A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of food sterilization, and discloses a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food, which includes a base. A sterilization device, a conveying mechanism and a pressure relief mechanism are arranged on the base. The sterilization device is configured to switch between a feeding and discharging state and a sterilization state. When in the feeding and discharging state, the body and the bottom of the sterilization tank of the sterilization device are opened. When in the sterilization state, the body and the bottom of the sterilization tank are closed to form a closed area. The conveying mechanism is used to stack the baskets filled with food into the bottom of the tank or take away the baskets in the bottom of the tank. The pressure relief mechanism discharges steam from the sterilization tank after sterilization is completed. This solution can achieve the orderly stacking of the baskets filled with food into the bottom of the tank, the closing of the bottom and the body of the tank to form a closed area, and the injection of steam into the closed area, realizing the automated high-pressure steam sterilization treatment of food. The entire sterilization process does not require manual participation by staff, avoiding the staff being scalded by steam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of food processing, specifically to the field of food sterilization, and particularly to a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food. Background Art

[0002] The most common food sterilization method is high-pressure steam sterilization. Food is placed in a steaming cabinet, and steam is continuously injected to place the food in a high-pressure and high-temperature environment to achieve food sterilization. There are some deficiencies in the existing high-pressure steam sterilization technology. For example, the loading and unloading of food are both manual operations, and workers are easily scalded by steam. Whether in the unused state or during use, the cabinet door of the steaming cabinet can be opened or closed. In this way, there is a high risk of accidentally opening the cabinet door, resulting in workers being scalded by steam. In short, the safety of the existing steaming cabinet is not high and needs to be improved. In addition, steam is simply injected into the steaming cabinet, and the steam relies on its own diffusion ability to achieve uniform distribution inside the steaming cabinet, which takes a relatively long time. During this period, the steam that the food contacts is not evenly distributed, which will result in different steam sterilization times for the food. It is easy to have the situation that some foods are affected by excessive high temperature and pressure and their taste is affected, while some foods are not thoroughly sterilized. Therefore, the diffusion efficiency of steam in the steaming cabinet needs to be improved.

[0003] Based on the above, the present invention provides a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the problems mentioned in the above background, the present invention provides a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food.

[0005] To achieve the above technical objectives, the technical solutions adopted by the present invention are as follows.

[0006] A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food includes a base, on which a sterilization device, a conveying mechanism, and a pressure relief mechanism are arranged. The sterilization device is configured to switch between the feeding and discharging state and the sterilization state. When in the feeding and discharging state, the tank body and the tank bottom of the sterilization tank of the sterilization device are opened. When in the sterilization state, the tank body and the tank bottom of the sterilization tank are closed together to form a closed area. The conveying mechanism is used to stack the basket filled with food vertically into the tank bottom or take away the basket in the tank bottom when the sterilization device is in the feeding and discharging state. The pressure relief mechanism is used to discharge steam from the sterilization tank after sterilization is completed.

[0007] Further, the sterilization device includes a vertical frame installed on the base, and a sterilization mechanism is installed on the vertical frame. The sterilization mechanism includes a sterilization tank, and the sterilization tank includes a tank body arranged vertically and connected to the vertical frame, and a tank bottom coaxially located at the bottom of the tank body. A linear module is arranged on the vertical frame to drive the tank bottom to move vertically.

[0008] A main pipeline is installed on the stand, the upper end of the tank body is in a truncated cone shape with a diameter decreasing from bottom to top, and a gas guide is coaxially installed inside through a support frame, and the gas guide is in a truncated cone shape with a diameter decreasing from bottom to top. A distribution valve is installed on the stand, and the distribution valve is provided with an air inlet and two air outlets. A connecting pipe is provided between the air inlet of the distribution valve and the main pipeline, and a solenoid valve is provided on the connecting pipe. An upper air inlet pipe is provided between one air outlet of the distribution valve and the upper end of the tank body, and a pipeline group is provided at the other air outlet of the distribution valve. The end of the pipeline group is detachably connected to the lower air inlet pipe provided on the bottom of the tank through a connecting component.

[0009] An inner bracket for supporting the basket is arranged at the upper end of the tank bottom, and a pressure relief valve is arranged at the bottom of the tank bottom. Initially, the pressure relief valve is closed.

[0010] Furthermore, a vertically arranged insert tube is provided at the air inlet end of the lower air inlet pipe, and a clamping groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insert tube;

[0011] The connecting component includes a boss arranged on the outer surface of the tank body, a fixing seat is installed on the boss, the upper end of the fixing seat is closed, the lower end is open, and the upper closed end is provided with a joint connected to the pipeline group, a sleeve is provided inside the fixing seat, an external step is extended from the lower pipe mouth of the sleeve, a spring three is provided between the external step and the closed end of the fixing seat, a mounting hole is provided on the cavity wall of the fixing seat, a clamping block is provided inside the mounting hole, a pump casing extends from the hole opening of the mounting hole away from the inner cavity of the fixing seat, a piston is provided inside the pump casing, a piston rod is extended from the end face of the piston, the piston rod is connected to the clamping block, a spring four is provided between the piston and the fixing seat, and a fixing pipe is provided between the pump casing and the tank body.

[0012] Furthermore, a plurality of lower air inlet pipes are arranged in an array along the circumferential direction of the tank bottom, the pipe group includes an annular pipe, a branch pipe 1 is arranged between the annular pipe and the distribution valve, and a branch pipe 2 is arranged between the annular pipe and the connecting assembly;

[0013] The vertical center line of the basket supported by the inner bracket is line one, the axial line of the connecting hole formed at the connection between the lower air inlet pipe and the bottom of the tank is arranged vertically and named line two, the distance between line two and line one is L, the horizontal cross-section of the basket is square and the distance between the side and line two is L, and L is equal to half of L.

[0014] Furthermore, the stand can rotate and the axis of the rotation trajectory is arranged vertically. A motor three for driving the stand to rotate is arranged on the base. The sterilization mechanism is arranged in a plurality of groups in an array along the circumferential direction of the rotation trajectory of the stand. The main pipeline includes a vertical section installed on the stand and a connecting section connected to the bottom of the vertical section through a rotating joint. The end of the connecting section is connected to a steam supply source.

[0015] Further, the pressure relief valve includes a valve pipe coaxially arranged at the bottom of the tank bottom. A ring frame is arranged inside the valve pipe. A valve rod is installed on the ring frame. A valve core is arranged at the upper end of the valve rod, and a limit ring is arranged at the lower end. A first spring is sleeved outside the valve rod between the limit ring and the ring frame. Initially, the first spring is compressed and the valve core blocks the ring frame.

[0016] The pressure relief mechanism includes a pressure relief pipe. The pressure relief pipe includes a vertical connection section and a deflation section arranged at the bottom of the connection section. An installation bracket is arranged on the base. A lifting seat is slidably installed on the installation bracket in the vertical direction, and a telescopic rod for driving the lifting seat to move is provided. The lifting seat is located below the pressure relief pipe, and a second spring is arranged between the two. The upper end of the lifting seat extends with a top rod, and the upper end of the top rod extends into the connection section of the pressure relief pipe.

[0017] Further, the conveying mechanism includes a conveying frame arranged on the base. A conveyor belt and a first synchronous belt parallel to each other are installed on the conveying frame. A moving member is slidably installed on the conveying frame along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. The moving member is connected to the first synchronous belt.

[0018] Further, the moving member includes a movable bracket slidably installed on the conveying frame along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. A set of moving components are respectively arranged at both ends of the movable bracket along the width direction of the conveyor belt.

[0019] The moving component includes a connecting rod hinged on the movable bracket. The extending direction of the connecting rod is perpendicular to the width direction of the conveyor belt. There are two sets of connecting rods arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. A supporting rod is hinged and installed between the upper ends of the two sets of connecting rods. The extending direction of the supporting rod is parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. The hinge axes formed at the hinge joints between the connecting rod and the movable bracket and the hinge axes formed at the hinge joints between the supporting rod and the connecting rod are both parallel to the width direction of the conveyor belt. A second synchronous belt parallel to the first synchronous belt is installed on the supporting rod.

[0020] Further, a first motor and a second motor are arranged on the movable bracket. The hinge axis between the connecting rod and the movable bracket is named the rotating shaft. There are two corresponding rotating shafts, namely the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is power-connected to the first motor, and the connecting rod corresponding to the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is power-connected to the second motor. A sleeve hole is formed in the connecting rod corresponding to the second rotating shaft, and the connecting rod is movably sleeved outside the second rotating shaft through the sleeve hole. A power connection is formed between the second rotating shaft and the second synchronous belt.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] First, this solution can realize the orderly stacking of the baskets containing food towards the inside of the tank bottom, the closure of the tank bottom and the tank body to form a closed area, and the injection of steam into the closed area, so as to realize the automatic high-pressure steam sterilization treatment of food. The whole sterilization process does not require manual participation of staff, avoiding the staff from being scalded by steam.

[0023] Second, the vertical center line of the basket supported by the inner bracket is Line 1. The axis line of the communication hole formed at the connection between the lower air inlet pipe and the tank bottom is vertically arranged and named as Line 2. The distance between Line 2 and Line 1 is L1. The horizontal cross-section of the basket is square, and the distance between the side surface and Line 2 is L2. L1 is equal to one-half of L2.

[0024] During the process of injecting steam into the sterilization tank, the diffusion of steam in the sterilization tank is divided into two parts. One part enters the sterilization tank through the upper air inlet pipe, and this part diffuses towards the axis line of the sterilization tank, that is, towards Line 1. The other part enters the sterilization tank through the lower air inlet pipe, and this part diffuses around. The diffusion speeds of the two parts of steam are approximately the same. Therefore, L1 being equal to one-half of L2 can optimize the diffusion, enabling the steam to diffuse to the entire sterilization tank in the shortest time, with a higher diffusion efficiency. The food in the basket is sterilized by the uniformly distributed steam earlier, and the sterilization effect and efficiency are better.

[0025] Furthermore, one of the above two parts of steam flows downward and the other flows upward, which can further increase the diffusion efficiency of the steam evenly distributed in the sterilization tank.

[0026] Third, after the tank body and the tank bottom are closed, the connection component is used to lock the tank body and the tank bottom, so that the connection between them is not affected by high pressure. In addition, when the sterilization tank is in a high-pressure state inside, the connection component cannot be unlocked. Only after the air pressure in the sterilization tank returns to normal pressure can the connection component be unlocked. Therefore, during the high-pressure steam sterilization process of this solution, the safety is better. Description of the Drawings

[0027] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the transporting member;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the transporting assembly;

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the sterilization device;

[0033] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the sterilization mechanism;

[0034] Figure 8Cross-sectional view of the sterilization mechanism;

[0035] Figure 9 Partial cross-sectional view of the sterilization mechanism;

[0036] Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of the pressure relief valve and the pressure relief mechanism;

[0037] Figure 11 Cross-sectional view of the connection assembly and the lower intake pipe;

[0038] Figure 12 Cross-sectional view of the connection assembly and the insertion tube;

[0039] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the distances among the basket, Line 1, and Line 2.

[0040] The reference numerals in the drawings are:

[0041] 100, sterilization device; 101, vertical frame; 102, Motor III; 103, main pipeline; 104, linear module; 105, sterilization mechanism; 106, tank body; 107, tank bottom; 1071, inner support; 108, gas guide; 109, distribution valve; 110, connecting pipe; 111, solenoid valve; 112, upper intake pipe; 113, pipe group; 114, lower intake pipe; 1141, insertion tube; 1142, card slot; 115, pressure relief valve; 1151, valve pipe; 1152, valve core; 1153, Spring I; 116, connection assembly; 1161, fixed seat; 1162, joint; 1163, sleeve; 1164, Spring III; 1165, block; 1166, piston; 1167, Spring IV; 1168, fixed pipe; 200, conveying mechanism; 201, conveyor belt; 202, transfer member; 2021, Motor I; 2022, Motor II; 2023, movable support; 2024, connecting rod; 2025, support rod; 2026, Synchronous Belt II; 203, Synchronous Belt I; 300, pressure relief mechanism; 301, pressure relief pipe; 302, telescopic rod; 303, lifting seat; 304, ejector rod; 305, Spring II. Detailed implementation manners

[0042] To further elaborate on the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined invention purpose, the following, in combination with the drawings and preferred embodiments, details the specific implementation manners, structures, features, and their effects of the present invention as follows.

[0043] Refer to Figures 1 - 12, A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food, comprising a base and a sterilization device 100, a conveying mechanism 200, and a pressure relief mechanism 300 arranged on the base. Among them, the sterilization device 100 is configured to switch between the feeding and discharging state and the sterilization state. When in the feeding and discharging state, the tank body 106 and the tank bottom 107 of the sterilization tank of the sterilization device 100 are opened. At this time, the baskets containing food are orderly stacked on the tank bottom 107 through the conveying mechanism 200 or the sterilized baskets on the tank bottom 107 are removed through the conveying mechanism 200. Preferably, there are multiple groups of sterilization tanks, and two groups of conveying mechanisms 200 are provided. One group stacks the baskets onto the tank bottom 107, and the other group takes out the baskets in the tank bottom 107. When in the sterilization state, the tank body 106 and the tank bottom 107 of the sterilization tank are closed to form a closed area, and a preset amount of steam is continuously injected to perform high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization treatment on the baskets containing food. After sterilization, the sterilization tank is depressurized through the pressure relief mechanism 300. After depressurization, the baskets are taken away through the conveying mechanism 200.

[0044] I. Sterilization device 100:

[0045] Refer to Figure 6 , the sterilization device 100 includes a vertical frame 101 vertically installed on the base and a motor three 102 for driving the vertical frame 101 to rotate. A sterilization mechanism 105 is installed on the vertical frame 101. A number of groups of sterilization mechanisms 105 are arranged in an array along the circumferential direction of the rotation trajectory of the vertical frame 101. In this solution, four groups are shown.

[0046] Refer to Figure 6 And Figure 7 , the sterilization mechanism 105 includes a sterilization tank. The sterilization tank includes a tank body 106 arranged vertically and connected to the vertical frame 101, and a tank bottom 107 coaxially located at the bottom of the tank body 106. The tank bottom 107 is driven by a linear module 104 arranged on the vertical frame 101 to move in the vertical direction. Further, the linear module 104 can be an electric telescopic rod technology or a lead screw technology. For example, the lead screw is connected to the tank bottom 107, and the tank bottom 107 and the vertical frame 101 form a sliding fit in the vertical direction. The tank bottom 107 is driven to move by the rotation of the lead screw, which can be achieved by existing technologies and will not be elaborated.

[0047] Refer to Figure 6 , a main pipeline 103 is installed on the vertical frame 101. Specifically, the main pipeline 103 includes a vertical section installed on the vertical frame 101 and a connection section connected to the bottom of the vertical section through a rotary joint. The end of the connection section is connected to a steam supply source for providing steam, such as a steam generator. The main pipeline 103 is designed in this way because the vertical frame 101 and the sterilization mechanism 105 will rotate.

[0048] Refer to Figures 7 - 9, the upper end of the can body 106 is in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a diameter decreasing from bottom to top, and a gas guide 108 is coaxially installed inside through a support frame. The gas guide 108 is also in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a diameter decreasing from bottom to top.

[0049] A distribution valve 109 is installed on the upright frame 101. The distribution valve 109 has one air inlet and two air outlets. Specifically, a cylinder inside the valve housing is driven to rotate by a motor. An L-shaped hole is provided on the cylinder, and the air inlet is communicated with one of the air outlets through the L-shaped hole. This is a conventional technical means in the prior art and will not be elaborated here. A connecting pipe 110 is provided between the air inlet of the distribution valve 109 and the main pipe 103, and a solenoid valve 111 is provided on the connecting pipe 110. An upper inlet pipe 112 is provided between one air outlet of the distribution valve 109 and the upper end of the can body 106. Another air outlet of the distribution valve 109 is provided with a pipe group 113. The end of the pipe group 113 and the lower inlet pipe 114 provided on the bottom 107 of the can are detachably connected through a connecting component 116.

[0050] An inner support 1071 is provided at the upper end of the bottom 107 of the can for supporting the basket. The connection between the lower inlet pipe 114 and the bottom 107 of the can is located below the basket.

[0051] A pressure relief valve 115 is provided at the bottom of the bottom 107 of the can. The pressure relief valve 115 is initially in a closed state. After the sterilization is completed, it cooperates with the pressure relief mechanism 300 to realize the pressure relief of the sterilization can.

[0052] Refer to Figure 11 And Figure 12 , a vertical insertion pipe 1141 is provided at the air inlet end of the lower inlet pipe 114. The insertion pipe 1141 is a rigid pipe and is supported by a side frame provided on the side of the bottom 107 of the can. A card slot 1142 is provided on the outer circular surface of the insertion pipe 1141.

[0053] The connecting component 116 includes a convex frame provided on the outer surface of the can body 106. A fixing seat 1161 is installed on the convex frame. The upper end of the fixing seat 1161 is closed and the lower end is open. A joint 1162 communicated with the pipe group 113 is provided on the upper closed end. A sleeve 1163 is sleeved inside the fixing seat 1161. An external step extends from the lower pipe orifice of the sleeve 1163. A spring three 1164 is provided between the external step and the closed end of the fixing seat 1161.

[0054] An installation hole is provided on the cavity wall of the fixing seat 1161. A clamping block 1165 is sleeved inside the installation hole. A pump housing extends from the orifice of the installation hole facing away from the inner cavity of the fixing seat 1161. A piston 1166 is sleeved inside the pump housing. A piston rod extends from the end face of the piston 1166. The piston rod is connected to the clamping block 1165. A spring four 1167 is provided between the piston 1166 and the fixing seat 1161. A fixing pipe 1168 is provided between the pump housing and the can body 106.

[0055] When the can body 106 and the can bottom 107 are closed, that is, when the lower opening of the can body 106 contacts the upper opening of the can bottom 107, the insertion tube 1141 is inserted into the fixed seat 1161 and the third spring 1164 is compressed, and the latch 1165 is facing the card slot 1142.

[0056] Working process of the sterilization device 100:

[0057] First, the linear module 104 drives the can bottom 107 to move downward, and then the baskets are orderly stacked on the inner support 1071 of the can bottom 107 through the conveying mechanism 200. Then, the can bottom 107 moves upward and closes with the can body 106. At this time, the latch 1165 is facing the card slot 1142, and the insertion tube 1141 is inserted into the fixed seat 1161 and contacts the lower pipe orifice of the sleeve 1163. The third spring 1164 is compressed, and the insertion tube 1141 and the sleeve 1163 form a sealed fit. Subsequently, steam starts to enter the sterilization tank. As the air pressure in the sterilization tank increases, it will push the piston 1166 to move through the fixed pipe 1168, so that the latch 1165 is inserted into the card slot 1142, locking the connection assembly 116. That is to say, during the sterilization process, the can body 106 and the can bottom 107 cannot be opened, and the safety is higher;

[0058] The process of steam moving into the sterilization tank is as follows: First, the steam enters the sterilization tank from the upper end of the can body 106 through the connecting pipe 110 and the upper inlet pipe 112, and under the guidance of the gas guide 108, it flows downward in the area between the tank wall of the sterilization tank and the outer surface of the basket. After a preset time, the distribution valve 109 enables the steam to enter the sterilization tank from the can bottom 107 through the connecting pipe 110, the pipe group 113, the connection assembly 116, and the lower inlet pipe 114, and the steam flows upward in the area where the basket is located. After a preset time, it is adjusted to enter the sterilization tank from the upper end of the can body 106. In this way, in a reciprocating, up-and-down manner, the steam can quickly spread in a closed environment (i.e., the sterilization tank), and the sterilization effect and efficiency are better.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the vertical center line of the basket supported by the inner support 1071 is line one, the axis line of the communication hole formed at the connection of the lower inlet pipe 114 and the can bottom 107 is vertically arranged and named line two, the distance between line two and line one is L1, the horizontal cross-section of the basket is square, and the distance between the side surface and line two is L2. L1 is equal to half of L2. Refer to Figure 13The diffusion of steam in the sterilization tank is divided into two parts. One part enters the sterilization tank through the upper air inlet pipe 112, and this part diffuses toward the axis of the sterilization tank, that is, diffuses toward the straight line 1. The other part enters the sterilization tank through the lower air inlet pipe 114, and this part diffuses in all directions. The diffusion speeds of the two parts of steam are approximately the same, so L1 is equal to half of L2, which can optimize the diffusion and make the steam diffuse into the entire sterilization tank in the shortest time. The diffusion efficiency is higher, and the food in the basket is sterilized earlier by the evenly distributed steam, and the sterilization effect and sterilization efficiency are better. Furthermore, in this solution, the horizontal cross-section of the basket is square. If it is rectangular, then Figure 13 In the figure, the black dots represent the connection point between the lower air inlet pipe 114 and the tank bottom 107. The black dots are not arranged in an array on a circular line, but in an array on an elliptical line.

[0060] Furthermore, since the lower air inlet pipes 114 are arranged in an array in a plurality, the connecting components 116 are also arranged in a plurality accordingly. Figure 7 The pipeline group 113 includes a ring pipe, a branch pipeline 1 is arranged between the ring pipe and the distribution valve 109, a branch pipeline 2 is arranged between the ring pipe and the connecting component 116, and a plurality of branch pipelines 2 are arranged accordingly.

[0061] 2. Pressure relief mechanism 300:

[0062] Reference Figure 10 The pressure relief valve 115 includes a valve tube 1151 coaxially arranged at the bottom of the tank bottom 107, a ring frame is arranged in the valve tube 1151, a valve stem is installed on the ring frame, a valve core 1152 is arranged at the upper end of the valve stem, and a limit ring is arranged at the lower end, and a spring 1153 located between the limit ring and the ring frame is sleeved on the outer side of the valve stem. Initially, the spring 1153 is compressed. Under the elastic force of the spring 1153, the valve core 1152 is tightly attached to the ring frame and blocks the ring frame, and the steam cannot leak out through the valve tube 1151.

[0063] Reference Figure 10 The pressure relief mechanism 300 includes a pressure relief pipe 301, which is a vertically arranged connecting section and a gas relief section arranged at the bottom of the connecting section, and the end of the gas relief section is connected to the gas storage tank.

[0064] The base is provided with a mounting bracket, on which a lifting seat 303 and a telescopic rod 302 for driving the lifting seat 303 to move are slidably mounted in a vertical direction, such as an electric telescopic rod technology. The lifting seat 303 is located below the pressure relief pipe 301 and a spring 2 305 is provided between the two. A push rod 304 extends from the upper end of the lifting seat 303, and the upper end of the push rod 304 extends into the connecting section of the pressure relief pipe 301.

[0065] After sterilization is completed, the motor three 102 drives the vertical frame 101 to rotate, so that the sterilization tank is located above the pressure relief mechanism 300. Then, the telescopic rod 302 drives the lifting seat 303 to move upward. The lifting seat 303 drives the pressure relief pipe 301 to move upward through the second spring 305, so that the pressure relief pipe 301 is in close contact with the valve pipe 1151 to form a sealed fit. Subsequently, the lifting seat 303 continues to move upward, the second spring 305 is compressed, and the ejector rod 304 will push the valve rod, causing the valve core 1152 to move upward, canceling the blockage of the ring frame. At this time, the steam in the sterilization tank, under high pressure, is discharged into the air storage tank through the pressure relief valve 115 and the pressure relief pipe 301. After the pressure relief is completed, the telescopic rod 302 moves downward, and the pressure relief valve 115 and the pressure relief mechanism 300 can be reset.

[0066] III. Conveying mechanism 200:

[0067] Refer to Figure 2 With Figure 3 , the conveying mechanism 200 includes a conveying frame arranged on the base. A conveyor belt 201 and a first synchronous belt 203 are installed on the conveying frame, and their conveying directions are the same. A moving member 202 is slidably installed on the conveying frame along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 201. The moving member 202 is connected to the first synchronous belt 203. A sensor is also arranged on the conveying frame. During use, the first synchronous belt 203 is used to pull the moving member 202 to move to the discharge end of the conveyor belt 201. Then, the conveyor belt 201 is used to convey a basket containing food to the moving member 202. When the distance between the basket and the moving member 202 reaches a preset distance, the sensor emits a signal, and the conveyor belt 201 pauses. The moving member 202 is used to move the basket to the bottom 107 of the sterilization tank. During the moving process, the conveyor belt 201 continues to run, pulling the next basket to move. In this way, the baskets are orderly stacked on the bottom 107. Similarly, when the moving member 202 runs in the reverse direction, the baskets on the bottom 107 can be moved to the conveyor belt 201 and transported away by the conveyor belt 201.

[0068] Refer to Figure 4 With Figure 5 , the moving member 202 includes a movable bracket 2023 slidably installed on the conveying frame along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 201. A set of moving components are respectively arranged at both ends of the movable bracket 2023 along the width direction of the conveyor belt 201.

[0069] The transfer component includes a connecting rod 2024 hinged to the movable support 2023. The extending direction of the connecting rod 2024 is perpendicular to the width direction of the conveyor belt 201. The hinge axis formed at the hinge between the connecting rod 2024 and the movable support 2023 is parallel to the width direction of the conveyor belt 201. There are two sets of connecting rods 2024 arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 201. A support rod 2025 is installed between the upper ends of the two sets of connecting rods 2024. The extending direction of the support rod 2025 is parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 201. The hinge axis formed at the hinge between the support rod 2025 and the connecting rod 2024 is parallel to the width direction of the conveyor belt 201. A second synchronous belt 2026 is installed on the support rod 2025. The conveying direction of the second synchronous belt 2026 is the same as the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 201.

[0070] A first motor 2021 and a second motor 2022 are arranged on the movable support 2023. The hinge axis between the connecting rod 2024 and the movable support 2023 is named the rotating shaft. There are two rotating shafts corresponding to the connecting rod 2024, namely the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. Among them, the first rotating shaft can rotate around the axis. The first rotating shaft is power-connected to the first motor 2021, and the connecting rod 2024 corresponding to the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft can rotate around the axis. The second rotating shaft is power-connected to the second motor 2022. A sleeve hole is formed in the connecting rod 2024 corresponding to the second rotating shaft, and the connecting rod 2024 is movably sleeved outside the second rotating shaft through the sleeve hole.

[0071] A power connection is formed between the second rotating shaft and the second synchronous belt 2026.

[0072] The working process of the conveying mechanism 200:

[0073] The transfer member 202 is pulled by the first synchronous belt 203 to move to the discharge end of the conveyor belt 201. The support rod 2025 is located above the bottom of the tank 107. Then, the conveyor belt 201 conveys a basket filled with food to the transfer member 202. When the distance between the basket and the transfer member 202 reaches a preset distance, the sensor sends a signal, and the conveyor belt 201 pauses;

[0074] The first motor 2021 drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, thereby causing the connecting rod 2024 to deflect, causing the support rod 2025 to move. The movement of the support rod 2025 consists of a vertical displacement component and a horizontal displacement component. The vertical displacement component causes the height of the support rod 2025 to decrease, and the horizontal displacement component causes the support rod 2025 to move away from the discharge end of the conveyor belt 201. The two cooperate to make the support rod 2025 located below the edge of the upper opening of the basket;

[0075] Then, the first motor 2021 drives the first rotating shaft to rotate in the reverse direction, and the basket is lifted by the support rod 2025. Then, the second synchronous belt 2026 moves, driving the basket to move above the bottom of the tank 107. During this process, the conveyor belt 201 continues to operate, pulling the next basket to move to the preset position;

[0076] Then, the first motor 2021 drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, the basket is lowered and supported by the inner support 1071 on the bottom of the tank 107, while the supporting rod 2025 moves towards the next basket. At the same time, the linear module 104 drives the bottom of the tank 107 to move downwards by a distance equal to the height of the basket.

[0077] Then, the above process is repeated to stack the next basket towards the bottom of the tank 107 in a palletizing manner. This process is repeated until a preset number of baskets are stacked on the bottom of the tank 107.

[0078] Similarly, by reversing the above process, the basket on the bottom of the tank 107 can be removed.

[0079] The working principle of the present invention:

[0080] First of all, through the cooperation of the linear module 104 and the conveying mechanism 200, the baskets containing food are stacked orderly in the bottom of the tank 107 in the vertical direction.

[0081] Then, the linear module 104 is used to close the bottom of the tank 107 and the tank body 106. At the same time, with the cooperation of the connecting component 116, the bottom of the tank 107 is not only locked with the tank body 106, but also the pipeline group 113 and the lower air inlet pipe 114 are connected.

[0082] Then, steam enters the sterilization tank to sterilize the food in the basket. This process has been elaborated in detail above.

[0083] After sterilization, through the cooperation of the pressure relief valve 115 and the pressure relief mechanism 300, the steam in the sterilization tank is discharged. Finally, the basket in the sterilization tank is removed through the conveying mechanism 200.

[0084] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it does not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments by using the above-disclosed technical content without departing from the technical solution of the present invention. However, as long as it does not depart from the content of the technical solution of the present invention, any brief modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food, comprising a base, characterized in that: a sterilization device (100), a conveying mechanism (200) and a pressure relief mechanism (300) are arranged on the base; the sterilization device (100) includes an upright frame (101) installed on the base, a sterilization mechanism (105) is installed on the upright frame (101), the sterilization mechanism (105) includes a sterilization tank, the sterilization tank includes a tank body (106) arranged vertically and connected to the upright frame (101) and a tank bottom (107) coaxially located at the bottom of the tank body (106), and a linear module (104) for driving the tank bottom (107) to move in the vertical direction is arranged on the upright frame (101); a main pipeline (103) is installed on the upright frame (101), the upper end of the tank body (106) is in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a diameter decreasing from bottom to top, and a gas guide (108) is coaxially installed inside through a support frame. The gas guide (108) is in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a diameter decreasing from bottom to top. A distribution valve (109) is installed on the upright frame (101). The distribution valve (109) includes an air inlet and two air outlets. A connecting pipe (110) is arranged between the air inlet of the distribution valve (109) and the main pipeline (103), and a solenoid valve (111) is arranged on the connecting pipe (110). An upper air inlet pipe (112) is arranged between one air outlet of the distribution valve (109) and the upper end of the tank body (106). Another air outlet of the distribution valve (109) is provided with a pipeline group (113). The end of the pipeline group (113) and the lower air inlet pipe (114) arranged on the tank bottom (107) are detachably connected through a connecting component (116); an inner support (1071) for supporting a basket is arranged at the upper end of the tank bottom (107), and a pressure relief valve (115) is arranged at the bottom of the tank bottom (107). Initially, the pressure relief valve (115) is closed; a vertical insertion pipe (1141) is arranged at the air inlet end of the lower air inlet pipe (114), and a clamping groove (1142) is arranged on the outer cylindrical surface of the insertion pipe (1141); the connecting component (116) includes a convex frame arranged on the outer surface of the tank body (106), a fixed seat (1161) is installed on the convex frame, the upper end of the fixed seat (1161) is closed and the lower end is open, and a joint (1162) communicated with the pipeline group (113) is arranged on the upper closed end. A sleeve (1163) is sleeved inside the fixed seat (1161). An external step extends from the lower pipe orifice of the sleeve (1163). A spring three (1164) is arranged between the external step and the closed end of the fixed seat (1161). An installation hole is arranged on the inner wall of the fixed seat (1161), a clamping block (1165) is sleeved in the installation hole, a pump housing extends from the orifice of the installation hole facing away from the inner cavity of the fixed seat (1161), a piston (1166) is sleeved inside the pump housing, a piston rod extends from the end face of the piston (1166), the piston rod is connected to the clamping block (1165), and a spring four (1167) is arranged between the piston (1166) and the fixed seat (1161). A fixed pipe (1168) is arranged between the pump housing and the tank body (106).

2. A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization device (100) is configured to switch between the feeding and discharging state and the sterilization state. When in the feeding and discharging state, the tank body (106) and the tank bottom (107) of the sterilization tank of the sterilization device (100) are opened. When in the sterilization state, the tank body (106) and the tank bottom (107) of the sterilization tank are closed to form a closed area. The conveying mechanism (200) is used to stack the baskets filled with food vertically into the tank bottom (107) or take away the baskets in the tank bottom (107) when the sterilization device (100) is in the feeding and discharging state. The pressure relief mechanism (300) is used to discharge steam from the sterilization tank after sterilization is completed; The vertical frame (101) can rotate and the axis line of the rotation trajectory is vertically arranged. A motor three (102) for driving the vertical frame (101) to rotate is provided on the base.

3. A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure relief valve (115) includes a valve pipe (1151) coaxially arranged at the bottom of the tank bottom (107). A ring frame is arranged in the valve pipe (1151). A valve rod is installed on the ring frame. The upper end of the valve rod is provided with a valve core (1152), and the lower end is provided with a limit ring. A first spring (1153) is sleeved outside the valve rod between the limit ring and the ring frame. Initially, the first spring (1153) is compressed and the valve core (1152) blocks the ring frame; The pressure relief mechanism (300) includes a pressure relief pipe (301). The pressure relief pipe (301) includes a vertical connection section and a gas discharge section arranged at the bottom of the connection section. An installation bracket is provided on the base. A lifting seat (303) is slidably installed on the installation bracket in the vertical direction and a telescopic rod (302) for driving the lifting seat (303) to move is provided. The lifting seat (303) is located below the pressure relief pipe (301) and a second spring (305) is arranged between the two. The upper end of the lifting seat (303) extends with a top rod (304), and the upper end of the top rod (304) extends into the connection section of the pressure relief pipe (301).

4. A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism (200) includes a conveying frame arranged on the base. A conveyor belt (201) and a first synchronous belt (203) which are parallel to each other are installed on the conveying frame. A moving member (202) is slidably installed on the conveying frame along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (201). The moving member (202) is connected to the first synchronous belt (203).

5. A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food according to claim 4, characterized in that: The moving member (202) includes a movable bracket (2023) slidably installed on the conveying frame along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (201). A set of moving components are respectively arranged at both ends of the movable bracket (2023) along the width direction of the conveyor belt (201); The transfer assembly includes a connecting rod (2024) hinged to the movable bracket (2023). The extending direction of the connecting rod (2024) is perpendicular to the width direction of the conveyor belt (201). There are two sets of connecting rods (2024) arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (201). A support rod (2025) is hinged between the upper ends of the two sets of connecting rods (2024). The extending direction of the support rod (2025) is parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (201). The hinge axes formed at the hinge joints between the connecting rod (2024) and the movable bracket (2023), and the hinge axes formed at the hinge joints between the support rod (2025) and the connecting rod (2024) are both parallel to the width direction of the conveyor belt (201). A second synchronous belt (2026) parallel to the first synchronous belt (203) is installed on the support rod (2025).

6. A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first motor (2021) and a second motor (2022) are arranged on the movable bracket (2023). The hinge axis between the connecting rod (2024) and the movable bracket (2023) is named the rotating shaft. There are two corresponding rotating shafts, namely the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is power-connected to the first motor (2021), and the connecting rod (2024) corresponding to the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is power-connected to the second motor (2022). A sleeve hole is formed in the connecting rod (2024) corresponding to the second rotating shaft, and the connecting rod (2024) is movably sleeved outside the second rotating shaft through the sleeve hole. A power connection is formed between the second rotating shaft and the second synchronous belt (2026).

7. A high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer for food according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of lower air inlet pipes (114) are arranged in an array along the circumferential direction of the tank bottom (107). The pipe group (113) includes an annular pipe. A first branch pipe is arranged between the annular pipe and the distribution valve (109), and a second branch pipe is arranged between the annular pipe and the connecting assembly (116). The vertical center line of the basket supported by the inner bracket (1071) is the first straight line. The axis line of the communication hole formed at the connection between the lower air inlet pipe (114) and the tank bottom (107) is vertically arranged and named the second straight line. The distance between the second straight line and the first straight line is L1. The horizontal cross-section of the basket is square, and the distance between the side surface and the second straight line is L2. L1 is equal to half of L2.

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