A self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing

Abstract

This invention discloses a self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing, relating to the field of transport equipment. It includes a transport frame and a drive unit, a circular track for cyclic transport and conveying modules, and multiple module frames, bearing plates, and a support switching mechanism mounted on the transport frame. The circular track has a deformation guide section, and a cleaning device is installed on the transport frame corresponding to the deformation guide section for cleaning the exposed area. This transport mechanism, by using multiple bearing plates and module frames to form a transport chain with the transport frame, divides the circular track into a flat track and a deformation guide section. At the flat track, the support switching mechanism forms a complete transport surface to convey konjac products. The support switching mechanism unfolds and exposes the bearing plates along the deformation guide section, facilitating thorough cleaning of the unfolded bearing plates by the cleaning device and preventing residue from remaining in the gaps of the bearing plates during transport.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of processing and transportation equipment technology, specifically a self-cleaning transportation mechanism for konjac processing. Background Technology

[0002] The main edible part of konjac is its underground tuber. The purpose of processing is to transform it into products such as konjac tofu and konjac noodles that we commonly see. When processing konjac products, transportation equipment is required for transport. The conveying equipment used in konjac processing includes traditional integrated conveyor belts, in which the main panel is directly glued or riveted to a whole traditional fabric / rubber conveyor belt. However, during the conveying process, konjac products are prone to slipping along the conveyor belt. At the same time, konjac slurry and water can seep into the space between the main panel and the bottom belt, causing bacteria to grow. To solve the above problems, the existing technology uses plate chain transportation, which is to assemble multiple plate chains into a conveyor belt for transportation. However, because konjac products (especially wet konjac noodles, konjac blocks, and slurry) have high viscosity, high water content, and are rich in polysaccharide colloids, they will stick to the conveyor plate chain under the vibration and compression of the conveyor. Traditional cleaning methods for konjac adhering to conveyor chains mainly rely on manual rinsing and scraping after machine shutdown. This method has the following significant drawbacks: 1. Incomplete cleaning, residual materials are prone to spoilage and bacterial growth, causing cross-contamination in subsequent batches and affecting food safety; 2. Frequent machine shutdowns for cleaning severely reduce the continuous operation efficiency of the production line; 3. Manual cleaning is labor-intensive and poses safety hazards such as slipping. Currently, although some conveyor equipment has cleaning devices, they are mostly designed for ordinary bulk materials and are not effective for cleaning special adhesive materials like konjac. In addition, they have complex structures and are inconvenient to maintain. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a conveyor mechanism that can automatically and efficiently clean and is specifically designed for the characteristics of konjac materials. To this end, we propose a self-cleaning conveyor mechanism for konjac processing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing, comprising a transport frame and a drive unit. The transport mechanism further comprises multiple transport modules driven by the drive unit and circulating along a circular track provided on the transport frame. Each transport module comprises a transport rail frame, on which multiple module frames, a bearing plate hinged to one end of the module frame, and a support switching mechanism connecting the module frame and the bearing plate are mounted. In the transport section of the circular track, the support switching mechanism moves along the transport section of the circular track, so that the bearing plate is kept in a stable horizontal working position, and the bearing plates of the multiple transport modules together form a continuous transport plane. The circular track also has a deformation guide section located downstream of the transport section. When the transport module runs to the deformation guide section under the drive of the drive unit, the support switching mechanism slides along the deformation guide section, and the support switching mechanism causes the bearing plate to displace relative to the module frame, so that the bearing plate and the connection area with the module frame are exposed. A cleaning device is provided on the transport frame at the position corresponding to the deformation guide section for cleaning the exposed area.

[0005] Preferably, the support switching mechanism includes a fixed column mounted on the bearing plate, with two curved connecting rods hinged to the fixed column. Protective plates are provided on both sides of the module frame, and inclined guide grooves are provided on the protective plates. One end of the curved connecting rod passes through the inclined guide groove and is connected to a sliding block. The sliding block slides in an annular track. Springs are provided on the outside of both sides of the module frame, arranged along the inclined guide grooves. One end of the spring is fixed to the outside of the curved connecting rod, and the other end of the spring is connected to the module frame.

[0006] Preferably, the end of the module frame that is hinged away from the support plate has a magnetic suction surface, and the support plate is made of metal.

[0007] Preferably, the conveyor rail frame is provided with a sliding groove, one side of the annular track is distributed at the sliding groove, and the other side of the annular track is provided with multiple fixed rods, which are connected to the inner wall of the conveyor frame.

[0008] Preferably, the deformation guide section is lower than the circular track and has a U-shaped transition. A strong magnetic block is provided at the starting position of the deformation guide section and the strong magnetic block is installed on the transport frame.

[0009] Preferably, the drive unit includes a drive roller and a driven roller disposed in the transport frame. One end of the drive roller is equipped with a transfer bearing, and the other end of the transfer bearing is connected to a drive motor. Both the drive roller and the driven roller are fitted with rollers, and the rollers are provided with engaging grooves. The module frame is provided with engaging blocks, and the engaging blocks and engaging grooves engage with each other.

[0010] Preferably, the drive motor is covered with a protective cover, which is connected to the transport frame by a mounting block, and the protective cover has multiple air holes.

[0011] Preferably, the transport frame is provided with a separation plate inside, and a cleaning area and an irradiation area are provided at the bottom of the separation plate. The cleaning device includes multiple cleaning nozzles distributed at the upper and lower parts of the deformation guide section. The cleaning nozzles are distributed at an angle, and each cleaning nozzle is connected by a connecting pipe. A single-control water valve is provided at the connection between the cleaning nozzle and the connecting pipe. A water storage tank is distributed outside the transport frame, and the connecting pipe is connected to the water storage tank.

[0012] Preferably, multiple ultraviolet germicidal lamps are distributed within the irradiation area.

[0013] Preferably, the top of the transport frame is provided with a protective rail.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention uses multiple support plates and modular frames to form a transport chain with the conveyor rail frame. The circular track is divided into a flat track and a deformation guide section. At the flat track, a complete transport surface is formed by the action of a support switching mechanism to transport konjac products. When the transport reaches the deformation guide section, the support switching mechanism unfolds and exposes the support plates along the deformation guide section, thereby facilitating the cleaning device to thoroughly clean the unfolded support plates and preventing them from remaining in the gaps of the support plates during transportation.

[0015] This invention improves the cleaning effect of the conveyor module by using ultraviolet germicidal lamps to sterilize the conveyor module after it has been unfolded and cleaned. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall side cross-sectional structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the installation point of the annular track inside the transport frame of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after the transport frame has been removed; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the front structure after the cleaning device and separation plate have been removed. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the separation plate and cleaning device of the present invention; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure at the conveyor rail frame and module frame; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the circular track. Figure 9for Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle; Figure 10 for Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram of region B in the middle; Figure 11 for Figure 8 A magnified structural diagram of the region at point C.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Transport frame; 2. Drive unit; 3. Circular track; 4. Conveying module; 5. Support switching mechanism; 6. Cleaning device; 7. Strong magnetic block; 8. Separation plate; 9. Ultraviolet germicidal lamp; 11. Protective track; 21. Drive roller; 22. Driven roller; 23. Adapter bearing; 24. Drive motor; 25. Roller; 26. Engaging groove; 27. Engaging block; 28. Protective cover; 29. ​​Mounting block; 31. Deformation guide section; 32. Fixing rod; 41. Conveying rail frame; 42. Module frame; 43. Bearing plate; 44. Sliding groove; 51. Fixing column; 52. Curved connecting rod; 53. Protective plate; 54. Inclined guide groove; 55. Sliding block; 56. Spring; 61. Cleaning nozzle; 62. Connecting pipe; 63. Single-control water valve; 64. Storage water tank; 81. Cleaning area; 82. Irradiation area. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] The present invention provides a technical solution: including a transport frame 1 and a drive unit 2, with a protective rail 11 provided on the top of the transport frame 1. The protective rail 11 is beneficial to protect the internal transport structure. The transport mechanism also includes multiple conveying modules 4 driven by the drive unit 2 and running cyclically along the annular rail 3 provided on the transport frame 1. Each of the conveying modules 4 includes a conveying rail frame 41, which is arranged in a ring inside the transport frame 1. Multiple module frames 42, a bearing plate 43 hinged to one end of the module frame 42, and a support switching mechanism 5 connecting the module frame 42 and the bearing plate 43 are mounted on the conveying rail frame 41. The support switching mechanism 5 includes a fixed column 51 set on the bearing plate 43, and two curved connecting rods 52 are hinged on the fixed column 51. Protective plates 53 are provided on both sides of the module frame 42. Inclined guide grooves 54 are provided on the protective plates 53. One end of the curved connecting rod 52 passes through the inclined guide groove 54 and is connected to a sliding block 55. The sliding block 55 slides in the ring track 3. Springs 56 are arranged along the inclined guide grooves 54 on the outside of both sides of the module frame 42. One end of the spring 56 is fixed to the outside of the curved connecting rod 52, and the other end of the spring 56 is connected to the module frame 42.

[0020] One end of the curved connecting rod 52 is hinged to the fixed column 51, while the other end of the curved connecting rod 52 is locked at the end of the inclined guide groove 54. In this way, the curved connecting rod 52 obliquely supports the unhinged end of the bearing plate 43. The sliding block 55 connected to the curved connecting rod 52 is supported by the spring 56, so that the bearing plate 43 is stably spliced ​​in the module frame 42.

[0021] The end of the module frame 42 that is not hinged to the support plate 43 is provided with a magnetic surface. The support plate 43 is made of metal. Because the support plate 43 is made of metal, a magnetic plate is used at the end of the module frame 42 that is not hinged to the support plate 43. The magnetic plate is existing technology, that is, a magnet. The metal support plate 43 is attracted to the position of the module frame 42 through the magnetic effect.

[0022] The konjac products are stacked on the support plate 43. In order to maintain the load-bearing capacity of the support plate 43, the weight of the konjac products carried by each support plate 43 shall not exceed the rated value. The load-bearing capacity of the support plate 43 can be adjusted by adjusting the magnetic attraction force on the support plate 43 and the elastic force of the spring 56.

[0023] In the conveying section of the circular track 3, the support switching mechanism 5 moves along the conveying section of the circular track 3, so that the bearing plate 43 is kept in a stable horizontal working position, and the bearing plates 43 of multiple conveying modules 4 together form a continuous conveying plane. The circular track 3 also has a deformation guide section 31 located downstream of the conveying section. When the conveying module 4 runs to the deformation guide section 31 under the drive of the drive unit 2, the support switching mechanism 5 slides along the deformation guide section 31. The support switching mechanism 5 drives the bearing plate 43 to move relative to the module frame 42, so that the bearing plate 43 and the connection area with the module frame 42 are exposed. A cleaning device 6 is provided on the transport frame 1 at the position corresponding to the deformation guide section 31, for cleaning the exposed area.

[0024] The conveyor rail frame 41 is provided with a sliding groove 44. One side of the annular track 3 is distributed at the sliding groove 44, and the other side of the annular track 3 is provided with a plurality of fixed rods 32, which are connected to the inner wall of the conveyor frame 1.

[0025] The deformation guide section 31 is lower than the circular track 3 and the deformation guide section 31 transitions in a U-shape. A strong magnetic block 7 is provided at the starting position of the deformation guide section 31 and the strong magnetic block 7 is installed on the transport frame 1.

[0026] The drive unit 2 includes a drive roller 21 and a driven roller 22 disposed in the transport frame 1. One end of the drive roller 21 is equipped with a transition bearing 23, and one end of the transition bearing 23 is connected to a drive motor 24. Both the drive roller 21 and the driven roller 22 are fitted with rollers 25. The rollers 25 are distributed with engagement grooves 26. The module frame 42 is provided with engagement blocks 27. The distance between every two adjacent engagement blocks 27 is the same as the length of the engagement grooves 26 at two adjacent angles, so that the engagement blocks 27 are engaged with the engagement grooves 26.

[0027] The drive motor 24 is covered by a protective cover 28. The protective cover 28 is connected to the transport frame 1 by a mounting block 29. The protective cover 28 has multiple air holes.

[0028] The transport frame 1 is equipped with a separation plate 8 inside. The bottom of the separation plate 8 is equipped with a cleaning area 81 and an irradiation area 82. The cleaning device 6 includes multiple cleaning nozzles 61 distributed on the upper and lower parts of the deformation guide section 31. The cleaning nozzles 61 are distributed at an angle. Each cleaning nozzle 61 is connected by a connecting pipe 62. A single-control water valve 63 is provided at the connection between the cleaning nozzle 61 and the connecting pipe 62. A water storage tank 64 is distributed outside the transport frame 1. The connecting pipe 62 is connected to the water storage tank 64.

[0029] Multiple ultraviolet germicidal lamps 9 are distributed within the irradiation area 82, and the cleaned carrier plate 43 is sterilized by the ultraviolet germicidal lamps 9.

[0030] In practical use: After the konjac products to be transported are processed, they are placed on the assembled transport surface. By setting the speed and direction of the drive motor 24, since the rollers 25 are fixedly installed on the drive roller 21 and the driven roller 22 respectively, the output shaft of the drive motor 24 drives the drive roller 21 to start rotating through the transition bearing 23. The distance between each pair of adjacent locking blocks 27 is the same as the length of the locking grooves 26 at two adjacent angles, keeping the locking blocks 27 and locking grooves 26 meshing with each other. In this way, the drive motor 24 can drive the ring-shaped conveyor rail 41 to move continuously inside the transport frame 1. Because one end of the curved connecting rod 52 is hinged to the fixed post 51, and the other end of the curved connecting rod 52 is engaged at the end of the inclined guide groove 54, the curved connecting rod 52 obliquely supports the unhinged end of the bearing plate 43. Simultaneously, because the bearing plate 43 is made of metal, a magnetic plate is used at the unhinged end of the module frame 42 away from the bearing plate 43. The magnetic plate is existing technology, essentially a magnet, which uses magnetic effect to attract the metal bearing plate 43 to the position of the module frame 42. Furthermore, because the curved connecting rod 52... The sliding block 55 is supported by the spring 56, so that the bearing plate 43 is stably spliced ​​in the module frame 42. Thus, at the upper part of the transport frame 1, multiple spliced ​​bearing plates 43 form a transport surface, and konjac products are stacked on the bearing plates 43. At the same time, in order to maintain the bearing capacity of the bearing plate 43, the weight of the konjac products carried by each bearing plate 43 cannot exceed the rated value. The bearing capacity of the bearing plate 43 can be adjusted by adjusting the magnetic attraction force on the bearing plate 43 and adjusting the elastic force of the spring 56.

[0031] After the carrier plate 43 transports the konjac product to the processing station, the worker removes the konjac product, and the unloaded carrier plate 43 enters the transport frame 1. The sliding block 55 slides along the circular track 3. When the sliding block 55 slides to the position of the deformation guide section 31, the sliding block 55 moves along the deformation guide section 31, thereby sliding the curved connecting rod 52 from the initial horizontal state to the inclined state. With the restriction of the inclined guide groove 54, the horizontally distributed carrier plate 43 is thus tilted and opened. At the same time, in order to reduce the resistance of the sliding block 55 sliding along the deformation guide section 31, the strong magnetic block 7 has a certain attraction force on the metal carrier plate 43. Thus, one end of the carrier plate 43 is separated from the module frame 42, and under the guidance of the curved connecting rod 52 and the inclined guide groove 54, it gradually opens from the horizontal state, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 5 As shown; When the support plate 43 is opened, the cleaning nozzles 61, which are distributed at an angle, spray from the top and bottom of the support plate 43 at an angle to clean the unfolded support plate 43. This helps to improve the cleaning of all parts of the support plate 43 and prevents konjac products from being left in the corners of the support plate 43. The water storage tank 64 contains a water pump body, and water is pumped out by the pump body. This is existing technology and will not be described in detail. After cleaning, the support plate 43 is re-guided by the deformation guide section 31, and then re-formed into a horizontal state from the unfolded state. It is then thoroughly sterilized by the ultraviolet germicidal lamp 9 in the irradiation area 82, thereby achieving the self-cleaning effect of the support plate 43.

[0032] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0033] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing, comprising a transport frame (1) and a drive unit (2), characterized in that: The transport mechanism also includes multiple transport modules (4) driven by the drive unit (2) and running cyclically along the circular track (3) provided on the transport frame (1). Each of the conveying modules (4) includes a conveying rail frame (41), on which a plurality of module frames (42), a bearing plate (43) hinged to one end of the module frame (42), and a support switching mechanism (5) connecting the module frame (42) and the bearing plate (43) are mounted. In the conveying section of the circular track (3), the support switching mechanism (5) moves along the conveying section of the circular track (3) so that the bearing plate (43) is kept in a stable horizontal working position, and the bearing plates (43) of multiple conveying modules (4) together form a continuous conveying plane. The circular track (3) also has a deformation guide section (31) located downstream of the conveying section. When the conveying module (4) runs to the deformation guide section (31) under the drive of the drive unit (2), the support switching mechanism (5) slides along the deformation guide section (31). The support switching mechanism (5) drives the bearing plate (43) to move relative to the module frame (42), so that the bearing plate (43) and the connection area with the module frame (42) are exposed. A cleaning device (6) is provided on the transport frame (1) at the position corresponding to the deformation guide section (31) for cleaning the exposed area.

2. The self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support switching mechanism (5) includes a fixed column (51) set on the bearing plate (43), two curved connecting rods (52) are hinged on the fixed column (51), the two sides of the module frame (42) are provided with protective plates (53), the protective plates (53) are provided with inclined guide grooves (54), one end of the curved connecting rod (52) passing through the inclined guide groove (54) is connected to a sliding block (55), the sliding block (55) slides in the annular track (3), the two sides of the module frame (42) are provided with springs (56) arranged along the inclined guide groove (54), one end of the spring (56) is fixed to the outside of the curved connecting rod (52), and the other end of the spring (56) is connected to the module frame (42).

3. The self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The module frame (42) has a magnetic suction surface at the end that is hinged away from the support plate (43), and the support plate (43) is made of metal.

4. The self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying rail frame (41) is provided with a sliding groove (44). One side of the annular track (3) is located at the sliding groove (44), and the other side of the annular track (3) is provided with multiple fixed rods (32). The fixed rods (32) are connected to the inner wall of the conveying frame (1).

5. The self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deformation guide section (31) is lower than the circular track (3) and the deformation guide section (31) transitions in a U-shape. A strong magnetic block (7) is provided at the starting position of the deformation guide section (31) and the strong magnetic block (7) is installed on the transport frame (1).

6. The self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive unit (2) includes a drive roller (21) and a driven roller (22) disposed in the transport frame (1). One end of the drive roller (21) is equipped with a transfer bearing (23), and one end of the transfer bearing (23) is connected to a drive motor (24). Both the drive roller (21) and the driven roller (22) are fitted with rollers (25). The rollers (25) are provided with engaging grooves (26). The module frame (42) is provided with engaging blocks (27), and the engaging blocks (27) and engaging grooves (26) mesh with each other.

7. The self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The drive motor (24) is covered with a protective cover (28), and the protective cover (28) is connected to the transport frame (1) through a mounting block (29). The protective cover (28) has multiple air holes.

8. The self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transport frame (1) is provided with a separation plate (8) inside. The bottom of the separation plate (8) is provided with a cleaning area (81) and an irradiation area (82). The cleaning device (6) includes multiple cleaning nozzles (61) distributed on the upper and lower parts of the deformation guide section (31). The cleaning nozzles (61) are distributed at an angle. Each cleaning nozzle (61) is connected by a connecting pipe (62). A single-control water valve (63) is provided at the connection between the cleaning nozzle (61) and the connecting pipe (62). A storage water tank (64) is distributed outside the transport frame (1). The connecting pipe (62) is connected to the storage water tank (64).

9. A self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 8, characterized in that: Multiple ultraviolet germicidal lamps (9) are distributed within the irradiation area (82).

10. A self-cleaning transport mechanism for konjac processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the transport frame (1) is provided with a protective rail (11).

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