Sterilizing and cooling device and method for packaged food

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of sterilization and cooling, and provides a sterilization and cooling device and method for packaged food, moving devices are arranged above two ends of a track, a plurality of chains are arranged on the moving devices, a lifting platform is connected among the chains, a translation device is arranged on the lifting platform, and a clamping jaw is arranged below the translation device; a plurality of high-temperature sterilization pools, a normal-temperature cooling pool and a plurality of ice water cooling pools are arranged below the middle of the track; linear actuators are respectively arranged on pool walls on two sides of the high-temperature sterilization pool, and a movable plate is arranged between the linear actuators; a first water through hole is formed in the movable plate, a mounting cavity is formed in the movable plate, a telescopic plate is arranged in the mounting cavity, the telescopic plate is connected with the mounting cavity through a spring, and a second water through hole is formed in the telescopic plate; the clamping jaw can clamp the cage body turnover device, and the cage body turnover device is transferred into the corresponding high-temperature sterilization pool, the normal-temperature cooling pool and the ice water cooling pool through the moving device and the translation device. The sterilizing and cooling device can better sterilize and cool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sterilization and cooling technology, and more specifically, to a sterilization and cooling device and method for packaged food. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of packaged foods, high-temperature sterilization and subsequent rapid cooling are core processes for ensuring food safety, achieving commercial sterility, and maintaining the product's good sensory and nutritional quality. Traditional processing methods typically use independent sterilization equipment (such as static or rotary autoclaves) for batch sterilization. After sterilization, the baskets containing the products are manually or mechanically transferred to independent cooling water tanks or spray tunnels for segmented cooling. This intermittent operation mode suffers from low production efficiency, high labor intensity, hygiene risks from personnel contact with the products, and poor consistency in process control.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a highly integrated, automated production equipment for sterilizing and cooling packaged foods that can ensure uniform and stable sterilization and cooling effects. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a sterilization and cooling device and method for packaged food, which can overcome some or more defects of the prior art.

[0005] According to the present invention, a sterilization and cooling device for packaged food includes a track, with moving devices above both ends of the track, multiple chains on the moving devices, a lifting platform connected between the multiple chains, two translation devices on the lifting platform, and grippers below the translation devices.

[0006] Below the middle of the track are multiple high-temperature sterilization tanks, normal-temperature cooling tanks and multiple ice water cooling tanks connected in sequence. The high-temperature sterilization tank has a mounting frame in the middle, and the mounting frame has multiple nozzles that can spray to both sides. The nozzles are connected to a water pump through multiple connecting pipes, and the water pump is connected to the high-temperature sterilization tank.

[0007] Multiple vertical linear actuators are installed on both sides of the high-temperature sterilization tank. A movable plate is positioned between each actuator, allowing the actuators to move the movable plate up and down. The movable plate has multiple first water passage holes and two symmetrical mounting cavities. Each mounting cavity has an outer opening and a telescopic plate inside. The inner side of the telescopic plate is connected to the inner side of the mounting cavity by multiple springs. The telescopic plate also has multiple second water passage holes. When the movable plate is higher than the high-temperature sterilization tank, the outer side of the telescopic plate extends out of the mounting cavity, covering the corresponding edge of the tank top, with the second water passage holes offset vertically from the first water passage holes. When the movable plate enters the high-temperature sterilization tank, the telescopic plate retracts, and the second water passage holes align vertically with the first water passage holes.

[0008] Limiting devices are provided at the bottom of both ends of the track. The limiting devices are used to limit the trolley. The trolley is used to load the cage turnover device. The cage turnover device includes a device body, which is a square frame. Multiple baffles are provided on the front and rear sides of the device body. Support bars are connected below the baffles. Trays are supported on the corresponding support bars. The trays are used to place packaged food. The top and bottom of the left and right sides of the device body are respectively provided with insertion holes. A stop bar is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole. The stop bar is used to block the tray.

[0009] The grippers can hold the cage turnover device and transfer it to the corresponding high-temperature sterilization pool, normal temperature cooling pool, and ice water cooling pool through the moving and translation devices.

[0010] Preferably, the mobile device is a cuboid frame with two mounting strips on the top surface and two first rotating rods between them. Each first rotating rod has two first gears, and a second gear is located below each first gear. A chain is fitted between the corresponding first and second gears, and the second gear is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the frame. Each of the two first rotating rods has a third gear, and a synchronization chain is fitted between the two third gears. One of the first rotating rods has a fourth gear, which is connected to a first motor via a drive chain. The first motor is mounted on the corresponding mounting strip.

[0011] Preferably, the track includes two guide rails, one of which has a toothed belt on its inner side. The toothed belt is engaged with a fifth gear, which is located at the end of a rotating rod. The rotating rod is rotatably mounted on the moving device. The rotating rod is driven to rotate by a second motor, which is located in a motor box and mounted on the moving device.

[0012] Preferably, the lifting platform is equipped with multiple connecting plates, which are connected to corresponding chains;

[0013] The translation device includes a movable plate, a mounting block connected below the movable plate, a screw nut inside the mounting block, a screw rod driven by a third motor, and the third motor mounted on the translation device; the movable plate has locking blocks at both ends, and the locking blocks are fitted with slide rails, which are mounted on the translation device.

[0014] Multiple support pillars are located beneath the track to support it on the ground.

[0015] Preferably, the mounting frame includes a top plate whose two ends are connected to the corresponding pool walls of the high-temperature sterilization pool. There are two groups of vertical rods below the top plate, the connecting pipes are installed between each group of vertical rods, and the nozzles are connected to both sides of the connecting pipes; each group of vertical rods includes two vertical rods which are connected by a plurality of fixing bars; the plurality of connecting pipes are all connected to a main pipe, and the main pipe is connected to a water pump; the two ends of the lowermost connecting pipe are connected to the extension pipes at the pool walls of the high-temperature sterilization pool, and there are also a plurality of nozzles on the extension pipes; the mounting frame divides the high-temperature sterilization pool into two spaces, and each space is used to place the cage turnover device.

[0016] Preferably, the outer side of the telescopic plate is an inclined surface, and the bottom surface height gradually increases from inside to outside.

[0017] There are gaps on the outer sides of the movable plate and the telescopic plate for facilitating the installation of the linear actuator.

[0018] Preferably, there is a partition between the normal-temperature cooling pool and the ice-water cooling pool, which is also divided into two spaces.

[0019] The high-temperature sterilization pool, the normal-temperature cooling pool and the ice-water cooling pool are respectively connected to an external water pump and a water source through a plurality of pipes.

[0020] Preferably, the device body includes a bottom square frame in the shape of a Chinese character "ri", there are three side rods on the front and rear sides of the bottom square frame respectively, and the top surface of the side rods is connected with a top square frame in the shape of a Chinese character "ri"; the jacks are located on the left and right side beams of the bottom square frame and the top square frame; there is a protective net on the bottom square frame and the top square frame.

[0021] There are a plurality of through holes on the tray and the retaining strip respectively.

[0022] Preferably, the device body is matched with a trolley, the trolley includes a vehicle frame, the bottom of the vehicle frame is connected with a plurality of universal wheels, and one side of the vehicle frame is connected with a handle.

[0023] The trolley is matched with a limiting device, the limiting device is in the shape of a "凵", and there is a limiting cavity for limiting the trolley in the middle; there is a movable block that can be reset on the limiting device, and there is a stop block at the bottom end of the right side of the vehicle frame, and the stop block is matched with the movable block.

[0024] The present invention provides a sterilization and cooling method for packaged food, which adopts the above-mentioned sterilization and cooling device for packaged food and includes the following steps:

[0025] First, load the packaged food to be sterilized and cooled into the tray in the cage turnover device. After filling, insert the stop rod into the jack to fix the tray.

[0026] Second, push the cage turnover device to the limiting device through the trolley.

[0027] 3. The cage turnover device is clamped by the translating device and raised into the moving device by the lifting platform; then the cage turnover device is moved along the track to the top of the high temperature sterilization tank by the moving device, and the cage turnover device is placed on the movable plate by the lifting platform and translating device.

[0028] IV. The linear actuator controls the downward movement of the movable plate. When the movable plate enters the high-temperature sterilization tank, the telescopic plate is compressed and retracted by the tank wall. The second water passage corresponds to the first water passage. The liquid in the high-temperature sterilization tank passes through the second water passage and the first water passage, submerging the cage turnover device.

[0029] V. The translation device is reset, and the transfer to the next cage turnover device is carried out. The transfer includes:

[0030] A) Transfer the cage turnover device onto the movable plate on the high-temperature sterilization tank;

[0031] B) Transfer the cage turnover device from the movable plate to the normal temperature cooling pool; during the transfer, the linear actuator controls the movable plate to rise. When the movable plate is higher than the high temperature sterilization pool, the outer side of the telescopic plate can extend out of the installation cavity, covering the corresponding edge of the top of the high temperature sterilization pool, and the second water passage hole is staggered from the first water passage hole.

[0032] C) Transfer from the ambient temperature cooling pool to the ice water cooling pool;

[0033] D) Remove the cage turnover device from the ice water cooling pool.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0035] 1) This invention achieves fully automated and continuous production, significantly improving efficiency. The equipment integrates a complete automated system for feeding, transferring, sterilizing, cooling, and unloading. Through the coordinated operation of the track-mounted moving device, lifting platform, translation device, and grippers, the cage turnover device achieves unmanned, precise, and rapid transfer between the feeding position, high-temperature sterilization tank, ambient temperature cooling tank, ice water cooling tank, and unloading position. This completely changes the traditional intermittent operation mode, realizing continuous assembly line operation from filling to completion, significantly improving production efficiency, reducing labor intensity and labor costs, and reducing the hygiene risks from personnel contact.

[0036] 2) The centrally located mounting frame and spray nozzle system in the high-temperature sterilization tank create a strong forced turbulence, which causes the hot water in the tank to circulate at high speed and impact the cages on both sides in all directions. This effectively eliminates temperature dead zones and ensures that all packaged foods are heated evenly, resulting in consistent and reliable sterilization.

[0037] 3) The gradient cooling design of the ambient temperature pool and multi-stage ice water pool meets the requirements of food processing science, which can quickly and steadily reduce the product temperature, effectively inhibit the growth of heat-resistant bacteria, lock in the flavor, texture and nutrition of food to the greatest extent, and improve product quality.

[0038] 4) The movable plate can be used as a top baffle and also as a lifting platform for the cage turnover device, allowing the cage turnover device to be placed stably and safely into the high-temperature sterilization tank. During the lifting and lowering of the movable plate, the telescopic plate extends and retracts accordingly. When extended, it increases the baffle range; when retracted, it does not obstruct the lifting and lowering of the movable plate. The matching relationship between the second water passage and the first water passage changes accordingly, allowing for easy closing and opening. Closing prevents foreign objects from entering, while opening facilitates the passage of high-temperature liquid.

[0039] 5) The cage body adopts a frame structure with clearly defined gripping points for easy and stable gripping by the claws. The combination design of the tray with baffles, support bars, insertion holes and baffles ensures the stability of packaged food on the tray, facilitates stacking and mechanized storage and retrieval, and its through-hole structure ensures sufficient water penetration, optimizing heat exchange efficiency.

[0040] 6) The combination of the trolley and the limiting device enables the rapid and accurate positioning of the loading station, creating stable and repeatable initial conditions for automated grasping, reducing the difficulty of loading and the skill requirements for operators. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sterilization and cooling equipment in Example 1;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the lifting clamp in Example 1;

[0043] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the structure of the mobile device in Example 1;

[0044] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the structure of the first rotating rod in Example 1;

[0045] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the structure of the fifth gear in Example 1;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting platform in Example 1;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sterilization cooling tank in Example 1;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket in Example 1;

[0049] Figure 9This is an enlarged view of the structure of the first cover plate and the second cover plate in Example 1;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a top view of the high-temperature sterilization tank in Example 1;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cage turnover device in Example 1;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a right-side structural schematic diagram of the cage turnover device in Example 1;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the movable plate in Example 2;

[0054] Figure 14 This is a top view of the movable plate in Example 2;

[0055] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic plate in Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0056] To further understand the content of this invention, a detailed description of the invention will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments are merely illustrative and not limiting of the invention.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] like Figure 1-12 As shown, this embodiment provides a sterilization and cooling device, which includes a track 110, a moving device 120 above both ends of the track 110, a plurality of chains 130 on the moving device 120, a lifting platform 140 connected between the plurality of chains 130, two translation devices 150 on the lifting platform 140, and a gripper 160 below the translation device 150.

[0059] The track 110 has a series of high-temperature sterilization tanks 210, a normal temperature cooling tank 220 and a series of ice water cooling tanks 230 connected in sequence below the middle. The high-temperature sterilization tank 210 has a mounting frame 211 in the middle. The mounting frame 211 has a series of nozzles 240 that can spray to both sides. The nozzles 240 are connected to a water pump through a series of connecting pipes 250. The water pump is connected to the high-temperature sterilization tank 210.

[0060] Two wheel rails 260 are respectively provided at the top of the two side walls of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210. Each wheel rail 260 is equipped with a pulley. The pulley on one wheel rail 260 is rotatably installed on the side of the first cover plate 271, and the pulley on the other wheel rail 260 is rotatably installed on the side of the second cover plate 272. The first cover plate 271 is located above the second cover plate 272. The first cover plate 271 and the second cover plate 272 are used to cover the two spaces of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210. Sliding rods 280 are installed on both sides of the top surface of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210. Sliding sliders 281 are sleeved on the sliding rods 280 and connected to the side of the first cover plate 271.

[0061] Limiting devices 370 are provided at the bottom of both ends of the track 110. The limiting devices 370 are used to limit the trolley. The trolley is used to load the cage turnover device. The cage turnover device includes a device body 310. The device body 310 is a square frame. Multiple baffles 321 are provided on the front and rear sides of the device body 310. A support strip 322 is connected below the baffles 321. A tray 330 is supported on the corresponding support strip 322. The tray 330 is used to place packaged food. The top and bottom of the left and right sides of the device body 310 are respectively provided with insertion holes 340. A stop bar 350 is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole 340. The stop bar 350 is used to block the tray 330.

[0062] The gripper 160 can clamp the cage turnover device and transfer the cage turnover device to the corresponding high-temperature sterilization pool 210, normal temperature cooling pool 220 and ice water cooling pool 230 through the moving device 120 and the translation device 150.

[0063] The equipment in this embodiment integrates a complete automated system for feeding, transferring, sterilizing, cooling, and unloading. Through the coordinated operation of the moving device 120, lifting platform 140, translation device 150, and gripper 160 on the track 110, unmanned, precise, and rapid transfer of the cage turnover device between the feeding position, high-temperature sterilization tank 210, ambient temperature cooling tank 220, ice water cooling tank 230, and unloading position is achieved. This completely changes the traditional intermittent operation mode, realizing continuous assembly line operation from filling to completion, significantly improving production efficiency, reducing labor intensity and labor costs, and reducing the hygiene risks caused by personnel contact.

[0064] The centrally located mounting frame 211 and spray nozzles 240 spraying to both sides of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210 create a strong forced turbulence, causing the hot water in the tank to circulate at high speed and impact the cages on both sides in all directions. This effectively eliminates temperature dead zones, ensuring that all packaged foods are heated evenly and that the sterilization effect is consistent and reliable.

[0065] The first cover plate 271 and the second cover plate 272 are slidably opened and closed through the cooperation of pulleys and wheel rails 260, resulting in a stable structure and easy movement. The limiting connection between the top sliding rod 280 of the high-temperature sterilization tank and the slider 281 ensures the smooth and accurate movement of the cover plates, avoiding the problems of difficult and dangerous opening of traditional heavy-duty covers. This design greatly facilitates loading, inspection, and maintenance for operators, reducing labor intensity.

[0066] The cage body adopts a frame structure with clearly defined gripping areas, facilitating stable gripping by the gripper 160. The combined design of the tray 330 with the baffle 321, support strip 322, insertion hole 340, and stop bar 350 ensures the stability of packaged food on the tray 330 while facilitating stacking and mechanized storage and retrieval. The cooperation between the trolley and the limiting device 370 enables rapid and accurate positioning of the loading station, creating stable and repeatable initial conditions for automated gripping, reducing the difficulty of loading and the skill requirements for operators.

[0067] In this embodiment, the mobile device 120 is a cuboid frame. The top surface of the frame is provided with two mounting strips 121, and two first rotating rods 122 are provided between the two mounting strips 121. Each of the first rotating rods 122 is provided with two first gears 123, and a second gear 124 is provided below the first gear 123. A chain 130 is sleeved between the corresponding first gear 123 and second gear 124. The second gear 124 is rotatably mounted at the bottom end of the frame. Each of the two first rotating rods 122 is provided with a third gear 125, and a synchronization chain 126 is sleeved between the two third gears 125. One of the first rotating rods 122 is provided with a fourth gear 127, which is connected to a first motor 129 through a drive chain 128. The first motor 129 is mounted on the corresponding mounting strip 121.

[0068] The mobile device 120 uses a first motor 129 to drive two first rotating rods 122 via a synchronous chain 126, ensuring the synchronous operation of all chains 130 and keeping the lifting platform level. The first motor 129 drives the fourth gear 127 to rotate via a drive chain 128, causing one of the first rotating rods 122 to rotate accordingly, while the other first rotating rod 122 rotates synchronously under the action of the synchronous chain 126. The rotation of the first rotating rod 122 drives the first gear 123 to rotate, thus causing the chains 130 to rotate.

[0069] In this embodiment, the track 110 includes two guide rails 111. A toothed belt 112 is provided on the inner side of one guide rail 111. The toothed belt 112 is engaged with a fifth gear 113. The fifth gear 113 is located at the end of a rotating rod 114. The rotating rod 114 is rotatably mounted on the moving device 120. The rotating rod 114 is driven to rotate by a second motor. The second motor is located in a motor box 115. The motor box 115 is mounted on the moving device 120.

[0070] The track 100 uses a second motor to drive the fifth gear 113, which meshes with the toothed belt 112. This method ensures precise transmission and strong load-bearing capacity. This centralized drive and mechanical synchronization method results in a compact structure, simple control, reliable operation, and improved overall work efficiency.

[0071] The lifting platform 140 has two independently installed translation devices 150, which can drive the gripper 160 to move precisely horizontally through their respective screw and nut mechanisms, thereby enabling the gripper 160 to grasp.

[0072] In this embodiment, the lifting platform 140 is provided with a plurality of connecting plates 141, and the connecting plates 141 are connected to the corresponding chains 130;

[0073] The translation device 150 includes a movable plate 151, a mounting block 152 connected below the movable plate 151, a lead screw nut 153 provided in the mounting block 152, a lead screw 154 cooperating with the lead screw nut 153, the lead screw 154 being driven to rotate by a third motor 155, the third motor 155 being mounted on the translation device 150; and locking blocks 156 provided at both ends of the movable plate 151, the locking blocks 156 cooperating with slide rails 157, the slide rails 157 being mounted on the translation device 150.

[0074] Multiple support pillars 170 are provided below the track 110 for support on the ground.

[0075] In this embodiment, the mounting frame 211 includes a top plate 2111, with both ends of the top plate 2111 connected to the corresponding pool wall of the high-temperature sterilization pool 210. Two sets of vertical rods 2112 are provided below the top plate 2111, and connecting pipes 250 are installed between each set of vertical rods 2112. Spray nozzles 240 are connected to both sides of the connecting pipes 250. Each set of vertical rods 2112 includes two vertical rods 2112, which are connected to each other by multiple fixing strips 2113. The multiple connecting pipes 250 are all connected to a main pipe 251, which is connected to a water pump. The two ends of the lowest connecting pipe 250 are connected to an extension pipe 252 at the pool wall of the high-temperature sterilization pool 210, and the extension pipe 252 is provided with multiple other spray nozzles 240. The mounting frame 211 divides the high-temperature sterilization pool 210 into two spaces, each space being used to place the cage turnover device.

[0076] The arrangement of the top plate 2111 and the vertical rod 2112 makes the positions of the connecting pipe 250 and the nozzle 240 very stable. The fixing strip 2113 can enhance the stability of the vertical rod 2112. The nozzle 240 is connected to the main pipe 251 and the water pump through the connecting pipe 250, forming a centralized water supply circulation system with a clear and reasonable pipeline layout. The arrangement of the extension pipe 252 and the additional nozzle 240 further eliminates the dead corners of the water flow in the pool. The connection of the entire water circuit system to the external water source and the water pump is standardized, facilitating automatic temperature control, water replenishment, and system cleaning and maintenance, improving the overall reliability and maintainability of the equipment.

[0077] The mounting frame 211 divides the high-temperature sterilization pool 210 into two independent spaces, and each space can accommodate a cage turnover device. This design enables a single pool to process two batches of materials simultaneously, effectively increasing the single-treatment capacity and space utilization rate without increasing the floor area of the equipment.

[0078] Multiple anti-collision strips 290 are respectively provided in the high-temperature sterilization pool 210, the normal-temperature cooling pool 220, and the ice-water cooling pool 230. There is a partition strip between the normal-temperature cooling pool 220 and the ice-water cooling pool 230, which is also divided into two spaces;

[0079] The high-temperature sterilization pool 210, the normal-temperature cooling pool 220, and the ice-water cooling pool 230 are respectively connected to an external water pump and a water source through multiple pipes.

[0080] The anti-collision strips 290 provided in the pool body can effectively buffer the collision of the cage turnover device during movement and placement, prevent food packaging (such as soft packaging bags, plastic boxes, etc.) from being damaged due to mechanical impact, and reduce the product loss rate.

[0081] The device body 310 includes a bottom square frame 311 in the shape of a Chinese character "ri", with three side rods 312 provided on the front and rear sides of the bottom square frame 311 respectively. The top surface of the side rod 312 is connected to a top square frame 313 in the shape of a Chinese character "ri"; the jacks 340 are located on the left and right side frame beams of the bottom square frame 311 and the top square frame 313; protective nets 314 are provided on the bottom square frame 311 and the top square frame 313;

[0082] Multiple through holes are respectively provided on the tray 330 and the stop strip 321.

[0083] The device body adopts a frame design with a bottom square frame 311 and a top square frame 313 in the shape of a Chinese character "ri" cooperating with the side rods 312. While ensuring the overall structural rigidity and bearing capacity, it achieves lightweight, facilitating manual or mechanical handling. This structural form is also easy to clean without sanitary dead corners, meeting the hygiene requirements of food production equipment.

[0084] Both the tray 330 and the baffle 321 are designed with numerous through holes, and a protective mesh 314 is installed on the frame instead of a solid plate, forming a fully permeable structure. This design greatly reduces the resistance and dead zones of the heat medium (steam or hot water) circulation, ensuring that heat can quickly and evenly penetrate the food packaging on each layer of the tray 330 within the device during the sterilization process, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency and consistency of the effect.

[0085] The device body 310 is equipped with a trolley, which includes a frame 361, a number of casters 362 connected to the bottom of the frame 361, and a handle 363 connected to one side of the frame 361.

[0086] The trolley is equipped with a limiting device 370, which is U-shaped and has a limiting cavity 371 in the middle for limiting the trolley. The limiting device 370 is equipped with a movable block 372 that can be reset, and a stop block 364 is provided at the bottom right side of the trolley frame 361. The stop block 364 cooperates with the movable block 372.

[0087] The device body 310 can be easily placed on a trolley for transfer. The limiting device 370 enables the trolley to be quickly and accurately positioned and locked at a designated location, improving turnover efficiency.

[0088] Example 2

[0089] like Figure 13-15 As shown, this embodiment provides a sterilization and cooling device for packaged food, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that:

[0090] Both the first cover plate 271 and the second cover plate 272 are movable plates 410. Multiple vertical linear actuators 420 are respectively installed on both sides of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210. The linear actuators 420 are connected to the movable plates 410 and can drive the movable plates 410 to move up and down, moving them to the bottom of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210. The linear actuators 420 are common devices and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0091] The movable plate 410 is provided with multiple first water passage holes 411. The movable plate 410 has two symmetrical mounting cavities 430. The outer side of the mounting cavity 430 is open. The mounting cavity 430 is provided with a telescopic plate 440. The inner side of the telescopic plate 440 is connected to the inner side of the mounting cavity 430 by multiple springs 450. The telescopic plate 440 is provided with multiple second water passage holes 441. When the movable plate 410 is higher than the high temperature sterilization tank 210, the outer side of the telescopic plate 440 can extend out of the mounting cavity 430 and cover the corresponding edge of the top of the high temperature sterilization tank 210. The second water passage holes 441 are staggered from the first water passage holes 411. When the movable plate 410 enters the high temperature sterilization tank 210, the telescopic plate 440 is compressed by the tank wall of the high temperature sterilization tank 210 and retracts. The second water passage holes 441 are vertically aligned with the first water passage holes 411.

[0092] The outer side of the telescopic plate 440 is sloping, and the height of the bottom surface gradually increases from the inside to the outside.

[0093] When the movable plate 410 is higher than the top edge of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210, the telescopic plate 440 is in the extended state, covering the corresponding edge of the top of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210. The second water passage 441 is offset from the first water passage 411, thus the movable plate 410 can effectively block foreign objects. Both the movable plate 410 and the telescopic plate 440 have notches on their outer sides to facilitate the installation of the linear actuator 420.

[0094] When the cage turnover device is placed on the movable plate 410, the linear actuator 420 drives the movable plate 410 to move downward. At this time, the outer side of the telescopic plate 440 gradually enters the high-temperature sterilization tank 210 and is compressed by the tank wall of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210. The telescopic plate 440 becomes a contracted state, and the second water passage 441 can correspond vertically with the first water passage 411. The liquid in the high-temperature sterilization tank 210 can pass through the second water passage 441 and the first water passage 411, thereby quickly submerging the cage turnover device.

[0095] In this embodiment, the movable plate 410 can be used as a top baffle and also as a lifting platform for the cage turnover device, enabling the cage turnover device to be stably and safely placed into the high-temperature sterilization tank 210. During the lifting and lowering of the movable plate 410, the telescopic plate 440 can extend and retract accordingly. When extended, it increases the baffle range; when retracted, it does not obstruct the lifting and lowering of the movable plate 410. The matching relationship between the second water passage 441 and the first water passage 411 changes accordingly, allowing for convenient closing and opening. Closing prevents foreign objects from entering, while opening facilitates the passage of high-temperature liquid.

[0096] It should be noted that the installation position of the internal components of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210 should not obstruct the raising and lowering of the movable plate 410. Those skilled in the art can make adaptive adjustments according to the actual situation.

[0097] This embodiment also provides a sterilization and cooling method for packaged food, which employs the above-mentioned sterilization and cooling device for packaged food and includes the following steps:

[0098] 1. Place the packaged food to be sterilized and cooled into the tray 330 in the cage turnover device. After filling, insert the baffle 350 into the socket 340 to fix the tray 330.

[0099] 2. The cage turnover device is pushed to the limit device 370 by a trolley;

[0100] 3. The cage turnover device is clamped by the claw 160 through the translation device 150, and the cage turnover device is raised into the moving device 120 through the lifting platform 140; then the cage turnover device is moved to the top of the high temperature sterilization tank 210 through the moving device 120 along the track 110, and the cage turnover device is placed on the movable plate 410 through the lifting platform 140 and the translation device 150.

[0101] Fourth, the linear actuator 420 controls the movable plate 410 to descend. When the movable plate 410 enters the high-temperature sterilization tank 210, the telescopic plate 440 is compressed by the tank wall of the high-temperature sterilization tank 210 and retracts. The second water passage 441 corresponds to the first water passage 411. The liquid in the high-temperature sterilization tank 210 passes through the second water passage 441 and the first water passage 411, submerging the cage turnover device.

[0102] V. The translation device 150 is reset, and the transfer to the next cage turnover device is carried out. The transfer includes:

[0103] A) Transfer the cage turnover device onto the movable plate 410 on the high-temperature sterilization tank 210;

[0104] B) Transfer the cage turnover device from the movable plate 410 to the ambient temperature cooling pool 220; during the transfer, the linear actuator 420 controls the movable plate 410 to rise. When the movable plate 410 is higher than the high temperature sterilization pool 210, the outer side of the telescopic plate 440 can extend out of the mounting cavity 430, covering the corresponding edge of the top of the high temperature sterilization pool 210, and the second water passage 441 is staggered from the first water passage 411.

[0105] C) Transfer from ambient temperature cooling pool 220 to ice water cooling pool 230;

[0106] D) Remove the cage turnover device from the ice water cooling pool 230.

[0107] This method is very convenient.

[0108] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sterilization and cooling device for packaged food, characterized in that: Includes a track (110), with a moving device (120) above both ends of the track (110), and multiple chains (130) on the moving device (120). A lifting platform (140) is connected between the multiple chains (130), and two translation devices (150) are provided on the lifting platform (140). A gripper (160) is provided below the translation device (150). The track (110) has a series of high-temperature sterilization tanks (210), a normal temperature cooling tank (220) and a series of ice water cooling tanks (230) connected in sequence below the middle. The high-temperature sterilization tank (210) has a mounting frame (211) in the middle. The mounting frame (211) has a series of nozzles (240) that can spray to both sides. The nozzles (240) are connected to the water pump through a series of connecting pipes (250). The water pump is connected to the high-temperature sterilization tank (210). Multiple vertical linear actuators (420) are respectively installed on the two sides of the high-temperature sterilization tank (210). A movable plate (410) is provided between the corresponding linear actuators (420). The linear actuators (420) can drive the movable plate (410) to move up and down. Multiple first water passage holes (411) are provided on the movable plate (410). Two symmetrical mounting cavities (430) are provided inside the movable plate (410). The outer side of the mounting cavity (430) is open. A telescopic plate (440) is provided inside the mounting cavity (430). The inner side of the telescopic plate (440) communicates with the inner side of the mounting cavity (430). The telescopic plate (440) is connected by multiple springs (450) and has multiple second water passage holes (441). When the movable plate (410) is higher than the high-temperature sterilization tank (210), the outer side of the telescopic plate (440) can extend out of the mounting cavity (430) and cover the corresponding edge of the top of the high-temperature sterilization tank (210), and the second water passage holes (441) are staggered from the first water passage hole (411) vertically. When the movable plate (410) enters the high-temperature sterilization tank (210), the telescopic plate (440) retracts, and the second water passage holes (441) correspond vertically to the first water passage hole (411). Limiting devices (370) are provided at the bottom of both ends of the track (110). The limiting devices (370) are used to limit the trolley. The trolley is used to load the cage turnover device. The cage turnover device includes a device body (310). The device body (310) is a square frame. Multiple baffles (321) are provided on the front and rear sides of the device body (310). A support strip (322) is connected below the baffle (321). A tray (330) is supported on the corresponding support strip (322). The tray (330) is used to place packaged food. The top and bottom of the left and right sides of the device body (310) are respectively provided with insertion holes (340). A stop bar (350) is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole (340). The stop bar (350) is used to block the tray (330). The gripper (160) can clamp the cage turnover device and transfer the cage turnover device to the corresponding high temperature sterilization pool (210), normal temperature cooling pool (220) and ice water cooling pool (230) through the moving device (120) and the translation device (150).

2. The sterilization and cooling device for packaged food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mobile device (120) is a cuboid frame with two mounting strips (121) on the top surface of the frame. Two first rotating rods (122) are located between the two mounting strips (121). Each first rotating rod (122) is equipped with two first gears (123). A second gear (124) is located below the first gear (123). A chain (130) is fitted between the corresponding first gear (123) and second gear (124). The second gear (124) is rotatably mounted at the bottom of the frame. Each of the two first rotating rods (122) is equipped with a third gear (125). A synchronous chain (126) is fitted between the two third gears (125). A fourth gear (127) is located on one of the first rotating rods (122). The fourth gear (127) is connected to a first motor (129) through a drive chain (128). The first motor (129) is mounted on the corresponding mounting strip (121).

3. A sterilization and cooling device for packaged food according to claim 2, characterized in that: The track (110) includes two guide rails (111). One guide rail (111) has a toothed belt (112) on its inner side. The toothed belt (112) is engaged with a fifth gear (113). The fifth gear (113) is located at the end of a rotating rod (114). The rotating rod (114) is rotatably mounted on the moving device (120). The rotating rod (114) is driven to rotate by a second motor. The second motor is located in a motor box (115). The motor box (115) is mounted on the moving device (120).

4. A sterilization and cooling device for packaged food according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting platform (140) is provided with multiple connecting plates (141), and the connecting plates (141) are connected to the corresponding chains (130); The translation device (150) includes a movable plate (151), a mounting block (152) connected below the movable plate (151), a lead screw nut (153) provided in the mounting block (152), a lead screw (154) cooperating with the lead screw nut (153), the lead screw (154) being driven to rotate by a third motor (155), the third motor (155) being mounted on the translation device (150); the movable plate (151) has locking blocks (156) at both ends, the locking blocks (156) cooperating with slide rails (157), the slide rails (157) being mounted on the translation device (150); Multiple supports (170) are provided below the track (110) for support on the ground.

5. A sterilization and cooling device for packaged food according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting frame (211) includes a top plate (2111), the two ends of the top plate (2111) are connected to the corresponding pool walls of the high-temperature sterilization pool (210), two groups of vertical rods (2112) are provided below the top plate (2111), the connecting pipes (250) are installed between each group of vertical rods (2112), and the spray heads (240) are connected to both sides of the connecting pipes (250); each group of vertical rods (2112) includes two vertical rods (2112), and the two vertical rods (2112) are connected by a plurality of fixing strips (2113); the plurality of connecting pipes (250) are all connected to a main pipe (251), and the main pipe (251) is connected to a water pump; the two ends of the lowermost connecting pipe (250) are connected to the extension pipes (252) at the pool walls of the high-temperature sterilization pool (210), and a plurality of additional spray heads (240) are provided on the extension pipes (252); the mounting frame (211) divides the high-temperature sterilization pool (210) into two spaces, and each space is used to place the cage turnover device.

6. A sterilization and cooling device for packaged food according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer side of the telescopic plate (440) is an inclined surface, and the bottom surface height gradually increases from inside to outside. Notches for facilitating the installation of the linear actuator (420) are provided on the outer sides of the movable plate (410) and the telescopic plate (440).

7. A sterilization and cooling device for packaged food according to claim 6, characterized in that: There is a partition strip in the middle of the normal temperature cooling pool (220) and the ice water cooling pool (230), which is also divided into two spaces. The high-temperature sterilization pool (21), the normal temperature cooling pool (220), and the ice water cooling pool (230) are respectively connected to an external water pump and a water source through a plurality of pipes.

8. A sterilization and cooling device for packaged food according to claim 7, characterized in that: The device body (310) includes a bottom square frame (311) in the shape of a Chinese character "ri", three side rods (312) are provided on the front and rear sides of the bottom square frame (311), and a top square frame (313) in the shape of a Chinese character "ri" is connected to the top surfaces of the side rods (312); the jacks (340) are located on the left and right side beams of the bottom square frame (311) and the top square frame (313); protective nets (314) are provided on the bottom square frame (311) and the top square frame (313). A plurality of through holes are provided on the tray (330) and the stop bar (321) respectively.

9. A sterilization and cooling device for packaged food according to claim 8, characterized in that: The device body (310) is matched with a trolley, the trolley includes a vehicle frame (361), a plurality of universal wheels (362) are connected to the bottom of the vehicle frame (361), and a handle (363) is connected to one side of the vehicle frame (361). The trolley is matched with a limiting device (370), the limiting device (370) is in a U shape, and a limiting cavity (371) for limiting the trolley is provided in the middle; a movable block (372) that can be reset is provided on the limiting device (370), and a stop block (364) is provided at the bottom end on the right side of the vehicle frame (361), and the stop block (364) is matched with the movable block (372).

10. A method for sterilizing and cooling packaged food, characterized in that: It adopts a sterilization and cooling device for packaging food as described in any one of claims 1-9, and includes the following steps:

1. Load the packaged food to be sterilized and cooled into the tray (330) in the cage turnover device. After filling, insert the stop rod (350) into the jack (340) to fix the tray (330).

2. Push the cage turnover device to the limiting device (370) through the trolley.

3. The cage turnover device is clamped by the gripper (160) through the translation device (150), and the cage turnover device is raised into the moving device (120) through the lifting platform (140); then the cage turnover device is moved to the top of the high temperature sterilization tank (210) through the moving device (120) along the track (110), and the cage turnover device is placed on the movable plate (410) through the lifting platform (140) and the translation device (150); 4. The linear actuator (420) controls the movable plate (410) to descend. When the movable plate (410) enters the high-temperature sterilization tank (210), the telescopic plate (440) is compressed and retracted by the tank wall of the high-temperature sterilization tank (210). The second water passage (441) corresponds to the first water passage (411) vertically. The liquid in the high-temperature sterilization tank (210) passes through the second water passage (441) and the first water passage (411) and submerges the cage turnover device. V. The translation device (150) is reset, and the next cage turnover device is transferred. The transfer includes: A) Transfer the cage turnover device onto the movable plate (410) on the high-temperature sterilization tank (210); B) Transfer the cage turnover device from the movable plate (410) to the ambient temperature cooling pool (220); during the transfer, the linear actuator (420) controls the movable plate (410) to rise. When the movable plate (410) is higher than the high temperature sterilization pool (210), the outer side of the telescopic plate (440) can extend out of the mounting cavity (430) and cover the edge corresponding to the top of the high temperature sterilization pool (210), and the second water passage (441) is staggered from the first water passage (411) vertically. C) Transfer from the ambient temperature cooling pool (220) to the ice water cooling pool (230); D) Remove the cage turnover device from the ice water cooling pool (230).

Images