Secondary sterilization system for bottled milk

Abstract

This invention provides a secondary sterilization system for bottled milk, including a conveying mechanism, a batch transfer trolley, a robotic arm, and a secondary sterilization tank. The robotic arm is positioned on one side of the conveying mechanism, and the batch transfer trolley is positioned between the robotic arm and the secondary sterilization tank, capable of moving within the secondary sterilization tank and between the robotic arm's working area. Multiple sterilization transfer cages are stacked on the batch transfer trolley. The robotic arm sequentially transports the sterilization transfer cages onto the conveying mechanism. After the conveying mechanism pushes the bottled milk into the sterilization transfer cage, the robotic arm then transports the sterilization transfer cage back onto the batch transfer trolley, which then transports it to the secondary sterilization tank for secondary sterilization. After secondary sterilization, the sterilization transfer cages containing bottled milk are again transported by the robotic arm onto the conveying mechanism for further transfer. This system improves sterilization efficiency, eliminates a large amount of heavy manual labor, increases production efficiency, and avoids recontamination caused by human contact with bottled milk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of secondary sterilization technology for bottled milk, and more specifically to a secondary sterilization system for bottled milk. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary sterilization of bottled milk is an important food processing technology designed to ensure the safety of bottled milk and extend its shelf life. Secondary sterilization not only eliminates any microorganisms that may remain from the initial sterilization but also prevents secondary contamination from microorganisms on the packaging materials during unpacking.

[0003] Currently, the secondary sterilization equipment commonly used by dairy processing companies is the horizontal sterilizer. During the secondary sterilization process, the level of automation is low, and manual assistance is required to move bottled milk from the conveyor line to the transfer cart. The transfer cart is then manually pushed into the horizontal sterilizer for sterilization. After sterilization, the milk is again manually moved back to the conveyor line. Because the manual loading and unloading of bottled milk is labor-intensive and arduous, it is not only inefficient but also prone to causing secondary contamination of the bottled milk packaging during manual handling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a secondary sterilization system for bottled milk to solve the technical problems of manual handling, low production efficiency, and easy secondary contamination in the secondary sterilization of bottled milk in the existing technology.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A secondary sterilization system for bottled milk includes a conveyor mechanism for transferring bottled milk that has undergone primary sterilization, a batch transfer trolley, a robotic arm, and a secondary sterilization vessel. The robotic arm is positioned on one side of the conveyor mechanism, and the batch transfer trolley is positioned between the robotic arm and the secondary sterilization vessel, capable of moving within the secondary sterilization vessel and between the working areas of the robotic arm. Multiple sterilization transfer cages for holding bottled milk are stacked on the batch transfer trolley. The robotic arm sequentially transports the sterilization transfer cages onto the conveyor mechanism, which then... After the bottled milk is pushed into the sterilization transfer cage, the robotic arm moves the sterilization transfer cage containing the bottled milk from the conveyor mechanism to the batch transfer trolley. The batch transfer trolley then transfers the sterilization transfer cage containing the bottled milk to the secondary sterilization autoclave for secondary sterilization. After that, the sterilization transfer cage containing the bottled milk is transferred to the working area of ​​the robotic arm. The robotic arm then moves the sterilization transfer cage containing the bottled milk after secondary sterilization onto the conveyor mechanism in sequence. The conveyor mechanism then transfers the bottled milk after secondary sterilization once again.

[0007] Preferably, the conveying mechanism includes a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, a bottle pushing device, a bottle stopping device, and a support platform for carrying the sterilization transfer cage. The support platform is arranged in parallel, and the first and second conveyor belts are respectively arranged in parallel at both ends of the support platform, with the output end of the first conveyor belt and the input end of the second conveyor belt facing each other. The conveying directions of the first and second conveyor belts are the same. The sterilization transfer cage is placed parallel to the upper part of the support platform, and the loading surface of the sterilization transfer cage is flush with or lower than the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt. The conveyor surface of the first conveyor belt is flush with or higher than the conveyor surface of the second conveyor belt. The bottle stop device is mounted directly above the end of the support platform near the second conveyor belt to stop and limit the bottled milk to be sterilized in the sterilization transfer cage. The bottle pusher device is mounted directly above the conveyor surface of the first conveyor belt and close to the output end of the first conveyor belt. It can move parallel to the input end of the second conveyor belt to push the sterilized bottled milk towards the second conveyor belt.

[0008] Preferably, the bottle stop device includes a first gantry support, a stop plate, and a first lifting drive. The first gantry support is horizontally mounted directly above one end of the support platform near the second conveyor belt. The stop plate is vertically positioned at the lower end of the first gantry support. The first lifting drive is longitudinally mounted on the first gantry support. The telescopic arm of the first lifting drive is connected to the stop plate and drives the stop plate to move up and down. When the stop plate is lowered, it can stop and limit the bottled milk to be sterilized in the sterilization transfer cage. When the stop plate is raised, it can allow the bottled milk to pass under it.

[0009] Preferably, the bottle pushing device includes a second gantry bracket, a pushing plate, a second lifting drive, a support base, a drive screw, and a drive motor. Two support bases are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support platform. Two drive screws are rotatably mounted on the two support bases, with their ends extending towards the output end of the first conveyor belt and the input end of the second conveyor belt, respectively, and the two drive screws are parallel to each other. The second gantry bracket spans and is positioned directly above the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt, with its lower end threadedly connected to each of the two drive screws. Two drive motors are respectively located at one end of each of the two drive screws and are capable of driving the two drive screws synchronously and in the same direction. The second gantry support rotates to drive the second gantry support to reciprocate towards the input end of the second conveyor belt. The pusher plate is vertically positioned at the lower end of the second gantry support. The second lifting drive is longitudinally mounted on the second gantry support. The telescopic arm of the second lifting drive is connected to the pusher plate and drives the pusher plate to move up and down. When the pusher plate rises, it allows the bottled milk conveyed on the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt to pass under it and enter the sterilization transfer cage placed on the support platform. When the pusher plate falls, it can stop the bottled milk conveyed on the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt. When the second gantry support moves towards the input end of the second conveyor belt, it can drive the pusher plate to push the bottled milk in the sterilization transfer cage placed on the support platform into the second conveyor belt.

[0010] Preferably, the conveying mechanism further includes two sets of limiting stops, which are erected in parallel on both sides of the support platform and extend along the conveying direction of the support platform towards the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, and are higher than the support platform, so as to block the bottled milk entering the sterilization transfer cage.

[0011] Preferably, the sterilization transfer cage includes a vertically continuous rectangular enclosure that matches the support platform and a movable base plate for carrying bottled milk. Support columns are vertically arranged at the four corners of the rectangular enclosure. Each support column has a vertically formed groove on its side wall facing the diagonal of the rectangular enclosure. The lower end of the groove is close to the bottom of the rectangular enclosure, and the upper end of the groove is flush with the top of the rectangular enclosure. The movable base plate is arranged parallel to the rectangular enclosure. Slider blocks matching the grooves on the four support columns are respectively arranged at the four corners of the movable base plate. The sliders at the four corners of the movable base plate are respectively inserted into the grooves on the four support columns and can slide freely up and down along the grooves. The support platform has receiving slots around its perimeter for the rectangular enclosure to be inserted. After the robotic arm transports the sterilization transfer cage onto the support platform, the support platform rests against the lower end of the movable base plate. The rectangular enclosure can freely fall into the receiving slots around the support platform for concealment, and the support platform passes through the rectangular enclosure, with the movable base plate against the top of the rectangular enclosure, so that there is no obstruction between the loading surface of the movable base plate and the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt.

[0012] Preferably, the lower edges of the four side walls of the rectangular fence are bent inward to form a support platform for supporting the movable base plate. After the movable base plate slides freely along the groove to the bottom of the rectangular fence, the four edges of the movable base plate rest on the support platform.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the movable base plate is provided with reinforcing ribs that intersect along its diagonal direction.

[0014] Preferably, the lower end of each support column protrudes towards the bottom of the rectangular fence, and the upper end of each support column is threadedly connected to a T-shaped positioning column for gripping by a robotic arm. The top of the T-shaped positioning column is provided with a positioning groove that matches the lower end of the support column.

[0015] Preferably, there are two sets of batch transfer carts, and the secondary sterilization autoclave is set up corresponding to the batch transfer cart.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the bottled milk secondary sterilization system provided in this application includes a conveying mechanism, a batch transfer trolley, a robotic arm, and a secondary sterilization tank. The robotic arm is located on one side of the conveying mechanism, and the batch transfer trolley is located between the robotic arm and the secondary sterilization tank, and can move within the secondary sterilization tank and between the working area of ​​the robotic arm. Multiple sterilization transfer cages for loading bottled milk are stacked on the batch transfer trolley. The robotic arm sequentially transports the sterilization transfer cages onto the conveying mechanism. After the conveying mechanism pushes the transferred bottled milk into the sterilization transfer cage, the robotic arm then transports the sterilization transfer cage containing bottled milk from the conveying mechanism to the batch transfer trolley. The batch transfer trolley transports the sterilization transfer cage containing bottled milk to the secondary sterilization tank for secondary sterilization. Then, the sterilization transfer cage containing bottled milk is transported to the working area of ​​the robotic arm. The robotic arm sequentially transports the sterilized bottled milk containing the secondary sterilized transfer cage onto the conveying mechanism, and the conveying mechanism transports the secondary sterilized bottled milk again. This bottled milk secondary sterilization system uses a robotic arm to sequentially transport sterilization transfer cages containing secondary sterilized bottled milk to a conveyor mechanism. The conveyor mechanism then replaces the secondary sterilized bottled milk in the transfer cages with the primary sterilized bottled milk. The milk is then transferred by a batch transfer trolley to the secondary sterilization autoclave for secondary sterilization. This cycle is repeated continuously, making the secondary sterilization process continuous and improving sterilization efficiency. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for manual loading and unloading, saving labor and removing a large amount of heavy manual work, achieving full automation, significantly improving production efficiency, and preventing recontamination caused by human contact with bottled milk. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the invention.

[0018] Figure 2This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the conveying mechanism.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the conveying mechanism.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point AA along the middle.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sterilization transfer cage.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the sterilization transfer cage.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the sterilization transfer cage.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the raised state of the movable base plate of the sterilization transfer cage.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the sterilization transfer cage placed on the conveyor mechanism in use.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the sterilization transfer cage placed on a batch transfer trolley.

[0027] In the diagram: conveyor mechanism 10, batch transfer trolley 20, robotic arm 30, secondary sterilization autoclave 40, sterilization transfer cage 50, first conveyor belt 101, second conveyor belt 102, support platform 103, bottle pushing device 104, second gantry support 1041, pushing plate 1042, second lifting drive 1043, support base 1044, drive screw 1045, drive motor 1046, bottle stop device 105, first gantry support 1051, stop plate 1052, first lifting drive 1053, limit stop bar 106, receiving slot 107, rectangular fence 501, movable base plate 502, support column 503, slide 504, slider 505, support platform 506, reinforcing rib 507, T-shaped positioning column 508, positioning groove 509. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 1This invention provides a secondary sterilization system for bottled milk, including a conveying mechanism 10 for transferring bottled milk after the first sterilization, a batch transfer trolley 20, a robotic arm 30, and a secondary sterilization vessel 40. The robotic arm 30 is located on one side of the conveying mechanism 10, and the secondary sterilization vessel 40 is located outside the robotic arm 30. The batch transfer trolley 20 is located between the robotic arm 30 and the secondary sterilization vessel 40 and can move within the secondary sterilization vessel 40 and between the working areas of the robotic arm 30. The secondary sterilization vessel 40 is a horizontal sterilizing pot, which is a cylinder that uses compressed air as pressure. The sterilization equipment includes a robotic arm 30, which is an articulated type of industrial robot. Its structure is similar to a human arm, allowing movement in the X and Y planes. Multiple sterilization transfer cages 50 for loading bottled milk are stacked on a batch transfer trolley 20. During the secondary sterilization of the bottled milk, the robotic arm 30 sequentially transports the empty sterilization transfer cages 50 stacked on the batch transfer trolley 20 onto a conveyor mechanism 10. The conveyor mechanism 10 then transfers the bottled milk, after the first sterilization, towards the sterilization transfer cages 50 and pushes the transferred bottled milk... After being placed in the sterilization transfer cage 50, the robotic arm 30 then transfers the sterilization transfer cage 50 containing bottled milk from the conveying mechanism 10 onto the batch transfer trolley 20. The robotic arm 30 repeats this process until all the empty sterilization transfer cages 50 on the batch transfer trolley 20 are filled with bottled milk. The batch transfer trolley 20 then transfers the sterilization transfer cages 50 containing bottled milk to the secondary sterilization autoclave 40 for secondary sterilization. After secondary sterilization, the batch transfer trolley 20 transfers the sterilized sterilization transfer cages 50 containing bottled milk back to the robotic arm 30. Within the operating area, a robotic arm 30 sequentially transports sterilization transfer cages 50 containing bottled milk, which have undergone secondary sterilization, onto a conveyor mechanism 10. The conveyor mechanism 10 then pushes the sterilized bottled milk out of the transfer cages 50 and performs a secondary transfer. Simultaneously, the conveyor mechanism 10 pushes bottled milk that has undergone primary sterilization back into the transfer cages 50. The robotic arm 30 then moves the transfer cages 50 from the conveyor mechanism 10 and stacks them onto a batch transfer trolley 20. In this way, after the sterilized bottled milk is transferred to the conveyor mechanism 10 via the sterilization transfer cages 50, the remaining bottled milk awaiting secondary sterilization is transferred from the conveyor mechanism 10 to the batch transfer trolley 20. This continuous transfer by the sterilization transfer cages 50 prevents empty loading and improves transfer efficiency. The batch transfer trolley 20 is equipped with wheels, a drive motor, and a battery. The drive motor is connected to the wheels, and the battery powers the drive motor to move the batch transfer trolley 20 between the secondary sterilization autoclave 40 and the working area of ​​the robotic arm 30.The robotic arm 30 sequentially transports the sterilization transfer cage 50 containing the secondary sterilized bottled milk to the conveying mechanism 10. The conveying mechanism 10 replaces the secondary sterilized bottled milk in the sterilization transfer cage 50 with the bottled milk to be sterilized, and then the batch transfer trolley 20 transfers it to the secondary sterilization kettle 40 for secondary sterilization. This cycle is repeated to ensure continuous transport of the sterilization transfer cage 50 without empty load, thus improving sterilization efficiency. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for manual loading and unloading, saving labor and preventing recontamination caused by human contact with the bottled milk.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Specifically, the conveying mechanism 10 includes a first conveyor belt 101, a second conveyor belt 102, a bottle pushing device 104, a bottle stopping device 105, and a support platform 103 for supporting the sterilization transfer cage 50. The support platform 103 is a rectangular platform, arranged in parallel. The first conveyor belt 101 and the second conveyor belt 102 are respectively arranged in parallel at both ends of the support platform 103, and the output end of the first conveyor belt 101 and the input end of the second conveyor belt 102 are directly opposite each other. Both the first conveyor belt 101 and the second conveyor belt 102 are belt conveyors. The conveyor belts are aligned and operate in the same direction. The first conveyor belt 101 transports bottled milk awaiting secondary sterilization to the sterilization transfer cage 50 on the receiving platform 103. The second conveyor belt 102, via a robotic arm 30, transfers the secondary-sterilized bottled milk from the receiving platform 103 to the sterilization transfer cage 50 and then outwards. The bottle stop device 105 is positioned directly above the end of the receiving platform 103 closest to the second conveyor belt 102, and is used to stop the secondary-sterilized bottled milk from entering the sterilization transfer cage 50 via the first conveyor belt 101. Bottled milk is stopped and limited to keep it within the sterilization transfer cage 50 for secondary sterilization. The bottle pushing device 104 is positioned directly above the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt 101 and close to its output end. It can move parallel to the input end of the second conveyor belt 102 to push the secondary sterilized bottled milk from the sterilization transfer cage 50 to the second conveyor belt 102. Simultaneously, it also pushes the bottled milk conveyed on the first conveyor belt 101 into the sterilization transfer cage 50. The robotic arm 30 then moves the sterilized transfer... After the cage 50 is transported to the upper end of the support platform 103, the loading surface of the sterilization transfer cage 50 should be level with or lower than the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt 101, and the loading surface of the sterilization transfer cage 50 should be level with or higher than the conveying surface of the second conveyor belt 102. In this way, the bottled milk conveyed on the first conveyor belt 101 can smoothly enter the sterilization transfer cage 50, and the bottled milk in the sterilization transfer cage 50 can also smoothly enter the second conveyor belt 102.

[0031] Please continue reading. Figure 2 The bottle-stopping device 105 includes a first gantry support 1051, a stop plate 1052, and a first lifting drive 1053. The first gantry support 1051 is horizontally mounted above the end of the support platform 103 near the second conveyor belt 102. The stop plate 1052 is vertically positioned at the lower end of the first gantry support 1051. The first lifting drive 1053 is longitudinally mounted on the first gantry support 1051. The first lifting drive 1053 is an electric push rod or a telescopic cylinder. The telescopic arm of the first lifting drive 1053 is connected to the stop plate 1052 and drives the stop plate 1052 to move up and down at the lower end of the first gantry support 1051. The first lifting drive 1053 is used to stop and limit the bottled milk to be sterilized in the sterilization transfer cage 50 from the first conveyor belt 101. When the first conveyor belt 101 conveys the bottled milk to be sterilized into the sterilization transfer cage 50, the first lifting drive 1053 lowers the stop plate 1052 so that it is close to the edge of the sterilization transfer cage 50, forming a barrier between the sterilization transfer cage 50 and the second conveyor belt 102, thus restricting the bottled milk to be sterilized in the sterilization transfer cage 50. After the first lifting drive 1053 raises the stop plate 1052, the bottled milk after secondary sterilization can pass under the stop plate 1052 and enter the second conveyor belt 102.

[0032] Please continue reading. Figure 2The bottle pushing device 104 includes a second gantry bracket 1041, a pushing plate 1042, a second lifting drive 1043, a support base 1044, a drive screw 1045, and a drive motor 1046. Two support bases 1044 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support platform 103. Two drive screws 1045 are rotatably mounted on the two support bases 1044, with both ends of the two drive screws 1045 extending towards the output end of the first conveyor belt 101 and the input end of the second conveyor belt 102, respectively, and the two drive screws 1045 are parallel to each other. The second gantry bracket 1041 is horizontally mounted directly above the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt 101, and the lower end of the second gantry bracket 1041 is respectively aligned with... Two drive screws 1045 are threadedly connected. The push plate 1042 is vertically positioned at the lower end of the second gantry bracket 1041. The second lifting drive 1043 is longitudinally mounted on the second gantry bracket 1041. The first lifting drive 1053 is an electric push rod or a telescopic cylinder. The telescopic arm of the second lifting drive 1043 is connected to the push plate 1042 and drives the push plate 1042 to move up and down. There are two drive motors 1046, each located at one end of one of the two drive screws 1045, and each motor can drive the two drive screws 1045 to rotate synchronously and in the same direction, thereby driving the second gantry bracket 1041 to reciprocate towards the input end of the second conveyor belt 102, and driving the push plate through the second gantry bracket 1041. 1042 moves synchronously to assist the first conveyor belt 101 in conveying bottled milk to be sterilized a second time into the sterilization transfer cage 50, and pushes the sterilized bottled milk from the sterilization transfer cage 50 to the second conveyor belt 102. When the first conveyor belt 101 conveys the bottled milk to be sterilized a second time into the sterilization transfer cage 50, the pusher plate 1042 is in an upward state, and the second gantry support 1041 is located above the first conveyor belt 101. During the process of conveying the bottled milk to be sterilized a second time into the sterilization transfer cage 50, the first conveyor belt 101 performs intermittent conveying according to the loading capacity of each sterilization transfer cage 50. For example, if the loading capacity of one sterilization transfer cage 50 is twenty bottles of milk, the first conveyor belt 101 will convey twenty bottles of milk to be sterilized a second time. After the milk is conveyed to the sterilization transfer cage 50, the conveying is paused. At this time, the bottled milk awaiting secondary sterilization will accumulate at the output end of the first conveyor belt 101 without external force, and cannot fully enter the sterilization transfer cage 50. When the first conveyor belt 101 stops conveying, the second lifting drive 1043 lowers the push plate 1042, bringing it close to the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt 101. After the push plate 1042 is lowered, it is located on the side of the bottled milk awaiting secondary sterilization that has accumulated at the output end of the first conveyor belt 101, away from the support platform 103. At the same time, the drive motor 1046 is started to drive the second gantry bracket 1041 to move towards the input end of the second conveyor belt 102. Driven by the second gantry bracket 1041, the push plate 1042...The bottled milk awaiting secondary sterilization, accumulated at the output end of the first conveyor belt 101, is completely pushed into the sterilization transfer cage 50. While the pusher plate 1042 pushes the bottled milk for secondary sterilization, the stop plate 1052 is in a lowered state. After the bottled milk in the sterilization transfer cage 50 has undergone secondary sterilization and is transported again to the support platform 103 by the robotic arm 30, the stop plate 1052 rises, and the pusher plate 1042 falls. At this time, the drive motor 1046 is activated to drive the second gantry bracket 1041 to move again towards the input end of the second conveyor belt 102. Driven by the second gantry bracket 1041, the pusher plate 1042 pushes the bottled milk, after secondary sterilization, placed in the sterilization transfer cage 50 on the support platform 103 towards the second conveyor belt 102, where it is transferred outwards.

[0033] Please continue reading. Figure 2 and Figure 3 A set of limiting stops 106 are installed parallel to each other on both sides of the support platform 103. The two sets of limiting stops 106 extend along both sides of the support platform 103 toward the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt 101 and the second conveyor belt 102, respectively. The limiting stops 106 are higher than the height of the support platform 103, the first conveyor belt 101, and the second conveyor belt 102, but lower than the height of the bottled milk in the sterilization transfer cage 50 on the support platform 103. The two sets of limiting stops 106 enclose both sides of the support platform 103, the first conveyor belt 101, and the second conveyor belt 102, forming a channel for the bottled milk to pass through, so as to limit the bottled milk entering the first conveyor belt 101, the second conveyor belt 102 and the sterilization transfer cage 50, and prevent the bottled milk from falling off.

[0034] Please continue reading. Figures 5 to 8The sterilization transfer cage 50 includes a vertically extending rectangular enclosure 501 that matches the support platform 103 and a movable base plate 502 for holding bottled milk. Support columns 503 are vertically arranged at the four corners of the rectangular enclosure 501. Each support column 503 has a vertically formed groove 504 on its sidewall facing the diagonal direction of the rectangular enclosure 501. The lower end of the groove 504 is close to the bottom of the rectangular enclosure 501, and the upper end of the groove 504 is flush with the top of the rectangular enclosure 501. The movable base plate 502 is parallel to the rectangular enclosure 501, and sliders matching the grooves 504 on the four support columns 503 are respectively provided at the four corners of the movable base plate 502. 505, the sliders 505 at the four corners of the movable base plate 502 are respectively inserted into the grooves 504 on the four support columns 503, and can slide freely up and down along the grooves 504, so that the movable base plate 502 can move freely up and down within the rectangular fence 501. The lower edges of the four side walls of the rectangular fence 501 are bent inward to form support platforms 506 for supporting the movable base plate 502. After the movable base plate 502 slides freely along the grooves 504 to the bottom of the rectangular fence 501, the four edges of the movable base plate 502 rest on the support platforms 506 inside the rectangular fence 501, and the support platforms 506 strengthen the support force on the movable base plate 502. Please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 9 The support platform 103 is surrounded by receiving slots 107 for inserting rectangular fences 501. The size of the support platform 103 is smaller than the size of the rectangular fences 501, allowing the support platform 103 to be inserted into the rectangular fences 501. After the robotic arm 30 moves the sterilization transfer cage 50 to the top of the support platform 103, the support platform 103 rests against the lower end of the movable base plate 502. The rectangular fences 501 can then freely fall into the receiving slots 107 around the support platform 103, while the support platform 103 rests against the lower end of the movable base plate 502 and is inserted into the rectangular fences 501. The movable base plate 502 is located on the support platform 103. Under the force of the action, it is pushed against the top of the rectangular fence 501. At this time, the movable base plate 502 is flush with the top of the rectangular fence 501, and the rectangular fence 501 is hidden in the receiving groove 107 around the support platform 103, so that there is no obstruction between the loading surface of the movable base plate 502 and the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt 101, and between the loading surface of the movable base plate 502 and the conveying surface of the second conveyor belt 102, so that the bottled milk to be sterilized on the first conveyor belt 101 can enter the movable base plate 502, and also so that the bottled milk that has been sterilized on the movable base plate 502 can enter the second conveyor belt 102.

[0035] Please continue reading. Figure 6Furthermore, the bottom of the movable base plate 502 is provided with reinforcing ribs 507 intersecting along its diagonal direction. The ends of the reinforcing ribs 507 facing the four corners of the movable base plate 502 are respectively fixedly connected to the sliders 505 provided at the four corners of the movable base plate 502, which can improve the load-bearing capacity of the movable base plate 502 and prevent its deformation.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 10 Furthermore, the lower end of each support column 503 protrudes towards the bottom of the rectangular fence 501, and the upper end of each support column 503 is threadedly connected with a T-shaped positioning column 508. The top of the T-shaped positioning column 508 is provided with a positioning groove 509, which matches the lower end of the support column 503. On the one hand, the protrusion formed on the top of the T-shaped positioning column 508 facilitates the gripping and handling by the robot arm 30. On the other hand, when the sterilization transfer cages 50 are stacked, the lower ends of the support columns 503 located at the four corners of the upper layer of the sterilization transfer cage 50 can be inserted into the positioning grooves 509 on the T-shaped positioning columns 508 at the four corners of the lower layer of the sterilization transfer cage 50. The positioning grooves 509 are used to position and limit the support columns 503, so that the stacked sterilization transfer cages 50 are more stable.

[0037] Please continue reading. Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment, the batch transfer trolleys 20 are arranged in two sets, and the secondary sterilization tanks 40 are correspondingly arranged with the batch transfer trolleys 20. They can be used alternately to improve sterilization efficiency and the transfer efficiency of the secondary sterilized bottled milk. For example, the first set of batch transfer trolleys 20 transfers the secondary sterilized bottled milk from the secondary sterilization tanks 40 to the working area of ​​the robotic arm 30. The second set of batch transfer trolleys 20 is also parked in the working area of ​​the robotic arm 30 and is in an unloaded state. The robotic arm 30 moves the sterilization transfer cage 50 carrying the secondary sterilized bottled milk from the first set of batch transfer trolleys 20 to the carrier platform 103 of the conveying mechanism 10. Then, the bottle pushing device 104 pushes the secondary sterilized bottled milk loaded in the sterilization transfer cage 50 into the second conveyor belt 102. 02. After the sterilization transfer cage 50 is empty, the first conveyor belt 101 will transfer the bottled milk to be sterilized again to the sterilization transfer cage 50. The robot arm 30 will then move the sterilization transfer cage 50 containing the bottled milk to be sterilized again to the second batch transfer cart 20. This reciprocating transfer action will continue until the robot arm 30 has transferred all the sterilization transfer cages 50 on the first batch transfer cart 20 to the second batch transfer cart 20. The second batch transfer cart 20 will then transfer the bottled milk to be sterilized again to the secondary sterilization kettle 40 for sterilization.

[0038] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that implementing all or part of the above-described embodiments and making equivalent changes in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A secondary sterilization system for bottled milk, characterized in that: The system includes a conveyor mechanism for transferring bottled milk that has undergone primary sterilization, a batch transfer trolley, a robotic arm, and a secondary sterilization tank. The robotic arm is positioned on one side of the conveyor mechanism, and the batch transfer trolley is positioned between the robotic arm and the secondary sterilization tank, capable of moving within the secondary sterilization tank and between the robotic arm's working area. Multiple sterilization transfer cages for holding bottled milk are stacked on the batch transfer trolley. The robotic arm sequentially transports the sterilization transfer cages onto the conveyor mechanism, which pushes the transferred bottled milk into the sterilization transfer cages. The robotic arm then moves the sterilization transfer cages containing bottled milk from the conveyor mechanism onto the batch transfer trolley. The batch transfer trolley then transfers the sterilization transfer cages containing bottled milk into the secondary sterilization tank for secondary sterilization. Finally, the sterilization transfer cages containing bottled milk are transferred to the robotic arm's working area, where the robotic arm sequentially transports the secondary sterilized sterilization transfer cages onto the conveyor mechanism for further transfer of the secondary sterilized bottled milk.

2. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism includes a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, a bottle pushing device, a bottle stopping device, and a support platform for carrying the sterilization transfer cage. The support platform is arranged in parallel, and the first and second conveyor belts are respectively arranged in parallel at both ends of the support platform, with the output end of the first conveyor belt and the input end of the second conveyor belt facing each other. The conveying directions of the first and second conveyor belts are the same. The sterilization transfer cage is placed parallel on the upper end of the support platform, with the loading surface of the sterilization transfer cage being level with or lower than the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt, and the loading surface of the sterilization transfer cage being level with or higher than the conveying surface of the second conveyor belt. The bottle stopping device is mounted directly above the end of the support platform near the second conveyor belt to stop and limit the bottled milk to be sterilized in the sterilization transfer cage. The bottle pushing device is mounted directly above the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt and near the output end of the first conveyor belt, and can move parallel to the input end of the second conveyor belt to push the sterilized bottled milk towards the second conveyor belt.

3. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The bottle stop device includes a first gantry support, a stop plate, and a first lifting drive. The first gantry support is horizontally mounted above one end of the support platform near the second conveyor belt. The stop plate is vertically positioned at the lower end of the first gantry support. The first lifting drive is longitudinally mounted on the first gantry support. The telescopic arm of the first lifting drive is connected to the stop plate and drives the stop plate to move up and down. When the stop plate is lowered, it can stop and limit the bottled milk to be sterilized in the sterilization transfer cage. When the stop plate is raised, it can allow the bottled milk to pass under it.

4. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The bottle pushing device includes a second gantry bracket, a pushing plate, a second lifting drive, support seats, drive screws, and drive motors. Two support seats are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support platform. Two drive screws are rotatably mounted on the two support seats, with their ends extending towards the output end of the first conveyor belt and the input end of the second conveyor belt, respectively, and the two drive screws are parallel to each other. The second gantry bracket spans and is positioned directly above the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt, with its lower end threadedly connected to each of the two drive screws. Two drive motors are located at one end of each of the two drive screws and are capable of driving the two drive screws to rotate synchronously and in the same direction. The second gantry support is driven to reciprocate towards the input end of the second conveyor belt. A pusher plate is vertically positioned at the lower end of the second gantry support. A second lifting drive is longitudinally mounted on the second gantry support. The telescopic arm of the second lifting drive is connected to the pusher plate and drives the pusher plate to move up and down. When the pusher plate rises, it allows the bottled milk conveyed on the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt to pass under it and enter the sterilization transfer cage placed on the support platform. When the pusher plate falls, it can stop the bottled milk conveyed on the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt. When the second gantry support moves towards the input end of the second conveyor belt, it can drive the pusher plate to push the bottled milk in the sterilization transfer cage placed on the support platform into the second conveyor belt.

5. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism also includes two sets of limiting stops, which are installed in parallel on both sides of the support platform and extend along the conveying direction of the support platform towards the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, and are higher than the support platform, so as to block the bottled milk entering the sterilization and transfer cage.

6. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The sterilization transfer cage includes a vertically extending rectangular enclosure that matches the support platform and a movable base plate for holding bottled milk. Support columns are vertically positioned at the four corners of the rectangular enclosure. Each support column has a vertically extending groove on its side wall facing the diagonal of the rectangular enclosure. The lower end of the groove is close to the bottom of the rectangular enclosure, and the upper end is flush with the top of the rectangular enclosure. The movable base plate is parallel to the rectangular enclosure. Slider blocks matching the grooves on the four support columns are positioned at the four corners of the movable base plate. These sliders are inserted into the grooves on the four support columns and can slide freely up and down along the grooves. The support platform has receiving slots around its perimeter for the rectangular enclosure to be inserted. After the robotic arm moves the sterilization transfer cage onto the support platform, the support platform rests against the lower end of the movable base plate. The rectangular enclosure can then freely fall into the receiving slots around the support platform for concealment, allowing the support platform to pass through the rectangular enclosure. The movable base plate is then pressed against the top of the rectangular enclosure, ensuring that there is no obstruction between the loading surface of the movable base plate and the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt.

7. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The lower edges of the four side walls of the rectangular fence are bent inward to form a support platform for supporting the movable base plate. After the movable base plate slides freely along the groove to the bottom of the rectangular fence, the four edges of the movable base plate rest on the support platform.

8. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the movable base plate is provided with reinforcing ribs that intersect along its diagonal direction, and the ends of the reinforcing ribs facing the four corners of the movable base plate are respectively fixedly connected to the sliders provided at the four corners of the movable base plate.

9. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The lower end of each support post protrudes towards the bottom of the rectangular fence, and the upper end of each support post is provided with a T-shaped positioning post, the top of which is provided with a positioning groove that matches the lower end of the support post.

10. The secondary sterilization system for bottled milk as described in claim 9, characterized in that: There are two sets of batch transfer trolleys, and the secondary sterilization autoclave is set up in correspondence with the batch transfer trolleys.

Images