Water-free cooling continuous sterilization pot and production line

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of sterilization pots, in particular to a water-free cooling continuous sterilization pot and a production line. The water-free cooling continuous sterilization pot comprises a sterilization pot body, a feeding door, a discharging door, a conveying belt and a cooling assembly. The feeding door is arranged at the feeding end of the sterilization pot body, and the discharging door is arranged at the discharging end of the sterilization pot body. The conveying belt is arranged at the bottom in the sterilization pot body and horizontally penetrates through a discharging port and a feeding port of the sterilization pot body, the cooling assembly is arranged outside the sterilization pot body and is communicated with the sterilization pot body through an air inlet pipe, and refrigeration compressed air is introduced into the air inlet pipe. By improving the structure of the sterilization pot and changing the cooling mode, the assembly line continuous operation of the sterilization pot is realized, and the working efficiency is improved. Through the improvement of the inner structure of the sterilization pot body, the use volume is increased. And moreover, cold air is adopted for cooling, so that water resources are saved, and the pollution to the environment and the influence on the appearance of the materials are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sterilization pot technology, specifically to a waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot and production line. Background Technology

[0002] Sterilization autoclaves are commonly used equipment in food processing for high-temperature sterilization of food. Existing autoclaves have internal tracks; materials are placed in food trays or baskets and pushed into the autoclave through the inlet. After sterilization and cooling, the materials are manually removed from the inlet. Furthermore, existing autoclaves use cold water cooling, i.e., cold water is circulated into the autoclave's pipes to remove heat. However, during long-term use, we have found several drawbacks:

[0003] 1. The work cycle is too long, making it impossible to achieve assembly line operation. The existing sterilizers use food trays or baskets to hold materials, which are then pushed into the sterilizer, sterilized, cooled, and then pulled out. The entire process takes 45-60 minutes and cannot be used for continuous production.

[0004] 2. Low space utilization. Existing sterilization trays and baskets are all square, and sterilization pots are cylindrical. The space in other curved areas is not used, resulting in low space utilization.

[0005] 3. Serious waste of water resources and environmental pollution. The existing sterilization pots require a large amount of cooling water for cooling, resulting in water waste. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) content in the water after sterilization increases (above 300 mg / L). If the wastewater is discharged directly without treatment, it will cause environmental pollution. If wastewater is treated, the production cost will increase significantly.

[0006] 4. Slow cooling rate. Existing sterilization pots use water for cooling. Water has a high specific heat capacity, resulting in a relatively slow cooling rate, which affects production efficiency.

[0007] 5. Poor taste and color variation in product appearance. When food surfaces requiring sterilization come into contact with cold water, their taste deteriorates to varying degrees, and color variations appear, impacting the product's future competitiveness.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems with existing sterilization pots, there is an urgent need to design a new type of sterilization pot. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a waterless cooling continuous sterilization autoclave and production line. By employing waterless cooling, it solves the problems of severe water waste, environmental pollution, slow cooling speed, and negative impacts on product taste and appearance. The continuous structural design not only increases the space utilization within the sterilization autoclave but also significantly shortens the working cycle, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0010] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0011] A waterless cooling continuous sterilizer includes a sterilizer body, a feed gate, a discharge gate, a conveyor belt, and a cooling assembly. The feed gate is located at the feed end of the sterilizer body, and the discharge gate is located at the discharge end of the sterilizer body. The conveyor belt is located at the bottom inside the sterilizer body, horizontally passing through the discharge and feed ports. The cooling assembly is located outside the sterilizer body and communicates with it via an air inlet pipe through which refrigerated compressed air is introduced.

[0012] Furthermore, the sterilizer body is configured as a hollow cylindrical structure, with several exhaust holes at the upper end and several air inlets connected to the air inlet pipe at the bottom.

[0013] Furthermore, several conveying pipes are provided on both sides of the conveyor belt, which are aligned with the inner walls of both sides of the sterilizer body. The space enclosed by the several conveying pipes on both sides, the bottom conveyor belt, and the top of the sterilizer body constitutes the sterilization containment chamber. The sterilization containment chamber has a cylindrical volume that is approximately crab-shell shaped, and compared to a cube-shaped sterilization basket, it actually increases the usable volume by about 1 / 2.

[0014] Furthermore, several of the conveying pipes are fixedly connected to the sterilizer body by several reinforcing ribs arranged at intervals.

[0015] Furthermore, the length of several of the conveying pipes is greater than the length of the sterilizer body.

[0016] Furthermore, the front ends of several of the conveying pipes protrude from the inlet, blocking material from both sides and facilitating accurate entry of material into the sterilizer body, preventing it from falling out. The rear ends of the several conveying pipes are located at the outlet.

[0017] Furthermore, the conveyor belt is configured as a roller conveyor belt. This allows for greater load capacity, smoother transmission, reduced failure rate, easier maintenance, and facilitates continuous assembly line operation.

[0018] Furthermore, an electromagnetic valve is installed at the connection between the air inlet pipe and the sterilizer body, and a temperature sensor is installed inside the sterilizer body. The temperature sensor is connected to a controller, and the controller controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a feed guide plate, which is disposed at the feed inlet and hinged to the feed inlet.

[0020] A production line includes a feeding mechanism, a discharging mechanism, and the aforementioned waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot. The feeding mechanism is connected to the inlet of the sterilization pot body, and the discharging mechanism is connected to the outlet of the sterilization pot body.

[0021] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows:

[0022] 1. The sterilizer in this utility model adopts a double-door design, with material entering from one end and exiting from the other via a conveyor belt. The material feeding and discharging process is controlled within 25-30 minutes, thus shortening processing time for users, reducing manpower and material input, lowering production costs, and improving production efficiency. The sterilizer's structural design facilitates assembly line operation. Through its integration with the feeding and discharging mechanisms, continuous sterilization operations are achieved, further enhancing production efficiency.

[0023] 2. This utility model improves the internal structure of existing sterilizers, changing the traditional cubic actual usable volume to a columnar volume that is approximately crab-shell shaped, thus increasing the usable volume by about 1 / 2.

[0024] 3. The sterilizer body of this utility model uses a roller conveyor belt for material conveying, which makes the load capacity greater, the transmission smoother, the failure rate lower, the maintenance convenient, and facilitates continuous assembly line operation.

[0025] 4. This utility model eliminates water waste by changing the cooling method. It abandons the previous method of continuously filling the pot with cold water for extended periods, instead connecting a cold source (cooled compressed air) to the sterilization pot, thus saving water resources. Furthermore, the materials do not directly contact cold water at high temperatures but rather come into contact with cold air, thereby ensuring the taste and color of the materials and enhancing the market competitiveness of subsequent products.

[0026] 5. The unique spatial structure design of the sterilizer with several conveying pipes arranged at intervals ensures the dispersion of steam and achieves efficient heating and cooling. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall external structure of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sterilizer body of this utility model (hiding the protruding part at the front end of the conveying pipe).

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feed door and discharge door of this utility model after they are opened.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal space structure after the discharge gate of this utility model is opened.

[0031] Figure 5 This is the front view of the discharge port of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the production line structure in this utility model.

[0033] In the diagram, 1. Feed gate; 2. Sterilizer body; 3. Air inlet pipe; 4. Discharge gate; 5. Exhaust vent; 6. Discharge port; 7. Roller conveyor belt; 8. Conveying pipe; 9. Reinforcing rib; 10. Guide plate; 11. Feeding mechanism; 12. Discharge mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0035] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides a waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot. This utility model abandons the existing method of cooling with cold water in sterilization pots, and instead uses refrigerated compressed air for cooling, saving water resources and avoiding any impact on the taste and color of the materials. Furthermore, the sterilization pot in this utility model adopts a double-door structure design and uses a conveyor belt for material transportation, improving the efficiency of material loading and unloading and facilitating further assembly line operations.

[0043] In this embodiment, the waterless cooling continuous sterilizer includes a sterilizer body 2, a feed door 1, a discharge door 4, a conveyor belt, and a cooling assembly. The sterilizer body 2 is a horizontal sterilizer with a hollow cylindrical structure. The feed door 1 is located at the feed end of the sterilizer body 2, and the discharge door 4 is located at the discharge end of the sterilizer body 2. The feed door 1 and the discharge door 4 are designed as quick-opening doors that are hinged to the sterilizer body 2. The upper end of the sterilizer body 2 is provided with several exhaust holes 5 for subsequent venting during the cooling process, ensuring stable air pressure in the sterilizer and preventing any impact on the sterilized material. In this embodiment, the material is corn. The bottom of the sterilizer body 2 is provided with several air inlets, which are connected to an air inlet pipe 3 located at the lower end of the outside of the sterilizer body 2. Cooled compressed air is introduced into the air inlet pipe 3 to cool the sterilizer body 2.

[0044] In this embodiment, the conveyor belt is located at the bottom of the sterilizer body 2, horizontally penetrating the outlet 6 and inlet 6 of the sterilizer body 2. To ensure the conveying of corn, increase load capacity, facilitate smoother transmission, reduce failure rate, and simplify maintenance, the conveyor belt in this embodiment is a roller conveyor belt 7. The roller conveyor belt 7 includes a large-pitch thickened chain, large rollers, pins, and thick-walled stainless steel tubing. In this embodiment, the gap between two adjacent rollers is 18.8mm, preventing corn from falling and maintaining steam permeability. It has high overall strength, can withstand greater tensile and compressive forces, and can convey heavier materials. Through a reducer, the gears drive the sprocket on the transmission shaft to rotate, further driving the movement of the conveyor belt and achieving its cyclic operation.

[0045] Two right-angled supports are fixedly connected to the sterilizer body 2 on both sides of the conveyor belt. Several spaced-apart conveying pipes 8 are installed at the upper ends of the two supports, fitting against the inner walls of both sides of the sterilizer body 2. The smooth surfaces and spaced-apart spacing of the conveying pipes 8 ensure good air permeability, guaranteeing relatively stable transmission of materials such as corn within the sterilizer and preventing scratches or damage to the corn surface, thus facilitating loading and unloading. Furthermore, their unique spatial structure ensures steam dispersion, achieving efficient heating and cooling. To further ensure the stable installation of the conveying pipes 8 and improve the dispersion of steam or cold air, the conveying pipes 8 are connected to the sterilizer body 2 by several spaced-apart reinforcing ribs 9.

[0046] The space enclosed by several conveying pipes 8 on both sides, the conveyor belt at the bottom, and the top of the sterilizer body 2 constitutes the sterilization chamber. By changing the traditional cubic usable volume to a cylindrical volume that is approximately crab-shell shaped, the usable volume is increased by about 1 / 2, thus increasing the usable volume of the sterilizer body 2.

[0047] To further ensure the smooth entry of materials into the sterilizer body 2, a guide plate 10 hinged to the feed inlet is provided at the feed inlet. The area of ​​the guide plate 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the feed inlet. The function of the guide plate 10 is to allow the material to slide onto the guide plate 10 first during feeding, and then slide onto the roller conveyor belt 7 via the guide plate 10. In this embodiment, the guide plate 10 is covered with a silicone plate to prevent damage to the corn when it falls. To avoid spillage, the length of the plurality of conveying pipes 8 is greater than the length of the sterilizer body 2. Specifically, the front ends of the plurality of conveying pipes 8 protrude beyond the feed inlet. In this embodiment, the front ends of the plurality of conveying pipes 8 protrude 40cm beyond the feed inlet, and the rear ends of the plurality of conveying pipes 8 are located at the discharge outlet 6.

[0048] To better control the sterilizer body 2, a solenoid valve is installed at the connection between the air inlet pipe 3 and the sterilizer body 2. A temperature sensor is installed inside the sterilizer body 2; in this embodiment, the temperature sensor is model XGN-P-20-150-4-20. The temperature sensor is connected to a controller, which is an analog input module EMAE04. The controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve. The temperature inside the sterilizer body 2 is transmitted to the controller via the temperature sensor, which then controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, a production line includes a feeding mechanism 11, a discharging mechanism 12, and the waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot of Example 1. The feeding mechanism 11 is connected to the inlet of the sterilization pot body 2, and the discharging mechanism 12 is connected to the outlet 6 of the sterilization pot body 2.

[0051] In the specific production process, the material enters the sterilizer body 2 through the feeding mechanism 11, and is then conveyed to the entire sterilizer body 2 by the roller conveyor belt 7. The usable volume of the material in the sterilizer body 2 is the entire volume of the sterilization storage chamber, which actually increases the usable volume by about 1 / 2 compared to the existing box-type volume. After the material enters the sterilizer body 2, the feed door and discharge door 4 of the sterilizer body 2 are closed. Sterilization is carried out in the sterilizer body 2 by high-temperature steam. When sterilization is completed, the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the sterilizer body 2 is higher than the set value and transmits the signal to the controller. The controller controls the solenoid valve to open automatically, and the cooled compressed air enters the sterilizer body 2 from the air inlet pipe 3. At the same time, the exhaust port 5 on the top of the sterilizer body 2 opens, and the cooled compressed air flows rapidly to remove heat, thereby achieving the purpose of rapid cooling. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the sterilizer body 2 drops below the set value, the controller controls the solenoid valve to close automatically, stopping the supply of cold source. The entire process, from feeding to discharging, is controlled within 25-30 minutes. Compared to the current 45-60 minutes, this significantly reduces the time and allows for continuous production line operation, improving efficiency. Cooling is achieved through compressed refrigerated air, resulting in rapid cooling, water conservation, prevention of environmental pollution from improper wastewater treatment, and avoidance of the impact on the material's appearance caused by cooling with cold water.

[0052] The embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot, characterized in that: The system includes a sterilizer body (2), a feed gate (1), a discharge gate (4), a conveyor belt, and a cooling assembly. The feed gate (1) is located at the feed end of the sterilizer body (2), and the discharge gate (4) is located at the discharge end of the sterilizer body (2). The conveyor belt is located at the bottom of the sterilizer body (2) and runs horizontally through the discharge port (6) and feed port of the sterilizer body (2). The cooling assembly is located outside the sterilizer body (2) and is connected to the sterilizer body (2) through an air inlet pipe (3). Refrigerated compressed air is introduced into the air inlet pipe (3).

2. The waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilizer body (2) is configured as a hollow cylindrical structure. The upper end of the sterilizer body (2) is provided with several exhaust holes (5), and the bottom of the sterilizer body (2) is provided with several air inlets connected to the air inlet pipe (3).

3. The waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor belt is provided with several conveying pipes (8) that are spaced apart and fit against the inner walls of the sterilizer body (2); the space formed by the several conveying pipes (8) on both sides, the conveyor belt at the bottom and the top of the sterilizer body (2) constitutes the sterilization container.

4. The waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot according to claim 3, characterized in that: Several of the conveying pipes (8) are fixedly connected to the sterilizer body (2) by several reinforcing ribs (9) arranged at intervals.

5. The waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot according to claim 3, characterized in that: The length of several of the conveying pipes (8) is greater than the length of the sterilizer body (2).

6. The waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front ends of several conveying pipes (8) protrude from the feed inlet, and the rear ends of several conveying pipes (8) are located at the discharge outlet (6).

7. The waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor belt is configured as a roller conveyor belt (7).

8. The waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electromagnetic valve is provided at the connection between the air inlet pipe (3) and the sterilizer body (2). A temperature sensor is provided inside the sterilizer body (2). The temperature sensor is connected to a controller, and the controller controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve.

9. The waterless cooling continuous sterilization pot according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a feed guide plate (10), which is disposed at the feed inlet and hinged to the feed inlet.

10. A production line, characterized in that: It includes a feeding mechanism (11), a discharging mechanism (12), and a waterless cooling continuous sterilizer as described in any one of claims 1-9. The feeding mechanism (11) is connected to the inlet of the sterilizer body (2), and the discharging mechanism (12) is connected to the outlet (6) of the sterilizer body (2).

Images