freeze dryer

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of freeze-drying equipment, and discloses a freeze dryer, comprising: a housing, configured with a freezing space and a drying space, wherein the volume of the freezing space is smaller than that of the drying space; a material rack, movably disposed within the freezing space and the drying space, the material rack comprising a plurality of shelves and positioning posts, the shelves being used to place materials, the plurality of shelves being arranged vertically spaced apart, and adjacent shelves being able to move relative to each other vertically, positioning posts being provided between adjacent shelves, the positioning posts being used to position the spacing between the adjacent shelves, and the spacing between the shelves when the material rack is within the freezing space being smaller than the spacing between the shelves when the material rack is within the drying space. Thus, the height of the material rack within the freezing space is smaller than the height of the material rack within the drying space, thereby reducing the height and volume of the freezing space. With a smaller volume of the freezing space, the energy consumption of the freeze dryer during refrigeration can also be reduced, thereby reducing the refrigeration energy consumption of the freeze dryer and saving energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of freeze-drying equipment, for example, to a freeze dryer. Background Art

[0002] Currently, freeze dryers utilize the principle of freeze drying, rapidly freezing the material being dried at low temperatures. Then, in a suitable vacuum environment, the frozen water molecules sublime directly into water vapor, ultimately yielding the dried material. Freeze-dried products obtained through freeze drying largely retain the material's composition and are widely used in the fields of biology, medicine, and food.

[0003] The related art discloses a control method for a freeze dryer, which includes a cold trap, a vacuum pump connected to the cold trap, a drying chamber arranged in an external environment and connected to the cold trap, and a material rack arranged in the inner cavity of the cold trap, wherein the material rack is used to place materials. The control method includes: transferring the frozen material in the cold trap to the drying chamber to sublime the solid water in the material into water vapor; starting the vacuum pump to evacuate the cold trap and the drying chamber, and drawing the water vapor in the drying chamber to the cold trap and condensing it in the cold trap.

[0004] During the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it was found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0005] In related technologies, materials can be transferred from a cold trap to a drying chamber, and a material rack is used to store the materials. In other words, the material rack can be moved between the cold trap and the drying chamber, and the space inside the cold trap and the drying chamber can both accommodate material racks. However, the cold trap is a low-temperature environment, and if the space inside the cold trap (equivalent to the freezing space in this application) is large, the refrigeration energy consumption of the freeze dryer is relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. The summary is not an extensive review, nor is it intended to identify key / critical elements or delineate the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather serves as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a freeze dryer to solve the problem of how to reduce the freezing space in the freeze dryer to reduce the refrigeration energy consumption of the freeze dryer.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present application, a freeze dryer is provided, comprising: a shell, configured with a freezing space and a drying space, the volume of the freezing space being smaller than the volume of the drying space; a material rack, movably arranged in the freezing space and the drying space, the material rack comprising a plurality of shelves and positioning posts, the shelves being used to place materials, the plurality of shelves being arranged at intervals along the vertical direction, and two adjacent shelves being able to move vertically relative to each other, a positioning post being provided between two adjacent shelves, the positioning post being used to locate the distance between two adjacent shelves, and the distance between the shelves when the material rack is in the freezing space being smaller than the distance between the shelves when the material rack is in the drying space.

[0009] Optionally, the positioning column includes: a first positioning column, connected to two adjacent shelves, the first positioning column and at least one of the shelves can move relative to each other; the two adjacent shelves include a first shelf and a second shelf, the first shelf is located above the second shelf, the upper end of the first positioning column extends above the first shelf, and the lower end of the first positioning column extends below the second shelf. When the material rack is located in the drying space, the upper end of the material rack is connected to the drying space, the upper end of the first positioning column abuts against the first shelf, and the lower end of the first positioning column abuts against the second shelf.

[0010] Optionally, the positioning column also includes: a second positioning column, located between two adjacent shelves and fixedly connected to one shelf, the length of the second positioning column is smaller than the length of the first positioning column, when the material rack is located in the freezer space, the lower end of the material rack is placed in the freezer space, and the second positioning column is supported between the two adjacent shelves.

[0011] Optionally, the drying space is provided with an opening, and the shell includes: a door cover that is openably and closably provided at the opening to open or close the drying space; and the first positioning column is not provided at the position of the shelf facing the opening.

[0012] Optionally, the material rack further includes: a guide column, and the plurality of shelves are connected to the guide column, and the shelves can move relative to the guide column.

[0013] Optionally, the drying space is connected to the freezing space, the drying space and the freezing space are arranged in sequence along the height direction, and the drying space is located above the freezing space; the shell also includes: a drying chamber, which defines the drying space; the freeze dryer also includes: a driving device, which is connected to the drying chamber, and the driving device is connected to the upper end of the material rack to drive the material rack to move in the freezing space and the drying space.

[0014] Optionally, the shell further includes: a cover shell, which is arranged on the outer wall of the drying chamber, the cover shell and the outer wall of the drying chamber enclose a accommodating cavity, the driving device is located in the accommodating cavity, the driving device includes a motor and a transmission member, one end of the transmission member is connected to the motor, and the other end of the transmission member passes through the outer wall of the drying chamber and is connected to the upper end of the material rack.

[0015] Optionally, the freeze dryer further includes: a guide rail, which is vertically arranged in the drying space; a connecting piece, one end of which is connected to the material rack, and the other end of which is sleeved on the outside of the guide rail and can slide relative to the guide rail.

[0016] Optionally, the freeze dryer further includes: a position detection device, which is disposed in the accommodating cavity, the position detection device is connected to the motor, and the position detection device is used to detect the position of the material rack to control the start and stop of the motor.

[0017] Optionally, the cover shell is arranged on the upper side wall of the drying chamber, the upper side wall of the drying chamber is provided with a guide rail hole, one end of the guide rail passes through the guide rail hole and is located in the accommodating cavity, and the position detection device is located at the guide rail hole; the other end of the connecting member includes a sealing member, and the sealing member is adapted to the guide rail hole. When the material rack is located in the drying space, the sealing member seals the guide rail hole, and the position detection device is used to detect the position of the sealing member.

[0018] The freeze dryer provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0019] The material rack comprises multiple shelves and positioning posts, which are used to store materials. The shelves are spaced vertically apart, and adjacent shelves can be moved relative to each other vertically, changing the distance between them and, consequently, the overall length of the material rack. When materials are frozen in the freezer compartment, the cold energy is transferred through the air, the shelves, and other components, making the space required for the materials less demanding. The distance between adjacent shelves can be reduced, thereby reducing the height of the material rack, and consequently, the height of the freezer compartment. When materials are dried in the drying compartment, the distance between adjacent shelves needs to be greater to allow moisture vapor within the materials to escape. Positioning posts are located between adjacent shelves to position the shelves so that the distance between them is smaller when the shelf is in the freezing position than when it is in the drying position. This allows the height of the material rack in the freezing compartment to be smaller than that in the drying compartment, thereby reducing the height of the freezing compartment and making the volume of the freezing compartment smaller than that of the drying compartment. When the freeze dryer is refrigerating, the volume of the freezing space is smaller, and the energy consumption of the freeze dryer during refrigeration can be reduced accordingly, thereby reducing the refrigeration energy consumption of the freeze dryer and saving energy.

[0020] The above general description and the following description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by corresponding drawings. These exemplary descriptions and drawings do not limit the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation. In addition,

[0022] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a freeze dryer provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction;

[0024] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a material rack provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a drying chamber provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 is a partial structural diagram of a drying chamber provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of part B.

[0028] Reference numerals:

[0029] 100. Shell; 110. Cold trap; 111. Freezing space; 120. Drying chamber; 121. Drying space; 122. Opening; 123. Guide rail hole; 130. Cover; 131. Accommodating chamber; 140. Outer shell; 150. Door cover; 200. Material rack; 210. Positioning column; 211. First positioning column; 2111. Column; 2112. Positioning protrusion; 212. Second positioning column; 220. Shelf; 221. First shelf; 222. Second shelf; 230. Guide column; 240. Tray; 250. Cover; 300. Drive device; 310. Motor; 320. Rotating part; 330. Pulley; 400. Guide rail; 410. Connecting part; 411. Sealing part; 500. Position detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to be able to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for reference only and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments is provided through multiple details. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, to simplify the drawings, well-known structures and devices can be simplified for display.

[0031] In the description and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as in the accompanying drawings, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to distinguish similar items and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure herein. In addition, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0032] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "middle", "outside", "front", "back" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly intended to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements or components to having a specific direction, or to be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Moreover, in addition to being used to indicate directions or positional relationships, some of the above terms may also be used to indicate other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship in certain circumstances. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "disposed," "connected," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediary, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0035] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a freeze dryer, including a shell 100 and a material rack 200. The shell 100 is configured with a freezing space 111 and a drying space 121. The volume of the freezing space 111 is smaller than the volume of the drying space 121. The material rack 200 is movably arranged in the freezing space 111 and the drying space 121. The material rack 200 includes a plurality of shelves 220 and positioning posts 210. The shelves 220 are used to place materials. The plurality of shelves 220 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and two adjacent shelves 220 can move relative to each other in the vertical direction. A positioning post 210 is provided between two adjacent shelves 220. The positioning post 210 is used to locate the distance between two adjacent shelves 220. When the material rack 200 is in the freezing space 111, the distance between the shelves 220 is smaller than the distance between the shelves 220 when the material rack 200 is in the drying space 121.

[0037] In this optional embodiment, the housing 100 is constructed with a freezing space 111 and a drying space 121, and a material rack 200 is movably disposed within the freezing space 111 and the drying space 121. The material rack 200 is used to place materials. When the materials are in the freezing position within the freezing space 111, the freezing space 111 is a low-temperature environment, thereby freezing the materials. After the materials are completely frozen in the freezing space 111, the material rack 200 drives the materials to move to the drying space 121 for drying. Optionally, the freeze dryer also includes a vacuum pump, which is connected to the drying space 121 to evacuate the drying space 121, allowing the frozen water molecules in the materials to directly sublime and escape as water vapor, thereby obtaining dry materials.

[0038] The material rack 200 includes multiple shelves 220 and positioning posts 210. The shelves 220 are used to place materials. The multiple shelves 220 are spaced vertically apart, and adjacent shelves 220 can move relative to each other vertically. This allows the spacing between adjacent shelves 220 to be changed, thereby varying the length of the entire material rack 200. When materials are frozen in the freezing space 111, the cold energy can be transferred through the air, shelves 220, and other means. The size of the space in which the materials are located is not required to be high. The distance between adjacent shelves 220 can be reduced, thereby reducing the height of the material rack 200 and, consequently, the height of the freezing space 111. When materials are dried in the drying space 121, the distance between adjacent shelves 220 needs to be larger to allow water vapor within the materials to escape. Positioning posts 210 are provided between adjacent shelves 220. These posts 210 position the shelves 220 so that the spacing between them is smaller when the shelves 200 are in the freezing position than when they are in the drying position. This reduces the height of the shelves 200 within the freezing space 111 and the volume of the drying space 121, thereby reducing the height of the freezing space 111 and making it smaller than the volume of the drying space 121. When the freeze dryer is cooling, the volume of the freezing space 111 is smaller, and the freeze dryer's cooling energy consumption is correspondingly reduced, thereby lowering the freeze dryer's cooling energy consumption and conserving energy.

[0039] Optionally, the housing 100 includes a cold trap 110 , which defines a freezing space 111 . The freezing space 111 has a small volume, and the volume of the cold trap 110 can be reduced accordingly, thereby reducing the production cost of the cold trap 110 .

[0040] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the positioning column 210 includes a first positioning column 211. The first positioning column 211 is connected to two adjacent shelves 220, and the first positioning column 211 is able to move relative to at least one shelf 220. The two shelves 220 include a first shelf 221 and a second shelf 222, the first shelf 221 is located above the second shelf 222, the upper end of the first positioning column 211 extends above the first shelf 221, and the lower end of the first positioning column 211 extends below the second shelf 222. When the material rack 200 is located in the drying space 121, the upper end of the material rack 200 is connected to the drying space 121, the upper end of the first positioning column 211 abuts against the first shelf 221, and the lower end of the first positioning column 211 abuts against the second shelf 222.

[0041] In this optional embodiment, the upper end of the material rack 200 is connected to the drying space 121. When the upper end of the material rack 200 is pulled, the first shelf 221 is first forced to move upward. Because the first positioning post 211 and at least one shelf 220 are capable of relative movement, when the first shelf 221 is forced to move upward, the second shelf 222 does not move with the first shelf 221 due to its own weight. The first shelf 221 continues to move upward. When the upper end of the first positioning post 211 abuts the first shelf 221 and the lower end of the first positioning post 211 abuts the second shelf 222, the first positioning post 211 can transfer the pulling force on the material rack 200 to the second shelf 222, driving the second shelf 222 upward. As a result, the multiple shelves 220 rise sequentially under the action of the pulling force, and the distance between two adjacent shelves 220 increases, facilitating the escape and flow of water vapor from the material.

[0042] The first positioning post 211 is connected to two adjacent shelves 220 (the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222). The first positioning post 211 is capable of relative movement with at least one shelf 220, and the upper end of the first positioning post 211 extends above the first shelf 221, while the lower end of the first positioning post 211 extends below the second shelf 222. In this way, not only can the first shelf 221 first move relative to the second shelf 222, but the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222 are separated by a set distance before driving the second shelf 222 to move, but when the material rack 200 is in the drying space 121, the distance between the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222 can also be fixed, thereby positioning the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222.

[0043] Optionally, the first positioning post 211 is connected to the first shelf 221, and the first positioning post 211 is movable relative to the first shelf 221, while the first positioning post 211 is fixedly connected to the second shelf 222. Thus, when the first shelf 221 begins to move upward, the first positioning post 211 and the first shelf 221 move relative to each other, while the first positioning post 211 and the second shelf 222 do not move with the first positioning post 211. When the first shelf 221 moves until the upper surface of the first shelf 221 abuts the upper end of the first positioning post 211, the first shelf 221 drives the first positioning post 211 and the second shelf 222 to move upward simultaneously.

[0044] Optionally, the first positioning post 211 is fixedly connected to the first shelf 221, which is connected to the second shelf 222, and the first positioning post 211 is capable of relative movement with the second shelf 222. Thus, when the first shelf 221 begins to move upward, the first shelf 221 is fixedly connected to the first positioning post 211, and the first shelf 221 drives the first positioning post 211 upward. When the first shelf 221 moves until the lower end of the first positioning post 211 abuts the lower surface of the second shelf 222, the first shelf 221 and the first positioning post 211 drive the second shelf 222 upward.

[0045] Optionally, both the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222 can move relative to the first positioning post 211. In this way, when the first shelf 221 starts to move upward, the first shelf 221 and the first positioning post 211 are relatively fixed, and the first shelf 221 drives the first positioning post 211 to move upward. When the first shelf 221 moves to the point where the lower end of the first positioning post 211 abuts against the lower surface of the second shelf 222, the first positioning post 211 and the second shelf 222 are relatively fixed, and the first shelf 221 moves upward relative to the first positioning post 211 and the second shelf 222. When the first shelf 221 moves to the point where the upper surface of the first shelf 221 abuts against the upper end of the first positioning post 211, the first shelf 221 drives the first positioning post 211 and the second shelf 222 to move upward at the same time. Or

[0046] When the first shelf 221 starts to move upward, the second shelf 222 is fixed relative to the first positioning post 211, and the first shelf 221 moves upward relative to the first positioning post 211 and the second shelf 222. When the first shelf 221 moves until the upper surface of the first shelf 221 abuts against the upper end of the first positioning post 211, the first shelf 221 and the first positioning post 211 are fixed relative to each other, and the first shelf 221 drives the first positioning post 211 to move upward. When the first shelf 221 moves until the lower end of the first positioning post 211 abuts against the lower surface of the second shelf 222, the first shelf 221 drives the first positioning post 211 and the second shelf 222 to move upward at the same time. Or

[0047] When the first shelf 221 begins to move upward, the first positioning post 211 moves relative to the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222. When one end of the first positioning post 211 moves to abut against the surface of one of the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222, the first positioning post 211 is fixed relative to the one shelf, and the first positioning post 211 continues to move relative to the other shelf 221 and the second shelf 222. When the first positioning post 211 moves until the other end of the first positioning post 211 abuts against the surface of the other shelf, the first shelf 221 drives the first positioning post 211 and the second shelf 222 to move upward simultaneously.

[0048] Optionally, the first positioning post 211 includes a column 2111 and a positioning protrusion 2112. When the first positioning post 211 is able to move relative to the shelf 220, the shelf 220 is provided with a positioning hole, one end of the column 2111 passes through the positioning hole, and the column 2111 is able to move relative to the positioning hole. After the column 2111 passes through the positioning hole, it is connected to the positioning protrusion 2112. The cross-sectional area of ​​the positioning protrusion 2112 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the positioning hole to prevent the column 2111 from falling out of the positioning hole. After the shelf 220 is pulled up, the positioning protrusion 2112 abuts against the shelf 220 to apply tension to the shelf 220 or transmit the tension of the shelf 220.

[0049] In this embodiment, when there are multiple shelves 220, the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222 are relative concepts and do not refer to a specific shelf 220. For example, there are three shelves 220, and the three shelves 220 are an upper shelf, a middle shelf, and a lower shelf. In the upper and middle shelves, the upper shelf is the first shelf 221, and the middle shelf is the second shelf 222; in the middle and lower shelves, the middle shelf is the first shelf 221, and the lower shelf is the second shelf 222.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the material rack 200 optionally further includes a plurality of trays 240, which are placed on the shelf 220. The trays 240 include a barrier portion, and the trays 240 are used to place materials. The number of trays 240 is the same as the number of shelves 220 and corresponds one to one. The barrier portion of the trays 240 can prevent materials from sliding out of the trays 240, thereby improving the reliability of the material rack 200.

[0051] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the positioning post 210 further includes a second positioning post 212. The second positioning post 212 is located between two adjacent shelves 220 and is fixedly connected to one shelf 220. The length of the second positioning post 212 is less than the length of the first positioning post 211. When the material rack 200 is located in the freezer space 111, the lower end of the material rack 200 is placed in the freezer space 111, and the second positioning post 212 is supported between the two adjacent shelves 220.

[0052] In this optional embodiment, the lower end of the material rack 200 is placed in the freezer space 111, and the lower end of the material rack 200 is connected to the bottom of the freezer space 111. When the material rack 200 is placed downward, the shelf 220 at the lower end is supported by the bottom of the freezer space 111, and the first positioning post 211 can move relative to the shelf 220. The first positioning post 211 no longer provides tension for the lower shelf 220 among the adjacent shelves 220, and multiple shelves 220 fall down one after another. The second positioning post 212 is located between two adjacent shelves 220. After the shelves 220 fall to a certain distance, the second positioning post 212 supports the space between the two adjacent shelves 220 to provide support for the upper shelf 220 of the two adjacent shelves 220, thereby maintaining a certain distance between the two adjacent shelves 220 and preventing the shelves 220 from falling and squeezing the materials on them.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second positioning post 212 is fixedly connected to one of the two adjacent shelves 220 and may be movably connected or disconnected to the other shelf 220. The second positioning post 212 only needs to abut against the other shelf 220 when the material rack 200 is located in the freezing space 111, and can be supported between the two shelves 220 to ensure a certain distance between the two shelves 220. The connection form between the second positioning post 212 and the other shelf 220 is not specifically limited herein. In this way, when the material rack 200 is pulled up, the second positioning post 212 can move relative to the other shelf 220, preventing the second positioning post 212 from limiting the position of the shelf 220, thereby affecting the increase in the distance between the two adjacent shelves 220.

[0054] The first positioning posts 211 position the shelf 220 when the material rack 200 rises, and the second positioning posts 212 position the shelf 220 when the material rack 200 descends. The length of the first positioning posts 211 is greater than the length of the second positioning posts 212. This ensures that the length of the material rack 200 within the freezing space 111 is shorter than the length of the material rack 200 within the drying space 121. This reduces the volume of the freezing space 111 and the energy consumption of the freeze dryer during refrigeration, thereby reducing the refrigeration energy consumption of the freeze dryer and saving energy.

[0055] Optionally, the height of the enclosure portion is smaller than the length of the second positioning column 212 .

[0056] Optionally, there are multiple first positioning posts 211 , and the multiple first positioning posts 211 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the shelf 220 .

[0057] Optionally, there are multiple second positioning posts 212 , and the multiple second positioning posts 212 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the shelf 220 .

[0058] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the drying space 121 has an opening 122, and the housing 100 further includes a door cover 150. The door cover 150 is openably and closably disposed at the opening 122 to open or close the drying space 121. The first positioning post 211 is not disposed at the position of the shelf 220 facing the opening 122.

[0059] During the freeze-drying process, the material must first be frozen and then dried. Once the material is dried within the drying space 121, freeze-drying is complete. In this embodiment, the drying space 121 is provided with an opening 122, and the door cover 150 is openably and closably located at the opening 122. This allows the material to be removed from the material rack 200 through the opening 122 after freeze-drying, which is quick and convenient. Optionally, the opening 122 is located on the circumferential sidewall of the drying space 121. When the door cover 150 opens the opening 122, i.e., when the drying space 121 is opened, multiple shelves 220 are arranged vertically, and the opening 122 is located on the circumferential sidewall of the drying space 121. Thus, the opening 122 corresponds to the placement position above the shelf 220. Users can directly access the material on the shelf 220 through the opening 122 without having to remove the material rack 200 from the drying space 121, facilitating user operation and improving the user experience. At the same time, when the material rack 200 is in the drying space 121, the distance between two adjacent shelves 220 is large, which is convenient for users to take out materials.

[0060] In this embodiment, the upper end of the first positioning post 211 extends above the first shelf 221, and the lower end of the first positioning post 211 extends below the second shelf 222. In other words, the first positioning post 211 is always connected between the first shelf 221 and the second shelf 222, and the first positioning post 211 is not provided on the shelf 220 facing the opening 122. This prevents the first positioning post 211 from being placed between the opening 122 and the shelf 220, preventing the user from accessing items on the shelf 220, thereby improving the user experience.

[0061] Optionally, the door cover 150 is at least partially made of a transparent material. This makes it easier for the user to observe the state of the material during the operation of the freeze dryer, allowing the user to understand the freeze-drying status of the material and improving the user experience.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the material rack 200 further includes a guide post 230. The plurality of shelves 220 are connected to the guide post 230, and the shelves 220 can move relative to the guide post 230.

[0063] With this optional embodiment, the shelf 220 can move relative to each other in the vertical direction, and multiple shelves 220 are connected to the guide column 230. In this way, the guide column 230 can limit the shelf 220, so that the shelf 220 moves along the guide column 230, preventing the shelf 220 from being offset or skewed during the movement, thereby improving the movement stability and reliability of the shelf 220.

[0064] Optionally, there are multiple guide posts 230 , and the multiple guide posts 230 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the shelf 220 .

[0065] Optionally, the guide post 230 is not provided at the position of the shelf 220 facing the opening 122. In this way, it is possible to avoid the guide post 230 being provided between the opening 122 and the placement position of the shelf 220, hindering the user from taking the materials on the shelf 220, thereby improving the user's experience.

[0066] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the drying space 121 is connected to the freezing space 111, and the drying space 121 and the freezing space 111 are arranged in sequence along the height direction, and the drying space 121 is located above the freezing space 111. The housing 100 also includes a drying chamber 120, which defines the drying space 121. The freeze dryer also includes a drive device 300, which is connected to the drying chamber 120 and is connected to the upper end of the material rack 200 to drive the material rack 200 to move within the freezing space 111 and the drying space 121.

[0067] In this optional embodiment, the drying space 121 is connected to the freezing space 111, and the material rack 200 can move within the drying space 121 and the freezing space 111 to perform freezing and drying respectively. The drying space 121 and the freezing space 111 are arranged vertically, and the material rack 200 moves vertically within the drying space 121 and the freezing space 111. The drying space 121 is located above the freezing space 111, and the lower end of the drying space 121 is connected to the upper end of the freezing space 111. The drive device 300 is connected to the upper end of the material rack 200.

[0068] As the material rack 200 descends into the freezing space 111, its lower end rests within the freezing space 111, and the shelves 220 descend sequentially under their own weight, reducing the spacing between shelves 220 and thereby the volume of the freezing space 111. As the material rack 200 ascends into the drying space 121 under the action of the drive device 300, the drive device 300 connects to the upper end of the material rack 200 to lift the upper end of the material rack 200. The pulling force causes the shelves 220 to ascend sequentially, increasing the spacing between them. This allows water vapor in the material to escape through the spacing between shelves 220, thereby drying the material.

[0069] In this embodiment, while the material rack 200 is being moved from the freezing space 111 into the drying space 121, the distance between two adjacent shelves 220 can be increased by lifting the material rack 200. As the material rack 200 is lowered into the freezing space 111, the shelves 220 can be lowered sequentially to reduce the distance between the shelves 220, thereby adapting the material rack 200 to the freezing space 111. The combination of the lifting and lowering of the material rack 200 and the movement of the shelves 220 can improve the integration of the freeze dryer, simplify the freeze dryer's structure, and reduce production costs. It can also reduce the time required for the material rack 200 to move and deform, thereby reducing the operating time of the freeze dryer and improving its operating efficiency.

[0070] Optionally, the cold trap 110 is connected to the drying chamber 120 and has a cold trap opening that can be connected or disconnected from the drying chamber 120. The freeze dryer also includes a cover plate 250 connected to the material rack 200. The cover plate 250 and the material rack 200 are arranged in sequence from the drying chamber 120 to the cold trap 110. The cross-sectional area of ​​the cover plate 250 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the cold trap opening, thereby sealing the cold trap opening when the material rack 200 is located within the freezing space 111.

[0071] In this optional embodiment, when freezing materials in the freezer compartment 111, the temperature within the freezer compartment 111 needs to be lowered. If the freezer compartment 111 is connected to the drying compartment 121, cold air will be transferred from the freezer compartment 111 to the drying compartment 121, increasing the cooling burden on the cold trap 110 and consuming more energy. The cross-sectional area of ​​the cover plate 250 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the cold trap opening, thus sealing the cold trap opening. During the freezing phase, the cover plate 250 seals the cold trap 110, preventing the loss of cold air within the freezer compartment 111 and reducing energy loss. The cover plate 250 and the material rack 200 are positioned sequentially along the direction from the drying compartment 120 to the cold trap 110. Thus, when the material rack 200 is located within the freezer compartment 111, the cover plate 250 is positioned at the cold trap opening, effectively sealing the freezer compartment 111.

[0072] Optionally, the cover plate 250 is at least partially made of a transparent material. This makes it easier for the user to observe the state of the material during the freezing process, allowing the user to understand the freezing status of the material and improving the user experience.

[0073] like Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6As shown, in some optional embodiments, the housing 100 further includes a cover 130, which is disposed over the outer wall of the drying chamber 120. The cover 130 and the outer wall of the drying chamber 120 enclose a receiving chamber 131, and the drive device 300 is located within the receiving chamber 131. The drive device 300 includes a motor 310 and a transmission member, one end of which is connected to the motor 310, and the other end of which passes through the outer wall of the drying chamber 120 and is connected to the upper end of the material rack 200.

[0074] In this optional embodiment, while the material is drying in the drying space 121, a vacuum pump evacuates the drying space 121. A cover 130 is positioned over the outer wall of the drying chamber 120. The cover 130 and the outer wall of the drying chamber 120 enclose a receiving chamber 131. A drive device 300, including a motor 310, is located within the receiving chamber 131. In other words, the drive device 300 and the motor 310 are both located outside the drying space 121. This prevents oil leakage and potential damage to the motor 310 during the vacuum pump's evacuation of the drying space 121.

[0075] The drive device 300 also includes a transmission member, one end of which is connected to the motor 310, and the other end of which passes through the outer wall of the drying chamber 120 and is connected to the upper end of the material rack 200. The drive device 300 is connected to the material rack 200 through the transmission member to drive the material rack 200 to move.

[0076] Optionally, the other end of the transmission member is connected to the cover plate 250 .

[0077] Optionally, the housing 130 is disposed over the upper sidewall of the drying chamber 120. The drive device 300 further includes a rotating member 320 connected to a motor 310. The motor 310 drives the rotating member 320 to rotate, and one end of the transmission member is wound around the rotating member 320. The motor 310 drives the rotating member 320 to rotate, thereby changing the length of the transmission member wound around the rotating member 320, thereby driving the material rack 200 to move up and down within the drying space 121 and the freezing space 111.

[0078] In this alternative embodiment, one end of the transmission member is wrapped around the rotating member 320, and the other end of the transmission member is connected to the material rack 200. As the motor 310 drives the rotating member 320 to rotate, the length of the transmission member wrapped around the rotating member 320 increases or decreases. Because the length of the transmission member is fixed, the distance between the other end of the transmission member and the rotating member 320 decreases or increases, driving the material rack 200 to rise or fall within the drying space 121 and the freezing space 111.

[0079] Optionally, the transmission member includes a hemp rope, a steel wire rope, a chain, a belt, etc. As long as it can be wound around the rotating member 320 and drive the material rack 200 to rise and fall, the specific structure of the transmission member is not limited.

[0080] Optionally, the driving device 300 further includes a pulley 330. The pulley 330 is rotatably disposed in the accommodating chamber 131, and the transmission member is overlapped on the pulley 330. The pulley 330 is disposed above the material rack 200 so that the transmission member drives the material rack 200 to move up and down.

[0081] like Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the freeze dryer further includes a guide rail 400 and a connector 410. The guide rail 400 is vertically arranged in the drying space 121. One end of the connector 410 is connected to the material rack 200, and the other end of the connector 410 is sleeved on the outside of the guide rail 400, and the connector 410 can slide relative to the guide rail 400.

[0082] In this optional embodiment, guide rails 400 are vertically arranged within drying space 121. The guide rails 400 extend in the same direction as the movement of material rack 200. Connecting members 410 are connected between guide rails 400 and material rack 200, enabling material rack 200 to move along the guide rails 400. Especially when the transmission member is a hemp rope, steel rope, chain, belt, or the like, this prevents the material rack 200 from shifting or tilting, or material from falling, thereby improving the operational stability and reliability of the freeze dryer.

[0083] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the freeze dryer further includes a position detection device 500, which is disposed in the accommodating chamber 131 and is connected to the motor 310. The position detection device 500 is used to detect the position of the material rack 200 to control the start and stop of the motor 310.

[0084] In this optional embodiment, the position detection device 500 is disposed within the accommodating chamber 131, which can prevent a high vacuum level within the drying space 121 from damaging the position detection device 500 or interfering with its operation. The position detection device 500 is connected to the motor 310 and can detect the position of the material rack 200 to control the start and stop of the motor 310. For example, after the freeze dryer completes freezing, the motor 310 rotates, driving the material rack 200 to move from the freezing space 111 to the drying space 121. During the process of the material rack 200 moving from the freezing space 111 to the drying space 121, the position detection device 500 is used to detect the position of the material rack 200. After the position detection device 500 detects that the material rack 200 is at the preset drying position within the drying space 121, the position detection device 500 controls the motor 310 to stop operating.

[0085] like Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the cover 130 is disposed over the upper sidewall of the drying chamber 120. The upper sidewall of the drying chamber 120 is provided with a guide rail hole 123. One end of the guide rail 400 passes through the guide rail hole 123 and is located within the accommodating cavity 131. The position detection device 500 is located at the guide rail hole 123. The other end of the connector 410 includes a sealing member 411, which is adapted to fit within the guide rail hole 123. When the material rack 200 is in the drying position, the sealing member 411 seals the guide rail hole 123. The position detection device 500 is used to detect the position of the sealing member 411.

[0086] In this alternative embodiment, one end of the guide rail 400 passes through the guide rail hole 123 and is located within the accommodating chamber 131. The cover 130 is mounted on the upper sidewall of the drying chamber 120, and the accommodating chamber 131 is located above the drying chamber 120, so that the guide rail 400 is arranged vertically. The other end of the connector 410 includes a seal 411. The connector 410 is mounted on the outside of the guide rail 400 and is movable relative to the guide rail 400. In other words, the seal 411 is mounted on the outside of the guide rail 400 and is movable relative to the guide rail 400. The seal 411 is adapted to fit within the guide rail hole 123 and is capable of sealing the guide rail hole 123. Thus, when the material rack 200 is located within the drying space 121 and a vacuum pump is used to evacuate the drying space 121, the seal 411 seals the guide rail hole 123, preventing the drying space 121 from communicating with the accommodating chamber 131, thereby evacuating the accommodating chamber 131.

[0087] Connector 410 is connected to material rack 200. Within drying space 121, connector 410 and material rack 200 move synchronously. Position detection device 500 detects the position of seal 411, and thus the position of material rack 200, thereby determining whether material rack 200 has reached the preset drying position. Position detection device 500 is located within accommodating chamber 131, and seal 411 is positioned at guide rail hole 123, capable of sealing guide rail hole 123. Thus, position detection device 500 detects the position of seal 411, and thus detects whether seal 411 is sealing guide rail hole 123.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 100 optionally further includes an outer shell 140 and a refrigeration system. The cold trap 110, the drying chamber 120, and the refrigeration system are all located within the outer shell 140. The refrigeration system is connected to the cold trap 110 to provide cooling for the cold trap 110. The space where the drying chamber 120 is located is connected to the space where the refrigeration system is located, so that heat generated by the refrigeration system can flow into the heat exchange space and heat the drying chamber 120.

[0089] In this embodiment, as the material is dried within drying chamber 120, the sublimation of moisture within the material into water vapor requires continuous absorption of heat. By connecting the space containing drying chamber 120 with the space containing the refrigeration system, hot air generated by the refrigeration system's heat discharge can flow into drying chamber 120, heating drying chamber 120 and meeting its heat exchange requirements. Since cold trap 110 must continuously capture sublimated water vapor during the freeze-drying process, the refrigeration system operates continuously until the drying process is complete. This ensures that the refrigeration system can continuously supply heat to drying chamber 120, ensuring that its heat exchange requirements are met, as long as the freeze-drying machine is in the freeze-drying process. Furthermore, compared to conventional freeze-drying systems, this embodiment eliminates the need for a heating device to heat drying chamber 120, effectively reducing the freeze-dryer's energy consumption and manufacturing costs.

[0090] The above description and the accompanying drawings sufficiently illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Unless expressly required, individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace portions and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A freeze dryer, characterized in that: include: The housing is configured with a freezing space and a drying space, wherein the volume of the freezing space is smaller than that of the drying space; A material rack is movably arranged in the freezing space and the drying space. The material rack includes multiple shelves and positioning columns. The shelves are used to place materials. The multiple shelves are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction, and two adjacent shelves can move relative to each other vertically. The positioning column is provided between two adjacent shelves. The positioning column is used to locate the distance between two adjacent shelves. When the material rack is in the freezing space, the distance between the shelves is smaller than the distance between the shelves when the material rack is in the drying space.

2. The freeze dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that The positioning column includes: a first positioning post connected to two adjacent shelves, wherein the first positioning post is capable of relative movement with at least one of the shelves; The two adjacent shelves include a first shelf and a second shelf, the first shelf is located above the second shelf, the upper end of the first positioning column extends above the first shelf, and the lower end of the first positioning column extends below the second shelf. When the material rack is located in the drying space, the upper end of the material rack is connected to the drying space, the upper end of the first positioning column abuts against the first shelf, and the lower end of the first positioning column abuts against the second shelf.

3. The freeze dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that The positioning column also includes: The second positioning column is located between two adjacent shelves and is fixedly connected to one shelf. The length of the second positioning column is smaller than the length of the first positioning column. When the material rack is located in the freezer space, the lower end of the material rack is placed in the freezer space, and the second positioning column is supported between the two adjacent shelves.

4. The freeze dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that The drying space is provided with an opening, and the housing comprises: A door cover is provided at the opening in an openable and closable manner to open or close the drying space; The first positioning column is not provided at a position of the shelf facing the opening.

5. The freeze dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that The material rack also includes: A guide column, a plurality of shelves are connected to the guide column, and the shelves can move relative to the guide column.

6. The freeze dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The drying space is connected to the freezing space, the drying space and the freezing space are arranged in sequence along the height direction, and the drying space is located above the freezing space; The housing further includes: a drying chamber defining the drying space; The freeze dryer further includes a driving device connected to the drying chamber, wherein the driving device is connected to the upper end of the material rack to drive the material rack to move within the freezing space and the drying space.

7. The freeze dryer according to claim 6, characterized in that The housing further comprises: The cover shell is arranged on the outer wall of the drying chamber, and the cover shell and the outer wall of the drying chamber enclose a accommodating cavity. The driving device is located in the accommodating cavity. The driving device includes a motor and a transmission member. One end of the transmission member is connected to the motor, and the other end of the transmission member passes through the outer wall of the drying chamber and is connected to the upper end of the material rack.

8. The freeze dryer according to claim 7, characterized in that Also includes: A guide rail is vertically arranged in the drying space; A connecting piece, one end of which is connected to the material rack, and the other end of which is sleeved on the outside of the guide rail and can slide relative to the guide rail.

9. The freeze dryer according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: A position detection device is provided in the accommodating cavity. The position detection device is connected to the motor. The position detection device is used to detect the position of the material rack to control the start and stop of the motor.

10. The freeze dryer according to claim 9, characterized in that The cover is arranged on the upper side wall of the drying chamber, the upper side wall of the drying chamber is provided with a guide rail hole, one end of the guide rail passes through the guide rail hole and is located in the accommodating cavity, and the position detection device is located at the guide rail hole; The other end of the connecting member includes a sealing member, which is adapted to the guide rail hole. When the material rack is located in the drying space, the sealing member seals the guide rail hole. The position detection device is used to detect the position of the sealing member.

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