A cold-chain food surface sterilization equipment

Abstract

The application discloses a cold-chain food surface sterilization equipment and relates to the technical field of food sterilization. The equipment comprises a rack, a conveying belt, a sterilization box and an air extraction hood. Vertical flow guide plates, top nozzles, lateral nozzles and air inlet pipes are arranged in the sterilization box. First air extraction boxes, second air extraction boxes and air extraction fans are arranged in the air extraction hood. An air exhaust disc is arranged below the conveying belt. The air exhaust disc is communicated with the first air extraction boxes through air exhaust pipes. The first air extraction boxes extract air through bottom air extraction holes, lateral air guide seats and lateral air extraction holes. The second air extraction boxes extract part of the air through inclined seats and air extraction grooves and drive the sterilization gas to diffuse towards the air extraction hood. The top injection, lateral intersection injection, bottom composite air exhaust and the cooperation of the staged air extraction in the air extraction hood are used to form a gas cage area above the conveying belt and discharge the sterilization gas along a predetermined path, so that the gas coverage stability during the online sterilization of the cold-chain food surface is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food sterilization technology, and in particular to a surface sterilization device for cold chain food. Background Technology

[0002] During the processing, sorting, packaging, or transportation of cold chain food, the outer packaging surface or the food surface is easily exposed to contaminants from conveying equipment, turnover containers, and the external environment. Therefore, there is a practical need to perform online sterilization treatment on the surface of cold chain food without affecting the continuous transportation of the cold chain.

[0003] Existing cold chain food surface sterilization equipment usually uses spraying, irradiation or gas treatment for sterilization. When using gas treatment, if only a single jet position is set in the conveying channel, the sterilizing gas is easy to be lost quickly along the conveying direction. The gas coverage is uneven in the areas near the sides, top and bottom of the food. Moreover, the treated gas lacks a stable extraction path, which can easily lead to local gas retention or escape in the channel.

[0004] Cold chain foods are usually transported or temporarily stored in low-temperature and high-humidity environments. There may be a slight condensation film on the surface of the food or packaging. If the sterilization gas cannot form a stable coverage on the food surface, local inadequate treatment is likely to occur. In particular, in the surface treatment of ready-to-eat foods, chilled meat, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat seafood and cheese, higher requirements are placed on the uniformity of gas distribution during continuous transportation.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to invent a surface sterilization device for cold chain food to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as uneven coverage of sterilization gas, unstable gas flow path, and inconvenience of centralized extraction of treated gas.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food, comprising a frame, a conveyor belt mounted on the frame, a sterilization chamber and an extraction hood fixedly mounted above the frame, the sterilization chamber and the extraction hood being connected end-to-end and both covering the conveyor belt; multiple vertical guide plates are fixedly mounted on the inner walls of both sides of the sterilization chamber, multiple side spray nozzles are fixedly mounted on the side of each vertical guide plate near the interior of the sterilization chamber, multiple top spray nozzles are fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the top of the sterilization chamber, and an air inlet pipe is fixedly mounted on the sterilization chamber, the air inlet pipe being connected to the top spray nozzles and the side spray nozzles respectively; a first extraction box, a second extraction box and an extraction fan are fixedly mounted inside the extraction hood, the first extraction box being fixedly mounted inside the extraction hood. At the end furthest from the sterilization chamber, the second extraction chamber is fixedly installed at the top of the first extraction chamber near the vertical guide plate. Two extraction fans are provided, each connected to both the first and second extraction chambers. The sterilization chamber also contains an exhaust plate located below the conveyor belt. An exhaust pipe is fixedly installed between the exhaust plate and the first extraction chamber, and the exhaust pipe is connected to both the exhaust plate and the first extraction chamber. The bottom of the first extraction chamber has multiple bottom extraction holes. Lateral air guide seats are fixedly installed on both inner walls of the first extraction chamber, each with a lateral extraction hole. The lower surface of the second extraction chamber has an inclined seat, which is inclined towards the vertical guide plate, and the inclined surface of the inclined seat has an extraction groove.

[0008] Preferably, the sterilization box has an inlet end and an outlet end that are arranged opposite to each other along the conveyor belt conveying direction, the exhaust hood is connected to the outlet end of the sterilization box, and the second exhaust box is located on the side of the exhaust hood near the outlet end of the sterilization box.

[0009] Preferably, the vertical guide vanes are spaced apart along the length of the sterilization chamber, and an air gap is formed between the lower end of the vertical guide vane and the conveyor belt. A side spray space is formed between two adjacent vertical guide vanes, and the side spray space is connected to the area below the top nozzle to form a gas-covered area.

[0010] Preferably, the top nozzles are arranged along the width of the conveyor belt, with the air outlet of the top nozzles facing the exhaust plate, and a vertical jet exhaust path is formed between the top nozzles and the exhaust plate.

[0011] Preferably, the side nozzles are located above both sides of the conveyor belt, with the air outlet of the side nozzles facing the middle of the conveyor belt and inclined towards the exhaust disc. The air outlets of the side nozzles and the top nozzles both face the middle area above the conveyor belt, forming a converging spray area.

[0012] Preferably, the lateral nozzle includes a flat nozzle with an air guide channel formed inside. The air outlet end of the flat nozzle has a cross air outlet hole, which includes two cross-shaped holes that communicate with the air guide channel.

[0013] Preferably, the upper edge of the air outlet end of the flat nozzle is provided with upper pressure flow teeth, and the lower edge of the air outlet end of the flat nozzle is provided with lower guide flow teeth. The upper pressure flow teeth and the lower guide flow teeth are arranged along the width direction of the flat nozzle, and the upper pressure flow teeth, the lower guide flow teeth and the cross air outlet holes together form a dispersed air outlet end.

[0014] Preferably, the lateral nozzle further includes an arc-shaped air guide tube, a spherical adapter, a locking screw sleeve, and a nozzle seat. The nozzle seat is fixedly disposed on the side of the vertical guide plate near the inside of the sterilization chamber. One end of the arc-shaped air guide tube is connected to a flat nozzle, and the other end of the arc-shaped air guide tube is connected to a spherical adapter. The spherical adapter is installed on the nozzle seat, and the locking screw sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the spherical adapter and abuts against the nozzle seat.

[0015] Preferably, the exhaust plate includes side baffles and a porous suction plate. The side baffles are fixedly disposed on both sides of the exhaust plate, and lateral exhaust holes are provided on the side baffles. The porous suction plate is disposed between the two side baffles. The lateral exhaust holes and the porous suction plate together form a bottom composite exhaust area. One end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the bottom composite exhaust area.

[0016] Preferably, both the first and second extraction boxes are hollow structures. The bottom extraction hole is located at the bottom of the first extraction box. The lateral air guide seat is fixedly installed on the inner walls of both sides of the first extraction box. The lateral air guide hole is formed inside the lateral air guide seat and communicates with the hollow structure of the first extraction box. The lateral air guide seat and the lateral air guide hole form a Venturi tube extraction nozzle. Multiple inclined seats are provided and arranged at intervals along the lower surface of the second extraction box. The inclined seats and the extraction groove together form an inclined extraction guide surface facing the vertical guide plate.

[0017] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention, by setting up a sterilization box, a vertical guide plate, a top nozzle, a side nozzle, an exhaust plate, a first extraction box, and a second extraction box, allows the sterilizing gas to be sprayed downwards from the top nozzle and then tilted towards the center from the side nozzle as the conveyor belt carries the cold chain food through the sterilization box. Then, the exhaust plate, the first extraction box, and the second extraction box form suction traction in the bottom, end, and top areas, respectively. This allows the sterilizing gas to form a gas-enclosed area around the food above the conveyor belt, reducing the possibility of the sterilizing gas rapidly leaking out in a single direction. 2. This invention provides vertical guide plates spaced along the length of both sides of the sterilization chamber, and lateral nozzles on the side of the vertical guide plates closer to the inside of the sterilization chamber. This creates a side spray space between adjacent vertical guide plates. After the side spray space is connected to the area below the top nozzle, a convergence spray area can be formed between the sides and top of the food. Combined with the air gap between the lower end of the vertical guide plate and the conveyor belt, the sterilizing gas can flow between the sides, top, and near the conveyor belt of the food, thereby improving the coverage continuity during the surface treatment of cold chain food. 3. The present invention sets an air guide channel inside the flat nozzle and sets a cross air outlet hole including two cross channels at the air outlet end of the flat nozzle. At the same time, upper pressure flow teeth and lower guide flow teeth are set at the upper and lower edges of the air outlet end, respectively. This makes the gas ejected from the side nozzle form a composite air outlet state of cross dispersion and upper and lower guidance when it leaves the flat nozzle. This makes the side jet airflow no longer just a single beam blowing state, but can diffuse more stably towards the middle of the conveyor belt and the exhaust plate. 4. This invention, by setting up an exhaust plate, an exhaust pipe, a first extraction box, a bottom extraction hole, a side guide seat, a side extraction hole, a second extraction box, an inclined seat, and an extraction groove, enables the exhaust plate to perform compound extraction of air into the area below the conveyor belt. The first extraction box extracts gas upward through the bottom extraction hole and forms a Venturi tube extraction nozzle through the side guide seat and the side extraction hole. The second extraction box extracts part of the sterilizing gas through the inclined extraction guide surface facing the vertical guide plate and drives the sterilizing gas to diffuse towards the second extraction box and the first extraction box, thereby maintaining a gas-filled state with a guiding direction inside the sterilization box and the extraction hood. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall external structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall internal structure of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization box structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the exhaust hood, the first exhaust box, the second exhaust box, the exhaust pipe, and the exhaust disc of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the side nozzle of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the side nozzle of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first extraction box, the second extraction box, the exhaust pipe, and the exhaust disc of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the exhaust disc of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second air extraction box structure of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 For the present invention Figure 10 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 11. Conveyor belt; 2. Sterilization chamber; 21. Vertical guide plate; 22. Top nozzle; 23. Side nozzle; 231. Flat nozzle; 2311. Cross air outlet; 2312. Air guide channel; 2313. Upper pressure flow tooth; 2314. Lower flow tooth; 232. Arc-shaped air guide pipe; 233. Spherical adapter; 234. Locking nut; 235. Nozzle seat; 24. Air inlet pipe; 3. Exhaust hood; 31. First exhaust box; 311. Bottom exhaust port; 312. Side air guide seat; 313. Side exhaust port; 32. Second exhaust box; 321. Angled seat; 322. Exhaust groove; 33. Exhaust pipe; 34. Exhaust plate; 341. Side baffle; 342. Side exhaust port; 343. Perforated slow suction plate; 35. Exhaust fan. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the cold chain food surface sterilization equipment provided by the present invention is essentially a tunnel-type gas sterilization device installed on the cold chain food conveying path. The food surface treatment area is formed by top spraying and side spraying in the sterilization box 2, and a gas traction path is formed by the graded air extraction structure in the air extraction hood 3 and the exhaust plate 34 under the conveyor belt 11, so that the sterilization gas forms a cover above the conveyor belt 11 and is then guided out.

[0032] In this embodiment, the sterilization chamber 2 and the exhaust hood 3 together constitute a semi-enclosed terminal surface treatment area set above the conveyor belt 11. The air inlet pipe 24 is used to connect to an external sterilization gas source. The external sterilization gas source is an atmospheric pressure air cold plasma active gas source. The sterilization gas entering the air inlet pipe 24 contains active gas components for surface treatment. After entering the sterilization chamber 2 through the top nozzle 22 and the side nozzle 23, the sterilization gas acts on the outer surface or packaging surface of the cold chain food.

[0033] In terms of specific structural installation, the structural body can be constructed according to the inventive concept of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the specific external dimensions of the frame 1, sterilization box 2 and exhaust hood 3 are not particularly limited, as long as the sterilization box 2 and exhaust hood 3 can be connected end to end and covered above the conveyor belt 11.

[0034] In this embodiment, a cold chain food surface sterilization equipment includes a frame 1, which supports a conveyor belt 11, a sterilization chamber 2, and an extraction hood 3. The conveyor belt 11 is mounted on the frame 1 and is used to move the cold chain food to be processed along the length of the sterilization chamber 2 and the extraction hood 3. The sterilization chamber 2 and the extraction hood 3 are fixedly mounted above the frame 1. The sterilization chamber 2 and the extraction hood 3 are connected end to end and together form a processing channel covering the conveyor belt 11.

[0035] The sterilization chamber 2 has an inlet end and an outlet end that are arranged opposite to each other along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 11. Cold chain food enters the sterilization chamber 2 from the inlet end and moves to the exhaust hood 3 from the outlet end. The exhaust hood 3 is connected to the outlet end of the sterilization chamber 2. The second exhaust box 32 is located on the side of the exhaust hood 3 near the outlet end of the sterilization chamber 2, so that the sterilization gas in the sterilization chamber 2 can continue to be pulled by the internal structure of the exhaust hood 3 after the food passes through the processing area.

[0036] In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 11 is used to continuously feed the food to be processed into the sterilization box 2, so that the food can complete online surface treatment during the process of passing through the sterilization box 2. The length of the sterilization box 2 and the conveying speed of the conveyor belt 11 together determine the residence time of the food in the gas-covered area, so that the sterilizing gas can contact the surface of the food during continuous conveying.

[0037] Multiple vertical guide plates 21 are fixedly installed on both inner walls of the sterilization chamber 2. The multiple vertical guide plates 21 are spaced apart along the length of the sterilization chamber 2. A side nozzle 23 is fixedly installed on the side of the vertical guide plate 21 closest to the inside of the sterilization chamber 2. The vertical guide plate 21 serves as the mounting base for the side nozzle 23 and also separates the gas flow boundaries on both sides of the sterilization chamber 2, so that the gas sprayed by the side nozzle 23 forms a side spray space between adjacent vertical guide plates 21.

[0038] An air gap is formed between the lower end of the vertical guide plate 21 and the conveyor belt 11. The side spray space formed between two adjacent vertical guide plates 21 is connected to the area below the top nozzle 22, thereby forming a gas coverage area. The air gap allows the gas near the conveyor belt 11 to flow between the side spray space and the area above the conveyor belt 11, preventing the vertical guide plate 21 from completely blocking the diffusion of the bottom gas.

[0039] In cold chain environments with low temperature and high humidity, a slight condensation film can easily form on the surface of food or packaging. When the vertical guide plate 21 works in conjunction with the top nozzle 22 and the side nozzle 23, the sterilizing gas enters the food area from above and both sides. The side spray space and the air passage gap can guide the sterilizing gas around the side of the food and diffuse it toward the vicinity of the conveyor belt 11, thereby increasing the contact opportunities between the sterilizing gas and the food surface from different directions.

[0040] Multiple top nozzles 22 are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the top of the sterilization chamber 2. The multiple top nozzles 22 are arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt 11. The air outlet of the top nozzles 22 faces the exhaust plate 34. The air inlet pipe 24 is fixedly installed on the sterilization chamber 2 and is connected to the top nozzles 22 and the side nozzles 23 respectively. After the external sterilization gas enters through the air inlet pipe 24, it is distributed to the top nozzles 22 and the side nozzles 23 respectively.

[0041] A vertical jet exhaust path is formed between the top nozzle 22 and the exhaust plate 34. The gas sprayed downward from the top nozzle 22 moves towards the exhaust plate 34 after passing the area where the food is located above the conveyor belt 11, so that the top of the food and the space above it can be within the direct spray range of the sterilizing gas. The exhaust plate 34 is located below the conveyor belt 11 and provides a downward suction channel for the gas sprayed from the top.

[0042] In this embodiment, the top nozzle 22 forms a nozzle array located above the food, and the side nozzles 23 form a side spray array located on both sides of the food. The top nozzle 22 and the side nozzles 23 together constitute the gas distribution structure inside the sterilization chamber 2, so that the sterilizing gas entering the sterilization chamber 2 is not concentrated at a single point of discharge, but forms a continuous coverage along the food conveying path.

[0043] The side nozzles 23 are located above both sides of the conveyor belt 11. The air outlet of the side nozzles 23 faces the middle of the conveyor belt 11 and is inclined towards the exhaust plate 34. The air outlet of the side nozzles 23 and the air outlet of the top nozzles 22 both face the middle area above the conveyor belt 11, so that the top jet airflow and the side jet airflow form a converging jet area in the middle of the upper part of the conveyor belt 11, thereby making the side, upper surface and adjacent bottom area of ​​the food simultaneously in the sterilization gas coverage path.

[0044] The side nozzle 23 includes a flat nozzle 231, an arc-shaped air guide tube 232, a spherical adapter 233, a locking screw 234, and a nozzle seat 235. The nozzle seat 235 is fixedly installed on the side of the vertical guide plate 21 near the inside of the sterilization chamber 2. The spherical adapter 233 is installed on the nozzle seat 235. The locking screw 234 is sleeved on the outside of the spherical adapter 233 and abuts against the nozzle seat 235. One end of the arc-shaped air guide tube 232 is connected to the flat nozzle 231, and the other end of the arc-shaped air guide tube 232 is connected to the spherical adapter 233.

[0045] By cooperating with the spherical adapter 233 and the nozzle seat 235, the lateral nozzle 23 can form a spray angle towards the middle of the conveyor belt 11 and the exhaust disc 34 during assembly. The locking nut 234 is used to lock the spherical adapter 233 after the angle is determined, so that the flat nozzle 231 maintains a stable spray posture during equipment operation. The arc-shaped air guide pipe 232 is used to form a turning connection path between the nozzle seat 235 and the flat nozzle 231.

[0046] A guide air channel 2312 is formed inside the flat nozzle 231. The outlet end of the flat nozzle 231 is provided with a cross-shaped air outlet hole 2311. The cross-shaped air outlet hole 2311 includes two cross-shaped holes that are connected to the guide air channel 2312. After the bactericidal gas enters the guide air channel 2312, it is ejected from the two cross-shaped holes, so that the outlet end of the flat nozzle 231 forms a cross-shaped diffused airflow.

[0047] The upper edge of the air outlet end of the flat nozzle 231 is provided with upper pressure flow teeth 2313, and the lower edge of the air outlet end of the flat nozzle 231 is provided with lower guide flow teeth 2314. The upper pressure flow teeth 2313 and the lower guide flow teeth 2314 are arranged along the width direction of the flat nozzle 231. The upper pressure flow teeth 2313, the lower guide flow teeth 2314 and the cross air outlet holes 2311 together form a dispersed air outlet end. The upper pressure flow teeth 2313 are used to form a pressure flow boundary for the airflow on the upper side of the air outlet end, and the lower guide flow teeth 2314 are used to form a guide flow boundary for the airflow on the lower side of the air outlet end, so that the gas sprayed from the side nozzle 23 spreads towards the middle of the conveyor belt 11 and the exhaust plate 34.

[0048] The cross-vent holes 2311 cause the sterilizing gas in the air guide channel 2312 to form cross-turbulence at the air outlet end of the flat nozzle 231. The upper pressure flow teeth 2313 restrict the upward dispersion of the airflow, and the lower guide flow teeth 2314 guide the airflow to diffuse towards the middle of the conveyor belt 11 and the exhaust plate 34, so that the sterilizing gas sprayed from the side nozzle 23 can enter the side area of ​​the food in a dispersed state and merge with the gas sprayed downward from the top nozzle 22.

[0049] The exhaust hood 3 is fixedly equipped with a first exhaust box 31, a second exhaust box 32 and an exhaust fan 35. The first exhaust box 31 is fixedly located inside the exhaust hood 3 at the end away from the sterilization box 2. The second exhaust box 32 is fixedly located at the top of the first exhaust box 31 on the side near the vertical guide plate 21. There are two exhaust fans 35. The two exhaust fans 35 are respectively connected to the first exhaust box 31 and the second exhaust box 32, so that the first exhaust box 31 and the second exhaust box 32 can form exhaust channels respectively.

[0050] The first suction box 31 is designed as a hollow structure. Multiple bottom suction holes 311 are provided at the bottom of the first suction box 31. Lateral air guide seats 312 are fixedly installed on both sides of the inner wall of the first suction box 31. Lateral air guide seats 312 are provided with lateral suction holes 313 inside. The lateral suction holes 313 are connected to the hollow structure of the first suction box 31. The lateral air guide seats 312 and the lateral suction holes 313 form a Venturi tube suction nozzle.

[0051] The bottom suction port 311 is used to form an upward suction position at the bottom of the first suction box 31, so that the gas in the lower part of the suction hood 3 can enter the first suction box 31. The side guide seat 312 and the side suction port 313 are used to form a side suction position on both sides of the first suction box 31. The Venturi tube suction nozzle can improve the gas diversion capacity near the side suction port 313 during the suction process, so that the gas on both sides of the suction hood 3 gathers into the first suction box 31.

[0052] The second air extraction box 32 is designed as a hollow structure. Multiple inclined seats 321 are provided on the lower surface of the second air extraction box 32. The multiple inclined seats 321 are arranged at intervals along the lower surface of the second air extraction box 32. The inclined seats 321 are inclined toward the vertical guide plate 21. An air extraction groove 322 is provided on the inclined surface of the inclined seat 321. The inclined seat 321 and the air extraction groove 322 together form an inclined air extraction guide surface toward the vertical guide plate 21.

[0053] Under the action of the exhaust fan 35, the second exhaust box 32 extracts part of the sterilizing gas through the exhaust groove 322. The inclined direction of the inclined seat 321 makes the exhaust groove 322 not only play the role of extracting gas, but also form a diffusion traction on the gas near the outlet end of the sterilization box 2 towards the second exhaust box 32 and the first exhaust box 31, so that the sterilization box 2 and the exhaust hood 3 are kept in a state of being filled with sterilizing gas and guided to be discharged.

[0054] The second extraction box 32 is not used to completely extract the sterilizing gas in the sterilization box 2 at once. Instead, it extracts part of the gas through the extraction groove 322 and forms a gas traction towards the inside of the extraction hood 3, so that the sterilizing gas continues to diffuse near the outlet end of the sterilization box 2. Together with the extraction of gas from the bottom and end by the first extraction box 31 and the exhaust plate 34, the sterilizing gas forms a continuous path of filling, covering and discharging within the sterilization box 2 and the extraction hood 3.

[0055] The sterilization chamber 2 is also equipped with an exhaust plate 34 located below the conveyor belt 11. An exhaust pipe 33 is fixedly installed between the exhaust plate 34 and the first suction box 31. The exhaust pipe 33 is connected to the exhaust plate 34 and the first suction box 31 respectively. The exhaust plate 34 includes a side baffle 341 and a porous slow-suction plate 343. The side baffle 341 is fixedly installed on both sides of the exhaust plate 34. Lateral exhaust holes 342 are opened on the side baffle 341. The porous slow-suction plate 343 is installed between the two side baffles 341.

[0056] The side exhaust port 342 and the porous slow-suction plate 343 together form the bottom composite exhaust area. One end of the exhaust pipe 33 is connected to the bottom composite exhaust area. The sterilizing gas sprayed downward by the top nozzle 22 and the sterilizing gas sprayed obliquely towards the middle and downward by the side nozzle 23 can enter the exhaust plate 34 through the porous slow-suction plate 343 and the side exhaust port 342 respectively after passing near the food above the conveyor belt 11, and then enter the first suction box 31 through the exhaust pipe 33.

[0057] During equipment operation, the conveyor belt 11 carries the cold chain food into the sterilization chamber 2. The sterilization gas enters the top nozzle 22 and the side nozzle 23 through the air inlet pipe 24. The top nozzle 22 sprays downward along the width of the conveyor belt 11, and the side nozzle 23 sprays from both sides of the conveyor belt 11 toward the center and toward the exhaust plate 34. The vertical guide plate 21 limits the side spray space and makes the side airflow and the top airflow form a confluence spray area above the food.

[0058] The sterilizing gas entering the sterilization chamber 2 is a low-temperature active gas formed by the discharge of atmospheric pressure air. The low-temperature active gas comes into contact with the food surface without heat treatment of the cold chain food, and is suitable for online sterilization treatment of the outer surface of chilled meat, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat seafood, cheese, and packaged food.

[0059] During the gas discharge process, the exhaust plate 34 extracts gas from below and near both sides of the conveyor belt 11 through the porous slow-suction plate 343 and the side exhaust port 342. The exhaust pipe 33 guides the gas in the exhaust plate 34 into the first suction box 31. The first suction box 31 also extracts gas from the suction hood 3 through the bottom suction port 311 and the side suction port 313. The second suction box 32 extracts part of the gas through the suction groove 322 on the inclined seat 321 and drives the gas to diffuse towards the suction hood 3.

[0060] In the workflow of this embodiment, the external sterilization gas source is first connected to the air inlet pipe 24. After the exhaust fan 35 is started, it creates a negative pressure inside the first exhaust box 31 and the second exhaust box 32. Then, the sterilization gas enters the sterilization box 2 through the air inlet pipe 24 and is delivered to the top nozzle 22 and the side nozzle 23 respectively, so that the sterilization box 2 first forms an initial gas coverage state that gathers from top to bottom and from both sides to the middle.

[0061] The conveyor belt 11 carries the cold chain food from the inlet end of the sterilization box 2 into the interior of the sterilization box 2. After the food enters the processing area between the vertical guide plates 21, the top nozzle 22 sprays sterilizing gas downward along the width direction of the conveyor belt 11, and the side nozzles 23 spray sterilizing gas from both sides of the conveyor belt 11 upward toward the middle of the conveyor belt 11 and toward the exhaust plate 34. The top jet airflow and the side jet airflow form a converging jet area above and on the side of the food.

[0062] When the side nozzle 23 sprays gas, the sterilizing gas first enters the air guide channel 2312 in the flat nozzle 231, and then is sprayed out through the two cross channels in the cross air outlet 2311. The sprayed airflow is dispersed after being acted upon by the upper pressure flow tooth 2313 and the lower guide tooth 2314. The upper pressure flow tooth 2313 restricts the gas from shifting upward, and the lower guide tooth 2314 guides the gas to diffuse towards the middle of the conveyor belt 11 and the exhaust plate 34, so that the side sterilizing gas can be close to the side of the food and merge with the top sterilizing gas.

[0063] During the continuous food conveying process, multiple vertical guide vanes 21 form a continuous side spray space along the length of the sterilization chamber 2. The side spray space between adjacent vertical guide vanes 21 is connected to the area below the top nozzle 22. The air gap between the lower end of the vertical guide vane 21 and the conveyor belt 11 allows some sterilizing gas to flow to the vicinity of the conveyor belt 11, so that the food passes through multiple gas-covered areas in sequence when passing through the sterilization chamber 2, and the top, sides and lower part of the food near the conveyor belt 11 can all come into contact with the sterilizing gas.

[0064] The exhaust plate 34 located below the conveyor belt 11 guides the gas at the bottom of the sterilization box 2 under the suction action of the first suction box 31 and the exhaust pipe 33. The sterilization gas sprayed downward by the top nozzle 22 and the sterilization gas diffused to the middle and lower by the side nozzle 23 enter the exhaust plate 34 through the porous slow suction plate 343 and the side exhaust hole 342, respectively, and then enter the first suction box 31 through the exhaust pipe 33, so that the sterilization gas can be discharged along the bottom composite exhaust area after contacting the food surface.

[0065] When food enters the corresponding area of ​​the exhaust hood 3 from the outlet end of the sterilization box 2, the first exhaust box 31 draws gas upward from the lower part of the exhaust hood 3 through the bottom exhaust hole 311, and draws gas from both sides of the exhaust hood 3 through the side guide seat 312 and the side exhaust hole 313. The Venturi tube exhaust nozzle formed by the side guide seat 312 and the side exhaust hole 313 causes the gas on both sides of the exhaust hood 3 to converge into the first exhaust box 31, thereby reducing the gas retention at the end and sides of the exhaust hood 3.

[0066] The second extraction box 32 extracts a portion of the sterilizing gas near the outlet of the sterilization box 2 through the extraction groove 322 on the inclined seat 321. The inclined seat 321 is tilted toward the vertical guide plate 21, so that the extraction groove 322 forms an oblique traction on the gas near the outlet of the sterilization box 2 when extracting gas. This traction does not directly extract all the sterilizing gas in the sterilization box 2, but rather drives the sterilizing gas to diffuse toward the second extraction box 32 and the first extraction box 31, so that the sterilization box 2 and the extraction hood 3 maintain a continuous gas filling state inside.

[0067] As the conveyor belt 11 continues to operate, new food to be processed continuously enters the sterilization chamber 2. The top nozzle 22 and the side nozzle 23 continuously replenish sterilization gas to the area where the food is located. The exhaust plate 34, the first extraction chamber 31 and the second extraction chamber 32 continuously extract the processed gas in stages. The sterilization gas forms a continuous flow path of spraying, converging, covering, downward drawing, side drawing and end extraction in the sterilization chamber 2, so that the surface of the cold chain food can be processed online without stopping the conveyor.

[0068] The processed food continues to leave the exhaust hood 3 along the conveyor belt 11. The residual gas in the sterilization box 2 and the exhaust hood 3 is discharged through the exhaust plate 34, the exhaust pipe 33, the first exhaust box 31, the second exhaust box 32 and the exhaust fan 35, respectively, so that the sterilization gas in the processing area can be covered when the food passes through and can be discharged along the predetermined exhaust path after the surface treatment is completed.

[0069] In summary, this invention utilizes the convergence of the top spray nozzle 22 and the side spray nozzle 23 within the sterilization chamber 2, combined with the side spray space and gas coverage area formed by the vertical guide plate 21, and further utilizes the exhaust plate 34, exhaust pipe 33, first extraction box 31 and second extraction box 32 to form a composite extraction path at the bottom, side, end and top, enabling cold chain food to continuously pass through the sterilization gas coverage area during transportation and allowing the treated gas to be discharged along a predetermined path.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A surface sterilization device for cold chain food, comprising a frame (1), characterized in that: A conveyor belt (11) is provided on the frame (1), and a sterilization box (2) and an exhaust hood (3) are fixedly provided above the frame (1). The sterilization box (2) and the exhaust hood (3) are connected end to end and are both covered above the conveyor belt (11). Multiple vertical guide plates (21) are fixedly installed on both sides of the sterilization box (2). Multiple side nozzles (23) are fixedly installed on the side of the vertical guide plates (21) near the inside of the sterilization box (2). Multiple top nozzles (22) are fixedly installed on the top inner wall of the sterilization box (2). An air inlet pipe (24) is fixedly installed on the sterilization box (2). The air inlet pipe (24) is connected to the top nozzles (22) and the side nozzles (23) respectively. The exhaust hood (3) is fixedly provided with a first exhaust box (31), a second exhaust box (32) and an exhaust fan (35). The first exhaust box (31) is fixedly provided inside the exhaust hood (3) at one end away from the sterilization box (2). The second exhaust box (32) is fixedly provided at the top of the first exhaust box (31) on the side near the vertical guide plate (21). There are two exhaust fans (35), which are respectively connected to the first exhaust box (31) and the second exhaust box (32). The sterilization box (2) is also equipped with an exhaust plate (34) located below the conveyor belt (11). An exhaust pipe (33) is fixedly installed between the exhaust plate (34) and the first suction box (31). The exhaust pipe (33) is connected to the exhaust plate (34) and the first suction box (31) respectively. The first air extraction box (31) has multiple bottom air extraction holes (311) at the bottom of its interior. The inner walls on both sides of the first air extraction box (31) are fixedly provided with side air guide seats (312), and the side air guide seats (312) are provided with side air extraction holes (313). The lower surface of the second air extraction box (32) is provided with an inclined seat (321), which is inclined toward the vertical guide plate (21), and the inclined surface of the inclined seat (321) is provided with an air extraction groove (322).

2. The surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization box (2) has an inlet end and an outlet end that are arranged opposite to each other along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (11). The exhaust hood (3) is connected to the outlet end of the sterilization box (2). The second exhaust box (32) is located on the side of the exhaust hood (3) near the outlet end of the sterilization box (2).

3. The surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical guide plates (21) are spaced apart along the length of the sterilization box (2). An air gap is formed between the lower end of the vertical guide plates (21) and the conveyor belt (11). A side spray space is formed between two adjacent vertical guide plates (21). The side spray space is connected to the area below the top nozzle (22) to form a gas-covered area.

4. The cold chain food surface sterilization equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top nozzles (22) are arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt (11), and the air outlet of the top nozzles (22) faces the exhaust plate (34). A vertical jet exhaust path is formed between the top nozzles (22) and the exhaust plate (34).

5. The surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side nozzles (23) are located above both sides of the conveyor belt (11). The air outlet of the side nozzles (23) faces the middle of the conveyor belt (11) and is inclined towards the exhaust plate (34). The air outlet of the side nozzles (23) and the air outlet of the top nozzles (22) both face the middle area above the conveyor belt (11), and the middle area forms a converging spray area.

6. The surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food according to claim 5, characterized in that: The side nozzle (23) includes a flat nozzle (231), an air guide channel (2312) is formed inside the flat nozzle (231), and the air outlet end of the flat nozzle (231) is provided with a cross air outlet hole (2311). The cross air outlet hole (2311) includes two cross-arranged holes that are connected to the air guide channel (2312).

7. The surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper edge of the outlet end of the flat nozzle (231) is provided with an upper pressure flow tooth (2313), and the lower edge of the outlet end of the flat nozzle (231) is provided with a lower guide flow tooth (2314). The upper pressure flow tooth (2313) and the lower guide flow tooth (2314) are arranged along the width direction of the flat nozzle (231). The upper pressure flow tooth (2313), the lower guide flow tooth (2314) and the cross outlet hole (2311) together form a dispersed outlet end.

8. The surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lateral nozzle (23) also includes an arc-shaped air guide tube (232), a spherical adapter (233), a locking screw (234), and a nozzle seat (235). The nozzle seat (235) is fixedly installed on the side of the vertical guide plate (21) near the inside of the sterilization chamber (2). One end of the arc-shaped air guide tube (232) is connected to the flat nozzle (231), and the other end of the arc-shaped air guide tube (232) is connected to the spherical adapter (233). The spherical adapter (233) is installed on the nozzle seat (235), and the locking screw (234) is sleeved on the outside of the spherical adapter (233) and abuts against the nozzle seat (235).

9. The surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust plate (34) includes a side baffle (341) and a porous suction plate (343). The side baffle (341) is fixedly disposed on both sides of the exhaust plate (34). A lateral exhaust hole (342) is provided on the side baffle (341). The porous suction plate (343) is disposed between the two side baffles (341). The lateral exhaust hole (342) and the porous suction plate (343) together form a bottom composite exhaust area. One end of the exhaust pipe (33) is connected to the bottom composite exhaust area.

10. The surface sterilization equipment for cold chain food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first suction box (31) and the second suction box (32) are both hollow structures. The bottom suction hole (311) is opened at the bottom of the first suction box (31). The side suction seat (312) is fixedly installed on the inner walls of both sides of the first suction box (31). The side suction hole (313) is formed inside the side suction seat (312) and communicates with the hollow structure of the first suction box (31). The side suction seat (312) and the side suction hole (313) form a Venturi tube suction nozzle. The inclined seat (321) is provided with multiple seats and is arranged at intervals along the lower surface of the second air extraction box (32). The inclined seat (321) and the air extraction groove (322) together form an inclined air extraction guide surface facing the vertical guide plate (21).

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