A hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven and a method of using the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven and its usage method, belonging to the field of pharmaceutical equipment technology. It includes an oven body with a preheating zone, a high-temperature sterilization zone, and a cooling zone arranged sequentially along the material conveying direction inside the oven body. A partition mechanism is provided between the preheating zone, the high-temperature sterilization zone, and the cooling zone. A bottle conveying mechanism runs through the preheating zone, the high-temperature sterilization zone, and the cooling zone inside the oven body. Sealing mechanisms are provided at both ends of the oven body. This invention, employing the aforementioned hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven and its usage method, achieves precise and controllable sterilization throughout the entire process and ensures stable and reliable sterilization results through the coordinated design of an adjustable partition mechanism, a precise lifting sealing mechanism, a three-zone independently controllable airflow system, a bottle conveying mechanism with online cleaning function, and integrated observation and ventilation components, coupled with a standardized usage method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical equipment technology, and in particular to a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] In the pharmaceutical industry, the drying, sterilization, and pyrogen removal of pharmaceutical glass bottles are core processes in the production of liquid preparations such as antibiotics, infusions, and oral solutions. The effectiveness of these processes directly impacts drug quality and medication safety. A hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven is the core equipment in this process. It continuously heats the bottles using high-temperature hot air circulation to achieve sterilization and pyrogen removal. Simultaneously, it incorporates Class A laminar flow cleanroom technology to prevent secondary contamination of the bottles. It can be used as a standalone unit or integrated with bottle washing machines, filling machines, and sealing machines to form a fully automated production line. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven and its usage method. It employs a split-partition structure with a fixed partition and a hydraulically driven movable partition. The movable partition's lifting position can be flexibly adjusted according to the height of the bottles to be sterilized. While ensuring smooth bottle passage, it minimizes the gap between the partition and the conveyor belt, effectively blocking airflow interference, temperature crosstalk, and moisture diffusion between the preheating zone, high-temperature sterilization zone, and cooling zone. The invention utilizes a servo motor-driven unidirectional screw to precisely raise and lower the sealing door along the slide rail. The single-sided screw drive and single-sided guide rod limit design ensures both transmission accuracy and driving force for the lifting action, while avoiding the synchronization error problem of dual screw drives. This ensures a smooth and unobstructed sealing door lifting process. The closing limit of the sealing door can be precisely adjusted according to the bottle height, forming a suitable sealing gap in the bottle passage area. This ensures continuous material transport while minimizing airflow exchange between the inside and outside of the oven body. The design minimizes the risk of contamination from uncleaned outside air entering the cavity, while also reducing heat loss within the cavity, thus improving temperature control efficiency and energy utilization. The integrated liftable observation and ventilation components within the sealing door allow for real-time monitoring of bottle transport and equipment operation through the observation window. This enables full-process visual control without opening the sealing door, avoiding environmental disturbances and contamination risks associated with opening the door for monitoring. The servo-driven liftable mounting frame precisely switches the observation window and exhaust fan positions according to equipment operating conditions. During sterilization, the observation window is adjusted to a visible position to ensure monitoring needs are met; during shutdown and ventilation, the exhaust fan is adjusted to a working position to maximize ventilation efficiency. Continuous ventilation and drying of the cavity before and after startup prevents microbial growth and condensation, ensuring long-term cleanliness. The compact structure and convenient switching eliminate the need for additional independent ventilation and observation structures, significantly optimizing the sealing door's integration and space utilization.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven, comprising an oven body, wherein a preheating zone, a high-temperature sterilization zone and a cooling zone are sequentially arranged inside the oven body along the material conveying direction, a partition mechanism is provided between the preheating zone, the high-temperature sterilization zone and the cooling zone, a bottle conveying mechanism is provided inside the oven body that runs through the preheating zone, the high-temperature sterilization zone and the cooling zone, and a sealing mechanism is provided at both ends of the oven body; The partition mechanism includes a fixed partition and a movable partition. The fixed partition is located inside the oven body. The fixed partition has first slide rails at both ends of its bottom surface. The movable partition is located inside the first slide rails. The fixed partition has a first groove inside, and a hydraulic rod is located inside the first groove. The output end of the hydraulic rod passes through the first groove and connects to the movable partition. The sealing mechanism includes a sealing door, second slide rails at both ends of the oven body, the sealing door being located inside the second slide rails, guide slide frames at both ends of the top surface of the oven body, a first slider inside the guide slide frames, the top of the sealing door penetrating the top surface of the oven body and connecting to the first slider, and an installation groove on the sealing door, with observation and ventilation components installed inside the installation groove.

[0005] Preferably, a first one-way lead screw is provided inside one guide slide frame, a first guide rod is provided inside another guide slide frame, a first slider is sleeved on the first one-way lead screw, another first slider is sleeved on the first guide rod, a first servo motor is provided at the top of the guide slide frame, and the output shaft of the first servo motor passes through the guide slide frame and is connected to the top of the first one-way lead screw.

[0006] Preferably, the observation and ventilation component includes a mounting frame, an observation window at the top of the mounting frame, an exhaust fan at the bottom of the mounting frame, second sliders at both ends of the mounting frame, a sliding groove inside the sealing door, the sliding groove being connected to the mounting groove, and the second sliders being disposed inside the sliding groove.

[0007] Preferably, a second one-way lead screw is provided inside one slide groove, a second guide rod is provided inside another slide groove, a second slider is sleeved on the second one-way lead screw, and another second slider is sleeved on the second guide rod. A second groove is provided inside the sealing door, and a second servo motor is provided inside the second groove. The output shaft of the second servo motor passes through the slide groove and is connected to the second one-way lead screw.

[0008] Preferably, the preheating zone includes a preheating cavity, a first air inlet is provided on the top surface of the preheating cavity, a first medium-efficiency filter is provided on the first air inlet, a first blower is provided at the top inside the preheating cavity, the air inlet of the first blower is connected to the first air inlet, the air outlet of the first blower is connected to the first high-efficiency filter, a first exhaust port is provided on the bottom surface of the side wall of the preheating cavity, a first dehumidifying exhaust fan is provided on the first exhaust port, and the air outlet of the first dehumidifying exhaust fan is connected to the first exhaust duct.

[0009] Preferably, the high-temperature sterilization zone includes a sterilization chamber, a high-temperature resistant circulating fan is installed at the top of the sterilization chamber, a heater is installed inside the sterilization chamber, the air inlet of the high-temperature resistant circulating fan is connected to the heater, the air outlet of the high-temperature resistant circulating fan is connected to a high-temperature high-efficiency filter, a fresh air supply pipe is installed inside the sterilization chamber, one end of the fresh air supply pipe is connected to the heater, and the other end of the fresh air supply pipe passes through the side wall of the sterilization chamber and is connected to a fresh air filter element.

[0010] Preferably, the cooling zone includes a cooling cavity, a second air inlet is provided on the top surface of the cooling cavity, a second medium-efficiency filter is provided on the second air inlet, a second blower is provided at the top inside the cooling cavity, the air inlet of the second blower is connected to the second air inlet, the air outlet of the second blower is connected to the second high-efficiency filter, a second exhaust port is provided on the side wall of the cooling cavity, a second dehumidifying exhaust fan is provided on the second exhaust port, and the air outlet of the second dehumidifying exhaust fan is connected to the second exhaust duct.

[0011] Preferably, the bottle conveying mechanism includes a mesh belt, a first rotating roller and a second rotating roller are provided inside the oven body, the mesh belt is sleeved between the first rotating roller and the second rotating roller, a cleaning tank is provided at the bottom of the oven body, a cleaning component is provided inside the cleaning tank, and the return section of the mesh belt passes through the cleaning tank.

[0012] Preferably, the cleaning assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer, which is disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank. A water inlet is provided on the side wall of the cleaning tank and a water pump is connected to the water inlet. A drain outlet is provided on the side wall of the cleaning tank and a drain pump is connected to the drain outlet. The other ends of the water pump and the drain pump are connected to a connecting pipe.

[0013] A method for using a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven includes the following steps: S1: Based on the external dimensions of the bottles to be sterilized and the sterilization process requirements, preset the temperature, wind speed, and running time process parameters of the preheating zone, high-temperature sterilization zone, and cooling zone. At the same time, match the height of the bottles to be sterilized, preset the limit positions of the moving partition and the closing limit positions of the sealing door, verify the reliability of the partition mechanism, sealing mechanism, bottle conveying mechanism, observation and ventilation components, and the operating status of the air supply, exhaust and heating functional components of the preheating zone, high-temperature sterilization zone and cooling zone. In the standby state, start the exhaust fan to run continuously to keep the internal cavity of the oven body ventilated and dry, and complete the preparation before start-up. S2: Start the first servo motor, and drive the first slider to move vertically along the guide frame through the rotation of the first one-way screw. Drive the sealing doors at both ends of the oven body to move along the second slide rail to the preset closed limit position, so that the bottom of the sealing door and the surface of the conveyor belt of the bottle conveying mechanism form a sealing gap suitable for the passage of the bottles to be sterilized, and complete the sealing of both ends of the oven body. Start the hydraulic rod, and drive the moving partition to move along the first slide rail to the preset limit position, so that the bottom surface of the moving partition and the surface of the conveyor belt form an isolation gap suitable for the passage of the bottles to be sterilized, and complete the cavity partitioning isolation between the preheating zone, the high-temperature sterilization zone and the cooling zone. S3: In the preheating zone, the first supply fan and the first dehumidifying exhaust fan are activated. Outside air is filtered through a first medium-efficiency filter and a first high-efficiency filter before being sent into the preheating chamber. The humid air inside the chamber is discharged through the first exhaust duct, raising the temperature of the preheating chamber and stabilizing it at the preset preheating temperature. In the high-temperature sterilization zone, the heater and the high-temperature resistant circulating fan are activated. The airflow is heated by the heater and driven by the high-temperature resistant circulating fan. After being filtered through a high-temperature high-efficiency filter, it circulates in the sterilization chamber, raising the temperature of the sterilization chamber and stabilizing it at the preset sterilization temperature. At the same time, clean fresh air is supplied to the chamber through the fresh air supply duct with a fresh air filter element. In the cooling zone, the second supply fan and the second dehumidifying exhaust fan are activated. Outside air is filtered through a second medium-efficiency filter and a second high-efficiency filter before being sent into the cooling chamber. The air inside the chamber is discharged through the second exhaust duct, pre-adjusting the cooling chamber to the preset cooling temperature. S4: Start the bottle conveying mechanism. Drive the mesh belt to circulate through the first and second rotating rollers to continuously feed the bottles to be sterilized into the oven body. The bottles enter the preheating zone to complete preheating and dehumidification, enter the high-temperature sterilization zone to complete constant temperature sterilization for a preset time, and enter the cooling zone to complete cooling. Throughout the sterilization process, the conveying status of the bottles inside the oven body can be monitored in real time through the observation window on the sealed door. S5: After sterilization and cooling, the bottles are output from the main body of the oven via a conveyor belt. After all bottles have been processed, the cleaning assembly is started, and the cleaning medium is injected into the cleaning tank to the preset level through the water pump. The ultrasonic transducer is started, and the bottle conveying mechanism is started to drive the conveyor belt to circulate at low speed, so that the return section of the conveyor belt completes ultrasonic online cleaning in the cleaning tank. After cleaning, the waste liquid in the cleaning tank is discharged through the connecting pipe by the drain pump, completing the cleaning treatment of the conveyor belt. S6: After the mesh belt cleaning is completed, first turn off the heater in the high-temperature sterilization zone. Maintain the air supply and circulation fans in each chamber until the temperature of the sterilization chamber drops to a safe threshold. Then, turn off the air supply and exhaust function components of each chamber in sequence. Start the hydraulic rod to move the partition back to its original position. Start the first servo motor to move the door to its original position. Start the second servo motor to move the mounting frame to retract the observation window and expose the exhaust fan. Start the exhaust fan to run continuously to ventilate the internal chambers of the oven body and keep the inside of the chambers dry and clean. Then, complete the shutdown operation.

[0014] Therefore, this invention employs the aforementioned hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven and its usage method. It utilizes a split-partition structure combining fixed partitions and hydraulically driven movable partitions. This allows for flexible adjustment of the movable partition's lifting position according to the height of the bottles to be sterilized. While ensuring smooth bottle passage, it minimizes the gap between the partition and the conveyor belt, effectively blocking airflow interference, temperature fluctuations, and moisture diffusion between the preheating zone, high-temperature sterilization zone, and cooling zone. The invention also employs a servo motor-driven unidirectional screw to precisely lift and lower the sealing door along the slide rail. The single-sided screw drive and single-sided guide rod limit design ensure both transmission accuracy and driving force for the lifting action, while avoiding the synchronization error problem of dual screw drives. This guarantees a smooth and uninterrupted sealing door lifting process. The closing limit of the sealing door can be precisely adjusted according to the bottle height, forming a suitable sealing gap in the bottle passage area. This ensures continuous material transport while minimizing airflow exchange between the inside and outside of the oven body, reducing... The design minimizes the risk of contamination from uncleaned outside air entering the cavity, while also reducing heat loss within the cavity, thus improving temperature control efficiency and energy utilization. The integrated liftable observation and ventilation components within the sealing door allow for real-time monitoring of bottle transport and equipment operation through the observation window. This enables full-process visual control without opening the sealing door, avoiding environmental disturbances and contamination risks associated with opening the door for monitoring. The servo-driven liftable mounting frame precisely switches the observation window and exhaust fan positions according to equipment operating conditions. During sterilization, the observation window is adjusted to a visible position to ensure monitoring needs are met; during shutdown and ventilation, the exhaust fan is adjusted to a working position to maximize ventilation efficiency. Continuous ventilation and drying of the cavity before and after startup prevents microbial growth and condensation, ensuring long-term cleanliness. The compact structure and convenient switching eliminate the need for additional independent ventilation and observation structures, significantly optimizing the sealing door's integration and space utilization.

[0015] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the partition mechanism in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the sealing mechanism in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the oven body in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the preheating zone in this invention; Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the high-temperature sterilization zone in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the cooling zone in this invention.

[0017] Figure Labels 1. Oven body; 2. Preheating zone; 201. Preheating chamber; 202. First air inlet; 203. First medium-efficiency filter; 204. First blower; 205. First high-efficiency filter; 206. First exhaust outlet; 207. First dehumidifying exhaust fan; 208. First exhaust duct; 3. High-temperature sterilization zone; 301. Sterilization chamber; 302. High-temperature resistant circulating fan; 303. Heater; 304. High-temperature high-efficiency filter; 305. Fresh air supply duct; 306. Fresh air filter element; 4. Cooling zone; 401. Cooling chamber; 402. Second air inlet; 403. Second medium-efficiency filter; 404. Second blower; 405. Second high-efficiency filter; 406. Second exhaust outlet; 407. Second dehumidifying exhaust fan; 408. 5. Fixed partition; 6. Movable partition; 7. First slide rail; 8. First groove; 9. Hydraulic rod; 10. Sealing door; 11. Second slide rail; 12. Guide slide frame; 13. First slider; 14. Mounting groove; 15. First one-way screw; 16. First guide rod; 17. First servo motor; 18. Mounting frame; 19. Observation window; 20. Exhaust fan; 21. Second slider; 22. Slide groove; 23. Second one-way screw; 24. Second guide rod; 25. Second groove; 26. Second servo motor; 27. Mesh belt; 28. First rotating roller; 29. ​​Second rotating roller; 30. Cleaning tank; 31. Ultrasonic transducer; 32. Water inlet; 33. Water pump; 34. Drain outlet; 35. Drain pump; 36. Connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0020] like Figures 1-7 As shown, a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven includes an oven body 1. Inside the oven body 1, a preheating zone 2, a high-temperature sterilization zone 3, and a cooling zone 4 are arranged sequentially along the material conveying direction. A partition mechanism is installed between the preheating zone 2 and the high-temperature sterilization zone 3, and between the high-temperature sterilization zone 3 and the cooling zone 4. A bottle conveying mechanism that penetrates the preheating zone 2, the high-temperature sterilization zone 3, and the cooling zone 4 is installed inside the oven body 1. Sealing mechanisms are installed at both ends of the oven body 1.

[0021] The partition mechanism includes a fixed partition 5 and a movable partition 6. The fixed partition 5 is installed inside the oven body 1. The bottom surface of the fixed partition 5 has a first slide rail 7 integrally formed at both ends. The two ends of the movable partition 6 are respectively inserted into the two first slide rails 7 and slide along the first slide rails 7. The fixed partition 5 has a first groove 8 inside. A hydraulic rod 9 is installed inside the first groove 8. The output end of the hydraulic rod 9 passes through the first groove 8 and is fixed to the top surface of the movable partition 6.

[0022] The sealing mechanism includes a sealing door 10. Second slide rails 11 are installed on the inner walls of both ends of the oven body 1. The two ends of the sealing door 10 are respectively inserted into the two second slide rails 11 and slide along the second slide rails 11. Guide slide frames 12 are installed on both ends of the top surface of the oven body 1. A first slider 13 is inserted into the inside of the guide slide frame 12 and slides along the guide slide frame 12. The top end of the sealing door 10 penetrates the top surface of the oven body 1 and is fixed to the bottom surface of the first slider 13. An installation groove 14 is provided on the sealing door 10. An observation and ventilation component is installed inside the installation groove 14.

[0023] A first one-way lead screw 15 is inserted inside one guide slide frame 12, and a first guide rod 16 is inserted inside another guide slide frame 12. A first slider 13 has a threaded hole that matches the first one-way lead screw 15. The first slider 13 is sleeved on the first one-way lead screw 15 through the threaded hole and slides along the guide slide frame 12 in cooperation with the first one-way lead screw 15 through the threaded hole. The other first slider 13 has a through hole that matches the first guide rod 16. The first slider 13 is sleeved on the first guide rod 16 through the through hole. A first servo motor 17 is installed at the top of one guide slide frame 12. The output shaft of the first servo motor 17 passes through the interior of the guide slide frame 12 and is fixed to the top of the first one-way lead screw 15.

[0024] The observation and ventilation assembly includes a mounting frame 18, an observation window 19 is installed on the upper part of the mounting frame 18, and several exhaust fans 20 are installed on the lower part of the mounting frame 18. The two ends of the mounting frame 18 are integrally formed with second sliders 21. The inside of the sealing door 10 is provided with a sliding groove 22, which is connected to the mounting groove 14. The other end of the second slider 21 is inserted into the inside of the sliding groove 22 and slides along the sliding groove 22.

[0025] A second one-way lead screw 23 is inserted inside one slide groove 22, and a second guide rod 24 is welded inside another slide groove 22. A second slider 21 has a threaded hole that matches the second one-way lead screw 23. The second slider 21 is sleeved on the second one-way lead screw 23 through the threaded hole and slides along the slide groove 22 in cooperation with the second one-way lead screw 23 through the threaded hole. Another second slider 21 has a through hole that matches the second guide rod 24. The second slider 21 is sleeved on the second guide rod 24 through the through hole. A second groove 25 is opened inside the sealing door 10. A second servo motor 26 is installed inside the second groove 25. The output shaft of the second servo motor 26 passes through the inside of the slide groove 22 and is fixed to the top of the second one-way lead screw 23.

[0026] The preheating zone 2 includes a preheating cavity 201. A first air inlet 202 is installed on the top surface of the preheating cavity 201. The first air inlet 202 is connected to the interior of the preheating cavity 201. A first medium-efficiency filter 203 is installed on the first air inlet 202. A first blower 204 is installed at the top of the interior of the preheating cavity 201. The air inlet of the first blower 204 is connected to the first air inlet 202. The air outlet of the first blower 204 is connected to a first high-efficiency filter 205. A first exhaust port 206 is installed on the bottom surface of the side wall of the preheating cavity 201. A first dehumidifying exhaust fan 207 is installed on the first exhaust port 206. The air outlet of the first dehumidifying exhaust fan 207 is connected to a first exhaust duct 208.

[0027] The first blower 204 is a variable frequency centrifugal fan. Its air inlet is connected to the first medium-efficiency filter 203, and its air outlet is connected to the first high-efficiency filter 205. The air outlet of the first high-efficiency filter 205 faces the interior of the preheating chamber 201, forming a vertically downward laminar flow field of Class 100, which provides sterile protection for the medicine bottles that have just entered the oven and avoids external contamination.

[0028] The high-temperature sterilization zone 3 includes a sterilization chamber 301. A high-temperature resistant circulating fan 302 is installed at the top of the sterilization chamber 301. A heater 303 is installed inside the sterilization chamber 301. The air inlet of the high-temperature resistant circulating fan 302 is connected to the heater 303, and the air outlet of the high-temperature resistant circulating fan 302 is connected to a high-temperature high-efficiency filter 304. The air outlet of the high-temperature high-efficiency filter 304 faces the interior of the sterilization chamber 301, forming a vertically downward laminar flow hot air field. During the hot air circulation process, the air is heated to above 300°C by the heater 303 and then subjected to high temperature... After filtration by the high-efficiency filter 304, the air is blown vertically onto the medicine bottle for continuous heating and sterilization. The bottle is also kept sterile throughout the process. The sterilized hot air is then returned to the return air chamber, forming a closed-loop hot air circulation that significantly reduces heating energy consumption. A fresh air supply pipe 305 is installed inside the sterilization chamber 301. One end of the fresh air supply pipe 305 is connected to the heater 303, and the other end of the fresh air supply pipe 305 passes through the side wall of the sterilization chamber 301. A fresh air filter element 306 is installed on the protruding part to supply fresh air to the inside of the chamber and maintain positive pressure inside the chamber.

[0029] The heater 303 is a three-phase electric heating element. The control panel of the oven body 1 is equipped with three ammeters, each electrically connected to one of the three phases of the heater 303's circuit. These ammeters reflect the operating status of the three-phase current of the heating element. If the heating element malfunctions, the readings of the three ammeters will differ, indicating that one or more heating elements are not working, thus enabling rapid identification of heating element faults. The heater 303 is also connected to a flexible heating control module, allowing selection of full-load heating and partial heating at different stages of heating. The status of the corresponding heating elements will be displayed on the ammeters and the touchscreen.

[0030] Cooling zone 4 includes a cooling cavity 401. A second air inlet 402 is installed on the top surface of the cooling cavity 401, and the second air inlet 402 is connected to the interior of the cooling cavity 401. A second medium-efficiency filter 403 is installed on the second air inlet 402. A second blower 404 is installed at the top of the interior of the cooling cavity 401. The air inlet of the second blower 404 is connected to the second air inlet 402, and the air outlet of the second blower 404 is connected to a second high-efficiency filter 405. The air outlet of the efficient filter 405 faces the interior of the cooling chamber 401, forming a vertically downward laminar flow cold air field to provide sterile protection for the medicine bottles during the cooling process. A second exhaust port 406 is installed on the side wall of the cooling chamber 401. The second exhaust port 406 is connected to the interior of the cooling chamber 401 to exhaust the hot air after heat exchange. A second dehumidifying fan 407 is installed on the second exhaust port 406. The air outlet of the second dehumidifying fan 407 is connected to a second exhaust duct 408.

[0031] The air supply unit of the cooling chamber 401 is compatible with both direct cooling and radiator circulation cooling modes. When using direct cooling, the fresh air supply is 3000 m³. 3 / h, bottle outlet temperature controlled at 35-40℃; when using radiator circulation cooling, the fresh air supply is 300-500m³ / h. 3 / h, the bottle outlet temperature is controlled at 25-30℃, which can be flexibly switched according to production needs.

[0032] The bottle conveying mechanism includes a mesh belt 27. A first rotating roller 28 is installed on the upper layer of the lower end of the oven body 1, and a second rotating roller 29 is installed on the lower layer. The mesh belt 27 is sleeved between the first rotating roller 28 and the second rotating roller 29. A cleaning tank 30 is opened at the bottom of the oven body 1. A cleaning component is installed inside the cleaning tank 30. The return section of the mesh belt 27 passes through the cleaning tank 30.

[0033] The cleaning assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer 31, which is installed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 30. The ultrasonic transducer 31 has a rated power of 1KW and a working frequency of 27KHz. A water inlet 32 ​​is provided on the side wall of the cleaning tank 30, and a water inlet pump 33 is installed on the water inlet 32. A drain outlet 34 is provided on the side wall of the cleaning tank 30 near the water inlet 32, and a drain pump 35 is installed on the drain outlet 34. The other ends of both the water inlet pump 33 and the drain pump 35 are connected to a connecting pipe 36. The inlet water quality of the cleaning assembly meets the purified water standards of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, with an inlet water pressure of 0.3MPa and a rated water consumption of 0.2m³. 3 / h, can realize online ultrasonic cleaning of mesh belt 27 without stopping the machine for disassembly, ensuring the cleanliness of mesh belt 27.

[0034] In this embodiment, the high-temperature sterilization zone 3 is also equipped with a temperature monitoring component, which includes five temperature probes matched with a high-end digital temperature controller. One of the temperature probes is installed between the high-temperature resistant circulating fan 302 and the high-temperature high-efficiency filter 304 for over-temperature alarm. When the temperature of the sterilization section of the oven exceeds the set value, an audible and visual alarm is triggered and heating is automatically stopped. Three temperature probes are arranged sequentially from front to back along the material conveying direction above the medicine bottles in the sterilization chamber 301 for monitoring the temperature and distribution in the high-temperature tunnel. They are also equipped with a recording printer to display, control, record, and print temperature data. The remaining temperature probe is installed above the medicine bottles in the cooling chamber 401 for monitoring and displaying the temperature of the cooling section.

[0035] In this embodiment, the oven body 1 is also equipped with a wind pressure monitoring component, which includes seven differential pressure gauges. Three of these gauges (0-500 Pa) are installed at both ends of the high-efficiency filters in the preheating zone 2, high-temperature sterilization zone 3, and cooling zone 4, respectively, to display the operating wind pressure on the high-efficiency filters. The normal operating wind pressure is generally around 200 Pa. Three gauges (0-60 Pa) are installed at the connection points between the preheating zone 2, high-temperature sterilization zone 3, cooling zone 4, and the upstream bottle washing area, respectively, to monitor the pressure difference between the chamber and the bottle washing area. The normal pressure difference is controlled within 10-20 Pa. One D2000L type differential pressure gauge is installed at the connection point between the cooling zone 4 and the downstream filling area, to monitor the pressure difference between the filling area and the cooling section. The normal pressure difference is controlled within 0-2 Pa. If an abnormal pressure difference occurs, the performance of the high-efficiency filters can be checked, and the frequency converter of the blower can be adjusted.

[0036] The bottle conveying mechanism, the first blower 204, the high-temperature resistant circulating fan 302, and the second blower 404 are all equipped with variable frequency speed control modules. The main body of the drying oven 1 is also equipped with a PLC controller and a touch screen human-machine interface module. The PLC controller is electrically connected to the variable frequency speed control module, temperature monitoring component, air pressure monitoring component, heater 303, and cleaning component to realize full-process program control. The PLC controller has built-in alarm and alarm clearing programs. If the fault is not cleared or the alarm is not cleared, the machine cannot operate. It also has built-in linkage line control programs, including: a) when the vertical filling and sealing machine is blocked, the drying oven conveyor belt 27 stops running; when filling is normal, the drying oven conveyor belt 27 automatically runs normally; b) when the drying oven conveyor belt 27 is blocked, the bottle washing machine does not push the bottles; when the drying oven is normal, the bottle washing machine automatically runs normally.

[0037] In this embodiment, the oven's temperature adjustment range is 50-350℃, its rated total power is 58KW, its power supply is 380V / 50Hz three-phase AC, and the machine weighs approximately 3000Kg. It has a production capacity of 700 bottles / minute for 2ml bottles and 500-550 bottles / minute for 5ml bottles, thus adapting to the production needs of various bottle sizes.

[0038] A method for using a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven includes the following steps: S1: Based on the external dimensions of the bottles to be sterilized and the sterilization process requirements, preset the temperature, wind speed, and running time process parameters of the preheating zone 2, high-temperature sterilization zone 3, and cooling zone 4. At the same time, match the height dimensions of the bottles to be sterilized, preset the limiting positions of the moving partition 6 and the closing limiting positions of the sealing door 10, verify the reliability of the partition mechanism, sealing mechanism, bottle conveying mechanism, observation and ventilation components, and the operating status of the air supply, exhaust, and heating functional components of the preheating zone 2, high-temperature sterilization zone 3, and cooling zone 4. In the standby state, start the induced draft fan 20 to run continuously, keep the internal cavity of the oven body 1 ventilated and dry, and complete the preparation before start-up.

[0039] S2: Start the first servo motor 17, and drive the first slider 13 to move vertically along the guide frame 12 through the rotation of the first one-way screw 15. Drive the sealing doors 10 at both ends of the oven body 1 to move along the second slide rail 11 to the preset closed limit position, so that the bottom of the sealing door 10 and the surface of the mesh belt 27 of the bottle conveying mechanism form a sealing gap suitable for the passage of the bottles to be sterilized, and complete the sealing of both ends of the oven body 1. Start the hydraulic rod 9, and drive the moving partition 6 to move along the first slide rail 7 to the preset limit position, so that the bottom surface of the moving partition 6 and the surface of the mesh belt 27 form an isolation gap suitable for the passage of the bottles to be sterilized, and complete the cavity partitioning isolation between the preheating zone 2, the high temperature sterilization zone 3, and the cooling zone 4.

[0040] S3: In preheating zone 2, the first supply fan 204 and the first dehumidifying fan 207 are activated. Outside air is filtered through a two-stage filter (first medium-efficiency filter 203 and first high-efficiency filter 205) and then sent into the preheating chamber 201. The humid air inside the chamber is discharged through the first exhaust duct 208, raising the temperature of the preheating chamber 201 and stabilizing it to the preset preheating temperature. In high-temperature sterilization zone 3, the heater 303 and the high-temperature resistant circulating fan 302 are activated. The airflow is heated by the heater 303 and then driven by the high-temperature resistant circulating fan 302, passing through the high-temperature high-efficiency filter 304. After filtration, the air circulates within the sterilization chamber 301, raising and stabilizing the sterilization chamber 301 to the preset sterilization temperature. Simultaneously, clean fresh air is supplied to the chamber through the fresh air supply pipe 305 with a fresh air filter element 306. The cooling zone 4 activates the second air supply fan 404 and the second dehumidification fan 407. Outside air is sent into the cooling chamber 401 after being filtered through the second medium-efficiency filter 403 and the second high-efficiency filter 405. The air inside the chamber is discharged through the second exhaust pipe 408, pre-adjusting the cooling chamber 401 to the preset cooling temperature.

[0041] S4: Start the bottle conveying mechanism. Drive the mesh belt 27 to run in a cycle through the first rotating roller 28 and the second rotating roller 29. The bottles to be sterilized are continuously fed into the oven body 1. The bottles enter the preheating zone 2 with the mesh belt 27 in sequence to complete preheating and dehumidification, enter the high temperature sterilization zone 3 to complete constant temperature sterilization for a preset time, and enter the cooling zone 4 to complete cooling. Throughout the sterilization process, the conveying status of the bottles inside the oven body 1 is monitored in real time through the observation window 19 on the sealing door 10.

[0042] S5: After sterilization and cooling, the bottles are output from the oven body 1 via the mesh belt 27. After all bottles have been processed, the cleaning component is started, and the cleaning medium is injected into the cleaning tank 30 to the preset level through the water pump 33. The ultrasonic transducer 31 is started, and the bottle conveying mechanism is started to drive the mesh belt 27 to circulate at low speed, so that the return section of the mesh belt 27 completes ultrasonic online cleaning in the cleaning tank 30. After cleaning, the waste liquid in the cleaning tank 30 is discharged through the connecting pipe 36 by the drain pump 35, completing the cleaning treatment of the mesh belt 27.

[0043] S6: After the mesh belt 27 is cleaned, first turn off the heater 303 of the high-temperature sterilization zone 3, maintain the air supply and circulation fan of each chamber until the temperature of the sterilization chamber 301 drops to the safe threshold, then turn off the air supply and exhaust function components of each chamber in sequence, start the hydraulic rod 9 to drive the moving partition 6 to reset, start the first servo motor 17 to drive the sealing door 10 to reset, start the second servo motor 26 to drive the mounting frame 18 to move and retract the observation window 19 to expose the exhaust fan 20, start the exhaust fan 20 to run continuously, ventilate the internal chamber of the oven body 1, keep the inside of the chamber dry and clean, and complete the shutdown operation.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hot-air circulating tunnel sterilization oven, characterized by: The oven includes a main body, and inside the main body, a preheating zone, a high-temperature sterilization zone, and a cooling zone are arranged sequentially along the material conveying direction. A partition mechanism is arranged between the preheating zone, the high-temperature sterilization zone, and the cooling zone. A bottle conveying mechanism that passes through the preheating zone, the high-temperature sterilization zone, and the cooling zone is arranged inside the main body. Sealing mechanisms are arranged at both ends of the main body. The partition mechanism includes a fixed partition and a movable partition. The fixed partition is disposed inside the oven body. The fixed partition has first slide rails at both ends of its bottom surface. The movable partition is disposed inside the first slide rails. The fixed partition has a first groove inside. A hydraulic rod is disposed inside the first groove. The output end of the hydraulic rod passes through the first groove and is connected to the movable partition. The sealing mechanism includes a sealing door. The oven body has second slide rails at both ends. The sealing door is located inside the second slide rails. The top surface of the oven body has guide slide frames at both ends. The guide slide frames have first sliders inside them. The top of the sealing door penetrates the top surface of the oven body and is connected to the first slider. The sealing door has an installation groove. The installation groove has observation and ventilation components inside it.

2. The hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the guide slide frames is provided with a first one-way lead screw, and the other guide slide frame is provided with a first guide rod. One first slider is sleeved on the first one-way lead screw, and the other first slider is sleeved on the first guide rod. A first servo motor is provided at the top of the guide slide frame, and the output shaft of the first servo motor passes through the inside of the guide slide frame and is connected to the top of the first one-way lead screw.

3. The hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to claim 2, characterized in that: The observation and ventilation assembly includes a mounting frame, an observation window at the top of the mounting frame, an exhaust fan at the bottom of the mounting frame, second sliders at both ends of the mounting frame, a sliding groove inside the sealing door, the sliding groove being connected to the mounting groove, and the second sliders being disposed inside the sliding groove.

4. A hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second one-way lead screw is provided inside one of the slides, and a second guide rod is provided inside the other slide. A second slider is sleeved on the second one-way lead screw, and another second slider is sleeved on the second guide rod. A second groove is provided inside the sealing door, and a second servo motor is provided inside the second groove. The output shaft of the second servo motor passes through the slide and is connected to the second one-way lead screw.

5. A hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to claim 4, characterized in that: The preheating zone includes a preheating cavity. A first air inlet is provided on the top surface of the preheating cavity. A first medium-efficiency filter is provided on the first air inlet. A first blower is provided at the top inside the preheating cavity. The air inlet of the first blower is connected to the first air inlet. The air outlet of the first blower is connected to a first high-efficiency filter. A first exhaust port is provided on the bottom surface of the side wall of the preheating cavity. A first dehumidifying exhaust fan is provided on the first exhaust port. The air outlet of the first dehumidifying exhaust fan is connected to a first exhaust duct.

6. A hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to claim 5, characterized in that: The high-temperature sterilization zone includes a sterilization chamber. A high-temperature resistant circulating fan is installed at the top of the sterilization chamber. A heater is installed inside the sterilization chamber. The air inlet of the high-temperature resistant circulating fan is connected to the heater. The air outlet of the high-temperature resistant circulating fan is connected to a high-temperature high-efficiency filter. A fresh air supply pipe is installed inside the sterilization chamber. One end of the fresh air supply pipe is connected to the heater, and the other end of the fresh air supply pipe passes through the side wall of the sterilization chamber and is connected to a fresh air filter element.

7. A hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cooling zone includes a cooling cavity. A second air inlet is provided on the top surface of the cooling cavity. A second medium-efficiency filter is provided on the second air inlet. A second blower is provided at the top of the interior of the cooling cavity. The air inlet of the second blower is connected to the second air inlet. The air outlet of the second blower is connected to a second high-efficiency filter. A second exhaust port is provided on the side wall of the cooling cavity. A second dehumidifying exhaust fan is provided on the second exhaust port. The air outlet of the second dehumidifying exhaust fan is connected to a second exhaust duct.

8. A hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottle conveying mechanism includes a mesh belt. The oven body is equipped with a first rotating roller and a second rotating roller. The mesh belt is sleeved between the first rotating roller and the second rotating roller. A cleaning tank is opened at the bottom of the oven body. A cleaning component is installed inside the cleaning tank. The return section of the mesh belt passes through the cleaning tank.

9. A hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cleaning assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank. A water inlet is provided on the side wall of the cleaning tank, and a water pump is connected to the water inlet. A drain outlet is provided on the side wall of the cleaning tank, and a drain pump is connected to the drain outlet. The other ends of the water inlet pump and the drain pump are both connected to a connecting pipe.

10. A method of using a hot air circulating tunnel sterilization oven, based on the oven described in claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Based on the external dimensions of the bottles to be sterilized and the sterilization process requirements, preset the temperature, wind speed, and running time process parameters of the preheating zone, high-temperature sterilization zone, and cooling zone. At the same time, match the height of the bottles to be sterilized, preset the limit positions of the moving partition and the closing limit positions of the sealing door, verify the reliability of the partition mechanism, sealing mechanism, bottle conveying mechanism, observation and ventilation components, and the operating status of the air supply, exhaust and heating functional components of the preheating zone, high-temperature sterilization zone and cooling zone. In the standby state, start the exhaust fan to run continuously to keep the internal cavity of the oven body ventilated and dry, and complete the preparation before start-up. S2: Start the first servo motor, and drive the first slider to move vertically along the guide frame through the rotation of the first one-way screw. Drive the sealing doors at both ends of the oven body to move along the second slide rail to the preset closed limit position, so that the bottom of the sealing door and the surface of the conveyor belt of the bottle conveying mechanism form a sealing gap suitable for the passage of the bottles to be sterilized, and complete the sealing of both ends of the oven body. Start the hydraulic rod, and drive the moving partition to move along the first slide rail to the preset limit position, so that the bottom surface of the moving partition and the surface of the conveyor belt form an isolation gap suitable for the passage of the bottles to be sterilized, and complete the cavity partitioning isolation between the preheating zone, the high-temperature sterilization zone and the cooling zone. S3: In the preheating zone, the first supply fan and the first dehumidifying exhaust fan are activated. Outside air is filtered through a first medium-efficiency filter and a first high-efficiency filter before being sent into the preheating chamber. The humid air inside the chamber is discharged through the first exhaust duct, raising the temperature of the preheating chamber and stabilizing it at the preset preheating temperature. In the high-temperature sterilization zone, the heater and the high-temperature resistant circulating fan are activated. The airflow is heated by the heater and driven by the high-temperature resistant circulating fan. After being filtered through a high-temperature high-efficiency filter, it circulates in the sterilization chamber, raising the temperature of the sterilization chamber and stabilizing it at the preset sterilization temperature. At the same time, clean fresh air is supplied to the chamber through the fresh air supply duct with a fresh air filter element. In the cooling zone, the second supply fan and the second dehumidifying exhaust fan are activated. Outside air is filtered through a second medium-efficiency filter and a second high-efficiency filter before being sent into the cooling chamber. The air inside the chamber is discharged through the second exhaust duct, pre-adjusting the cooling chamber to the preset cooling temperature. S4: Start the bottle conveying mechanism. Drive the mesh belt to circulate through the first and second rotating rollers to continuously feed the bottles to be sterilized into the oven body. The bottles enter the preheating zone to complete preheating and dehumidification, enter the high-temperature sterilization zone to complete constant temperature sterilization for a preset time, and enter the cooling zone to complete cooling. Throughout the sterilization process, the conveying status of the bottles inside the oven body can be monitored in real time through the observation window on the sealed door. S5: After sterilization and cooling, the bottles are output from the main body of the oven via a conveyor belt. After all bottles have been processed, the cleaning assembly is started, and the cleaning medium is injected into the cleaning tank to the preset level through the water pump. The ultrasonic transducer is started, and the bottle conveying mechanism is started to drive the conveyor belt to circulate at low speed, so that the return section of the conveyor belt completes ultrasonic online cleaning in the cleaning tank. After cleaning, the waste liquid in the cleaning tank is discharged through the connecting pipe by the drain pump, completing the cleaning treatment of the conveyor belt. S6: After the mesh belt cleaning is completed, first turn off the heater in the high-temperature sterilization zone. Maintain the air supply and circulation fans in each chamber until the temperature of the sterilization chamber drops to a safe threshold. Then, turn off the air supply and exhaust function components of each chamber in sequence. Start the hydraulic rod to move the partition back to its original position. Start the first servo motor to move the door to its original position. Start the second servo motor to move the mounting frame to retract the observation window and expose the exhaust fan. Start the exhaust fan to run continuously to ventilate the internal chambers of the oven body and keep the inside of the chambers dry and clean. Then, complete the shutdown operation.

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