Efficient extraction device and extraction process for black corn anthocyanin
By integrating crushing, stirring and filtering functions, the black corn anthocyanin extraction device solves the problem of difficult removal of impurities in the tank, realizing an efficient, clean and controllable extraction process, and improving extraction efficiency and yield.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing black corn anthocyanin extraction equipment suffers from the problem of difficulty in quickly and thoroughly removing residual impurities inside the tank, affecting extraction efficiency and safety, and lacks automation and continuous operation.
An extraction device integrating crushing, stirring and filtering functions was designed, including a conical feed pipe, a crushing component, a stirring component and a detachable filter screen, which achieves rapid removal of impurities and solid-liquid separation through automated operation.
This improved the extraction efficiency and yield of anthocyanins from black corn, reduced energy consumption and manual intervention, and achieved a highly efficient, clean, and controllable extraction process.
Smart Images

Figure CN121775487A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of heterocyclic compound extraction technology, and in particular to a high-efficiency extraction device and extraction process for anthocyanins from black corn. Background Technology
[0002] Black corn is rich in natural anthocyanins, the main pigment components of which are anthocyanins such as cyanidin, pelargonidin, and paeoniflorin. Studies have shown that using 95% ethanol solution, a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:30, pH=1, and an extraction time of 45 minutes can effectively extract melanin (i.e., anthocyanins) from black corn.
[0003] In practical applications, existing extraction equipment and processes still have significant shortcomings. In particular, after extraction, the corn residue, insoluble fibers, and other solid impurities remaining in the tank are difficult to remove quickly and completely. Because traditional extraction tanks are mostly closed structures lacking efficient slag removal designs, operators often need to stop the machine, disassemble some components, and even manually enter the tank for cleaning. This is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also increases the risk of cross-contamination and equipment damage. This bottleneck severely restricts the continuity and automation of the extraction process, reduces overall production efficiency, and increases labor and maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-efficiency extraction device and extraction process for anthocyanins from black corn, which allows for the convenient removal of impurities from the tank after extraction, thereby improving work efficiency.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn, comprising an extraction tank, a crushing component, and a stirring component. The extraction tank includes a tank body, a sealing cover, and a lifting cylinder. A conical feed pipe is provided on the sealing cover, and the sealing cover is slidably disposed on the tank body. The output end of the lifting cylinder is connected to the sealing cover. The crushing component is disposed inside the conical feed pipe for cleaning the incoming raw materials. The stirring assembly includes a lifting seat, a stirring motor, a stirring rod, stirring blades, a connecting rod, a detachable structure, and a filter screen. The lifting seat is slidably mounted on the sealing cover. The stirring motor is fixed on the lifting seat. The stirring rod is connected to the output end of the stirring motor. The stirring blades are fixed on the stirring rod. The connecting rod is connected to the lifting seat. The filter screen is mounted on the connecting rod through the detachable structure.
[0006] The extraction tank also includes a sealing plate, which is slidably disposed below the conical feed pipe and is used to seal the conical feed pipe after feeding is completed.
[0007] The sealing plate includes a plate body, a second cylinder, a conical roller, and a grinding motor. The plate body is slidably disposed below the conical feed pipe. The output end of the second cylinder is connected to the plate body. The conical roller is rotatably disposed on the plate body. The output end of the grinding motor is connected to the conical roller.
[0008] The crushing assembly includes a drive motor, a transmission shaft, and a crushing blade. The transmission shaft is rotatably disposed inside the conical feed tube, the crushing blade is fixed on the transmission shaft, and the output end of the drive motor is connected to the transmission shaft.
[0009] The extraction tank also includes a sealing ring, which is fixed to the sealing cover and located between the sealing cover and the tank body.
[0010] The stirring assembly further includes a sliding rod, a bottom scraper, and a spring. The sliding rod is slidably disposed at the bottom of the stirring rod, the bottom scraper is fixed on the sliding rod, and the spring is disposed between the sliding rod and the bottom scraper.
[0011] The detachable structure includes a sliding sleeve, a locking rod, and a rotating rod. The sliding sleeve is slidably mounted on the connecting rod, the connecting rod has a connecting groove, the filter screen has a connector, the connector is slidably mounted in the connecting groove, the rotating rod is rotatably mounted on the sliding sleeve, and the locking rod is connected to the rotating rod.
[0012] The extraction tank includes a spray cleaning unit, which includes a storage tank, a delivery pump, a diversion pipeline, and a spray head. The spray head is fixed on the lifting base, the diversion pipeline is connected to the spray head, the delivery pump is connected to the diversion pipeline, and the storage tank is connected to the delivery pump.
[0013] The black corn anthocyanin high-efficiency extraction device further includes a heating layer, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The heating layer is disposed on the tank body, the temperature sensor is disposed inside the tank body, and the controller is connected to the temperature sensor and the heating layer.
[0014] Secondly, the present invention also provides a high-efficiency extraction process for anthocyanins from black corn, comprising: Black corn kernels are placed into a conical feed pipe, crushed by the crushing component, and then enter the tank. The stirring motor is started to drive the stirring rod and the stirring blade to rotate, so that the crushed black corn is fully mixed with the extract and extracted. After extraction is complete, the lifting platform is activated to lift the connecting rod and the filter screen to remove the extracted waste.
[0015] This invention discloses a high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device and process for black corn. The tank body is made of corrosion-resistant and pressure-resistant food-grade stainless steel. A sealing cap is slidably mounted on the upper port of the tank body via a guide rail, ensuring stable vertical lifting and lowering and providing excellent sealing performance to prevent solvent evaporation or the entry of external impurities during extraction. A lifting cylinder is installed on the outside of the tank body, with its piston rod (i.e., the output end) fixedly connected to the sealing cap. This cylinder drives the sealing cap to move up and down, thereby achieving automatic opening and closing of the tank, facilitating feeding, cleaning, and maintenance.
[0016] A conical feed pipe is integrated into the sealed cover. The conical feed pipe is located in the central area of the cover, with its large-diameter end facing upwards to facilitate the rapid introduction of black corn raw materials, and its small-diameter end extending downwards to the upper part of the inner cavity of the tank, forming a gradually narrowing channel, which helps to concentrate the material and guide it into the crushing area.
[0017] The crushing component is located inside the conical feed pipe. When black corn kernels fall through the feed pipe, they are first crushed by the crushing component, thereby improving the penetration efficiency of the solvent for anthocyanins. The stirring component is located inside the extraction tank and is used to fully mix the material and solvent during the extraction process, promoting the dissolution of anthocyanins. This component includes a lifting seat, a stirring motor, a stirring rod, stirring blades, a connecting rod, a detachable structure, and a filter screen. The lifting seat is slidably mounted on the bottom of the sealed cover via a slider or guide post, and its position can be finely adjusted vertically to adapt to the stirring requirements of different liquid levels. The stirring motor is fixed on the lifting seat, and its output shaft extends downward and is coaxially connected to the stirring rod. Multiple sets of stirring blades are fixed at intervals on the stirring rod. The blades adopt a spiral or paddle design, combining shearing, tumbling, and circulation functions to effectively prevent the material from settling or clumping.
[0018] In addition, a connecting rod is provided around the stirring rod, which is rigidly connected to the lifting seat and distributed circumferentially. The filter screen is installed at the end of the connecting rod via a detachable structure (such as a snap-fit, threaded ring, or quick-release flange), forming a cylindrical filter barrier surrounding the stirring area. The pore size of this filter screen is optimized according to the size of anthocyanin molecules and the particle size of impurities, which can simultaneously intercept larger particles of residue during stirring, achieving dynamic solid-liquid preliminary separation. After extraction, the filter screen can be quickly removed for cleaning or replacement simply by loosening the detachable structure, greatly improving the maintainability and operating efficiency of the equipment.
[0019] This invention integrates crushing, stirring, filtering, and automatic opening and closing functions to construct a highly efficient, clean, and controllable black corn anthocyanin extraction system, which not only improves the extraction efficiency and yield of the target components but also reduces energy consumption and manual intervention. Attached Figure Description
[0020] 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 these drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn according to the present invention.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the right side of a high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn according to the present invention.
[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn according to the present invention.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the black corn anthocyanin high-efficiency extraction device according to the present invention along the locking rod.
[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of detail A.
[0026] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the heating layer, temperature sensor, and controller of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a high-efficiency extraction process for anthocyanins from black corn according to the present invention.
[0028] Extraction tank 101, crushing assembly 102, stirring assembly 103, tank body 104, sealing cover 105, lifting cylinder 106, lifting seat 107, stirring motor 108, stirring rod 109, stirring blade 110, connecting rod 111, detachable structure 112, filter screen 113, sealing plate 114, plate body 115, second cylinder 116, conical roller 117, grinding motor 118, drive motor 119, transmission shaft 120, crushing blade 121, sealing ring 122, sliding rod 123, bottom scraper 124, spring 125, sliding sleeve 126, locking rod 127, rotating rod 128, connecting groove 129, connector 130, storage tank 131, transfer pump 132, diversion pipeline 133, spray head 134, heating layer 135, temperature sensor 136, controller 137. Detailed Implementation
[0029] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Example
[0031] Please see Figures 1-6 This invention provides a high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device from black corn, comprising an extraction tank 101, a crushing component 102, and a stirring component 103. The extraction tank 101 includes a tank body 104, a sealing cover 105, and a lifting cylinder 106. A conical feed pipe is provided on the sealing cover 105, which is slidably mounted on the tank body 104. The output end of the lifting cylinder 106 is connected to the sealing cover 105. The crushing component 102 is disposed within the conical feed pipe for cleaning the incoming raw materials. The stirring component 103 includes a lifting seat. 107. A stirring motor 108, a stirring rod 109, a stirring blade 110, a connecting rod 111, a detachable structure 112, and a filter screen 113. The lifting seat 107 is slidably mounted on the sealing cover 105. The stirring motor 108 is fixed on the lifting seat 107. The stirring rod 109 is connected to the output end of the stirring motor 108. The stirring blade 110 is fixed on the stirring rod 109. The connecting rod 111 is connected to the lifting seat 107. The filter screen 113 is mounted on the connecting rod 111 through the detachable structure 112.
[0032] In this embodiment, the tank body 104 is made of corrosion-resistant and pressure-resistant food-grade stainless steel. The sealing cover 105 is slidably mounted at the upper port of the tank body 104 via a guide rail, ensuring its smooth vertical lifting and lowering and providing good sealing performance to prevent solvent evaporation or the entry of external impurities during the extraction process. The lifting cylinder 106 is installed on the outside of the tank body 104, and its piston rod (i.e., the output end) is fixedly connected to the sealing cover 105, used to drive the sealing cover 105 to move up and down, thereby realizing the automatic opening and closing of the tank body 104, facilitating feeding, cleaning, and maintenance operations.
[0033] A conical feed pipe is integrated on the sealing cover 105. The conical feed pipe is located in the central area of the cover, with its large diameter end facing upwards to facilitate the rapid introduction of black corn raw materials, and its small diameter end extending downwards to the upper part of the inner cavity of the tank 104 to form a gradually narrowing channel, which helps to concentrate the material and guide it into the crushing area.
[0034] The crushing component 102 is located inside the conical feed pipe. When black corn kernels fall through the feed pipe, they are first crushed by the crushing component 102, thereby improving the penetration efficiency of the subsequent solvent to anthocyanins. The stirring component 103 is located inside the extraction tank 101 and is used to fully mix the material and solvent during the extraction process, promoting the dissolution of anthocyanins. This component includes a lifting seat 107, a stirring motor 108, a stirring rod 109, stirring blades 110, a connecting rod 111, a detachable structure 112, and a filter screen 113. The lifting seat 107 is slidably mounted on the bottom of the sealing cover 105 via a slider or guide post, and its position can be finely adjusted in the vertical direction to adapt to the stirring requirements of different liquid levels. The stirring motor 108 is fixed on the lifting seat 107, and its output axis extends downward and is coaxially connected to the stirring rod 109. Multiple sets of stirring blades 110 are fixed at intervals on the stirring rod 109. The blades adopt a spiral or paddle design, which combines shearing, turning, and circulation functions, effectively preventing the material from settling or clumping.
[0035] In addition, a connecting rod 111 is provided around the stirring rod 109. This connecting rod 111 is rigidly connected to the lifting seat 107 and is distributed circumferentially. The filter screen 113 is installed at the end of the connecting rod 111 via a detachable structure 112 (such as a snap-fit, threaded ring, or quick-release flange), forming a cylindrical filter barrier surrounding the stirring area. The pore size of the filter screen 113 is optimized according to the size of anthocyanin molecules and the particle size of impurities, which can simultaneously intercept larger particles of residue during stirring, achieving dynamic solid-liquid preliminary separation. After extraction, the filter screen 113 can be quickly removed for cleaning or replacement simply by loosening the detachable structure 112, greatly improving the maintainability and operating efficiency of the equipment.
[0036] This invention integrates crushing, stirring, filtering, and automatic opening and closing functions to construct a highly efficient, clean, and controllable black corn anthocyanin extraction system, which not only improves the extraction efficiency and yield of the target components but also reduces energy consumption and manual intervention.
[0037] The extraction tank 101 also includes a sealing plate 114, which is slidably disposed below the conical feed pipe and is used to close the conical feed pipe after feeding is completed.
[0038] The extraction tank 101 further includes a sealing plate 114, which is located directly below the conical feed pipe and slides in conjunction with the internal structure of the tank body 104. Its main function is to quickly and reliably seal the lower outlet of the conical feed pipe after the black corn raw material feeding operation is completed, thereby effectively isolating the interior of the extraction tank 101 from the external environment, maintaining a sealed state inside the tank, preventing solvent vapor from escaping and external impurities from entering during the extraction process, and avoiding safety hazards caused by pressure fluctuations, ensuring that the entire extraction process is carried out under stable and controllable conditions.
[0039] The sealing plate 114 includes a plate body 115, a second cylinder 116, a conical roller 117, and a grinding motor 118. The plate body 115 is slidably disposed below the conical feed pipe. The output end of the second cylinder 116 is connected to the plate body 115. The conical roller 117 is rotatably disposed on the plate body 115. The output end of the grinding motor 118 is connected to the conical roller 117.
[0040] The plate 115 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant material, and its shape matches the profile of the lower end of the conical feed pipe, allowing it to slide smoothly on horizontal or inclined tracks. When feeding is finished, the second cylinder 116 is activated, and its piston rod (i.e., the output end) pushes the plate 115 to move laterally, so that the plate 115 is precisely embedded in the outlet of the conical feed pipe, achieving a tight seal. When feeding is required again, the second cylinder 116 reverses its action, causing the plate 115 to retract and reopen the feed channel.
[0041] Additionally, a conical roller 117 is rotatably mounted on the side of the plate 115 facing the interior of the tank 104. The outer contour of the conical roller 117 is frustoconical, and its surface is provided with wear-resistant abrasive textures or micro-protruding particles. Its axis is approximately aligned with the central axis of the conical feed pipe. The conical roller 117 is rotatably supported on the plate 115 via bearing seats and is driven by a grinding motor 118 fixed to the outside of the plate 115. The output end of the grinding motor 118 is connected to the conical roller 117 via a coupling or drive belt, enabling it to rotate.
[0042] In actual operation, when the crushed black corn kernels fall through the conical feed pipe to near the sealing plate 114, if they have not yet reached the ideal particle size, they can come into contact with the conical roller 117 under its rotation and undergo secondary crushing and friction, achieving fine grinding. Especially when the plate 115 is in a semi-open or fine-adjustment position, a dynamic grinding gap can be formed between the conical roller 117 and the inner wall of the feed pipe, applying shearing and squeezing action to the falling material, further refining the particles and destroying the cell wall structure, thereby significantly improving the anthocyanin dissolution efficiency. In addition, this design can also effectively prevent material from accumulating or clogging at the feed inlet, ensuring smooth continuous feeding.
[0043] The crushing assembly 102 includes a drive motor 119, a transmission shaft 120, and a crushing blade 121. The transmission shaft is rotatably disposed inside the tapered feed tube, and the crushing blade 121 is fixed on the transmission shaft 120. The output end of the drive motor 119 is connected to the transmission shaft 120.
[0044] The drive shaft 120 is arranged along the central axis of the conical feed tube and is rotatably supported on the inner wall of the feed tube by a bearing seat or sealed bearing, ensuring its stability and concentricity during high-speed operation. Multiple crushing blades 121 are fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 120 in a spiral or staggered arrangement. The blades are made of high-hardness, corrosion-resistant alloy materials (such as tungsten steel or ceramic-coated stainless steel), and the cutting edges are precision-ground, combining shearing, impact, and scraping functions. The drive motor 119 is mounted on a bracket outside the conical feed tube, and its output end is connected to the drive shaft 120 via a coupling, pulley, or gear set, enabling it to drive the drive shaft 120 and the crushing blades 121 to rotate at high speed. When black corn kernels fall into the conical feed tube from above, they are immediately broken up and crushed by the high-speed rotating crushing blades 121, and conveyed downwards under the combined action of centrifugal force and gravity, while simultaneously removing surface dust, impurities, or non-target tissues, achieving efficient pretreatment.
[0045] The extraction tank 101 also includes a sealing ring 122, which is fixed on the sealing cover 105 and located between the sealing cover 105 and the tank body 104.
[0046] To ensure the airtightness and liquid tightness of the extraction tank 101 during operation and to prevent solvent evaporation, pressure leakage, or intrusion of external contaminants, the extraction tank 101 is also equipped with a sealing ring 122. This sealing ring 122 is made of a high-temperature resistant and organic solvent-resistant elastic material (such as fluororubber, silicone, or polytetrafluoroethylene composite gasket), and has an overall annular structure. It is tightly fitted and fixed to the lower edge of the sealing cover 105, directly opposite the contact surface of the upper port of the tank body 104.
[0047] The stirring assembly 103 further includes a sliding rod 123, a bottom scraper 124, and a spring 125. The sliding rod 123 is slidably disposed at the bottom of the stirring rod 109, the bottom scraper 124 is fixed on the sliding rod 123, and the spring 125 is disposed between the sliding rod 123 and the bottom scraper 124.
[0048] The sliding rod 123 is slidably disposed within the bottom end of the stirring rod 109 or in the outer guide groove of the stirring rod 109 along the axial direction, and its lower end is fixedly connected to the bottom scraper 124. The bottom scraper 124 has an arc-shaped or "L"-shaped structure, with its end close to the inner bottom surface of the filter screen 113, and can be adapted to the curvature of the tank bottom to ensure good contact with the tank bottom during the stirring process. The spring 125 is disposed between the sliding rod 123 and the bottom scraper 124 (or located in the limiting cavity inside the sliding rod 123), providing a downward elastic preload. During the stirring operation, when the bottom scraper 124 encounters locally accumulated material or slight protrusions, it can adaptively float up and down through the buffering effect of the spring 125, ensuring the scraping effect while avoiding damage to the equipment caused by rigid collisions.
[0049] The detachable structure 112 includes a sliding sleeve 126, a locking rod 127, and a rotating rod 128. The sliding sleeve 126 is slidably disposed on the connecting rod 111. The connecting rod 111 is provided with a connecting groove 129. The filter screen 113 is provided with a connector 130. The connector 130 is slidably disposed in the connecting groove 129. The rotating rod 128 is rotatably disposed on the sliding sleeve 126. The locking rod 127 is connected to the rotating rod 128.
[0050] The detachable structure 112 is used to enable quick installation and removal of the filter screen 113 in the stirring assembly 103, facilitating cleaning, replacement, or maintenance, and significantly improving the ease of operation and efficiency of the equipment. Specifically, the detachable structure 112 includes a sliding sleeve 126, a locking rod 127, and a rotating rod 128. The sliding sleeve 126 is fitted and slidably mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod 111, and has a guide groove or limiting protrusion inside to ensure smooth axial movement along the connecting rod 111 without deflection. A connecting groove 129 is provided at a corresponding position on the connecting rod 111. This connecting groove 129 is a through groove or semi-closed slot structure used to accommodate the connector 130 at the end of the filter screen 113. The connector 130 is typically T-shaped, L-shaped, or dovetail-shaped, and can slide into the connecting groove 129, and is axially fixed after being in place by a locking mechanism.
[0051] After the connector 130 of the filter screen 113 is fully inserted into the connecting groove 129, the operator pushes the sliding sleeve 126 along the connecting rod 111 towards the connector 130, so that the sliding sleeve 126 covers the mating area between the connector 130 and the connecting groove 129. At this time, the rotating rod 128—which is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the sliding sleeve 126 via a pin or bearing—is manually or automatically driven to rotate, causing the locking rod 127, which is rigidly connected to it, to move synchronously. One end of the locking rod 127 is hinged to or integrally formed with the rotating rod 128, while the other end is designed as a hook, wedge, or snap-fit structure, which embeds into the corresponding locking hole or limiting groove on the connector 130 during rotation, thereby firmly locking the connector 130 in the connecting groove 129 and preventing it from loosening due to vibration or fluid impact during stirring. When disassembly is required, the rotating rod 128 is rotated in the opposite direction to disengage the locking rod 127 from the locked position, and then the sliding sleeve 126 is pulled back to easily remove the filter screen 113. The entire process requires no tools, is easy to operate, and has a reliable connection, making it suitable for production scenarios where filters need to be changed frequently.
[0052] The extraction tank 101 includes a spray cleaning unit, which includes a storage tank 131, a transfer pump 132, a diversion pipeline 133, and a spray head 134. The spray head 134 is fixed on the lifting base 107. The diversion pipeline 133 is connected to the spray head 134. The transfer pump 132 is connected to the diversion pipeline 133. The storage tank 131 is connected to the transfer pump 132.
[0053] The storage tank 131 is used to store the cleaning solution (such as deionized water, food-grade alkali solution, or organic solvent). Its volume and material are customized according to the cleaning requirements, and it is usually equipped with a level sensor and a heating device to support temperature-controlled cleaning. The inlet of the transfer pump 132 (such as a centrifugal pump or diaphragm pump) is connected to the storage tank 131 through a pipe, and the outlet is connected to the distribution pipeline 133. The distribution pipeline 133 is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel or engineering plastic and has a multi-stage branch structure, which can evenly distribute the cleaning solution to each spray point.
[0054] Several spray heads 134 are fixedly installed on the bottom or side wall of the lifting platform 107 and move up and down together with the lifting platform 107. Each spray head 134 is equipped with a swirling chamber or a fan-shaped nozzle, which can produce various spraying modes such as high-pressure atomization, fan-shaped coverage, or rotating jet, to ensure all-round cleaning of the inner wall of the tank 104, the stirring blades 110, the filter screen 113, and the dead corners at the bottom of the tank. The diversion pipeline 133 is connected to the spray heads 134 through a flexible hose, which ensures the sealing of the liquid transportation and does not affect the vertical movement of the lifting platform 107. After the extraction operation is completed, the control system automatically starts the spray cleaning program: the delivery pump 132 draws cleaning liquid from the storage tank 131, pressurizes it through the diversion pipeline 133 and delivers it to each spray head 134. With the low-speed rotation and lifting action of the stirring assembly 103, dynamic and efficient cleaning of various components inside the tank is achieved.
[0055] The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn also includes a heating layer 135, a temperature sensor 136, and a controller 137. The heating layer 135 is disposed on the tank 104, the temperature sensor 136 is disposed inside the tank 104, and the controller 137 is connected to the temperature sensor 136 and the heating layer 135.
[0056] The heating layer 135 is disposed around the outer wall of the tank 104 or embedded inside the jacket of the tank 104. It preferably employs electric heating, such as a silicone rubber heating band, a stainless steel heating tube, or a PTC ceramic heating element, offering advantages such as rapid heating, uniform heat distribution, adjustable power, and safe insulation. In some embodiments, the heating layer 135 can also be connected to an external circulating heat transfer oil system or a steam system to meet the needs of large-scale industrial production. The heating layer 135 covers a sufficient area of the effective volume of the tank 104, ensuring that heat can be efficiently and evenly transferred to the material inside the tank, avoiding localized overheating or excessive temperature gradients that could affect the stability of anthocyanins.
[0057] The temperature sensor 136 is installed inside the tank 104, with its temperature probe extending into the extraction liquid phase. It is preferably positioned near the stirring area or in the lower part of the tank 104 to accurately reflect the temperature state of the actual reaction system. The temperature sensor 136 can be a high-precision PT100 platinum resistance thermometer, thermocouple, or digital temperature chip, possessing good corrosion resistance and rapid response characteristics. It can monitor temperature changes inside the tank in real time and continuously transmit the collected temperature signal to the controller 137.
[0058] The controller 137 is the core of the entire temperature control system. It is typically a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microcontroller module, or an industrial-grade human-machine interface (HMI) system. Its input is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 136, and its output is connected to the power drive circuit of the heating layer 135. The controller 137 has a preset optimal process temperature range for anthocyanin extraction (e.g., 40℃~70℃, adjusted according to solvent type and raw material characteristics), and uses a PID algorithm to dynamically compare and adjust the measured temperature with the set value. When the temperature inside the tank is detected to be lower than the set lower limit, the controller 137 automatically starts the heating layer 135 to raise the temperature; when the temperature approaches or reaches the upper limit, it reduces the heating power or stops heating to prevent overheating. Furthermore, the controller 137 can also be linked with other subsystems such as the stirring assembly 103 and the spray cleaning unit to automatically switch temperature control strategies at different process stages (such as extraction, heat preservation, cooling, and cleaning), achieving intelligent management of the entire process. Example
[0059] Please see Figure 7 The present invention also provides a high-efficiency extraction process for anthocyanins from black corn, comprising: S201 Black corn kernels are placed into a conical feed pipe, crushed by the crushing component 102, and then enter the tank 104; Dry or moderately moistened black corn kernels (preferably 3–8 mm in diameter and ≤12% moisture content) are fed into a conical feed pipe via a manual or automatic conveying system. Under gravity, the black corn kernels move downwards along the conical channel and then enter the working area of the crushing assembly 102 located inside the feed pipe. At this time, the drive motor 119 starts, driving the transmission shaft 120 to rotate at high speed (preferably 1500–3000 rpm), causing multiple sets of crushing blades 121 fixed on it to shear, impact, and grind the black corn kernels, breaking them into fine particles with uniform particle size (preferably ≤1 mm). This crushing process not only increases the specific surface area of the raw material and destroys the cell wall structure, which is conducive to the release of anthocyanins, but also removes surface impurities and improves the cleanliness of the raw material. The crushed material falls smoothly into the bottom of the tank 104 under the combined action of centrifugal force and gravity, completing the pretreatment stage.
[0060] S202 Start the stirring motor 108 to drive the stirring rod 109 and the stirring blade 110 to rotate, so that the crushed black corn is fully mixed with the extract and extracted; An appropriate amount of extraction solvent (such as a 50%–70% volume fraction of ethanol aqueous solution, acidified methanol, or food-grade acetone, with a pH value preferably 2.0–4.0 to stabilize the anthocyanin structure) is pre-added to the tank 104. The solvent volume to raw material mass ratio is typically controlled between 10:1 and 20:1. Then, the stirring motor 108 is started, driving the stirring rod 109 and multiple layers of stirring blades 110 to rotate continuously at a set speed (preferably 200–600 rpm). Simultaneously, the heating layer 135, under the control of the controller 137, maintains the tank temperature within the optimal extraction temperature range (typically 50℃–65℃, specifically optimized based on the solvent boiling point and anthocyanin thermal stability), and the temperature sensor 136 provides real-time feedback and adjustment to ensure the entire extraction process is at a constant temperature. Under stirring, the pulverized black corn kernels and the extract are fully contacted and mixed, forming a uniform suspension system, effectively promoting the mass transfer of anthocyanins from the solid phase to the liquid phase. The extraction time is generally 60–120 minutes. During this time, an intermittent lifting and stirring component 103 can be used to further enhance the mass transfer efficiency and prevent the material from settling to the bottom or the local concentration from being too high.
[0061] After S203 extraction is completed, the lifting seat 107 is activated to lift the connecting rod 111 and the filter screen 113 to remove the extracted waste.
[0062] After extraction, the stirring motor 108 and heating system are stopped. The control system then activates the lifting seat 107, which, through a sliding mechanism, lifts the connecting rod 111 and the filter screen 113 mounted on it. Since the filter screen 113 remains at the bottom of the tank 104 and surrounds the stirring area throughout the extraction process, it has intercepted most of the solid residue (i.e., extraction waste) inside or below it. As the lifting seat 107 moves upward, the filter screen 113, along with the waste attached to it, is lifted to the top of the tank 104 or near the sealing cover 105, facilitating the subsequent removal of the waste entirely through the discharge port or by manual / mechanical means. This process achieves an integrated solid-liquid separation operation of "in-situ filtration—overall lifting—centralized slag discharge," avoiding the problems of traditional filtration requiring machine shutdown and disassembly, which can easily cause cross-contamination or anthocyanin loss. After the waste is removed, the extract containing a high concentration of anthocyanins remains in the tank 104 and can directly proceed to the next stage of concentration, purification, or collection.
[0063] Furthermore, after the waste removal is completed, the spray cleaning unit can be started to automatically rinse the inner wall of the tank 104, the stirring component 103 and the filter screen 113 with the cleaning liquid in the storage tank 131, so as to prepare for the next batch of extraction operations and realize clean production and continuous operation.
[0064] The above description discloses only one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A high-efficiency extraction device for anthocyanins from black corn, characterized in that, The system includes an extraction tank, a crushing component, and a stirring component. The extraction tank includes a tank body, a sealing cover, and a lifting cylinder. A conical feed pipe is provided on the sealing cover, and the sealing cover is slidably mounted on the tank body. The output end of the lifting cylinder is connected to the sealing cover. The crushing component is disposed inside the conical feed pipe and is used to clean the incoming raw materials. The stirring assembly includes a lifting seat, a stirring motor, a stirring rod, stirring blades, a connecting rod, a detachable structure, and a filter screen. The lifting seat is slidably mounted on the sealing cover. The stirring motor is fixed on the lifting seat. The stirring rod is connected to the output end of the stirring motor. The stirring blades are fixed on the stirring rod. The connecting rod is connected to the lifting seat. The filter screen is mounted on the connecting rod through the detachable structure.
2. The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extraction tank also includes a sealing plate, which is slidably disposed below the conical feed pipe and is used to close the conical feed pipe after feeding is completed.
3. The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing plate includes a plate body, a second cylinder, a conical roller, and a grinding motor. The plate body is slidably disposed below the conical feed pipe. The output end of the second cylinder is connected to the plate body. The conical roller is rotatably disposed on the plate body. The output end of the grinding motor is connected to the conical roller.
4. The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The crushing assembly includes a drive motor, a transmission shaft, and a crushing blade. The transmission shaft is rotatably disposed inside the tapered feed tube, the crushing blade is fixed on the transmission shaft, and the output end of the drive motor is connected to the transmission shaft.
5. The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The extraction vessel also includes a sealing ring, which is fixed to the sealing cover and located between the sealing cover and the vessel body.
6. The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The stirring assembly also includes a sliding rod, a bottom scraper, and a spring. The sliding rod is slidably disposed at the bottom of the stirring rod, the bottom scraper is fixed on the sliding rod, and the spring is disposed between the sliding rod and the bottom scraper.
7. The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The detachable structure includes a sliding sleeve, a locking rod, and a rotating rod. The sliding sleeve is slidably mounted on the connecting rod, and the connecting rod is provided with a connecting groove. The filter screen is provided with a connector, and the connector is slidably mounted in the connecting groove. The rotating rod is rotatably mounted on the sliding sleeve, and the locking rod is connected to the rotating rod.
8. The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The extraction tank includes a spray cleaning unit, which includes a storage tank, a delivery pump, a diversion pipeline, and a spray head. The spray head is fixed on the lifting base, the diversion pipeline is connected to the spray head, the delivery pump is connected to the diversion pipeline, and the storage tank is connected to the delivery pump.
9. The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The high-efficiency anthocyanin extraction device for black corn also includes a heating layer, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The heating layer is disposed on the tank body, the temperature sensor is disposed inside the tank body, and the controller is connected to the temperature sensor and the heating layer.
10. A high-efficiency extraction process for anthocyanins from black corn, employing the high-efficiency extraction device for anthocyanins from black corn as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, include: Black corn kernels are placed into a conical feed pipe, crushed by the crushing component, and then enter the tank. The stirring motor is started to drive the stirring rod and the stirring blade to rotate, so that the crushed black corn is fully mixed with the extract and extracted. After extraction is complete, the lifting platform is activated to lift the connecting rod and the filter screen to remove the extracted waste.