An automatic food seasoning machine

Abstract

The application relates to an automatic food seasoning machine which effectively solves the problems of seasoning adhesion and food breakage; the technical scheme is that the machine comprises a supporting cylinder, an inner layer and an outer layer, a gas chamber between the two layers, the inner layer being filter screen-shaped, and an air inlet pipe connected with the gas chamber on the outer layer; a rotating sleeve is rotatably installed in the inner layer of the vertical cylinder, and two symmetrical vertical air vent grooves are arranged on the outer edge surface of the rotating sleeve; a discharging assembly comprises a feeding hopper, a middle hopper and a discharging hopper, the three hoppers are nested and fixed, the discharging hopper can be clamped in the rotating sleeve, a vertical pipe is fixed at the center of the three hoppers, and a gas outlet opening obliquely upwards is uniformly arranged at the lower part of the vertical pipe; the machine adopts a non-contact type material spraying mode, and can avoid food breakage caused by excessive overturning and collision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing technology, and in particular to an automatic food seasoning machine. Background Technology

[0002] Food seasoning machines, as core seasoning equipment in modern food processing, are used in a wide range of industries including snack foods, pet food, meat processing, baked goods, and deep processing of agricultural products. They are primarily used for fried and puffed foods (potato chips, popcorn, French fries, chicken nuggets, puffed pet food, pet snacks, etc.). Currently, food seasoning machines are mainly divided into the following types.

[0003] Octagonal seasoning machine: Featuring an octagonal design, it ensures thorough rolling of raw materials. With dual or multiple heads, and in conjunction with automatic tilting and feeding equipment, it enables streamlined production lines.

[0004] Single-drum seasoning machine: Through the drum structure, food and seasonings are rolled together to achieve even mixing, and it can achieve automatic discharge and speed adjustment.

[0005] The double-drum seasoning machine adds an extra drum to the single-drum design, enabling oil spraying, sugar spraying, and powder sprinkling to be performed sequentially. For example, in the production of potato chips or dog food, oil or paste can be sprayed first (to enhance adhesion) and then powder can be sprinkled to complete the seasoning process.

[0006] In summary, current seasoning equipment typically uses a mixing method, requiring food to be tumbled within the container to achieve even seasoning application. This can lead to food breakage, especially for crispy foods like potato chips. Furthermore, for foods requiring initial oil or paste spraying before powder coating, the preceding oil, paste, sugar, chocolate, etc., easily adhere to the inner wall. This causes subsequent application of powder, granular materials, or decorative materials, resulting in clumping, waste, and adhesion to the inner wall. Therefore, solutions to these problems are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above situation and to solve the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic food seasoning machine that can effectively solve problems such as seasoning adhesion and food breakage.

[0008] The technical solution includes a support cylinder, comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, with an air chamber between the two layers. The inner layer is a filter mesh, and the outer layer is connected to an air inlet pipe that communicates with the air chamber.

[0009] The rotating sleeve is rotatably installed inside the inner layer of the vertical cylinder, and has two symmetrically arranged vertical ventilation slots on its outer edge surface.

[0010] The feeding assembly includes an upper hopper, a middle hopper, and a lower hopper. The three hoppers are nested and fixed to each other. The lower hopper can be locked in a rotating sleeve. A vertical pipe is fixed at the center of the three hoppers. The lower part of the vertical pipe has evenly opened inclined upward air outlets.

[0011] Preferably, the bottom of the support cylinder has a base and support legs.

[0012] Preferably, the upper end of the rotating sleeve has a horizontal retaining ring, there is an end face bearing between the horizontal baffle and the upper end face of the support cylinder, and there are multiple ball bearings between the inner layer of the support cylinder and the outer edge of the rotating sleeve.

[0013] Preferably, the lower end of the rotating sleeve extends below the support cylinder, and the lower end of the rotating sleeve is driven to rotate by a motor.

[0014] Preferably, the upper inner wall of the rotating sleeve is provided with multiple vertical grooves evenly distributed, and the outer surface of the hopper has corresponding wedges.

[0015] Preferably, the upper hopper, middle hopper, and lower hopper are all composed of an upper funnel shape and a lower vertical tube shape; multiple ribs are provided on the inner side of the funnel shape; wherein the vertical tube shape of the upper hopper is inserted into the middle hopper, and the vertical tube shape of the middle hopper is inserted into the lower hopper.

[0016] Preferably, the lower ends of the upper hopper and the middle hopper are flush, and the lower end of the lower hopper extends inward and is positioned below the lower end of the middle hopper.

[0017] Preferably, the three hoppers and the vertical pipe are fixed together by multiple support rods.

[0018] Preferably, the upper end of the vertical pipe has a high-pressure air nozzle, which is inserted into the vertical pipe, with a gap between the air nozzle and the vertical pipe.

[0019] Preferably, the air intake pipe is connected to an air pump.

[0020] The advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0021] 1. This device uses non-contact spraying, which can avoid food breakage caused by excessive turning and collision.

[0022] 2. This device uses airflow to blow at multiple angles, which can slow down the falling speed of food and avoid collisions caused by excessive falling speed. On the other hand, it can sweep at multiple angles to achieve uniform adhesion of solid powder.

[0023] 3. This device uses a gas-material-food-material-gas structure; the food is fully wrapped on both the inner and outer sides, effectively preventing it from sticking to the wall and enabling full adhesion.

[0024] 4. In this device, the temperature of the airflow can be adjusted as needed to meet the requirements of different working conditions. For example, cooling airflow can accelerate the cooling of oil, solidify the powder layer and oil layer, and prevent subsequent adhesion. Hot airflow can also be used to optimize the absorption of flavor by meat fibers; the temperature can also be controlled (30-50℃) to achieve stable addition of heat-sensitive nutrients.

[0025] 5. This device is a continuous operation equipment, which can be easily connected to existing production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a partial cross-section of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is the front view of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a split view of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example

[0031] This embodiment provides an automatic food seasoning machine, which consists of three parts: a support cylinder 1, a rotating sleeve 2 inside the support cylinder 1, and a feeding assembly 3 inside the rotating sleeve 2.

[0032] The support cylinder 1 is a double-layered cylindrical structure with a through hole at its center. The cylinder wall of the support cylinder 1 includes an inner layer 11 and an outer layer 12, with an air chamber 13 between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12. The inner layer 11 is a filter mesh, and the outer layer 12 is connected to an air inlet pipe 14 that communicates with the air chamber 13. After being connected to an air pump or a high-pressure gas cylinder, the entire air chamber 13 can be filled with high-pressure gas.

[0033] A rotating sleeve 2 is installed at the center of the support cylinder 1. A horizontal retaining ring 5 is installed at the upper end of the rotating sleeve 2, with an end face bearing between the horizontal retaining ring 5 and the support cylinder 1, and a ball bearing between the support cylinder 1 and the rotating sleeve 2, thus achieving stable rotation of the rotating sleeve 2. A gear is installed at the lower end of the rotating sleeve 2, which is driven by a motor to rotate. A pair of ventilation slots 21 are provided on the rotating sleeve 2, allowing gas to be blown into the interior of the rotating sleeve 2. The airflow direction changes continuously as the rotating sleeve 2 rotates.

[0034] Inside the rotating sleeve 2 is a feeding assembly 3, which consists of an upper hopper 31, a middle hopper 32, and a lower hopper 33, nested together. The upper hopper 31 is located in the innermost layer 11, and the lower hopper 33 is located in the outermost layer 12. Multiple wedges 36 are provided on the outer wall of the lower hopper 33 in the outermost layer 12, and multiple vertical grooves 22 are provided on the upper inner wall of the rotating sleeve 2. Therefore, the feeding assembly 3 can be secured within the rotating sleeve 2 by the cooperation of the wedges 36 and the vertical grooves 22, and rotate together with the rotating sleeve 2. Additionally, at the center of the upper hopper 31 is a vertical pipe 34, the lower end of which is placed inside the rotating sleeve 2. Multiple upward-sloping air outlets 35 are evenly distributed on the vertical pipe 34. When a high-pressure air nozzle is inserted into the upper end of the vertical pipe 34, gas can escape from the air outlets 35 of the vertical pipe 34 after ventilation.

[0035] The bottom of the support cylinder 1 has a base 4 and support legs, which raises the bottom of the support cylinder 1, making it convenient to set up a conveyor belt or other equipment at the bottom to receive the material.

[0036] In some embodiments, all three hoppers are funnel-shaped at the top and vertical tube 34-shaped at the bottom. Multiple ribs 37 are provided on the inner surface of each funnel-shaped hopper, allowing the material to fall evenly in all directions. The vertical tube 34-shaped portion of the upper hopper 31 is inserted into the middle hopper 32, and the vertical tube 34-shaped portion of the middle hopper 32 is inserted into the lower hopper 33. The lower ends of the upper hopper 31 and the middle hopper 32 are flush. The lower end of the lower hopper 33 is positioned below the lower end of the middle hopper 32, and the lower end of the lower hopper 33 is inclined and bent inwards, allowing the powder to flow inwards.

[0037] In some embodiments, the three hoppers and the vertical pipe 34 are fixed together by multiple support rods 38 to achieve the fixation of the three hoppers and the vertical pipe 34.

[0038] First, let's discuss the installation of the entire device and the addition of materials.

[0039] This device can be installed on an assembly line at the seasoning station. It utilizes conveyor belts and other equipment to receive and transfer materials. Both the upper hopper 31 and the lower hopper 33 hold powdered seasonings or granular materials. The middle hopper 32 holds the food to be powdered. Conveyor belts are installed at both the upper hopper 31 and the lower hopper 33 to transport the powder. The middle hopper 32 can be connected to the discharge port of the preceding process via pipes to add food, or it can be fed using a conveyor belt.

[0040] This device performs non-contact powder spraying. It is mainly suitable for foods that have undergone processes such as oil spraying, sugar spraying, or paste spraying. For foods that have not undergone pre-oil spraying treatment, this device can also be used if they can be directly powdered, depending on the processing requirements.

[0041] In this device, the upper ends of the air inlet pipe 14 and the vertical pipe 34 are both connected to a high-pressure air source. Since the vertical pipe 34 is a rotating body, when connecting the upper end of the vertical pipe 34 to the air supply, a swivel joint can be used to connect the high-pressure air nozzle, or the position of the high-pressure air outlet can be fixed so that the high-pressure air outlet is inserted into the vertical pipe 34 and a certain gap is maintained.

[0042] This device only requires a motor to drive the rotating sleeve 2 to rotate slowly.

[0043] When the device is started, food enters through the middle hopper 32 and falls in all directions; powder enters through the upper hopper 31 and the lower hopper 33 and falls in all directions. After the above materials fall into the rotating sleeve 2, a layered structure of powder-food-powder is formed. Regarding the air path, one path of gas enters through the vertical pipe 34 and escapes through the air outlet 35. The other path of gas enters through the air inlet pipe 14 into the air chamber 13, and finally enters the rotating sleeve 2 through the ventilation groove 21. Thus, based on the above, a layered structure of gas-powder-food-powder-gas is formed.

[0044] Through the aforementioned hierarchical structure, on the one hand, the powder can achieve full contact with the food under the blowing of the airflow; on the other hand, the food can avoid contact with the inner wall of the rotating sleeve 2, preventing grease from adhering to the rotating sleeve 2 and forming a powder adhesion layer. Finally, it also enables non-contact continuous powder spraying, avoiding excessive wear on the food caused by the transmission and stirring method.

[0045] Finally, the powdered material will flow out from the bottom of the rotating sleeve 2 and be conveyed to the next process via a conveyor belt.

[0046] In this device, the airflow temperature can be adjusted as needed. For example, a cold airflow can be used to accelerate the cooling and solidification of oils and prevent adhesion. For the stable addition of heat-sensitive nutrients, the temperature can be controlled at the required temperature for the nutrient. It can also be used for heating, allowing meat and other products to absorb more flavor.

[0047] In addition, the rotating sleeve 2 in this device can drive the entire feeding assembly 3 to rotate. When the rotating sleeve 2 rotates, the air groove 21 on the rotating sleeve 2 can continuously change its position, realizing the continuous change of the airflow blowing direction. The airflow inside the rotating sleeve 2 can blow the food more comprehensively and can increase the airflow speed, so that the food can adhere to the surface. After the feeding assembly 3 rotates, the hopper will rotate, which can cause the incoming material to scatter and fall evenly, forming a cylindrical falling structure, making the food layer thinner and easier for powder to adhere. The rotation of the vertical pipe 34 will also cause the blowing direction of the air outlet 35 to change continuously. On the one hand, it increases the uniformity of blowing, and on the other hand, the upward inclined airflow can slow down the falling speed of the food, increase the residence time of the food, and prevent the food from falling too fast and breaking.

Claims

1. An automatic food seasoning machine, characterized in that, include: The support cylinder (1) includes an inner layer (11) and an outer layer (12), with an air chamber (13) between the two layers. The inner layer (11) is a filter mesh, and the outer layer (12) is connected to an air inlet pipe (14) that communicates with the air chamber (13). Rotating sleeve (2) is rotatably installed inside the inner layer (11) of the vertical cylinder, and has two symmetrically arranged vertical ventilation slots (21) on its outer edge surface. The feeding assembly (3) includes an upper hopper (31), a middle hopper (32), and a lower hopper (33). The three hoppers are nested and fixed to each other. The lower hopper (33) can be fitted into the rotating sleeve (2). A vertical pipe (34) is fixed at the center of the three hoppers. The lower part of the vertical pipe (34) is evenly provided with inclined upward air outlets (35). The upper hopper (31), middle hopper (32), and lower hopper (33) are all composed of an upper funnel-shaped structure and a lower vertical tube (34)-shaped structure. Multiple ribs (37) are provided on the inner side of the funnel-shaped structure. The vertical tube (34)-shaped part of the upper hopper (31) is inserted into the middle hopper (32), and the vertical tube (34)-shaped part of the middle hopper (32) is inserted into the lower hopper (33). The upper end of the vertical tube (34) is connected to a high-pressure air nozzle through a rotary joint. The high-pressure air nozzle is connected to a high-pressure air source. The air inlet pipe (14) is connected to the high-pressure air source. The upper hopper (31) and lower hopper (33) are filled with powdered seasonings or granular materials. The middle hopper (32) is filled with food to be sprayed with powder, so as to form a hierarchical structure of gas-powder-food-powder-gas.

2. The automatic food seasoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the support cylinder (1) has a base (4) and support legs.

3. The automatic food seasoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the rotating sleeve (2) has a horizontal retaining ring (5), and there is an end face bearing between the horizontal retaining ring (5) and the upper end face of the support cylinder (1). There are multiple ball bearings between the inner layer (11) of the support cylinder (1) and the outer edge of the rotating sleeve (2).

4. An automatic food seasoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the rotating sleeve (2) extends below the support cylinder (1), and the lower end of the rotating sleeve (2) is driven by a motor to rotate.

5. An automatic food seasoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper inner wall of the rotating sleeve (2) is evenly provided with multiple vertical grooves (22), and the outer edge of the hopper (33) has corresponding wedges (36).

6. An automatic food seasoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower ends of the upper hopper (31) and the middle hopper (32) are flush, and the lower end of the lower hopper (33) is inclined inward and extended, and placed below the lower end of the middle hopper (32).

7. An automatic food seasoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed hopper (31), the middle feed hopper (32), the feed hopper (33) and the vertical pipe (34) are fixed together by multiple support rods (38).

8. An automatic food seasoning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-pressure air source is an air pump.

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