Circulating mobile cut flower pressure difference pre-cooling device

Abstract

This invention relates to a circulating mobile differential pressure precooling device for cut flowers. The device includes a cold storage room, a precooling unit loaded with cut flowers, and a control module connected to a cooling fan of the precooling unit. The control module is configured to: determine the circulation path and / or the travel time of the precooling unit; and control the cooling fan and the precooling unit to perform gradient precooling according to set parameters. Through the circulation path design, this invention eliminates the need for workers to enter the cold storage room. While ensuring that workers do not need to work in the low-temperature environment of the cold storage room, it also ensures that the cold storage room remains a relatively enclosed space, protecting the internal cold air and preventing external contaminants from entering and contaminating the cut flowers during precooling. The gradient precooling design of this invention prevents frost damage to the cut flowers due to over-precooling even when the precooling speed is further accelerated.

Description

[0001] The original basis for this divisional application is patent application CN202310464339.6, filed on April 27, 2023, entitled "A mobile flower cutting pressure differential precooling system and method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the fields of flower processing and cut flower preservation, and in particular to a circulating mobile cut flower differential pressure precooling device. Background Technology

[0003] After harvesting, cut flowers lose the ability to absorb nutrients from the roots, but nutrient consumption continues. Respiration becomes the primary pathway for nutrient depletion, and the viewing period and post-harvest physiological state of cut flowers are closely related to their nutrient content and respiratory metabolism. Temperature is a decisive factor in the respiratory metabolism of cut flowers. Higher temperatures lead to stronger respiratory metabolism and shorter viewing periods. Cut flowers harvested from greenhouses carry significant amounts of field heat, which keeps them at higher temperatures, promoting respiration and accelerating aging, thus reducing their ornamental and economic value. Removing this field heat can lower the basal metabolic rate and delay aging. Currently, pre-cooling is commonly used to quickly remove field heat, lowering the flower temperature to refrigeration temperature. Pre-cooling also inhibits the growth of pathogens, prevents deterioration, and extends vase life.

[0004] Currently, there are various methods for precooling agricultural products. For example, existing technology CN 105901117A discloses a dual-temperature zone pressure differential precooling device and method for fruits and vegetables, including a compartment. Within the compartment body, two insulated structural compartments and a maintenance structural compartment are installed. Each of the two insulated structural compartments is equipped with two different sets of precooling devices. Based on the different structures of the two sets of precooling devices, two different refrigeration systems are installed. These two refrigeration systems supply cold air to the two insulated structural compartments respectively. Simultaneously, each refrigeration system is equipped with a fan, and the fan motor has a frequency converter. A wireless frequency converter installed in the maintenance structural compartment allows a remote controller to remotely control the frequency converter to regulate the motor speed, thereby adjusting the fan speed. Ultimately, this achieves different cooling capacities based on the corresponding precooling temperatures of various fruits and vegetables within the different insulated structural compartments, while simultaneously achieving the desired precooling temperature.

[0005] However, cut flowers have their own unique characteristics compared to other agricultural products; their value lies primarily in their ornamental appeal. To maximize and maintain their ornamental value after harvest, cut flowers require a series of post-harvest processing measures, including grading and packaging. To prevent mechanical damage and excessive water loss during post-harvest distribution, which could diminish their ornamental value, cut flowers are often protected with a combination of tight inner and outer packaging. Furthermore, for ease of operation and efficiency, these processes are typically carried out at room temperature. This means that the tightly packed, high-temperature cut flowers face difficulties in cooling down after harvest. Within the limited space of the packaging box, the high temperature of the flowers causes the heat generated by respiration to accumulate rapidly, further raising the temperature inside the box and accelerating respiration, creating a vicious cycle of high temperature and high respiration. Therefore, it is necessary to explore suitable equipment and methods for rapid pre-cooling of packaged cut flowers.

[0006] Currently, my country's cut flower industry mainly uses cold storage precooling, which makes it difficult to achieve rapid precooling and cooling of packaged cut flowers. There are also few improvements to pressure differential precooling technology suitable for rapid cooling of packaged cut flowers.

[0007] Current cold storage precooling methods lack cyclical synchronous precooling for cut flowers after multiple packages. Typically, workers need to manually push or remove the precooling equipment from or into the cold storage. Workers must operate in the low-temperature environment of the cold storage, and the frequent handling can reduce internal precooling efficiency and allow external contaminants to enter, contaminating the cut flowers during precooling.

[0008] Furthermore, on the one hand, there are differences in understanding among those skilled in the art; on the other hand, the applicant studied a large number of documents and patents when making this invention, but due to space limitations, not all details and contents were listed in detail. However, this does not mean that the present invention does not possess the features of these prior art. On the contrary, the present invention already possesses all the features of the prior art, and the applicant reserves the right to add relevant prior art to the background art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the shortcomings of existing technical solutions, this invention relates to a circulating mobile differential pressure precooling device for cut flowers, including a cold storage unit. The device further includes a precooling unit for loading cut flowers and a control module installed on and connected to a cooling fan of the precooling unit. The control module is configured to: determine the circulation path and / or the travel time of the precooling unit; and control the cooling fan and the precooling unit to perform gradient precooling according to set parameters.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the precooling device automatically operates along a circulation path to a preset position within the cold storage according to a preset pattern. Preferably, the static pressure chamber of the precooling device and the air cooler are located in the same vertical direction; several precooling devices sequentially and alternately enter the cold storage and are positioned at the preset positions within the cold storage.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, when the precooling device is located within the cold storage room where a circulating airflow is formed, the circulating airflow passes through the precooling device containing cut flowers and precools the flowers within the precooling device. Preferably, the movement of the plurality of precooling devices on the circulation path is driven independently by the precooling devices themselves, or is driven collaboratively by the circulation path.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, when the track or road surface of the circulation path is stationary, the precooling device is driven by a drive device installed inside it, or the precooling device on the circulation path is fixedly installed at a specific position with the track of the circulation path.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the control module controls the temperature and rate of the first directional airflow flowing into the precooling device from the cooler based on different stages of the flower cutting temperature.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of the control module controlling the air cooler and the precooling device to perform gradient precooling according to the set parameters includes at least: obtaining the precooling final temperature, initial temperature and preset rate set on the control panel of the control module to control the precooling parameters and precooling process of the precooling device and / or the air cooler.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the device further includes a loading box assembly, which is composed of a plurality of flower packaging boxes stacked together. Preferably, the step of the control module controlling the air cooler and the precooling device to perform gradient precooling according to set parameters further includes: adjusting the gradient precooling stage of the circulating airflow under pressure difference according to the real-time temperature inside the flower packaging box.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the control module is further configured to control the gradient precooling process by calculating heat changes.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of the control module controlling the gradient precooling stage by calculating heat changes includes at least: calculating the heat Q1 that the cut flower to be precooled needs to release from the initial temperature to the precooling temperature based on the final precooling temperature, the initial temperature, and the average specific heat capacity of the cut flower and the space inside the cut flower packaging box.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of the control module controlling the gradient precooling stage by calculating heat changes further includes: obtaining the temperature of the first directional airflow when it enters the flower packaging box and the temperature when it exits the flower packaging box; calculating the heat Q2 absorbed by the first directional airflow; and controlling the gradient precooling stage according to the heat changes.

[0019] To address the shortcomings of existing technical solutions, this application proposes a mobile pressure differential precooling system for cut flowers, including a cold storage room. A precooling device for loading cut flowers can be placed inside the cold storage room. The cold storage room, in conjunction with the precooling device, can form a circulating airflow. The precooling device includes a water tank layer, a component mounting layer, a flow control device, a loading box assembly, and a static pressure box assembly. The circulating airflow is defined by a cold air fan located at the top of the cold storage room and the static pressure box assembly mounted on the precooling device. The static pressure box assembly creates a pressure difference between the external and internal spaces of the precooling device. The circulating airflow includes a first directional airflow flowing from the cold air fan and into the precooling device under the pressure difference, and a second directional airflow flowing from the static pressure box assembly and into the cold air fan. By using a pressure differential precooling device in the cold storage room, the cooling rate of packaged cut flowers is increased, enabling rapid cooling and freshness preservation, thus extending the shelf life of the cut flowers.

[0020] Preferably, the precooling device can automatically operate to a preset position in the cold storage according to a preset pattern in a cyclic path, wherein the preset position means that the static pressure box assembly of the precooling device and the air cooler are in the same vertical direction; the preset pattern means that several precooling devices enter the cold storage sequentially and alternately and are in the preset position in the cold storage.

[0021] Preferably, the component mounting layer is equipped with at least one axial flow fan that connects the low-pressure space of the static pressure box assembly to the outside, and the component mounting layer is also equipped with a control module capable of controlling the axial flow fan.

[0022] Preferably, the component mounting layer at the top of the precooling device is equipped with at least an axial flow fan that connects the low-pressure space of the static pressure box assembly to the outside. The component mounting layer is also equipped with a control module that can control the axial flow fan. The static pressure box assembly is attached to the bottom surface of the component mounting layer.

[0023] Preferably, the top of the precooling device is further provided with the water tank layer, and a flow control device is provided at the end of the water tank layer and the bottom surface of the precooling device away from the static pressure tank assembly, which is arranged parallel to the side of the precooling device. The flow control device is defined by the first partition and the second partition of the precooling device.

[0024] Preferably, the top of the precooling device is provided with a water tank layer and a component mounting layer that fit together. The low-pressure space of the static pressure chamber is defined by the bottom surface of the component mounting layer and several inner walls of the precooling device. The shell of the precooling device is assembled using a high thermal conductivity alloy panel and a keel. On the one hand, the metallic properties and structure of the alloy panel and keel make the differential pressure precooling device structurally robust and reliable, while avoiding rust and other corrosion, thus extending the service life of the equipment. On the other hand, the rapid heat conduction characteristics of the high thermal conductivity alloy panel utilize the cold environment of the cold storage to cool the differential pressure precooling device, including the water in the upper water tank of the differential pressure precooling device, keeping the water atomized by the humidifier at a low temperature to help cool the precooled flowers. At the same time, the low temperature of the static pressure chamber of the differential pressure precooling device allows the air that has been heated by flowing through the flowers to be cooled again after passing through the chamber of the differential pressure precooling device.

[0025] Preferably, the precooling device is provided with a third partition parallel to the second partition at the joint between the water tank layer and the component mounting layer. The first partition, the second partition and the third partition are respectively provided with a first air outlet, a second air outlet and a third air outlet. A wind speed sensor is provided at the second air outlet of the second partition.

[0026] Preferably, the flow control device has several water supply pipes connected to the water tank layer inside, and a humidifier for humidifying the gas flowing through the flow control device is connected to the water supply pipes. A first temperature and humidity sensor is installed at the airflow outlet of the flow control device. The humidifier humidifies the air entering the cut flower packaging box, preventing water loss during the pre-cooling process due to differences in air humidity and flower moisture content. Simultaneously, the high specific heat capacity of water is used to cool the circulating air a second time.

[0027] Preferably, a loading box assembly for loading cut flowers is disposed between the second partition and the third partition, the loading box assembly being composed of a plurality of stacked cut flower packaging boxes.

[0028] Preferably, the two ends of the flower packaging box are respectively provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet is connected to the second air outlet of the second partition, and the air outlet is connected to the third air outlet of the third partition.

[0029] Preferably, a roller shutter motor is provided between the loading box assembly and the water tank layer. The roller shutter motor can rewind and lower the sealing canvas used to close the gap between the cut flower packaging boxes based on the control signal of the control module.

[0030] This application also proposes a mobile flower cutting differential pressure precooling method, which includes providing a cold storage, placing a precooling device loaded with cut flowers into the cold storage that can form a circulating airflow, wherein the circulating airflow can quickly pass through the precooling device loaded with cut flowers and rapidly precool the cut flowers in the precooling device.

[0031] The circulating airflow is defined by the air cooler configured on the top of the cold storage and the static pressure box assembly mounted on the precooling device, which enables a pressure difference to be formed between the external space and the internal space of the precooling device;

[0032] The circulating airflow includes a first directional airflow that flows out of the air cooler and into the precooling device under the action of pressure difference, and a second directional airflow that flows out of the static pressure box and into the air cooler. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a simplified overall structural diagram of the mobile flower cutting differential pressure precooling system of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a simplified overall structural diagram of the precooling device of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the precooling device of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a simplified structural diagram of the loop path of the present invention.

[0037] List of reference numerals

[0038] 100: Cold storage; 200: Pre-cooling device; 300: Control module; 101: Air cooler; 102: Inlet; 103: Outlet; 104: Circulation path; 105: Loading area; 106: Unloading area; 110: First directional airflow; 120: Second directional airflow; 210: Water tank layer; 220: Component mounting layer; 230: Flow control device; 240: Loading box assembly; 250: Static pressure box assembly; 201: Shell layer; 202: Pulley; 203: Pallet; 211: Water supply pipe ; 212: Roller shutter motor; 213: Sealing canvas; 221: Axial flow fan; 231: First partition; 232: First air outlet; 233: First temperature and humidity sensor; 234: Second partition; 235: Second air outlet; 236: Wind speed sensor; 241: Cut flower packaging box; 242: Air inlet; 243: Air outlet; 251: Third partition; 252: Third air outlet; 253: Second temperature and humidity sensor; 254: Third temperature and humidity sensor; 301: Control panel. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] This embodiment proposes a mobile differential pressure precooling system for cut flowers, including a cold storage 100. A circulating airflow is formed inside the cold storage 100, passing through a precooling device 200 containing cut flowers and precooling them. The circulating airflow is defined by a cooler 101 mounted on the top of the cold storage 100 and a static pressure chamber 250 mounted on the precooling device 200. The static pressure chamber 250 creates a pressure difference between the external and internal spaces of the precooling device 200. The circulating airflow includes a first directional airflow 110 flowing out of the cooler 101 and into the precooling device 200 under the pressure difference, and a second directional airflow 120 flowing out of the static pressure chamber 250 and into the cooler 101. By using the differential pressure precooling device 200 in the cold storage 100, the airflow velocity between the packaged cut flowers is increased, allowing for rapid convection heat exchange between the cut flowers and the cold air, increasing the cooling rate of the cut flowers, rapidly cooling and locking in freshness, and extending the shelf life of the cut flowers.

[0042] Preferably, according to Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified structural schematic of a mobile flower-cutting pressure differential precooling system according to a preferred embodiment of this application. The cold storage 100 of this application can be designed as a regular box-shaped structure, specifically a cuboid structure. The length of the cold storage 100 is parallel to the ground, so one of the four sides along the length of the cold storage 100 serves as the bottom surface of the cold storage 100. The side opposite the bottom surface serves as the top surface of the cold storage 100, and the remaining four sides serve as the walls of the cold zone. One or more walls of the walls have doors that allow the precooling device 200 to enter and exit. Specifically, the top surface of the cold storage 100 is composed of a surface layer, a moisture barrier layer, a top plate, and an insulation layer from bottom to top. The walls of the cold storage 100 are composed of a wall body, an insulation layer, a moisture barrier layer, and a surface layer from the outside to the inside. The insulation layers of the top surface and the four surrounding walls of the cold storage 100 are all made of heat-insulating panels. The bottom surface of the cold storage 100 consists of a temperature equalization layer, a moisture barrier layer, and a heat insulation layer from bottom to top.

[0043] Preferably, the air cooler 101 inside the cold storage 100 is installed at the intersection of one of the walls and the top of the cold storage 100. When the precooling device 200 is placed in the cold storage 100, the static pressure box assembly 250 in the precooling device 200 is partially placed below the air cooler 101.

[0044] Preferably, according to Figure 2The simplified structural diagram of the precooling device 200 shown includes at least a box-shaped housing. The housing is internally divided into at least five sections, specifically including a water tank layer 210, a component mounting layer 220, a flow control device 230, a loading tank assembly 240, and a static pressure tank assembly 250. The water tank layer 210 and the component mounting layer 220 are located on the top layer of the housing and bisect the top surface. The flow control device 230, the loading tank assembly 240, and the static pressure tank assembly 250 are arranged sequentially below the water tank layer 210 and the component mounting layer 220 in the gas flow direction.

[0045] Preferably, the shell 201 of the precooling device 200 is assembled using a high thermal conductivity alloy panel and a keel. On one hand, the metallic properties and structure of the alloy panel and keel ensure a robust and reliable structure for the differential pressure precooling device 200, while preventing rust and corrosion, thus extending the equipment's service life. On the other hand, the rapid heat conduction of the high thermal conductivity alloy panel utilizes the cold environment of the cold storage 100 to cool the differential pressure precooling device 200. This includes keeping the water in the upper water tank of the differential pressure precooling device 200 at a low temperature, which helps to cool the precooled flowers. Simultaneously, the low temperature of the static pressure chamber 250 of the differential pressure precooling device 200 causes the air, which has been heated after flowing through the flowers, to be cooled again after passing through the chamber of the differential pressure precooling device 200.

[0046] Preferably, a number of pulleys 202 are installed below the bottom of the shell 201 of the precooling device 200. When the precooling device 200 is designed as a box-shaped structure, four pulleys 202 are preferably installed, located at the four corners of the bottom surface, so as to facilitate pushing the precooling device 200 in and out of the cold storage 100.

[0047] Preferably, the top of the precooling device 200 is provided with a water tank layer 210 and a component mounting layer 220 that fit together, and the low-pressure space of the static pressure box group 250 is defined by the bottom surface of the component mounting layer 220 and several inner walls of the precooling device 200.

[0048] Preferably, according to Figure 3The schematic diagram of the AA cross-section of the precooling device 200 shows that at least three baffles are provided inside the shell 201 of the precooling device 200 and below the water tank layer 210 and the component mounting layer 220. From the gas flow direction, they are the first baffle 231, the second baffle 234, and the third baffle 251. The first baffle 231 also serves as one side of the shell 201. The first directional airflow 110 of the circulating airflow in the external space of the precooling device 200 enters the precooling device from the first baffle 231. Inside the device 200, the third partition 251 is located at the junction of the water tank layer 210 and the component mounting layer 220. The first partition 231, the second partition 234, and the third partition 251 are all arranged parallel to the side of the precooling device 200. The first partition 231, the second partition 234, and the third partition 251 are respectively equipped with a first air outlet 232, a second air outlet 235, and a third air outlet 252. A wind speed sensor 236 is installed at the second air outlet 235 of the second partition 234.

[0049] Preferably, the first air outlet 232, the second air outlet 235, and the third air outlet 252 correspond to each other. In other words, the number of the first air outlet 232, the second air outlet 235, and the third air outlet 252 are equal, and the height and width positions of each corresponding first air outlet 232, second air outlet 235, and third air outlet 252 on the partition are the same.

[0050] Preferably, the first partition 231, the second partition 234 and the third partition 251 divide the space below the water tank layer 210 and the component mounting layer 220 inside the shell layer 201 of the precooling device 200 into three regions, respectively corresponding to the aforementioned flow control device 230 part, loading box group 240 part and static pressure box group 250 part.

[0051] Preferably, the component mounting layer 220 is equipped with at least one axial flow fan 221 that connects the low-pressure space of the static pressure box assembly 250 to the outside. A control module 300 capable of controlling the axial flow fan 221 is also installed within the component mounting layer 220. The axial flow fan 221 is located at the end of the component mounting layer 220 away from the water tank layer 210. The static pressure box assembly 250 is located within the space defined by the third partition 251 and the side of the housing. Utilizing the low-pressure space of the static pressure box assembly 250, the distance of the airflow through the flower packaging box 241 to the axial flow fan 221 is extended, improving the uniformity of airflow velocity through different parts of the flower packaging box 241, thus ensuring uniform pre-cooling of the flowers in different parts. The airflow inlet of the low-pressure space of the static pressure box assembly 250 is a third air outlet 252 opened on the third partition 251, and the opening position and size of the third air outlet 252 correspond to the air outlet of the flower packaging box 241. The third air outlet 252 of the third partition 251 prevents air from flowing into the static pressure box 250 through the gaps in the flower packaging box 241, thereby reducing the pressure difference between the external and internal spaces of the pre-cooling device 200 generated by the operation of the axial fan 221. This helps to avoid reducing the airflow velocity through the flower packaging box 241 and thus reduce the effectiveness of the flower pre-cooling rate and pre-cooling energy consumption.

[0052] Preferably, the airflow outlet of the low-pressure space of the static pressure box assembly 250 is the airflow inlet of the axial flow fan 221. When the axial flow fan 221 is working, it can extract the gas in the low-pressure space and re-enter the air cooler 101 through the airflow inlet for cooling. This airflow is the second directional airflow 120. The second directional airflow 120 enters from the air cooler 101 and then flows out of the air cooler 101, transforming into the first directional airflow 110. In other words, the first directional airflow 110 is the pre-cooling airflow before heat exchange with the cut flowers to be pre-cooled, while the second directional airflow 120 is the pre-cooling airflow after heat exchange with the cut flowers to be pre-cooled. Under normal circumstances, the temperature of the second directional airflow 120 is higher than that of the first directional airflow 110.

[0053] Preferably, a second temperature and humidity sensor 253 is installed at the airflow inlet of the axial flow fan 221. The second temperature and humidity sensor 253 is used to detect the temperature and humidity of the second directional airflow 120 after heat exchange.

[0054] Preferably, the control module 300 is also installed inside the component mounting layer 220. Based on the air velocity data fed back from the wind speed sensor 236 at the second air outlet 235 of the second partition 234, the control module 300 wirelessly controls the working efficiency of the axial flow fan 221, ensuring that the air velocity at the air inlet of the flower packaging box 241 is within 2.5 m / s. Simultaneously, based on the temperature of the second directional airflow 120 flowing through the flower packaging box 241 after convective heat exchange with the cut flowers, monitored by the second temperature and humidity sensor 253 at the airflow inlet of the axial flow fan 221, the control module 300 automatically adjusts the rotational speed of the axial flow fan 221 wirelessly. When the temperature reaches 1 / 2, 1 / 4, and 1 / 8 of the initial temperature for pre-cooling, the control module 300 controls the axial flow fan 221 to gradually reduce its speed until the temperature is consistent with the final pre-cooling temperature, at which point the pre-cooling is considered complete. When the pre-cooling is complete, the airflow velocity at the air inlet of the flower packaging box 241 is adjusted to 0 m / s.

[0055] Preferably, a flow control device 230 is provided at the end of the water tank layer 210 and the bottom surface of the precooling device 200, away from the static pressure tank assembly 250, and is arranged parallel to the side of the precooling device 200. The flow control device 230 is defined by the first partition 231 and the second partition 234 of the precooling device 200.

[0056] Preferably, the flow control device 230 has several water supply pipes 211 connected to the water tank layer 210. A humidifier for humidifying the gas flowing through the flow control device 230 is connected to the water supply pipes 211. A first temperature and humidity sensor 233 is installed at the airflow outlet of the flow control device 230. The humidifier humidifies the air entering the cut flower packaging box 241, preventing the cut flowers from losing water during the pre-cooling process due to the difference between the air humidity and the water content of the cut flowers. At the same time, the high specific heat capacity of water is used to cool the circulating air a second time.

[0057] Preferably, the control module 300 also automatically controls the humidifier inside the flow control device 230 to humidify the first directional airflow 110 flowing into the precooling device 200 via wireless transmission. The module is notified to automatically control the humidifier to humidify the first directional airflow 110 based on the air humidity data fed back by the first temperature and humidity sensor 233 installed at the airflow outlet of the flow control device 230. Humidification starts at the beginning of precooling and stops at the end of precooling. The automatic control of the humidification amount is required to keep the air humidity at the air inlet stable between 85% and 95%. The control module 300 monitors the precooling process of the cut flowers in real time through the first temperature and humidity sensor 233 and the wind speed monitoring probe at the second air outlet 235 of the second partition 234. Based on the precooling process, the module adjusts the switching of the humidifier inside the flow control device 230 and controls the operating power of the axial fan 221 in the low-pressure space of the static pressure box 250, achieving rapid cooling of the cut flowers while saving precooling energy consumption.

[0058] Preferably, a loading box assembly 240 for loading cut flowers is disposed between the second partition 234 and the third partition 251, and the loading box assembly 240 is composed of a plurality of cut flower packaging boxes 241 stacked together.

[0059] Preferably, the flower packaging box 241 is provided with an air inlet 242 and an air outlet 243 at both ends. The air inlet 242 is connected to the second air outlet 235 of the second partition 234, and the air outlet 243 is connected to the third air outlet 252 of the third partition 251. During pre-cooling, the flower packaging boxes 241 containing the flowers to be pre-cooled are neatly stacked on the tray 203 at the bottom of the loading box assembly 240. When the flower packaging boxes 241 are stacked correctly, the air inlet 242 of the flower packaging box 241 coincides with the second air outlet 235 of the second partition 234, and the air outlet 243 of the flower packaging box 241 coincides with the third air outlet 252 of the third partition 251, thereby ensuring that the airflow can fully enter the flower packaging box 241 and pass through the second partition 242. The second air outlet 235 of the 34 and the air inlet 242 of the cut flower packaging box 241 restrict airflow from flowing into the gaps between the cut flower packaging boxes 241 from the air inlet direction, avoiding ineffective work. Furthermore, the first air outlet 232 of the first partition 231 reduces the static pressure of the first directional airflow 110 flowing into the pre-cooling device 200, increases the dynamic pressure of the first directional airflow 110 in the external space, and increases the flow velocity of the cold air passing through the cut flower packaging box 241, thereby improving energy efficiency and pre-cooling rate. A humidifier is also installed inside the flow control device 230, which is connected to the upper water tank layer 210 via a water pipe 211. The humidifier humidifies the first directional airflow 110 entering the cut flower packaging box 241, preventing water loss during the pre-cooling process due to differences in air humidity and flower moisture content. Simultaneously, the high specific heat capacity of water is used to perform secondary cooling of the circulating air.

[0060] Preferably, a roller shutter motor 212 is provided between the loading box assembly 240 and the water tank layer 210. The roller shutter motor 212 can rewind and lower the sealing canvas 213 used to close the gap between the flower packaging boxes 241 based on the control signal of the control module 300.

[0061] Preferably, the roller shutter motor 212 is located below the water tank layer 210, and it winds up the sealing canvas 213 via shafts at both ends of the pre-cooling device 200 that are parallel to the direction of the airflow flowing through the pre-cooling device 200. After the sealing canvas 213 is lowered, it can completely seal the gaps between the flow control device 230 and the loading box assembly 240, as well as between the loading box assembly 240 and the static pressure box assembly 250, thereby limiting the airflow from flowing into the low-pressure space of the static pressure box assembly 250 through the gaps between the flower packaging boxes 241. In conjunction with the second partition 234 and the second air outlet 235, and the third partition 251 and the third air outlet 252, it restricts the airflow from flowing through the gaps between the flower packaging boxes 241, thereby improving energy efficiency and pre-cooling rate.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] This embodiment is an improvement and supplement to embodiment 1, and repeated content will not be repeated.

[0064] This embodiment also proposes a mobile flower cutting pressure differential precooling method, including providing a cold storage 100, placing a precooling device 200 loaded with cut flowers into the cold storage 100 which can form a circulating airflow, the circulating airflow can pass through the precooling device 200 loaded with cut flowers and precool the cut flowers in the precooling device 200.

[0065] The circulating airflow is limited by the air cooler 101 located on the top of the cold storage 100 and the static pressure box 250 mounted on the precooling device 200. The static pressure box 250 enables a pressure difference to be formed between the external space and the internal space of the precooling device 200.

[0066] The circulating airflow includes a first directional airflow 110 that flows out of the air cooler 101 and into the precooling device 200 under the action of pressure difference, and a second directional airflow 120 that flows out of the static pressure box 250 and into the air cooler 101.

[0067] Preferably, the precooling device 200 of this application can be configured as a mobile device. When using the precooling device 200 of this application for precooling, the following steps can be performed:

[0068] Step a: Before precooling, place the precooling device 200 in the cold storage 100, directly below the air cooler 101, so that the air outlet 243 of the axial flow fan 221 of the precooling device 200 is directly facing the air cooler 101, so that the second directional airflow 120 drawn out by the axial flow fan 221 and after convective heat exchange with the cut flowers is directly discharged to the air cooler 101, so that the air flowing through the air cooler 101 is quickly and fully cooled, forming a new first directional airflow 110, which is used for pressure differential precooling of the cut flowers and improving the precooling rate of the cut flowers.

[0069] Step b: Arrange the pre-cooled cut flowers into the flower packaging box 241 in an alternating pattern, ensuring a buffer space of at least 5cm between the flower heads and the air inlets 242 and outlets 243 at both ends of the packaging box 241. This allows the airflow to be evenly distributed within the buffer space after entering the packaging box 241, ensuring consistent flow rates of the cold air that exchanges heat with the cut flowers in different parts of the packaging box 241. Neatly stack the packaged flower packaging boxes 241 on the tray 203, ensuring no gaps between them, thus forming the pre-cooling device 200.

[0070] Step c: Use a forklift to push the loading box assembly 240 between the flow control device 230 and the static pressure box assembly 250. Specifically, it is between the second partition 234 and the third partition 251. The air inlets 242 and outlets 243 at the front and rear of the flower packaging box 241 are respectively aligned with the second air outlet 235 of the second partition 234 and the third air outlet 252 of the third partition 251.

[0071] Step d: Operate the roller shutter motor 212 to lower the sealing canvas 213. The gap between the completely sealed flower packaging box 241, except for the air inlet 242 and the air outlet 243, and the flow control device 230 and the static pressure box assembly 250 is sealed by the sealing canvas 213.

[0072] Step e: Set the final pre-cooling temperature of the cut flower control module 300 on the control panel 301 of the control module 300. The final pre-cooling temperature is consistent with the optimal storage temperature of different cut flowers.

[0073] Step f: Start the control module 300 of the differential pressure precooling device 200 to perform differential pressure precooling for flower cutting.

[0074] Step g: After precooling is completed, the control module 300 automatically controls the roller shutter motor 212 to roll up the sealing canvas 213. Then, the precooled flower precooling device 200 is removed and moved to the cold storage 100 for low-temperature storage of the cut flowers, and the next precooling device 200 is used for flower precooling.

[0075] Preferably, the precooling device 200 can automatically operate to a preset position in the cold storage 100 according to a preset pattern via the circulation path 104.

[0076] Preferably, the precooling device 200 can automatically operate to a preset position in the cold storage 100 according to a preset pattern in a circulation path 104. The preset position means that the static pressure box group 250 of the precooling device 200 and the air cooler 101 are in the same vertical direction. The preset pattern means that several precooling devices 200 enter the cold storage 100 in sequence and alternately and are in preset positions in the cold storage 100.

[0077] In other words, the preset position means that the axial fan 221 of the static pressure box group 250 of the precooling device 200 needs to be located at the bottom of the air cooler 101 in the cold storage 100; the preset rule means that when a single air cooler 101 is configured, only one precooling device 200 enters the cold storage 100, so as to avoid the airflow turbulence caused by multiple low-pressure spaces of the precooling device 200, which would lead to instability of the first directional airflow 110 and the second directional airflow 120, and the problem of hot and cold airflows mixing with each other.

[0078] Preferably, the circulation path 104 refers to the path that connects the inlet end 102 and the outlet end 103 of the cold storage 100. That is, when a single precooling device 200 moves continuously along the path, it can enter the cold storage 100 from the inlet end 102, leave the cold storage 100 from the outlet end 103 and re-enter the cold storage 100, and so on in a cycle.

[0079] Preferably, according to Figure 4 The simplified structural diagram of the circulation path 104 shown illustrates that multiple precooling devices 200 are arranged on each circulation path 104. The distance between each precooling device 200 is the internal length of the cold storage 100 minus the length of the precooling device 200 itself. In this way, at least one precooling device 200 is always present in the cold storage 100. Specifically, taking a particular precooling device 200 as an example, when the front end of the precooling device 200 (the side of the static pressure box assembly 250) is located at the entrance end 102 of the cold storage 100, the preceding precooling device 200 is exactly located within the cold storage 100. The precooling device 200 is positioned at a preset location within the cold storage 100. When the precooling device 200 continues to move until its rear end (at the first partition 231) is located at the entrance 102 of the cold storage 100, the preceding precooling device 200 has just completely moved away from the exit 103 of the cold storage 100. When the precooling device 200 continues to move and is located at a preset location within the cold storage 100, the front end of the following precooling device 200 is just located at the entrance 102 of the cold storage 100. After the cut flowers in the precooling device 200 have completed precooling, the next precooling device 200 moves to the preset location to perform precooling.

[0080] Preferably, the entry and exit of the precooling device 200 in the cold storage 100 are synchronized. That is, the entry end 102 and the exit end 103 of the cold storage 100 are opened at the same time, and the precooling device 200 located at the preset position and the next precooling device 200 move at the same time. The next precooling device 200 enters the cold storage 100 by the same distance that the previous precooling device 200 leaves the cold storage 100.

[0081] Preferably, the circulation path 104 is further provided with a loading area 105 and an unloading area 106. Several pre-cooling devices 200 continuously move on the circulation path 104. Workers can load the pre-packaged cut flower boxes 241 in the designated area, i.e., the loading area 105; workers can unload and store the pre-cooled cut flower boxes 241 in the designated area. Specifically, the unloading area 106 is closer to the outlet end 103 of the cold storage 100 on the circulation path 104 than the loading area 105 is closer to the outlet end 103 of the cold storage 100 on the circulation path 104. This ensures that the pre-cooling devices 200 entering the cold storage 100 are always loaded with un-pre-cooled cut flower boxes 241, and that the pre-cooling devices 200 moving from the unloading area 106 to the loading area 105 are never loaded with any cut flower boxes 241.

[0082] Preferably, the door sizes of the inlet 102 and outlet 103 of the cold storage 100 are approximately the same as the side size of the precooling device 200. Through the circulation path 104, workers no longer need to manually push or unload the precooling device 200 from or into the cold storage 100. Instead, they only need to load or unload the loading boxes 240 within the precooling device 200 in designated areas (loading area 105, unloading area 106) of the circulation path 104, reducing labor consumption and saving human resources. Furthermore, by using the above method, the doors at the inlet 102 and outlet 103 of the cold storage 100 can be designed to be small enough. Specifically, the size of the door only needs to be slightly larger than the side size of the precooling device 200. If a manual pushing method is used, the size of the door needs to be designed to be large enough to avoid the defect that the precooling device 200 cannot be accurately pushed into the door when manually pushed, and to ensure that the personnel pushing the precooling device 200 can also enter the cold storage 100 smoothly. When the size of the door is much larger than the side size of the precooling device 200, the gap between the door and the precooling device 200 will become larger when the precooling device 200 enters and exits the cold storage 100. As a result, the cold air inside the cold storage 100 will flow out more easily, and the hot air outside the cold storage 100 will also enter the cold storage 100 more easily. As a result, the temperature of the first directional airflow 110 will be affected by the hot air entering from the outside during the next precooling operation. In addition, by setting up the circulation path 104, staff do not need to enter the cold storage 100. While ensuring that staff do not need to work in the low-temperature environment of the cold storage 100, the cold storage 100 is also kept in a relatively closed space. This protects the cold air inside and also prevents external pollutants from entering the cold storage 100 and contaminating the cut flowers during pre-cooling.

[0083] Preferably, each precooling device 200 on the circulation path 104 is equipped with a control module 300 that can be connected to the air cooler 101. Specifically, the air cooler 101 preferentially connects to the control module 300 that is closest to it. More specifically, the information processing unit of the air cooler 101 preferentially connects to the control module 300 with the strongest signal. When several control modules 300 are configured identically, the control module 300 located in a preset position is closest to the air cooler 101. Therefore, the control module 300 of the precooling device 200 located in the preset position will preferentially connect to the information processing unit of the air cooler 101.

[0084] Preferably, the movement of the precooling devices 200 on the circulation path 104 can be driven by the precooling devices 200 themselves or by the circulation path 104 in coordination. Specifically, being driven by the precooling devices 200 themselves means that the track or surface of the circulation path 104 is stationary, and the device is driven by a drive unit installed inside the precooling device 200. In this mode, it is necessary to ensure that the movement of the precooling devices 200 adjacent to the cold storage 100 is synchronized. That is, the precooling devices 200 in the cold storage 100, at the cold storage 100 outlet, and at the cold storage 100 inlet should move synchronously to achieve the aforementioned seamless connection of the precooling devices 200 in the cold storage 100. The term "cooperatively driven by the circulation path 104" means that all the precooling devices 200 on the circulation path 104 are fixedly installed at specific positions on the track of the circulation path 104. That is, the precooling devices 200 arranged at a preset distance are immovable relative to the circulation path 104 and other precooling devices 200 in the direction of the circulation path 104. The driving structure of the circulation path 104 drives the entire circulation path 104 and the precooling devices 200 on the circulation path 104 to circulate and enter the cold storage 100 in sequence for precooling.

[0085] Preferably, the travel time of the circulation path 104 and / or the precooling device 200 is determined by the control module 300. When controlling the precooling device 200 to travel, the control module 300 will also prioritize the synchronous opening of the doors of the cold storage 100's entrance 102 and exit 103. The movement of the circulation path 104 and / or the precooling device 200 will only begin when the doors of the cold storage 100's entrance 102 and exit 103 are fully open, thereby ensuring that the precooling device 200 on the circulation path 104 travels to the preset position in the cold storage 100 according to the preset pattern.

[0086] Preferably, the control module 300 controls the air cooler 101 and the precooling device 200 to perform gradient precooling according to the parameters set by the staff. Gradient precooling refers to controlling the temperature and rate of the first directional airflow 110 flowing into the precooling device 200 from the air cooler 101 for different stages of the cut flower temperature, so as to further accelerate the precooling speed without causing frost damage to the cut flowers due to over-precooling.

[0087] Specifically, the gradient precooling can be divided into at least four stages. The first stage is a rapid cooling stage, where the temperature of the first directional airflow 110 is half of the precooling final temperature, and the speed of the first directional airflow 110 is twice the preset speed. The second stage is a medium-speed cooling stage, where the temperature of the first directional airflow 110 is three-quarters of the precooling final temperature, and the speed of the first directional airflow 110 is 1.5 times the preset speed. The third stage is a slow cooling stage, where the temperature of the first directional airflow 110 is set to the precooling final temperature, and the speed of the first directional airflow 110 is the preset speed. The fourth stage is a termination stage, in which the temperature of the first directional airflow 110 is maintained at the precooling final temperature, and the speed of the first directional airflow 110 is linearly reduced until the speed of the first directional airflow 110 drops to 0 m / s.

[0088] Preferably, the control module 300 has at least the pre-cooling final temperature, initial temperature, and preset rate set by the operator in the loading area 105 on the control panel 301. The initial temperature refers to the temperature of the cut flowers after harvesting without removing field heat; the preset rate is the rate without using the gradient pre-cooling method of this application. Specifically, the control panel 301 and the control module 300 are connected by wire or wireless means, and the control module 300 obtains the above parameters set by the operator on the control panel 301 to control the pre-cooling parameters and the pre-cooling process.

[0089] Preferably, the control module 300 adjusts the gradient pre-cooling stage of the circulating airflow under pressure difference based on the real-time temperature inside the flower packaging box 241. Specifically, a third temperature and humidity sensor 254 is installed at the air outlet 243 of the flower packaging box 241 or the third air inlet 252 of the third partition 251. The temperature of the gas flowing out of the flower packaging box 241 is obtained by the third temperature and humidity sensor 254, and the real-time temperature of the cut flowers inside the flower packaging box 241 is approximately determined.

[0090] Preferably, before precooling begins, the control module 300 reaches a preset position and connects to the air cooler 101, and adjusts the cooling temperature of the air cooler 101 to half of the preset final temperature according to the preset final temperature. The control module 300 drives the axial flow fan 221 to control the pressure difference between the low-pressure space and the external space, so that the airflow rate is twice the preset rate, thereby starting the first stage of precooling.

[0091] Preferably, when the third temperature and humidity sensor 254 detects that the real-time temperature of the cut flowers is half of the initial temperature, the control module 300 adjusts the cooling temperature of the air cooler 101 to three-quarters of the preset final temperature, and the control module 300 adjusts the power of the axial fan 221 so that the airflow rate is 1.5 times the preset rate, thereby starting the second stage of pre-cooling.

[0092] Preferably, when the third temperature and humidity sensor 254 detects that the real-time temperature of the cut flowers is one-quarter of the initial temperature, the control module 300 adjusts the cooling temperature of the air cooler 101 to the preset final temperature, and the control module 300 adjusts the power of the axial fan 221 to make the airflow rate a preset rate, thereby starting the third stage of pre-cooling.

[0093] Preferably, when the third temperature and humidity sensor 254 detects that the real-time temperature of the cut flowers is one-eighth of the initial temperature, the control module 300 maintains the cooling temperature of the air cooler 101 at the preset final temperature, and the control module 300 adjusts the power of the axial fan 221 to gradually reduce the airflow rate until it is 0 m / s, thus completing the fourth stage of pre-cooling.

[0094] Preferably, this application also accurately determines the amount of heat required for cut flowers to reach the pre-cooling temperature based on the heat transfer law, and controls the pre-cooling stage of gradient pre-cooling by analyzing the heat change law.

[0095] Preferably, the control module 300 can also accurately control the gradient precooling process by calculating heat changes.

[0096] Specifically, the control module 300 prioritizes calculating the heat Q1 that the cut flowers to be pre-cooled need to release from the initial temperature to the pre-cooling temperature based on the pre-cooling final temperature and initial temperature input by the staff, as well as the average specific heat capacity of the cut flowers inside the cut flower packaging box 241 and the box space. The average specific heat capacity can be obtained through experimental calculation. For the harvested cut flowers, their initial temperature may not be the same, but the change in specific heat capacity should be the same.

[0097] Then, the control module 300 calculates the heat Q2 absorbed by the first directional airflow 110 when it enters the flower packaging box 241 and when it exits the flower packaging box 241, based on the temperature of the first temperature and humidity sensor 233 and the third temperature and humidity sensor 254, and thus controls the pre-cooling stage according to the heat change.

[0098] The total heat absorbed by the first directional airflow 110 can be simply obtained by superimposing the Q2 values ​​from different stages.

[0099] Furthermore, the control module 300 controls the precooling stage based on the above calculation results. The specific process is as follows:

[0100] Before precooling begins, Q2 = 0. The control module 300 reaches the preset position and connects with the air cooler 101. Based on the preset final temperature, the control module 300 adjusts the cooling temperature of the air cooler 101 to half of the preset final temperature. The control module 300 drives the axial flow fan 221 to control the pressure difference between the low-pressure space and the external space, so that the airflow rate is twice the preset rate, thus starting the first stage of precooling.

[0101] When the control module 300 calculates that Q2 = 0.5Q1, the control module 300 adjusts the cooling temperature of the air cooler 101 to three-quarters of the preset final temperature, and the control module 300 adjusts the power of the axial fan 221 to make the airflow rate 1.5 times the preset rate, thus starting the second stage of pre-cooling.

[0102] When the control module 300 calculates that Q2 = 0.75Q1, the control module 300 adjusts the cooling temperature of the air cooler 101 to the preset final temperature, and adjusts the power of the axial fan 221 to make the airflow rate the preset rate, thus starting the third stage of pre-cooling.

[0103] When the control module 300 calculates that Q2 = Q1, the control module 300 maintains the cooling temperature of the air cooler 101 at the preset final temperature. The control module 300 adjusts the power of the axial fan 221 to gradually reduce the airflow rate until it reaches 0 m / s, which is the fourth stage of pre-cooling.

[0104] Therefore, the control module 300 controls the gradient precooling stage according to the heat exchange law, making the gradient change more accurate and further improving the effect of gradient precooling.

[0105] Throughout the text, the features indicated by “preferred” are only optional and should not be construed as mandatory. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to abandon or delete the relevant preferred features at any time.

[0106] It should be noted that the specific embodiments described above are exemplary. Those skilled in the art can devise various solutions inspired by the disclosure of this invention, and these solutions all fall within the scope of this invention and its protection. Those skilled in the art should understand that this specification and its accompanying drawings are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents. This specification contains multiple inventive concepts; terms such as "preferredly," "according to a preferred embodiment," or "optionally" indicate that the corresponding paragraph discloses an independent concept. The applicant reserves the right to file divisional applications based on each inventive concept.

Claims

1. A circulating mobile differential pressure precooling device for cut flowers, comprising a cold storage (100), characterized in that, It also includes a precooling device (200) for loading cut flowers and a control module (300) connected to a cooler (101) of the precooling device (200). The control module (300) is configured to: Determine the travel time of the circulation path (104) and / or the precooling device (200); The air cooler (101) and the precooling device (200) are controlled to perform gradient precooling according to the set parameters; The precooling device (200) automatically operates along the circulation path (104) according to a preset pattern to a preset position in the cold storage (100), wherein the static pressure box assembly (250) of the precooling device (200) and the air cooler (101) are in the same vertical direction; several precooling devices (200) sequentially and alternately enter the cold storage (100) and are located in the preset position in the cold storage (100); When the precooling device (200) is located in the cold storage (100) that forms a circulating airflow, the circulating airflow passes through the precooling device (200) loaded with cut flowers and precools the cut flowers in the precooling device (200), wherein the movement of the plurality of precooling devices (200) on the circulation path (104) is driven by the precooling device (200) itself or by the circulation path (104) in coordination; The control module (300) controls the temperature and rate of the first directional airflow (110) flowing into the precooling device (200) from the air cooler (101) based on different stages of the flower cutting temperature; The step of the control module (300) controlling the air cooler (101) and the precooling device (200) to perform gradient precooling according to the set parameters includes at least: obtaining the precooling final temperature, initial temperature and preset rate set on the control panel (301) of the control module (300) to control the precooling parameters and precooling process of the precooling device (200) and / or the air cooler (101); The device also includes a loading box assembly (240), which is composed of a plurality of flower packaging boxes (241) stacked together. The step of the control module (300) controlling the air cooler (101) and the precooling device (200) to perform gradient precooling according to the set parameters further includes: adjusting the gradient precooling stage of the circulating airflow under the pressure difference according to the real-time temperature inside the flower packaging box (241). The control module (300) is also configured to control the gradient precooling process by calculating heat changes.

2. The circulating moving flower cutting pressure differential precooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the track or road surface of the loop path (104) is stationary, the precooling device (200) is driven by a drive unit installed inside it, or The precooling device (200) on the circulation path (104) is fixedly installed at a specific position on the track of the circulation path (104).

3. The circulating moving flower cutting pressure differential precooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control module (300) controls the gradient precooling process by calculating heat changes, and the steps include at least the following: The amount of heat that the cut flowers need to release from the initial temperature to the final pre-cooling temperature is calculated based on the final pre-cooling temperature, the initial temperature, and the average specific heat capacity of the cut flowers and the space inside the flower packaging box (241). .

4. The circulating moving flower cutting pressure differential precooling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control module (300) further includes the following steps in controlling the gradient precooling process by calculating heat changes: The temperature of the first directional airflow (110) when it enters the flower packaging box (241) and the temperature when it exits the flower packaging box (241) are obtained; The heat absorbed by the first directional airflow (110) was calculated. ; The gradient precooling process is controlled according to the heat changes.

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