Food processing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a food processing method, comprising: putting a preset amount of materials into a steam chamber, introducing steam into the steam chamber where the materials are placed along a first direction to soften the materials in the steam chamber; pushing the softened materials into a forming chamber; controlling the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly to move towards each other to extrude and form the materials in the forming chamber, and introducing steam into the forming chamber along a second direction during the extrusion process to soften the materials in the forming chamber, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; after the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly are respectively in preset extrusion forming positions, maintaining the extrusion force of the two for a preset time; releasing the extrusion force of the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly and taking out the formed materials. The present invention makes the materials softened more evenly and thoroughly, effectively preventing the phenomenon that the bottom of the materials is broken during extrusion forming due to uneven softening of the materials up and down in the prior art, thereby improving the quality of the formed food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of food processing technology design, and particularly relates to a food processing method. Background Art

[0002] In order to realize the automatic forming and processing of fluffy foods (such as tea leaves), the applicant has developed a food forming device and its food processing equipment, specifically as described in the patent document with the patent application number ZL202221868016.0. It has a steam chamber, and a steam inlet is provided at the top of the steam chamber to introduce steam into the steam chamber to soften the food therein. At the same time, a heating component is provided at the bottom to heat and evaporate part of the condensed water formed at the bottom. When the thickness of the food in the steam chamber is relatively large, due to the obstruction of the food to the steam, the softening effect of the top of the food is better than that of the bottom, resulting in an uneven overall softening effect of the food. In the subsequent forming chamber, the bottom of the food after extrusion molding is severely crushed, affecting the final quality of the food; in addition, since the food softened by steam has a relatively high temperature, it takes a long time to maintain pressure during extrusion molding in the forming chamber to finally take shape, resulting in a low shaping efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The food processing method designed by the present invention can overcome the deficiencies in the prior art that when the thickness of the food in the steam chamber is relatively large, due to the obstruction of the food to the steam, the softening effect of the top of the food is better than that of the bottom, resulting in an uneven overall softening effect of the food. In the subsequent forming chamber, the bottom of the food after extrusion molding is severely crushed, affecting the final quality of the food.

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a food processing method, which is carried out by using a food processing equipment. The food processing equipment has a steam chamber and a forming chamber. A upper die assembly and a lower die assembly are correspondingly arranged with the forming chamber. The upper die assembly and the lower die assembly are arranged opposite to each other up and down to be able to extrude and form the material pushed into the forming chamber. The food processing method includes the following steps:

[0005] S100, putting a preset amount of material into the steam chamber, and introducing steam into the steam chamber where the material is placed along a first direction to soften the material in the steam chamber;

[0006] S200, pushing the softened material into the forming chamber;

[0007] S300, controlling the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly to move towards each other to extrude and form the material in the forming chamber, and introducing steam into the forming chamber along a second direction during the extrusion process to soften the material in the forming chamber. The second direction is opposite to the first direction;

[0008] S400. After the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly are respectively in the preset extrusion forming positions, maintain the extrusion force between the two for a preset time;

[0009] S500. Release the extrusion force between the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly and take out the formed material.

[0010] In some embodiments, in step S100, the first direction is from top to bottom. When steam is introduced into the steam chamber containing the material along the first direction, the interior of the steam chamber is also heated.

[0011] In some embodiments, in step S400, during the period when the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly are in the preset extrusion forming positions and the extrusion force is maintained for a preset time, a cooling air flow is introduced into the forming chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lower die assembly has a first steam introduction structure, and the steam chamber has a second steam introduction structure at its top and a heating component at its bottom.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lower die assembly includes a base and a U-shaped support block and a flat support plate sequentially assembled on one side of the base facing the forming chamber. The first steam introduction structure includes a first steam inlet hole formed on the base. A lower die air outlet communicating with the forming chamber is formed on the top surface of the flat support plate. The first steam inlet hole and the lower die air outlet are communicated through a first flow channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, a first air inlet hole is also formed on the base, and the first air inlet hole and the lower die air outlet are communicated through a second flow channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second flow channel is formed by sequentially connecting and communicating a lower section of the second flow channel, a middle section of the second flow channel, and an upper section of the flow channel respectively formed in the base, the U-shaped support block, and the flat support plate. The first flow channel is formed by connecting and communicating a lower section of the first flow channel and a middle section of the first flow channel respectively formed in the base and the U-shaped support block. And the outlets of the middle section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel are aggregated in the upper section of the flow channel. The lower section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the first flow channel extend in a straight line, and the lower section of the second flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel are arranged in parallel with the lower section of the first flow channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, an annular groove is formed on one end face of the planar support plate facing the U-shaped support block. The lower die air outlet includes a plurality of outer peripheral outlets, and the plurality of outer peripheral outlets are arranged around the outer peripheral region of the top surface of the planar support plate. Each of the outer peripheral outlets is communicated with the annular groove through the upper section of the second flow channel, and the middle section of the second flow channel is continuously communicated with the upper section of the second flow channel through the annular groove; and / or, a lower ejector assembly is further provided in the lower die assembly. The lower ejector assembly includes an ejector block. An installation hole is formed in the central region of the planar support plate. The ejector block is arranged in the installation hole in a liftable manner. The lower die air outlet further includes a plurality of central outlets that penetrate up and down along the outer vertical wall of the ejector block, and the central outlets are communicated with the middle section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the upper die assembly includes an upper die head unit. The upper die head unit includes a movable plate. A grille frame is provided on one side of the movable plate facing the lower die assembly. An upper pressing block is arranged in each grille of the grille frame. The grille frame includes an outer frame and transverse and longitudinal partition strips inside the outer frame. The partition strips divide the inner region of the outer frame into a plurality of pressing block receiving grooves, and upper pressing blocks are respectively arranged in the pressing block receiving grooves. A second air inlet hole is formed on the outer frame, and the second air inlet hole can introduce external air flow into each of the pressing block receiving grooves.

[0018] In some embodiments, communication holes penetrate through opposite sides of the partition strips; and / or, a plurality of air passing grooves extending through the thickness direction are formed on the side vertical surface of the upper pressing block; and / or, the outer frame has a first region inside the forming chamber and a second region outside the forming chamber, and the second air inlet hole is located in the second region.

[0019] In the food processing method of the present invention, after the material is softened in the steam chamber and then pushed into the forming chamber, it is steam-softened again during the extrusion process, so that the material is softened more evenly and thoroughly, effectively preventing the phenomenon that the bottom of the material is broken during the extrusion molding due to uneven softening of the material up and down in the prior art, thereby improving the quality of the formed food. This method is particularly suitable for the extrusion molding of materials with a larger thickness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of the food processing method of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the food processing equipment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the food processing equipment of the present invention from another perspective.

[0023] Figure 4 is Figure 3 A perspective three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the upper die head unit in

[0024] Figure 5 is Figure 3 A perspective three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the grille frame in the upper die head unit in (hiding each pressing block).

[0025] Figure 6 is Figure 3 A perspective three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the lower die assembly in

[0026] Figure 7 is Figure 6 An enlarged partial view at position A in

[0027] Figure 8 is Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of

[0028] Figure 9 is Figure 6 A perspective three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the U-shaped support block in

[0029] Figure 10 is Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the bottom surface structure of the planar support plate in

[0030] Figure 11 A perspective three-dimensional structure schematic diagram (partial) of the food processing equipment of the present invention from another perspective.

[0031] Figure 12 is Figure 11 A perspective three-dimensional structure schematic diagram of the lever drive assembly in

[0032] In the figure: 1. Upper die assembly; 11. Upper fixing plate; 12. Upper die head unit; 121. Upper connecting plate; 122. Movable plate; 123. Grid frame; 1230. Compression block accommodating groove; 1231. Outer frame; 1232. Partition bar; 1233. Second air inlet hole; 1234. Communication hole; 124. Upper compression block; 1241. Air passing groove; 2. Lower die assembly; 20. Lower fixing plate; 21. Base; 211. First air inlet hole; 212. First steam inlet hole; 22. U-shaped support block; 23. Plane support plate; 2311. Outer peripheral outlet; 2312. Central outlet; 233. Ring groove; 241. Ejector block; 242. Third elastic member; 243. Stopper; 244. Ejector rod; 3. Forming chamber; 4. Lever drive assembly; 41. Swing arm; 42. First swing arm limit member; 43. Connecting seat; 44. Rotating shaft; 45. Second swing arm limit member; 46. Connecting rod; 461. First roller; 462. Second roller; 5. Steam chamber; 51. Second steam introduction structure; 100. Main structure frame; 101. Upper drive member; 102. Lower drive member; 103. First pushing member; 104. Second pushing member. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. In the figures, for clarity, the thicknesses of regions and layers are exaggerated. In the figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar structures, and thus their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0034] The features, structures, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the technical solutions of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, materials, etc. may be used. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention.

[0035] The following-described embodiments are the food processing methods of the present invention. This example is only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 to 12, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a food processing device is provided, which has a steam chamber 5 and a forming chamber 3. The softened material in the steam chamber 5 can be pushed into the forming chamber 3. Corresponding to the forming chamber 3, there are an upper die assembly 1 and a lower die assembly 2. The upper die assembly 1 (lifted by an upper driving member 101) and the lower die assembly 2 (lifted by a lower driving member 102) are arranged opposite to each other up and down so as to be able to extrude and form the material pushed into the forming chamber 3. Specifically, the aforementioned upper die assembly 1 and lower die assembly 2 are respectively located at the upper and lower openings of the forming chamber 3 and can at least partially enter the forming chamber to be able to extrude and form the material (such as foods like tea) in the forming chamber. The lower die assembly 2 has a first steam introduction structure. The steam chamber 5 has a second steam introduction structure 51 at its top (specifically including related ventilation holes and matching connecting pipes, etc.) and a heating component (not shown in the figure and not indexed) at its bottom. The heating component at the bottom can be, for example, an electric heating component, which can evaporate part of the condensed water formed at the bottom of the material.

[0037] In this technical solution, after the material is softened from top to bottom by the steam introduced through the second steam introduction structure 51 in the steam chamber 5 and is pushed into the forming chamber 3, during the process of the lower die assembly 2 moving upward to extrude the material, the steam introduced by the first steam introduction structure is used again to soften the material from bottom to top, making the material softened more evenly and thoroughly, effectively preventing the phenomenon that the bottom of the material is broken during extrusion forming due to uneven softening of the material up and down in the prior art, thereby improving the quality of the formed food.

[0038] See Figure 2 As shown, the material is pushed into the steam chamber 5 by a first pushing member 103 and is softened therein and then pushed into the forming chamber 3 by a second pushing member 104 again. As this is prior art, it will not be elaborated here.

[0039] Combined with reference to Figures 6 to 10 As shown, the lower die assembly 2 includes a base 21 and a U-shaped support block 22 and a flat support plate 23 sequentially assembled on the side of the base 21 facing the forming chamber 3. The first steam introduction structure includes a first steam inlet hole 212, and the first steam inlet hole 212 is formed on the base 21. A lower die air outlet communicating with the forming chamber 3 is formed on the top surface of the flat support plate 23. The first steam inlet hole 212 and the lower die air outlet are communicated through a first flow channel. Specifically, the external high-temperature steam enters the first flow channel through the first steam inlet hole 212 and flows out from the lower die air outlet into the forming chamber 3, and the material in contact with the top surface of the flat support plate 23 is softened by direct contact with this part of the steam.

[0040] In some embodiments, a first air inlet hole 211 is formed on the base 21. The first air inlet hole 211 is communicated with the lower die air outlet through a second flow channel. The first air inlet hole 211 introduces external air flow into the molding chamber 3 from the lower part of the molding chamber 3, so as to be able to cool the bottom surface of the extruded material, effectively reduce the extrusion holding time, and improve the material molding efficiency.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second flow channel is formed by connecting and communicating a lower section of the second flow channel (not shown and not indexed in the figure), a middle section of the second flow channel (not shown and not indexed in the figure), and an upper section of the flow channel (not shown and not indexed in the figure) respectively formed in the base 21, the U-shaped support block 22, and the flat support plate 23. The first flow channel is formed by connecting and communicating a lower section of the first flow channel (not shown and not indexed in the figure) and a middle section of the first flow channel (not shown and not indexed in the figure) respectively formed in the base 21 and the U-shaped support block 22. And the outlets of the middle section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel are gathered in the upper section of the flow channel. The lower section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the first flow channel extend along a straight line, and the lower section of the second flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel are arranged parallel to the lower section of the first flow channel. In this way, the processing difficulty of the first flow channel and the second flow channel can be simplified, and the related structural design is also simplified.

[0042] In some embodiments, an annular groove 233 is formed on one end face of the flat support plate 23 facing the U-shaped support block 22. The lower die air outlet includes a plurality of outer peripheral outlets 2311. The plurality of outer peripheral outlets 2311 are arranged around the outer peripheral region of the top surface of the flat support plate 23. Each outer peripheral outlet 2311 is respectively communicated with the annular groove 233 through an upper section of the second flow channel, and the middle section of the second flow channel and the upper section of the second flow channel are connected and communicated through the annular groove 233. In this technical solution, a plurality of outer peripheral outlets 2311 are gathered and communicated through an annular groove 233, which simplifies the design of the first flow channel. The plurality of outer peripheral outlets 2311 can distribute air to a large range of the bottom surface of the material, increasing the contact area between the air flow and the material and ensuring the cooling or softening effect.

[0043] See Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the lower die assembly 2 further includes a lower ejector assembly. The lower ejector assembly includes an ejector block 241. The central region of the flat support plate 23 has a mounting hole (not labeled in the figure). The ejector block 241 is vertically movably disposed in the mounting hole so as to be able to eject the material after the material forming is completed. At this time, the lower die air outlet further includes a plurality of central outlets 2312 that penetrate up and down along the outer peripheral wall of the ejector block 241. The central outlets 2312 are communicated with the middle section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel, so as to be able to further guide the air flow to the central region of the bottom surface of the material, further increasing the contact area between the air flow and the material and ensuring the cooling or softening effect. The aforementioned lower ejector assembly specifically further includes a third elastic member 242 (such as a helical spring) connected to the bottom of the ejector block 241. One end of the third elastic member 242 abuts against the U-shaped support block 22, and the other end abuts against a stopper 243 connected to the ejector block 241, so that the ejector block 241 can be reset under the elastic force of the third elastic member 242, and the lifting of the ejector block 241 is driven by a push rod 244. As a well-known structure, it will not be elaborated here.

[0044] In some embodiments, the food processing equipment further includes a main structural frame 100. The lower die assembly 2 is disposed on the lower fixing plate 20. The lower ejector assembly has a push rod 244 capable of pushing the ejector block 241. A lever driving assembly 4 is connected to the side of the lower fixing plate 20 away from the lower die assembly 2. The lever driving assembly 4 includes a swing arm 41. The main structural frame 100 has a first swing arm limiting member 42. During the process of the lower die assembly 2 being driven to rise, the first swing arm limiting member 42 can prevent the second end of the swing arm 41 from rising so that the first end of the swing arm 41 swings upward and contacts the tail end of the push rod 244 to enable the lower ejector assembly to perform an ejecting action. In this technical solution, the lever driving assembly 4 rises following the rise of the lower fixing plate 20 and the lower die assembly 2. During its rising process, the first swing arm limiting member 42 can prevent the second end of the swing arm 41 from rising so that the first end of the swing arm 41 swings upward and contacts the tail end of the push rod 244 to enable the lower ejector assembly to perform an ejecting action. The execution of this ejecting action does not require a separate rotary motor drive as in the prior art, so the manufacturing cost of the device can be reduced, and at the same time, there is no need to design a control strategy for the ejecting action, and the electrical control system of the device is simplified.

[0045] See Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in some embodiments, the lever drive assembly 4 further includes a connection seat 43 (specifically made of aluminum) for connecting to the lower fixing plate 20. The swing arm 41 is rotatably connected to the connection seat 43 through a rotating shaft 44, and the distance from the first end to the rotating shaft 44 is greater than the distance from the second end to the rotating shaft 44. In this way, when the second end is not in contact with the first swing arm limiting member 42, under the action of its own weight, the swing arm 41 will be in an inclined state, where the second end is lower than the first end. Thus, the first end will not contact the tail end of the ejector rod 244, and it will not perform the ejecting action. Based on this, as a preferred embodiment, the connection seat 43 is provided with a second swing arm limiting member 45, and the second swing arm limiting member 45 is on the path of the upward swing of the second end, so as to prevent the first end from making the swing arm 41 in a vertical state under the action of its own weight and losing the lever function.

[0046] In some embodiments, there are two sets of lower die assemblies 2. Correspondingly, there are two connection seats 43, swing arms 41, and forming chambers 3 respectively. The two connection seats 43 are spaced apart and a rotating shaft 44 is erected between them. The two swing arms 41 are respectively rotatably connected to both ends of the rotating shaft 44. In this way, the rotation connection of the two swing arms 41 is realized through one rotating shaft 44, which simplifies the structure of the lever drive assembly.

[0047] To improve the structural reliability of the lever drive assembly, the two connection seats 43 are connected into one body through a connecting rod 46. In this way, it is also convenient for the assembly of the lever drive assembly and the lower fixing plate 20.

[0048] See Figure 11 As shown, the first swing arm limiting member 42 is in the shape of a straight rod, and the first swing arm limiting member 42 is arranged parallel to the rotating shaft 44. At this time, it can simultaneously form a limiting block for the second ends of the two swing arms 41.

[0049] As a preferred embodiment, the first end is connected with a first roller 461, and the first end contacts the tail end of the ejector rod 244 through the first roller 461; the second end is connected with a second roller 462, and the second end contacts the first swing arm limiting member 42 through the second roller 462. In this way, it can effectively reduce the friction between the lifting of the swing arm 41 and the components in contact with it, and reduce the wear of the relatively contacting components.

[0050] In some embodiments, the upper die assembly 1 includes an upper die head unit 12. The upper die head unit 12 is detachably connected (e.g., bolted and threaded) to the bottom surface of the upper fixing plate 11 through an upper connecting plate 121. When it is necessary to replace different types of upper die head units 12, the connection between the upper connecting plate 121 and the upper fixing plate 11 can be disconnected, and then the replacement can be extremely conveniently realized. The upper die head unit 12 includes a movable plate 122. On the side of the movable plate 122 facing the lower die assembly 2, there is a grille frame 123. In each grille of the grille frame 123, there is an upper pressing block 124. The grille frame 123 includes an outer frame 1231 and crosswise and longitudinally intersecting partition bars 1232 inside the outer frame 1231. The partition bars 1232 divide the inner area of the outer frame 1231 into a plurality of pressing block receiving grooves 1230. Each pressing block receiving groove 1230 is provided with an upper pressing block 124 respectively. On the outer frame 1231, there is a second air inlet hole 1233. The second air inlet hole 1233 can introduce external air flow into each pressing block receiving groove 1230. In this technical solution, by introducing external air flow into each pressing block receiving groove 1230 through the second air inlet hole 1233, during the process of shaping the material, the introduced external air flow can cool down the material in the forming chamber 3, so that the holding pressure duration of the extrusion forming is shortened, and thus the food forming efficiency is effectively improved. The aforementioned external air flow can specifically be provided by a dedicated air flow source, and the introduced air flow should have a relatively low temperature.

[0051] In some embodiments, through holes 1234 penetrate through the opposite sides of the partition bars 1232. Through the through holes 1234, adjacent two pressing block receiving grooves 1230 are connected. External air flow can flow and distribute in each pressing block receiving groove 1230, so that the external air flow can have a larger contact surface with the mating surface of the food, and the cooling efficiency is higher, further shortening the time required for shaping, and the forming efficiency is further improved. Furthermore, on the side vertical surface of the upper pressing block 124, there are a plurality of air passing grooves 1241 extending through in the thickness direction. Through the arrangement of the air passing grooves 1241, the introduction amount of the external air flow can be further increased. Together with the gaps between the partition bars 1232 and the side vertical surface of the upper pressing block 124, they jointly form a flow path for the external air flow, and can further improve the forming efficiency.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the outer frame 1231 has a first region inside the forming chamber 3 and a second region outside the forming chamber 3. The second air inlet hole 1233 is in the second region. That is, when extruding the material, the first region will be controlled to extend into the forming chamber 3, and the second region will still be outside the forming chamber 3. In this way, the joints and connecting pipes connected to the second air inlet hole 1233 will not interfere with the wall of the forming chamber 3, simplifying the structural design of the components.

[0053] Based on the above food processing equipment, the present invention also provides a food processing method. Refer to Figure 1 as shown. The food processing method includes the following steps:

[0054] S100, Put a preset amount of material into the steam chamber 5 of the first pusher member 103 which can specifically adopt an existing metering device. Specifically, for example, introduce steam into the steam chamber 5 containing the material along the first direction to soften the material in the steam chamber 5, so as to achieve the first softening of the material in the first direction and prevent the material from being crushed during the subsequent extrusion forming process;

[0055] S200, Push the softened material into the forming chamber 3 through the second pusher member 104;

[0056] S300, After the material is pushed to the preset extrusion position, that is, on the extrusion path of the upper die assembly 1 and the lower die assembly 2, control the upper die assembly 1 and the lower die assembly 2 to move closer to each other in opposite directions to extrude and form the material in the forming chamber 3, and introduce steam into the forming chamber 3 along the second direction during the extrusion process to soften the material in the forming chamber 3. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. Specifically, for example, if the first direction is from top to bottom, the second direction is from bottom to top;

[0057] S400, After the upper die assembly 1 and the lower die assembly 2 are respectively in the preset extrusion forming positions, maintain the extrusion force of both for a preset time;

[0058] S500, Release the extrusion force of the upper die assembly 1 and the lower die assembly 2 and take out the formed material. Specifically, the formed material can be pushed out by the aforementioned ejector block 241.

[0059] In this technical solution, after the material is softened in the steam chamber 5, it is softened again by steam during the extrusion after being pushed into the forming chamber 3, so that the material is softened more evenly and thoroughly, effectively preventing the phenomenon that the bottom of the material is broken during extrusion forming due to uneven softening of the material up and down in the prior art, thereby improving the quality of the formed food. This method is particularly suitable for the extrusion forming of materials with a relatively large thickness.

[0060] Preferably, in step S100, the first direction is from top to bottom. When introducing steam into the steam chamber 5 containing the material along the first direction, the inside of the steam chamber 5 is also heated, so that while softening the material at the top with steam, the water formed by condensation at the bottom of the material can be heated and evaporated, improving the softening effect of the material in the evaporation chamber 5.

[0061] As another more optimal technical solution, in step S400, during the period when the upper die assembly 1 and the lower die assembly 2 are in the preset extrusion forming position and the extrusion pressure is maintained for a preset time, a cooling air flow is introduced into the forming chamber 3. The aforementioned cooling air flow is, for example, air with a relatively low temperature, etc., so as to be able to cool down the bottom surface of the extruded material, effectively reduce the extrusion holding time, and improve the material forming efficiency.

[0062] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A food processing method, characterized in that, It is carried out by using a food processing device, which has a steam chamber (5) and a forming chamber (3). Corresponding to the forming chamber (3), an upper die assembly (1) and a lower die assembly (2) are provided. The upper die assembly (1) and the lower die assembly (2) are arranged opposite to each other up and down so as to be able to extrude and form the material pushed into the forming chamber (3). The lower die assembly (2) has a first steam introduction structure. The lower die assembly (2) includes a base (21) and a U-shaped support block (22) and a flat support plate (23) sequentially assembled on the side of the base (21) facing the forming chamber (3). The first steam introduction structure includes a first steam inlet hole (212) formed on the base (21). A lower die air outlet communicating with the forming chamber (3) is formed on the top surface of the flat support plate (23). The first steam inlet hole (212) and the lower die air outlet are communicated through a first flow channel. A first air inlet hole (211) is also formed on the base (21). The first air inlet hole (211) and the lower die air outlet are communicated through a second flow channel. The food processing method includes the following steps: S100, Put a preset amount of material into the steam chamber (5), and introduce steam into the steam chamber (5) containing the material along a first direction to soften the material in the steam chamber (5). The first direction is from top to bottom. S200, Push the softened material into the forming chamber (3). S300, Control the upper die assembly (1) and the lower die assembly (2) to move towards each other to extrude and form the material in the forming chamber (3), and introduce steam into the forming chamber (3) along a second direction through the first steam inlet hole (212) during the extrusion process to soften the material in the forming chamber (3). The second direction is opposite to the first direction. S400, After the upper die assembly (1) and the lower die assembly (2) are respectively in preset extrusion forming positions, keep the extrusion force of the two for a preset time. During the period of keeping the extrusion force for the preset time, introduce a cooling air flow into the forming chamber (3) through the first air inlet hole (211). S500, Release the extrusion force of the upper die assembly (1) and the lower die assembly (2) and take out the formed material.

2. The food processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that In the step S100, when introducing steam into the steam chamber (5) containing the material along the first direction, the inside of the steam chamber (5) is also heated.

3. The food processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that The steam chamber (5) has a second steam introduction structure (51) at its top and a heating component at its bottom.

4. The food processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second flow channel is formed by connecting and communicating a lower section of the second flow channel, a middle section of the second flow channel, and an upper section of the flow channel respectively formed in the base (21), the U-shaped support block (22), and the flat support plate (23). The first flow channel is formed by connecting and communicating a lower section of the first flow channel and a middle section of the first flow channel respectively formed in the base (21) and the U-shaped support block (22). The outlets of the middle section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel converge at the upper section of the flow channel. The lower section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the first flow channel extend in a straight line, and the lower section of the second flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel are arranged parallel to the lower section of the first flow channel.

5. The food processing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, A ring groove (233) is formed on one end face of the flat support plate (23) facing the U-shaped support block (22). The lower die air outlet includes a plurality of outer peripheral outlets (2311). The plurality of outer peripheral outlets (2311) are arranged around the outer peripheral region of the top surface of the flat support plate (23). Each of the outer peripheral outlets (2311) is respectively communicated with the ring groove (233) through the upper section of the second flow channel, and the middle section of the second flow channel and the upper section of the second flow channel are continuously communicated through the ring groove (233); and / or, a lower ejector assembly is further provided in the lower die assembly (2). The lower ejector assembly includes an ejector block (241). An installation hole is provided in the central region of the flat support plate (23). The ejector block (241) is vertically movably arranged in the installation hole. The lower die air outlet further includes a plurality of central outlets (2312) that penetrate up and down along the outer vertical wall of the ejector block (241). The central outlets (2312) are communicated with the middle section of the first flow channel and the middle section of the second flow channel.

6. The food processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper die assembly (1) includes an upper die head unit (12). The upper die head unit (12) includes a movable plate (122). A grille frame (123) is provided on one side of the movable plate (122) facing the lower die assembly (2). An upper pressing block (124) is provided in each grille of the grille frame (123). The grille frame (123) includes an outer frame (1231) and transverse and longitudinal cross-separating strips (1232) inside the outer frame (1231). The separating strips (1232) divide the inner region of the outer frame (1231) into a plurality of pressing block accommodation grooves (1230). An upper pressing block (124) is respectively provided in each of the pressing block accommodation grooves (1230). A second air inlet hole (1233) is formed on the outer frame (1231). The second air inlet hole (1233) can introduce external air flow into each of the pressing block accommodation grooves (1230).

7. The food processing method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Communication holes (1234) penetrate through opposite sides of the separating strip (1232); and / or, a plurality of air passing grooves (1241) extending through in the thickness direction are formed on the side vertical surface of the upper pressing block (124); and / or, the outer frame (1231) has a first region inside the forming chamber (3) and a second region outside the forming chamber (3). The second air inlet hole (1233) is located in the second region.

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