Self-cleaning filling equipment for nutrition preparation

Abstract

The utility model discloses self-cleaning filling equipment for nutrition preparations, the filling equipment comprises a water storage tank, a stirring tank and a filling assembly, the water storage tank is connected with the stirring tank through a first pipeline, the stirring tank is connected with the filling assembly through a second pipeline, a heating device is arranged in the water storage tank, and the filling assembly is connected with the stirring tank through a second pipeline. A water injection opening is formed in the stirring tank, and the first pipeline is communicated with an inner cavity of the stirring tank through the water injection opening; the central axis of the water injection port is cut with a circle of the projection of the outer wall of the stirring tank, and an included angle alpha is formed between the central axis of the water injection port and a tangent line of the outer wall of the stirring tank at the position of the water injection port. By optimizing a water injection structure and introducing a high-temperature steam disinfection system, automatic cleaning and efficient disinfection of the filling equipment are realized, and the sanitary safety and the use convenience are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of medical food processing equipment, and in particular relates to a filling device. Background Technology

[0002] In medical institutions or elderly care facilities, patients' nutritional status and needs vary, so liquid nutritional formulas are usually prepared individually for each patient based on a doctor's prescription. Currently, most nutritional formulas are still prepared manually, typically by nursing staff using mixing containers, stirring rods, and external electric mixers to mix the ingredients by hand, and then manually filling them using a separate filling machine. This method is not only multi-step and involves complex equipment, but also requires cleaning all equipment after each use, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Even slight oversights can easily lead to material residue, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Furthermore, due to the dispersed equipment and the lack of standardized cleaning and disinfection procedures, overall hygiene control is difficult. In scenarios where patient formulas are frequently changed, manual cleaning is particularly challenging, increasing the workload of nursing staff and hindering the standardization and safety of the preparation process.

[0003] Therefore, existing filling equipment suffers from problems such as cumbersome cleaning and difficulty in implementing disinfection in actual use. There is an urgent need for equipment with automatic cleaning and disinfection functions that can quickly switch between different formulations, complete internal rinsing and sanitation treatment, reduce the burden of manual operation, and improve the efficiency and safety of the formulation process. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a self-cleaning filling device for nutritional preparations, so as to solve the technical problems of existing equipment that rely on manual cleaning, are cumbersome to operate, and are difficult to ensure hygiene.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the specific technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A self-cleaning filling device for nutritional preparations includes a water storage tank, a mixing tank, and a filling assembly. The water storage tank is connected to the mixing tank via a first pipeline, and the mixing tank is connected to the filling assembly via a second pipeline. The water storage tank is equipped with a heating device, and the mixing tank has a water inlet. The first pipeline communicates with the inner cavity of the mixing tank through the water inlet. The central axis of the water inlet intersects the circle projected onto the outer wall of the mixing tank, and the central axis of the water inlet forms an angle α with the tangent of the outer wall of the mixing tank at the location of the water inlet.

[0007] Therefore, when the self-cleaning mode is activated, water is injected into the mixing tank at a set angle α through two tangentially arranged water inlets. The water flow will form a ring-shaped tangential scouring along the inner wall of the mixing tank, effectively covering the inner wall surface of the tank and removing material residues adhering to the tank wall.

[0008] Furthermore, the mixing tank is provided with two water inlets, which are respectively located on both sides of the top of the mixing tank and are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the mixing tank; the included angle α is 30°~60°, and the included angle α is preferably 30°.

[0009] Furthermore, a steam pipe is installed on the top of the water storage tank, and a steam valve is provided on the steam pipe, which connects the inner cavity of the water storage tank and the mixing tank.

[0010] Therefore, when the heating device heats the water in the storage tank, high-pressure steam is generated inside the tank. When steam sterilization of the mixing tank is required, the steam valve opens, and steam is delivered to the mixing tank through the steam pipe, performing high-temperature steam sterilization on the inner cavity of the mixing tank, effectively killing residual bacteria or microorganisms. This structure achieves internal self-sterilization without an external steam source through a direct steam path between the storage tank and the mixing tank, reducing equipment complexity and the frequency of manual intervention, and improving the equipment's hygiene assurance capabilities and ease of use in the preparation of medical nutritional formulations.

[0011] Furthermore, the mixing tank is provided with a feeding port at the top, and the feeding port is covered. The mixing tank is provided with a liquid outlet at the bottom, and the liquid outlet is connected to the filling assembly through a second pipeline.

[0012] Furthermore, a first valve is installed on the second pipeline, the bottom of the water storage tank is connected to the outside through a drain pipe, a second valve is installed on the drain pipe, and a third valve is installed on the first pipeline.

[0013] Furthermore, the filling assembly is equipped with multiple filling heads, and each filling head is connected to a peristaltic pump on a second pipeline. The first valve is equipped with a distributor, which divides the second pipeline into multiple groups of channels according to the number of filling heads, with each group of channels connected to a corresponding filling head.

[0014] Furthermore, the filling assembly is equipped with a liftable filling head, and a waste liquid tank is provided below the filling head for the filling head to move downward and drain liquid; the water storage tank and the waste liquid tank are connected by a drain pipe, and a second valve is installed on the drain pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the water storage tank and the mixing tank are located at the same height, and the filling assembly is located below the water storage tank and the mixing tank. The water storage tank, the mixing tank, and the filling assembly are all installed in the movable cabinet-type box of the filling equipment.

[0016] Furthermore, the water storage tank and the mixing tank are located at the same height, and the filling assembly is located below the water storage tank and the mixing tank. The water storage tank, the mixing tank, and the filling assembly are all installed in a box on one side of the filling equipment; a control panel is installed in the upper area of ​​the other side of the filling equipment.

[0017] In addition, the mixing tank includes a tank body and a magnetic stirring device mounted on the tank body. The magnetic stirring device includes a rotor disposed in the inner cavity of the tank body and a drive unit disposed outside the tank body for driving the rotor to rotate.

[0018] In addition, the drive unit includes a motor and a rotating plate mounted on the motor, with a magnet mounted on the rotating plate on the side near the rotor.

[0019] Furthermore, the magnets are mounted on both ends of the rotating plate.

[0020] In addition, the drive unit is mounted at the bottom of the tank via a mounting bracket.

[0021] This utility model has the following advantages:

[0022] 1. It achieves high-temperature steam sterilization inside the equipment, eliminating the need for an external steam source. It features a compact structure, simple operation, and can meet the stringent hygiene requirements of medical settings.

[0023] 2. It features a self-cleaning function, enabling rapid rinsing between different formulations, reducing manual cleaning steps and improving equipment efficiency. Simultaneously, the structural design of the water inlet helps remove residue from the inner wall of the mixing tank. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the internal structure of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the water inlet of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the mixing tank of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit of this utility model.

[0030] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Water storage tank; 11. Water purifier; 12. Third pipeline; 13. Drain pipe; 14. Second valve; 15. Third valve; 16. Steam pipeline; 2. Mixing tank; 21. Tank body; 211. Liquid outlet; 22. Mixing device; 23. Feeding port; 24. Rotor; 25. Drive unit; 251. Motor; 252. Rotating plate; 253. Magnet; 26. Mounting bracket; 27. Cover; 28. Water inlet; 3. Filling assembly; 33. Filling head; 4. First pipeline; 5. Second pipeline; 51. First valve; 52. Distributor; 6. Peristaltic pump; 7. Waste liquid tank; 10. Movable cabinet-type box; 101. Control panel. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this utility model, a more detailed description of this utility model is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a self-cleaning filling device for nutritional preparations according to this utility model includes a water storage tank 1, a mixing tank 2, and a filling assembly 3. The water storage tank 1 is connected to the mixing tank 2 via a first pipeline 4, and the mixing tank 2 is connected to the filling assembly 3 via a second pipeline 5. A liftable filling head 33 is installed on the filling assembly 3, and a waste liquid tank 7 is provided below the filling head 33 for downward movement and drainage. Specifically, a liquid outlet 211 is provided at the bottom of the mixing tank 2, and the liquid outlet 211 is connected to the filling assembly 3 via the second pipeline 5. A first valve 51 is installed on the second pipeline 5. Multiple filling heads 33 are installed on the filling assembly 3, and a peristaltic pump 6 is provided on each of the second pipelines 5 where each filling head 33 is located. A distributor 52 is provided on the first valve 51, and the distributor 52 divides the second pipeline 5 into multiple groups of channels according to the number of filling heads 33. Each group of channels is connected to a corresponding filling head 33.

[0033] The water storage tank 1 and the mixing tank 2 are located at the same height. The filling assembly 3 is located below the water storage tank 1 and the mixing tank 2. The water storage tank 1, the mixing tank 2, and the filling assembly 3 are all installed inside the movable cabinet-type housing 10 of the filling equipment. The water storage tank 1, the mixing tank 2, and the filling assembly 3 are all installed inside the housing on one side of the filling equipment. A control panel 101 is installed in the upper area of ​​the other side of the filling equipment, and the lower area of ​​the other side is set as the lifting area for the filling head 33.

[0034] The bottom of the water storage tank 1 is connected to the waste liquid tank 7 via a drain pipe 13. A second valve 14 is installed on the drain pipe 13, and a third valve 15 is installed on the first pipe 4. With this design, during filling, the third valve 15 is open and the second valve 14 is closed, allowing water in the water storage tank 1 to enter the mixing tank 2 through the first pipe 4. After the filling equipment is used, the third valve 15 is closed and the second valve 14 is opened, allowing the drain pipe 13 to discharge the remaining water in the water storage tank 1 into the waste liquid tank 7. This prevents long-term water accumulation in the water storage tank 1 from causing water quality deterioration or bacterial growth, thus affecting the hygiene and safety of subsequent use. This structural design gives the equipment excellent drainage capacity, helping to extend the service life of the water storage tank 1 and improving the overall hygiene and maintainability of the equipment.

[0035] In addition, the water storage tank 1 is equipped with a heating device. The water storage tank 1 has an integrated heating and heat preservation structure. It is heated by a resistance heating wire, and the outside is covered with an insulation layer to maintain a constant water temperature. When the water temperature needs to be lowered, cold water can be added to the water storage tank 1. If the water storage tank 1 is full, some water can be drained from the water storage tank 1 by opening the second valve 14 before adding cold water to lower the temperature.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the mixing tank 2 is equipped with a water inlet 28, and the first pipeline 4 is connected to the inner cavity of the mixing tank 2 through the water inlet 28. The central axis of the water inlet 28 does not intersect with the central axis of the mixing tank 2, and there is an angle α between the central axis of the water inlet 28 and the tangent of the outer wall of the mixing tank 2 at the location of the water inlet 28. Figure 4 As shown, the included angle α is 30°–60°, preferably 30°.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the mixing tank 2 is provided with two water inlets 28. The two water inlets 28 are respectively located on both sides of the top of the mixing tank 2 and are arranged radially symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the mixing tank 2. The central axis of the two water inlets 28 forms an angle α with the tangent of the corresponding outer wall of the tank body 21, so that when the water flows into the mixing tank 2, it can flow tangentially along the inner wall of the tank body 21.

[0038] With this design, when the filling task is completed and the equipment needs cleaning, external tap water is filtered by the water purifier 11 and enters the water storage tank 1 through the third pipe 12. At this time, the first valve 51, the second valve 14, and the third valve 15 are all closed. After the heating device heats the water in the water storage tank 1 to the set temperature, the third valve 15 is opened, and hot water is injected into the mixing tank 2 through the water inlet 28 via the first pipe 4. Since the water injection direction is tangential to the inner wall of the tank 21, the heated water flow can form a rotating flushing path along the tank wall, thereby effectively rinsing the inner wall of the tank 21. When the amount of hot water inside the mixing tank 2 reaches the set value, the third valve 15 is closed, and the mixing tank 2 enters the cleaning mode. At this time, the stirring device 22 is turned on to thoroughly remove the residue inside the tank. After the cleaning mode ends, the first valve 51 is opened, and the waste liquid is discharged from the filling head 33 through the second pipe 5. During the waste liquid discharge process, the third valve 15 is opened to further flush the inner wall of the tank 21.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a steam pipe 16 is installed on the top of the water storage tank 1, and a steam valve is provided on the steam pipe 16. The steam pipe 16 connects the inner cavity of the water storage tank 1 and the mixing tank 2. With this design, the disinfection mode can be activated before each filling equipment is started or when disinfection is required. In the disinfection mode, the first valve 51, the second valve 14, and the third valve 15 are all closed, and the heating device continuously heats the water in the water storage tank 1. At this time, high-pressure steam is generated in the water storage tank 1. By opening the steam valve, the high-pressure steam enters the inner cavity of the mixing tank 2 through the steam pipe 16, realizing high-temperature steam disinfection of the inner cavity of the mixing tank 2, effectively killing potential bacteria or microorganisms, improving the hygiene performance of the equipment, and meeting the clean environment requirements of medical nutritional preparations.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the upper end of the tank body 21 is a feeding port 23, and a cover 27 is provided on the feeding port 23. The mixing tank 2 includes a tank body 21 and a magnetic stirring device 22 installed on the tank body 21. The magnetic stirring device 22 includes a rotor 24 disposed in the inner cavity of the tank body 21 and a drive unit 25 disposed outside the tank body 21 for driving the rotor 24 to rotate. The drive unit 25 is disposed at the bottom of the tank body 21 via a mounting bracket 26. The drive unit 25 includes a motor 251 and a rotating plate 252 mounted on the motor 251. A magnet 253 is installed on the side of the rotating plate 252 near the rotor 24. The magnets 253 are installed on both ends of the rotating plate 252.

[0041] Based on the above structure, in use, the medical liquid nutritional preparation filling equipment of this utility model allows external tap water to be filtered through a water purifier 11 and then enter the water storage tank 1 through the third pipeline 12. After being heated to the set temperature by a heating device, the water flows into the mixing tank 2 through the first pipeline 4. The user can add powder or other ingredients through the feeding port 23 on the mixing tank 2, and then close the cover 27 on the feeding port 23. The magnetic stirring device 22 starts to work, in which the motor 251 drives the rotating plate 252 to rotate. The magnet 253 on the rotating plate 252 and the rotating element 24 inside the tank 21 generate magnetic coupling, thereby driving the rotating element 24 to rotate synchronously, realizing the stirring and mixing of the liquid inside the tank 21. Since the magnetic stirring structure eliminates the through connection of the traditional stirring shaft, the entire stirring process is completed without damaging the sealing of the tank 21, effectively avoiding material residue on the bearings during the subsequent cleaning of the inner cavity of the tank 21, thus improving the hygiene and safety of the equipment.

[0042] During the filling stage, the stirred liquid food flows out from the outlet 211 at the bottom of the tank 21 and is transported to the filling assembly 3 via the second pipeline 5. The first valve 51 on the second pipeline 5 controls the opening and closing of the overall liquid flow. A distributor 52 is installed on the first valve 51, which divides the second pipeline 5 into multiple channels according to the number of filling heads 33. Each channel is connected to a corresponding filling head 33, and a peristaltic pump 6 is installed in each channel. During operation, the control system controls the first valve 51 to open sequentially according to the set formula parameters, and the distributor 52 evenly guides the fluid to each channel. The peristaltic pump 6 drives the material to the corresponding filling head 33 in a preset quantitative manner, realizing synchronous or sequential filling operations across multiple channels. This structure allows for precise control of the filling volume of each channel and reduces liquid residue, making it suitable for customized filling scenarios of small batches and multiple bags of nutrient solutions.

[0043] It is understood that this utility model has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Furthermore, under the teachings of this utility model, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning filling device for nutritional preparations, comprising a water storage tank (1), a mixing tank (2), and a filling assembly (3), wherein the water storage tank (1) is connected to the mixing tank (2) via a first pipeline (4), and the mixing tank (2) is connected to the filling assembly (3) via a second pipeline (5), characterized in that, The water storage tank (1) is equipped with a heating device, and the stirring tank (2) is provided with a water inlet (28). The first pipeline (4) is connected to the inner cavity of the stirring tank (2) through the water inlet (28). The central axis of the water inlet (28) intersects the circle projected from the outer wall of the stirring tank (2), and the central axis of the water inlet (28) and the tangent of the outer wall of the stirring tank (2) at the location of the water inlet (28) form an angle α.

2. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixing tank (2) is provided with two water inlets (28), which are respectively located on both sides of the top of the mixing tank (2) and are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the mixing tank (2); the included angle α is 30°~60°.

3. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, A steam pipe (16) is installed on the top of the water storage tank (1), and a steam valve is provided on the steam pipe (16). The steam pipe (16) connects the inner cavity of the water storage tank (1) and the stirring tank (2).

4. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixing tank (2) is provided with a feeding port (23) at the top, and a cover (27) is provided on the feeding port (23). The mixing tank (2) is provided with a liquid outlet (211) at the bottom, and the liquid outlet (211) is connected to the filling assembly (3) through a second pipeline (5).

5. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first valve (51) is installed on the second pipeline (5), and the bottom of the water storage tank (1) is connected to the outside through a drain pipe (13). A second valve (14) is installed on the drain pipe (13), and a third valve (15) is installed on the first pipeline (4).

6. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 5, characterized in that, The filling assembly (3) is equipped with multiple filling heads (33), and each filling head (33) is provided with a peristaltic pump (6) on the second pipeline (5). The first valve (51) is provided with a distributor (52). The distributor (52) divides the second pipeline (5) into multiple groups of channels according to the number of filling heads (33), and each group of channels is connected to a corresponding filling head (33).

7. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling assembly (3) is equipped with a liftable filling head (33), and a waste liquid tank (7) is provided below the filling head (33) for the filling head (33) to move downward and drain liquid; the water storage tank (1) and the waste liquid tank (7) are connected by a drain pipe (13), and a second valve (14) is installed on the drain pipe (13).

8. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The water storage tank (1) and the mixing tank (2) are located at the same height. The filling assembly (3) is located below the water storage tank (1) and the mixing tank (2). The water storage tank (1), the mixing tank (2) and the filling assembly (3) are installed together in the movable cabinet-type box (10) of the filling equipment.

9. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The water storage tank (1) and the mixing tank (2) are located at the same height. The filling assembly (3) is located below the water storage tank (1) and the mixing tank (2). The water storage tank (1), the mixing tank (2) and the filling assembly (3) are installed together in the box on one side of the filling equipment. A control panel (101) is installed in the upper area on the other side of the filling equipment.

10. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The mixing tank (2) includes a tank body (21) and a magnetic stirring device (22) installed on the tank body (21). The magnetic stirring device (22) includes a rotor (24) disposed in the inner cavity of the tank body (21) and a drive unit (25) disposed outside the tank body (21) for driving the rotor (24) to rotate.

11. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 10, characterized in that, The drive unit (25) includes a motor (251) and a rotating plate (252) mounted on the motor (251), wherein a magnet (253) is mounted on the side of the rotating plate (252) near the rotating element (24).

12. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 11, characterized in that, The magnet (253) is mounted on both ends of the rotating plate (252).

13. The self-cleaning filling equipment for nutritional preparations according to claim 10, characterized in that, The drive unit (25) is mounted on the bottom of the tank (21) via a mounting bracket (26).

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