Automatic freeze dryer

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic freeze dryer which comprises a shell, a cabin door is arranged on the front portion of the shell, a freeze-drying cabin is arranged in the shell, and a refrigerator is arranged in the freeze-drying cabin. A plurality of freeze-drying platforms are arranged in the freeze-drying cabin, and the freeze-drying platforms are used for containing freeze-dried materials; a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the freeze-drying platform is arranged on the freeze-drying platform, and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the freeze-drying platform is also arranged on the freeze-drying platform; the shell is further provided with a central control module, and the central control module is in signal connection with the temperature control device and the temperature sensor. The central control module can send a signal to the temperature control device of the corresponding freeze-drying platform to independently adjust the temperature of the freeze-drying platform, so that the quality of products produced by the plurality of freeze-drying platforms in the freeze-drying cabin is stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of freezing processing equipment technology, specifically to an automatic freeze dryer. Background Technology

[0002] Freeze dryers originated in the 1820s. In the 21st century, freeze-drying technology has been widely applied in fields beyond pharmaceuticals, biological products, food, blood products, and active substances. The basic principle of freeze-drying is based on the three states of water. Water exists in solid, liquid, and gaseous states, which can interconvert and coexist. At the triple point (temperature 0.01℃, water vapor pressure 610.5Pa), water, ice, and water vapor can coexist and maintain equilibrium. Under high vacuum, utilizing the principle of sublimation, the water in pre-frozen materials is removed directly as water vapor, without the melting of ice, thus achieving freeze-drying. Freeze-dried products are spongy, show no shrinkage, have excellent rehydration properties, and contain very little moisture. With appropriate packaging, they can be stored and transported at room temperature for extended periods.

[0003] However, typical freeze dryers simply place the items to be freeze-dried onto trays on a rack, then place the trays inside the freeze dryer for freezing. The trays are uniformly heated to promote moisture sublimation. This presents a problem: in practice, due to differences in placement and distance from the refrigeration unit, the actual temperature distribution on different trays is uneven, leading to different sublimation states of the material and thus different freeze-drying temperature profiles. Ultimately, this results in inconsistent product quality after freeze-drying on trays in different locations. However, current technology does not allow for individual temperature adjustments on specific trays within the freeze dryer; only the overall temperature of the trays can be adjusted.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a freeze dryer technology that allows for individual temperature adjustment of specific trays within the freeze dryer. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a freeze dryer technical solution that can individually adjust the temperature of a specific tray inside the freeze dryer.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0007] An automatic freeze dryer includes a housing, a door at the front of the housing, a freeze-drying chamber inside the housing, and a refrigeration unit inside the freeze-drying chamber.

[0008] The freeze-drying chamber is equipped with several freeze-drying platforms, which are used to hold the materials to be freeze-dried.

[0009] The freeze-drying platform is equipped with a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the freeze-drying platform, and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the freeze-drying platform.

[0010] The outer casing is also equipped with a central control module, which is signal-connected to the temperature control device and the temperature sensor.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, several freeze-drying platforms within the freeze-drying chamber simultaneously utilize the same refrigerator for freeze-drying operations. The central control module is connected to the temperature sensors and temperature control devices of the several freeze-drying platforms. The central control module monitors the temperature data of the several freeze-drying platforms in real time through the temperature sensors. When the temperature of one freeze-drying platform deviates significantly from the preset requirements, the central control module can send a signal to the temperature control device of the corresponding freeze-drying platform to adjust its temperature individually, thereby ensuring the stable output quality of the products from the various freeze-drying platforms within the freeze-drying chamber.

[0012] As an improvement, the temperature control device includes an oil supply device disposed outside the housing, and a silicone oil conduit embedded in the freeze-drying platform; the rear end of the freeze-drying platform is connected to the rear of the housing, and the rear end of the freeze-drying platform is provided with an oil inlet and an oil outlet, and the two ends of the silicone oil conduit are respectively connected to the oil inlet and the oil outlet; the oil supply device supplies heat transfer oil to the oil inlet and recovers heat transfer oil from the oil outlet; the temperature control device is a flow valve disposed at the oil inlet; the temperature sensor is disposed on the freeze-drying platform near the silicone oil conduit.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the method for heating the freeze-dried material in the freeze-drying operation involves embedding silicone oil conduits within the freeze-drying platform. Each platform's silicone oil conduit receives heat transfer oil supplied uniformly from the oil supply device via the inlet, and the used heat transfer oil is returned to the oil supply device via the outlet. The oil supply device reheats the recovered heat transfer oil and re-introduces it into the silicone oil conduits of each freeze-drying platform, thus providing unified heating to all platforms. To enhance the accuracy and reliability of temperature sensor data, the temperature sensors should be positioned as close as possible to the silicone oil conduits on the freeze-drying platform. When individual temperature adjustment is required for a specific freeze-drying platform, a flow valve located at the oil inlet is used. Decreasing the flow rate reduces the heat supply and lowers the temperature of the corresponding platform; increasing the flow rate increases the heat supply and raises the temperature. This allows for individual temperature adjustment of each freeze-drying platform while maintaining a uniform heating medium (heat transfer oil) temperature.

[0014] As an improvement, the rear end of the freeze-drying platform protrudes beyond the rear part of the outer surface of the housing; the temperature sensor is located on the oil outlet.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the heat transfer oil enters the freeze-drying platform through the oil inlet located outside the outer shell. After passing through the silicone oil conduit within the freeze-drying platform, it returns to the oil supply device from the oil outlet. During this process, there are no installation interfaces inside the freeze-drying chamber. The silicone oil conduit, oil supply device, oil inlet and outlet, temperature sensor, and flow valve are all isolated from the interior of the freeze-drying chamber, completely preventing the heat transfer oil from entering the freeze-drying chamber and preventing leakage of heat transfer oil from the connection points of the silicone oil conduit and oil supply device into the freeze-drying chamber, thus preventing contamination of materials. Furthermore, the temperature sensor is located at the oil outlet, enabling unified monitoring of the cooling of the heat transfer oil after passing through the freeze-drying platform and facilitating direct temperature parameter reading by operators outside the freeze dryer.

[0016] As an improvement, the freeze-drying platform includes a temperature-controlled shelf and a storage tray; the rear end of the temperature-controlled shelf is provided with an oil inlet and an oil outlet, and the rear end of the temperature-controlled shelf is connected to the rear of the outer casing; the storage tray is detachably mounted on the temperature-controlled shelf. Specifically, the bottom of the storage tray is in contact with the temperature-controlled shelf, transferring heat from the temperature-controlled shelf to the storage tray.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the storage tray is used to hold the materials, and the temperature control plate is used to regulate the temperature. After the freeze-drying operation is completed, simply open the door and remove the storage tray containing the materials. The door can then be closed again quickly, reducing the loss of cold air inside the freeze-drying chamber and mitigating the frost formation caused by the entry of humid external air. Furthermore, removing the storage tray before taking out the materials eliminates the need for workers to expose their hands to the low-temperature environment of the freeze-drying chamber for extended periods, which is better for their health and makes cleaning the storage tray easier. Additionally, after removing the previous batch of freeze-dried materials along with the storage tray, the next batch of materials to be freeze-dried can be placed directly into the freeze-drying chamber along with another storage tray, improving production efficiency.

[0018] As an improvement, the temperature control layer is strip-shaped / plate-shaped, and the length direction of the temperature control layer is parallel to the front-back direction of the outer shell; the bottom of the storage tray is provided with a sliding groove that matches the length direction of the temperature control layer, and the storage tray is slidably disposed on the temperature control layer along the front-back direction of the outer shell.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the storage tray is slidably mounted on the temperature control plate along the front-back direction of the outer shell. After the freeze-drying operation is completed, the door can be opened and the storage tray can be pulled forward out of the freeze-drying chamber. The operation is simple, convenient and reliable.

[0020] As an improvement, a blower is provided inside the freeze-drying chamber, and the blower is positioned facing the freeze-drying platform.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, after the freeze-drying operation is completed and the door is opened, the outside air will enter the freeze-drying chamber and frost will form on the low-temperature inner wall of the freeze-drying chamber. At this time, the temperature control plate can be used to heat the chamber, and in conjunction with the blower, hot air will be circulated in the freeze-drying chamber to eliminate the frost as soon as possible.

[0022] As an improvement, all corners inside the freeze-drying chamber are rounded.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the dirt generated during the freeze-drying process can be easily cleaned even if it sticks to corners.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0025] Several freeze-drying platforms within the freeze-drying chamber simultaneously utilize the same refrigerator for freeze-drying operations. The central control module is connected to the temperature sensors and temperature control devices of each freeze-drying platform. The central control module monitors the temperature data of the multiple freeze-drying platforms in real time via the temperature sensors. When the temperature of any freeze-drying platform deviates significantly from the preset requirements, the central control module sends a signal to the corresponding temperature control device to adjust the temperature of that platform individually, thereby ensuring stable product quality across all freeze-drying platforms within the freeze-drying chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of a fully automatic freeze dryer according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a rear view structural diagram of a fully automatic freeze dryer according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a front view structural diagram of a fully automatic freeze dryer according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a top cross-sectional view of the temperature control shelf and storage tray structure of a fully automatic freeze dryer according to this utility model.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the temperature control shelf and storage tray structure of a fully automatic freeze dryer according to this utility model.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of the temperature control shelf and storage tray structure of a fully automatic freeze dryer according to this utility model, taken from another angle.

[0032] Among them, 1: outer shell; 2: hatch; 3: refrigerator; 4: freeze-drying platform; 5: temperature sensor; 6: oil supply device; 7: flow valve; 8: silicone oil conduit; 9: oil inlet; 10: oil outlet; 11: temperature control plate; 12: storage tray; 13: chute; 14: blower. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that when a component / part is referred to as being "set on" another component / part, it can be directly set on the other component / part or there may be an intervening component / part. When a component / part is referred to as being "connected / linked" to another component / part, it can be directly connected / linked to the other component / part or there may be an intervening component / part. The term "connected / linked" as used herein can include electrical and / or mechanical physical connections / links. The term "including / comprises" as used herein means the presence of a feature, step, or component / part, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, or components / parts. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects only; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Additionally, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0037] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merely to illustrate some of the many feasible ways of implementing the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0038] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant items listed and any combination of any two or more items.

[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various examples only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” enumerate the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] Variations in the shapes shown in the accompanying drawings may occur due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the accompanying drawings, but include changes in shape that may occur during manufacturing.

[0041] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, although the examples described herein have a wide variety of constructions, other constructions are possible, as will be apparent upon understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0042] Implementation Case 1:

[0043] As attached Figure 1-6 As shown, an automatic freeze dryer includes a housing 1, a door 2 at the front of the housing 1, a freeze drying chamber inside the housing 1, and a refrigerator 3 inside the freeze drying chamber.

[0044] The freeze-drying chamber is equipped with several freeze-drying platforms 4, which are used to hold the materials to be freeze-dried.

[0045] The freeze-drying platform 4 is equipped with a temperature sensor 5 for monitoring the temperature of the freeze-drying platform 4, and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the freeze-drying platform 4 is also provided.

[0046] The outer casing 1 is also provided with a central control module, which is signal-connected to the temperature control device and the temperature sensor 5.

[0047] Several freeze-drying platforms 4 within the freeze-drying chamber simultaneously utilize the same refrigerator 3 for freeze-drying operations. The central control module is signal-connected to the temperature sensors 5 and temperature control devices of the several freeze-drying platforms 4. The central control module monitors the temperature data of the several freeze-drying platforms 4 in real time through the temperature sensors 5. When the temperature of one freeze-drying platform 4 deviates significantly from the preset requirements, the central control module can send a signal to the temperature control device of the corresponding freeze-drying platform 4 to adjust the temperature of that platform 4 individually, thereby ensuring the stable output quality of the products from the several freeze-drying platforms 4 within the freeze-drying chamber.

[0048] The temperature control device includes an oil supply device 6 disposed outside the outer casing 1, and a silicone oil conduit 8 embedded in the freeze-drying platform 4; the rear end of the freeze-drying platform 4 is connected to the rear part of the outer casing 1, and the rear end of the freeze-drying platform 4 is provided with an oil inlet 9 and an oil outlet 10, and the two ends of the silicone oil conduit 8 are respectively connected to the oil inlet 9 and the oil outlet 10; the oil supply device 6 supplies heat transfer oil to the oil inlet 9 and recovers heat transfer oil from the oil outlet 10; the temperature control device is a flow valve 7 disposed at the oil inlet 9; the temperature sensor 5 is disposed on the freeze-drying platform 4 near the silicone oil conduit 8.

[0049] In freeze-drying operations, the heating method for the freeze-dried material involves embedding silicone oil conduits 8 within the freeze-drying platform 4. Each freeze-drying platform 4's silicone oil conduit 8 receives heat transfer oil supplied uniformly from the oil supply device 6 via the oil inlet 9, and returns the used heat transfer oil to the oil supply device 6 via the oil outlet 10. The oil supply device 6 reheats the recovered heat transfer oil and re-inputs it into the silicone oil conduits 8 of each freeze-drying platform 4, thus providing unified heating to all freeze-drying platforms 4. To enhance the accuracy and reliability of the temperature sensor 5 data, the temperature sensor 5 should be positioned as close as possible to the silicone oil conduits 8 within the freeze-drying platform 4. When individual temperature adjustment is required for a specific freeze-drying platform 4, only the flow valve 7 located at the oil inlet 9 needs to be used. Decreasing the flow rate of the flow valve 7 reduces the heat supply and lowers the temperature of the corresponding freeze-drying platform 4; increasing the flow rate increases the heat supply and raises the temperature of the corresponding freeze-drying platform 4. This allows for individual temperature adjustment of each freeze-drying platform 4 under the condition of unified heating and the use of the same heating medium (heat transfer oil).

[0050] The rear end of the freeze-drying platform 4 is located at the rear of the outer surface of the outer shell 1, or the rear end of the freeze-drying platform 4 protrudes from the rear of the outer surface of the outer shell 1; the temperature sensor 5 is located on the oil outlet 10.

[0051] The heat transfer oil enters the freeze-drying platform 4 through the oil inlet 9 located outside the outer casing 1. Inside the freeze-drying platform 4, it passes through the silicone oil conduit 8 and returns to the oil supply device 6 through the oil outlet 10. During this process, no installation interfaces are located inside the freeze-drying chamber. The silicone oil conduit 8, oil supply device 6, oil outlet 10, oil inlet, temperature sensor 5, and flow valve 7 are all isolated from the interior of the freeze-drying chamber, completely preventing the heat transfer oil from entering the chamber and preventing leakage from the connection points of the silicone oil conduit 8 and the oil supply device, thus preventing contamination of materials. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 5 is located at the oil outlet 10, allowing for unified monitoring of the cooling of the heat transfer oil after passing through the freeze-drying platform 4, and facilitating direct temperature parameter readings by operators outside the freeze dryer.

[0052] The freeze-drying platform 4 includes a temperature-controlled layer 11 and a storage tray 12. The rear end of the temperature-controlled layer 11 is provided with an oil inlet 9 and an oil outlet 10, and the rear end of the temperature-controlled layer 11 is connected to the rear part of the outer casing 1. The storage tray 12 is detachably mounted on the temperature-controlled layer 11. Specifically, the bottom of the storage tray 12 contacts the temperature-controlled layer 11, transferring heat from the temperature-controlled layer 11 to the storage tray 12.

[0053] The storage tray 12 is used to hold materials, and the temperature control plate 11 is used to regulate the temperature. After the freeze-drying operation is completed, simply open the door 2 and remove the storage tray 12 containing the materials. The door 2 can then be closed again quickly, reducing the loss of cold air inside the freeze-drying chamber and mitigating the frost formation caused by the entry of humid external air. Furthermore, removing the storage tray 12 before taking out the materials eliminates the need for workers to expose their hands to the low-temperature environment of the freeze-drying chamber for extended periods, which is better for their health and makes cleaning the storage tray 12 easier. Additionally, after removing the previous batch of freeze-dried materials along with the storage tray 12, the next batch of materials to be freeze-dried can be placed directly into the freeze-drying chamber along with another storage tray 12, improving production efficiency.

[0054] The temperature control plate 11 is strip-shaped / plate-shaped, and the length direction of the temperature control plate 11 is parallel to the front-back direction of the outer shell 1; the bottom of the storage tray 12 is provided with a sliding groove 13 that matches the length direction of the temperature control plate 11, and the storage tray 12 is slidably disposed on the temperature control plate 11 along the front-back direction of the outer shell 1.

[0055] The storage tray 12 is slidably mounted on the temperature control plate 11 along the front-back direction of the outer shell 1. After the freeze-drying operation is completed, the door 2 can be opened and the storage tray 12 can be pulled forward out of the freeze-drying chamber. The operation is simple, convenient and reliable.

[0056] The freeze-drying chamber is equipped with a blower 14, which is positioned facing the freeze-drying platform 4.

[0057] After the freeze-drying operation is completed and the door 2 is opened, outside air will enter the freeze-drying chamber and frost will form on the low-temperature inner wall of the freeze-drying chamber. At this time, the temperature control plate 11 can be used to heat the chamber, and the blower 14 can be used to blow circulating hot air in the freeze-drying chamber to eliminate the frost as soon as possible.

[0058] All corners inside the freeze-drying chamber are rounded.

[0059] Even if dirt from the freeze-drying process gets stuck in corners, it can be cleaned relatively easily.

[0060] In summary, after reading this utility model document, those skilled in the art can make various other corresponding modifications based on the technical solution and concept of this utility model without creative mental effort. Different application scenarios are all within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic freeze dryer, comprising a housing (1), a door (2) at the front of the housing (1), a freeze-drying chamber inside the housing (1), and a refrigerator (3) inside the freeze-drying chamber; characterized in that, The freeze-drying chamber is equipped with several freeze-drying platforms (4), which are used to hold materials to be freeze-dried; The freeze-drying platform (4) is equipped with a temperature sensor (5) for monitoring the temperature of the freeze-drying platform (4), and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the freeze-drying platform (4) is also provided. The outer casing (1) is also provided with a central control module, which is connected to the temperature control device and the temperature sensor (5).

2. The automatic freeze dryer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control device includes an oil supply device (6) disposed outside the outer casing (1) and a silicone oil conduit (8) embedded in the freeze-drying platform (4); the rear end of the freeze-drying platform (4) is connected to the rear part of the outer casing (1), and the rear end of the freeze-drying platform (4) is provided with an oil inlet (9) and an oil outlet (10). The two ends of the silicone oil conduit (8) are respectively connected to the oil inlet (9) and the oil outlet (10); the oil supply device (6) supplies heat transfer oil to the oil inlet (9) and recovers heat transfer oil from the oil outlet (10); the temperature control device is a flow valve (7) disposed at the oil inlet (9); the temperature sensor (5) is disposed on the freeze-drying platform (4) near the silicone oil conduit (8).

3. The automatic freeze dryer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The rear end of the freeze-drying platform (4) protrudes from the surface of the outer shell (1); the temperature sensor (5) is located on the oil outlet (10).

4. The automatic freeze dryer as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The freeze-drying platform (4) includes a temperature control plate (11) and a storage tray (12); the rear end of the temperature control plate (11) is provided with the oil inlet (9) and the oil outlet (10), and the rear end of the temperature control plate (11) is connected to the rear part of the outer shell (1); the storage tray (12) is detachably mounted on the temperature control plate (11).

5. The automatic freeze dryer as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature control plate (11) is strip-shaped / plate-shaped, and the length direction of the temperature control plate (11) is parallel to the front-back direction of the outer shell (1); the bottom of the storage tray (12) is provided with a sliding groove (13) that matches the length direction of the temperature control plate (11), and the storage tray (12) is slidably disposed on the temperature control plate (11) along the front-back direction of the outer shell (1).

6. The automatic freeze dryer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The freeze-drying chamber is equipped with a blower (14), which is positioned facing the freeze-drying platform (4).

7. The automatic freeze dryer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, All corners inside the freeze-drying chamber are rounded.

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