Rice flour storage device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a rice noodle storage device, which relates to the technical field of food processing equipment, and is used for solving the problems that rice noodles are easy to precipitate and cake and difficult to keep fresh when being stored, a rotating impeller is arranged at the bottom end in a tank body, and a stirring plate component capable of being driven by external magnetic force to move up and down is also arranged in the tank body. The floating plate assembly comprises a stirring plate, a plurality of balls, an extrusion pipe and a top cover structure, the balls are arranged below the stirring plate and can freely fall to impact rice noodles, the extrusion pipe is used for extruding and shearing the rice noodles, and the floating plate assembly can automatically adjust the working area of the stirring plate assembly along with the change of the liquid level of the rice noodles. The device can be used for fully mixing and shearing rice noodles, and can also integrate the functions of external circulation, ultraviolet sterilization, gas-assisted suspension and constant-temperature control, so that the device can effectively prevent the rice noodles from precipitating and caking, improve the homogenizing effect, remarkably improve the storage quality and sanitary standard and prolong the quality guarantee period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing equipment technology, specifically a rice noodle storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Rice noodles, especially wet rice noodles made from soaked and ground rice, are an important ingredient in the production of various rice-based foods. However, these wet rice noodles have a high water content and unstable physical properties, making them prone to particle sedimentation, stratification, clumping, and hardening during storage. This affects their uniformity and subsequent processing performance. At the same time, wet rice noodles are also susceptible to microbial growth, leading to rancidity and spoilage, resulting in a short shelf life and requiring strict storage conditions. Therefore, how to effectively store wet rice noodles, maintain their good quality, and extend their shelf life is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the rice noodle processing industry.

[0003] Currently, there are several storage devices available for powdery or granular materials, such as:

[0004] Chinese invention patent CN219488374U discloses a raw material storage device for rice noodle processing, including a hopper with an opening at the top and a cover plate at the opening; a rotating mechanism with an internal ventilation structure that rotates inside the hopper; and a discharging mechanism located at the bottom of the hopper to agitate and discharge the raw materials inside. This raw material storage device is mainly for storing rice (granular raw material). The internal rotating mechanism and ventilation structure ventilate the rice to prevent it from getting damp. The discharging mechanism at the bottom also has an agitation function, assisting ventilation and facilitating the discharge of rice.

[0005] Chinese invention patent CN213139957U discloses a storage tank for starch processing, including a tank body, a sealing cover, a support cylinder disposed above the sealing cover, a mounting plate, a stirring motor, and a rotating rod driven by the motor and extending into the tank body. The rotating rod is equipped with spiral blades and a stirring rod with scrapers. The device drives the stirring motor and stirring components to move up and down through the support cylinder, and uses the spiral blades and scrapers to stir and mix the starch in the tank to prevent the starch from gelatinizing and sticking to the inner wall of the tank or blocking the outlet.

[0006] The above designs, through internal stirring, ventilation, or lifting and scraping mechanisms, treat materials and improve their storage performance to some extent. However, they also have limitations. For example, regarding wet rice flour (rice soaked and then pulverized), which is the subject of this application and has high moisture content, is prone to sedimentation and stratification, easily clumps, and requires high preservation standards, the shortcomings of existing technologies are mainly reflected in the following: Since the design primarily focuses on dry, granular rice, its ventilation and moisture-proof mechanisms and stirring methods are insufficient to effectively address the problems of rapid sedimentation, caking, and microbial control in wet rice flour. Although lifting and scraping functions are available, for high-density materials like wet rice flour that easily form dense sediments, the single... Rotary stirring and scraping may not be able to achieve thorough and multi-directional anti-sedimentation and homogenization, especially in preventing the formation of a dense bottom layer of fine particles. At the same time, the stirring method has a relatively simple shearing and refining effect on the material. The above-mentioned existing technologies do not fully consider the special requirements of wet rice noodles for storage environment (such as temperature), hygiene conditions (such as sterilization), and prevention of oxidation or anaerobic bacteria growth. They lack effective online sterilization, precise temperature control, and gas-assisted preservation functions, making it difficult to effectively extend the shelf life of wet rice noodles and maintain their freshness. The lack of a mandatory overall material circulation system may lead to uneven material processing (such as temperature and sterilization) in different areas of the tank.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a rice noodle storage device that can effectively prevent sedimentation, stir, mix evenly, and shear finely, while integrating multiple functions such as online sterilization, gas-assisted suspension, and precise temperature control, to address the shortcomings of existing technologies in the storage of wet rice noodles, thereby extending their shelf life and maintaining their good quality. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and propose a rice noodle storage device to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] The purpose of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: A rice flour storage device includes a tank, an impeller rotatably connected to the inner wall of the tank near its bottom, a stirring plate on the upper side of the impeller, a float plate on the upper side of the stirring plate, an upper pipe fixedly connected to the top of the float plate, the upper pipe penetrating the tank upwards, and a flexible tube fixedly connected to the penetrating part, a plurality of spheres on the bottom of the stirring plate, a plurality of through holes on the stirring plate, an extrusion tube fixedly connected to the top of the stirring plate at a position corresponding to the through holes, a top cover fixedly connected to the top of the extrusion tube, a plurality of extrusion holes between the top of the extrusion tube and the top cover, and the outer end of the tank along its... A drive ring is slidably connected along the axis. An electromagnetic coil is fixedly connected to one end of the drive ring near the tank body. A magnetic fixing ring is fixedly connected to the outer end of the stirring plate, with symmetrically arranged magnetic fixing rings on both sides. A permanent magnet ring is fixedly connected between the two magnetic fixing rings. A return pipe is fixedly connected to the bottom of the tank body. The return pipe is connected to an external gas supply system through a pipeline. A drive assembly is fixedly connected to the bottom of the drive ring. The tank body has a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical part of the tank body has a hollow structure. The top and bottom of the hollow part are connected to an external constant temperature system through pipelines. The end of the return pipe near the flexible hose is made of transparent material, and an ultraviolet generator is provided at the outer end of the transparent part.

[0010] The agitator plate is slidably connected to the inner wall of the tank, the float plate is slidably connected to the inner wall of the tank, and the hose has a spiral structure.

[0011] The stirring plate and multiple spheres are made of soft magnetic material. The extrusion tube has a conical structure, with the larger diameter end of the conical structure located close to the stirring plate. The bottom of the top cover has a conical structure, with the smaller diameter end of the conical structure located close to the extrusion tube.

[0012] The outer diameter of the larger end of the top cover is greater than the outer diameter of the smaller end of the extrusion tube. The extrusion tube has a through hole along its axial direction, and the through hole on the extrusion tube is connected to the through hole on the stirring plate.

[0013] The permanent magnet ring is composed of multiple permanent magnets, and the magnetic poles of the permanent magnets are in the same direction as the radial direction of the tank. Both the tank and the magnet fixing ring are made of non-magnetic materials. The outer diameter of the larger end of the extrusion tube is larger than the outer diameter of the larger end of the top cover.

[0014] The end of the return pipe furthest from the tank is connected to the hose, the top of the upper pipe is connected to the hose, and the end of the return pipe furthest from the hose is connected to the inner wall of the tank.

[0015] The external gas supply system is used to provide clean high-pressure gas. An exhaust valve is provided at the top of the tank. A rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the bottom of the tank and the bottom of the impeller. Power is transmitted between the bottom of the impeller and the rotating shaft through magnetic coupling.

[0016] The bottom of the rotating shaft is connected to an external power system. The bottom of the tank is fixedly connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The drive component is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or a screw. The top of the tank is fixedly connected to a base, and the drive component is fixedly connected to the base.

[0017] The impeller has a through hole along its rotation direction, and the through hole has a conical structure. The top and bottom of the tank are both arc-shaped structures. The outer end of the upper tube is slidably connected to the tank. The outer wall of the upper tube has scale lines.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0019] 1. This utility model achieves comprehensive and efficient stirring of rice noodles in the tank through a combination of multiple stirring mechanisms. The drive ring drives the permanent magnet ring to perform regular up-and-down reciprocating motion of the stirring plate assembly. In particular, when the electromagnetic coil at the top of the stirring plate is de-energized, the multiple spheres below it fall freely under gravity, generating a strong impact and penetrating stirring on the rice noodles, which can effectively break up existing or potential clumps. At the same time, the impeller at the bottom of the tank can rotate independently, and the conical through holes on it shear and disturb the rice noodles when rotating, specifically targeting the bottom of the tank and areas where the stirring plate cannot be fully utilized for auxiliary stirring. This multi-point, dynamic stirring method, from top to bottom and from center to edge, ensures that there are no dead corners in the stirring of the rice noodles in the tank, which can effectively prevent the rice noodles from settling, separating, hardening, and clumping during long-term or short-term storage, and maintain the rice noodles in a uniform suspension state and good fluidity at all times.

[0020] 2. The special structure consisting of the stirring plate, extrusion tube, and top cover exerts significant shearing and extrusion on the rice noodles during the up-and-down movement of the stirring plate assembly. Especially when the stirring plate assembly moves downward, the rice noodles are forced through the extrusion holes formed between the extrusion tube and the top cover, as well as the through holes of the extrusion tube itself, experiencing strong shearing force. This helps to further refine and disperse the rice noodle particles, making the rice noodle slurry more delicate and uniform, thus improving the overall quality of the rice noodles. The conical through holes opened on the impeller can also effectively shear the flowing rice noodles when it rotates, further enhancing the homogenization effect.

[0021] 3. Through the complete external circulation loop consisting of the upper pipe, flexible spiral hose and return pipe, when the stirring plate assembly moves upward, it can effectively pump the rice noodles in the upper part of the tank to the bottom of the tank. This forced overall circulation ensures that all rice noodles in the tank can be processed equally, eliminating the quality differences that may be caused by uneven local processing, and improving the consistency and efficiency of the overall rice noodle processing.

[0022] 4. During the external circulation of rice noodles through the return pipe, an ultraviolet generator located outside the transparent section of the return pipe can irradiate and sterilize the rice noodles in real time. This non-contact physical sterilization method can effectively kill microorganisms, bacteria, and mold that may be present in the rice noodles, significantly reducing the risk of microbial contamination, thereby effectively extending the shelf life of the rice noodles and improving the hygiene and safety level of storage.

[0023] 5. The clean, high-pressure gas injected into the return pipe and then into the bottom of the tank through the external gas supply system not only helps to stir the rice noodles, keeping the rice noodle particles in a slightly dynamic suspended state, further enhancing the anti-sedimentation effect and reducing excessive compression of the bottom material by the upper material; at the same time, the gas flow may also carry away some unpleasant odors or moisture, and the exhaust valve at the top of the tank ensures the stability and safety of the pressure inside the tank. In addition, the hollow jacket structure of the tank is connected to an external constant temperature system, which can precisely control the temperature of the rice noodles inside the tank (heating or cooling), creating a stable and suitable storage environment for the rice noodles, or meeting the temperature requirements of specific processes, greatly improving the process adaptability of the equipment.

[0024] 6. The float above the agitator plate can automatically adjust its vertical position according to the actual filling height of the rice noodles in the tank, and drive the connected upper pipe to rise and fall synchronously. This ensures that the core working components such as the agitator plate always act on the effective area of ​​the rice noodles, regardless of the material level. At the same time, the scale lines set on the outer wall of the upper pipe can clearly and intuitively display the current liquid level of the rice noodles in the tank, which is convenient for users to manage inventory and replenish materials in a timely manner.

[0025] 7. Whether it is the reciprocating motion of the agitator assembly (through the magnetic coupling between the electromagnetic coil of the external drive ring and the internal permanent magnet ring) or the rotational drive of the bottom impeller (through the magnetic coupling between the external power and the impeller via the rotating shaft), the core power transmission adopts non-contact magnetic coupling technology. This design avoids the need for the drive shaft to pass directly through the tank wall, greatly simplifies the sealing structure of the tank, effectively reduces the risk of material leakage or external contamination caused by poor sealing, and also improves the long-term operational reliability and durability of the drive mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the entire utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 For the localized explosion of this utility model Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 4For the localized explosion of this utility model Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 5 For the localized explosion of this utility model Figure 3 ;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a front view of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 For the present utility model Figure 6 Sectional view of AA;

[0033] Figure 8 For the present utility model Figure 7 BB section view;

[0034] Figure 9 For the present utility model Figure 7 Enlarged view at point C;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the present utility model.

[0036] Explanation of the labels in the diagram

[0037] 1. Tank body; 2. Impeller; 3. Agitator plate; 4. Float plate; 5. Top pipe; 6. Hose; 7. Sphere; 8. Extrusion pipe; 9. Top cover; 10. Drive ring; 11. Magnet fixing ring; 12. Permanent magnet ring; 13. Return pipe; 14. Shaft; 15. Drive assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0039] It should be noted that the directional concepts of "left", "right", "up", "down", "front", "back", "inner", and "outer" in the following scheme are all relative directions, and will not be listed one by one here.

[0040] Example 1:

[0041] This embodiment provides a rice noodle storage device, the core of which is to achieve effective stirring and internal material processing of rice noodles in the tank 1 through a sophisticated mechanical structure and magnetic drive, so as to prevent sedimentation and clumping, and to adapt to different material heights.

[0042] The device includes a tank 1, which is cylindrical in shape. The top and bottom of the tank 1 are arc-shaped to facilitate the flow and cleaning of materials. An impeller 2 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the tank 1 near its bottom. Multiple through holes are provided on the impeller 2 along its rotation direction. These through holes are conical in shape and can shear and disturb the rice noodles when the impeller 2 rotates.

[0043] On the upper side of the impeller 2, there is a core stirring component. The bottom layer of this component is the stirring plate 3, whose outer edge is slidably connected to the inner wall of the tank 1 to ensure that it moves stably up and down inside the tank 1. The stirring plate 3 is made of soft magnetic material, and its bottom end is provided with multiple spheres 7 also made of soft magnetic material. Multiple through holes are opened on the stirring plate 3 for the passage of materials.

[0044] On the upper side of the stirring plate 3, there is a float plate 4, which is also slidably connected to the inner wall of the tank 1. The float plate 4 can float up and down according to the actual height of the rice noodles in the tank 1. The top of the float plate 4 is fixedly connected to an upper tube 5. The overall structure of the upper tube 5 extends upward and penetrates the top of the tank 1. The outer end of the upper tube 5 is slidably connected to the tank 1. The outer wall of the upper tube 5 is provided with scale lines to visually display the liquid level of the material inside the tank 1. The upper tube 5 penetrates the tank 1 upward, and a section of flexible hose 6 is fixedly connected to its top. The flexible hose 6 is preferably spiral in shape. This structure allows the flexible hose 6 to freely extend and retract when the upper tube 5 moves up and down with the float plate 4, maintaining the reliability of the connection.

[0045] Returning to the agitator plate 3, multiple extrusion tubes 8 are fixedly connected to the top of the plate, corresponding to the through holes on the plate. Each extrusion tube 8 is a tapered structure that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. The end with the larger diameter is close to and fixed to the agitator plate 3. At the top of each extrusion tube 8, a top cover 9 is fixedly connected. The bottom of the top cover 9 is a tapered structure, with the end with the smaller diameter close to the extrusion tube 8. In particular, the outer diameter of the larger diameter end of the top cover 9 is designed to be larger than the outer diameter of the smaller diameter end of the extrusion tube 8. Multiple extrusion holes are formed between the top of the extrusion tube 8 and the top cover 9. These extrusion holes are important channels for material flow. In addition, the extrusion tube 8 also has through holes along its axial direction. These through holes are connected to the through holes on the corresponding agitator plate 3, forming one of the paths for material to flow from below the agitator plate 3 to above it.

[0046] To drive the agitator plate 3 and its upper components (extrusion tube 8, top cover 9, float plate 4, upper tube 5) to move up and down inside the tank 1, a drive mechanism is provided on the outside of the device. A drive ring 10 is slidably connected to the outer end of the tank 1 along its axial direction. An electromagnetic coil is fixedly connected to one end of the drive ring 10 near the tank 1. At the outer end of the agitator plate 3, a pair of symmetrically arranged magnetic fixing rings 11 are fixedly connected. Both magnetic fixing rings 11 are made of non-magnetic materials to avoid interference with the magnetic field. Between the pair of magnetic fixing rings 11, a permanent magnet ring 12 is fixedly connected. The permanent magnet ring 12 is composed of multiple permanent magnets, and the magnetic poles of these permanent magnets are in the same direction as the radial direction of the tank 1 to ensure effective magnetic interaction with the electromagnetic coil on the drive ring 10. The tank 1 itself is also made of non-magnetic materials. A drive assembly 15 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the drive ring 10. The drive assembly 15 (e.g., a motor with a lead screw, cylinder, or hydraulic cylinder) provides power for the up and down sliding of the drive ring 10.

[0047] Work process

[0048] When rice noodles are added to the tank 1, the liquid level of the rice noodles gradually rises. The float 4 moves upward under the buoyancy of the rice noodles. Since the float 4 is fixedly connected to the upper pipe 5, the upper pipe 5 also moves upward synchronously. The current height of the rice noodles in the tank 1 can be easily observed through the scale lines on its outer wall. The spiral-shaped flexible hose 6 can adapt well to the vertical displacement of the upper pipe 5.

[0049] When the drive assembly 15 is activated, the drive ring 10 moves upward along the outer wall of the tank 1. During this process, the electromagnetic coil on the drive ring 10 is energized to generate a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnet ring 12 at the outer end of the agitator 3 (usually attracting or repelling each other, depending on the magnetic pole design, but the effect is to drive the permanent magnet ring 12 upward). This causes the magnet fixing ring 11 fixed on the permanent magnet ring 12, as well as the agitator 3, extrusion tube 8, top cover 9, float plate 4, and upper tube 5 connected to it, to move upward together. At the same time, due to the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil, the agitator 3, made of soft magnetic material, is magnetized, thereby generating a magnetic attraction force on multiple spheres 7, which are also made of soft magnetic material. This causes these spheres 7 to adhere closely to or be close to the bottom end of the agitator 3 and move upward together with the agitator 3.

[0050] When the drive ring 10 moves to the preset upper limit position, the drive assembly 15 controls the electromagnetic coil on the drive ring 10 to be de-energized, so that the magnetic field generated by it disappears. At this time, the stirring plate 3 of the soft magnetic material loses its magnetism, and the magnetic attraction to the spheres 7 also disappears. Multiple spheres 7 fall freely from the bottom of the stirring plate 3 under the action of their own gravity. During the falling process, these spheres 7 will pass through the rice noodles and have an effective impact, dispersion and stirring effect on the rice noodles, thereby breaking up any clumps that may be formed and preventing the rice noodles from settling and clumping.

[0051] Subsequently, the drive assembly 15 drives the drive ring 10 to move downwards. During this process, there are two control methods:

[0052] Method 1: The electromagnetic coil on the drive ring 10 is energized again to generate a magnetic force that interacts with the permanent magnet ring 12 (usually the opposite direction of the force when moving upward or the action mode is adjusted), which actively drives the stirring plate 3 assembly to move downward.

[0053] Method 2: The electromagnetic coil on the drive ring 10 is not energized. The drive ring 10 moves down only by relying on the drive component 15, while the stirring plate 3 component falls freely under its own gravity (or with the slight guidance of the drive ring 10).

[0054] During the downward movement of the stirring plate 3 assembly, the rice noodles are subjected to shearing and squeezing action by the stirring plate 3, the extrusion tube 8, and the top cover 9. Specifically, due to the tapered structure of the extrusion tube 8 (wider at the bottom and narrower at the top) and the cooperation of the top cover 9, when the stirring plate 3 assembly moves downward, the rice noodles located above it are squeezed upward or flow into the upper space of the stirring plate 3 through multiple extrusion holes opened between the top of the extrusion tube 8 and the top cover 9, as well as the axial through hole of the extrusion tube 8 itself (which is connected to the through hole on the stirring plate 3). This process applies a strong shearing force to the rice noodles, which helps to further homogenize the rice noodles and prevent clumping.

[0055] As the agitator plate 3 moves upward, due to the tapered structure of the extrusion tube 8 (wider at the bottom and narrower at the top) and the special design of the top cover 9 (the outer diameter of the larger end of the top cover 9 is larger than the outer diameter of the smaller end of the extrusion tube 8), the combination of the agitator plate 3, the extrusion tube 8, and the top cover 9 forms a structure similar to a one-way valve to some extent. When the agitator plate 3 moves upward, some of the rice noodles below it will flow to the lower side of the agitator plate 3 (i.e., between the outside of the extrusion tube 8 and the inner wall of the tank 1, and above the top cover 9) through the through holes on the agitator plate 3, the axial through holes of the extrusion tube 8, and the extrusion holes between the extrusion tube 8 and the top cover 9. However, most of the rice noodles will be pushed upward by the agitator plate 3, the extrusion tube 8, and the top cover 9 as a whole. These upwardly pushed rice noodles will enter the upper pipe 5 and be guided to the subsequent processing part of the device through the hose 6 or form a local upward material displacement.

[0056] Throughout the storage and agitation process, the impeller 2 at the bottom of the tank 1 can be driven to rotate as needed by an external power mechanism not shown in detail. The rotation of the impeller 2 will continuously or intermittently agitate the rice noodles at the bottom of the tank 1, especially targeting dead zones that the agitator plate 3 assembly may not be able to reach, further preventing rice noodles from settling. The conical through holes opened on the impeller 2 allow some rice noodles to pass through these through holes when it rotates, thereby generating additional shearing and mixing action on the rice noodles.

[0057] The up-and-down movement of the agitator assembly, the falling of the ball, and the rotation of the impeller can be repeated periodically according to a preset program or actual needs to ensure that the rice noodles always maintain a good uniform and loose state during storage.

[0058] The up-and-down reciprocating motion of the stirring plate 3 assembly driven by the permanent magnet ring 12 via the driving ring 10, and the de-energization of the electromagnetic coil after the stirring plate 3 moves upward, causing multiple balls 7 to fall freely and impact the rice noodles, combined with the rotational stirring of the impeller 2 at the bottom of the tank 1 and the shearing action of its conical through hole, can fully stir the rice noodles in the tank 1 in multiple directions and at multiple levels, effectively preventing the rice noodles from settling, clumping and hardening during long-term storage, thus ensuring the uniformity of the rice noodles and the quality of subsequent use.

[0059] As the stirring plate 3 assembly (especially the structure formed by the extrusion tube 8 and the top cover 9) moves downward, the rice noodles are forced through the extrusion holes between the extrusion tube 8 and the top cover 9, as well as the through holes of the extrusion tube 8 itself, and are subjected to strong shearing and squeezing action, which helps to break up small clumps and make the rice noodle slurry more delicate and uniform.

[0060] The float 4 can automatically rise and fall with the height of the rice noodle liquid and drive the upper tube 5 to move synchronously, ensuring that the core stirring components such as the stirring plate 3 always act on the effective area inside the rice noodle. At the same time, the scale lines on the outer wall of the upper tube 5 can clearly indicate the amount of rice noodle stored in the tank 1, which is convenient for users to manage.

[0061] The up-and-down movement of the agitator plate 3 assembly is achieved through the magnetic coupling between the electromagnetic coil of the external drive ring 10 and the internal permanent magnet ring 12. Power transmission does not require direct mechanical passage through the tank wall 1 (except for the sliding seal of the upper pipe 5), which helps to simplify the sealing structure of the tank 1, reduce the risk of leakage, and improve the reliability of the drive.

[0062] The conical structure of the stirring plate 3, the extrusion tube 8, and the top cover 9, along with their coordination, cleverly produce different guiding and shearing effects on the rice noodles when the stirring plate 3 assembly moves up and down, enhancing the material handling capacity. The spiral structure design of the hose 6 effectively solves the connection problem when the upper tube 5 moves up and down within a large stroke range. The arc-shaped structure at the top and bottom of the tank 1 is conducive to the complete discharge of materials and the cleaning of the tank.

[0063] Example 2:

[0064] Based on the core stirring and internal material processing mechanism of the rice noodle storage device described in Example 1, this embodiment further adds system-level functions such as external forced circulation of rice noodles, online purification treatment, gas-assisted suspension, and precise control of the tank environment, thereby achieving more comprehensive and refined storage and preservation management of rice noodles.

[0065] The rice flour storage device of this embodiment, including the tank 1, impeller 2, stirring plate 3, float plate 4, upper pipe 5, hose 6, ball 7, extrusion pipe 8, top cover 9, drive ring 10, electromagnetic coil, magnet fixing ring 11, permanent magnet ring 12, and related core stirring and lifting discharge mechanism, has a basically the same basic structure and connection relationship as described in Embodiment 1. Based on this, the key supplementary and refined features of this embodiment are as follows:

[0066] To achieve full circulation of rice noodles within the tank 1, this embodiment specifies the connection method of the pipeline. Specifically, the upper pipe 5, which is fixedly connected to the top of the float plate 4, extends upward through the top of the tank 1 and connects to one end of the hose 6. The other end of the hose 6 is connected to one end (the end away from the tank 1, i.e., the upstream end) of the return pipe 13, which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the tank 1. The other end (the end closer to the tank 1, i.e., the downstream end) is connected to the inner wall of the tank 1, usually the area near its bottom. In this way, the upper pipe 5, the hose 6, and the return pipe 13 together form a complete closed external circulation loop, allowing the rice noodles pushed upward by the stirring plate 3 to return to the bottom of the tank 1 through this loop.

[0067] On the return pipe 13, near the end where it connects to the hose 6, this section of the pipe is made of transparent material. An ultraviolet generator is installed on the outside of this transparent material section. When the rice noodles flow through this transparent pipe section, the ultraviolet generator can irradiate them, which can play a role in sterilization and disinfection.

[0068] The return pipe 13 is also connected to an external gas supply system via a pipe. This external gas supply system is used to provide clean and usually filtered high-pressure gas (such as air or nitrogen) on demand. The gas is injected into the return pipe 13 through this connection and enters the bottom of the tank 1 along with the rice noodles. In order to manage the pressure changes that may occur inside the tank 1 due to gas injection, an exhaust valve is provided at the top of the tank 1 to discharge excess gas.

[0069] The impeller 2 located at the bottom of the tank 1 is driven in a manner further defined in this embodiment. At the bottom end of the tank 1, corresponding to the center of the bottom end of the impeller 2, a rotating shaft 14 is rotatably connected. The top end of the rotating shaft 14 and the bottom end of the impeller 2 transmit power through magnetic coupling. That is, the rotation of the rotating shaft 14 can drive the impeller 2 to rotate. There is no direct mechanical penetration connection between the two, which ensures the sealing of the bottom of the tank 1. The bottom end of the rotating shaft 14 is connected to an external power system (such as a motor) to provide continuous and stable power for the rotation of the impeller 2.

[0070] The cylindrical part of the tank 1 is designed as a hollow structure, forming a jacket. The top and bottom of the hollow jacket are connected to an external constant temperature system through pipes. The external constant temperature system can introduce fluids of a specific temperature (such as hot water, cold water or heat transfer oil) into the hollow jacket as needed, and precisely control and maintain the temperature of the rice noodles inside the tank 1 through heat exchange to adapt to different storage or pretreatment process requirements.

[0071] To facilitate the addition and removal of rice noodles, a dedicated feed pipe and discharge pipe are fixedly connected to the bottom of the tank 1. The drive assembly 15 connected to the bottom of the drive ring 10 can be a precision drive device such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or a motor with a lead screw in this embodiment, which can provide a stable and controllable linear drive force. To ensure that the drive assembly 15 is installed firmly and driven smoothly, a base is fixedly connected to the top of the tank 1, and the drive assembly 15 is fixedly connected to the base.

[0072] Work process

[0073] The working process of this embodiment, based on the core mixing and internal material processing described in Embodiment 1, adds the following collaborative operation process:

[0074] When the stirring plate 3 assembly (composed of stirring plate 3, extrusion tube 8, top cover 9, etc.) moves upward under the magnetic force of drive ring 10 and permanent magnet ring 12, most of the rice noodles pushed upward enter the spiral hose 6 through upper pipe 5 and further flow into return pipe 13. When the rice noodles flow through the transparent section of return pipe 13, the external ultraviolet generator is activated to irradiate and sterilize the flowing rice noodles in real time, effectively killing any microorganisms and bacteria that may be present. Subsequently, the sterilized rice noodles return to the bottom of tank 1 through the end of return pipe 13. This process occurs with each upward movement of stirring plate 3 assembly, forming a continuous external large circulation, ensuring that all rice noodles in tank 1 have the opportunity to be circulated and sterilized.

[0075] During the storage or circulation of rice noodles, the external gas supply system can, according to the settings, introduce a small amount of clean high-pressure gas into the return pipe 13 (and subsequently into the bottom of the tank 1). As the gas rises, it will cause a certain disturbance and buoyancy to the rice noodle particles, so that the rice noodles are in a slightly dynamic suspended or semi-suspended state in the tank 1. This not only helps to further prevent the rice noodles from settling and clumping, but also effectively reduces the excessive compression of the bottom layer of rice noodles by the upper layer. The exhaust valve at the top of the tank 1 can timely discharge excess gas and maintain the stability of the pressure inside the tank.

[0076] According to the set temperature requirements, the external constant temperature system introduces a constant temperature medium into the hollow jacket of the tank 1. Through heat exchange between the jacket and the inner wall of the tank 1, the temperature of the rice noodles stored inside the tank 1 can be precisely controlled and maintained, such as to achieve low-temperature preservation storage, or to preheat or precool the rice noodles before a specific process.

[0077] The external power system drives the impeller 2 at the bottom of the tank 1 to rotate continuously or intermittently through the rotating shaft 14 and the magnetic coupling mechanism. This rotation of the impeller 2, driven by an independent external power, can more powerfully and stably stir the rice noodles at the bottom of the tank 1. Combined with the up-and-down movement of the stirring plate 3 assembly and the gas-assisted suspension, it ensures that there are no dead corners in the stirring of the rice noodles in the entire tank 1, and that they are always kept in a uniform suspension state.

[0078] New rice noodles can be easily added into the tank 1 through the feed pipe set at the bottom of the tank 1. When it is necessary to remove the rice noodles, it can be done through the discharge pipe. The drive assembly 15 (such as a hydraulic cylinder, air cylinder or screw) provides a stable and reliable up and down driving force for the drive ring 10 under the support of the base.

[0079] Other processes, such as the up-and-down movement of the stirring plate 3 assembly, the falling and stirring of the ball 7, and the shearing of the material inside the stirring plate 3 assembly, are basically the same as those described in Example 1, and work synergistically under the overall cycle and environmental control of this example to achieve better storage effect.

[0080] When in use, the material to be stored is added into the tank 1 through the feed pipe. During the process of adding the material, the float 4 moves upward under the pressure of the material until the material addition is completed.

[0081] Then, the drive ring 10 is driven to move upward by the drive component 15. During the upward movement, the drive ring 10 generates a magnetic field through the electromagnetic coil. The magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnet ring 12, causing the permanent magnet ring 12 to move upward. The permanent magnet ring 12 then drives the stirring plate 3, the extrusion tube 8, the top cover 9, and the magnet fixing ring 11 to move together. At the same time, the electromagnetic coil causes the stirring plate 3 to become magnetic. The stirring plate 3 then attracts multiple balls 7. The multiple balls 7 move upward synchronously with the stirring plate 3. When the drive ring 10 moves to the upper limit, the current of the electromagnetic coil is cut off, causing the coil to lose its magnetism. At this time, the stirring plate 3 loses its magnetism, and the multiple balls 7 fall freely under the action of gravity. During the falling process, the rice noodles are stirred to prevent the rice noodles from clumping.

[0082] Then, the coil on the drive ring 10 generates a magnetic field again, which in turn drives the stirring plate 3 to move downward, or only the drive ring 10 moves downward, and the coil on the drive ring 10 does not generate a magnetic field, so that the stirring plate 3, the extrusion tube 8, and the top cover 9 fall freely under the action of gravity.

[0083] During the upward movement of the stirring plate 3, due to the conical structure of the extrusion tube 8, the stirring plate 3, extrusion tube 8, and top cover 9 combine to form a structure similar to a one-way valve. Therefore, when the stirring plate 3 moves upward, a small amount of rice noodles flows into the lower side of the stirring plate 3 from between the top cover 9 and the extrusion tube 8, while most of the rice noodles are pushed upward by the stirring plate 3, extrusion tube 8, and top cover 9. At this time, the rice noodles flow back to the bottom of the tank 1 through the upper pipe 5, the flexible hose 6, and the return pipe 13, forming a circulating flow. When the rice noodles pass through the return pipe 13, the ultraviolet generator on the return pipe 13 generates ultraviolet light to sterilize the rice noodles, reducing the reproduction of microorganisms and bacteria in the rice noodles. Since the rice noodles circulate in the tank 1 and the return pipe 13, the rice noodles in the tank 1 can be fully disinfected through the return pipe 13, solving the problem that the large space and large amount of rice noodles in the tank 1 cannot be fully disinfected.

[0084] When the stirring plate 3, the extrusion tube 8, and the top cover 9 move downwards, the rice noodles enter the upper side of the stirring plate 3 through the extrusion hole between the extrusion tube 8 and the top cover 9, and the rice noodles are sheared and stirred to prevent them from clumping together.

[0085] At the same time, a small amount of high-pressure clean air is introduced into the return pipe 13 through the external air supply system. The gas flows through the rice noodles and is discharged through the exhaust valve. The gas keeps the rice noodles in a slightly suspended state, which effectively reduces the compression of the top layer of rice noodles on the bottom layer of rice noodles and reduces sedimentation and clumping.

[0086] Throughout the process, impeller 2 rotates as needed, stirring the rice noodles during rotation to prevent rice noodles that cannot be stirred by agitator plate 3, extrusion pipe 8, and top cover 9 from settling. The conical through-hole on impeller 2 allows some rice noodles to flow through the through-hole during rotation, shearing and stirring the rice noodles. In practical use, water at the required temperature is introduced into the hollow part of tank 1 as needed, which then heats or cools the rice noodles. The magnetic coupling between impeller 2 and shaft 14 transmits power, as does the magnetic transmission between permanent magnet ring 12 and drive ring 10, effectively reducing the sealing requirements of tank 1. The spiral structure of hose 6 allows upper pipe 5 to move up and down.

[0087] The complete external circulation path formed by the upper pipe 5, the flexible hose 6, and the return pipe 13, combined with the upward pushing action of the stirring plate 3 assembly, achieves overall circulation of rice noodles within the tank 1. This not only greatly enhances the mixing uniformity of the rice noodles and effectively eliminates dead zones that may exist in traditional stirring, but also provides a pathway for subsequent online processing (such as sterilization). When the rice noodles circulate through the transparent section of the return pipe 13, the ultraviolet generator performs online sterilization, which can significantly reduce the microbial content in the rice noodles, inhibit bacterial growth, thereby extending the shelf life of the rice noodles and improving food safety. The clean high-pressure gas injected into the bottom of the tank 1 by the external air supply system keeps the rice noodle particles in a slightly suspended state, further effectively preventing the rice noodles from settling and caking, and reducing the impact of the upper material on the rice noodles. The pressure at the bottom layer may improve the overall fluidity of the rice flour slurry to some extent. The exhaust valve at the top of the tank 1 ensures the safety of operation. The hollow jacket structure of the tank 1, together with the external constant temperature system, can accurately control the temperature of the rice flour in the tank, meeting the optimal storage requirements of different rice flours (such as different moisture content and different additives) at specific temperatures, or providing rice flour at preset temperatures for subsequent processing processes (such as fermentation and production lines), thus expanding the process adaptability of the device. The impeller 2 is independently driven by the external power system through the rotating shaft 14 and magnetic coupling, which can provide continuous, stable and controllable bottom stirring force, making up for the insufficient stirring intensity of the stirring plate 3 assembly in the bottom area, ensuring the full mixing and suspension of the rice flour at the bottom of the tank. The magnetic coupling transmission also ensures the sealing of the tank.

[0088] The addition of feed and discharge pipes facilitates daily rice noodle production. The specific design of the drive component 15 (hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or screw) and its stable installation on the base ensure the stability and durability of the core drive mechanism, thereby improving the automation level and industrial applicability of the entire device.

[0089] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be understood that the present utility model is not limited to the form disclosed herein and should not be regarded as an exclusion of other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications and environments, and can be modified within the scope of the concept described herein through the above teachings or related technologies or knowledge. Modifications and changes made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present utility model should be protected within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rice noodle storage device, characterized in that, The container includes a tank body (1), an impeller (2) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the tank body (1) near its bottom end, an agitator (3) is provided on the upper side of the impeller (2), a float plate (4) is provided on the upper side of the agitator (3), an upper pipe (5) is fixedly connected to the top of the float plate (4), the upper pipe (5) extends upward through the tank body (1), and a hose (6) is fixedly connected to the through portion, a plurality of spheres (7) are provided at the bottom end of the agitator (3), a plurality of through holes are provided on the agitator (3), an extrusion tube (8) corresponding to each through hole is fixedly connected to the top of the agitator (3) at the position corresponding to the through hole, a top cover (9) is fixedly connected to the top of the extrusion tube (8), a plurality of extrusion holes are provided between the top of the extrusion tube (8) and the top cover (9), and a sliding connection is provided at the outer end of the tank body (1) along its axial direction. The drive ring (10) is fixedly connected to an electromagnetic coil at one end near the tank (1). The stirring plate (3) is fixedly connected to a magnetic fixing ring (11) arranged symmetrically at the top and bottom. A permanent magnet ring (12) is fixedly connected between the two magnetic fixing rings (11). A return pipe (13) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the tank (1). The return pipe (13) is connected to an external gas supply system through a pipe. A drive assembly (15) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the drive ring (10). The tank (1) is a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical part of the tank (1) is a hollow structure. The top and bottom of the hollow part are connected to an external constant temperature system through pipes. The end of the return pipe (13) near the hose (6) is made of transparent material. An ultraviolet generator is provided at the outer end of the transparent part.

2. The rice flour storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring plate (3) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the tank (1), the float plate (4) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the tank (1), and the hose (6) has a spiral structure.

3. The rice flour storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stirring plate (3) and the multiple spheres (7) are made of soft magnetic material. The extrusion tube (8) has a conical structure, and the end with the larger diameter of the conical structure is located close to the stirring plate (3). The bottom of the top cover (9) has a conical structure, and the end with the smaller diameter of the conical structure is located close to the extrusion tube (8).

4. The rice flour storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the larger end of the top cover (9) is greater than the outer diameter of the smaller end of the extrusion tube (8). The extrusion tube (8) has a through hole along its axial direction. The through hole on the extrusion tube (8) is connected to the through hole on the stirring plate (3).

5. A rice flour storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The permanent magnet ring (12) is composed of multiple permanent magnets, and the magnetic pole direction of the permanent magnets is the same as the radial direction of the tank (1). The tank (1) and the magnet fixing ring (11) are both made of non-magnetic materials. The outer diameter of the larger end of the extrusion tube (8) is greater than the outer diameter of the larger end of the top cover (9).

6. A rice flour storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the return pipe (13) away from the tank (1) is connected to the hose (6), the top end of the upper pipe (5) is connected to the hose (6), and the end of the return pipe (13) away from the hose (6) is connected to the inner wall of the tank (1).

7. A rice flour storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external gas supply system is used to provide clean high-pressure gas. The top of the tank (1) is provided with an exhaust valve. The bottom of the tank (1) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the impeller (2) at the corresponding position. The bottom of the impeller (2) and the shaft (14) transmit power through magnetic coupling.

8. A rice flour storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom end of the rotating shaft (14) is connected to an external power system. The bottom end of the tank (1) is fixedly connected to a feed pipe and a discharge pipe. The drive assembly (15) is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or a screw. The top end of the tank (1) is fixedly connected to a base. The drive assembly (15) is fixedly connected to the base.

9. A rice flour storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The impeller (2) has a through hole along its rotation direction, and the through hole is a conical structure. The top and bottom of the tank (1) are both arc-shaped structures. The outer end of the upper tube (5) is slidably connected to the tank (1). The outer wall of the upper tube (5) is provided with scale lines.

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