Freeze-dried product production line and method for controlling the same
By designing the components and circulating conveyor line of the freeze-dried product production line, and combining nitrogen freeze-drying, nozzle cleaning, and heating tube drying, the problems of high mold wear rate and discontinuous production were solved, and the diversified and efficient production of freeze-dried products was realized.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU HANXIU TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing freeze-dried product production lines suffer from discontinuous production, high mold wear rate, and low production efficiency when producing complex-shaped products because the molds cannot be customized.
A freeze-dried product production line was designed, including a liquid storage component, a freeze-drying component, a feeding component, a cleaning component, a drying component, a sterilization component, and a conveying component. The continuous production of freeze-dried products is achieved through a circulating conveyor line. Nitrogen freeze-drying, nozzle cleaning, heating tube drying, and ultraviolet sterilization are utilized, and automated production is achieved by combining it with an openable mold.
It has enabled the diversification of freeze-dried product production, low mold wear rate and high production efficiency, reduced energy consumption and improved capacity and production efficiency.
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Figure CN116499207B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Freeze-dried product production line and its control methods Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of production line technology, and in particular to a freeze-dried product production line and its control method. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, for example, an automated freeze-dried product production line described in patent document ZL 201920297354.5 uses a canning method for production. However, in producing products with complex shapes, the cans are not fully filled, making it impossible to achieve the desired shape with a single mold. This results in products with limited shape options and no customizable shapes. Furthermore, the demolding process for freeze-dried products typically involves manual or mechanical extrusion, leading to high mold wear, discontinuous production, and low efficiency. The technical problem this invention aims to solve is how to design a freeze-dried product production line that can produce a variety of products, has a low mold wear rate, and high production efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This invention provides a freeze-dried product production line and its control method, which enables the freeze-dried product production line to produce a variety of products, have a continuous production process, low energy consumption, low mold wear rate and high production efficiency, thereby increasing production capacity and reducing costs.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] This invention provides a freeze-dried product production line, comprising: a liquid storage component, a freeze-drying component, a feeding component, a cleaning component, a drying component, a sterilization component, a conveying component, and a base;
[0006] The liquid storage assembly includes a liquid storage rack and a liquid storage tank, wherein the liquid storage tank is disposed on the liquid storage rack;
[0007] The freeze-drying assembly includes a freeze-drying rack, a freeze-drying chamber, and a freeze-drying fan. The freeze-drying chamber is mounted on the freeze-drying rack, and the freeze-drying fan is mounted on the freeze-drying chamber.
[0008] The feeding assembly includes a feeding frame and a feeding plate, wherein the feeding plate is disposed on the feeding frame;
[0009] The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning frame, a cleaning tank, and a nozzle. The cleaning tank is mounted on the cleaning frame, and the nozzle is mounted inside the cleaning tank.
[0010] The drying assembly includes a drying rack, a drying chamber, a heating element, and a heating fan. The drying chamber is mounted on the drying rack, and the heating element and the heating fan are mounted on the drying chamber.
[0011] The disinfection assembly includes a disinfection rack and a disinfection box, with the disinfection box mounted on the disinfection rack.
[0012] The conveying assembly includes a circulating conveyor line, a mold, and a drive component. The mold is disposed on the circulating conveyor line, and the drive component is disposed on the mold and configured to drive the mold to open and close.
[0013] The bases are respectively disposed on the liquid storage component, the freeze-drying component, the feeding component, the cleaning component, the drying component, and the disinfection component, and the circulating conveyor line is respectively disposed on the liquid storage component, the freeze-drying component, the cleaning component, the drying component, and the disinfection component.
[0014] Furthermore, the freeze-drying chamber is positioned above the freeze-drying rack, and air curtain machines are respectively installed at both ends of the freeze-drying chamber. The air curtain machines are configured to form an air curtain at the port of the freeze-drying tunnel.
[0015] Furthermore, the mold includes a mounting base, a first mold body, and a second mold body. The upper ends of the first mold body and the second mold body are rotatably mounted on the mounting base. Model grooves are formed on the opposite surfaces of the first mold body and the second mold body, and the two model grooves form a mold cavity when they are engaged. The mounting base is mounted on the moving component. The driving component is mounted on the first mold body and the second mold body and is configured to drive the first mold body and the second mold body to rotate.
[0016] Furthermore, the driving component includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet, wherein the first permanent magnet is disposed on the first mold and the second permanent magnet is disposed on the second mold;
[0017] The circulating conveyor line also includes an annular slide rail, and the moving part is slidably disposed on the annular slide rail. A first electromagnet is disposed on one side of the annular slide rail, and a second electromagnet is disposed on the other side of the annular slide rail. The first electromagnet is configured to generate a magnetic force with a first permanent magnet below it, and the second electromagnet is configured to generate a magnetic force with a second permanent magnet below it.
[0018] Furthermore, the cleaning tank is positioned above the cleaning rack, and the spray nozzles are positioned on both sides of the inner wall of the cleaning tank.
[0019] Furthermore, the drying chamber is positioned above the drying rack, and the heating tubes are positioned on both sides of the inner wall of the drying chamber.
[0020] Furthermore, the circulating conveyor line bends downward at the liquid storage tank and passes through the liquid storage tank.
[0021] Furthermore, baffles are provided around the feeding plate.
[0022] Furthermore, multiple liquid nitrogen injection inlets are respectively provided on the opposite surfaces of the freeze-drying tunnel, and the multiple liquid nitrogen injection inlets are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the freeze-drying tunnel.
[0023] The present invention also provides a control method for the above-mentioned freeze-dried product production line, comprising: a mold moving to a liquid storage component along a circulating conveyor line; the mold being immersed in a material solution in a liquid storage tank; a driving component driving the mold to close so that the material solution is contained in the mold; the closed mold following the circulating conveyor line into a freeze-drying chamber for freeze-drying treatment, so that the material is formed into a freeze-dried product in the mold; the closed mold following the circulating conveyor line out of the freeze-drying chamber and moving above a discharge plate; the driving component driving the mold to open so that the freeze-dried product in the mold automatically falls onto the discharge plate; and the open mold following the circulating conveyor line sequentially immersing itself in a cleaning chamber, a drying chamber, and a sterilization chamber.
[0024] The technical solution of this invention has the following technical advantages over the prior art: The feet installed on the liquid storage component, freeze-drying component, feeding component, cleaning component, drying component, sterilization component, and conveying component facilitate adjustment of their positions, thereby facilitating continuous production of freeze-dried products and improving production efficiency. The liquid storage tank installed on the liquid storage rack facilitates the mold's gripping of raw materials. The freeze-drying chamber installed on the freeze-drying rack allows for the filling of the freeze-drying chamber with nitrogen gas, facilitating the freeze-drying of raw materials. The freeze-drying fan on the freeze-drying chamber facilitates the blowing of nitrogen gas within, ensuring its full utilization and promoting thorough freeze-drying and molding of the product, thus saving resources. A feeding plate on the feeding rack facilitates the collection of freeze-dried products. High-pressure water jets are sprayed onto the molds through nozzles on the cleaning chamber for cleaning. Heating tubes on the drying chamber dry the molds, and a heating fan on the drying chamber circulates the heated gas within, ensuring thorough drying of the molds. To save energy, a disinfection box mounted on a disinfection rack emits ultraviolet light to disinfect the molds. A circulating conveyor line, integrated with the liquid storage, freeze-drying, feeding, cleaning, drying, and disinfection components, forms a circular structure, facilitating the cyclical production of freeze-dried products. A first and second mold on the circulating conveyor line facilitates the loading and unloading of raw materials for freeze-dried products. Drive components on the molds allow for easy opening and closing of the first and second molds, further facilitating the loading and unloading of raw materials for freeze-dried products. When the conveyor line transports the mold to the liquid storage tank, the mold is completely immersed in the liquid storage tank. The drive unit controls the first mold body and the second mold body to close, sealing the raw material in the first mold body and the second mold body without any gaps. Then, the circulating conveyor line transports the mold to the freeze-drying chamber for freeze-drying. Then, the circulating conveyor line transports the mold to the unloading plate, and the drive unit controls the first mold body and the second mold body to open. The freeze-dried product falls onto the unloading plate for easy collection. If you want to make different freeze-dried products, you can change different molds to achieve the production of different freeze-dried products. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the continuous freeze-dried product production system of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the cleaning component in the continuous freeze-drying product production system of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the drying component in the continuous freeze-dried product production system of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the conveying components in the continuous freeze-drying product production system of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 5 is a magnified view of a portion of region A in Figure 4;
[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the mold structure in the continuous freeze-drying product production system of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 7 is an assembly diagram of the freeze-drying component and the conveying component in Figure 1;
[0032] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the freeze-drying component in Figure 1.
[0033] Figure label:
[0034] Liquid storage component 1;
[0035] Liquid storage rack 11, liquid storage tank 12;
[0036] Freeze-drying component 2;
[0037] 21. Freeze-drying rack; 22. Freeze-drying chamber; 23. Freeze-drying fan; 24. Air curtain machine;
[0038] Liquid nitrogen injection inlet 221;
[0039] Material feeding component 3;
[0040] Material feeding rack 31, material feeding plate 32;
[0041] Cleaning component 4;
[0042] 41. Cleaning rack; 42. Cleaning box; 43. Spray nozzle;
[0043] Drying component 5;
[0044] 51. Drying rack; 52. Drying box; 53. Heating element; 54. Heating fan;
[0045] Disinfection component 6;
[0046] Disinfection rack 61, disinfection box 62;
[0047] Conveyor component 7;
[0048] Circulating conveyor line 71, mold 72, drive component 73, column 74;
[0049] Moving component 711, first permanent magnet 731, second permanent magnet 732, guide rod 714;
[0050] Model slot 720, first mold 721, second mold 722, mounting base 723;
[0051] Bottom foot 8. Detailed Implementation
[0052] The present invention provides a continuous freeze-drying product production system, comprising: a liquid storage component 1, a freeze-drying component 2, a feeding component 3, a cleaning component 4, a drying component 5, a sterilization component 6, a conveying component 7, and a base 8;
[0053] Liquid storage assembly 1 includes a liquid storage rack 11 and a liquid storage tank 12, with the liquid storage tank 12 disposed on the liquid storage rack 11;
[0054] The freeze-drying assembly 2 includes a freeze-drying chamber 22 and a freeze-drying fan 23. The freeze-drying chamber 22 forms a freeze-drying tunnel, and multiple liquid nitrogen injection inlets 221 are provided in the freeze-drying tunnel. The multiple liquid nitrogen injection inlets 221 are arranged sequentially along the length of the freeze-drying tunnel. The freeze-drying fan 23 is installed on the freeze-drying chamber 22 and located in the freeze-drying tunnel.
[0055] The unloading assembly 3 includes an unloading frame 31 and an unloading plate 32, with the unloading plate 32 mounted on the unloading frame 31;
[0056] The cleaning assembly 4 includes a cleaning frame 41, a cleaning box 42, and a nozzle 43. The cleaning box 42 is mounted on the cleaning frame 41, and the nozzle 43 is mounted inside the cleaning box 42.
[0057] The drying assembly 5 includes a drying rack 51, a drying chamber 52, a heating tube 53, and a heating fan 54. The drying chamber 52 is mounted on the drying rack 51, and the heating tube 53 and the heating fan 54 are mounted on the drying chamber 52.
[0058] The disinfection component 6 includes a disinfection rack 61 and a disinfection box 62, with the disinfection box 62 mounted on the disinfection rack 61.
[0059] The conveying component 7 adopts the conveying component in Embodiment 1 above, and the circulating conveying line runs through the freeze-drying tunnel.
[0060] The base 8 is respectively set on the liquid storage component 1, freeze-drying component 2, feeding component 3, cleaning component 4, drying component 5 and disinfection component 6, and the circulating conveyor line 71 is respectively installed through the liquid storage component 1, freeze-drying component 2, cleaning component 4, drying component 5 and disinfection component 6.
[0061] Specifically, in actual use, the moving part 711 on the circulating conveyor line 71 will drive the mold to move cyclically, so that the mold enters the freeze-drying tunnel formed by the freeze-drying box 22 in a suspended state. Liquid nitrogen is sprayed into the freeze-drying tunnel through the liquid nitrogen injection port 221. After the liquid nitrogen is vaporized, it is driven by the freeze-drying fan 23 to be evenly dispersed in the freeze-drying tunnel to ensure that the mold 72 can obtain uniform cooling.
[0062] Specifically, the control method for the aforementioned continuous freeze-dried product production system includes: the mold moves along the circulating conveyor line to the liquid storage component, the mold is immersed in the material solution in the liquid storage tank, and the drive component drives the mold to close so that the material solution is contained in the mold; the closed mold follows the circulating conveyor line into the freeze-drying chamber for freeze-drying treatment, so that the material is formed into a freeze-dried product in the mold; the closed mold follows the circulating conveyor line out of the freeze-drying chamber and moves to the top of the unloading plate, and the drive component drives the mold to open so that the freeze-dried product in the mold automatically falls onto the unloading plate; the open mold follows the circulating conveyor line and is sequentially immersed in the cleaning chamber, drying chamber and sterilization chamber.
[0063] Specifically, the liquid storage tank 12 is set on the liquid storage rack 11. When the circulating conveyor line 71 carries the mold 72 to the liquid storage tank 12, the mold 72 is immersed in the liquid storage tank 12, and then the mold 72 closes, holding the material inside, thus loading the raw material for freeze-drying. Afterwards, the circulating conveyor line 71 carries the mold 72 to the freeze-drying chamber 22, filling it with nitrogen. The nitrogen freeze-dries the raw material. Simultaneously, the freeze-drying fan 23, located on the freeze-drying chamber 22, starts working, blowing the nitrogen inside the chamber, allowing the nitrogen to circulate within the chamber. This ensures full utilization of the nitrogen, facilitating the freeze-drying and shaping of the raw material and saving energy. After the raw material is freeze-dried, the circulating conveyor line 71 transports the mold 72 to the unloading plate 32. The drive component 73 opens the mold 72, and the product falls onto the unloading plate 32, achieving demolding and collection of the freeze-dried product. Next, the circulating conveyor line 71 transports the mold 72 to the cleaning tank 42. A spray nozzle 43 is installed inside the cleaning tank 42, spraying water onto the mold 72 for automatic cleaning. Then, the circulating conveyor line 71 transports the mold 72 to the drying tank 52. A heating element 53 and a heating fan 54 are installed in the drying tank 52. The heating element 53 starts working, drying the mold 72. Simultaneously, the heating fan 54 blows the gas heated by the heating element 53, which circulates within the drying tank 52, further drying the mold 72. The circulating conveyor line 71 then transports the mold 72 to the sterilization tank 62, which is equipped with ultraviolet lamps to sterilize the mold 72. Finally, the circulating conveyor line 71 returns the mold 72 to the liquid storage tank 12, facilitating the production of the next batch of freeze-dried products and improving production efficiency.
[0064] The bases 8 are respectively set on the liquid storage component 1, freeze-drying component 2, feeding component 3, cleaning component 4, drying component 5 and sterilization component 6, which facilitates the adjustment of the spacing and position between the liquid storage component 1, freeze-drying component 2, feeding component 3, cleaning component 4, drying component 5 and sterilization component 6, thereby facilitating the adjustment of the spacing and position between each process and the production of freeze-dried products. The circulating conveyor line 71 is respectively set on the liquid storage component 1, freeze-drying component 2, cleaning component 4, drying component 5 and sterilization component 6, forming a circulating structure between the liquid storage component 1, freeze-drying component 2, cleaning component 4, drying component 5 and sterilization component 6, which facilitates the cyclic production of freeze-dried products and improves production efficiency.
[0065] Furthermore, the cleaning tank 42 is positioned above the cleaning rack 41, and the nozzles 43 are positioned on both sides of the inner wall of the cleaning tank 42.
[0066] Specifically, when the mold 72 arrives inside the cleaning tank 42, the nozzles 43 are positioned on both sides of the inner wall of the cleaning tank 42. The mold 72 remains open, and the nozzles 43 spray high-pressure water onto the mold 72 to clean it.
[0067] Furthermore, the drying chamber 52 is positioned above the drying rack 51, and the heating tubes 53 are positioned on both sides of the inner wall of the drying chamber 52.
[0068] Specifically, after the mold 72 is cleaned, the circulating conveyor line 71 transports the mold 72 into the drying chamber 52, and the heating tube 53 starts to work, drying the mold 72 to facilitate the drying of the mold 72.
[0069] Furthermore, a heating fan 54 is located at one end of the drying chamber 52.
[0070] Specifically, the heating fan 54 is located at one end of the drying chamber 52. The heating fan 54 blows the gas heated by the heating tube 53 from one end of the drying chamber 52, so that the gas heated by the heating tube 53 circulates in the drying chamber 52, which facilitates the drying of the mold 72.
[0071] The mold 72 can be made of aluminum plate and coated with a hydrophobic coating. The first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 are rotatably mounted on the circulating conveyor line 71. When the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 reach the liquid storage tank 12, they close, sealing the material inside, facilitating the loading of raw materials for freeze-dried products. The material then enters the freeze-drying chamber 22 for freeze-drying. When the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 reach the unloading plate 32, they open, and the freeze-dried product falls onto the unloading plate 32. When different shapes of freeze-dried products need to be produced, molds of other shapes can be used, facilitating the production of diverse freeze-dried products.
[0072] Furthermore, the circulating conveyor line 71 is configured as a circulating structure and passes sequentially through the liquid storage tank 12, the freeze-drying box 22, the feeding plate 32, the cleaning box 42, the drying box 52, and the disinfection box 62.
[0073] Specifically, the circulating conveyor line 71 passes sequentially through the liquid storage tank 12, the freeze-drying box 22, the feeding plate 32, the washing box 42, the drying box 52, and the sterilization box 62, and then passes back into the liquid storage tank 12. Therefore, the circulating conveyor line 71 forms a circulating structure. The circulating conveyor line 71 can circulate the mold 72 between the liquid storage tank 12, the freeze-drying box 22, the feeding plate 32, the washing box 42, the drying box 52, and the sterilization box 62, which facilitates the cyclic production of freeze-dried products and improves production efficiency.
[0074] Furthermore, the circulating conveyor line 71 bends downward at the liquid storage tank 12 and passes through the liquid storage tank 12.
[0075] Specifically, the circulating conveyor line 71 bends downward at the liquid storage tank 12 and passes through the liquid storage tank 12. The circulating conveyor line 71 conveys the mold 72 into the liquid storage tank 12, so that the mold 72 is completely immersed in the liquid storage tank 12. This makes it easier for the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 to pick up the raw material, so that the raw material fills the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 and seals the raw material in the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722, thereby facilitating the production of freeze-dried products.
[0076] Furthermore, baffles are installed around the feeding plate 32.
[0077] Specifically, baffles are provided around the feeding plate 32. When the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 are opened, the freeze-dried product falls onto the feeding plate 32. The baffles on the feeding plate 32 prevent the freeze-dried product from falling and facilitate the collection of the freeze-dried product.
[0078] First, the raw material is placed in the storage tank 12. The circulating conveyor line 71 transports the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 into the storage tank 12. The drive component 73 controls the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 to close, sealing the raw material within them. Then, the circulating conveyor line 71 transports the mold 72 to the freeze-drying chamber 22, and nitrogen is injected into the chamber. Simultaneously, the freeze-drying fan 23 starts working, blowing the nitrogen gas at both ends of the chamber 22, causing it to circulate. After the raw material is freeze-dried and formed, the circulating conveyor line 71 transports the mold 72 above the unloading plate 32. Then, the drive component 73 controls the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 to open, and the freeze-dried product falls onto the unloading plate 32. The circulating conveyor line 71 then... 1. The mold 72 is conveyed to the cleaning tank 42, and the nozzle 43 sprays high-pressure water onto the mold 72 to facilitate cleaning of the nozzle 43. Then, the circulating conveyor line 71 conveys the mold 72 to the drying tank 52. The heating tube 53 and the heating fan 54 start working. The heating tube 53 dries the mold 72, and at the same time, the heating fan 54 blows the gas heated by the heating tube 53, so that the gas heated by the heating tube 53 circulates in the drying tank 52 to facilitate drying of the mold 72. Then, the circulating conveyor line 71 conveys the mold 72 to the disinfection tank 62. The disinfection tank 62 is equipped with ultraviolet lamps to emit ultraviolet light for sterilization and disinfection of the mold 72. Finally, the circulating conveyor line 71 conveys the mold 72 back to the liquid storage tank for the production of the next batch of freeze-dried products, which facilitates the cyclical production of freeze-dried products and improves production efficiency.
[0079] Based on the above technical solution, optionally, in order to improve the uniformity of refrigeration, the freeze-drying fan 23 includes a motor and metal blades. The motor is located outside the freeze-drying tunnel and is installed on the freeze-drying chamber 22. The rotating shaft of the motor extends into the freeze-drying tunnel, and the metal blades are installed on the rotating shaft and located inside the freeze-drying tunnel.
[0080] Specifically, metal blades are used to rotate inside the freeze-drying tunnel to meet the requirements for the flow of low-temperature nitrogen gas inside the freeze-drying tunnel. Furthermore, metal blades have higher reliability, and the motor is located outside the freeze-drying tunnel to ensure the safe and reliable use of the motor.
[0081] Furthermore, to more effectively improve freeze-drying efficiency and maintain uniform temperature distribution within the freeze-drying tunnel, multiple freeze-drying fans 23 are installed on the freeze-drying chamber 22 along the length of the freeze-drying tunnel. Correspondingly, multiple liquid nitrogen injection inlets 221 are installed in the freeze-drying tunnel adjacent to the freeze-drying fans 23.
[0082] Specifically, during use, liquid nitrogen is injected into the liquid nitrogen inlet 221, and the liquid nitrogen is injected into the freeze-drying tunnel to form low-temperature nitrogen gas, which can be evenly dispersed under the action of the freeze-drying fan 23.
[0083] In order to improve the utilization efficiency of liquid nitrogen, the freeze-drying chamber 22 is also provided with an air duct 231. The air duct has an air inlet and at least one air outlet. The air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the freeze-drying chamber 22. Each air outlet is provided with a freeze-drying fan 23. Similarly, each air outlet is provided with a liquid nitrogen injection port 221.
[0084] During use, the air inlet is located near the exit inside the freeze-drying tunnel. This allows the low-temperature air to be circulated and transported to the front half of the freeze-drying tunnel via the air duct 231 for further freeze-drying.
[0085] In order to improve the uniformity of temperature distribution inside the freeze-drying tunnel, an auxiliary fan 233 can be installed at a position opposite to the freeze-drying fan 23. The auxiliary fan 233 has the same structure as the freeze-drying fan 23. Furthermore, the auxiliary fan 233 and the freeze-drying fan 23 can be arranged in a staggered manner.
[0086] The auxiliary fan 233 on one surface and the liquid nitrogen inlet 221 on the other surface can be arranged opposite to each other or staggered. In this way, the liquid nitrogen sprayed from the liquid nitrogen inlet 221 is efficiently changed from liquid to gaseous nitrogen by the airflow generated by the auxiliary fan 233 on the opposite side, so as to improve the uniformity of temperature distribution inside the freeze-drying tunnel.
[0087] Additionally, an exhaust vent can be installed on the air duct 231, with a damper 232 on the exhaust vent. An exhaust fan 234 can also be installed at the air inlet of the air duct 231. When it is necessary to exhaust the cold air inside the freeze-drying tunnel to the outside, the damper 232 opens and the exhaust fan 234 is activated, allowing the air inside the freeze-drying tunnel to be output from the exhaust vent through the air duct 231. In actual use, the injection of liquid nitrogen is triggered by a temperature sensor detecting the temperature inside the freeze-drying tunnel; that is, when the temperature inside the freeze-drying tunnel exceeds a set value, liquid nitrogen is injected into the freeze-drying tunnel. Furthermore, the opening and closing of the damper is triggered by a pressure sensor installed inside the freeze-drying tunnel; when the air pressure inside the freeze-drying tunnel exceeds a set value, the damper 232 opens. Of course, after the freeze-drying operation is completed, a command can also be issued to open the damper 232 and the exhaust fan 234 to vent the cold air from the freeze-drying tunnel. The specific control method can be controlled through PLC programming; no restrictions are placed on the specific control program here.
[0088] Furthermore, air curtain machines 24 are respectively provided at both ends of the freeze-drying chamber 22, and the air curtain machines 24 are configured to form an air curtain at the port of the freeze-drying tunnel.
[0089] Specifically, since the two ends of the freeze-drying tunnel are open structures, in order to prevent the low-temperature nitrogen inside from leaking out, air curtain machines 24 are installed at both ends of the freeze-drying box 22. The air curtain machines 24 are used to generate air curtains to isolate the freeze-drying tunnel from the external environment.
[0090] Based on the above technical solution, optionally, in order to realize the automatic opening and closing of the mold 72, so as to meet the requirements of continuous production.
[0091] The mold includes a mounting base 723, a first mold body 721, and a second mold body 722. The upper ends of the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 are rotatably mounted on the mounting base 723. Model grooves 720 are formed on the opposite surfaces of the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722. When the two model grooves 720 are engaged, they form a mold cavity. The mounting base 723 is mounted on the moving part 711.
[0092] The conveying assembly 7 also includes a driving component 73, which is disposed on the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 and configured to drive the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 to rotate.
[0093] Specifically, in actual use, the moving part 711 on the circulating conveyor line 71 can move cyclically along the extension trajectory of the circulating conveyor line, thereby driving the mold to follow its cyclical movement.
[0094] The mold is assembled from a first mold body 721 and a second mold body 722 that can be opened and closed. The mold grooves 720 formed on the two mold bodies can form a mold cavity after the two mold bodies are closed to mold products of corresponding shapes. Since the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 can rotate relative to each other to achieve the opening and closing action, in actual use, automatic material injection is achieved by closing the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722, and automatic demolding is achieved by opening the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 after freeze-drying.
[0095] In actual use, the driving force for the opening and closing of the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 comes from the driving component on the mold. Under the specific process requirements, the driving component drives the two molds to open and close automatically.
[0096] For example, when automatic material injection is required, the moving component 71 moves the mold to the liquid storage tank containing the material. Then, the driving component drives the two mold bodies to close, so that the material is stored in the mold cavity formed by the mold. Furthermore, after the freeze-drying operation is completed, the driving component drives the two mold bodies to rotate and open, automatically demolding the product from the mold cavity, thus achieving automated operation and reducing manual intervention.
[0097] By employing a circular conveyor line, the mold can be moved cyclically during use. The mold is mounted on the moving parts of the conveyor line to meet the requirements of cyclic movement. During the movement, the first and second mold bodies can be opened or closed by the drive components according to the process requirements at different positions. In actual use, after the mold moves into the liquid storage tank, the drive components will drive the two mold bodies to close, so that the liquid material is located in the mold tanks arranged opposite each other. The conveyor line will then carry the two closed mold bodies into the freeze-drying chamber to freeze-dry the material in the liquid storage tank. After the mold bodies are output from the freeze-drying chamber, the product in the mold tank will be freeze-dried into the required shape. The drive components will then drive the two mold bodies to open automatically, thereby completing the automatic demolding of the product. This achieves automatic mold opening and closing of the conveyor components to achieve continuous production and improve production efficiency.
[0098] Furthermore, a pivot (not marked) is provided on the mounting base 723, and the upper ends of the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 are rotatably mounted on the mounting base 723 via the pivot.
[0099] Specifically, by setting a rotating shaft on the mounting base 723, the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 are mounted via the rotating shaft, so as to ensure that the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 can reliably rotate to meet the opening and closing requirements.
[0100] Furthermore, since the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 are mounted on the mounting base 723 via a rotating shaft, the two molds can also sway relative to the mounting base 723 as a whole after they are combined.
[0101] Furthermore, the driving component includes a first permanent magnet 731 and a second permanent magnet 732, with the first permanent magnet 731 disposed on the first mold 721 and the second permanent magnet 732 disposed on the second mold 722.
[0102] The circulating conveyor line further includes an annular slide rail, an annular conveyor chain, and a drive mechanism. The annular conveyor chain is slidably mounted on the annular slide rail. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the annular conveyor chain to slide on the annular slide rail. A moving part 711 is mounted on the annular conveyor chain. A first electromagnet 712 is mounted on one side of the annular slide rail, and a second electromagnet 713 is mounted on the other side of the annular slide rail. The first electromagnet is configured to generate magnetic force with a first permanent magnet 731 below it, and the second electromagnet is configured to generate magnetic force with a second permanent magnet 732 below it.
[0103] Specifically, in order to enable the moving part 711 to drive the mold 72 to move cyclically, a circular conveyor chain that can circulate is configured in the annular slide rail. Correspondingly, a drive mechanism drives the circular conveyor chain to rotate cyclically. The drive mechanism drives the circular conveyor chain by driving a sprocket with a motor. For specific details, refer to the drive methods of conveyor chains in conventional technology, and no restrictions are imposed here.
[0104] By configuring electromagnets at the corresponding positions of the annular slide rails on the circulating conveyor line, and correspondingly using permanent magnets as the driving component, when the mold moves to the liquid storage tank, a repulsive force is generated between the electromagnets and the permanent magnets, causing the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 to come together, thereby enabling the two mold slots 720 to be locked together to form a mold cavity. The repulsive force generated between the electromagnets and the permanent magnets ensures that the mold is in a closed state when entering the freeze-drying chamber for freeze-drying treatment.
[0105] When the mold is output from the freeze-drying chamber, the electromagnet applies a magnetic attraction force to the permanent magnet, thereby opening the mold. Preferably, to reliably demold the formed product from the mold, guide rods 714 with an arc-shaped structure are provided on both sides of the annular slide rail. Simultaneously, columns 74 are provided at the upper ends of the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722. For the mold output from the freeze-drying chamber, the front end of the guide rod 714 extends into the inner side of the corresponding column 74. As the mold continues to move with the moving component 711, the arc-shaped guide rod 714 abuts against the column 74, so that the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 are reliably opened by the guide rod 714, ensuring smooth demolding of the product from the mold.
[0106] Furthermore, a return spring (not shown) is provided between the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722. Specifically, the return spring applies a spring force to the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722, causing them to tend to move away from each other. Under the action of the return spring, it can be ensured that the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 remain open after opening, thus facilitating manual cleaning if any products in one of the molds stick to one of the mold bodies.
[0107] Preferably, to optimize the freeze-drying effect, the first mold 721 and the second mold 722 are heat conductors. Furthermore, to optimize demolding smoothness and reduce material adhesion to the outer surfaces of the first mold 721 and the second mold 722, a hydrophobic coating (not shown) is provided in the mold groove 720.
[0108] The mold 72 can be made of aluminum plate and coated with a hydrophobic coating. The first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 are rotatably mounted on the circulating conveyor line 71. When the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 reach the liquid storage tank 12, they close, sealing the material inside, facilitating the loading of raw materials for freeze-dried products. The material then enters the freeze-drying chamber 22 for freeze-drying. When the first mold body 721 and the second mold body 722 reach the unloading plate 32, they open, and the freeze-dried product falls onto the unloading plate 32. When different shapes of freeze-dried products need to be produced, molds of other shapes can be used, facilitating the production of diverse freeze-dried products.
[0109] In another embodiment, in order to facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the mold and to replace the mold of different specifications, the movable part 711 is provided with a clamp (not shown), which clamps the mounting base 723.
[0110] Specifically, the mold is mounted on the movable part 711 by a clamp. When the mold needs to be replaced, the mold replacement operation can be completed by opening the clamp. As for the specific structure of the clamp, you can refer to the clamp structure used in conventional industrial production, such as mechanical clamps or suction cup clamps, and will not be limited or elaborated here.
[0111] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A freeze-dried product production line, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a liquid storage assembly, a freeze-drying assembly, a feeding assembly, a cleaning assembly, a drying assembly, a disinfection assembly, a conveying assembly, and a base. The liquid storage assembly includes a liquid storage rack and a liquid storage tank, with the liquid storage tank mounted on the liquid storage rack. The freeze-drying assembly includes a freeze-drying rack, a freeze-drying chamber, and a freeze-drying fan, with the freeze-drying chamber mounted on the freeze-drying rack and the freeze-drying fan mounted on the freeze-drying chamber. The feeding assembly includes a feeding rack and a feeding plate, with the feeding plate mounted on the feeding rack. The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning rack, a cleaning chamber, and a nozzle, with the cleaning chamber mounted on the cleaning rack and the nozzle mounted inside the cleaning chamber. The drying assembly includes a drying rack, a drying chamber, a heating element, and a heating fan, with the drying chamber... On the drying rack, the heating tube and the heating fan are mounted on the drying chamber; the sterilization assembly includes a sterilization rack and a sterilization chamber, with the sterilization chamber mounted on the sterilization rack; the conveying assembly includes a circulating conveyor line, a mold, and a driving component, with the mold mounted on the circulating conveyor line and the driving component mounted on the mold and configured to drive the mold to open and close; wherein, the base feet are respectively mounted on the liquid storage assembly, the freeze-drying assembly, the feeding assembly, the cleaning assembly, the drying assembly, and the sterilization assembly, and the circulating conveyor line is respectively mounted on the liquid storage assembly, the freeze-drying assembly, the cleaning assembly, the drying assembly, and the sterilization assembly; the mold package The system includes a mounting base, a first mold body, and a second mold body. The upper ends of the first mold body and the second mold body are rotatably mounted on the mounting base. Model grooves are formed on the opposing surfaces of the first and second mold bodies, and these grooves form a mold cavity when they are engaged. The mounting base is mounted on a moving component of the circulating conveyor line. A driving component is mounted on the first and second mold bodies and configured to drive them to rotate. The driving component includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet, with the first permanent magnet mounted on the first mold body and the second permanent magnet mounted on the second mold body. The circulating conveyor line also includes a ring... The annular slide rail has a movable component slidably mounted on it. A first electromagnet is mounted on one side of the annular slide rail, and a second electromagnet is mounted on the other side. The first electromagnet is configured to generate a repulsive or magnetic attraction force with a first permanent magnet below it, and the second electromagnet is configured to generate a repulsive or magnetic attraction force with a second permanent magnet below it. A return spring is provided between the first mold body and the second mold body. Guide rods with an arc-shaped structure are provided on both sides of the annular slide rail. Columns are provided at the upper ends of the first mold body and the second mold body, and the guide rods are configured to abut against the columns so that the first mold body and the second mold body are opened by the guide rods.
2. The freeze-dried product production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning tank is positioned above the cleaning rack, and the nozzles are positioned on both sides of the inner wall of the cleaning tank.
3. The freeze-dried product production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying chamber is located above the drying rack, and the heating tubes are located on both sides of the inner wall of the drying chamber.
4. The freeze-dried product production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circulating conveyor line bends downward at the liquid storage tank and passes through the liquid storage tank.
5. The freeze-dried product production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, Baffles are provided around the feeding plate.
6. The freeze-dried product production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The freeze-drying chamber has a freeze-drying tunnel inside, and multiple liquid nitrogen inlets are provided on opposite sides of the freeze-drying tunnel. The multiple liquid nitrogen inlets are arranged sequentially along the length of the freeze-drying tunnel.
7. A control method for a freeze-dried product production line as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: The mold moves along the circulating conveyor line to the liquid storage component, where it is immersed in the material solution in the liquid storage tank. The drive component drives the mold to close so that the material solution is contained in the mold. The closed mold follows the circulating conveyor line into the freeze-drying chamber for freeze-drying, so that the material is formed into a freeze-dried product in the mold; the closed mold is output from the freeze-drying chamber and moved above the unloading plate by the circulating conveyor line, and the driving component drives the mold to open so that the freeze-dried product in the mold automatically falls off onto the unloading plate. The mold, in its open state, is sequentially immersed in the cleaning box, drying box, and disinfection box via the circulating conveyor line.
Citation Information
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