 can be placed below disk body 11. Due to the larger space below disk body 11, this facilitates placement, especially when disk 1 is rotating.

[0148] When the disc 1 rotates, how to arrange the first heat exchange system 81 to avoid the pipes from getting entangled during the rotation of the disc 1 is a difficult problem.

[0149] In order to solve the problem of the pipes of the first heat exchange system 81 being entangled during the rotation of the disc 1, see Figures 28-29 In some embodiments, when the disk 1 is rotatably disposed, the chamber 15 includes a first cavity 151 disposed within the disk body 11, and the first heat exchange system 81 includes a first shell 811 and a second shell 812. The first shell 811 is disposed on the disk body 11 and rotates therewith. The second shell 812 is connected below the first shell 811 and is rotatably disposed relative to the first shell 811. The first shell 811 is provided with a separate inlet annular groove 813 and an outlet annular groove 814. The second shell 812 is provided with a separate inlet port 818 and an outlet port 819. The inlet port 818 communicates with the first cavity 151 through the inlet annular groove 813. The outlet port 819 communicates with the first cavity 151 through the outlet annular groove 814. The inlet port 818 is connected to an inlet pipe 81a, which is connected to a heat exchange fluid supply source. The outlet port 819 is connected to an outlet pipe 81b for discharging the heat exchange fluid.

[0150] Based on the above arrangement, the heat exchange fluid enters the first chamber 151 via the inlet port 818 and the inlet annular groove 813, and after flowing through the disc 1, flows out to the outside through the outlet annular groove 814 and the outlet port 819. Throughout this process, since the first shell 811, equipped with the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814, rotates with the disc body 11, while the second shell 812, connected to the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b, does not rotate with the disc body 11, the flow of the heat exchange fluid is not affected by the rotation of the disc 1. Regardless of the angle to which the disc 1 rotates, the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b can remain in place and not rotate with it. At the same time, the heat exchange fluid can enter and exit the first chamber 151 via the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814, achieving interlayer heat exchange. It can be seen that the above arrangement can effectively meet the heat exchange fluid supply needs of the entire rotating disc 1 while effectively avoiding entanglement between the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b.

[0151] Since the space below the disk 11 is large and basically unobstructed, the first shell 811, the second shell 812, the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b can be easily arranged, thereby facilitating the arrangement and installation of the first heat exchange system 81.

[0152] Among them, see Figure 28 In some embodiments, the inlet annular groove 813 is located radially inward of the outlet annular groove 814. In this way, the layout is more compact and reasonable, and it is convenient for the heat exchange fluid to flow radially inward and then radially outward after entering the first cavity 151, thereby orderly realizing the temperature regulation of the material 20 in various parts of the entire disk body 11.

[0153] In order to guide the heat exchange fluid to flow in the disk 11 in an orderly manner, see Figure 28-33 In some embodiments, a first partition plate 154 and a second partition plate 155 are provided in the first cavity 151. The first partition plate 154 extends radially along the disc 1 and is spaced apart from the inner ring 12. The second partition plate 155 is located on one side of the first partition plate 154 along the circumference of the disc 1 and separates the space of the first cavity 151 located on one side of the first partition plate 154 along the circumference of the disc 1. An inlet 157 and an outlet 158 ​​are provided on the bottom wall of the first cavity 151. The inlet 157 and the outlet 158 ​​are connected to the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814, respectively. The inlet 157 and the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet 158 ​​and the outlet annular groove 814 are located on opposite sides of the second partition plate 155 along the radial direction of the disc 1.

[0154] Based on the above arrangement, the heat exchange fluid entering the first cavity 151 can flow through different radial positions of the disc body 11 in an orderly manner, and finally flow through the entire disc body 11 to fully exchange heat with the material 20 on the disc body 11 .

[0155] Here, the flow process of the heat exchange fluid based on the above arrangement is described by taking the case where the inlet annular groove 813 is located radially inward of the outlet annular groove 814 as an example.

[0156] See also Figures 29-33 When the inlet annular groove 813 is located radially inward of the outlet annular groove 814, the heat exchange fluid flowing into the inlet annular groove 813 can enter the first chamber 151 through the inlet 157. The heat exchange fluid entering the first chamber 151 is blocked by the first partition 154 and can only flow into the space on the side of the first partition 154 along the circumference of the disk 1 in the first chamber 151 (the space on the side where the inlet 157 is located). Figure 35 The heat exchange fluid flows in the first space 15a in the figure, and due to the obstruction of the second partition 155, the heat exchange fluid cannot flow toward the radial outside of the disk 1, but can only flow toward the radial inside of the disk 1. When it flows to a position close to the inner ring 12, it flows through the gap between the inner ring 12 and the first partition 154 into the space of the first cavity 151 on the other side of the first partition 154 along the circumference of the disk 1 (the space on the other side where the inlet 157 is not present, Figure 35 The heat exchange fluid flows out of the disc body 11 through the outlet 158. Figure 28 As shown, the heat exchange fluid will flow through the discharge annular groove 814, the discharge port 819 and the discharge pipe 81b in sequence, and flow back to the heat exchange fluid supply source to achieve the circulation flow of the heat exchange fluid.

[0157] In the case where the second cavity 152 is provided in the outer ring 13, the heat exchange fluid flowing from the radial inner side to the radial outer side of the disk 11 will flow to the vicinity of the outer ring 13. Figure 30-31 As shown, fluid first flows into the second chamber 152 through its inlet I. After passing through the second chamber 152, fluid then flows back into the first chamber 151 through its outlet O. It then flows radially inward until it reaches outlet 158, where it flows out of the disc body 11. At this point, there is no gap between the first baffle 154 and the outer ring 13; the two are in contact with each other, preventing fluid entering the outer ring 13 from flowing directly to outlet 158 ​​instead of the second chamber 152.

[0158] In the case where the second cavity 152 is not provided in the outer ring 13, the heat exchange fluid flowing from the radial inner side to the radial outer side of the disk body 11 will flow near the outer ring 13. Figures 32-33As shown, the liquid no longer flows into the second chamber 152, but instead flows directly through the gap between the first partition 154 and the outer ring 13, turns back, and flows radially inward until it reaches the outlet 158, from which it flows out to the outside of the disc body 11. In other words, in this case, a gap is provided between the first partition 154 and the outer ring 13.

[0159] It can be seen that when the inlet annular groove 813 is located radially inside the outlet annular groove 814, based on the first baffle 154 and the second baffle 155, the heat exchange fluid can be guided to flow in the order of first radially inside, then radially outside, and then radially inside. This makes it convenient for the heat exchange fluid to flow through various radial parts of the disk body 11 in an orderly manner and exchange heat with the material 20 at various radial locations. Moreover, when a second cavity 152 is provided in the outer ring 13, it is also more convenient for the heat exchange fluid to flow from the first cavity 151 to the second cavity 152, thereby facilitating the flow and heat exchange process of first the disk body 11 and then the outer ring 13.

[0160] In the above embodiments, in order to improve the heat transfer effect of the interlayer, see Figures 28-29 In some embodiments, a baffle 156 is provided in the chamber 15 to guide the heat exchange fluid entering the chamber 15 to flow in a baffled manner. Figure 29 As shown, multiple baffles 156 can be arranged side by side, and two adjacent baffles 156 can be arranged on the opposite side walls of the chamber 15 and partially staggered in the opposite directions of the two side walls to form a baffle channel to guide the heat exchange fluid to baffle and flow in the chamber 15. For example, see Figure 29 In some embodiments, multiple sets of baffles 156 can be disposed within the first cavity 151 within the disk body 11. Each set of baffles 156 includes multiple baffles 156 located at the same circumferential position. These baffles 156 at the same circumferential position are arranged side by side along the radial direction of the disk 1. Adjacent baffles 156 are connected to the upper and lower sidewalls of the first cavity 151, respectively, and are staggered in the vertical direction to form an S-shaped baffle flow channel. The baffled flow can extend the flow time of the heat exchange fluid within the cavity 15, allowing the heat exchange fluid to more fully exchange heat with the material 20, thereby improving the temperature control effect on the material 20.

[0161] In addition, as another indirect heat exchange temperature control method, see Figure 34In some embodiments, the koji making machine 10 includes a second heat exchange system 82, which includes a liquid reservoir 821. The liquid reservoir 821 is positioned below the disc 1 and is used to hold liquid. The disc 1 is at least partially immersed in the liquid in the reservoir 821. This allows for an immersion-type heat exchange process, utilizing heat exchange between the liquid in the reservoir 821 and the material 20 on the disc 1 to regulate the temperature of the material 20. This indirect heat exchange and temperature regulation method is simple and easy to implement, and can be readily applied regardless of whether the disc 1 is rotating.

[0162] Next, Figure 1-41 The illustrated embodiments are further described.

[0163] First, let’s introduce Figure 1-33 The first embodiment is shown.

[0164] See also Figure 1-2 In this first embodiment, the koji making machine 10 includes a disc 1, a discharging mechanism 2, a feeding mechanism 3, a temperature regulating device 5, a turntable mechanism 61, a ventilation device 7, a first heat exchange system 81 and a frame 91.

[0165] Among them, the disc 1 is rotatably arranged on the frame 91, and the material 20 that needs to be fermented and brewed is contained inside. The discharge mechanism 2 is used to transport the brewed or fermented material 20 from the disc 1 to the designated position of the next process, and to turn the material during the fermentation and brewing process. The feeding mechanism 3 is used to transport the material 20 that needs to be fermented or brewed into the disc 1. The temperature control device 5 is used to control the temperature and turn the material 20 on the disc 1. The turntable mechanism 61 is used to drive the disc 1 to rotate. The ventilation device 7 is used to ventilate the koji making chamber 78 where the disc 1 is located, and use hot and cold air to penetrate the material 20 to control the temperature of the material 20. The first heat exchange system 81 is used to pass a heat exchange fluid into the interlayer of the disc 1 to achieve indirect heat exchange and temperature control of the material 20.

[0166] In summary, the koji-making machine 10 of this embodiment is an assembly of devices in which the material 20 enters the disc 1 through the feeding mechanism 3, and during the rotation of the disc 1, the brewing or fermentation process of the material is controlled by one or more means including the discharging mechanism 2, the temperature regulating device 5, the ventilation device 7 and the first heat exchange system 81, and finally the fermented or brewed material 20 is transported to the next process through the discharging mechanism 2.

[0167] Next, each component is introduced separately.

[0168] Figure 1-3 The structure of the disc 1 in this embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 1-3As shown, in this embodiment, the disc 1 is an annular groove-shaped disc, comprising a disc body 11, an inner ring 12, and an outer ring 13. A discharge port 14 is provided in the center of the disc body 11. The outer ring 13 and inner ring 12 are respectively disposed on the outer and inner rings of the disc body 11 and are inseparably connected to the disc body 11, forming a single-piece structure. Thus, the disc 1, with its annular groove shape, is suitable for containing liquid, solid-liquid mixed, or solid materials 20, thereby completing the fermentation and brewing process of the corresponding materials 20.

[0169] Figure 4-8 The structure of the discharge mechanism 2 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 4-8 In this embodiment, the discharging mechanism 2 adopts a conveying method of first lifting the material upward and then sending it out radially to complete the discharging process. It does not rotate with the disc 1 and includes a conveyor 21, a material lifting mechanism 28 and a discharging lifting mechanism 22, and the material lifting mechanism 28 includes an elevator 26 and a guide plate 27.

[0170] Among them, see Figure 4 , and combined with Figure 5-8 It can be seen that in this embodiment, in the radial direction of the disc 1, the conveyor 21, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are all distributed throughout the entire radius range of the disc 1, and all three extend from the outer ring 13 to the inner ring 12, so that all three can act on the material 20 within the entire radius range of the disc 1, so that the discharging mechanism 2 can discharge and turn over the material 20 within the entire radius range of the disc 1.

[0171] And, as Figure 4-8 As shown, in this embodiment, the conveyor 21 is specifically a screw conveyor 23, whose axis extends along the radial direction of the disc 1, that is, the axial direction of the conveyor 21 is along the radial direction of the disc 1. Figure 6-8 As shown, in this embodiment, the conveyor 21 is entirely positioned above the top of the inner ring 12. The axis of the conveyor 21 is located above the top of the inner ring 12. Thus, when material 20 falls onto the conveyor 21, the conveyor 21 rotates about its axis to transport the material 20 radially inward of the disc 1, thereby conveying the material 20 toward the discharge port 14 located at the center of the disc body 11. Because the axis of the conveyor 21 is located above the top of the inner ring 12, the conveyor 21 is unobstructed by the inner ring 12 and smoothly transports the material 20 that has fallen onto the conveyor 21 to the discharge port 14, where it falls and is discharged to the exterior of the disc 1 through the discharge port 14.

[0172] At the same time, if Figure 4-8As shown, in this embodiment, the elevator 26 is specifically a scraper conveyor 24, which is arranged on one circumferential side of the conveyor 21 and tilted from bottom to top toward the conveyor 21. At this time, the rotation axis of the elevator 26 itself tilts from bottom to top toward the conveyor 21.

[0173] The guide plate 27 is arranged between the elevator 26 and the conveyor 21 and is parallel to the rotation axis of the elevator 26 itself.

[0174] The discharge lifting mechanism 22 is driven and connected to the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27. It is not only used to drive the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 to rise and fall between the first position and the second position, but also used to drive the elevator 26 to rise and fall relative to the guide plate 27 between the first position and the second position.

[0175] With the cooperation of the elevator 26, the guide plate 27, the conveyor 21 and the discharge lifting mechanism 22, the discharge mechanism 2 can not only realize the discharge function, but also realize the turning function. Figure 6-8 Provide explanation.

[0176] Figure 6 The figure shows the state of the discharging mechanism 2 when discharging. Figure 6 As shown, in this state, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are lowered together to the first position under the action of the discharge lifting mechanism 22, and the lower edges of the two are in close contact with the upper surface of the disc 11, so that the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 can fully contact the material 20 on the disc 1. At this time, the elevator 26 is started, and the elevator 26 can drive the material 20 on the disc 1 to move along the guide plate 27 toward the conveyor 21, and finally fall onto the conveyor 21. The conveyor 21 in the working state conveys the material 20 to the discharge port 14 located at the center of the disc 11, and is discharged from the discharge port 14. It can be seen that when the discharge lifting mechanism 22 drives the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 to descend together to the first position, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 can cooperate to realize the material lifting function, and the two can cooperate with the conveyor 21 to perform center discharge.

[0177] Figure 8 The figure shows the state of the discharging mechanism 2 when turning the material. Figure 8 As shown, in this state, under the action of the discharge lifting mechanism 22, the elevator 26 descends to the first position, but the guide plate 27 does not descend to the first position, but remains in the higher second position. At this time, the guide plate 27 does not contact the material 20, and only the elevator 26 is in contact with the material 20. In this case, when the elevator 26 is started, it can stir the material 20 and realize the material turning function. It can be seen that when the discharge lifting mechanism 22 only drives the elevator 26 to descend to the first position, the elevator 26 alone can realize the material turning function.

[0178] Figure 7 FIG4 shows the state when the discharging mechanism 2 is not working. Figure 7 As shown, in this state, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 are raised together to the second position under the action of the discharge lifting mechanism 22. At this time, the lower edges of both are located above the upper surface of the material 20 and do not contact the material 20 on the disc 1. Therefore, at this time, the elevator 26 can neither cooperate with the guide plate 27 to lift the material 20, nor can it stir the material 20 alone. Therefore, the discharge mechanism 2 can neither discharge nor turn the material. It can be seen that when the discharge lifting mechanism 22 drives the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 to rise to the second position, the discharge mechanism 2 neither performs the discharge function nor the turning function.

[0179] During the production process, when there is no need to turn over or discharge the material, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 can be controlled to rise to the second position and not contact the material 20 to prevent the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 from affecting the normal feeding or fermentation brewing process. During this process, the elevator 26 and the conveyor 21 do not need to work; when discharging is required, the elevator 26 and the guide plate 27 can be controlled to descend from the second position to the first position together, so that the elevator 26 can first lift the material 20 along the guide plate 27 to the conveyor 21, and then the conveyor 21 can convey the material 20 to the discharge port 14 for central discharging. During this process, the elevator 26 and the conveyor 21 both work; when turning over is required, the guide plate 27 is in the second position, the elevator 26 is in the first position, and the elevator 26 turns the material 20. During this process, the conveyor 21 does not need to work.

[0180] It can be seen that the discharging mechanism 2 of this embodiment can conveniently realize the discharging of the annular groove disc 1, and also has the function of turning over the material, so it is a dual-purpose machine, which can simplify the structure and save costs.

[0181] Since the disc 1 rotates, the discharging mechanism 2 can discharge or turn over the material 20 at different circumferential positions of the disc 1 as the disc 1 rotates, and finally discharge or turn over the material 20 on the entire disc 1.

[0182] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the discharging mechanism 2 is further provided with a spraying device 25, which includes a liquid spraying pipe 251. The liquid spraying pipe 251 sprays liquid such as water toward the material 20 and the conveyor 21 to add liquid to the material 20 or clean the conveyor 21, making the material 20 easier to ferment, brew, or convey, or to keep the conveyor 21 cleaner. The liquid spraying pipe 251 can be provided with multiple nozzles to further improve the spraying effect.

[0183] Figure 9-10 The structure of the feeding mechanism 3 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 9-10As shown, in this embodiment, the feeding mechanism 3 is arranged above the disc body 11, which does not rotate with the disc 1, and includes a first conveying device 31 and a second conveying device 32. The first conveying device 31 and the second conveying device 32 are both arranged on a feeding frame 33 connected to the frame 91, and both extend along the radial direction of the disc 1. The first conveying device 31 is arranged immovably along the radial direction of the disc 1, and is provided with a feeding port 34. The second conveying device 32 is arranged below the first conveying device 31, which is movably arranged along the radial direction of the disc 1, and is provided with a dispensing port 35. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, rollers 39 are provided below the second conveyor 32. Rollers 39 contact the feed rack 33, causing the rollers 39 to rotate, thereby enabling the second conveyor 32 to move radially along the feed rack 33 along the disc 1. This allows the second conveyor 32 to move radially relative to the first conveyor 31 along the disc 1, making the entire feed mechanism 3 retractable and capable of delivering material 20 to different locations on the disc 1.

[0184] When feeding is required, the material 20 falls from the upper-level conveying equipment into the feed port 34 and falls onto the first conveying device 31, then falls from the first conveying device 31 to the second conveying device 32, and falls from the feeding port 35 of the second conveying device 32 to the disc 1. Since the second conveying device 32 can move radially relative to the disc 1, the second conveying device 32 can convey the material 20 to different radial positions of the disc 1, and since the disc 1 rotates relative to the feeding mechanism 3, the feeding mechanism 3 can deliver the material 20 to different circumferential positions of the disc 1. Furthermore, with the cooperation of the feeding mechanism 3 and the disc 1, the material 20 can be evenly distributed on the entire disc 1.

[0185] Among them, Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the first conveying device 31 and the second conveying device 32 are specifically belt conveying devices 36, but it can be understood that as a variation, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first conveying device 31 and the second conveying device 32 may also be a screw conveying device 37 or a scraper conveying device 38 .

[0186] Figure 13 The structure of the temperature control device 5 in this embodiment is shown. Figure 13In this embodiment, the temperature control device 5 is mounted on the frame 91 and does not rotate with the disk 1. It includes a bracket 57 and a heat exchanger 51. The bracket 57 is fixedly connected to the frame 91. The heat exchanger 51 is mounted on the bracket 57 and includes a main pipe 52 and branch pipes 53. The main pipe 52 is provided with a heat exchange medium inlet 54 and a heat exchange medium outlet 55, respectively, for allowing heat exchange medium to enter and exit the heat exchanger 51. Multiple branch pipes 53 are arranged side by side along the radial direction of the disk 1 and connect to the main pipe 52. They extend downward from the main pipe 52 to contact the material 20. Because the heat exchanger 51 is filled with heat exchange medium, when it contacts the material 20 through the branch pipes 53, the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger 51 can exchange heat with the material 20, thereby regulating the temperature of the material 20. Furthermore, since the disk 1 rotates, the heat exchanger 51 does not rotate with it, but rotates relative to the disk 1. Therefore, the heat exchanger 51 also serves as a material turning device. It can be seen that the heat exchanger 51 of this embodiment can both control the temperature and turn the materials, and can serve two purposes in one machine.

[0187] Figure 14-15 The structure of the heat exchanger 51 is further shown. Figure 14-15 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the branch pipe 53 of the heat exchanger 51 is generally cylindrical, hollow inside, and has the same cross-sectional dimensions from top to bottom. Of course, the shape of the branch pipe 53 can also be modified. For example, Figure 16-17 It can be seen that in some embodiments, the branch pipe 53 is roughly U-shaped, hollow inside, and has the same cross-sectional dimensions from top to bottom. Figure 18-19 It can be seen that in some other embodiments, the branch pipe 53 is roughly rake-shaped, hollow inside, and its cross section gradually increases from top to bottom. Figure 20-21 As shown, in some other embodiments, the branch pipe 53 is roughly plow-shaped, hollow inside, and has consistent cross-sectional dimensions from top to bottom. A protrusion 56 is provided on the outer surface of the branch pipe 53, and the protrusion 56 is roughly plow-shaped, with a smooth upper portion and a sharp lower portion.

[0188] Figure 22-23 FIG. 6 shows the structure of the turntable mechanism 61 in this embodiment. Figure 22-23In this embodiment, the disk 1 is rotatably mounted on the frame 91 and driven by a turntable mechanism 61. Specifically, the center of the disk 1 is supported by a central bearing 614 (e.g., a centering roller bearing), and the outer edge is supported by a first support roller 613. This allows the disk 1 to rotate relative to the frame 91 about a longitudinal rotation axis located at the center of the disk 1. The turntable mechanism 61 comprises a turntable drive mechanism 611 and a first transmission mechanism 612. The turntable drive mechanism 611 is connected to the disk 1 through the first transmission mechanism 612 to drive the rotation of the disk 1. The turntable drive mechanism 611 is located at the outer edge of the disk 1 and includes one, two, or more motors. The first transmission mechanism 612 is located at the outer edge of the disk 1 and includes gears and teeth or pins located around the entire circumference of the disk 1. The teeth or pins are connected to the turntable drive mechanism 611 through the gears, so that when the turntable drive mechanism 611 is activated, the entire disk 1 automatically rotates about the longitudinal rotation axis. In this way, when the turntable driving mechanism 611 is started, the disk 1 can be driven to automatically rotate around the longitudinal rotation axis as a whole.

[0189] Since the disc 1 can rotate around the longitudinal rotation axis under the action of the turntable mechanism 61, while the discharging mechanism 2, the feeding mechanism 3 and the temperature control device 5 do not rotate around the longitudinal rotation axis, the relative rotation around the longitudinal rotation axis between the discharging mechanism 2, the feeding mechanism 3 and the temperature control device 5 and the disc 1 can be achieved, so that as the disc 1 rotates, the discharging mechanism 2, the feeding mechanism 3 and the temperature control device 5 can reach different circumferential positions of the disc 1, and perform discharging, feeding, turning and temperature control at different circumferential positions, ultimately achieving discharging, feeding, turning and temperature control of the disc 1 throughout the entire circle.

[0190] The rotation of the disc 1 not only facilitates the discharge, feeding and turning of the material throughout the entire cycle, but also facilitates the uniform fermentation of the material 20. Furthermore, if the material 20 needs to be stationary during the fermentation process, the disc 1 can remain stationary and not rotate during the entire fermentation process or for a certain period of time during the fermentation process.

[0191] Figures 24-25 The structure of the ventilation device 7 in this embodiment is shown. Figures 24-25 In this embodiment, the koji making machine 10 is located in a closed koji making chamber 78, and ventilation is provided to the koji making chamber 78 by a ventilation device 7, allowing hot and cold air to pass through the material 20 and directly exchange heat with the material 20 to adjust the temperature of the material 20. The ventilation device 7 includes a fan 71, an air duct 72, a heat exchanger 73, and a regulating valve 74. The fan 71 communicates with the indoor and outdoor environments through the air duct 72 to drive air into the koji making chamber 78. The air duct 72 is provided with a regulating valve 74 and a heat exchanger 73. The regulating valve 74 adjusts the air volume. The heat exchanger 73 adjusts the temperature of the air flowing into the chamber.

[0192] As a pair Figures 24-25A variation of the ventilation device 7 shown in FIG. 7 may not include a heat exchanger 73 in the air duct 72, but may use a heater or hot steam to heat the air, or use cooling water or a refrigeration air conditioner to cool the air. Alternatively, the air duct 72 and the heat exchanger 73 may not be provided, and the fan 71 may be directly connected to the room. Figures 26-27 As shown, when the koji making room 78 is a non-enclosed space and is connected to the outside through a window 75, the ventilation device 7 may only include a fan 71, and during the production process, the ventilation condition can be controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the fan 71 and the opening degree of the window 75.

[0193] Figure 28-31 FIG. 8 shows the structure of the first heat exchange system 81 and the disc 1 matched with the first heat exchange system 81 in this embodiment. Figure 28-31 As shown, in this embodiment, the disk 1 has a first cavity 151 and a second cavity 152 respectively defined within the disk body 11 and outer ring 13, forming a sandwich structure. A first heat exchange system 81 is disposed beneath the disk body 11 and is used to introduce a heat exchange fluid into the first and second cavities 151, 152, thereby regulating the temperature of the material 20 through heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and the material 20.

[0194] Among them, Figures 28-29 As shown, the first heat exchange system 81 of this embodiment includes a first shell 811, a second shell 812, an inlet pipe 81a, and an outlet pipe 81b. The first shell 811 is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the disk 11, allowing it to rotate with the disk 1. The second shell 812 is positioned below the first shell 811, with a bearing 816 disposed between it and the first shell 811. The outer ring of the bearing 816 engages with the second shell 812, while the inner ring of the bearing 816 engages with the first shell 811, ensuring that the second shell 812 does not rotate when the first shell 811 and the disk 1 rotate. A sealing ring 815 is provided on the second shell 812 to seal the gap between the second shell 812 and the first shell 811, preventing leakage of the heat exchange fluid. The inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b are both connected to the second shell 812 and communicate with the entire circumference of the first chamber 151 within the disk 11 through the second shell 812 and the first shell 811. Both the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b are provided with a control valve 817 to regulate the flow of the heat exchange fluid. Although not shown, it is easy to understand that a pump can be provided on the inlet pipe 81a and / or the outlet pipe 81b to drive the flow of the heat exchange fluid.

[0195] Specifically, if Figure 29As shown, in this embodiment, the second shell 812 is provided with an inlet port 818 and an outlet port 819 that are separated from each other. The inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b are connected to the inlet port 818 and the outlet port 819 respectively. In the radial direction of the disk 1, the inlet port 818 is closer to the inner ring 12 than the outlet port 819. At this time, the inlet port 818 is located radially inward of the outlet port 819, and the inlet pipe 81a is located radially inward of the outlet port 819. At the same time, as shown in FIG. Figure 29 As shown, the first shell 811 is provided with a separate inlet annular groove 813 and an outlet annular groove 814. Both the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814 are annular grooves, arranged sequentially from the inner ring 12 to the outer ring 13. They communicate with the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b through an inlet port 818 and an outlet port 819, respectively. Both communicate with the first chamber 511 within the disk body 11. Thus, the heat exchange fluid flowing from the inlet pipe 81a to the disk 1 can sequentially flow through the inlet port 818 and the inlet annular groove 813 into the disk body 11. After passing through the disk body 11 and the outer ring 13, the heat exchange fluid can sequentially flow out through the outlet annular groove 814, the outlet port 819, and the outlet pipe 81b.

[0196] Since the second shell 812 to which the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b are connected does not rotate with the disc 1, the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b do not rotate during the rotation of the disc 1. Therefore, the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b will not be entangled due to the rotation with the disc 1.

[0197] Furthermore, since the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814 are arranged along the entire circumference of the disc 1 and are always connected to the disc 1, the flow of the heat exchange fluid is not affected by the rotation of the disc 1. Regardless of the angle to which the disc 1 rotates, the heat exchange fluid can enter and exit the disc body 11 through the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814 to exchange heat with the material 20.

[0198] In order to ensure that the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814 can always be connected with the disc 1 during the rotation of the disc 1, the Figures 29-31 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of groups of inlets 157 and outlets 158 are provided on the bottom wall of the disc body 11. These groups of inlets 157 and outlets 158 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the disc body 11 and the entire circumference of the disc body 11, and the inlets 157 and outlets 158 in each group of inlets 157 and outlets 158 are respectively connected to the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814. In this way, the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814 can always be connected to the disc 1 during the rotation of the disc 1.

[0199] Specifically, if Figure 30-31As shown, in this embodiment, the first chamber 151 inside the disk body 11 is divided into a plurality of heat exchange chambers 153. These plurality of heat exchange chambers 153 are distributed along the entire circumference of the disk body 11, and a set of inlets 157 and outlets 158 are provided on the bottom wall of each heat exchange chamber 153, so that each heat exchange chamber 153 is connected to the inlet annular groove 813 and the outlet annular groove 814. Figure 30-31 It can be seen that in this embodiment, each heat exchange cavity 153 is provided with a first partition 154 and a second partition 155. The first partition 154 extends along the radial direction of the disc 1, dividing the heat exchange cavity 153 into a first space 15a and a second space 15b located on both sides of the first partition 154 along the circumference of the disc 1. The inlet 157 and the outlet 158 ​​are located in the first space 15a. The second partition 155 is arranged in the first space 15a and is located between the inlet 157 and the outlet 158 ​​along the radial direction of the disc 1 to separate the inlet 157 and the outlet 158, thereby preventing the heat exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchange cavity 153 from the inlet 157 from not flowing through the disc body 11 but directly flowing out from the outlet 158. And, as Figure 31 As shown, in this embodiment, there is no gap between the first partition 154 and the outer ring 13, but there is a gap between the first partition 154 and the inner ring 12, so that the first space 15a and the second space 15b are connected on the side close to the inner ring 12, but are isolated and disconnected on the side close to the outer ring 13. Figure 31 As shown, in this embodiment, the first space 15a is connected at one radially outer end to the outlet O of the second cavity 152 located within the outer ring 13, and the second space 15b is connected at one radially outer end to the inlet I of the second cavity 152. Furthermore, a plurality of baffles 156 are provided in each of the first and second spaces 15a, 15b, forming baffled flow channels in each of the first and second spaces 15a, 15b, allowing the heat exchange fluid to flow in a zigzag manner in both the first and second spaces 15a, 15b.

[0200] Based on the above arrangement, during the rotation of the disc 1, the heat exchange fluid flowing from the inlet pipe 81a to the annular groove 813 can flow into each heat exchange cavity 153 through the inlet 157 of each heat exchange cavity 153, and the heat exchange fluid entering each heat exchange cavity 153 first enters the first space 15a. In the first space 15a, due to the obstruction of the second partition 155, the heat exchange fluid cannot flow radially outward to the outlet 158, but can only flow radially inward to the disc 1. When it flows to the inner end of the first partition 154, it flows through the gap between the first partition 154 and the inner ring 12 to the second space 15b, and turns back in the second space 15b to flow radially outward from the disc 1. When the heat exchange fluid flows in the second space 15b toward the disc 1, the heat exchange fluid flows radially outward from the disc 1. When the heat exchange fluid flows radially outward to the outer end of the first partition 154, since there is no gap between the first partition 154 and the outer ring 13, the heat exchange fluid will not flow directly back to the first space 15a, but will flow into the second cavity 152 through the inlet I of the second cavity 152, and after flowing through the second cavity 152, it will flow back to the first space 15a from the outlet O of the second cavity 152, and then flow to the outlet 158, and flow from the outlet 158 ​​to the discharge ring groove 814, and finally flow into the discharge pipe 81b.

[0201] It can be seen that based on the above-mentioned setting method, the heat exchange fluid can first flow through the disc body 11 and then flow through the outer ring 13. When flowing through the disc body 11, it can first flow radially inward and then flow radially outward. The entire flow process is orderly and controllable, and the materials 20 at different radial positions and different height positions on the disc 1 can be temperature-controlled in an orderly manner, which is conducive to making the materials 20 on the entire disc 1 reach a temperature that can better meet the process requirements.

[0202] Figures 32-33 FIG. 1 shows the flow path inside the disc body 11 when the second cavity 152 is not provided in the outer ring 13. Figures 32-33As shown, when the second cavity 152 is not provided in the outer ring 13, a plurality of heat exchange cavities 153 can still be provided in the disk body 11, and the first partition 154 and the second partition 155 can still be provided in the heat exchange cavity 153 to separate the heat exchange cavity 153 into a first space 15a and a second space 15b. The main difference is that the first space 15a and the second space 15b are no longer connected to the interior of the outer ring 13 at the end close to the outer ring 13, but are separated from the outer ring 13, and by providing a gap between the outer ring 13 and the first partition 154, the second space 15b is connected to the part of the first space 15a located on the side of the outlet 158, so that the heat exchange fluid flowing into the second space 15b no longer flows into the outer ring 13, but directly flows back to the first space 15a from the gap between the outer ring 13 and the first partition 154, and flows out from the outlet 158. In this case, heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and the material 20 is not performed at the outer ring 13 , and the heat exchange fluid only flows back in the disk body 11 to perform heat exchange with the material 20 .

[0203] As Figure 28-33 An alternative to the first heat exchange system 81 shown is Figure 34 As shown, the koji making machine 10 may include a second heat exchange system 82, which includes a liquid reservoir 821, a liquid level gauge 822, a liquid inlet valve 823, and a liquid outlet valve 824. The liquid reservoir 821 is located below the disc 1 and contains a liquid such as water. The disc 1 is at least partially immersed in the liquid in the liquid reservoir 821, allowing the liquid in the liquid reservoir 821 to exchange heat with the material 20 on the disc 1, changing the temperature of the material 20 and achieving an immersion-type temperature control process. The liquid level gauge 822 is located on the liquid reservoir 821 to monitor the liquid level in the liquid reservoir 821 to prevent excessive or insufficient liquid. The liquid inlet valve 823 and liquid outlet valve 824 are respectively located on the liquid inlet and outlet pipelines of the liquid reservoir 821 to control whether liquid is added to the liquid reservoir 821 or whether the liquid is discharged from the liquid reservoir 821.

[0204] Next, we will introduce Figures 35-41 The second embodiment is shown.

[0205] like Figures 35-41 As shown, in this second embodiment, the koji making machine 10 still includes the disc 1, the discharging mechanism 2, the feeding mechanism 3, the temperature regulating device 5, the ventilation device 7, the first heat exchange system 81 and the frame 91, but no longer includes the turntable mechanism 61, but includes a rotating frame 92 and a turntable mechanism 93, because this embodiment is different from the aforementioned embodiment. Figure 1-31 An important difference of the first embodiment shown is that the disc 1 no longer rotates, but the discharge mechanism 2, the feed mechanism 3 and the temperature control device 5 rotate instead.

[0206] The following will mainly introduce the differences between the second embodiment and the aforementioned first embodiment. Other matters not described can be understood by referring to the description of the aforementioned first embodiment.

[0207] like Figures 35-39 As shown in the second embodiment, although the disc 1 is still in the shape of an annular groove, it is no longer rotatably mounted on the frame 91, but is non-rotatably mounted on the frame 91. In this case, in order to achieve relative rotation between the discharging mechanism 2, the feeding mechanism 3, the temperature regulating device 5 and the disc 1, as shown in FIG. Figures 35-39 As shown, the koji making machine 10 includes a rotating frame 92, which is rotatably arranged, and the discharge mechanism 2, the feed mechanism 3 and the temperature control device 5 are all arranged on the rotating frame 92. At the same time, the koji making machine 10 includes a rotating frame mechanism 93, which is drivingly connected to the rotating frame 92 to drive the rotating frame 92 to rotate, and further drive the discharge mechanism 2, the feed mechanism 3 and the temperature control device 5 to rotate.

[0208] Specifically, if Figures 36-39 As shown, in this embodiment, the central portion of the rotating frame 92 is supported by a self-aligning bearing 934, and the edge of the rotating frame 92 is supported by a second supporting roller 933, enabling the rotating frame 92 to be rotatable. The rotating frame mechanism 93 includes a frame drive mechanism 931 and a second transmission mechanism 932. The frame drive mechanism 931 is drivably connected to the rotating frame 92 via the second transmission mechanism 932, and is used to drive the rotating frame 92 to rotate. A track 935 is provided below the second supporting roller 933 to guide the rotation of the rotating frame 92. The track 935 can be fixed to the frame 91. Furthermore, the frame drive mechanism 931 is disposed on the outer edge of the rotating frame 92 and includes one, two, or more motors. The second transmission mechanism 932 is disposed on the outer edge of the disk 1 and is a pinion transmission mechanism.

[0209] Based on the above setting, when the frame driving mechanism 931 is started, the rotating frame 92 can be driven to rotate around the longitudinal rotation axis located at the center of the disc 1, so that the discharging mechanism 2, feeding mechanism 3 and temperature control device 5 located on the rotating frame 92 can rotate together with the rotating frame 92, thereby realizing the relative rotation between the discharging mechanism 2, feeding mechanism 3 and temperature control device 5 and the disc 1.

[0210] By providing the rotating frame 92 , the relative rotation between the discharging mechanism 2 , the feeding mechanism 3 , the temperature regulating device 5 and the disc 1 can be achieved, which is simpler and more convenient.

[0211] Furthermore, since the disk 1 does not rotate, it will not cause the problem of pipeline entanglement, so the structure of the first heat exchange system 81 can be simpler. Figure 40As shown, in this second embodiment, only the disk body 11 of the disk 1 employs a sandwich structure, with a first cavity 151 within it. Neither the inner ring 12 nor the outer ring 13 has a sandwich structure. Furthermore, the first heat exchange system 81 no longer comprises a first shell 811 and a second shell 812 that rotate relative to each other. Instead, it comprises an inlet pipe 81a and an outlet pipe 81b directly connected to the disk body 11. Because the disk 1 does not rotate, even if the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b are directly connected to the disk body 11, they do not become entangled with each other, resulting in a simple and convenient system.

[0212] Figure 41 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the flow path on the disk 11 in this embodiment. Figure 41 As shown, in this embodiment, the first chamber 151 within the disk body 11 is still divided into multiple heat exchange chambers 153. These heat exchange chambers 153 are arranged along the circumference of the disk 11, covering the entire circumference of the disk body 11. Furthermore, the bottom wall of each heat exchange chamber 153 is provided with an inlet 157 and an outlet 158, which communicate with the inlet pipe 81a and the outlet pipe 81b, respectively. Furthermore, each heat exchange chamber 153 is provided with multiple baffles 156 to form a baffled flow channel. This allows the heat exchange fluid entering the inlet pipe 81a to enter the heat exchange chamber 153 through the inlet 157, make multiple turns within each heat exchange chamber 153, and then flow out through the outlet 158 ​​to the outlet pipe 81b, ultimately achieving temperature regulation of the material 20 on the entire disk body 11.

[0213] In summary, the koji-making machine 10 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can conveniently realize the discharge of the annular groove disc, and can more effectively control the temperature of the material to achieve better fermentation and brewing effects.

[0214] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A koji making machine (10), characterized in that: include: A disc (1) comprising a disc body (11), an inner ring (12) and an outer ring (13), wherein the inner ring (12) and the outer ring (13) are respectively arranged on the inner ring and the outer ring of the disc body (11); and A discharge mechanism (2) is provided above the disc body (11) and is rotatable relative to the disc (1). The discharge mechanism (2) is used to lift the material (20) on the disc (1) to above the inner ring (12) and the outer ring (13), and to transport the lifted material (20) to the outside of the disc (1). The discharge mechanism (2) includes a conveyor (21) and a material lifting mechanism (28). In the radial direction of the disc (1), the conveyor (21) and the material lifting mechanism (28) are arranged. The mechanism (28) extends from the outer ring (13) to the inner ring (12) to exert an effect on the material (20) within the entire radius of the disc (1). The axis of the conveyor (21) is located above the inner ring (12) and the outer ring (13). The material lifting mechanism (28) lifts the material (20) on the disc (1) onto the conveyor (21), so that the conveyor (21) can transport the lifted material (20) along the radial direction of the disc (1) to the outside of the disc (1).

2. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The material lifting mechanism (28) is arranged to be liftable relative to the disc (1), and the discharge mechanism (2) includes a discharge lifting mechanism (22). The discharge lifting mechanism (22) is connected to the material lifting mechanism (28) and drives the material lifting mechanism (28) to rise and fall between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the material lifting mechanism (28) contacts the material (20) on the disc (1), and when in the second position, the material lifting mechanism (28) is separated from the material (20) on the disc (1).

3. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The material lifting mechanism (28) includes an elevator (26) and a material guide plate (27). The elevator (26) and the material guide plate (27) are arranged obliquely on one side of the circumference of the conveyor (21). The material guide plate (27) is located between the elevator (26) and the conveyor (21). The elevator (26) is used to lift the material (20) on the disc (1) along the material guide plate (27) to the conveyor (21).

4. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The elevator (26) is arranged to be liftable relative to the material guide plate (27), and the discharge mechanism (2) includes a discharge lifting mechanism (22). The discharge lifting mechanism (22) is connected to the material lifting mechanism (28) and drives the elevator (26) to rise and fall relative to the material guide plate (27).

5. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The elevator (26) includes a scraper conveyor (24).

6. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The disc (1) is rotatably arranged, or the disc (1) is non-rotatably arranged.

7. The koji making machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A discharge port (14) is provided at the center of the disc body (11), and the discharge mechanism (2) transports the lifted material (20) toward the discharge port (14).

8. The koji making machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A chamber (15) is provided inside the disc (1), and the koji making machine (10) includes a first heat exchange system (81), which is connected to the chamber (15) and allows a heat exchange fluid to be introduced into the chamber (15) so as to adjust the temperature of the material (20) by utilizing heat exchange between the heat exchange fluid and the material (20) on the disc (1).

9. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The chamber (15) includes at least one of the following: A first cavity (151) is provided inside the disc body (11); A second cavity (152) is provided inside the outer ring (13); The third cavity is arranged inside the inner ring (12).

10. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The chamber (15) includes the first chamber (151) and the second chamber (152), the second chamber (152) being in communication with the first chamber (151), and the heat exchange fluid provided by the first heat exchange system (81) flows from the first chamber (151) to the second chamber (152), and flows out from the second chamber (152) to the outside of the disc (1).

11. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The interior of the first chamber (151) is divided into at least two heat exchange chambers (153), and an inlet (157) and an outlet (158) are provided on the bottom wall of each heat exchange chamber (153), and the inlet (157) and the outlet (158) are respectively used for heat exchange fluid to flow into and out of the first chamber (151).

12. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The disc (1) is rotatably arranged, the chamber (15) includes a first cavity (151) arranged inside the disc body (11), the first heat exchange system (81) includes a first shell (811) and a second shell (812), the first shell (811) is arranged on the disc body (11) and rotates with the disc body (11), the second shell (812) is connected to the bottom of the first shell (811) and is rotatably arranged relative to the first shell (811), and the first shell (811) is provided with an inlet annular groove (813) and an outlet annular groove (812) separated from each other. 4), the second shell (812) is provided with an inlet (818) and an outlet (819) separated from each other, the inlet (818) is communicated with the first cavity (151) through the inlet annular groove (813), and the outlet (819) is communicated with the first cavity (151) through the outlet annular groove (814), so that the heat exchange fluid enters the first cavity (151) through the inlet (818) and the inlet annular groove (813), and after flowing through the disc (1), flows out to the outside from the outlet annular groove (814) and the outlet (819).

13. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that The inlet annular groove (813) is located radially inward of the outlet annular groove (814).

14. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that A first partition (154) and a second partition (155) are provided in the first cavity (151). The first partition (154) extends in the radial direction of the disc (1) and is spaced apart from the inner ring (12). The second partition (155) is located on one side of the first partition (154) along the circumference of the disc (1) and separates the space of the first cavity (151) located on one side of the first partition (154) along the circumference of the disc (1). An inlet (157) and an outlet (158) are provided on the bottom wall of the first cavity (151). The inlet (157) and the outlet (158) are communicated with the inlet annular groove (813) and the outlet annular groove (814) respectively. The inlet (157) and the inlet annular groove (813) are located on opposite sides of the second partition (155) along the radial direction of the disc (1) as are the outlet (158) and the outlet annular groove (814).

15. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The chamber (15) includes a second chamber (152) arranged inside the outer ring (13), the second chamber (152) is communicated with the first chamber (151), and the first partition (154) is in contact with the outer ring (13), so that the heat exchange fluid flowing from the inlet (157) into the first chamber (151) flows to the outlet (158) via the second chamber (152); or, the second chamber (152) is not arranged in the outer ring (13), and a gap is provided between the first partition (154) and the outer ring (13), so that the heat exchange fluid flowing from the inlet (157) into the first chamber (151) flows to the outlet (158) via the gap between the first partition (154) and the outer ring (13).

16. The koji making machine (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that A baffle (156) is provided in the chamber (15) to guide the heat exchange fluid entering the chamber (15) to perform a baffled flow.

17. The koji making machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The koji making machine (10) includes at least one of the following: The second heat exchange system (82) comprises a liquid storage tank (821), wherein the liquid storage tank (821) is arranged below the disc (1) and is used to hold liquid, and the disc (1) is at least partially immersed in the liquid in the liquid storage tank (821); a temperature regulating device (5) comprising a heat exchanger (51), wherein the heat exchanger (51) is rotatably arranged relative to the disc (1) and extends into the material (20) on the disc (1); A spraying device (25) is used for spraying liquid onto the material (20) on the disc (1) and / or the discharging mechanism (2).

Images