Continuous ultrahigh-pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system and sterilization method

Abstract

The continuous ultrahigh-pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system comprises a sterilization tank, a closed ultrahigh-pressure sterilization cavity is formed in the sterilization tank, the ultrahigh-pressure sterilization cavity is used for containing a liquid pressure transmission medium, a pressurization assembly is arranged on the sterilization tank, a plugging assembly is arranged at an opening in the sterilization tank, and the pressurization assembly is connected with the pressurization assembly. The plugging assembly and the ultrahigh-pressure liquid pressure transmitting medium in the ultrahigh-pressure sterilization cavity form pressure linkage, the plugging assembly realizes self-sealing through the pressure linkage of the ultrahigh-pressure liquid pressure transmitting medium, and the hydraulic / pneumatic assembly does not need to continuously output extrusion force; a servo gear motor of the pressurization assembly has a brake function, a threaded rod is locked after pressurization is in place, and continuous power supply and pressure maintaining are not needed; the drainage assembly achieves pressure self-enhancement plugging through a hopper-shaped structure, the three components cooperate to achieve continuous-power-free long-acting pressure maintaining, and the core pain point that energy consumption of existing equipment is high is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food sterilization equipment and process technology, specifically to a continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization system and sterilization method for tea beverages. Background Technology

[0002] High-pressure cold sterilization (HPP) technology, which eliminates the need for high-temperature heating and preserves the flavor, nutrients, and active substances of materials, has become a core technology for high-end food processing such as tea, tea beverages, fruit and vegetable juices, and meat products. Its core technology involves creating an ultra-high-pressure environment of 100-600 MPa within a sealed chamber. This high pressure disrupts the cell membranes and enzyme structures of microorganisms, achieving sterilization and preservation. The sealing and pressure-holding performance of the equipment directly determines the sterilization effect and material quality. Tea and tea beverages, in particular, have stringent requirements for pressure stability; pressure fluctuations can easily lead to the loss of active ingredients such as tea polyphenols and theanine, resulting in flavor degradation. Therefore, maintaining pressure for extended periods without continuous power under ultra-high pressure is a long-term technological goal pursued by the industry.

[0003] Existing HPP ultra-high pressure sterilizers all use a linear compression structure for sealing and pressure maintenance. This technology is the mainstream solution in the industry, but its working logic has inherent flaws. It relies on a continuous supply of pressurized power to maintain the sealing effect. Existing equipment uses hydraulic or pneumatic components to continuously output extrusion force, pushing the sealing column to linearly compress the opening end of the sterilization tank to achieve a seal. The sealing effect is entirely dependent on continuous external force. Without continuous pressurized power, the pressure will quickly depressurize, resulting in high energy consumption. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of HPP ultra-high pressure sterilizer that does not require continuous pressurized power and can maintain stable pressure for a long time, breaking through the existing technological framework. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization system and method for tea beverages, aiming to solve the technical problem of high energy consumption during continuous pressurization in existing HPP sterilization equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system, which includes a sterilization tank. The side wall of the sterilization tank is provided with an opening for material to enter and exit. The sterilization tank forms a closed ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber inside. The ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber is used to contain liquid pressure transmission medium, and the overall pressure resistance of the sterilization tank is not less than 600 MPa. The sterilization tank is equipped with a pressurization component, which is connected to the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and is used to pressurize and squeeze the liquid pressure transmission medium in the chamber, so that the liquid pressure transmission medium in the normal pressure state is converted into the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium. The opening inside the sterilization tank is equipped with a sealing component. The sealing component is pressure-linked with the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber. The pressure of the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium drives the sealing component to squeeze and seal the opening, so that the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber forms a completely sealed high-pressure environment to achieve ultra-high pressure cold sterilization of tea beverages.

[0006] Preferably, the sealing assembly includes a sealing door located inside the sterilization tank for sealing the opening. A rotating shaft component, rotatably connected to the inside of the sterilization tank, is provided on the side of the sealing door closest to the inside of the sterilization tank. The rotating shaft component includes a shaft vertically disposed inside the sterilization tank, with its two ends rotatably connected to the top and bottom walls of the sterilization tank, respectively. The shaft is located on the side of the sealing door closest to the inside of the sterilization tank and close to the side wall of the sterilization tank. A plurality of sliding holes are formed by a transverse recess on the side of the shaft closest to the sealing door. A sliding rod is slidably disposed within each sliding hole. The side of the sliding rod opposite to the shaft is connected to the sterilization tank. A sealing retaining ring is provided around the opening, which blocks the sealing door and engages with it to create a sealed space inside the sterilization tank. The sealing ring is surrounded by a first annular electromagnet on one side near the inside of the sterilization tank. The sealing door is equipped with a second annular electromagnet for engaging with the first annular electromagnet. The sealing door has a sealing ring on its door panel, which is located outside the second annular electromagnet. The bottom of the sealing door is equipped with a support wheel for supporting the sealing door.

[0007] Preferably, the pressurizing assembly includes a receiving cylinder vertically disposed on the top of the sterilization tank, the opening of the receiving cylinder facing the sterilization tank and communicating with the interior of the sterilization tank. A piston with an interference fit to the inner wall of the receiving cylinder is slidably disposed inside the receiving cylinder. A sealing ring that mates with the cylinder wall is fitted on the piston. A horizontal plate is fixedly disposed horizontally inside the receiving cylinder. The horizontal plate is located on the side of the piston away from the sterilization tank. A threaded rod is longitudinally passed through the horizontal plate. The extension direction of the threaded rod is the same as the extension direction of the receiving cylinder. The threaded rod is threadedly engaged with the horizontal plate. A servo geared motor for driving the threaded rod to rotate is connected to the threaded rod. The servo geared motor has a brake function. A push plate is rotatably connected to the end of the threaded rod near the sterilization tank. Slider blocks are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the push plate. A groove for sliding the slider is formed by a recess in the inner wall of the receiving cylinder. The extension direction of the groove is the same as the extension direction of the receiving cylinder. The side of the push plate away from the threaded rod is connected to the piston through a push rod. The receiving cylinder has a water inlet and an overflow hole formed horizontally through both sides. The water inlet is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the overflow hole is connected to an overflow pipe. A liquid sensor is installed inside the overflow hole, and the liquid sensor is linked to a servo reduction motor.

[0008] Preferably, the sterilization tank has a drainage component at the bottom, and a drainage hole is formed through the bottom wall of the sterilization tank. The diameter of the drainage hole is a funnel shape that gradually decreases towards the side away from the interior of the sterilization tank. The drainage component includes a plug that is slidably disposed in the drainage hole and matches the diameter of the drainage hole. A rubber ring is fitted on the outer wall of the plug, and the rubber ring is located between the plug and the drainage hole. A drainage cylinder is provided on the outer wall of the sterilization tank, and the drainage cylinder surrounds the plug. A drain pipe is connected to the end of the drainage cylinder away from the sterilization tank. One end of the plug extends to the outer wall of the sterilization tank. The outer wall of the sterilization tank is provided with a drainage component for moving the plug towards the interior of the sterilization tank so that the plug is released from the closed state of the drainage hole.

[0009] Preferably, the inner bottom wall of the sterilization tank is provided with a support platform that can slide axially. The support platform is used to support the tea beverage material to be sterilized. A positioning bolt is provided on the side near the opening. The positioning bolt and the positioning hole are pre-set in the bottom wall of the sterilization tank to form a pluggable fit. When the side of the support platform facing away from the opening abuts against the inner end wall of the sterilization tank, the positioning bolt is inserted into the positioning hole to realize the axial positioning of the support platform.

[0010] Preferably, the drainage component includes a support plate laterally disposed at the end of the blockage extending out of the sterilization tank. Multiple guide rods are evenly arranged around the outside of the support plate, with the extension direction of the guide rods being the same as the sliding direction of the blockage. One end of each guide rod is fixed to the outer wall of the sterilization tank, and the other end passes through the support plate and is slidably connected to it. A spring is fitted on the guide rod to move the support plate toward the side away from the sterilization tank. A waterproof cover is provided on the side of the support plate away from the blockage. A hydraulic rod is provided on the side of the waterproof cover away from the support plate. The hydraulic rod is connected to the waterproof cover, and the waterproof cover is connected to the drainage cylinder. The output shaft of the hydraulic rod passes through the waterproof cover and is connected to the support plate. A waterproof ring is provided at the through-connection between the output shaft of the hydraulic rod and the waterproof cover.

[0011] Preferably, the upper wall of the overflow hole is lower than the lower wall of the inlet hole and they are on the same extension line.

[0012] Preferably, the length of the push rod plus the thickness of the push plate is equal to the length of the slide groove.

[0013] Preferably, a baffle plate is provided on the side of the piston away from the threaded rod, and the baffle plate is used to prevent the water flow from the inlet from rushing directly into the overflow hole.

[0014] This invention also proposes a continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization method for tea beverages, employing any one of the aforementioned continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization systems for tea beverages. The continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization method for tea beverages includes the following steps: S1: Material Placement and Positioning Place the tea beverage material to be sterilized on the support platform inside the sterilization tank, and push the support platform to move away from the opening along the axial direction of the sterilization tank until the support platform abuts against the inner end wall of the sterilization tank. At this time, the positioning bolt is inserted into the preset positioning hole to achieve axial positioning of the support platform and avoid interference between the material and the sealing door. S2: Sealing gate closure and sealing Pull the sealing door to rotate toward the opening with the shaft as the axis until the sealing door panel is parallel to the opening and abuts against the sealing ring. At this time, the shaft stops rotating, and the first and second annular electromagnets are energized. The two attract and cooperate to drive the sealing door to a tight abutment against the sealing ring. The sealing ring fits and seals against the sealing ring. At the same time, the slide rod extends out from the sliding hole of the shaft. After the pressure in the sterilization tank reaches the preset value, the first and second annular electromagnets are de-energized. S3: Pressure transmission medium injection Liquid pressure-transmitting medium is injected into the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and the receiving cylinder of the sterilization tank through the water inlet pipe and water inlet hole. When the liquid sensor in the overflow hole detects the overflow of the medium, it triggers the servo reduction motor to standby and stops the injection of the medium, ensuring that the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and the receiving cylinder are filled with pressure-transmitting medium. S4: Ultra-high pressure sterilization The servo geared motor is started, which drives the threaded rod to rotate. The push plate moves axially along the receiving cylinder under the guidance and limiting action of the slider and the slide groove. The push rod pushes the piston towards the sterilization tank to squeeze the pressure transmission medium, so that the pressure of the medium in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber reaches the threshold. The servo geared motor maintains the pressure through the brake function, and the tea beverage is cold sterilized by the ultra-high pressure environment. S5: Pressure relief and leak prevention drainage After cold sterilization is completed, the servo geared motor is started to reverse, which drives the threaded rod to rotate in the opposite direction. Under the guidance and limiting action of the slider and the slide groove, the push plate moves away from the sterilization tank along the axial direction of the receiving cylinder. The push rod drives the piston away from the sterilization tank, so that the pressure in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber gradually returns to the normal pressure state. A pressure detection unit is set up to monitor the pressure inside the sterilization tank in real time. When the pressure is detected to be lower than the preset safety threshold, the first and second annular electromagnets are energized. The electromagnetic attraction strengthens the sealing effect between the sealing door and the sealing ring, preventing residual pressure transmission medium from flowing out from the opening. Then the hydraulic rod of the drainage component is activated. The output shaft of the hydraulic rod pushes the support plate to move along the guide rod toward the sterilization tank, causing the blockage to disengage from the drainage hole. The residual pressure transmission medium is discharged through the bucket-shaped drainage hole, drainage cylinder, and drainage pipe. S6: Material Removal After drainage is completed, disconnect the power supply to the first and second annular electromagnets to release the electromagnetic adsorption state, rotate the sealing door in the opposite direction to open the opening, pull out the positioning bolt, push the support platform toward the opening, and take out the sterilized tea beverage material to complete the single cold sterilization process.

[0015] In the technical solution of this invention, the sealing component achieves self-sealing through pressure linkage of the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium, eliminating the need for continuous output of extrusion pressure from hydraulic / pneumatic components; the servo reduction motor of the pressurizing component has a brake function, locking the threaded rod after pressurization, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to maintain pressure; the drainage component achieves pressure self-reinforcing sealing through a bucket-shaped structure. The three components work together to achieve "long-term pressure maintenance without continuous power," solving the core pain point of high energy consumption in existing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing component structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pressurization component structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage component structure of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Sterilization tank; 1a. Opening; 2. Sealing assembly; 21. Shaft; 21a. Sliding hole; 22. Sliding rod; 23. Sealing door; 24. First annular electromagnet; 25. Second annular electromagnet; 26. Sealing ring; 27. Support wheel; 28. Sealing retaining ring; 3. Pressurization assembly; 31. Receiving cylinder; 31a. Water inlet; 31b. Overflow hole; 31c. Slide groove; 32. Horizontal plate; 33. Threaded rod; 34. Servo geared motor; 35. Push plate; 36. Push rod; 37. Water baffle; 38. Piston; 39. Sliding block; 4. Support platform; 5. Drainage assembly; 51. Block; 52. Drainage cylinder; 53. Drainage pipe; 54. Support plate; 55. Spring; 56. Guide rod; 57. Waterproof cover; 58. Hydraulic rod.

[0019] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0022] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0025] This invention proposes a continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization system and sterilization method for tea beverages.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system includes a sterilization tank 1. The side wall of the sterilization tank 1 is provided with an opening 1a for material to enter and exit. The sterilization tank 1 forms a closed ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber inside. The ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber is used to contain liquid pressure transmission medium, and the overall pressure resistance of the sterilization tank 1 is not less than 600MPa. The sterilization tank 1 is equipped with a pressurizing component 3, which is connected to the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and is used to pressurize and squeeze the liquid pressure transmission medium in the chamber, so that the liquid pressure transmission medium in the normal pressure state is converted into an ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium. The sterilization tank 1 is equipped with a sealing component 2 at the opening 1a. The sealing component 2 forms a pressure linkage with the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber. The pressure of the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium drives the sealing component 2 to squeeze and seal the opening 1a, so that the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber forms a completely sealed high-pressure environment to achieve ultra-high pressure cold sterilization of tea beverages.

[0027] In the technical solution of this invention, the sealing component 2 achieves self-sealing through pressure linkage of the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium, without the need for continuous output of extrusion pressure from hydraulic / pneumatic components; the servo reduction motor 34 of the pressurizing component 3 has a brake function, locking the threaded rod 33 after pressurization, without the need for continuous power supply to maintain pressure; the drainage component 5 achieves pressure self-reinforcing sealing through a bucket-shaped structure. The three components work together to achieve "long-term pressure maintenance without continuous power", solving the core pain point of high energy consumption in existing equipment.

[0028] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 2 The sealing assembly 2 includes a sealing door 23 located inside the sterilization tank 1 for sealing the opening 1a. The sealing door 23 has a rotating shaft component rotatably connected to the inside of the sterilization tank 1 on its side near the inside of the sterilization tank 1. The rotating shaft component includes a shaft 21 vertically arranged inside the sterilization tank 1. The two ends of the shaft 21 are rotatably connected to the top wall and bottom wall of the sterilization tank 1, respectively. The shaft 21 is located on the side of the sealing door 23 near the inside of the sterilization tank 1 and near the side wall of the sterilization tank 1. The side of the shaft 21 near the sealing door 23 has a horizontal recess forming a plurality of sliding holes 21a. A sliding rod 22 is slidably arranged in each sliding hole 21a. The side of the sliding rod 22 away from the shaft 21 is connected to the sterilization tank 1. A sealing retaining ring 28 is arranged around the opening 1a. The sealing retaining ring 28 is used to block the sealing door 23 and cooperates with the sealing door 23 to form a sealed space inside the sterilization tank 1. The sealing ring 28 is surrounded by a first annular electromagnet 24 on one side near the inside of the sterilization tank 1. The sealing door 23 is equipped with a second annular electromagnet 25 for engaging with the first annular electromagnet 24. The sealing door 23 has a sealing ring 26 on its door panel, which is located outside the second annular electromagnet 25. The bottom of the sealing door 23 is equipped with a support wheel 27 for supporting the sealing door 23.

[0029] The sealing door 23 is opened / closed by rotating the shaft component. The bottom support wheel 27 reduces sliding friction. The sliding cooperation between the slide rod 22 and the slide hole 21a limits the excessive rotation of the shaft, so that the sealing door 23 can accurately fit the opening 1a. This solves the problems of complex operation and inaccurate positioning of the existing linear extrusion sealing method and reduces the difficulty of equipment operation. The sealing ring 28 and the sealing ring 26 form a mechanical seal, and the first annular electromagnet 24 and the second annular electromagnet 25 form an electromagnetic auxiliary seal. The dual structure enhances the airtightness under ultra-high pressure environment, avoids leakage of high pressure medium, and further ensures pressure holding stability. The electromagnet is energized only during the door closing and positioning phase to attract the magnet. Once the pressure inside the sterilization tank 1 reaches the preset value, the power is cut off. The ultra-high pressure medium continuously presses and seals the door 23, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to maintain the seal and avoiding unnecessary energy waste. This aligns with the industry's technical goal of "no continuous power required." The sealing ring 26 is located outside the second annular electromagnet 25, which can prevent the ultra-high pressure medium from directly contacting the electromagnet, avoid the corrosion of the electromagnetic components by high pressure, and extend the service life of the sealing component 2; the cooperation between the slide rod 22 and the slide hole 21a also shares the force of the sealing door 23, reduces the wear of the sealing ring 26, and improves the long-term reliability of the equipment.

[0030] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 3 The pressurizing assembly 3 includes a receiving cylinder 31 vertically disposed on the top of the sterilization tank 1. The opening of the receiving cylinder 31 faces the sterilization tank 1 and is connected to the interior of the sterilization tank 1. A piston 38 is slidably disposed inside the receiving cylinder 31, which is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the receiving cylinder 31. A sealing ring is fitted on the piston 38 and fits with the cylinder wall of the receiving cylinder 31. A horizontal plate 32 is fixed horizontally inside the receiving cylinder 31. The horizontal plate 32 is located on the side of the piston 38 away from the sterilization tank 1. A threaded rod 33 extends longitudinally through the horizontal plate 32. The extension direction of the threaded rod 33 is the same as the extension direction of the receiving cylinder 31. The threaded rod 33 is threadedly engaged with the horizontal plate 32, and a servo reduction motor 34 is connected to the threaded rod 33 for rotating the threaded rod 33. The servo reduction motor 34 has a brake function. A push plate 35 is rotatably connected to the end of the threaded rod 33 near the sterilization tank 1. Slider blocks 39 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the push plate 35. The inner wall of the receiving cylinder 31 is recessed to form a sliding groove 31c for sliding the slider 39. The extension direction of the sliding groove 31c is the same as the extension direction of the receiving cylinder 31. The side of the push plate 35 away from the threaded rod 33 is connected to the piston 38 through a push rod 36. The receiving cylinder 31 has a water inlet 31a and an overflow hole 31b extending horizontally through both sides. The water inlet 31a is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the overflow hole 31b is connected to an overflow pipe. A liquid sensor is installed inside the overflow hole 31b, and the liquid sensor is linked to the servo reduction motor 34.

[0031] The servo geared motor 34 drives the threaded rod 33 for transmission. In conjunction with the guide and limit of the push plate 35, the slider 39 and the slide groove 31c (to prevent the push plate 35 from rotating with the threaded rod 33), the piston 38 is precisely pressurized in a straight line. This avoids the pressure fluctuation problem of existing hydraulic / pneumatic pressurization, ensures uniform pressure of the ultra-high pressure medium, and further guarantees the consistency of the sterilization effect of tea beverages. The servo geared motor 34 has a brake function. After the pressure is applied to the position, it can lock the threaded rod 33. There is no need to continuously output power to maintain the pressure of the piston 38. It works in synergy with the "pressure linkage seal" to reduce the energy consumption of the equipment in two ways and consolidate the breakthrough of existing technology. The water inlet 31a and overflow 31b, in conjunction with the linkage of the liquid sensor and the servo motor, can automatically complete the filling of the liquid pressure transmission medium in the receiving cylinder 31 and detect over-overflow, avoiding pressurization failure or uneven pressure due to insufficient medium. At the same time, the liquid sensor in the overflow 31b can provide real-time feedback on the medium status, improving the intelligence of equipment operation. The piston 38 is pressurized to the inner wall of the receiving cylinder 31, and the sealing ring enhances the sealing effect; the baffle plate 37 prevents the water inlet from flowing directly into the overflow hole 31b, avoiding the airtightness risk caused by turbulence during medium filling, ensuring no medium leakage during pressurization, and further improving the pressure holding stability.

[0032] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 4 The sterilization tank 1 is provided with a drainage component 5 at its bottom. A drainage hole is formed through the bottom wall of the sterilization tank 1. The diameter of the drainage hole is a funnel shape that gradually decreases towards the side away from the interior of the sterilization tank 1. The drainage component 5 includes a plug 51 that is slidably disposed in the drainage hole and matches the diameter of the drainage hole. A rubber ring is fitted on the outer wall of the plug 51 and is located between the plug 51 and the drainage hole. A drainage cylinder 52 is provided on the outer wall of the sterilization tank 1. The drainage cylinder 52 surrounds the plug 51. A drainage pipe 53 is connected to the end of the drainage cylinder 52 away from the sterilization tank 1. One end of the plug 51 extends to the outer wall of the sterilization tank 1. A drainage component is provided on the outer wall of the sterilization tank 1 to move the plug 51 towards the interior of the sterilization tank 1 so that the plug 51 is released from the closed state of the drainage hole.

[0033] The funnel-shaped drain hole is matched with the diameter of the plug 51. The ultra-high pressure medium will act on the end face of the plug 51. The greater the pressure, the tighter the seal. No additional power is needed to maintain the seal of the drain hole, which meets the core requirement of "no need for continuous power to maintain pressure" and avoids the drain hole becoming a weak point for pressure relief. A rubber ring is fitted on the outer wall of the plug 51 to enhance the sealing between the plug 51 and the drain hole, preventing high-pressure media from leaking from the drain hole; the drain component can drive the plug 51 away from the drain hole, realizing rapid drainage after sterilization, solving the problems of conflict between sealing and drainage functions and cumbersome operation in existing equipment, and improving the continuity of the production process.

[0034] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 1 The sterilization tank 1 has a support platform 4 slidably provided on the inner bottom wall along the axial direction. The support platform 4 is used to hold the tea beverage material to be sterilized. A positioning bolt is provided on the side near the opening 1a. The positioning bolt and the positioning hole preset on the bottom wall of the sterilization tank 1 form a pluggable fit. When the side of the support platform 4 facing away from the opening 1a abuts against the inner end wall of the sterilization tank 1, the positioning bolt is inserted into the positioning hole to realize the axial positioning of the support platform 4.

[0035] The support platform 4 can slide to the depth of the sterilization tank 1. Axial positioning is achieved by the insertion and removal of the positioning bolt and the positioning hole, so that the tea beverage to be sterilized is away from the opening 1a area, preventing collision or interference with the material when the sealing door 23 is opened and closed, avoiding poor sealing and pressure fluctuations caused by interference, and ensuring the smoothness of the sterilization process.

[0036] The support platform 4 carries the material and positions it deep within the sterilization tank 1, ensuring that the material is completely within the core area of ​​the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber. This avoids uneven local pressure caused by the material being close to the opening 1a, ensuring that all parts of the tea beverage can withstand uniform ultra-high pressure sterilization and improving the consistency of the product sterilization effect. The sliding design of the support platform 4 facilitates the loading and unloading of materials, and the plug-in positioning bolts make positioning operation convenient, reducing interference with the sealing structure during material loading and unloading, and further adapting to the efficiency requirements of continuous production.

[0037] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 4 The drainage component includes a support plate 54 horizontally positioned at the end of the plug 51 extending out of the sterilization tank 1. Multiple guide rods 56 are evenly arranged around the outside of the support plate 54. The extension direction of the guide rods 56 is the same as the sliding direction of the plug 51. One end of each guide rod 56 is fixed to the outer wall of the sterilization tank 1, and the other end passes through the support plate 54 and is slidably connected to it. A spring 55 is fitted on the guide rod 56 to move the support plate 54 toward the side opposite to the sterilization tank 1. A waterproof cover 57 is provided on the side of the support plate 54 opposite to the plug 51. A hydraulic rod 58 is provided on the side of the waterproof cover 57 opposite to the support plate 54. The hydraulic rod 58 is connected to the waterproof cover 57, which is connected to the drainage cylinder 52. The output shaft of the hydraulic rod 58 passes through the waterproof cover 57 and is connected to the support plate 54. A waterproof ring is provided at the through-connection between the output shaft of the hydraulic rod 58 and the waterproof cover 57.

[0038] The hydraulic rod 58 drives the support plate 54 to slide the plug 51. With the limit guidance of the guide rod 56, the opening / closing action of the plug 51 is precise and stable, avoiding poor drainage or sealing failure caused by the displacement of the plug 51, and solving the problem of inaccurate operation of the existing drainage component 5. The spring 55 on the guide rod 56 can drive the support plate 54 to automatically reset, so that the blockage 51 can quickly return to its original position to seal the drain hole after drainage, without the need for additional power to drive the reset, thus reducing energy consumption; at the same time, it shortens the sealing preparation time and improves the connection efficiency of continuous production. The cooperation between the waterproof cover 57 and the waterproof ring can prevent high-pressure medium from contacting the hydraulic rod 58, thus avoiding corrosion or damage to the hydraulic rod 58 and extending the service life of the drainage components. The support plate 54 is evenly surrounded by guide rods 56, which makes the blockage 51 bear force evenly, reduces local wear of the rubber ring, and further ensures the sealing reliability of the drainage hole.

[0039] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 3 The upper wall of the overflow hole 31b is lower than the lower wall of the inlet hole 31a and is on the same extension line.

[0040] The upper wall of the overflow hole 31b is lower than the extension line of the lower wall of the inlet hole 31a, so that the liquid pressure transmission medium injected into the inlet hole 31a can first fill the lower space of the containment cylinder 31 and then flow upward to the overflow hole 31b, avoiding premature triggering of the overflow hole 31b due to the direct flow of water (misjudging that the medium is full), and ensuring that there is no air residue in the containment cylinder 31. Residual air inside the containment cylinder 31 can cause pressure transmission lag or local fluctuations during pressurization. This structural design can completely expel the air, so that the pressure can be evenly transmitted to the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber when the piston 38 pressurizes, avoiding pressure fluctuations caused by insufficient medium filling and protecting the active ingredients of the tea beverage from loss.

[0041] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 3 The length of push rod 36 plus the thickness of push plate 35 equals the length of slide groove 31c.

[0042] The length of push rod 36 plus the thickness of push plate 35 equals the length of groove 31c, precisely limiting the maximum stroke of piston 38 and preventing piston 38 from entering the area of ​​groove 31c when sliding (groove 31c is a recessed structure on the inner wall of receiving cylinder 31, which would disrupt the interference fit between piston 38 and cylinder wall), ensuring that piston 38 always maintains a good fit and seal with the inner wall of receiving cylinder 31, and preventing high-pressure medium from leaking from the gap between piston 38 and cylinder wall.

[0043] Please refer to the appendix. Figure 3 The piston 38 is provided with a baffle plate 37 on the side opposite to the threaded rod 33. The baffle plate 37 is used to block the water flow from the inlet from rushing directly into the overflow hole 31b.

[0044] The baffle plate 37 prevents the water flow from the inlet from directly hitting the overflow hole 31b, thus avoiding misjudgment by the liquid sensor.

[0045] This invention also proposes a continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization method for tea beverages, employing any one of the aforementioned continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization systems for tea beverages. The continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization method for tea beverages includes the following steps: S1: Material Placement and Positioning Place the tea beverage material to be sterilized on the support platform 4 inside the sterilization tank 1, and push the support platform 4 to move along the axis of the sterilization tank 1 away from the opening 1a until the support platform 4 abuts against the inner end wall of the sterilization tank 1. At this time, the positioning bolt is inserted into the preset positioning hole to achieve axial positioning of the support platform 4 and avoid interference between the material and the sealing door 23. S2: Sealing door 23 is closed and sealed. Pull the sealing door 23 to rotate around the shaft 21 toward the opening 1a until the door panel of the sealing door 23 is parallel to the opening 1a and abuts against the sealing ring 28. At this time, the shaft 21 stops rotating, and the first annular electromagnet 24 and the second annular electromagnet 25 are energized. The two attract and cooperate to drive the sealing door 23 to a tight abutment against the sealing ring 28. The sealing ring 26 fits and seals against the sealing ring 28. At the same time, the slide rod 22 extends out from the slide hole 21a of the shaft 21. After the pressure in the sterilization tank 1 reaches the preset value, the first annular electromagnet 24 and the second annular electromagnet 25 are de-energized. S3: Pressure transmission medium injection Liquid pressure-transmitting medium is injected into the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and the receiving cylinder 31 of the sterilization tank 1 through the water inlet pipe and the water inlet hole 31a. When the liquid sensor in the overflow hole 31b detects the overflow of the medium, the servo reduction motor 34 is triggered to standby and the medium injection is stopped, ensuring that the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and the receiving cylinder 31 are filled with pressure-transmitting medium. S4: Ultra-high pressure sterilization The servo geared motor 34 is started, which drives the threaded rod 33 to rotate. The push plate 35 moves along the axial direction of the receiving cylinder 31 under the guidance and limiting action of the slider 39 and the slide groove 31c. The push rod 36 pushes the piston 38 to squeeze the pressure transmission medium towards the sterilization tank 1, so that the medium pressure in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber reaches the threshold. The servo geared motor 34 maintains the pressure through the brake function, and uses the ultra-high pressure environment to perform cold sterilization of the tea beverage. S5: Pressure relief and leak prevention drainage After cold sterilization is completed, the servo reduction motor 34 is started to reverse, which drives the threaded rod 33 to rotate in the opposite direction. Under the guidance and limiting action of the slider 39 and the slide groove 31c, the push plate 35 moves away from the sterilization tank 1 along the axis of the receiving cylinder 31. The push rod 36 drives the piston 38 away from the sterilization tank 1, so that the pressure in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber gradually returns to the normal pressure state. A pressure detection unit is set up to monitor the pressure inside the sterilization tank 1 in real time. When the pressure is detected to be lower than the preset safety threshold, the first annular electromagnet 24 and the second annular electromagnet 25 are energized. The sealing effect of the sealing door 23 and the sealing ring 28 is enhanced through electromagnetic adsorption, preventing the residual pressure transmission medium from flowing out from the opening 1a. Then, the hydraulic rod 58 of the drainage component 5 is activated. The output shaft of the hydraulic rod 58 pushes the support plate 54 to move along the guide rod 56 toward the sterilization tank 1, causing the blockage 51 to disengage from the drainage hole. The residual pressure transmission medium is discharged through the bucket-shaped drainage hole, the drainage cylinder 52, and the drainage pipe 53. S6: Material Removal After drainage is completed, disconnect the power supply to the first annular electromagnet 24 and the second annular electromagnet 25 to release the electromagnetic adsorption state, rotate the sealing door 23 in the opposite direction to open the opening 1a, pull out the positioning bolt, push the support platform 4 toward the opening 1a, take out the sterilized tea beverage material, and complete the single cold sterilization process.

[0046] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present invention using the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization system for tea beverages, characterized in that, The sterilization tank includes an opening on its side wall for material to enter and exit, and a sealed ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber is formed inside the sterilization tank. The ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber is used to contain liquid pressure-transmitting medium, and the overall pressure resistance of the sterilization tank is not less than 600 MPa. The sterilization tank is equipped with a pressurization component, which is connected to the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and is used to pressurize and squeeze the liquid pressure transmission medium in the chamber, so that the liquid pressure transmission medium in the normal pressure state is converted into the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium. The opening inside the sterilization tank is equipped with a sealing component. The sealing component is pressure-linked with the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber. The pressure of the ultra-high pressure liquid pressure transmission medium drives the sealing component to squeeze and seal the opening, so that the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber forms a completely sealed high-pressure environment to achieve ultra-high pressure cold sterilization of tea beverages.

2. The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing assembly includes a sealing door located inside the sterilization tank for sealing the opening. A rotating shaft component, rotatably connected to the inside of the sterilization tank, is located on the side of the sealing door closest to the inside of the sterilization tank. The rotating shaft component includes a shaft vertically disposed inside the sterilization tank, with its two ends rotatably connected to the top and bottom walls of the sterilization tank, respectively. The shaft is located on the side of the sealing door closest to the inside of the sterilization tank and close to the side wall of the sterilization tank. Multiple sliding holes are formed by a transverse recess on the side of the shaft closest to the sealing door. A sliding rod is slidably disposed within each sliding hole. The side of the sliding rod opposite to the shaft is connected to the sterilization tank. A sealing retaining ring is provided around the opening, which blocks the sealing door and engages with it to create a sealed space inside the sterilization tank. The sealing ring is surrounded by a first annular electromagnet on one side near the inside of the sterilization tank. The sealing door is equipped with a second annular electromagnet for engaging with the first annular electromagnet. The sealing door has a sealing ring on its door panel, which is located outside the second annular electromagnet. The bottom of the sealing door is equipped with a support wheel for supporting the sealing door.

3. The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurization assembly includes a receiving cylinder vertically mounted on top of the sterilization tank, with its opening facing the sterilization tank and communicating with its interior. A piston, interference-fitted with the inner wall of the receiving cylinder, slides inside the cylinder. A sealing ring, matching the cylinder wall, is fitted on the piston. A horizontal plate is fixed inside the receiving cylinder, located on the side of the piston away from the sterilization tank. A threaded rod extends longitudinally through the horizontal plate, its extension direction aligned with that of the receiving cylinder. The threaded rod is threadedly engaged with the horizontal plate. A servo-reduced motor, with a brake function, is connected to the threaded rod. A push plate is rotatably connected to the end of the threaded rod near the sterilization tank. Slider blocks are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the push plate. A groove is recessed in the inner wall of the receiving cylinder to allow the sliders to slide, its extension direction aligned with that of the receiving cylinder. The side of the push plate away from the threaded rod is connected to the piston via a push rod. The receiving cylinder has a water inlet and an overflow hole formed horizontally through both sides. The water inlet is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the overflow hole is connected to an overflow pipe. A liquid sensor is installed inside the overflow hole, and the liquid sensor is linked to a servo reduction motor.

4. The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization tank has a drainage component at its bottom, and a drainage hole is formed through the bottom wall of the sterilization tank. The diameter of the drainage hole is a funnel shape that gradually decreases towards the side away from the interior of the sterilization tank. The drainage component includes a plug that is slidably disposed in the drainage hole and matches the diameter of the drainage hole. A rubber ring is fitted on the outer wall of the plug, and the rubber ring is located between the plug and the drainage hole. A drainage cylinder is provided on the outer wall of the sterilization tank, and the drainage cylinder surrounds the plug. A drainage pipe is connected to the end of the drainage cylinder away from the sterilization tank. One end of the plug extends out to the outer wall of the sterilization tank. The outer wall of the sterilization tank is provided with a drainage component for moving the plug towards the interior of the sterilization tank so that the plug is released from the closed state of the drainage hole.

5. The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization tank has a support platform that can slide axially along its inner bottom wall. The support platform is used to hold the tea beverage material to be sterilized. A positioning bolt is provided on the side near the opening. The positioning bolt and the positioning hole are pre-set in the bottom wall of the sterilization tank to form a pluggable fit. When the side of the support platform away from the opening abuts against the inner end wall of the sterilization tank, the positioning bolt is inserted into the positioning hole to achieve axial positioning of the support platform.

6. The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drainage component includes a support plate horizontally positioned at the end of the blockage extending out of the sterilization tank. Multiple guide rods are evenly arranged around the outside of the support plate, extending in the same direction as the sliding direction of the blockage. One end of each guide rod is fixed to the outer wall of the sterilization tank, and the other end passes through the support plate and is slidably connected to it. A spring is fitted on the guide rod to move the support plate towards the side away from the sterilization tank. A waterproof cover is provided on the side of the support plate away from the blockage. A hydraulic rod is provided on the side of the waterproof cover away from the support plate. The hydraulic rod is connected to the waterproof cover, which is connected to the drainage cylinder. The output shaft of the hydraulic rod passes through the waterproof cover and is connected to the support plate. A waterproof ring is provided at the through-connection between the output shaft of the hydraulic rod and the waterproof cover.

7. The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper wall of the overflow hole is lower than the lower wall of the inlet hole and they are on the same extension line.

8. The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The length of the push rod plus the thickness of the push plate equals the length of the slide.

9. The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A baffle plate is provided on the side of the piston away from the threaded rod, which serves to prevent the water flow from the inlet from rushing directly into the overflow hole.

10. A continuous ultra-high pressure cold sterilization method for tea beverages, characterized in that, The continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization system according to any one of claims 1-9, the continuous ultra-high pressure tea beverage cold sterilization method includes the following steps: S1: Material Placement and Positioning Place the tea beverage material to be sterilized on the support platform inside the sterilization tank, and push the support platform to move away from the opening along the axial direction of the sterilization tank until the support platform abuts against the inner end wall of the sterilization tank. At this time, the positioning bolt is inserted into the preset positioning hole to achieve axial positioning of the support platform and avoid interference between the material and the sealing door. S2: Sealing gate closure and sealing Pull the sealing door to rotate toward the opening with the shaft as the axis until the sealing door panel is parallel to the opening and abuts against the sealing ring. At this time, the shaft stops rotating, and the first and second annular electromagnets are energized. The two attract and cooperate to drive the sealing door to a tight abutment against the sealing ring. The sealing ring fits and seals against the sealing ring. At the same time, the slide rod extends out from the sliding hole of the shaft. After the pressure in the sterilization tank reaches the preset value, the first and second annular electromagnets are de-energized. S3: Pressure transmission medium injection Liquid pressure-transmitting medium is injected into the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and the receiving cylinder of the sterilization tank through the water inlet pipe and water inlet hole. When the liquid sensor in the overflow hole detects the overflow of the medium, it triggers the servo reduction motor to standby and stops the injection of the medium, ensuring that the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber and the receiving cylinder are filled with pressure-transmitting medium. S4: Ultra-high pressure sterilization The servo geared motor is started, which drives the threaded rod to rotate. The push plate moves axially along the receiving cylinder under the guidance and limiting action of the slider and the slide groove. The push rod pushes the piston towards the sterilization tank to squeeze the pressure transmission medium, so that the pressure of the medium in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber reaches the threshold. The servo geared motor maintains the pressure through the brake function, and the tea beverage is cold sterilized by the ultra-high pressure environment. S5: Pressure relief and leak prevention drainage After cold sterilization is completed, the servo geared motor is started to reverse, which drives the threaded rod to rotate in the opposite direction. Under the guidance and limiting action of the slider and the slide groove, the push plate moves away from the sterilization tank along the axial direction of the receiving cylinder. The push rod drives the piston away from the sterilization tank, so that the pressure in the ultra-high pressure sterilization chamber gradually returns to the normal pressure state. A pressure detection unit is set up to monitor the pressure inside the sterilization tank in real time. When the pressure is detected to be lower than the preset safety threshold, the first and second annular electromagnets are energized. The electromagnetic attraction strengthens the sealing effect between the sealing door and the sealing ring, preventing residual pressure transmission medium from flowing out from the opening. Then the hydraulic rod of the drainage component is activated. The output shaft of the hydraulic rod pushes the support plate to move along the guide rod toward the sterilization tank, causing the blockage to disengage from the drainage hole. The residual pressure transmission medium is discharged through the bucket-shaped drainage hole, drainage cylinder, and drainage pipe. S6: Material Removal After drainage is completed, disconnect the power supply to the first and second annular electromagnets to release the electromagnetic adsorption state, rotate the sealing door in the opposite direction to open the opening, pull out the positioning bolt, push the support platform toward the opening, and take out the sterilized tea beverage material to complete the single cold sterilization process.

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