Vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing all-in-one machine based on modular design

Abstract

The invention discloses a vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing all-in-one machine based on modular design. The vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing all-in-one machine comprises a vacuum cooling module, a material conveying system, a rapid cooling module and a quick freezing module. Through modular design, the equipment can realize continuous treatment of food materials from vacuum cooling and rapid cooling to liquid nitrogen quick freezing, and the cooling efficiency and the food quality are improved. The vacuum cooling module is provided with a condensation catcher and a carrier; the rapid cooling module utilizes a compression type refrigerator to refrigerate; the quick-freezing module realizes low-temperature freezing through liquid nitrogen injection; the material conveying system achieves automatic transfer between the modules and is provided with a transmission clamping jaw and a lifting structure. The equipment is high in integration, high in automation degree and suitable for the fields of central kitchens, prefabricated vegetable processing and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine based on modular design. Background Art

[0002] The development of the food industry, particularly pre-prepared meals, centralized kitchens, and frozen foods, has placed higher demands on the efficiency and quality of cooling and freezing equipment. Traditional vacuum cooling equipment and cryogenic freezing units are often separate structures, often requiring manual transfer during the process. This can easily lead to cross-contamination, material loss, or unstable temperature control, thus affecting the final food quality. Furthermore, existing equipment generally suffers from slow cooling or freezing speeds, low levels of automation, and complex structures, making it unable to meet the demands of modern food processing for efficiency, safety, and intelligence.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device with compact structure, integrated functions, and efficient coordination of cooling and freezing to improve production efficiency and food safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above deficiencies in the prior art and to provide a vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing all-in-one machine based on modular design.

[0005] A modular vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine, comprising a vacuum cooling module, a material transfer system, a rapid cooling module, and a rapid freezing module; The vacuum cooling module includes a vacuum cooling chamber, which is connected to a vacuum pump unit. A condensation collector is provided on the top of the vacuum cooling chamber, and a carrier is provided on the bottom of the vacuum cooling chamber. The carrier includes a plurality of rollers in the same plane, which are connected to a drive motor through a transmission system. Materials are placed on the carrier and can be transported out of the vacuum cooling chamber through the rollers. The rapid cooling module includes a freezing chamber connected to a compression refrigeration unit; The quick freezing module includes a quick freezing chamber, in which a liquid nitrogen injection device is provided; The material transmission system includes a first conveyor belt connecting the vacuum cooling chamber and the freezing chamber, the first conveyor belt is driven by a stepper motor, a conveying clamp is provided in the middle of the first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt is provided on the side of the conveying clamp, and the second conveyor belt is connected to the quick freezing chamber; The vacuum cooling chamber, freezing chamber and quick-freezing chamber are all provided with doors that can be opened and closed automatically, and a sealing structure is provided between the door of the vacuum cooling chamber and the vacuum cooling chamber.

[0006] As a further improvement, the automatic opening and closing device of the door includes a vertically arranged fixed slide rail, and slideways matching the slide rail are provided on both sides of the door. A cylinder is provided on the top of the device, and the piston rod of the cylinder is connected to the door through an L-shaped bending part. The door can slide up and down along the slide rail under the drive of the cylinder.

[0007] As a further improvement, the sealing structure includes a circle of grooves provided on the inner side of the door, a sealing ring is provided in the groove, and an electromagnetic coil is provided inside the door. The electromagnetic coil generates magnetic force when energized, which produces an adsorption effect on the magnetic metal on the other side of the door, thereby clamping the sealing ring.

[0008] As a further improvement, the transmission clamp includes a mounting frame, each side of which is provided with a cylinder, the piston rod of the cylinder being connected to a claw arm respectively, and the claw arm retracts inward under the drive of the cylinder to tighten the material, and a telescopic cylinder is provided at the rear of the mounting frame, and the bottom of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the lifting cylinder. After the material is clamped by the claw arm, the lifting cylinder lifts the mounting frame and then transmits it to the second conveyor belt through the telescopic cylinder.

[0009] As a further improvement, the contact surface between the claw arm and the material is provided with a plurality of evenly distributed edges, and anti-slip rubber strips are provided on the edges.

[0010] As a further improvement, the first transmission belt and the second transmission belt both include a conveyor frame, with a driving roller and a transmission roller respectively provided at both ends of the conveyor frame. The driving roller is connected to the motor, and several supporting rollers are provided between the driving roller and the transmission roller. Conveyor belts are provided on the outside of the driving roller, the transmission roller and the support roller, and the surface of the conveyor belt is provided with an anti-slip pattern.

[0011] As a further improvement, the liquid nitrogen injection device includes porous nozzles distributed in a ring array, and the porous nozzles are connected to the liquid nitrogen storage tank and the pump through pipelines. Beneficial effects

[0012] 1. Modular integrated design: Vacuum cooling, rapid cooling, quick freezing and other functions are modularly integrated into one to achieve continuous operation and save space and manpower.

[0013] 2. Efficient material transfer system: Through the conveyor belt and automatic gripper system, the whole process of material transfer is realized automatically, which improves the automation level of the equipment.

[0014] 3. Vacuum sealing and opening and closing optimization: The vacuum cooling chamber is equipped with a sealing structure and automatic opening and closing device to improve sealing performance, reduce energy consumption and pollution risks.

[0015] 4. Liquid nitrogen rapid freezing technology: The rapid freezing module uses liquid nitrogen spray to perform low-temperature treatment, with a fast freezing speed, maintaining the food's tissue structure and nutrition.

[0016] 5. Structural optimization design: All key components adopt anti-slip and anti-freeze designs, such as the carrier roller, conveyor belt anti-slip pattern, claw arm anti-slip structure, etc., to ensure stable and safe material transportation.

[0017] 6. Wide range of applications: It is suitable for various cold chain processing scenarios such as pre-prepared food processing, meat refrigeration, vacuum cooling of fruits and vegetables, and has broad application prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the vacuum cooling chamber; Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the transmission clamp; Figure 3 This is a simplified structural diagram of a vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing machine based on modular design; 1. Vacuum cooling module 2. Material transfer system 3. Rapid cooling module 4. Quick freezing module 5. Vacuum cooling chamber 6. Carrier 7. Transmission system 8. Drive motor 9. First conveyor belt 10. Conveyor gripper 11. Second conveyor belt 12. Fixed slide rail 13. L-shaped bending member 14. Mounting bracket 15. Claw arm DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to deepen the understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and drawings. The embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine based on modular design includes a vacuum cooling module 1, a material transmission system 2, a quick cooling module 3, a quick freezing module 4, a vacuum cooling chamber 5, a loading rack 6, a transmission system 7, a drive motor 8, a first conveyor belt 9, a conveying clamp 10, a second conveyor belt 11, a fixed slide rail 12, an L-shaped bending part 13, a mounting frame 14, and a claw arm 15.

[0021] A modular vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine includes a vacuum cooling module 1, a material transmission system 2, a rapid cooling module 3, and a quick freezing module 4; The vacuum cooling module 1 includes a vacuum cooling chamber 5, which is connected to a vacuum pump assembly. A condensation collector is provided on the top of the vacuum cooling chamber 5, and a carrier 6 is provided at the bottom of the vacuum cooling chamber 5. The carrier 6 includes a plurality of rollers in the same plane, which are connected to a drive motor 8 through a transmission system 7. Materials are placed on the carrier 6 and can be transported out of the vacuum cooling chamber 5 through the rollers. The rapid cooling module 3 includes a freezing chamber connected to a compression refrigeration unit; The quick freezing module 4 includes a quick freezing chamber, in which a liquid nitrogen injection device is provided; The material transmission system 2 includes a first conveyor belt 9 connecting the vacuum cooling chamber 5 and the freezing chamber. The first conveyor belt 9 is driven by a stepper motor. A conveying clamp 10 is provided in the middle of the first conveyor belt 9. A second conveyor belt 11 is provided on the side of the conveying clamp 10. The second conveyor belt 11 is connected to the quick freezing chamber. The vacuum cooling chamber 5 , the freezing chamber and the quick-freezing chamber are all provided with doors that can be opened and closed automatically, and a sealing structure is provided between the door of the vacuum cooling chamber 5 and the vacuum cooling chamber 5 .

[0022] ①Solve the problem of functional separation of traditional equipment and reduce the risk of pollution during material transfer; ② The roller carrier 6 realizes direct transmission in the vacuum chamber to avoid secondary handling damage; ③Dual freezing paths for rapid cooling / quick freezing to cover different product requirements.

[0023] The automatic opening and closing device of the door includes a vertically arranged fixed slide rail 12, and slideways matching the slide rail are provided on both sides of the door. A cylinder is provided on the top of the device, and the piston rod of the cylinder is connected to the door through an L-shaped bending part 13. The door can slide up and down along the slide rail under the drive of the cylinder.

[0024] ①More resistant to low temperatures than chain transmission; ② The L-shaped bending part 13 enlarges the stroke and saves installation space.

[0025] The sealing structure includes a circle of grooves on the inner side of the door, a sealing ring is arranged in the groove, and an electromagnetic coil is arranged inside the door. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it generates magnetic force, which attracts the magnetic metal on the other side of the door and clamps the sealing ring.

[0026] ①When power is turned on, the sealing pressure increases and the vacuum leakage rate decreases; ②The seal will be automatically released when the power is cut off.

[0027] As a further improvement, the transmission clamp includes a mounting frame 14, and a cylinder is provided on each side of the mounting frame 14. The piston rod of the cylinder is connected to a claw arm 15 respectively. The claw arm 15 contracts inward under the drive of the cylinder to tighten the material. A telescopic cylinder is provided at the rear of the mounting frame 14, and the bottom of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the lifting cylinder. After the material is clamped by the claw arm 15, the lifting cylinder lifts the mounting frame 14 and then transmits it to the second conveyor belt 11 through the telescopic cylinder.

[0028] ①Adapt to irregular materials; ② The combined movement of stretching and lifting reduces transfer time.

[0029] The contact surface between the claw arm 15 and the material is provided with a plurality of evenly distributed edges, and the edges are provided with anti-slip rubber strips.

[0030] ①The anti-slip coefficient is improved, and it can still be gripped reliably in icy environments.

[0031] The first transmission belt and the second conveyor belt 11 both include a conveyor frame, with a driving roller and a transmission roller respectively provided at both ends of the conveyor frame. The driving roller is connected to the motor, and a number of supporting rollers are provided between the driving roller and the transmission roller. Conveyor belts are provided on the outside of the driving roller, the transmission roller and the support roller, and the surface of the conveyor belt is provided with an anti-slip pattern.

[0032] The liquid nitrogen injection device comprises porous nozzles distributed in a ring array, and the porous nozzles are connected to the liquid nitrogen storage tank and the pump through pipelines.

[0033] The present invention is a vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine based on modular design, which as a whole includes the following functional modules: vacuum cooling module 1, material transmission system 2, rapid cooling module 3 and quick freezing module 4. Each module operates in coordination through the transmission system to form an integrated production process.

[0034] 1. Vacuum cooling module 1 The module includes a vacuum cooling chamber 5 equipped with a condensate trap. The top of the chamber is connected to a vacuum pump assembly for efficient vacuuming. A carrier 6, comprised of multiple rollers, is located at the bottom of the chamber. These rollers are connected to a drive motor 8 via a transmission system 7, enabling rolling material transport. The vacuum cooling chamber 5 is equipped with an automatic door, which is sealed tightly against the chamber by a magnetic seal.

[0035] 2. Rapid cooling module 3 The module includes a freezing chamber connected to a compression refrigeration unit, which is used to quickly cool the material at low temperatures for a short period of time in preparation for the quick freezing process.

[0036] 3. Quick freezing module 4 A circular array of porous liquid nitrogen nozzles is set inside the freezing chamber, which is connected to the liquid nitrogen storage tank and pump through pipelines to achieve high-intensity low-temperature spray freezing and accelerate the material freezing process.

[0037] 4. Material conveying system 2 The system includes a first conveyor belt 9 and a second conveyor belt 11. The first conveyor belt 9 connects the vacuum cooling chamber 5 to the freezer compartment. Driven by a stepper motor, it features a transmission gripper with automatic gripping. Mounted on a mounting frame 14, the gripper is driven by multiple pneumatic cylinders for lifting, retracting, and clamping, ensuring smooth material movement. Ribbed anti-slip rubber strips are applied to the inner surface of the gripper to enhance gripping stability. The conveyor belt is a multi-roller structure covered with a non-slip patterned conveyor belt.

[0038] Through the above structure, the three cooling methods of vacuum cooling, rapid cooling and quick freezing are integrated and the whole process is automatically transported, which greatly improves the processing efficiency and the quality of the finished product.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine based on modular design, characterized in that: Including vacuum cooling module, material transmission system, rapid cooling module and quick freezing module; The vacuum cooling module includes a vacuum cooling chamber, which is connected to a vacuum pump unit. A condensation collector is provided on the top of the vacuum cooling chamber, and a carrier is provided on the bottom of the vacuum cooling chamber. The carrier includes a plurality of rollers in the same plane, which are connected to a drive motor through a transmission system. Materials are placed on the carrier and can be transported out of the vacuum cooling chamber through the rollers. The rapid cooling module includes a freezing chamber connected to a compression refrigeration unit; The quick freezing module includes a quick freezing chamber, in which a liquid nitrogen injection device is provided; The material transmission system includes a first conveyor belt connecting the vacuum cooling chamber and the freezing chamber, the first conveyor belt is driven by a stepper motor, a conveying clamp is provided in the middle of the first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt is provided on the side of the conveying clamp, and the second conveyor belt is connected to the quick freezing chamber; The vacuum cooling chamber, freezing chamber and quick-freezing chamber are all provided with doors that can be opened and closed automatically, and a sealing structure is provided between the door of the vacuum cooling chamber and the vacuum cooling chamber.

2. The modular design vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic opening and closing device of the door includes a vertically arranged fixed slide rail, and slideways matching the slide rail are provided on both sides of the door. A cylinder is provided on the top of the device, and the piston rod of the cylinder is connected to the door through an L-shaped bending part. The door can slide up and down along the slide rail under the drive of the cylinder.

3. The modular design vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sealing structure includes a circle of grooves on the inner side of the door, a sealing ring is arranged in the groove, and an electromagnetic coil is arranged inside the door. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it generates magnetic force, which attracts the magnetic metal on the other side of the door and clamps the sealing ring.

4. The modular design vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission clamp includes a mounting frame, with a cylinder provided on each side of the mounting frame. The piston rod of the cylinder is connected to a claw arm respectively. The claw arm retracts inward under the drive of the cylinder to tighten the material. A telescopic cylinder is provided at the rear of the mounting frame, and the bottom of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the lifting cylinder. After the material is clamped by the claw arm, the lifting cylinder lifts the mounting frame and then transmits it to the second conveyor belt through the telescopic cylinder.

5. The modular design-based vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The contact surface between the claw arm and the material is provided with a plurality of evenly distributed edges, and anti-slip rubber strips are provided on the edges.

6. The modular design-based vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmission belt and the second transmission belt both include a conveyor frame, with a driving roller and a transmission roller respectively provided at both ends of the conveyor frame, the driving roller being connected to a motor, a plurality of supporting rollers being provided between the driving roller and the transmission roller, and conveyor belts being provided on the outside of the driving roller, the transmission roller and the supporting rollers, and the surface of the conveyor belts being provided with anti-slip patterns.

7. The modular design-based vacuum cooling and low-temperature freezing integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid nitrogen injection device comprises porous nozzles distributed in a ring array, and the porous nozzles are connected to the liquid nitrogen storage tank and the pump through pipelines.

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