Food sample pretreatment device for food safety detection

Abstract

The invention discloses a food sample pretreatment device for food safety detection. A center supporting column and an execution assembly are sequentially arranged on the surface of a base from bottom to top, a cooling assembly is arranged in the execution assembly, a mounting disc is arranged on the center supporting column, a plurality of homogenizing cutter units are arranged on the mounting disc, and a centrifugal assembly is arranged on the outer side wall of the center supporting column. By arranging the homogenizing cutter unit, manual mounting and dismounting can be achieved in a simple clamping mode, the maintenance operation can be simplified, the universality can be improved, by arranging the sample frame assembly, the sample frame assembly keeps the sample treatment bin vertical by means of gravity when being static, taking and placing are convenient, and during centrifugation, the sample treatment bin is automatically unfolded to a preset angle by means of centrifugal force, so that the sample treatment efficiency is improved. The separation effect is optimized, automatic reset can be achieved after work is stopped, the cooling assembly is arranged, the contact area of the inner tool bit and the sample can be cooled, and sample inactivation in the pretreatment process is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food testing equipment, and more particularly to a food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of food safety testing, sample pretreatment is a key step to ensure the accuracy of test results. Among them, homogenization and centrifugation are two of the most commonly used pretreatment methods. The purpose of homogenization is to transform the food sample into a uniform slurry, release and evenly distribute the target analyte, and the purpose of centrifugation is to separate the homogenized mixture according to the density difference to obtain a clear supernatant for subsequent analysis. The pretreatment operation commonly used in laboratories is as follows: first, the material in the sample processing chamber is crushed and homogenized using a suitable internal blade on a homogenizer, and then the container is manually opened and transferred to a centrifuge for centrifugation.

[0003] Most existing homogenizing equipment is equipped with a fixed blade. When processing different types of food samples continuously, it is necessary to frequently use tools to disassemble and install the blade, which is a cumbersome process. After the homogenization process is completed, the sample also needs to be transferred to a centrifuge, which leads to an extension of the total processing time and a reduction in the detection throughput.

[0004] During high-speed homogenization, the friction between the inner blade and the sample generates heat, which raises the sample temperature and may cause thermally unstable target analytes (such as vitamins, specific microorganisms, enzymes, etc.) to degrade or become inactive, affecting the detection results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: The present invention aims to provide a food sample pretreatment device that solves the problems of limited functionality, cumbersome blade replacement, and potential damage to sample activity caused by frictional heat in existing food sample pretreatment devices.

[0006] Technical Solution: The food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing according to the present invention includes a central support column, a mounting plate, a drive plate, and a homogenizing blade unit mounted on the mounting plate. The mounting plate is fixed to the upper side of the central support column. An electric push cylinder is provided inside the central support column for controlling the lifting and lowering of the drive plate. The drive plate includes a transmission joint for driving the rotation of the homogenizing blade unit. The bottom of the transmission joint is provided with a mating tenon. The mating tenon and the mating mortise at the top of the homogenizing blade unit form a self-aligning structure. When the electric push cylinder drives the drive plate to press down, the mating tenon and the mating mortise are dynamically engaged. When the electric push cylinder drives the drive plate to rise, the mating tenon and the mating mortise disengage.

[0007] Furthermore, the food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing also includes a centrifuge assembly. The rotating sleeve of the centrifuge assembly is installed on the outside of the central support column. A sample rack assembly is provided on the rotating sleeve for placing the sample processing chamber. The sample rack assembly includes a mounting plate and a sample fixing frame. The top of the sample fixing frame is rotatably connected to the mounting plate, and the bottom is movably connected to the mounting plate through a linkage group. In a static state, the sample fixing frame is kept vertically folded by gravity. During centrifugation, the sample fixing frame unfolds by centrifugal force, causing the sample processing chamber to tilt.

[0008] Furthermore, the food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing also includes a cooling component. The input end of the shunt tube of the cooling component is connected to a low-temperature nitrogen source, and the output end is equipped with an extension tube. After passing through the transmission joint, the extension tube extends into the cooling channel of the homogenizing knife unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the homogenizing blade unit includes an outer blade head and an inner blade head. The outer blade head is hollow, and a hexagonal positioning ring is fitted on the outer side wall of the outer blade head. A bearing is installed inside the positioning ring, and the positioning ring is engaged with the slot of the mounting plate. A screw hole is opened on the outer side wall of the outer blade head, and a mating mortise is provided on the top of the outer blade head.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner cutter head is equipped with a cooling channel, and the inner cutter head is connected to the outer cutter head through a fixing seat. A cooling nozzle is opened at the bottom of the outer side wall of the inner cutter head for cooling the inner cutter head and the sample.

[0011] Furthermore, the drive disk also includes a drive gear, and the transmission joint is connected to the drive gear through a gear ring.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotating joint of the connecting rod assembly is provided with a limiting block, and the connecting rod assembly unfolds to a preset angle under the action of centrifugal force.

[0013] Furthermore, the rotating sleeve is mounted on the central support via bearings, and a hollow synchronous wheel is provided at the bottom of the rotating sleeve. The hollow synchronous wheel is connected to the centrifugal motor via a synchronous belt.

[0014] Beneficial Effects: Compared with the prior art, the significant advantages of this invention are: 1. By setting up a homogenizing blade unit, this invention can be manually installed and disassembled through a simple snap-fit ​​method. The transmission joint and the homogenizing blade unit are connected by an arc-shaped tenon and mortise structure, which can automatically guide and engage during the downward pressing of the electric push cylinder and gradually disengage during lifting. This allows for quick replacement of dedicated inner blades for different samples, simplifying maintenance operations and improving versatility. 2. By setting up a sample holder assembly, this invention keeps the sample processing chamber vertical by gravity when stationary, facilitating loading and unloading. During centrifugation, it automatically unfolds to a preset angle by centrifugal force, optimizing the separation effect. After stopping work, it can automatically reset, achieving automatic switching between loading and separation postures without the need for an additional drive source. 3. By setting up a cooling assembly, cooling nitrogen gas can reach the cooling nozzle inside the homogenizing blade from the top inlet through the rotating transmission joint, cooling the area where the inner blade and sample contact, suppressing the temperature rise in this area, and ensuring the sample activity during pretreatment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the protective cover and base of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an assembly diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the centrifuge assembly of the present invention in the centrifugation state; Figure 6 This is a structural assembly diagram of the sample holder assembly and sample processing chamber of the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the drive disk of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a structural assembly diagram of the cooling component and the actuation component of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a bottom view of the component executing the present invention; Figure 11 This is a structural assembly diagram of the mounting disk and homogenizing blade unit of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the homogenizing blade unit of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the internal cutting head of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Sample processing chamber; 201. Chamber cover; 3. Protective cover; 4. Central support; 5. Mounting plate; 6. Slot; 7. Electric pusher cylinder; 8. Drive plate; 9. Transmission joint; 10. Drive gear; 11. Rotating sleeve; 12. Outer cutter head; 13. Inner cutter head; 14. Gear ring; 15. Docking tenon; 16. Hollow synchronous pulley; 17. Mounting plate; 18. Sample holder; 19. Linkage assembly; 1901. Limiting block; 20. Positioning ring; 21. Docking tenon; 22. Cooling channel; 2201. Cooling nozzle; 23. Fixing seat; 24. Diverter pipe; 25. Extension guide pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0017] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing of the present invention includes a base 1 and a sample processing chamber 2. A protective cover 3 is provided on the base 1. A central support column 4 is provided on the surface of the base 1. A centrifugal assembly and a mounting plate 5 are provided on the outer side wall of the central support column 4 from bottom to top. The mounting plate 5 is provided with multiple slots 6. Homogenizing blade units are installed in the multiple slots 6, allowing users to quickly and manually install and remove the homogenizing blade units without using tools. An electric pusher cylinder 7 is provided in the central support column 4. The output end of the electric pusher cylinder 7 is connected to an execution component. A cooling component is provided in the execution component.

[0018] The execution component includes a drive disk 8 installed at the output end of the electric pusher cylinder 7. The drive disk 8 is equipped with a transmission joint 9 for driving the homogenizing knife unit to rotate and a drive gear 10 for driving the transmission joint 9 to rotate. A crushing motor is installed above the drive gear 10. The crushing motor is connected to the drive gear 10 through a synchronous belt mechanism. The electric pusher cylinder 7 can drive the entire execution component to be lifted, so that it is completely removed from the working area, thereby freeing up space for disassembling and assembling the homogenizing knife unit.

[0019] like Figure 4 As shown, the centrifugation assembly includes a rotating sleeve 11 and a centrifugation motor. The centrifugation motor is installed in the base 1 and is used to drive the rotating sleeve 11 to rotate. The rotating sleeve 11 is provided with a sample rack assembly for placing the sample processing chamber 2. The sample rack assembly maintains a vertically folded posture when the centrifugation is stationary, which facilitates the placement and removal of the sample processing chamber 2. After the centrifugation motor is started, it can automatically unfold under the action of centrifugal force and maintain a stable tilted state to optimize the centrifugation separation effect.

[0020] The homogenizer unit includes an outer blade 12 located below the mounting plate 5, and an inner blade 13 for processing food samples is fitted inside the outer blade 12. The homogenizer unit can quickly replace the special inner blade 13 of different shapes or materials according to the texture of different food samples, so that multiple types of samples can be processed simultaneously on the same device, improving detection efficiency and versatility.

[0021] Furthermore, such as Figure 10As shown, the transmission joint 9 is hollow and is rotatably mounted in the drive disk 8 through a bearing. The top of the transmission joint 9 is provided with a toothed ring 14, and the bottom of the transmission joint 9 is provided with a mating tenon 15. The bottom of the mating tenon 15 is arc-shaped. The transmission joint 9 is connected to the drive gear 10 through the toothed ring 14.

[0022] The further advantage of adopting the above is that the arc-shaped bottom of the mating tenon 15 and the mating mortise 21 on the top of the homogenizing knife unit form a self-aligning structure, which automatically completes the power docking when the electric push cylinder 7 is pressed down, and easily disengages when lifted, simplifying the loading and unloading operation of the homogenizing knife unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the rotating sleeve 11 is equipped with a bearing inside, and the rotating sleeve 11 is mounted on the central support column 4 through the bearing. The bottom of the rotating sleeve 11 is equipped with a hollow synchronous wheel 16, which is connected to the centrifugal motor through a synchronous belt.

[0024] Furthermore, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the sample rack assembly includes a mounting plate 17 and a sample holder 18. The bottom of the mounting plate 17 is provided with a connecting rod assembly 19. The top of the sample holder 18 is hinged to the mounting plate 17, and the bottom of the sample holder 18 is connected to the connecting rod assembly 19. During centrifugation, the sample holder 18 unfolds by centrifugal force, causing the sample processing chamber 2 to tilt.

[0025] The further advantage of the above is that the linkage 19 converts centrifugal force into the unfolding driving force of the sample holder 18 through a purely mechanical linkage structure. In a static state, the sample holder 18 is kept in a vertically retracted posture by gravity. In the centrifugation process, the centrifugal force generated by rotation will directly act on the mass block (sample processing chamber 2 and its internal sample) of the linkage 19 and the sample holder 18, so that the sample processing chamber 2 pulls the linkage 19 to unfold smoothly to the maximum tilt angle set by the limit stop 1901, realizing the switching from loading mode to separation mode without the need for a driving source.

[0026] Furthermore, a limit stop 1901 is provided on the rotating joint of the connecting rod assembly 19 to prevent the connecting rod assembly 19 from fully unfolding under the action of centrifugal force, ensuring the consistency of the unfolding angle of the sample holder 18 during high-speed centrifugation, and preventing excessive tilting of the sample processing chamber 2 from causing liquid spillage.

[0027] Furthermore, such as Figure 11 As shown, the outer cutter head 12 is hollow, and a hexagonal positioning ring 20 is fitted on the outer side wall of the outer cutter head 12. A bearing is provided inside the positioning ring 20. The positioning ring 20 is engaged with the slot 6. A screw hole is provided on the outer side wall of the outer cutter head 12 for connecting with the fixing seat 23 of the inner cutter head 13. A mating mortise 21 is provided on the top of the outer cutter head 12, and the top of the mating mortise 21 is arc-shaped.

[0028] The further advantage of adopting the above is that, while the outer blade 12 is radially and securely supported, it can be easily removed from the slot 6 of the mounting plate 5 by simply lifting it up, so that the homogenizing blade unit can be used as an independent functional module and can be quickly switched as needed.

[0029] It should be noted that the outer blade 12 and the inner blade 13 are pre-assembled complete homogenizing blade units. When dealing with hard or fibrous samples (such as meat), it is necessary to switch to the outer blade 12 and inner blade 13 equipped with blunt tip heavy-duty type for pounding and crushing. When dealing with soft and juicy samples (such as fruits and vegetables), it is necessary to switch to the unit equipped with thin blade type inner blade 13 for cutting and the outer blade 12 equipped with splash guard. The above blade shapes are existing technology and will not be described in detail below.

[0030] During operation, there is no need to disassemble and install the outer blade 12 and inner blade 13 separately on site. For example, after the homogenizing blade unit (blunt blade) used to process beef samples is pulled out directly from the slot 6, another homogenizing blade unit (sharp blade) used to process leafy vegetable samples can be directly inserted. The whole process is tool-free and simple, allowing operators to quickly switch homogenizing blade units.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the inner blade 13 has a cooling channel 22 inside, and a fixing seat 23 is provided on the top of the outer wall of the inner blade 13. The fixing seat 23 is connected to the outer blade 12 by screws. A cooling nozzle 2201 is provided at the bottom of the outer wall of the inner blade 13 for cooling the inner blade 13 and the sample.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cooling assembly includes a manifold 24 installed in the drive plate 8. The input end of the manifold 24 is connected to an external cryogenic nitrogen source. Each output end of the manifold 24 is equipped with an extension conduit 25. After passing through the transmission joint 9, the extension conduit 25 extends into the cooling channel 22. The extension conduit 25, the transmission joint 9, and the cooling channel 22 adopt a quick-separation sealed plug-in interface to ensure that the cooling pipeline can be easily disconnected when the execution assembly is separated from the homogenizing knife unit, without complicated disassembly steps, further supporting the modular and multi-functional operation of the device.

[0033] The further advantage of the above is that the cooling nitrogen gas is input from an external low-temperature nitrogen source, flows through the split pipe 24 and each extension conduit 25, and finally reaches the cooling nozzle 2201 at the end of the cooling channel 22, and is sprayed into the sample processing chamber 2 to achieve cooling of the working area of ​​the homogenizing knife unit, ensuring that the temperature-sensitive sample remains active during the pretreatment process.

[0034] Meanwhile, when switching operating states, the cooling pipes can be detached from the execution components simultaneously, enabling rapid switching between the two modes and improving operational convenience.

[0035] When using this invention, the operator places the container containing the sample to be processed on the sample rack assembly in a vertically folded state. At this time, the container is in an upright position. Then, according to the physical characteristics of the food sample to be tested, the appropriate homogenizing knife unit is selected and aligned with the slot 6 and pressed down to complete the installation. No additional tools are required throughout the process.

[0036] During the homogenization stage, the electric pusher cylinder 7 drives the actuator to descend smoothly. Under the guidance of the arc-shaped tenon 15 at the bottom of the transmission joint 9, it automatically and precisely aligns with the mating mortise 21 at the top of the homogenizing blade and completes the fitting. The crushing motor transmits power to the transmission joint 9 through the synchronous belt mechanism and the drive gear 10, driving the homogenizing blade to rotate at high speed in the sample processing chamber 2, shearing and crushing the food sample for homogenization. During this process, low-temperature nitrogen gas is introduced from an external gas source, distributed through the diverter pipe 24, and flows through the hollow channel of the high-speed rotating transmission joint 9 through each extension conduit 25, finally reaching the cooling channel 22 inside the homogenizing blade. It is then directly sprayed from the cooling nozzle 2201 at the bottom onto the contact area between the inner blade head 13 and the sample, forming a local low-temperature environment. This can suppress the heat generated by high-speed friction and ensure that the temperature-sensitive test components remain stable during the pretreatment process.

[0037] After homogenization, the electric pusher cylinder 7 lifts the entire execution assembly, disconnecting the transmission joint 9 and cooling pipes. After the operator removes the homogenizing blade unit, the sample processing chamber 2 is covered with the chamber cover 201 to prevent sample splashing. Then, the centrifuge motor is started, driving the rotating sleeve 11 and the sample rack assembly mounted on it to rotate via the synchronous belt. Under the action of centrifugal force, the linkage mechanism of the sample rack assembly begins to move, causing the sample fixing frame 18 to move the sample processing chamber 2 from a static vertical state to a pre-set tilt angle by the limit stop 1901, thereby achieving efficient stratification of the sample in the centrifugal field. After the centrifugation program is completed, the equipment stops operating, and the centrifugal force gradually disappears. At this time, the sample rack assembly automatically returns to its initial vertical retracted state under its own gravity, making it easy for the operator to safely remove the sample processing chamber 2.

[0038] Throughout the entire pretreatment process, operators can complete both homogenization and centrifugation pretreatment steps on a single device without disassembling the main equipment or complex pipelines.

Claims

1. A food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing, characterized in that, The device includes a central support (4), a mounting plate (5), a drive plate (8), and a homogenizing blade unit mounted on the mounting plate (5). The mounting plate (5) is fixed to the upper side of the central support (4). An electric push cylinder (7) is provided inside the central support (4) to control the lifting and lowering of the drive plate (8). The drive plate (8) includes a transmission joint (9) for driving the homogenizing blade unit to rotate. The bottom of the transmission joint (9) is provided with a mating tenon (15). The mating tenon (15) and the mating mortise (21) on the top of the homogenizing blade unit form a self-aligning structure. When the electric push cylinder (7) drives the drive plate (8) to press down, the mating tenon (15) and the mating mortise (21) are electrically connected. When the electric push cylinder (7) drives the drive plate (8) to rise, the mating tenon (15) and the mating mortise (21) are disengaged.

2. The food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a centrifugation assembly. The rotating sleeve (11) of the centrifugation assembly is installed on the outside of the central support (4). The rotating sleeve (11) is provided with a sample rack assembly for placing the sample processing chamber (2). The sample rack assembly includes a mounting plate (17) and a sample fixing frame (18). The top of the sample fixing frame (18) is rotatably connected to the mounting plate (17), and the bottom is movably connected to the mounting plate (17) through a connecting rod assembly (19). In a static state, the sample fixing frame (18) is kept vertically folded by gravity. During centrifugation, the sample fixing frame (18) unfolds by centrifugal force, causing the sample processing chamber (2) to tilt.

3. The food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cooling assembly. The input end of the cooling assembly’s shunt pipe (24) is connected to a low-temperature nitrogen source, and the output end is equipped with an extension conduit (25). After passing through the transmission joint (9), the extension conduit (25) extends into the cooling channel (22) of the homogenizing knife unit.

4. The food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The homogenizing knife unit includes an outer knife head (12) and an inner knife head (13). The outer knife head (12) is hollow. A hexagonal positioning ring (20) is fitted on the outer side wall of the outer knife head (12). A bearing is provided inside the positioning ring (20). The positioning ring (20) is engaged with the slot (6) of the mounting plate (5). A screw hole is provided on the outer side wall of the outer knife head (12). A mating mortise (21) is provided on the top of the outer knife head (12).

5. The food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner blade (13) is provided with a cooling channel (22). The inner blade (13) is connected to the outer blade (12) through a fixed seat (23). A cooling nozzle (2201) is provided at the bottom of the outer side wall of the inner blade (13) for cooling the inner blade (13) and the sample.

6. The food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive disk (8) also includes a drive gear (10), and the transmission joint (9) is connected to the drive gear (10) by a gear ring (14).

7. The food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting rod assembly (19) is provided with a limiting stop (1901) on the rotating joint, and the connecting rod assembly (19) unfolds to a preset angle under the action of centrifugal force.

8. The food sample pretreatment device for food safety testing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating sleeve (11) is mounted on the central support column (4) via bearings. The bottom of the rotating sleeve (11) is provided with a hollow synchronous wheel, which is connected to the centrifugal motor via a synchronous belt.

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