Dough leavening device for processing quick-frozen steamed stuffed buns

Abstract

The invention provides a dough leavening device for processing quick-frozen steamed stuffed buns, which comprises a fermentation box, the bottom end of the fermentation box is connected with a base, and the opening side of the fermentation box is connected with a box door; the exhaust mechanism comprises a main exhaust pipe and side exhaust pipes, the main exhaust pipe is connected to the top end of the interior of the fermentation box, and the side exhaust pipes are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the main exhaust pipe; the tray mechanism comprises fork arm type telescopic rods and a tray, the tray is connected between the two fork arm type telescopic rods, the fork arm type telescopic rods are connected to the side exhaust pipes, and the air inlet ends of the fork arm type telescopic rods can be connected with the air outlet ends of the adjacent side exhaust pipes; the fork arm type telescopic rod is connected with the lifting component; and the exhaust ends of the steam generator and the air blower are connected with the main exhaust pipe. According to the invention, extrusion, adhesion and deformation of dough caused by insufficient top space can be avoided, and uniform fermentation of each layer of steamed stuffed bun green body in an optimal space is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention mainly relates to the technical field of dough fermentation for quick-frozen steamed buns, and specifically to a dough fermentation device for quick-frozen steamed bun processing. Background Technology

[0002] In the industrial production of frozen buns, dough fermentation is one of the key processes. Fermentation needs to be carried out under specific temperature and humidity conditions to allow the yeast to produce sufficient gas and the dough to expand to the appropriate volume.

[0003] Traditional quick-frozen bun dough fermentation equipment (fermentation boxes) suffers from uneven internal temperature and humidity distribution, and its fixed support structure (such as tray shelves) cannot adapt to the dynamic volume expansion of the dough during fermentation. This results in significant differences in the fermentation degree of buns from the same batch, leading to unstable quality, and also results in low space utilization and automation levels. Specifically, fixed shelves not only waste space and increase energy consumption in the early stages of fermentation, but may also cause the dough to stick together or deform under pressure in the later stages of fermentation; in addition, the fixed structure hinders the uniform circulation of hot and humid air, creating dead zones of temperature and humidity inside the box.

[0004] Therefore, a dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing is proposed to solve the problem of uneven internal temperature and humidity distribution in traditional quick-frozen bun leavening devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0007] A dough leavening device for processing quick-frozen buns includes:

[0008] A fermentation box, the bottom of which is connected to a base, and the opening side of which is connected to a door;

[0009] The exhaust mechanism includes a main exhaust pipe and side exhaust pipes. The main exhaust pipe is connected to the top of the inside of the fermentation tank. The side exhaust pipes are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main exhaust pipe, and the air inlet of the side exhaust pipe is connected to the air outlet of the main exhaust pipe.

[0010] A pallet mechanism includes a fork-arm telescopic rod and a pallet, the pallet being connected between two fork-arm telescopic rods, the fork-arm telescopic rods being connected to a side exhaust pipe, and the fork-arm telescopic rods having an exhaust end and an intake end, the intake end of the fork-arm telescopic rods being connectable to the exhaust end of an adjacent side exhaust pipe;

[0011] The fork-arm telescopic rod is connected to the lifting and pulling assembly, which is located at the top of the fermentation box. The lifting and pulling assembly is used to control the translation of the upper and lower ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod along the side exhaust pipe.

[0012] A steam generator and a blower, wherein the exhaust ends of the steam generator and the blower are connected to the main exhaust pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the fork-arm telescopic rod includes a short cross connecting rod one, a long cross connecting rod, and a short cross connecting rod two connected in sequence via a rotating shaft. Both the short cross connecting rod one and the short cross connecting rod two are connected to the lifting and pulling assembly. There are multiple long cross connecting rods, and multiple adjacent long cross connecting rods are connected to each other via rotating shafts. The short cross connecting rod one, the long cross connecting rod, and the short cross connecting rod two are provided with exhaust holes on the side near the tray. The rod bodies of the short cross connecting rod one, the long cross connecting rod, and the short cross connecting rod two are provided with flow channels or the rod bodies are hollow structures.

[0014] Furthermore, the side exhaust pipe includes a horizontal exhaust pipe I, a vertical exhaust pipe and a horizontal exhaust pipe II connected in sequence. The pipe body of the horizontal exhaust pipe I is connected to one end of the pipe body of the main exhaust pipe. Multiple vertical exhaust pipes are provided, and multiple vertical exhaust pipes are connected between adjacent side horizontal exhaust pipe I and horizontal exhaust pipe II.

[0015] Furthermore, the fork-arm telescopic rod also includes a gas delivery module for conveying gas into the short cross connecting rod one, the long cross connecting rod, and the short cross connecting rod two. The gas delivery module includes multiple hollow sliders slidably connected to one of the vertical exhaust pipe bodies. A hollow tube shaft is connected to the block of the hollow slider. The hollow tube shaft is rotatably connected to the top end of the short cross connecting rod one, the bottom end of the short cross connecting rod two, and the center of the long cross connecting rod. An exhaust hole is provided at one end of the hollow tube shaft that extends into the interior of the short cross connecting rod one, the long cross connecting rod, and the short cross connecting rod two.

[0016] Furthermore, the hollow sliders on both sides of the short cross connecting rod one and the short cross connecting rod two are connected to crossbars, and guide blocks that are slidably connected to the vertical exhaust pipe are connected to the crossbars. The top of the crossbars is connected to a lifting lug.

[0017] Furthermore, a connecting rod is rotatably connected to the shaft of the rotating shaft, and a pulley is rotatably connected to the end of the connecting rod away from the rotating shaft. A slide rail is slidably connected to the outside of the pulley on the same horizontal plane. A limiting protrusion is connected to the upper surface of the slide rail. The limiting protrusion can be slidably connected to the tray. A guide plate is connected to the limiting protrusion. The guide plate is slidably connected to one of the vertical exhaust pipes.

[0018] Furthermore, an L-shaped connecting block is connected to the block body of the guide block, and the block body of the L-shaped connecting block on the same horizontal plane is connected to the baffle.

[0019] Furthermore, the lifting assembly includes a dustproof box connected to the upper surface of the fermentation box. The dustproof box has a partition inside. A hoisting module one is connected to the upper surface of the partition. A hoisting module two is provided at the bottom of the partition and connected to the inner surface of the bottom of the fermentation box. The hoisting module one is connected to a short cross connecting rod one, and the hoisting module two is connected to the short cross connecting rod two.

[0020] Furthermore, the structure of winch module one and winch module two is the same. Winch module one includes a three-end reducer connected to the bottom of the dustproof box. The three-end reducer includes one input end and two output ends. The input end of the three-end reducer is connected to a motor. The output end of the three-end reducer is connected to a synchronous power module via a coupling. The synchronous power module includes two output ends and one input end connected to the three-end reducer. The output end of the synchronous power module is connected to a winch drum. A stainless steel rope is wound around the outside of the winch drum. One end of the stainless steel rope in winch module one extends into the fermentation box and connects to the lifting lug on short cross connecting rod one. One end of the stainless steel rope in winch module two extends into the fermentation box and connects to the lifting lug on short cross connecting rod two. The crossbar of short cross connecting rod one has a through hole for the stainless steel rope to pass through.

[0021] The synchronous power module includes a support frame connected inside the dustproof box. A first bevel gear and a second bevel gear located between the two first bevel gears are rotatably connected inside the support frame. The second bevel gear meshes with the first bevel gear. The first bevel gear is coaxially arranged with the drum body of the winch. The second bevel gear is connected to the output end of the three-end reducer.

[0022] Furthermore, the steam generator and the blower are both connected to the air outlet of the steam generator and the blower, and the air outlet of each of the multiple air outlets is connected to an electric control valve. The electric control valve is connected to the outside of the fermentation chamber, and the air outlet of the electric control valve is connected to an air outlet pipe. The air outlet of the air outlet pipe extends into the interior of the fermentation chamber and is connected to the air inlet of the main exhaust pipe.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0024] Firstly, this invention utilizes a programmable fork-arm telescopic rod mechanism, allowing the device to automatically adjust the tray spacing according to the fermentation process stages, such as the initial proofing and expansion stages. In the initial stage, the trays are concentrated to reduce the effective space, significantly reducing preheating energy loss and accelerating temperature and humidity stabilization. In the later stage, the space is expanded to accommodate the expanding dough, completely avoiding compression, sticking, and deformation caused by insufficient top space. This ensures that each layer of bun dough ferments evenly in the optimal space, improving yield and shape consistency.

[0025] Secondly, this invention uses the exhaust pipe network as the track and fixed air source for the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, and designs an air delivery module to achieve dynamic sealed connection. This allows hot and humid air to be directly ejected from the exhaust holes on the movable fork arm closest to the dough, forming a point-to-point, near-field direct air supply mode. Regardless of the tray's height, its surrounding microenvironment can obtain uniform, stable, and efficient hot and humid airflow exchange, fundamentally eliminating airflow dead zones and temperature and humidity stratification caused by changes in spatial layout, ensuring a high degree of uniformity in the fermentation of buns in the same batch.

[0026] The present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure of area A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a front view of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pallet mechanism of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the structure of area A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the hoisting module one of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the present invention.

[0034] In the diagram: 1. Fermentation box; 11. Base; 2. Box door; Exhaust mechanism; 21. Main exhaust pipe; 22. Side exhaust pipe; 221. Horizontal exhaust pipe one; 222. Vertical exhaust pipe; 3. Tray mechanism; 31. Fork-arm telescopic rod; 311. Short cross connecting rod one; 312. Long cross connecting rod; 313. Short cross connecting rod two; 314. Rotating shaft; 3141. Connecting rod; 3142. Pulley; 3143. Slide rail; 3144. Limiting protrusion; 3145. Guide plate; 315. Gas delivery module; 3151. Hollow slider; 3152. Hollow tube shaft; 3153. Crossbar; 3154. Guide block; 3155. Lifting lug; 3156. L-shaped connecting block; 3157. Baffle; 32. Pallet; 33. Lifting and pulling assembly; 331. Dustproof box; 332. Partition; 333. Winch module one; 3331. Three-end reducer; 3332. Motor; 3333. Synchronous power module; 3334. Winch drum; 3335. Support frame; 3336. First bevel gear; 3337. Second bevel gear; 334. Winch module two; 4. Steam generator; 41. Gas supply pipe one; 42. Electrically controlled valve; 43. Gas supply pipe two; 4. Steam generator; 5. Blower. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention more thorough and complete.

[0036] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly associated with those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] This application provides a dough leavening device for processing frozen buns, as shown in the schematic diagram below. Figures 1-4 As shown. The dough leavening device for processing quick-frozen buns includes:

[0039] Fermentation box 1, with a base 11 connected to the bottom end of fermentation box 1, and a door connected to the open side of fermentation box 1;

[0040] The exhaust mechanism 2 includes a main exhaust pipe 21 and a side exhaust pipe 22. The main exhaust pipe 21 is connected to the top of the inside of the fermentation tank 1. The side exhaust pipes 22 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main exhaust pipe 21, and the air inlet of the side exhaust pipe 22 is connected to the air outlet of the main exhaust pipe 21.

[0041] The pallet mechanism 3 includes a fork-arm telescopic rod 31 and a pallet 32. The pallet 32 ​​is connected between the two fork-arm telescopic rods 31. The fork-arm telescopic rods 31 are connected to the side exhaust pipe 22. The fork-arm telescopic rods 31 have an air outlet and an air inlet. The air inlet of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 can be connected to the air outlet of the adjacent side exhaust pipe 22.

[0042] The fork-arm telescopic rod 31 is connected to the lifting and pulling assembly 33, which is located at the top of the fermentation box 1. The lifting and pulling assembly 33 is used to control the translation of the upper and lower ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 along the side exhaust pipe 22.

[0043] Steam generator 4 and blower 5 are connected to the main exhaust pipe 21 at their exhaust ends.

[0044] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the steam generator 4 and the blower 5 are started, generating water vapor and airflow respectively. Their outputs mix after the connection point to form hot, humid air, which is then transported through the main exhaust pipe 21 to the exhaust mechanism 2 at the top of the fermentation tank 1. The exhaust mechanism 2 consists of the main exhaust pipe 21 and symmetrically distributed side exhaust pipes 22 on both sides, forming a preliminary pipe distribution network. Hot, humid air flows from the main exhaust pipe 21 to each side exhaust pipe 22. The core of the tray mechanism 3 is the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, whose upper and lower ends are connected by lifting and pulling components 33 and installed on the side exhaust pipes 22, allowing it to be controlled to move horizontally along the body of the side exhaust pipes 22. When the lifting and pulling components 33 are activated, they simultaneously pull or push the upper and lower ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, causing it to contract or extend horizontally, thereby changing the vertical spacing of all trays 32 connected between the two fork-arm telescopic rods 31. The fork-arm telescopic rod 31 is designed as a pipe structure with an air inlet and an air outlet. Its air inlet can be connected to the air outlet of the adjacent side exhaust pipe 22, so that hot and humid air can flow from the fixed side exhaust pipe 22 into the interior of the movable fork-arm telescopic rod 31, and finally be released from the pre-set exhaust hole on the rod to the dough area near the tray 32.

[0045] The adjustable spacing of the tray 32 is achieved by controlling the extension and retraction of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 through the lifting and pulling component 33. In the early stages of fermentation, the tray 32 spacing can be reduced to concentrate the dough, facilitating the rapid and uniform establishment and maintenance of a high-temperature and high-humidity fermentation microenvironment within a minimal space, saving energy and shortening preheating time. As the dough expands during fermentation, the spacing can be increased simultaneously, providing ample expansion space and effectively preventing dough compression, sticking, or deformation due to insufficient space, ensuring uniform fermentation and the integrity of the bun's shape. The hot and humid air delivery path is integrated with the support frame of the tray 32, making the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, as a moving component, also a distribution point for hot and humid air. This dynamic airflow design ensures that regardless of the height of the tray 32, the fork-arm telescopic rods 31 around it continuously receive and directly release hot and humid air, fundamentally solving the problem of temperature and humidity dead zones around moving parts that easily form in traditional fixed-layer dough risers due to fixed airflow paths, achieving uniform air delivery within a dynamically changing space.

[0046] The lifting assembly 33 includes a controller and a drive motor 3332. The controller receives signals from temperature and humidity sensors inside the fermentation tank 1 and can also be programmed. When it is necessary to adjust the spacing between the trays 32, the controller sends a command to the drive motor 3332. The drive motor 3332 drives the winch drum 3334 and other actuators through a reduction mechanism to pull or release the stainless steel ropes connecting the two ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31. To ensure synchronous movement on both sides, the drive system of the lifting assembly 33 needs to be designed with a synchronization mechanism, such as the synchronous power module 3333 as described in claim 9. The steam generator 4 and the blower 5 are connected to the main exhaust pipe 21 through a first gas supply pipe 41, an electrically controlled valve 42, and a second gas supply pipe 43. The electrically controlled valve 42 is a solenoid valve, controlled by a controller shared with or independently of the lifting assembly 33, and is used to precisely adjust the mixing ratio of steam and air and the timing of delivery. The door of fermentation chamber 1 should be equipped with a food-grade silicone sealing strip. The inner wall of the chamber, the base 11, and all exposed internal metal components, such as the main exhaust pipe 21, the side exhaust pipe 22, the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, and the tray 32, should all be made of stainless steel that meets food hygiene standards, such as 304 or 316L stainless steel, and should be surface polished to Ra≤0.8μm to ensure no dead corners, corrosion resistance, and easy cleaning. All sliding connections, such as the connection between the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 and the side exhaust pipe 22, should use food-grade self-lubricating bearings or fully sealed stainless steel bearings to meet the requirements for long-term maintenance-free operation in high humidity environments.

[0047] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 4The fork-arm telescopic rod 31 includes a short cross connecting rod 311, a long cross connecting rod 312, and a short cross connecting rod 313 connected in sequence via a rotating shaft 314. The short cross connecting rod 311 and the short cross connecting rod 313 are both connected to the lifting and pulling assembly 33. There are multiple long cross connecting rods 312, and multiple adjacent long cross connecting rods 312 are connected to each other via a rotating shaft. The short cross connecting rod 311, the long cross connecting rod 312, and the short cross connecting rod 313 are provided with exhaust holes on the side near the tray 32. The rods of the short cross connecting rod 311, the long cross connecting rod 312, and the short cross connecting rod 313 are provided with flow channels or the rods are hollow structures.

[0048] In this embodiment, multiple long cross connecting rods 312 are hinged end-to-end via a rotating shaft 314, and at each end are respectively hinged to a short cross connecting rod 311 and a short cross connecting rod 313, forming a set of retractable parallelogram linkage mechanisms. The lifting and pulling assembly 33 acts on the short cross connecting rods 311 and 313, driving them to translate. Through the rotation of the rotating shaft 314, the entire linkage group is synchronously extended or retracted, thereby driving all connected trays 32 to rise and fall synchronously. Since all the cross connecting rods 311, 312, and 313 have flow channels or hollow structures inside, and have exhaust holes on the side near the tray 32, hot and humid air flowing in from the air inlet can flow inside the rod and finally be sprayed evenly and directly onto the dough on the tray 32 through these exhaust holes.

[0049] The parallelogram linkage mechanism, used for both telescopic and load-bearing structures, ensures that multiple trays 32 remain horizontal and move synchronously during lifting, exhibiting excellent mechanical stability. Integrating the load-bearing structure with the airflow channel not only simplifies the overall structure of the device but, more importantly, allows the airflow outlet exhaust port to be directly positioned on the support rod closest to the dough. This design enables precise "near-field, point-to-point" injection of hot and humid air. The airflow, after exiting the exhaust port, acts on the dough surface with the shortest path and minimal energy loss, significantly improving the uniformity and control efficiency of temperature and humidity distribution. This effectively overcomes the temperature and humidity gradient problem caused by traditional methods that rely on overall airflow through the box space.

[0050] Short cross connecting rod 311, long cross connecting rod 312, and short cross connecting rod 313 are all made of food-grade stainless steel tubing, and their cross-sections can be circular, square, or rectangular. The flow channels inside the rods can be a central through-hole running along the rod's length, or independent channels machined inside the rod. The vent holes near the tray 32 are small holes with a diameter of 1-3 mm, evenly distributed along the rod's length, with a spacing that can be set to 50-150 mm as needed. Food-grade self-lubricating bushings or fully sealed stainless steel bearings are installed between the rotating shaft 314 and the connecting holes of each connecting rod to ensure smooth rotation and prevent grease contamination.

[0051] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 4 The side exhaust pipe 22 includes a horizontal exhaust pipe 1 221, a vertical exhaust pipe 222 and a horizontal exhaust pipe 223 connected in sequence. The pipe body of the horizontal exhaust pipe 1 221 is connected to one end of the pipe body of the main exhaust pipe 21. There are multiple vertical exhaust pipes 222, and multiple vertical exhaust pipes 222 are connected between adjacent side horizontal exhaust pipe 1 221 and horizontal exhaust pipe 223.

[0052] In this embodiment, the main exhaust pipe 21 is located at the center of the top of the fermentation tank 1, serving as a main distribution pipe. A horizontal exhaust pipe 221 extends horizontally from both ends of the main exhaust pipe 21 to both sides of the tank. Multiple vertical exhaust pipes 222 extend vertically downwards, connecting the horizontal exhaust pipe 221 to a horizontal exhaust pipe 223 located below and parallel to it, forming multiple vertical air columns on both sides of the fermentation tank 1. This I-shaped or T-shaped pipe network structure ensures that the hot and humid air from the main exhaust pipe 21 is evenly distributed to multiple vertical positions on both sides of the tank, providing stable air supply points at both ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 and serving as its sliding track.

[0053] By constructing the exhaust pipes into a three-dimensional grid structure, especially by setting multiple vertical exhaust pipes 222, a multi-point uniform distribution of hot and humid air is achieved in the longitudinal space inside the fermentation tank 1. This provides a potential and stable air supply interface for each liftable tray layer, ensuring that air can be obtained from the nearest vertical exhaust pipe 222 regardless of the height to which the air intake end of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 slides. At the same time, the vertical exhaust pipe 222 itself acts as a robust guide rail, providing mechanical support and guidance for the smooth and precise lifting and lowering movement of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, realizing the functional integration of the air path and the mechanical track.

[0054] The horizontal exhaust pipe 221, vertical exhaust pipe 222, and horizontal exhaust pipe 223 are all made of food-grade stainless steel pipes welded or connected by flanges, forming a rigid frame structure. They are symmetrically distributed on both sides inside the fermentation tank 1. The outer surface of the vertical exhaust pipe 222 needs to be precision machined to ensure flatness and straightness when used as a sliding track.

[0055] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 4 and 5 The fork-arm telescopic rod 31 also includes a gas delivery module 315 for delivering gas into the short cross connecting rod 311, the long cross connecting rod 312, and the short cross connecting rod 313. The gas delivery module 315 includes multiple hollow sliders 3151 that are slidably connected to the body of one of the vertical exhaust pipes 222. A hollow tube shaft 3152 is connected to the block of the hollow slider 3151. The hollow tube shaft 3152 is rotatably connected to the top end of the short cross connecting rod 311, the bottom end of the short cross connecting rod 313, and the center of the long cross connecting rod 312. An exhaust hole is provided at one end of the hollow tube shaft 3152 that extends into the inside of the short cross connecting rod 311, the long cross connecting rod 312, and the short cross connecting rod 313.

[0056] In this embodiment, the gas delivery module 315 serves as a dynamic airflow interface connecting the fixed-side exhaust pipe 22 and the movable fork-arm telescopic rod 31. The hollow slider 3151 is slidably fitted onto the outside of the vertical exhaust pipe 222, allowing it to slide freely up and down along it. One end of the hollow tube shaft 3152 is fixed and connected to the hollow slider 3151, while the other end is inserted into and rotatably connected to the end or center of the short or long cross-connecting rod. When the hollow slider 3151 moves up and down along the vertical exhaust pipe 222 with the rise and fall of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, hot and humid air enters the hollow slider 3151 through openings in the pipe wall of the vertical exhaust pipe 222, or through the gap between the inner cavity and the pipe wall of the hollow slider 3151, and then flows into the internal channels of each cross-connecting rod via the hollow tube shaft 3152. The hollow tube shaft 3152 has exhaust holes at the connection points to ensure that the airflow can smoothly enter the rod body.

[0057] The gas delivery module 315 ingeniously solves the problem of dynamic sealing and connection between the moving parts and the fixed gas source. The sliding connection between the hollow slider 3151 and the vertical exhaust pipe 222 ensures that the gas path connection remains effective and frictional resistance is low throughout the entire lifting stroke of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31. The rotating connection design of the hollow tube shaft 3152 allows relative rotation between the connecting rods during the extension and retraction of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 without kinking or obstructing the smooth flow of gas. This module achieves flexible and continuous gas delivery from the fixed pipeline network to the moving rod, ensuring the realization of the gas path follow-up function.

[0058] The hollow slider 3151 is made of food-grade engineering plastic, such as PEEK or stainless steel. Its inner diameter is clearance-fitted with the outer diameter of the vertical exhaust pipe 222, with a tolerance of H8 / f7 or H9 / d9, to ensure smooth sliding and acceptable airtightness. The hollow tube shaft 3152 is made of stainless steel, and one end of it is inserted into the cross connecting rod via an O-ring made of food-grade silicone or fluororubber to achieve a rotational dynamic seal. On the vertical exhaust pipe 222, corresponding to the sliding range of the hollow slider 3151, a series of air inlets or a continuous longitudinal slit are provided to ensure that the slider can communicate with the air source inside the pipe at any position.

[0059] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 4 The hollow slider 3151 on the short cross connecting rod 1 311 and the short cross connecting rod 2 313 is connected to the two sides of the cross rod 3153. The cross rod 3153 is connected to the guide block 3154 which is slidably connected to the vertical exhaust pipe 222. The top of the cross rod 3153 is connected to the lifting lug 3155.

[0060] In this embodiment, the connection and guiding structure between the air delivery module 315 and the short rod portion of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 is further refined. The crossbar 3153 connects to both sides of the hollow slider 3151, serving to strengthen and extend it. The guide block 3154 is fixedly connected to the crossbar 3153 and slidably connected to the vertical exhaust pipe 222, providing additional guidance and support for the entire slider-crossbar assembly, preventing it from rotating around the vertical exhaust pipe 222, and ensuring smooth movement. The lifting lug 3155 is located at the top of the crossbar 3153, serving as a fixed connection point with the traction rope or connecting rod of the lifting assembly 33, and is used to withstand the lifting force.

[0061] The addition of the crossbar 3153 and guide block 3154 significantly improves the rigidity and stability of the hollow slider 3151 assembly when sliding along the vertical exhaust pipe 222, avoiding potential skewing or jamming due to single-point force. The lifting lug 3155 provides a standardized force transmission interface, enabling the driving force of the lifting assembly 33 to be smoothly and directly transmitted to the hollow slider 3151 and the connected fork-arm telescopic rod 31 through the crossbar 3153, ensuring the synchronicity and accuracy of the lifting action.

[0062] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 5 A connecting rod 3141 is rotatably connected to the shaft of the rotating shaft 314. A pulley 3142 is rotatably connected to the end of the connecting rod 3141 away from the rotating shaft 314. A slide rail 3143 is slidably connected to the outside of the pulley 3142 on the same horizontal plane. A limiting protrusion 3144 is connected to the upper surface of the slide rail 3143. The limiting protrusion 3144 can be slidably connected to the tray 32. A guide plate 3145 is connected to the body of the limiting protrusion 3144. The plate of the guide plate 3145 is slidably connected to one of the vertical exhaust pipes 222.

[0063] In this embodiment, the rolling engagement of the pulley 3142 and the slide rail 3143 transforms the connection between the pallet 32 ​​and the fork arm linkage from a possible rigid connection or suspension to a low-friction rolling support, making the lifting and lowering of the pallet 32 ​​more stable and smooth, and reducing the risk of jamming. The limiting protrusion 3144 ensures that the pallet 32 ​​is fixed in the horizontal direction. The sliding connection between the guide plate 3145 and the vertical exhaust pipe 222 further enhances the vertical guiding performance of the slide rail 3143, ensuring that the multi-layer pallet 32 ​​remains horizontal and parallel during lifting and lowering.

[0064] The pulley 3142 uses a food-grade engineering plastic, such as a nylon hub, with the rim wrapped in food-grade rubber or polyurethane to reduce noise and vibration. The slide rail 3143 is made of stainless steel with an inverted T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section, and the limiting protrusion 3144 is part of its upper flange. The guide plate 3145 is made of stainless steel with an elongated hole that connects to the limiting protrusion 3144 via bolts; this elongated hole allows for fine-tuning during installation. The other end of the guide plate 3145 has a guide groove that matches the cross-section of the vertical exhaust pipe 222, and a wear-resistant lining is embedded within the groove.

[0065] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 2 An L-shaped connecting block 3156 is connected to the block body of the guide block 3154, and the block body of the L-shaped connecting block 3156 on the same horizontal plane is connected to the baffle 3157.

[0066] In this embodiment, an L-shaped connecting block 3156 and a baffle 3157 are added to the guide block 3154 in the fifth section. One end of the L-shaped connecting block 3156 is fixed to the guide block 3154, and the other end extends horizontally. All L-shaped connecting blocks 3156 belonging to the same pallet mechanism on the same horizontal plane are connected together by a common baffle 3157. In this way, the multiple sets of guide blocks 3154 and crossbars 3153 that originally moved independently are connected into a rigid frame.

[0067] By using baffle 3157, water vapor is blocked, thus maintaining a high-temperature and high-humidity fermentation microenvironment during the initial stage of re-fermentation. The baffle also rigidly connects multiple guide components on the same layer, greatly enhancing the overall rigidity and synchronization of the tray 32 and its corresponding fork arm linkage during lifting. It effectively prevents shelf twisting or asynchrony caused by uneven force on one side or differences in frictional resistance, ensuring that the entire tray layer can be lifted and lowered smoothly like a sturdy flat plate. Baffle 3157 itself can also serve as a base for mounting other accessories.

[0068] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 3The lifting and pulling assembly 33 includes a dustproof box 331 connected to the upper surface of the fermentation box 1. A partition 332 is connected inside the dustproof box 331. A hoisting module 333 is connected to the upper surface of the partition 332. A hoisting module 334 is connected to the lower inner surface of the fermentation box 1 at the bottom end of the partition 332. The hoisting module 333 is connected to the short cross connecting rod 311, and the hoisting module 334 is connected to the short cross connecting rod 313.

[0069] In this embodiment, the components are encapsulated within a dustproof box 331 located on the upper surface of the fermentation tank 1 to protect the precision transmission parts from the humid and hot environment inside the fermentation tank 1. The dustproof box 331 is internally divided into upper and lower chambers by a partition 332. A first hoisting module 333 is installed in the upper chamber for lifting or lowering the portion connected to the first short cross connecting rod 311; a second hoisting module 334 is installed in the lower chamber or extends to the bottom of the tank via a long shaft for lifting or lowering the portion connected to the second short cross connecting rod 313. The synchronous operation of the two hoisting modules jointly controls the relative movement of the upper and lower ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, realizing the extension and retraction of the entire mechanism.

[0070] The drive components are housed in an independent dustproof box 331 outside the fermentation tank 1, achieving dry and wet separation and hot and cold isolation. This effectively protects electrical and mechanical components such as the motor 3332 and reducer 3331 from corrosion by the high temperature and high humidity environment, improving the reliability and service life of the equipment. Two independent hoisting modules, one above the other, control both ends of the fork arm mechanism, providing more flexible and powerful driving force, and precise coordination of the movements at both ends can be achieved through electrical synchronous control.

[0071] The dustproof box 331 is made of stainless steel and has an inspection door. A partition 332 divides the box into two independent sealed cavities. The stainless steel ropes of hoisting module one 333 and hoisting module two 334 are introduced into the fermentation tank 1 through sealed cable sleeves on the bottom plate of the dustproof box 331 and the top plate of the fermentation tank 1. These sealed sleeves are made of food-grade rubber, ensuring both airtightness and reducing rope wear.

[0072] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 6The structure of hoisting module 1 333 is the same as that of hoisting module 2 334. Hoisting module 1 333 includes a three-end reducer 3331 connected to the bottom of the dustproof box 331. The three-end reducer 3331 includes one input end and two output ends. The input end of the three-end reducer 3331 is connected to a motor 3332. The output end of the three-end reducer 3331 is connected to a synchronous power module 3333 via a coupling. The synchronous power module 3333 includes two output ends and one input end connected to the three-end reducer 3331. The output end of the power module 3333 is connected to a winch drum 3334. A stainless steel rope is wound around the outside of the winch drum 3334. One end of the stainless steel rope in the first winch module 333 extends into the fermentation tank 1 and is connected to the lifting lug 3155 on the first short cross connecting rod 311. One end of the stainless steel rope in the second winch module 334 extends into the fermentation tank 1 and is connected to the lifting lug 3155 on the second short cross connecting rod 313. The crossbar 3153 in the first short cross connecting rod 311 has a through hole for the stainless steel rope to pass through.

[0073] The synchronous power module 3333 includes a support frame 3335 connected inside the dustproof box 331. A first bevel gear 3336 and a second bevel gear 3337 located between the two first bevel gears 3336 are rotatably connected inside the support frame 3335. The second bevel gear 3337 meshes with the first bevel gear 3336. The first bevel gear 3336 is coaxially arranged with the drum body of the winch 3334. The second bevel gear 3337 is connected to the output end of the three-end reducer 3331.

[0074] In this embodiment, motor 3332 drives three-end reducer 3331. The two output ends of three-end reducer 3331 are respectively connected to two synchronous power modules 3333 via couplings. Inside each synchronous power module 3333, a second bevel gear 3337 simultaneously drives two first bevel gears 3336 to rotate synchronously in opposite directions, thereby driving two winches 3334 to synchronously wind up and unwind the stainless steel rope. The stainless steel rope of winch module one 333 passes downward through the top of fermentation tank 1 and connects to the lifting lug 3155 on short cross connecting rod one 311; the stainless steel rope of winch module two 334 is connected to the lifting lug 3155 on short cross connecting rod two 313. The crossbar 3153 on short cross connecting rod one 311 has a through hole for the stainless steel rope to pass through to avoid interference.

[0075] The synchronous power module 3333, composed of bevel gears, ensures the absolute synchronous rotation of the two winches 3334, thereby guaranteeing that the winding and unwinding lengths of the two stainless steel ropes driven by the same motor 3332 are completely consistent. This is the key mechanical guarantee for achieving strictly synchronous lifting and lowering at both ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31 and preventing mechanism twisting. Using stainless steel rope as the transmission medium results in a simple structure, is suitable for long-stroke transmission, and allows for easy position control via the winches 3334. Furthermore, the stainless steel ropes are tensioned by tensioning wheels inside the fermentation tank 1 to improve structural stability.

[0076] Motor 3332 is a servo motor or stepper motor with a brake to achieve precise position control. The three-terminal reducer 3331 is a worm gear reducer or a planetary gear reducer. The first bevel gear 3336 and the second bevel gear 3337 are made of surface-hardened alloy steel to ensure transmission accuracy and lifespan. The winch drum 3334 has helical rope grooves machined on its surface to match the diameter of the stainless steel rope to prevent rope overlap and wear. The stainless steel rope is made of 304 or 316 stainless steel, and its diameter is determined based on load calculations, typically 3-6 mm.

[0077] Optional, please refer to the appendix Figure 7 The steam generator 4 and the blower 5 are both connected to the air outlet of the steam generator 4 and the blower 5. The air outlet of the multiple air outlets 41 is connected to the electric control valve 42. The electric control valve 42 is connected to the outside of the fermentation tank 1. The air outlet of the electric control valve 42 is connected to the air outlet of the electric control valve 42 and the air outlet of the second air outlet 43 extends into the interior of the fermentation tank 1 and is connected to the air inlet of the main exhaust pipe 21.

[0078] In this embodiment, the claim defines the details of the steam and air mixing and delivery pipeline. The outlets of the steam generator 4 and the blower 5 are first led out through independent gas delivery pipes 41, and then connected to a common electrically controlled valve 42. The electrically controlled valve 42, as an integrated control node, can control the supply flow rate and timing of steam and air separately or simultaneously according to the fermentation process requirements. The mixed gas is then sent to the inlet of the main exhaust pipe 21 inside the fermentation tank 1 through a second gas delivery pipe 43.

[0079] By installing electrically controlled valves 42 at the ends of the steam and air passages before they enter the fermentation chamber, precise, independent, and programmable control of the supply of the two media is achieved. This allows the device to flexibly adjust the temperature and humidity of the fermentation environment. For example, in the early stages of fermentation, steam and hot air can be supplied simultaneously for rapid heating and humidification; in the maintenance phase, air can be mainly supplied supplemented with a small amount of steam to maintain constant temperature and humidity; before the end of fermentation, steam can be stopped, and only air can be introduced for surface drying. This refined control improves the automation level of the fermentation process and the consistency of product quality.

[0080] Gas supply pipe 41 and gas supply pipe 43 are stainless steel corrugated pipes or food-grade silicone tubing with external insulation. The electrically controlled valve 42 is a two-position normally open or normally closed solenoid valve, or a proportional regulating valve, with a coil protection rating of not less than IP65. All pipe connections are sealed using food-grade clamps or flanges. A steam trap can be installed on gas supply pipe 41 near the steam generator 4 to drain condensate from the pipe.

[0081] The specific operation method of this invention is as follows:

[0082] After the device is started, the steam generator 4 produces water vapor, and the blower 5 provides airflow. Under the control of the control system, the outputs of the two are mixed in proportion through the electronically controlled valve 42 to form the hot and humid air required for the process. This mixed gas is transported to the main exhaust pipe 21 at the top of the fermentation tank 1 through the gas supply pipe 43.

[0083] After hot and humid air enters the main exhaust pipe 21, it is evenly distributed to the side exhaust pipes 22 symmetrically arranged on both sides. The side exhaust pipes 22 form a three-dimensional grid-like pipe system consisting of a horizontal exhaust pipe 221, multiple vertical exhaust pipes 222, and a horizontal exhaust pipe 223, which guides and distributes the airflow to multiple vertical positions on both sides of the fermentation tank 1.

[0084] A tray 32 holding the dough is mounted between two retractable fork-arm telescopic rods 31. These telescopic rods are hinged together by a rotating shaft 314, consisting of a short cross connecting rod 311, multiple long cross connecting rods 312, and a second short cross connecting rod 313, forming a parallelogram linkage mechanism that can be simultaneously extended and retracted. Crucially, the upper and lower ends of the fork-arm telescopic rods 31 are slidably connected to a vertical exhaust pipe 222 via an air delivery module 315. The hollow slider 3151 of the air delivery module 315 can slide up and down along the vertical exhaust pipe 222 and communicates with the interior of the fork-arm rods via a hollow tube shaft 3152. This allows hot, humid air to be continuously input from the fixed vertical exhaust pipe 222 through the hollow slider 3151 and the hollow tube shaft 3152 into the movable, hollow fork-arm telescopic rods 31, and finally evenly ejected from the exhaust port on the side closest to the tray 32.

[0085] The fermentation process is controlled by a lifting and lowering assembly 33. This assembly, driven by a motor 3332, a reducer 3331, synchronous bevel gear sets 3336 and 3337, and a winch 3334, pulls a stainless steel rope to simultaneously lift or lower the lifting lugs 3155 at both ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod 31, thereby precisely controlling the translation of its two ends along the vertical exhaust pipe 222. In the early stages of fermentation, the drive fork-arm mechanism retracts, concentrating the multi-layer trays 32 to quickly establish a fermentation environment with minimal space. As the dough expands, the drive fork-arm mechanism extends synchronously, increasing the spacing between the trays 32 to provide ample space for dough expansion. Throughout the lifting and lowering process, due to the airflow follow-up design, the supply point of hot and humid air always closely follows the tray position, ensuring uniform airflow coverage.

[0086] The present invention has been described above by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvement made by adopting the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other occasions without modification, shall be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dough leavening device for processing quick-frozen steamed buns, characterized in that, include: Fermentation box (1), the bottom end of which is connected to a base (11), and the opening side of which is connected to a door; The exhaust mechanism (2) includes a main exhaust pipe (21) and a side exhaust pipe (22). The main exhaust pipe (21) is connected to the top of the inside of the fermentation tank (1). The side exhaust pipe (22) is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main exhaust pipe (21), and the air inlet of the side exhaust pipe (22) is connected to the air outlet of the main exhaust pipe (21). The pallet mechanism (3) includes a fork-arm telescopic rod (31) and a pallet (32). The pallet (32) is connected between two fork-arm telescopic rods (31). The fork-arm telescopic rods (31) are connected to the side exhaust pipe (22). The fork-arm telescopic rods (31) have an exhaust end and an intake end. The intake end of the fork-arm telescopic rods (31) can be connected to the exhaust end of the adjacent side exhaust pipe (22). The fork-arm telescopic rod (31) is connected to the lifting and pulling assembly (33), which is located at the top of the fermentation box (1). The lifting and pulling assembly (33) is used to control the upper and lower ends of the fork-arm telescopic rod (31) to move along the pipe body of the side exhaust pipe (22). A steam generator (4) and a blower (5) are provided, the exhaust ends of which are connected to the main exhaust pipe (21).

2. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fork-arm telescopic rod (31) includes a short cross connecting rod one (311), a long cross connecting rod (312), and a short cross connecting rod two (313) connected in sequence through a rotating shaft (314). The short cross connecting rod one (311) and the short cross connecting rod two (313) are both connected to the lifting and pulling assembly (33). There are multiple long cross connecting rods (312), and multiple adjacent long cross connecting rods (312) are connected to each other through a rotating shaft. The short cross connecting rod one (311), the long cross connecting rod (312), and the short cross connecting rod two (313) are provided with exhaust holes on the side near the tray (32). The rod body of the short cross connecting rod one (311), the long cross connecting rod (312), and the short cross connecting rod two (313) is provided with a flow channel or the rod body is a hollow structure.

3. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side exhaust pipe (22) includes a horizontal exhaust pipe one (221), a vertical exhaust pipe (222) and a horizontal exhaust pipe two (223) connected in sequence. The pipe body of the horizontal exhaust pipe one (221) is connected to one end of the pipe body of the main exhaust pipe (21). There are multiple vertical exhaust pipes (222), and multiple vertical exhaust pipes (222) are connected between adjacent side horizontal exhaust pipe one (221) and horizontal exhaust pipe two (223).

4. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fork-arm telescopic rod (31) also includes a gas delivery module (315) for delivering gas into the short cross connecting rod one (311), the long cross connecting rod (312), and the short cross connecting rod two (313). The gas delivery module (315) includes a plurality of hollow sliders (3151) slidably connected to the body of one of the vertical exhaust pipes (222). A hollow tube shaft (3152) is connected to the block of the hollow slider (3151). The hollow tube shaft (3152) is rotatably connected to the top end of the short cross connecting rod one (311), the bottom end of the short cross connecting rod two (313), and the center of the long cross connecting rod (312). One end of the hollow tube shaft (3152) extending into the interior of the short cross connecting rod one (311), the long cross connecting rod (312), and the short cross connecting rod two (313) is provided with an exhaust hole.

5. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hollow slider (3151) on the first short cross connecting rod (311) and the second short cross connecting rod (313) is connected to a crossbar (3153) on both sides. A guide block (3154) that is slidably connected to the vertical exhaust pipe (222) is connected to the body of the crossbar (3153). A lifting lug (3155) is connected to the top of the body of the crossbar (3153).

6. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 3, characterized in that, A connecting rod (3141) is rotatably connected to the shaft of the rotating shaft (314). A pulley (3142) is rotatably connected to one end of the connecting rod (3141) away from the rotating shaft (314). A slide rail (3143) is slidably connected to the outside of the pulley (3142) on the same horizontal plane. A limiting protrusion (3144) is connected to the upper surface of the slide rail (3143). The limiting protrusion (3144) can be slidably connected to the tray (32). A guide plate (3145) is connected to the strip of the limiting protrusion (3144). The plate of the guide plate (3145) is slidably connected to one of the vertical exhaust pipes (222).

7. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide block (3154) is connected to an L-shaped connecting block (3156), and the L-shaped connecting block (3156) on the same horizontal plane is connected to the baffle (3157).

8. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting and pulling assembly (33) includes a dustproof box (331) connected to the upper surface of the fermentation box (1). The dustproof box (331) has a partition (332) connected inside. The upper surface of the partition (332) is connected to a hoisting module one (333). The bottom end of the partition (332) is provided with a hoisting module two (334) connected to the inner surface of the bottom end of the fermentation box (1). The hoisting module one (333) is connected to a short cross connecting rod one (311), and the hoisting module two (334) is connected to a short cross connecting rod two (313).

9. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 8, characterized in that, The structure of the first hoisting module (333) is the same as that of the second hoisting module (334). The first hoisting module (333) includes a three-end reducer (3331) connected to the bottom of the dustproof box (331). The three-end reducer (3331) includes one input end and two output ends. The input end of the three-end reducer (3331) is connected to a motor (3332). The output end of the three-end reducer (3331) is connected to a synchronous power module (3333) via a coupling. The synchronous power module (3333) includes two output ends and one input end connected to the three-end reducer (3331). The output end of the power module (3333) is connected to a winch drum (3334), and a stainless steel rope is wound around the outside of the winch drum (3334). One end of the stainless steel rope in the first winch module (333) extends into the fermentation tank (1) and is connected to the lifting lug (3155) on the first short cross connecting rod (311). One end of the stainless steel rope in the second winch module (334) extends into the fermentation tank (1) and is connected to the lifting lug (3155) on the second short cross connecting rod (313). The crossbar (3153) in the first short cross connecting rod (311) has a through hole for the stainless steel rope to pass through. The synchronous power module (3333) includes a support frame (3335) connected inside the dustproof box (331). The support frame (3335) is rotatably connected to a first bevel gear (3336) and a second bevel gear (3337) located between the two first bevel gears (3336). The second bevel gear (3337) meshes with the first bevel gear (3336). The first bevel gear (3336) is coaxially arranged with the drum body of the winch drum (3334). The second bevel gear (3337) is connected to the output end of the three-end reducer (3331).

10. The dough leavening device for quick-frozen bun processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator (4) and the blower (5) are both connected to the gas supply pipe 1 (41) at their outlet ends. The gas supply pipe 1 (41) is connected to an electric control valve (42) at its outlet end. The electric control valve (42) is connected to the outside of the fermentation tank (1). The gas supply pipe 2 (43) is connected to the outlet end of the electric control valve (42). The outlet end of the gas supply pipe 2 (43) extends into the interior of the fermentation tank (1) and is connected to the inlet end of the main exhaust pipe (21).

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