Laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions

Abstract

The utility model discloses a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, which comprises a shell and a stirring unit, the shell is provided with a feed port and a discharge port, the stirring unit is matched with the shell, the shell is connected with a spraying cleaning unit and a hot air drying unit, the spraying cleaning unit comprises a spray head which is positioned in the shell and is connected with a water supply pipe through a water distribution pipe, and the hot air drying unit is connected with the spray head. The hot air drying unit comprises a fan and an air pipe with the two ends connected with the fan and the shell respectively, the air pipe is connected with a heater, an air inlet valve connected with the air pipe is arranged at the bottom end of the shell, and an exhaust valve is arranged at the top end of the shell. According to the technical scheme, the inner cavity of the shell can be conveniently and efficiently cleaned and dried, and the part, located in the shell, of the stirring unit is synchronously cleaned and dried; the cleaning and drying functions are integrated in the homogenizer, efficient cleaning and drying are achieved, drying can be conducted in time after cleaning, microorganism breeding caused by residual water or liquid pollution introduced in the next homogenizing process is avoided, and meanwhile the stirring unit is prevented from being rusted due to damp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of laboratory homogenizers, and in particular to a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions. Background Technology

[0002] A utility model patent, authorized on April 2, 2021, with authorization announcement number CN 212855601 U, discloses a homogenizer with a cleaning device. The homogenizer includes a housing, a motor fixedly connected to the top of the housing, a stirring shaft fixedly connected to the motor's output end, the bottom of the stirring shaft penetrating into the inner cavity of the housing, a stirring shaft fixedly connected to the bottom of the stirring shaft, blades fixedly connected to both sides of the stirring shaft, a water inlet pipe penetrating the left side of the top of the housing, a control valve fixedly connected to the surface of the water inlet pipe, and the bottom of the water inlet pipe extending into the inner cavity of the housing and connected to a connecting pipe. This technical solution achieves automatic flushing of the homogenizer's inner cavity through the water inlet pipe, connecting pipe, and nozzle at the top of the housing, reducing the burden of manual cleaning to some extent. However, in practical applications, the following shortcomings still exist:

[0003] 1. Separation of cleaning and drying functions: Only the cleaning problem is solved. After cleaning, the parts need to be manually removed to air dry or transferred to external drying equipment (such as an oven). The process is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in high-throughput experimental scenarios where efficiency is low.

[0004] 2. Potential risks caused by the lack of a drying process: Components that are not dried in time are prone to microbial growth due to residual moisture, or may introduce liquid contamination during the next homogenization process; for easily corroded components (such as metal blades), a humid environment may accelerate corrosion and shorten the equipment's lifespan.

[0005] 3. Energy consumption and resource waste: On the one hand, traditional drying methods (such as drying ovens) consume a lot of energy, and on the other hand, existing cleaning systems cannot achieve water circulation in the cleaning process, resulting in a large consumption of water resources.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a laboratory homogenizer that can perform cleaning and drying quickly and efficiently.

[0007] It should be noted that the above technical information is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background technology of this utility model, and should not be regarded as an admission or in any form an implication that the above technical information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the shortcomings in the above-mentioned background technology, this utility model proposes a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions. The technical problem to be solved is: how to quickly and efficiently achieve the cleaning and drying of the laboratory homogenizer.

[0009] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0010] A laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions includes a shell with an inlet and an outlet, and a stirring unit adapted to the shell. The shell is connected to a spray cleaning unit and a hot air drying unit. The spray cleaning unit includes a nozzle located inside the shell and connected to a water supply pipe through a water distribution pipe. The hot air drying unit includes a fan and air ducts connected to the fan and the shell at both ends, respectively. The air ducts are connected to a heater. The bottom of the shell is provided with an air inlet valve connected to the air duct, and the top is provided with an air outlet valve. The laboratory homogenizer provided in this technical solution can utilize existing technology for the structure and function of its stirring unit. Those skilled in the art can choose any suitable existing technology. Therefore, this technical solution does not elaborate on the relevant structure and function. The focus of this technical solution is that after the homogenization operation is completed, the homogenizer not only has a spray cleaning function but also a hot air drying function. It can conveniently and efficiently clean and dry the inner cavity of the shell and simultaneously clean and dry the part of the stirring unit located inside the shell. That is, the cleaning and drying functions are integrated into the homogenizer to achieve efficient cleaning and drying. It can dry in time after cleaning to avoid the growth of microorganisms due to residual moisture or the introduction of liquid contamination during the next homogenization. At the same time, it avoids the stirring unit from rusting due to moisture.

[0011] Based on the above technical solutions, as a preferred technical solution for a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the exhaust valve is connected to the air inlet of the fan through a hot air circulation pipe.

[0012] Based on the above technical solutions, as a preferred technical solution for a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, a diversion pipe connected to an air inlet valve is rotatably installed on the bottom plate of the shell, and a number of diversion ports for leading to the interior of the shell are provided on one side of the diversion pipe.

[0013] Based on the above technical solutions, as a preferred technical solution for a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the base plate is provided with an arc-shaped groove for accommodating the diversion tube, and sealing strips that fit against the side walls of the diversion tube are provided on both sides of the arc-shaped groove.

[0014] Based on the above technical solutions, as a preferred technical solution for a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the nozzles are provided in two sets. The first set of nozzles is arranged at the top of the inner cavity of the housing, and the second set of nozzles is arranged symmetrically with respect to the first set of nozzles and located below the first set of nozzles.

[0015] Based on the above technical solutions, as a preferred technical solution for a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the shell is detachably connected to a circulating water pipe, the circulating water pipe is connected to a water tank through a filter, and a miniature water pump connected to a water supply pipe is installed inside the water tank.

[0016] Based on the above technical solutions, as a preferred technical solution for a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the circulating water pipe is fixedly connected to the water tank, the water distribution pipe is fixed to the housing, the water supply pipe is detachably connected to the water distribution pipe, and the filter is detachably connected to the circulating water pipe.

[0017] Based on the above technical solutions, as a preferred technical solution for a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the filter is a pre-filter or an activated carbon filter.

[0018] Based on the above technical solutions, as a preferred technical solution for a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the heater is a PTC heater or an air duct electric heater.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions provided by this technical solution not only has the function of spray cleaning, but also has the function of hot air drying. It can conveniently and efficiently clean and dry the inner cavity of the shell, and simultaneously clean and dry the part of the stirring unit located inside the shell. That is, the cleaning and drying functions are integrated into the homogenizer to achieve efficient cleaning and drying. It can dry in time after cleaning to avoid the growth of microorganisms due to residual moisture or the introduction of liquid contamination during the next homogenization. At the same time, it avoids the stirring unit from rusting due to moisture. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the manifold when it is connected to the inner cavity of the housing.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a top view when the shunt tube is cut off from the inner cavity of the housing.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0025] Shell 1, Inlet 1-1, Outlet 1-2, Air inlet valve 1-3, Air outlet valve 1-4, Diverter pipe 1-5, Diverter port 1-6, Base plate 1-7, Arc groove 1-8, Sealing ring 1-9, Sealing strip 1-10;

[0026] Stirring unit 2;

[0027] Spray cleaning unit 3, nozzle 3-1, circulating water pipe 3-2, water supply pipe 3-3, filter 3-4, water tank 3-5, mini water pump 3-6, water distribution pipe 3-7;

[0028] Hot air drying unit 4, fan 4-1, air duct 4-2, heater 4-3, hot air circulation pipe 4-4. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the core concept of the present utility model and the following embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] These embodiments are provided to make the application thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of the application to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, material composition, numerical expressions and values ​​illustrated in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting.

[0031] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "several" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical, but within the permissible margin of error. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the permissible margin of error. Terms such as "including" or "contains" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well.

[0033] It should also be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" 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; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances. When a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not be present between the specific device and the first or second device.

[0034] All terms used in this application have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and not as idealized or highly formalized, unless expressly defined herein.

[0035] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0036] A laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a housing 1 with an inlet 1-1 and an outlet 1-2, and a stirring unit 2 adapted to the housing 1. The material to be homogenized is fed into the inner cavity of the housing 1 through the inlet 1-1. The stirring unit 2 stirs the material through the stirring shaft and stirring blades located in the inner cavity. The material is discharged from the housing 1 through the outlet 1-2.

[0037] The housing 1 is connected to a spray cleaning unit 3 and a hot air drying unit 4. When the material is discharged from the discharge port 1-2, the spray cleaning unit 3 can be activated to clean the inner cavity of the housing 1, the stirring shaft and the stirring blades, so as to wash away the residual material adhering to the inner wall of the housing 1 and the outer wall of the stirring shaft and the stirring blades. After the spray cleaning unit 3 has cleaned the inner wall of the housing 1 and the outer wall of the stirring shaft and the stirring blades, the hot air drying unit 4 can be activated directly. The hot air blown out by the hot air drying unit 4 dries the inner cavity of the housing 1, the stirring shaft and the stirring blades.

[0038] The spray cleaning unit 3 includes nozzles 3-1 located inside the housing 1 and connected to a water supply pipe 3-3 via a water distribution pipe 3-7. Specifically, the housing 1 has a water distribution pipe 3-7 connected to several nozzles 3-1. The water supply pipe 3-3 can be connected to either a faucet or a miniature water pump 3-6 located in a water tank 3-6. The water supply pipe 3-3 can then deliver clean water to the water distribution pipe 3-7, and the water in the water distribution pipe 3-7 is sprayed out through the nozzles 3-1, thereby cleaning the inner cavity of the housing 1 and the outer surfaces of the stirring shaft and stirring blades.

[0039] The hot air drying unit 4 includes a fan 4-1 and air ducts 4-2 connected to the fan 4-1 and the housing 1 at both ends, respectively. A heater 4-3 is connected to the air ducts 4-2. Drying air is supplied by the fan 4-1 and transported through the air ducts 4-2. During the air transport process through the air ducts 4-2, the heater 4-3 heats the air. Preferably, an air inlet valve 1-3 connected to the air ducts 4-2 is provided at the bottom of the housing 1, and an air outlet valve 1-4 is provided at the top. The heated air enters the inner cavity of the housing 1 through the air inlet valve 1-3 and then exits through the air outlet valve 1-4. Positioning the air inlet valve 1-3 at the bottom of the housing 1 and the air outlet valve at the top creates upward convection, accelerating the drying process.

[0040] The laboratory homogenizer provided in this embodiment can utilize existing technology for the structure and function of its stirring unit. Those skilled in the art can choose any suitable existing technology. Therefore, this embodiment does not elaborate on the relevant structure and function. The focus of this embodiment is that after the homogenization operation is completed, the homogenizer not only has a spray cleaning function but also a hot air drying function. It can conveniently and efficiently clean and dry the inner cavity of the shell 1 and simultaneously clean and dry the part of the stirring unit 2 located inside the shell 1. That is, the cleaning and drying functions are integrated into the homogenizer to achieve efficient cleaning and drying. It can dry in time after cleaning to avoid the growth of microorganisms due to residual moisture or the introduction of liquid contamination during the next homogenization. At the same time, it avoids the stirring unit 2 from rusting due to moisture.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the exhaust valve 1-4 is connected to the air inlet of the fan 4-1 via a hot air circulation pipe 4-4. In this embodiment, the hot air circulation pipe 4-4 has two functions: firstly, it can maintain the air pressure within the duct 4-2 to a certain extent, thereby reducing the power of the fan 4-1; secondly, it can utilize the residual heat discharged from the exhaust valve 1-4, thereby reducing the power of the heater 4-3.

[0042] Furthermore, one end of the hot air circulation pipe 4-4 is provided with an external threaded interface that can be detachably connected to the exhaust valve 1-4. The exhaust valve 1-4 is provided with an internal threaded connector that is compatible with the threaded interface. The hot air circulation pipe 4-4 and the exhaust valve 1-4 can be detached and assembled through the adaptation of the external threaded interface and the internal threaded connector. The other end of the hot air circulation pipe 4-4 is detachably connected to the air inlet of the fan 4-1 through an air quick connector. The external threaded interface, internal threaded connector, and air quick connector are all existing technologies. Their structure and function will not be described in detail in this embodiment. Those skilled in the art can choose various existing technology products that are suitable for practical use.

[0043] Based on the above embodiments, a preferred embodiment of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions is as follows: Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a diversion pipe 1-5 connected to the air inlet valve 1-3 is rotatably mounted on the bottom plate 1-7 of the housing 1. Several diversion ports 1-6 for accessing the interior of the housing 1 are provided on one side of the diversion pipe 1-5. In this embodiment, the hot air supplied by the air inlet valve 1-3 can be divided into multiple streams through the diversion pipe 1-5. These multiple streams of hot air are blown out through different diversion ports 1-6 on the diversion pipe 1-5, and can then be directed to different locations within the interior of the housing 1, further improving drying efficiency. Finally, the air is discharged from the exhaust valve 1-4.

[0044] It is important to note that the purpose of the rotating fit between the diversion pipe 1-5 and the base plate 1-7 is twofold: firstly, to prevent clogging of the diversion port 1-6 during material mixing; and secondly, to achieve more efficient drying. Since the diversion port 1-6 is located on one side of the diversion pipe 1-5, rotating the diversion pipe 1-5 allows the diversion port 1-6 to connect with or disconnect from the inner cavity of the shell 1. When the diversion port 1-6 is in contact with the surface of the base plate 1-7, it is blocked, preventing material from entering during mixing. When the diversion pipe 1-5 is rotated until the diversion port 1-6 is detached from the surface of the base plate 1-7, it connects with the inner cavity of the shell 1, allowing for drying airflow. During the drying airflow process, rotating the diversion pipe 1-5 within a certain angle range while maintaining the connection between the diversion ports 1-6 and the inner cavity of the shell 1 allows each diversion port 1-6 to change its orientation, thereby achieving more thorough and efficient drying.

[0045] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the base plate 1-7 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 1-8 for accommodating the diversion pipe 1-5. Sealing strips 1-10 are provided on both sides of the arc-shaped groove 1-8 to fit against the side walls of the diversion pipe 1-5. A sealing ring 1-9 is provided between the diversion pipe 1-5 and the side wall of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped groove 1-6 is concentric with the diversion pipe 1-5, and the cross-sectional outline of the arc-shaped groove 1-6 is a superior arc. The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove 1-6 fits against the outer wall of the diversion pipe 1-5, enabling the positioning of the diversion pipe 1-5. The sealing strip 1-7 further improves the sealing effect, preventing material from entering the diversion pipe 1-5 through the diversion port 1-6 during the mixing process.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the nozzles 3-1 are provided in two sets. The first set of nozzles 3-1 is arranged at the top of the inner cavity of the housing 1, and the second set of nozzles 3-1 is symmetrically arranged relative to the first set of nozzles 3-1 and located below the first set of nozzles 3-1. In this embodiment, the nozzles 3-1 are divided into two sets, and the two sets of nozzles are arranged symmetrically, which not only improves the cleaning effect on the housing 1, the stirring shaft, and the stirring blades, but also allows the two sets of nozzles 3-1 to spray at each other, so that each nozzle 3-1 can be thoroughly cleaned.

[0047] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the housing 1 is detachably connected to a circulating water pipe 3-2. The circulating water pipe 3-2 is connected to a water tank 3-5 through a filter 3-4. A miniature water pump 3-6 connected to a water supply pipe 3-3 is installed inside the water tank 3-5. This embodiment provides a more energy-efficient spray cleaning unit 3. The arrangement of the circulating water pipe 3-2 and the filter 3-4 not only enables the recycling of cleaning water but also allows for the centralized removal of contaminants through the filter 3-4.

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, as a preferred embodiment of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the circulating water pipe 3-2 is fixedly connected to the water tank 3-6, the water distribution pipe 3-7 is fixed to the housing 1, the water supply pipe 3-3 is detachably connected to the water distribution pipe 3-7 for easy assembly, use and maintenance; the filter 3-4 is detachably connected to the circulating water pipe 3-2 for easy cleaning of dirt.

[0049] It should also be noted that the water supply pipe 3-3, the circulating water pipe 3-2, the air duct 4-2, and the hot air circulation pipe 4-4 are all flexible hoses. The detachable structure between the circulating water pipe 3-2 and the housing 1, the detachable structure between the hot air circulation pipe 4-4 and the exhaust valve 1-4, the detachable structure between the hot air circulation pipe 4-4 and the air inlet of the fan 4-1, and the detachable connection structure between the water supply pipe 3-3 and the water distribution pipe 3-7 are all preferably quick couplings in the prior art.

[0050] Based on the above embodiments, as a preferred embodiment of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the filter 3-4 is a pre-filter or an activated carbon filter. Those skilled in the art can also use other filter types suitable for practical use.

[0051] Based on the above embodiments, as a preferred embodiment of a laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, the heater 4-3 is a PTC heater or an air duct electric heater. Those skilled in the art can also use other suitable heater types.

[0052] Any aspects of this utility model that are not detailed herein are conventional technical means known to those skilled in the art.

[0053] The above content shows and describes the basic principles, main features, and beneficial effects of this utility model. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit it. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions, comprising a housing (1) with an inlet (1-1) and an outlet (1-2) and a stirring unit (2) adapted to the housing (1), characterized in that: The housing (1) is connected to a spray cleaning unit (3) and a hot air drying unit (4). The spray cleaning unit (3) includes a nozzle (3-1) located inside the housing (1) and connected to a water supply pipe (3-3) via a water distribution pipe (3-7). The hot air drying unit (4) includes a fan (4-1) and a duct (4-2) connected to the fan (4-1) and the housing (1) at both ends respectively. The duct (4-2) is connected to a heater (4-3). The bottom end of the housing (1) is provided with an air inlet valve (1-3) connected to the duct (4-2), and the top end is provided with an air outlet valve (1-4).

2. The laboratory homogenizer with washing and drying functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust valve (1-4) is connected to the air inlet of the fan (4-1) through the hot air circulation pipe (4-4).

3. The laboratory homogenizer with washing and drying functions according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bottom plate (1-7) of the housing (1) is rotatably provided with a diversion pipe (1-5) connected to the air inlet valve (1-3), and a number of diversion ports (1-6) for leading to the interior of the housing (1) are provided on one side of the diversion pipe (1-5).

4. The laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base plate (1-7) is provided with an arc-shaped groove (1-8) for accommodating the diversion pipe (1-5), and sealing strips (1-10) are provided on both sides of the arc-shaped groove (1-8) to fit against the side wall of the diversion pipe (1-5).

5. The laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that: The nozzle (3-1) is provided in two sets. The first set of nozzles (3-1) is arranged at the top of the inner cavity of the housing (1), and the second set of nozzles (3-1) is arranged symmetrically with respect to the first set of nozzles (3-1) and located below the first set of nozzles (3-1).

6. The laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions according to claim 5, characterized in that: The housing (1) is detachably connected to a circulating water pipe (3-2), which is connected to a water tank (3-5) through a filter (3-4). A miniature water pump (3-6) connected to a water supply pipe (3-3) is installed inside the water tank (3-5).

7. The laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions according to claim 6, characterized in that: The circulating water pipe (3-2) is fixedly connected to the water tank (3-5), the water distribution pipe (3-7) is fixed on the shell (1), the water supply pipe (3-3) is detachably connected to the water distribution pipe (3-7), and the filter (3-4) is detachably connected to the circulating water pipe (3-2).

8. The laboratory homogenizer with cleaning and drying functions according to claim 7, characterized in that: The filters (3-4) are pre-filters or activated carbon filters.

9. The laboratory homogenizer with washing and drying functions according to any one of claims 1-2, 4, 6-8, characterized in that: The heater (4-3) is a PTC heater or an electric heater for air ducts.

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