Vertical air drying device for packaging food

Abstract

The invention discloses a vertical air-drying device for packaged food, which relates to the technical field of air-drying devices and comprises a vertical air-drying bin, a fan, a feeding conveyor and a discharging conveyor. The vertical air-drying bin is sequentially provided with an air-drying area, a material storage area and an air uniformizing area in a communicating mode from top to bottom, and an output port of the fan communicates with the air uniformizing area. A feeding port is formed in one side of the material storage area, a discharging port is formed in one side of the air uniformizing area, the feeding conveyor is communicated with the feeding port, and the discharging conveyor is communicated with the discharging port. And a plurality of exhaust holes are formed in the four side walls and the top wall of the air drying area. According to the device, the packaged food is blown to the air drying area under the action of wind power and freely rolls and moves in the air drying area, so that water attached to the surface of the packaged food is instantly separated from the packaged food under the action of strong wind power and is discharged from the exhaust holes along with the wind; the situation that the packaged food is partially not completely dried is avoided, it is guaranteed that the food can be rapidly and evenly air-dried, the air-drying efficiency is greatly improved, and energy consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of air-drying devices, and specifically relates to a vertical air-drying device for packaged foods. Background Art

[0002] For packaged foods, especially vacuum-packed cooked foods, in order to achieve a longer shelf life after packaging and sealing, they usually need to be sterilized by high-temperature and high-pressure steaming in a special high-temperature sterilization device, and then immediately cooled with cold water, high-pressure rinsed, then dried, re-cooled, and then detected and boxed.

[0003] In related technologies, usually the sterilized packaged cooked foods are initially dehydrated by being cooled, cleaned and then conveyed to a vibrating screen, then conveyed to a horizontal dryer for medium-temperature drying, then cooled in a cold air zone and then enter the detection line for detection, and then enter the boxing process. However, due to the special requirements of packaged cooked foods, the temperature cannot be too high during drying (too high temperature will cause phenomena such as the release of toxic substances from the packaging bag, melting, and food spoilage), generally it needs to be controlled at about 60 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, it takes a long time to completely evaporate the moisture on the multi-layer packaging bags on the conveyor belt, and it also takes a long time to immediately cool it with cold air after drying. Therefore, this traditional drying mode determines many disadvantages such as large equipment, many links, low efficiency, and high energy consumption during the drying process.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a vertical air-drying device for packaged foods to solve the above-mentioned series of problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vertical air-drying device for packaged foods to solve at least one of the problems and defects mentioned in the above background art.

[0006] Specifically, the present invention discloses a vertical air-drying device for packaged foods, including:

[0007] A vertical air-drying bin, a fan, a feeding conveyor, and a discharging conveyor;

[0008] The vertical air-drying bin is sequentially and communicatively provided with an air-drying area, a storage area, and a uniform air area from top to bottom, and the output port of the fan is communicated with the uniform air area;

[0009] One side of the storage area is provided with a feeding port, one side of the uniform air area is provided with a discharging port, the feeding conveyor is communicated with the feeding port, and the discharging conveyor is communicated with the discharging port;

[0010] A plurality of exhaust holes are provided on the four side walls and the top wall of the air-drying area.

[0011] The vertical air-drying device for packaged food according to the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0012] For the vertical air-drying device for packaged food of the present invention, the packaged food that has undergone high-temperature sterilization and degreasing in the high-temperature water tank is conveyed to the vertical air-drying bin through the feeding conveyor for air-drying operations. The packaged food enters the storage area from the feeding port, and a blower is used to blow air into the vertical air-drying bin, blowing the packaged food up and into the air. Under the action of the wind force, the packaged food is blown to the air-drying area, where it freely tumbles and moves around, causing the water droplets adhering to all surfaces of the packaged food to instantaneously separate from the packaging bag under the action of the strong wind force and be discharged from the exhaust holes in the four walls and the top cover of the air-drying area along with the air flow. Compared with the traditional drying method, changing from the evaporation mode to the air-drying mode not only avoids the situation where the packaged food is difficult to dry thoroughly in some parts, but also ensures that the food can be quickly and evenly air-dried, greatly improving the air-drying efficiency and saving energy consumption. At the same time, since the secondary heating and cooling links are omitted, the drying time of the packaged food is greatly shortened, and the stability of the food quality can be better ensured.

[0013] Compared with the traditional horizontal conveyor drying device, the vertical air-drying device for packaged food of the present invention greatly reduces the floor area and can make more effective use of the existing factory building space. Moreover, the device has a simple structure and is easy to operate. At the same time, the height of the vertical air-drying bin can be flexibly designed according to the size or weight of the packaged food, so as to meet the air-drying operations of different packaged foods and ensure the convenience and flexibility of the operation.

[0014] As a further scheme of the present invention: a receiving plate is movably arranged in the air-distributing area, and a plurality of first ventilation holes are arranged on the receiving plate.

[0015] As a further scheme of the present invention: a connecting shaft is arranged on the inner side wall of the air-distributing area, and one end of the receiving plate is hinged to the connecting shaft.

[0016] As a further scheme of the present invention: an inclined plate is further arranged on the inner side wall of the air-distributing area. The inclined plate is provided with a plurality of second ventilation holes, and one end of the inclined plate extends to the discharge port.

[0017] As a further scheme of the present invention: arc-shaped grooves are arranged on both side walls of the air-distributing area. A rotating shaft is fixedly arranged at the lower part of the receiving plate, and both ends of the rotating shaft pass through the arc-shaped grooves on both sides and extend outside the side walls of the air-distributing area.

[0018] As a further scheme of the present invention: electric telescopic rods are arranged at both ends of the rotating shaft.

[0019] Since a material receiving plate is arranged in the air distribution area, a plurality of first ventilation holes are arranged on the material receiving plate; a connecting shaft is arranged on the inner side wall of the air distribution area, and one end of the material receiving plate is hinged to the connecting shaft; an inclined plate is further arranged on the inner side wall of the air distribution area, a plurality of second ventilation holes are arranged on the inclined plate, and one end of the inclined plate extends to the discharge port; arc-shaped grooves are arranged on both side walls of the air distribution area, a rotating shaft is fixedly arranged at the lower part of the material receiving plate, and both ends of the rotating shaft pass through the arc-shaped grooves on both sides and extend outside the side walls of the air distribution area; electric telescopic rods are arranged at both ends of the rotating shaft.

[0020] When it is necessary to air-dry the packaged food, start the fan. The strong wind blown by the fan passes through a plurality of second ventilation holes of the inclined plate and a plurality of first ventilation holes of the material receiving plate and blows into the vertical air-drying bin, and blows the packaged food into the air-drying area, so that the packaged food freely tumbles and moves in the air-drying area, fully contacts with the wind, and quickly dries the outer surface of the packaged food; after the packaged food is completely air-dried, turn off the fan, and the packaged food drops onto the material receiving plate due to gravity. At this time, start the electric telescopic rod to rotate forward. The electric telescopic rod drives the rotating shaft to rotate forward, and drives the material receiving plate to move downward along the arc-shaped groove, so that one end of the material receiving plate inclines towards the discharge port end, so that the packaged food slides from the material receiving plate to the discharge port, and the packaged food is unloaded onto the discharge conveyor for subsequent classification or boxing; at this time, start the electric telescopic rod to rotate in reverse. The electric telescopic rod drives the rotating shaft to rotate in reverse, and drives the material receiving plate to move along the arc-shaped groove to its original position, waiting for the next air-drying operation of the packaged food. In addition, the automatic dropping of the packaged food on the material receiving plate to the discharge port is not limited to the above method, and other hinged methods, plugging methods, etc. are also possible.

[0021] The present invention enables the packaged food to be conveyed to the storage area of the vertical air-drying bin through the feeding conveyor and drop onto the material receiving plate, and uses the strong wind generated by the fan to perform air-drying operation on the packaged food. After the air-drying is stopped, through automatic operation, the packaged food is conveyed onto the discharge conveyor; this air-drying device replaces the existing drying device, and uses high-pressure strong wind to directly separate the water adhering to the surface of the packaged food from the package to achieve the effect of air-drying and boxing, omitting the two links of primary water removal by the vibrating screen and cold air cooling, and shortening the drying time of the packaged food, saving energy consumption, thereby greatly improving the production efficiency and reducing the production cost; moreover, due to the optimized principle and simple structure of the device, the floor area is small and the construction cost is low, thus greatly improving the utilization rate of the factory building and the utilization rate of funds.

[0022] As a further scheme of the present invention: a baffle or an automatic valve is movably arranged on the inner side wall of the storage area along the output end of the feeding port.

[0023] Since a baffle or an automatic valve is movably arranged along the output end of the feed inlet on the inner side wall of the storage area, when the packaged food enters the feed inlet, due to the weight and falling speed of the packaged food, the baffle is pushed open or the automatic valve is opened, so that the packaged food falls onto the receiving plate; after the packaged food enters from the feed inlet, the baffle returns to the initial position due to gravity or the automatic valve is closed, closing the output end of the feed inlet, so that during the air-drying process of the packaged food, the air volume provided by the fan will not overflow from the output end of the feed inlet, avoiding the reduction of the wind speed caused by the overflow of the air volume, resulting in an increase in the air-drying energy consumption and time, and ensuring that the air volume of the fan meets the air-drying requirements of the packaged food.

[0024] As a further scheme of the present invention: an air-water separation chamber is arranged on the outer side of the air-drying area, a drain port is arranged at the bottom of one side of the air-water separation chamber, and an air outlet is arranged at the top of the air-water separation chamber.

[0025] Since an air-water separation chamber is arranged on the outer side of the air-drying area, a drain port is arranged at the bottom of one side of the air-water separation chamber, and an air outlet is arranged at the top of the air-water separation chamber, it can effectively prevent the moisture adhered to the surface of the packaged food from being thrown to the external environment through the exhaust holes during the drying process of the packaged food, effectively capture and collect the moisture and tiny water droplets discharged from the air-drying area, keep the production area dry and clean, and perform centralized collection and treatment through the drain port.

[0026] As a further scheme of the present invention: the air outlet is communicated with the input port of the fan through a hose.

[0027] Since the air outlet is communicated with the input port of the fan through a hose, the air discharged from the air outlet can be effectively introduced into the input port of the fan again, realizing the recycling of the air source, helping to reduce the energy consumption of the fan, thereby effectively reducing the production cost and improving the energy utilization rate. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] For the convenience of those skilled in the art to understand, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a vertical air-drying device for packaged food;

[0030] Figure 2 It is a schematic side sectional view structure diagram of a vertical air-drying device for packaged food;

[0031] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 a partial enlarged view of part A of

[0032] Figure 4 It is Figure 2 a schematic structural diagram of the added air-water separation chamber.

[0033] Reference Signs:

[0034] 1. Vertical air-drying bin; 11. Air-drying area; 111. Exhaust holes; 12. Storage area; 121. Feed inlet; 122. Baffle; 13. Air-distributing area; 131. Discharge outlet; 132. Connecting shaft; 133. Material-receiving plate; 134. Inclined plate; 135. Arc-shaped groove; 136. Rotating shaft; 137. Electric telescopic rod; 2. Fan; 3. Feed conveyor; 4. Discharge conveyor; 5. Air-water separation chamber; 51. Drain outlet; 52. Air outlet. Specific embodiments

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer and more understandable, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further specifically described below through embodiments in combination with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0036] In addition, in the following detailed description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form to simplify the drawings.

[0037] As Figures 1 - 3 shown in the embodiments of the present invention, a vertical air-drying device for packaged food includes: a vertical air-drying bin 1, a fan 2, a feed conveyor 3, and a discharge conveyor 4; the vertical air-drying bin 1 is sequentially and communicatively provided with an air-drying area 11, a storage area 12, and an air-distributing area 13 from top to bottom. During the air-drying process of the packaged food in the air-drying area 11, the packaged food will be blown into the air-drying area 11 to freely roll and move around, so that all sides of the packaged food are fully in contact with the air, achieving the effect of rapid air-drying. Before and after air-drying, the packaged food will be temporarily stored in the storage area 12. After the packaged food is air-dried, it will fall into the air-distributing area 13 and be conveyed by the discharge conveyor 4 to the next process; the outlet of the fan 2 is communicatively connected to the air-distributing area 13; a feed inlet 121 is provided on one side of the storage area 12, and a discharge outlet 131 is provided on one side of the air-distributing area 13. The feed conveyor 3 is communicatively connected to the feed inlet 121, and the discharge conveyor 4 is communicatively connected to the discharge outlet 131; a plurality of exhaust holes 111 are provided on the four side walls and the top wall of the air-drying area 11, so that moisture or water vapor can be discharged through the plurality of exhaust holes 111, and at the same time, the purpose of relieving pressure of the vertical air-drying bin 1 is achieved.

[0038] Specifically, for the vertical air-drying device for packaged food of the present invention, the packaged food that has undergone high-temperature sterilization and degreasing in the high-temperature water tank is conveyed to the vertical air-drying bin 1 through the feeding conveyor 3 for air-drying operation. The packaged food enters the storage area 12 from the feeding port 121. The blower 2 is used to blow air into the vertical air-drying bin 1, lifting and suspending the packaged food. Under the action of the wind force, the packaged food is blown to the air-drying area 11, and freely tumbles and moves in the air-drying area 11, causing the water droplets adhering to the surfaces of the packaged food to be instantly separated from the packaging bag under the action of the strong wind force and discharged from the exhaust holes 111 on the four side walls and the top wall of the air-drying area 11 along with the air flow. Compared with the traditional drying method, changing from evaporation to air-drying mode not only avoids the situation where the local part of the packaged food is difficult to dry thoroughly, but also ensures that the food can be quickly and evenly air-dried, greatly improving the air-drying efficiency and saving energy consumption. At the same time, by omitting the secondary heating and cooling links, the drying time of the packaged food is greatly shortened, and the stability of the food quality can be better ensured.

[0039] Compared with the traditional horizontal conveying and drying device, the vertical air-drying device for packaged food of the present invention greatly reduces the floor area and can make more effective use of the existing factory building space. Moreover, the device has a simple structure and is easy to operate. At the same time, the height of the vertical air-drying bin can be flexibly designed according to the size or weight of the packaged food, so as to meet the air-drying operations of different packaged foods and ensure the convenience and flexibility of the operation.

[0040] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, a receiving plate 133 is movably arranged in the air distribution area 13, and a number of first ventilation holes are arranged on the receiving plate 133. A connecting shaft 132 is arranged on the inner side wall of the air distribution area 13, and one end of the receiving plate 133 is hinged to the connecting shaft 132. An inclined plate 134 is also arranged on the inner side wall of the air distribution area 13. The inclined plate 134 is provided with a number of second ventilation holes, and one end of the inclined plate 134 extends to the discharge port 131. Arc-shaped grooves 135 are arranged on both side walls of the air distribution area 13. A rotating shaft 136 is fixedly arranged at the lower part of the receiving plate 133. Both ends of the rotating shaft 136 pass through the arc-shaped grooves 135 on both sides and extend outside the side walls of the air distribution area 13. Electric telescopic rods 137 are arranged at both ends of the rotating shaft 136.

[0041] When it is necessary to air-dry the packaged food, the blower 2 is started. The strong wind blown by the blower 2 is blown into the vertical air-drying bin through a number of second ventilation holes of the inclined plate 134 and a number of first ventilation holes of the material receiving plate 133, and the packaged food is blown up into the air-drying area 11, so that the packaged food tumbles and moves freely in the air-drying area 11, fully contacts with the wind, and quickly dries the outer surface of the packaged food. After the packaged food is completely air-dried, the blower 2 is turned off, and the packaged food drops onto the material receiving plate 133 due to gravity. At this time, the electric telescopic rod 137 is started to rotate forward, the electric telescopic rod 137 drives the rotating shaft 136 to rotate forward, and drives the material receiving plate 133 to move downward along the arc-shaped groove 135, so that one end of the material receiving plate 133 tilts towards the discharge port 131, so that the packaged food slides from the material receiving plate 133 to the discharge port 131, and the packaged food is unloaded onto the discharge conveyor 4 for subsequent classification or boxing. At this time, the electric telescopic rod 137 is started to rotate in reverse, the electric telescopic rod 137 drives the rotating shaft 136 to rotate in reverse, and drives the material receiving plate 133 to move along the arc-shaped groove 135 to its original position, waiting for the next air-drying operation of the packaged food. In addition, the automatic dropping of the packaged food on the material receiving plate 133 to the discharge port 131 is not limited to the above method, and can also be other hinged methods, plug-in methods, etc.

[0042] In the present invention, the packaged food is conveyed to the storage area 12 of the vertical air-drying bin 1 through the feeding conveyor 3 and drops onto the material receiving plate 133. The strong wind generated by the blower 2 is used to air-dry the packaged food. After the air-drying is stopped, through automatic operation, the packaged food is conveyed onto the discharge conveyor 4. This air-drying device replaces the existing drying device, uses high-pressure strong wind to directly separate the water adhering to the surface of the packaged food from the package to achieve the effect of air-drying and then boxing, omits the two links of primary water removal by the vibrating screen and cold air cooling, shortens the drying time of the packaged food, saves energy consumption, and thus greatly improves the production efficiency and reduces the production cost. At the same time, the device has a simple structure, occupies less floor area, and has a low construction cost, thus greatly improving the utilization rate of the factory building space and funds.

[0043] As Figure 1 shown, a baffle 122 or an automatic valve is movably arranged along the output end of the feed inlet 121 on the inner side wall of the storage area 12.

[0044] Specifically, since a baffle 122 or an automatic valve is movably arranged along the output end of the feed inlet 121 on the inner side wall of the storage area 12, when the packaged food enters the feed inlet 121, due to the weight and falling speed of the packaged food, the packaged food pushes the baffle 122 open or opens the automatic valve, so that the packaged food falls onto the receiving plate 133; after the packaged food enters from the feed inlet 121, the baffle 122 returns to the initial position due to gravity or closes the automatic valve, closing the output end of the feed inlet 121, so that during the air-drying process of the packaged food, the air volume provided by the blower 2 will not overflow from the output end of the feed inlet 121, avoiding the reduction of the wind speed caused by the overflow of the air volume, resulting in an increase in air-drying energy consumption and time, and ensuring that the air volume of the blower 2 meets the air-drying requirements of the packaged food.

[0045] In another embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 4 shown, an air-water separation chamber 5 is arranged along the outside of the air-drying area 11. A drain port 51 is arranged at the bottom of one side of the air-water separation chamber 5, and an air outlet 52 is arranged at the top of the air-water separation chamber 5.

[0046] Specifically, since an air-water separation chamber 5 is arranged along the outside of the air-drying area 11, a drain port 51 is arranged at the bottom of one side of the air-water separation chamber 5, and an air outlet 52 is arranged at the top of the air-water separation chamber 5, it can effectively prevent the moisture adhering to the surface of the packaged food from being thrown to the external environment through the exhaust holes 111 during the drying process of the packaged food, effectively capture and collect the moisture and tiny water droplets discharged from the air-drying area 11, keep the production area dry and clean, and perform centralized collection and treatment through the drain port 51.

[0047] Furthermore, the air outlet 52 is communicated with the input port of the blower 2 through a hose.

[0048] Specifically, since the air outlet 52 is communicated with the input port of the blower 2 through a hose, the air discharged from the air outlet 51 can be effectively introduced into the input port of the blower 2 again, realizing the recycling of the air source, helping to reduce the energy consumption of the blower 2, thereby effectively reducing the production cost and improving the energy utilization rate.

[0049] The specific embodiments described above further elaborate on the purpose, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vertical air-drying device for packaged food, characterized in that, Including: A vertical air-drying bin (1), a fan (2), a feeding conveyor (3) and a discharging conveyor (4); The vertical air-drying bin (1) is successively and communicatively arranged with an air-drying area (11), a storage area (12) and a uniform air-distribution area (13) from top to bottom, and the outlet of the fan (2) is communicated with the uniform air-distribution area (13); One side of the storage area (12) is provided with a feeding port (121), one side of the uniform air-distribution area (13) is provided with a discharging port (131), the feeding conveyor (3) is communicated with the feeding port (121), and the discharging conveyor (4) is communicated with the discharging port (131); A plurality of exhaust holes (111) are arranged on the four side walls and the top wall of the air-drying area (11).

2. The vertical air-drying device for packaged food according to claim 1, wherein, A receiving plate (133) is movably arranged in the uniform air-distribution area (13), and a plurality of first ventilation holes are arranged on the receiving plate (133).

3. The vertical air-drying device for packaged food according to claim 2, wherein A connecting shaft (132) is arranged on the inner side wall of the uniform air-distribution area (13), and one end of the receiving plate (133) is hinged to the connecting shaft (132).

4. The vertical air-drying device for packaged food according to claim 3, characterized in that, An inclined plate (134) is further arranged on the inner side wall of the uniform air-distribution area (13), a plurality of second ventilation holes are arranged on the inclined plate (134), and one end of the inclined plate (134) extends to the discharging port (131).

5. The vertical air-drying device for packaged food according to claim 4, wherein, Arc-shaped grooves (135) are arranged on both side walls of the uniform air-distribution area (13), a rotating shaft (136) is fixedly arranged at the lower part of the receiving plate (133), and both ends of the rotating shaft (136) penetrate through the arc-shaped grooves (135) on both sides and extend outside the side walls of the uniform air-distribution area (13).

6. The vertical air-drying device for packaged food according to claim 5, characterized in that, Electric telescopic rods (137) are arranged at both ends of the rotating shaft (136).

7. The vertical air-drying device for packaged food according to claim 1, wherein A baffle (122) or an automatic valve is movably arranged along the output end of the feeding port (121) on the inner side wall of the storage area (12).

8. The vertical drying device for packaged food according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, An air-water separation chamber (5) is arranged along the outside of the air-drying area (11), a drain port (51) is arranged at the bottom of one side of the air-water separation chamber (5), and an air outlet (52) is arranged at the top of the air-water separation chamber (5).

9. The vertical drying device for packaged food according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air outlet (52) is communicated with the inlet of the fan (2) through a hose.

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