Automatic duck neck cooling line and cooling method

Abstract

The application provides an automatic cooling line and a cooling method for duck necks. The application aims to significantly improve the cooling efficiency and operation standardization in the production process of duck necks through automatic equipment, reduce manual intervention, and ensure stable product quality and health safety. The system structure of the application is clear and the function is clear, and the whole process automation control from input to cooling to output can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of food machinery and automation technology, and in particular relates to a highly efficient automated cooling device and process for processing duck necks. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the production of cooked duck neck products largely relies on manual cooling and transfer. This traditional method is not only inefficient and unable to meet the demands of modern large-scale production, but also prone to human error, making it difficult to precisely control hygiene conditions and increasing the risk of product contamination. Furthermore, individual differences in manual handling and environmental variations make it difficult to maintain consistent product quality. This not only affects the consumer's eating experience but also directly hinders the improvement of overall production efficiency and poses a potential threat to food safety. Therefore, optimizing and improving existing production processes and introducing more efficient and controllable technologies has become an important direction for the industry to enhance competitiveness and ensure product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention addresses the technical problems existing in the prior art by proposing a production line system and control method that can achieve automated cooling of duck necks, thereby improving production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and maintaining operational hygiene.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: an automatic cooling line for duck necks, comprising an input area, a cooling area and an output area, which are independently set in space and divided into an input area, a cooling area and an output area according to the process flow, and the three areas are connected to each other through an input port and an output port, respectively. The input area is equipped with an input line, which is specifically used to carry and transport the carrier containing duck necks. The input line is integrated with a weighing unit, which can automatically weigh the duck necks that pass through. The output of the input line is aligned with the input port. The cooling zone is equipped with a feeding conveyor that can move along a fixed track to receive the duck neck carrier sent from the input line. Multiple vacuum coolers are arranged along the track, and the feed inlets of each cooler are set facing the track. The cooling zone is also equipped with a discharging conveyor, whose running track is located outside the discharge inlets of each cooler. The output area is equipped with an output line for transporting the cooled duck neck carrier to the next stage. The inlet and outlet of the output line correspond to each other. The unloading and transfer machine is responsible for transferring the cooled duck neck from the cooling machine to the output line.

[0005] Preferably, the input line uses a fixed-frequency, fixed-quantity material conveying method, which ensures that the carrier stably supplies materials to the cooling area according to preset time intervals and quantities. Specifically, the input line can be selected from belt conveyors or roller conveyors to operate independently, or a composite conveying mode combining belts and rollers can be used to improve the system's adaptability and reliability, depending on actual production needs.

[0006] Preferably, the vacuum cooler employs a fully automatic door opening and closing mechanism to achieve unmanned operation. Inside the vacuum cooler's internal cooling chamber, multiple rationally arranged support structures are provided. These supports divide the cooling chamber into several independent unit areas, each specifically designed to support and accommodate multiple carriers, thereby optimizing space utilization and ensuring uniform cooling.

[0007] Preferably, the output line also delivers materials according to the principle of fixed frequency and quantity, ensuring that the cooled duck necks can be delivered out of the cooling zone in an orderly and efficient manner. The output line can be implemented using a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, or a combination of both, to meet the needs of different production rhythms and site conditions.

[0008] Preferably, the inlet and outlet are arranged opposite each other in space. This layout simplifies the material flow path and reduces the space occupied by the equipment. Multiple vacuum coolers are arranged in sequence, with the first vacuum cooler closest to the inlet and outlet, the second closest, and so on, thus forming an efficient and continuous cooling production line.

[0009] Preferably, the carrier is a stainless steel turnover box with several holes.

[0010] A cooling method using the aforementioned automatic duck neck cooling line includes the following detailed steps: First, the braised duck necks are placed in a dedicated carrier, which is then conveyed towards the inlet via an input line at a constant frequency and in a quantitative manner. During the conveying process, the duck necks are automatically weighed and the data is recorded by a weighing unit. The conveying is paused when the carrier reaches the inlet. After the feeding conveyor reaches the inlet, the input line restarts, conveying the duck necks to the feeding conveyor. After receiving the duck necks in batches, the feeding conveyor moves along a preset track, transporting the duck necks to the first vacuum cooler until all the accommodating areas in the cooling chamber are filled, and then the vacuum cooling program is started. Afterward, the system automatically switches to the next vacuum cooler to continue filling and cooling, and this cycle repeats in sequence. After the first vacuum cooler completes its cooling operation, the unloading conveyor moves to its outlet, receives the cooled duck necks, and transfers them to the output outlet for unloading onto the output line for outward transport. The unloading operation of the next vacuum cooler that has finished cooling is then carried out in the same manner, and this cycle continues until all the duck necks have completed the cooling and unloading process.

[0011] Preferably, during the feeding operation of the vacuum cooler, the inlet automatically opens while the outlet remains closed to ensure the airtightness of the cooling chamber; conversely, during the unloading process, the unloading outlet opens while the inlet closes, ensuring strict zoning of each stage and avoiding interference.

[0012] Preferably, when the system executes the current feeding command of the vacuum cooler, it will control the feeding port to open automatically when the feeding conveyor is in place; similarly, when the unloading command is executed, the discharge port will open automatically when the unloading conveyor reaches the discharge position of the cooler, thereby realizing full-process automated control.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are as follows: This invention, through the adoption of a highly automated production line design concept, constructs a cooling system integrating intelligent control and real-time monitoring. Combined with a systematic process control method, it achieves efficient and collaborative management of the entire duck neck cooling process. This solution not only significantly improves overall operational efficiency and unit-time output, but also greatly enhances food hygiene and safety levels through standardized operating procedures and a closed production environment. Simultaneously, the large-scale application of automated equipment effectively reduces reliance on manual labor in traditional production, thereby lowering labor costs, reducing quality fluctuations and error risks caused by human operation, and further enhancing the stability and controllability of the production process. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the present invention; In the above diagrams: 1. Input area; 11. Input line; 111. Weighing unit; 12. Input port; 2. Cooling zone; 21. Loading conveyor; 22. Vacuum cooler; 23. Unloading conveyor; 3. Output area; 31. Output line; 32. Output port. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments will describe specific details such as equipment selection recommendations and control logic connection methods. It should be noted that the following descriptions are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Example

[0016] An automatic cooling line for duck necks, see [link / reference] Figure 1 The system includes an input area 1, a cooling area 2, and an output area 3 that are spatially independent of each other. An input port 12 is provided between the input area 1 and the cooling area 2, and an output port 32 is provided between the cooling area 2 and the output area 3. The input area 1 is equipped with an input line 11, which is specifically used to transport a carrier loaded with duck necks. In this embodiment, the carrier is a stainless steel turnover box with several holes. The input line 11 is integrated with a weighing unit 111, which can automatically weigh and record the passing duck necks. The outlet of the input line 11 is aligned with the input port 12. The cooling zone 2 is equipped with a feeding conveyor 21 that can move along a fixed track. This conveyor is used to receive duck neck carriers from the input line 11. Multiple vacuum coolers 22 are arranged along the track in the cooling zone 2, with the feed inlet of each cooler facing the track direction. A discharging conveyor 23 is also provided, with its track arranged outside the discharge outlet of the cooler. The output area 3 is equipped with an output line 31, which is used to transport the cooled duck necks to the next process. The output line 31 is matched with the output port 32. The unloading and transfer machine 23 is responsible for transferring the cooled duck necks from the cooling machine to the output line 31.

[0017] Preferably, the input line 11 operates in a fixed frequency and fixed quantity mode, which can be achieved by using one or a combination of belt conveyors and roller conveyors.

[0018] Preferably, the vacuum cooler 22 adopts an automatic door control system, and its cooling chamber is provided with multiple support components to divide the area into a space for multiple vehicles to be placed side by side.

[0019] Preferably, the output line 31 also conveys in a fixed frequency and quantity manner, which can be achieved by a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, or a combination of both.

[0020] Preferably, the input port 12 and the output port 32 are arranged in a relative manner, with the first vacuum cooler 22 being closest to the input and output ports 32, the second being slightly farther away, and the rest arranged in sequence to form a smooth process flow. Example

[0021] The present invention also provides a cooling method using the above-mentioned automatic cooling line for duck necks, comprising the following steps: the braised duck necks are loaded into a carrier and fed to the input port 12 via the input line 11 at a fixed frequency, and weighed and recorded by the weighing unit 111; the process stops at the input port 12, and after the feeding conveyor 21 is in place, the input line 11 pushes the carrier to the conveyor; the feeding conveyor 21 transports the batch to the first vacuum cooler 22, and after it is full, vacuum cooling is turned on, and then the batches are fed to the subsequent coolers for cooling in sequence; after cooling is completed, the unloading conveyor 23 takes the material from the discharge port, transfers it to the output port 32 and unloads it to the output line 31, and the process is repeated in sequence until all the duck necks are cooled.

[0022] Then, the next vacuum cooler 22 begins its packing cooling process, and this cycle repeats continuously. Once the first vacuum cooler 22 completes its cooling process, the unloading conveyor 23 automatically receives the duck neck products from the cooling port and smoothly transports them to the output port 32. The duck necks are then unloaded and placed onto the output line 31 for further transport. The system then continues processing the unloading of the next vacuum-cooled duck neck, repeating this cycle until all duck necks have completed the cooling and unloading process.

[0023] The preferred embodiment is that during the feeding operation of the vacuum cooler 22, the feed port of the cooler remains open while the discharge port remains closed to ensure smooth material entry without leakage. When the vacuum cooler 22 performs the unloading operation, the discharge port of the cooler opens while the feed port closes, thereby ensuring high efficiency and sealing of the unloading process.

[0024] A preferred embodiment further includes that when executing the current feeding command of the vacuum cooler 22, the inlet of the vacuum cooler 22 will open synchronously when the feeding conveyor 21 performs the feeding operation; and when executing the current unloading command of the vacuum cooler 22, the outlet of the vacuum cooler 22 will open in time when the feeding conveyor 21 arrives at the outlet position of the current cooler, so as to achieve precise coordination.

[0025] The above description is merely an example of specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this invention, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic cooling line for duck necks, characterized in that: The cooling line mainly includes three independently set functional areas, which are divided into an input area, a cooling area and an output area according to the process flow. An input port is set between the input area and the cooling area for material transfer, and an output port is set between the cooling area and the output area for transferring the cooled products. An input line is installed in the input area. The input line is used to transport a container holding duck necks. The input line is also equipped with a weighing unit, which can weigh and record the data of the duck necks that pass by in real time. The end of the input line corresponds to the position of the input port. The cooling zone is equipped with a feeding conveyor that can move along a preset track. The feeding conveyor is used to receive the duck neck carriers conveyed from the input line. Multiple vacuum coolers are arranged along the track, and the inlet of each cooler corresponds to the track. The cooling zone also includes a discharging conveyor, whose track is set outside the outlet of each cooler. The output area is equipped with an output line for receiving and conveying the cooled duck necks. The starting end of the output line corresponds to the output port. The feeding and conveying machine is responsible for moving the cooled duck neck carrier to the output line.

2. The automatic cooling line for duck necks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input line is conveyed in a fixed frequency and quantity manner, and its conveying form can be realized by one or more combinations of belt conveyors and roller conveyors.

3. The automatic cooling line for duck necks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum cooler adopts an automatic door opening and closing structure, and its cooling chamber is equipped with multiple support sections, thereby forming multiple independent areas inside that can accommodate carriers to increase the single processing capacity.

4. The automatic cooling line for duck necks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output line also operates in a fixed frequency and quantity manner, and can be equipped with either a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor or a combination thereof to achieve material transportation.

5. The automatic cooling line for duck necks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input and output ports are arranged opposite each other in space, and multiple vacuum coolers are arranged in sequence, with the first cooler being closest to the input and output ports, and subsequent coolers arranged outwards in sequence.

6. The automatic cooling line for duck necks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The carrier is a stainless steel turnover box with several holes.

7. A cooling method using the automatic cooling line for duck necks as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The method includes the following steps: After braising, the duck necks are placed in a carrier and conveyed to the inlet via an input line at a fixed frequency. The weight is detected and recorded when passing through the weighing unit. When the duck neck carrier reaches the inlet, it pauses, and the loading conveyor moves to the inlet position. The input line pushes the carrier to the loading conveyor, which receives the duck necks in batches and moves them to the first vacuum cooler along the track. Once each area in the cooling chamber is full, the vacuum cooling program is started. Subsequently, the subsequent coolers are filled and cooled in sequence, and the cycle continues. After the first vacuum cooler completes cooling, the unloading conveyor moves to its outlet to receive the cooled duck necks and moves them to the output outlet to unload them onto the output line. Subsequent units that have completed cooling unload in the same order, and the cycle continues until the entire duck neck cooling process is completed.

8. The cooling method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the vacuum cooler is being fed, its inlet automatically opens while its outlet remains closed; during unloading, the outlet opens while the inlet closes to ensure isolation at each stage and operational safety.

9. The cooling method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When executing the current vacuum cooler's feeding command, the cooler's feed port automatically opens after the feeding conveyor reaches the input port position; when executing the unloading command, the discharge port automatically opens after the unloading conveyor reaches the current cooler's discharge port position to achieve material transfer.

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