Vacuum pre-cooling machine suitable for simultaneous pre-cooling of various products

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of vacuum pre-cooling machine, especially to a vacuum pre-cooling machine suitable for simultaneously pre-cooling multiple products; the vacuum box body is divided into multiple relatively independent pre-cooling areas by movable partitions; each pre-cooling area is connected with an air extraction branch pipe and a water distribution pipe; the air extraction branch pipes are connected with an air extraction main pipe through a first electric multi-way valve; a single air extraction pump is used to control the multiple pre-cooling areas to have different vacuum degrees; the water distribution pipes are connected with a main water pipe through a second electric multi-way valve; a single water pump is used to control the multiple pre-cooling areas to have different atomized water supply amounts; thus, the multiple pre-cooling areas can realize completely different vacuum pre-cooling conditions; the demand of simultaneously pre-cooling multiple fruits and vegetables with different conditions can be met; the pre-cooling efficiency of multiple products is improved, and the energy consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vacuum precooling machine technology, and in particular to a vacuum precooling machine suitable for the simultaneous precooling of multiple products. Background Technology

[0002] A vacuum precooler is a cooling processing device that uses a vacuum pump to extract air and water vapor from a vacuum chamber to reduce the air pressure inside. Its existing technology includes the following characteristics: Rapid cooling: Vacuum precoolers can quickly solve the field heat problem of fruits, vegetables, and flowers after harvesting, inhibiting their respiration and self-loss. Uniform cooling: Vacuum precooling is not limited by packaging and can ensure a consistent and stable temperature drop across the surface and center. Suitable for fruits, vegetables, and flowers harvested on rainy days, it can quickly remove surface moisture to achieve a cooling effect. Cooling is achieved through water evaporation and heat absorption, avoiding surface damage caused during cooling and maintaining high freshness.

[0003] However, pre-cooling conditions vary depending on the type of fruit and vegetable product. For example, leafy vegetables tend to attract water, so air cooling or vacuum pre-cooling is necessary. During vacuum pre-cooling, pressure and time must be carefully controlled to avoid excessive dehydration and affecting quality.

[0004] Root vegetables and fruits have irregular shapes and their surfaces dry easily, so it is necessary to choose appropriate moisturizers and cooling methods. During vacuum precooling, pressure and temperature need to be properly controlled to avoid over-softening and affecting quality.

[0005] Fruits and vegetables have thin skins that are prone to cracking, requiring the selection of appropriate cooling methods and pressure control. During vacuum precooling, it is necessary to avoid problems such as fruit cracking, and at the same time, temperature and time must be carefully controlled to avoid affecting quality.

[0006] Mushrooms and similar fruits and vegetables have delicate flesh and high water content, requiring rapid cooling methods. During vacuum precooling, pressure and temperature must be carefully controlled to avoid affecting quality.

[0007] In summary, the conditions for vacuum precooling may vary depending on the type of fruit and vegetable. Appropriate precooling conditions need to be selected based on the characteristics of the fruit and vegetable and actual needs to achieve the best preservation effect.

[0008] Because the existing vacuum precooling machine structure cannot flexibly divide the space inside the vacuum chamber and set corresponding precooling conditions for the divided space, when multiple fruits and vegetables need to be precooled, they need to be precooled in batches according to different precooling conditions, which leads to reduced efficiency. Moreover, when the number of fruits and vegetables that need to be precooled is small, it will lead to wasted space inside the vacuum chamber and increased energy consumption.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a vacuum precooling machine that can simultaneously precool multiple products, so as to improve the efficiency of precooling processing of multiple products and reduce energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is: there is an urgent need to provide a vacuum precooling machine that is suitable for the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, so as to improve the efficiency of precooling processing of multiple products and reduce energy consumption.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: Vacuum precoolers suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products include: The vacuum chamber body has n pre-cooling zones inside, and a movable partition is provided between two adjacent pre-cooling zones. The vacuum system includes a main vacuum pipe, vacuum branch pipes, a first electric multi-way valve, and a vacuum pump. The main vacuum pipe is connected to n vacuum branch pipes through the first electric multi-way valve. The beginning of each vacuum branch pipe is connected to one pre-cooling zone of the vacuum chamber body. The vacuum pump is connected to the main vacuum pipe. A water replenishment system comprising a water tank, a main water pipe, branch water pipes, a second electric multi-way valve, a water pump, and atomizing nozzles; one end of the main water pipe is connected to the water tank, and the other end is connected to n branch water pipes via the second electric multi-way valve, with one end of each branch water pipe corresponding to one pre-cooling zone of the vacuum chamber body; the atomizing nozzles are connected to one end of the branch water pipes connected to the vacuum chamber body; and the water pump is connected to the main water pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vacuum precooling machine structure applicable to the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, a support frame is provided in the X direction of the vacuum chamber body, and multiple telescopic cylinders that move in the X direction are connected to the support frame. The piston rod of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the movable partition, and the movable partition is connected to the X-direction side wall of the vacuum chamber body in a sealing friction fit that can move in the X direction.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vacuum precooling machine structure applicable to the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, the movable partition includes multiple vertical partitions distributed along the vertical direction, and horizontal partitions respectively arranged on both sides of the Y direction between two adjacent vertical partitions.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vacuum precooling machine structure applicable to the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, a vertical support rod is provided in the middle of the X-direction reverse side of the vacuum chamber body. A limiting rod extending along the X-direction is provided between the vertical support rod and the support frame. The limiting rod has protruding ridges in the Z-direction and Z-direction reverse, and in the Y-direction and Y-direction reverse, respectively. The vertical partition is provided with a first limiting groove that is in sealing frictional engagement with the protruding ridge in the Z-direction or Z-direction reverse of the limiting rod. The horizontal partition is provided with a second limiting groove that is in sealing frictional engagement with the protruding ridge in the Y-direction or Y-direction reverse of the limiting rod.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vacuum precooling machine structure applicable to the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, the inner wall of the vacuum chamber body is provided with a third limiting groove that is in sealing frictional engagement with the Y-direction or the opposite side of the Y-direction of the horizontal partition; the inner wall of the vacuum chamber body is provided with a fourth limiting groove that is in sealing frictional engagement with the Z-direction or the opposite side of the Z-direction of the horizontal partition.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vacuum precooling machine structure applicable to the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, the vacuum precooling machine also includes a water collection device. The water collection device includes a water collection tank, a refrigeration component, and a water inlet pipe. The water collection tank is connected to the lower part of the middle section of the main exhaust pipe, and the water collection tank is connected to a water tank through the water inlet pipe. The refrigeration component includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator connected in sequence. The evaporator is located inside the main exhaust pipe and is located above the water collection tank.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vacuum precooling machine structure applicable to the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, the telescopic cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric pusher cylinder.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vacuum precooling machine structure applicable to the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, the main exhaust pipe is connected to a drying filter.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned vacuum precooling machine structure applicable to the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, the main water pipe is connected to an ultraviolet sterilizer.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By dividing the vacuum chamber into multiple relatively independent precooling zones through movable partitions, each precooling zone is connected to an air extraction branch pipe and a water distribution pipe. Each air extraction branch pipe is connected to the main air extraction pipe via a first electric multi-way valve. Only one air extraction pump needs to be installed on the main air extraction pipe. By controlling the opening of each air extraction branch pipe through the first electric multi-way valve, multiple precooling zones can be controlled simultaneously with different vacuum levels by one air extraction pump. Each water distribution pipe is connected to the main water pipe via a second electric multi-way valve. Only one water pump needs to be connected to the main water pipe. By controlling the opening of each water distribution pipe through the second electric multi-way valve, multiple precooling zones can be controlled with different atomized water replenishment amounts by one water pump. This allows multiple precooling zones to achieve completely different vacuum precooling conditions, meeting the needs of vacuum precooling processing of small quantities and various types of fruits and vegetables under different conditions simultaneously. This improves the efficiency of precooling processing of various products and reduces energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of a vacuum precooling machine suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vacuum precooling machine suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Label Explanation: 1. Vacuum chamber body; 11. Pre-cooling zone; 12. Movable partition; 121. Horizontal partition; 122. Vertical partition; 13. Support frame; 14. Telescopic cylinder; 15. Support rod; 151. Limiting rod; 1511. Protruding ridge; 16. First limiting groove; 17. Second limiting groove; 18. Third limiting groove; 19. Fourth limiting groove; 2. Air extraction system; 21. Main air extraction pipe; 22. Branch air extraction pipe; 23. First electric multi-way valve; 24. Air extraction pump; 3. Atomizing water replenishment system; 31. Water tank; 32. Main water pipe; 33. Branch water pipe; 34. Second electric multi-way valve; 35. Water pump; 4. Water collection device; 41. Water collection tank; 42. Refrigeration components; 421. Compressor; 422. Condenser; 423. Expansion valve; 424. Evaporator; 43. Water inlet pipe; 5. Dryer filter; 6. Ultraviolet sterilizer. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To explain in detail the technical content, objectives, and effects of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The present invention relates to a vacuum precooling machine suitable for the simultaneous precooling of multiple products, comprising: The vacuum chamber body 1 has 6 pre-cooling zones 11 inside, and a movable partition 12 is provided between two adjacent pre-cooling zones 11. The vacuum system 2 includes a main vacuum pipe 21, vacuum branch pipes 22, a first electric multi-way valve 23, and a vacuum pump 24. The main vacuum pipe 21 is connected to six vacuum branch pipes 22 through the first electric multi-way valve 23. The beginning of each vacuum branch pipe 22 is connected to one pre-cooling zone 11 of the vacuum chamber body 1. The vacuum pump 24 is connected to the main vacuum pipe 21. The atomizing water replenishment system 3 includes a water tank 31, a main water pipe 32, a branch water pipe 33, a second electric multi-way valve 34, a water pump 35, and an atomizing nozzle. One end of the main water pipe 32 is connected to the water tank 31, and the other end is connected to six branch water pipes 33 through the second electric multi-way valve 34. One end of each branch water pipe 33 is connected to one pre-cooling zone 11 of the vacuum chamber body 1. The atomizing nozzle is connected to one end of the branch water pipe 33 connected to the vacuum chamber body 1. The water pump 35 is connected to the main water pipe 32.

[0024] In the above embodiments, the vacuum chamber body 1 is divided into multiple relatively independent precooling zones 11 by a movable partition 12. Each precooling zone 11 is connected to a vacuum branch pipe 22 and a water distribution pipe 33. Each vacuum branch pipe 22 is connected to the vacuum main pipe 21 through a first electric multi-way valve 23. Only one vacuum pump 24 needs to be installed in the vacuum main pipe 21. By controlling the opening of each vacuum branch pipe 22 by controlling the first electric multi-way valve 23, multiple precooling zones 11 can be controlled to have different vacuum levels by one vacuum pump 24. Each branch water pipe 33 is connected to the main water pipe 32 via a second electric multi-way valve 34. Only one water pump 35 needs to be connected to the main water pipe 32. By controlling the opening of each branch water pipe 33 through the second electric multi-way valve 34, multiple pre-cooling zones 11 can be controlled by one water pump 35 to have different atomized water replenishment amounts. This allows multiple pre-cooling zones 11 to achieve completely different vacuum pre-cooling conditions, meeting the needs of vacuum pre-cooling processing of small quantities and various fruit and vegetable products under different conditions at the same time. This improves the efficiency of pre-cooling processing of various products and reduces energy consumption.

[0025] As an optional implementation, the vacuum chamber body 1 is provided with a support frame 13 in the X direction. A plurality of telescopic cylinders 14 that move in the X direction are connected to the support frame 13. The piston rod of the telescopic cylinder 14 is connected to the movable partition 12. The movable partition 12 is connected to the X-direction side wall of the vacuum chamber body 1 in a sealing friction fit that can move in the X direction.

[0026] In the above mechanism, a pressure sensor and a humidity sensor can be installed in each pre-cooling zone 11. When each telescopic cylinder 14 controls each movable partition 12 to move completely into the vacuum chamber body 1, six kinds of fruits and vegetables that need to be pre-cooled are placed in these pre-cooling zones 11 respectively. With the chamber door closed, the vacuum chamber body 1 is divided into six mutually enclosed pre-cooling zones 11. Six different pre-cooling conditions can be set according to the characteristics of the six kinds of fruits and vegetables. The pre-cooling conditions include humidity and vacuum degree. Then, the air pump 24 and water pump 35 are turned on. Initially, the various branches of the first pneumatic multi-way valve and the second pneumatic multi-way valve can be controlled. The circuit is opened, or opened to a specific degree. Through the linkage mechanism of the PLC with the pressure sensor, humidity sensor, first pneumatic multi-way valve, and second pneumatic multi-way valve, the air pressure and humidity in each pre-cooling zone 11 are controlled within a preset range. Specifically, taking humidity control as an example, when the humidity sensor in one of the pre-cooling zones 11 senses that the humidity has reached a preset threshold, the PLC receives the signal and controls the valve of the corresponding water pipe 33 of the second electric multi-way valve 34 to close. When the humidity is below the preset threshold, the PLC controls the valve of the corresponding water pipe 33 to open, continuing to supply atomized water to the pre-cooling zone 11 to increase humidity. Similarly, taking air pressure control as an example, when the air pressure sensor in one of the pre-cooling zones 11 senses that the air pressure has reached a preset threshold, the PLC receives the signal and controls the valve of the corresponding suction branch pipe 22 of the first electric multi-way valve 23 to close. When the air pressure is below the preset threshold, the PLC controls the valve of the corresponding suction branch pipe 22 to open, continuing to pump air to increase the vacuum level.

[0027] As an optional implementation, the movable partition 12 includes three vertical partitions 122 distributed along the vertical direction, and horizontal partitions 121 respectively arranged on both sides of the Y direction between two adjacent vertical partitions 122.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 The size and number of precooling zones 11 enclosed by the horizontal partitions 121 and vertical partitions 122 can be flexibly controlled according to the type and quantity of fruits and vegetables to be precooled. For example, the vacuum chamber body 1 can be divided into two precooling zones 11 on the left and right by only three vertical partitions 122, or the vacuum chamber body 1 can be divided into two or three precooling zones 11 distributed vertically by only horizontal partitions 121, or the vacuum chamber body 1 can be divided into three precooling zones 11 by combining one or two vertical partitions 122 with two horizontal partitions 121.

[0029] As an optional implementation, a vertical support rod 15 is provided in the middle of the X-direction reverse side of the vacuum chamber body 1. A limiting rod 151 extending along the X-direction is provided between the vertical support rod 15 and the support frame 13. The limiting rod 151 has protruding ribs 1511 in the Z-direction and Z-direction reverse, and Y-direction and Y-direction reverse respectively. The vertical partition 122 has a first limiting groove 16 that is in sealing frictional engagement with the protruding ribs 1511 in the Z-direction or Z-direction reverse of the limiting rod 151. The horizontal partition 121 has a second limiting groove 17 that is in sealing frictional engagement with the protruding ribs 1511 in the Y-direction or Y-direction reverse of the limiting rod 151.

[0030] The above structure can improve the stability of the movable partition 12 under the control of the telescopic cylinder 14 and ensure the sealing between each precooling zone 11.

[0031] As an optional implementation, the inner wall of the vacuum chamber body 1 is provided with a third limiting groove 18 that is in sealing frictional engagement with the Y-direction or the opposite side of the Y-direction of the horizontal partition 121; the inner wall of the vacuum chamber body 1 is provided with a fourth limiting groove 19 that is in sealing frictional engagement with the Z-direction or the opposite side of the Z-direction of the horizontal partition 121.

[0032] The above structure can improve the stability of the movable partition 12 under the control of the telescopic cylinder 14 and ensure the sealing between each precooling zone 11.

[0033] As an optional implementation, the vacuum precooler further includes a water collection device 4, which includes a water collection tank 41, a refrigeration component 42, and a water inlet pipe 43. The water collection tank 41 is connected to the lower part of the middle section of the main exhaust pipe 21, and the water collection tank 41 is connected to the water tank 31 through the water inlet pipe 43. The refrigeration component 42 includes a compressor 421, a condenser 422, an expansion valve 423, and an evaporator 424 connected in sequence. The evaporator 424 is disposed inside the main exhaust pipe 21 and is located above the water collection tank 41.

[0034] The refrigeration effect of evaporation and heat absorption through evaporator 424 can be used to condense the water in the exhaust pipe 21 and return it to the water collection tank 41, and then flow to the water tank 31 through the water pipe 43, which can be used as water for atomization and humidification.

[0035] As an optional implementation, the telescopic cylinder 14 is a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric push cylinder.

[0036] As an optional implementation, the main exhaust pipe 21 is connected to a drying filter 5.

[0037] As an optional implementation, the main water pipe 32 is connected to an ultraviolet sterilizer 6.

[0038] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent modifications made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum precooling machine suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products, characterized in that, include: The vacuum chamber body has n pre-cooling zones inside, and a movable partition is provided between two adjacent pre-cooling zones. The vacuum system includes a main vacuum pipe, vacuum branch pipes, a first electric multi-way valve, and a vacuum pump. The main vacuum pipe is connected to n vacuum branch pipes through the first electric multi-way valve. The beginning of each vacuum branch pipe is connected to one pre-cooling zone of the vacuum chamber body. The vacuum pump is connected to the main vacuum pipe. A water replenishment system comprising a water tank, a main water pipe, branch water pipes, a second electric multi-way valve, a water pump, and atomizing nozzles; one end of the main water pipe is connected to the water tank, and the other end is connected to n branch water pipes via the second electric multi-way valve, with one end of each branch water pipe corresponding to one pre-cooling zone of the vacuum chamber body; the atomizing nozzles are connected to one end of the branch water pipes connected to the vacuum chamber body; and the water pump is connected to the main water pipe. The vacuum chamber body is provided with a support frame in the X direction. Multiple telescopic cylinders that move in the X direction are connected to the support frame. The piston rod of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the movable partition. The movable partition is connected to the X-direction side wall of the vacuum chamber body in a sealing friction fit that can move in the X direction. The movable partition includes multiple vertical partitions distributed along the vertical direction, and horizontal partitions respectively arranged on both sides of the Y direction between two adjacent vertical partitions; A vertical support rod is provided in the middle of the X-direction reverse side of the vacuum chamber body. A limiting rod extending along the X-direction is provided between the vertical support rod and the support frame. The limiting rod has protruding ridges in the Z-direction and Z-direction reverse, and Y-direction and Y-direction reverse respectively. The vertical partition has a first limiting groove that is in sealing friction engagement with the protruding ridge of the limiting rod in the Z-direction or Z-direction reverse. The horizontal partition has a second limiting groove that is in sealing friction engagement with the protruding ridge of the limiting rod in the Y-direction or Y-direction reverse.

2. The vacuum precooling machine suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the vacuum chamber body is provided with a third limiting groove that is in sealing friction engagement with the Y-direction or the opposite side of the Y-direction of the horizontal partition; the inner wall of the vacuum chamber body is provided with a fourth limiting groove that is in sealing friction engagement with the Z-direction or the opposite side of the Z-direction of the horizontal partition.

3. The vacuum precooling machine suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum precooling machine also includes a water collection device, which includes a water collection tank, a refrigeration component, and a water inlet pipe. The water collection tank is connected to the lower part of the middle section of the main exhaust pipe, and the water collection tank is connected to a water tank through the water inlet pipe. The refrigeration component includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator connected in sequence. The evaporator is located inside the main exhaust pipe and above the water collection tank.

4. The vacuum precooling machine suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric push cylinder.

5. The vacuum precooling machine suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main exhaust pipe is connected to a dryer filter.

6. The vacuum precooling machine suitable for simultaneous precooling of multiple products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main water pipe is connected to an ultraviolet sterilizer.

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