Fermentation equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides fermentation equipment. The fermentation equipment comprises a fermentation tank, a rotating device and a feeding device, a feeding pipe communicated with the fermentation tank is arranged on the fermentation tank, the feeding pipe and the fermentation tank are coaxially arranged, a sealing structure with a conical outer contour is arranged in the feeding pipe, the sealing structure is arranged towards the interior of the fermentation tank, the sealing structure is used for controlling a communication device of the feeding pipe, and the sealing structure comprises a plurality of soft rubber blocks which are sequentially connected; the rotating device is used for transversely placing the fermentation tank and driving the fermentation tank to rotate; and the feeding device is used for pushing open the sealing structure and inputting a nutrient solution into the fermentation tank. According to the utility model, the problems of material leakage and cross contamination easily caused by insufficient sealing performance of a sliding type blanking structure in the displacement switching process are solved; and the problems that the stability of temperature, pressure and dissolved oxygen concentration in the tank is possibly interfered by the operation of the feeding device, and the fermentation efficiency and the product consistency are reduced are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microbial technology, and more specifically, to a fermentation device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous improvement of economic level and the continuous development of microbial technology, the requirements for bio-fermentation equipment are also increasing. Bio-fermentation refers to the process by which people use the life activities of microorganisms under aerobic or anaerobic conditions to prepare microbial cells themselves or direct or secondary metabolites. Bio-fermentation needs to be carried out in a fermentation device.

[0003] Patent CN216763576U discloses a simple storage device for the production of microbial inoculants. This patent describes a storage device with a sliding discharge structure, where the discharge method is adjusted by switching the displacement of a vertical pipe and a screw conveyor. While this design improves the flexibility of material conveying, two key problems remain:

[0004] 1. The sliding feeding structure has insufficient sealing during displacement switching, which can easily lead to material leakage and cross-contamination.

[0005] 2. The operation of the feeding device may interfere with the stability of temperature, pressure and dissolved oxygen concentration inside the tank, reducing fermentation efficiency and product consistency. Utility Model Content

[0006] Based on this, in order to solve the problems of contamination by miscellaneous bacteria and the risk of gas accumulation in traditional fermentation equipment, this utility model provides a fermentation device, the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0007] A fermentation apparatus, comprising

[0008] A fermenter, wherein the fermenter is provided with a feed pipe communicating with the fermenter, the feed pipe is coaxially arranged with the fermenter, and the feed pipe is provided with a sealing structure with a conical outer contour, the sealing structure is arranged facing inward of the fermenter, the sealing structure is used to control the communication device of the feed pipe, and the sealing structure includes multiple soft rubber blocks connected in sequence.

[0009] A rotating device, which is used to place the fermentation tank horizontally and drive the fermentation tank to rotate;

[0010] A feeding device is used to open the sealing structure and input nutrient solution into the fermentation tank.

[0011] The aforementioned fermentation equipment features a conical sealing structure composed of multiple soft rubber blocks. The elasticity of the soft rubber material (such as silicone or fluororubber) adapts to changes in feed pressure. When the feeding device opens the seal, the soft rubber blocks are compressed and deformed to form a continuous sealing surface that adheres to the pipe wall, replacing the rigid contact seal of the traditional sliding structure (such as the passive seal of a sliding discharge hopper door that relies on gravity closure), significantly improving sealing reliability. The inner wall of the conical structure is smooth and has no intermediate platform, allowing material to slide directly into the tank along the conical surface, avoiding the "trouser leg" accumulation of material in traditional chutes. These features solve the problem of insufficient sealing in sliding discharge structures during displacement switching, which easily leads to material leakage and cross-contamination.

[0012] Multiple soft rubber blocks separate layer by layer as the feeding device opens, creating a gradual opening (rather than the instantaneous full opening of a traditional sliding door), reducing sudden changes in airflow and pressure (similar to the pressure monitoring and shock-resistant design of a slide carriage hydraulic circuit). The feed pipe is coaxially aligned with the fermenter, injecting the nutrient solution along the tank's axial centerline. Combined with the tank's rotation, this creates a centrifugal diffusion effect, preventing unilateral accumulation (compared to the liquid surface stratification problem of traditional side-feeding). When the fermenter rotates laterally, the shearing action between the agitator and the tank wall enhances dissolved oxygen transfer efficiency, rapidly dispersing the newly injected nutrient solution. The kinetic energy of the tank's rotation is converted into internal frictional heat within the material, partially offsetting temperature fluctuations caused by the external low-temperature liquid during feeding. These features solve the problem that the operation of the feeding device might interfere with the stability of temperature, pressure, and dissolved oxygen concentration within the tank, reducing fermentation efficiency and product consistency.

[0013] Furthermore, the can includes a can body and a cover body. The can body has an opening, and the cover body is used to control the communication state of the opening. The feed pipe is provided on the cover body, and the cover body has a hook. The can body has a buckle assembly, and the buckle assembly engages with the hook.

[0014] Furthermore, the buckle assembly includes a first elastic element, a second elastic element, a fixing block, and a snap-fit ​​block with a cylindrical outer contour; the fixing block is disposed on the tank body, one end of the first elastic element is connected to the fixing block, the other end of the first elastic element is connected to one end of the snap-fit ​​block, one end of the second elastic element is connected to the other end of the snap-fit ​​block, and the other end of the second elastic element is connected to the fixing block; the snap-fit ​​block snaps into the hook.

[0015] Furthermore, the rotating device includes a frame, a transmission structure, a first drive block, and multiple rollers; the transmission structure and the first drive block are both mounted on the frame, and the multiple rollers are sequentially mounted on the frame; the output end of the first drive block is connected to the transmission structure; the transmission structure is respectively connected to the multiple rollers; the first drive block is used to drive the multiple transmission structures to rotate through the transmission structure; two adjacent rollers cooperate to drive the fermenter to rotate.

[0016] Furthermore, the transmission structure includes a first transmission belt, a plurality of first rollers, and a plurality of first drive wheels; one first drive wheel is disposed on the output end of the first drive block; one first drive wheel is correspondingly disposed on one end of one of the rollers, and the first transmission belt is sequentially sleeved on the plurality of first drive wheels; one first roller is correspondingly disposed between two adjacent first drive wheels, and the first roller is in contact with the outer surface of the first transmission belt.

[0017] Furthermore, the frame is provided with multiple extension blocks, and each extension block is provided with a universal ball. Two universal balls cooperate to clamp the two ends of the fermentation tank.

[0018] Furthermore, the feeding device includes a movable base, a connecting rod, and a feeding mechanism, wherein the connecting rod is disposed on the movable base and the feeding mechanism is disposed on the connecting rod.

[0019] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism includes a support, a conveying pipe, a spiral conveying blade, a second drive block, a second transmission wheel, a third transmission wheel, and a second belt; the support is disposed on one end face of the conveying pipe, the spiral conveying blade is disposed inside the conveying pipe, one end of the spiral conveying blade passes through the conveying pipe and is connected to the second transmission wheel, the second drive block is disposed on the support, the output end of the second drive block is connected to the third transmission wheel, and the second belt is respectively sleeved on the second transmission wheel and the third transmission wheel.

[0020] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism also includes an inclined discharge pipe, which is connected to the conveying pipe.

[0021] Furthermore, the conveying pipe is provided with a feed inlet. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention can be further understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; rather, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In different views, the same reference numerals designate corresponding parts.

[0023] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fermentation equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating device of the fermentation equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device of the fermentation equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of part B;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1-Fermentation tank; 2-Rotating device; 21-Frame; 22-Transmission structure; 221-First conveyor belt; 222-First roller; 223-First transmission wheel; 23-First drive block; 24-Roller; 3-Feeding device; 31-Moving base; 32-Connecting rod; 33-Feeding mechanism; 331-Bracket; 332-Conveyor pipe; 333-Spiral conveyor blade; 334-Second drive block; 335-Second transmission wheel; 336-Third transmission wheel; 337-Second belt; 338-Feeding pipe; 5-Sealing structure; 6-Snap-fit ​​assembly; 61-First elastic element; 62-Second elastic element; 63-Fixing block; 64-Snap-fit ​​block; 7-Hook; 8-Extension block; 9-Universal ball. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with its embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the utility model and do not limit its scope of protection.

[0031] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0032] 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 invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] In this utility model, "first" and "second" do not represent a specific quantity or order, but are merely used to distinguish names.

[0034] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a fermentation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fermentation tank 1, a rotating device 2, and a feeding device 3. The fermentation tank 1 is provided with a feed pipe 338 communicating with the fermentation tank 1. The feed pipe 338 is coaxially arranged with the fermentation tank 1. The feed pipe 338 is provided with a sealing structure 5 with a conical outer contour. The sealing structure 5 is arranged facing inward of the fermentation tank 1. The sealing structure 5 is used to control the communication device of the feed pipe 338. The sealing structure 5 includes multiple soft rubber blocks connected in sequence. The rotating device 2 is used to place the fermentation tank 1 horizontally and drive the fermentation tank 1 to rotate. The feeding device 3 is used to open the sealing structure 5 and input nutrient solution into the fermentation tank 1.

[0035] The aforementioned fermentation equipment, through a sealing structure 5 composed of multiple soft rubber blocks assembled into a cone shape, utilizes the elasticity of the soft rubber material (such as silicone or fluororubber) to adapt to changes in feed pressure. When the feeding device 3 opens the seal, the soft rubber blocks are compressed and deformed to form a continuous sealing surface that adheres to the pipe wall, replacing the rigid contact seal of the traditional sliding structure (such as the passive seal of a sliding discharge hopper door that relies on gravity for closure), significantly improving sealing reliability. The inner wall of the cone-shaped structure is smooth and has no intermediate platform, allowing the material to slide directly into the tank along the cone surface, avoiding the "trouser leg" type material accumulation of traditional chutes. These features solve the problem of insufficient sealing in sliding discharge structures during displacement switching, which easily leads to material leakage and cross-contamination.

[0036] Multiple soft rubber blocks separate layer by layer when the feeding device 3 is opened, forming a gradual opening (rather than the instantaneous full opening of a traditional sliding door), reducing sudden changes in airflow and pressure (similar to the pressure monitoring and shock-proof design of a slide carriage hydraulic circuit). The nutrient solution is injected along the axial centerline of the tank via the feed pipe 338, creating a centrifugal diffusion effect with the tank's rotation, avoiding unilateral accumulation (compared to the liquid surface stratification problem of traditional side-feeding). When the fermentation tank 1 rotates laterally, the shearing action between the agitator and the tank wall enhances dissolved oxygen transfer efficiency, achieving rapid dispersion of the newly injected nutrient solution. The kinetic energy of the tank's rotation is converted into internal frictional heat within the material, partially offsetting temperature fluctuations caused by the external low-temperature liquid during feeding. These features solve the problem that the operation of the feeding device 3 may interfere with the stability of temperature, pressure, and dissolved oxygen concentration inside the tank, reducing fermentation efficiency and product consistency.

[0037] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the can includes a can body and a lid. The can body has an opening, and the lid is used to control the communication state of the opening. The feed pipe 338 is provided on the lid, and the lid has a hook 7. The can body has a latching assembly 6, which latches with the hook 7. The latching assembly 6 includes a first elastic element 61, a second elastic element 62, a fixing block 63, and a latching block 64 with a cylindrical outer contour. The fixing block 63 is provided on the can body. One end of the first elastic element 61 is connected to the fixing block 63, and the other end of the first elastic element 61 is connected to one end of the latching block 64. One end of the second elastic element 62 is connected to the other end of the latching block 64, and the other end of the second elastic element 62 is connected to the fixing block 63. The latching block 64 latches with the hook 7. Thus, with the first elastic element 61 and the second elastic element 62 symmetrically distributed on both sides of the locking block 64, when the locking block 64 and the hook 7 are engaged, the opposing pull of the two elastic elements forms a dynamic balance, ensuring that the cover always fits tightly against the opening plane of the tank. Even if the tank undergoes slight deformation due to rotation or internal pressure fluctuations, the elastic elements can adaptively compensate for the gap, avoiding the sealing failure caused by uneven force on traditional single-sided buckles. The cylindrical outer contour of the locking block 64 forms a surface contact with the concave curved surface of the hook 7, and with the uniform pressure applied by the two elastic elements, the pressure distribution on the contact surface is more uniform, effectively preventing leakage of nutrient solution or gas from the joint.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the rotating device 2 includes a frame 21, a transmission structure 22, a first drive block 23, and multiple rollers 24. The transmission structure 22 and the first drive block 23 are both mounted on the frame 21, and the multiple rollers 24 are sequentially mounted on the frame 21. The output end of the first drive block 23 is connected to the transmission structure 22. The transmission structure 22 is connected to the multiple rollers 24 in a transmission manner. The first drive block 23 drives the multiple transmission structures 22 to rotate via the transmission structure 22. Two adjacent rollers 24 cooperate to drive the fermenter 1 to rotate. The transmission structure 22 includes a first conveyor belt 221 and multiple first rollers. The first drive block 23 has multiple first drive wheels 222 and multiple first drive wheels 223; one first drive wheel 223 is located on the output end of the first drive block 23; one first drive wheel 223 is correspondingly located on one end of one roller 24; the first conveyor belt 221 is sequentially sleeved on the multiple first drive wheels 223; one first roller 222 is correspondingly located between two adjacent first drive wheels 223, and the outer surface of the first roller 222 is in contact with the outer surface of the first conveyor belt 221; the frame 21 is provided with multiple extension blocks 8, and one universal ball 9 is correspondingly located on one extension block 8, and the two universal balls 9 cooperate to clamp the two end faces of the fermentation tank 1. In this way, the two end faces of the fermentation tank 1 are clamped by two universal balls 9, and the spherical contact design of the universal balls 9 allows the tank to wobble slightly when rotating (such as the axial offset of the tank due to manufacturing errors or thermal expansion), avoiding the roller 24 from jamming due to rigid support.

[0039] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the feeding device 3 includes a movable base 31, a connecting rod 32, and a feeding mechanism 33. The connecting rod 32 is mounted on the movable base 31, and the feeding mechanism 33 is mounted on the connecting rod 32. The feeding mechanism 33 includes a support 331, a conveying pipe 332, a spiral conveying blade 333, a second drive block 334, a second transmission wheel 335, a third transmission wheel 336, and a second belt 337. The support 331 is mounted on one end face of the conveying pipe 332, and the spiral conveying blade 333 is mounted on the conveying pipe 334. Inside 2, one end of the spiral conveyor blade 333 passes through the conveyor pipe 332 and is connected to the second transmission wheel 335. The second drive block 334 is disposed on the bracket 331. The output end of the second drive block 334 is connected to the third transmission wheel 336. The second belt 337 is respectively sleeved on the second transmission wheel 335 and the third transmission wheel 336. The feeding mechanism 33 also includes an inclined discharge pipe, which is connected to the conveyor pipe 332. The conveyor pipe 332 is provided with a feed port. Thus, as the spiral conveyor blade 333 rotates within the conveyor pipe 332, the nutrient solution can be delivered to the discharge pipe at a constant flow rate through precise control of the pitch and rotation speed (the second drive block 334 is a variable frequency motor), avoiding the pulse-like impact of traditional gravity feeding. The discharge pipe is inclined and coaxially aligned with the feed pipe 338, utilizing the combined effects of gravity and spiral thrust to accelerate material flow, ensuring the nutrient solution is injected along the tank's centerline. This solves the problem of backflow caused by relying on a single spiral thrust in traditional equipment and reduces energy consumption. When it is necessary to remove the fermentation tank 1, it can be removed by moving the movable base 31.

[0040] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0041] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fermentation apparatus, characterized by, include: A fermenter, wherein the fermenter is provided with a feed pipe communicating with the fermenter, the feed pipe is coaxially arranged with the fermenter, and the feed pipe is provided with a sealing structure with a conical outer contour, the sealing structure is arranged facing inward of the fermenter, the sealing structure is used to control the communication device of the feed pipe, and the sealing structure includes multiple soft rubber blocks connected in sequence. A rotating device, which is used to place the fermentation tank horizontally and drive the fermentation tank to rotate; A feeding device is used to open the sealing structure and input nutrient solution into the fermentation tank.

2. The fermentation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The can includes a can body and a cover. The can body has an opening. The cover is used to control the connection state of the opening. The feed pipe is provided on the cover. The cover has a hook. The can body has a buckle assembly. The buckle assembly engages with the hook.

3. The fermentation apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The buckle assembly includes a first elastic element, a second elastic element, a fixing block, and a snap-fit ​​block with a cylindrical outer contour; the fixing block is disposed on the tank body, one end of the first elastic element is connected to the fixing block, the other end of the first elastic element is connected to one end of the snap-fit ​​block, one end of the second elastic element is connected to the other end of the snap-fit ​​block, and the other end of the second elastic element is connected to the fixing block. The snap-fit ​​block engages with the snap hook.

4. The fermentation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The rotating device includes a frame, a transmission structure, a first drive block, and multiple rollers; the transmission structure and the first drive block are both mounted on the frame, and the multiple rollers are sequentially mounted on the frame; the output end of the first drive block is connected to the transmission structure; the transmission structure is connected to the multiple rollers respectively; the first drive block is used to drive the multiple transmission structures to rotate through the transmission structure; two adjacent rollers cooperate to drive the fermenter to rotate.

5. The fermentation apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The transmission structure includes a first transmission belt, a plurality of first rollers, and a plurality of first drive wheels; one first drive wheel is disposed on the output end of the first drive block; one first drive wheel is disposed on one end of one of the rollers, and the first transmission belt is sequentially sleeved on the plurality of first drive wheels; one first roller is disposed between two adjacent first drive wheels, and the first roller is in contact with the outer surface of the first transmission belt.

6. The fermentation apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The frame is provided with multiple extension blocks, and each extension block is provided with a universal ball. Two universal balls cooperate to clamp the two ends of the fermentation tank.

7. The fermentation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The feeding device includes a movable base, a connecting rod, and a feeding mechanism. The connecting rod is located on the movable base, and the feeding mechanism is located on the connecting rod.

8. The fermentation apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The feeding mechanism comprises a support, a conveying pipe, a spiral conveying blade, a second driving block, a second transmission wheel, a third transmission wheel and a second belt; the support is arranged on one end surface of the conveying pipe, the spiral conveying blade is arranged in the conveying pipe, one end of the spiral conveying blade penetrates through the conveying pipe and is connected with the second transmission wheel, the second driving block is arranged on the support, an output end of the second driving block is connected with the third transmission wheel, and the second belt is sleeved on the second transmission wheel and the third transmission wheel respectively.

9. The fermentation apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The feeding mechanism further comprises an inclined discharge pipe connected with the conveying pipe.

10. The fermentation apparatus of claim 8, wherein, An inlet is arranged on the conveying pipe.

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