A steam softening device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a steam softening device, including a frame, a conveyor belt, a cover, and a humidification softening mechanism. The conveyor belt, mounted on the frame, is used to transport materials and has vents for gas passage. The cover, mounted on the frame, at least partially covers the conveyor belt, forming a humidification space with the conveyor belt. The humidification softening mechanism, mounted on the frame, provides humidifying gas, which enters the humidification space through the vents in the conveyor belt to humidify and soften the materials on the conveyor belt. In this steam softening device, the humidifying gas in the humidification space effectively humidifies and softens the materials, preventing them from becoming overly brittle and reducing the risk of breakage during subsequent transfers and packaging, thus ensuring product quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of soybean product processing, specifically to a steam softening device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main equipment for producing dried bean curd sticks and crispy bean curd rolls is the automatic dried bean curd stick machine. This machine typically includes functional structures such as a slurry pan, a skin-forming section, and a drying and shaping section. Selected soybeans are soaked, ground, and filtered to obtain high-quality raw soy milk of suitable concentration. This soy milk is pumped into the core of the machine, usually made of stainless steel, into a slurry pan. A precise heating system (such as a steam coil or electric heating element) is located below or inside the pan, rapidly heating the soy milk to near boiling point (usually between 90-100 degrees Celsius) and maintaining this temperature for an extended period. Under this continuous heating and constant temperature environment, a large amount of water evaporates from the surface of the soy milk. Simultaneously, the proteins (mainly soy globulins) and fats in the soy milk gradually aggregate and denature to the surface under the influence of heat. Due to surface tension, this concentrated protein-fat mixture forms a glossy, resilient, translucent film on the calm surface of the soy milk, forming a semi-finished bean curd skin, which is then further processed to produce dried bean curd sticks or crispy bean curd rolls.

[0003] Crispy fried tofu skin rolls are a product made through further processing of bean curd sheets. The cut bean curd sheets are rolled into long strips, then cut into small pieces, and deep-fried. After frying, the rolls are drained, cooled, and then you get a delicate, puffed, and crispy product. However, in mass production in factories, the excessive crispiness of the fried rolls makes them extremely prone to breakage during subsequent handling and packaging, affecting product quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a steam softening device to address the problem that fried crispy tofu rolls are too crispy and easily break during subsequent transfers and packaging.

[0005] A steam softening device, comprising:

[0006] frame;

[0007] A conveyor belt, mounted on the frame, is used to transport materials, and the conveyor belt is provided with vents for gas to pass through;

[0008] A cover is mounted on the frame and at least partially covers the conveyor belt, the cover and the conveyor belt forming a humidification space;

[0009] A humidification and softening mechanism is installed on the frame. The humidification and softening mechanism is used to provide humidifying gas. The humidifying gas enters the humidification space through the air vents of the conveyor belt to humidify and soften the material on the conveyor belt.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the cover is fitted with a liner for absorbing and condensing the humidifying gas.

[0011] In one embodiment, the frame is provided with a water collection tank, which is arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, and the water collection tank is used to receive liquid condensed on the lining.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bottom of the cover is provided with a first mounting assembly for fixing the lining, and the top of the cover is provided with a second mounting assembly for fixing the lining.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first mounting assembly includes a first clamp and a second clamp, the first clamp and the second clamp being fixed to the inner wall of the cover, and the free ends of the first clamp and the second clamp clamping and fixing the lining.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first clamping plate is located on the side of the second clamping plate closer to the conveyor belt, and the free end of the first clamping plate is provided with a water guide extending in an arc shape away from the second clamping plate; and / or

[0015] The free section of the second clamping plate is provided with a water-blocking part that extends in an arc shape away from the first clamping plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second mounting assembly includes a first clip and a second clip, which are mounted on the inner wall of the cover, and the free ends of the first clip and the second clip clamp and fix the lining.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first clip and the second clip are provided with guide ramps that gradually approach the lining in a direction away from the inner wall of the cover.

[0018] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the conveyor belt circumferentially encloses a space, and the humidification and softening mechanism is installed within the space enclosed by the conveyor belt.

[0019] In one embodiment, the conveyor belt includes conveyor rods arranged in a circumferential array, the conveyor rods being connected in series by flexible strips, and the gaps between the conveyor rods forming ventilation holes in the conveyor belt.

[0020] The aforementioned steam softening device provides humidifying gas through a humidifying mechanism. The humidifying gas enters the humidification space through the ventilation holes of the conveyor belt. When the material on the conveyor belt passes through the humidification space, the humidifying gas in the humidification space can humidify and soften the material. The humidified and softened material will not be too brittle and will not easily break or break during subsequent transfers and packaging processes, thus ensuring the product quality of the material. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the specific embodiments will be briefly described below. In all the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of a steam softening device in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view of the steam softening device shown;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Side view of the steam softening device shown;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the conveyor belt mounted on the frame;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the humidification and softening mechanism installed within the space enclosed by the conveyor belt;

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the installation of the inner lining fabric;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the first installation component;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the second installation component.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 10-Frame, 12-Guide groove, 20-Conveyor belt, 201-Ventilation hole, 21-Conveyor rod, 22-Flexible strip, 30-Cover, 31-Humidification space, 32-Mounting block, 40-Humidification and softening mechanism, 50-Rinse cloth, 51-First mounting assembly, 511-First clamping plate, 512-Second clamping plate, 513-Water guiding part, 514-Water blocking part, 52-Second mounting assembly, 521-First clamping piece, 522-Second clamping piece, 523-Guide slope, 53-Clocking block, 60-Water collection tank. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 4 One embodiment of the steam softening device includes a frame 10, a conveyor belt 20, a cover 30, and a humidification softening mechanism 40.

[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The frame 10 is installed in a suitable position on the production line and is used to support and install other components of the steam softening device. A conveyor belt 20 is installed on the frame 10 and is used to transport materials. In one embodiment, the material transported on the conveyor belt 20 is a relatively brittle material, such as rolled tofu or twisted dough sticks, which is highly susceptible to breakage during multiple transfers and packaging processes.

[0037] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5 The conveyor belt 20 has vent holes 201 for gas to pass through. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt 20 includes conveyor rods 21 arranged in a circumferential array. The conveyor rods 21 are connected in series by flexible strips 22, and the gaps between adjacent conveyor rods 21 form the vent holes 201 of the conveyor belt 20. The flexible strips 22 can be bent and deformed so that the conveyor belt 20 can move under the action of rollers.

[0038] It is understood that in other embodiments, the ventilation holes 201 of the conveyor belt 20 can be implemented in other ways, such as the conveyor belt 20 being a strip structure with holes, which serve as ventilation holes 201.

[0039] In one embodiment, a guide groove 12 is provided on the frame 10, and the end of the conveyor rod 21 is inserted into the guide groove 12. The guide groove 12 can guide and limit the movement of the conveyor rod 21, ensuring the stability of the rod-shaped conveyor belt 20. The flexible strip 22 can be made of plastic or rubber, or it can be a flexible strip structure such as steel wire.

[0040] Please refer to it again. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cover 30 is mounted on the frame 10 and at least partially covers the conveyor belt 20, forming a humidification space 31 with the conveyor belt 20. The humidification and softening mechanism 40 is mounted on the frame 10 and is used to provide humidifying gas. The humidifying gas enters the humidification space 31 through the vent 201 of the conveyor belt 20 to humidify and soften the material on the conveyor belt 20.

[0041] In one embodiment, the humidifying gas provided by the humidifying and softening mechanism 40 is steam, which rises and passes through the vent 201 to humidify and soften the material. Of course, in other embodiments, the humidifying gas can also be other gases, as long as the gas has a certain humidity and is harmless to the material.

[0042] In one embodiment, a liner 50 is installed on the inner wall of the cover 30. The liner 50 is used to absorb and condense humidified gas. When the humidified gas enters the humidification space 31 through the vents 201 of the conveyor belt 20, it easily condenses upon contact with the inner wall of the cover 30. The condensed water droplets accumulate and eventually drip onto the conveyor belt 20, causing excessive humidification of the material on the conveyor belt 20 and affecting product quality. Therefore, by installing the liner 50 on the inner wall of the cover 30, the tiny pores of the liner 50 can absorb and condense the humidified gas. Simultaneously, the liner 50 has a strong water absorption capacity, preventing the cooled liquid on the liner 50 from dripping onto the conveyor belt 20.

[0043] In one embodiment, a water collection tank 60 is provided on the frame 10, arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 20. The water collection tank 60 is used to receive liquid condensed on the lining 50, and its length corresponds to the length of the cover 30. The water collection tank 60 is located directly below the lower end of the lining 50. Under the influence of gravity, the liquid adsorbed on the lining 50 gradually flows towards the lower end of the lining 50 and eventually collects in the water collection tank 60, preventing excessive liquid adsorbed on the lining 50 from dripping onto the conveyor belt 20. Furthermore, the end of the water collection tank 60 is bent and deflected outside the frame 10, and a drain pipe is provided at the end of the water collection tank 60 to drain the liquid from the tank.

[0044] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the bottom of the cover 30 is provided with a first mounting component 51 for fixing the lining 50, and the top of the cover 30 is provided with a second mounting component 52 for fixing the lining 50. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cover 30 is generally triangular, and the inner wall of the cover 30 has two symmetrical walls. The lining 50 is installed on both walls, and the bottom of each of the two walls is provided with a first mounting component 51. A mounting block 32 is provided at the junction of the two walls, and the two second mounting components 52 are installed on the mounting block 32 to fix the two linings 50 in place.

[0045] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 In one embodiment, the first mounting assembly 51 includes a first clamping plate 511 and a second clamping plate 512, which are fixed to the inner wall of the cover 30. The first clamping plate 511 and the second clamping plate 512 are elastic plates, such as thin steel plates or thin stainless steel plates. A lining 50 is inserted into the gap between the first clamping plate 511 and the second clamping plate 512. The insertion of the lining 50 causes the first clamping plate 511 and the second clamping plate 512 to deform outward. The free ends of the first clamping plate 511 and the second clamping plate 512 provide elastic force to hold and fix the lining 50.

[0046] In one embodiment, the first clamping plate 511 is located on the side of the second clamping plate 512 near the conveyor belt 20. The free end of the first clamping plate 511 is provided with a water guiding part 513 extending in an arc away from the second clamping plate 512. The projection of the water guiding part 513 on the horizontal plane is within the range of the water collection tank 60.

[0047] The liquid collected at the bottom of the lining 50 can be stopped from flowing downward by the water guide part 513. At the same time, the water guide part 513 guides the liquid to the top of the water collection tank 60 and finally drips into the water collection tank 60. The distance between the water guide part 513 and the water collection tank 60 should be as small as possible to minimize the range of liquid dripping, breaking and spreading, and affecting the materials on the conveyor belt 20.

[0048] In one embodiment, the free end of the second clamping plate 512 is provided with a water-blocking portion 514 extending in an arc shape away from the first clamping plate 511, and a water-guiding portion 513 can stop the liquid from continuing to flow downward, so that the liquid is collected into the water collection tank 60 through the water-guiding portion 513 as much as possible. At the same time, the free ends of the first clamping plate 511 and the second clamping plate 512 are both arc-shaped, which also facilitates the insertion of the lining 50 between the first clamping plate 511 and the second clamping plate 512.

[0049] Please refer to the following: Figure 8 In one embodiment, the second mounting assembly 52 includes a first clamping piece 521 and a second clamping piece 522, which are mounted on the inner wall of the cover 30. Both the first clamping piece 521 and the second clamping piece 522 are elastic plates, such as thin steel plates or thin stainless steel plates. A lining 50 is inserted into the gap between the first clamping piece 521 and the second clamping piece 522. The insertion of the lining 50 causes the first clamping piece 521 and the second clamping piece 522 to deform outward. The free ends of the first clamping piece 521 and the second clamping piece 522 provide elastic force to hold and fix the lining 50.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first clip 521 and the second clip 522 are provided with guide slopes 523, which gradually approach the lining fabric 50 in a direction away from the interior of the cover 30. When the humidifying gas comes into contact with the first clip 521 and the second clip 522, liquid will condense on them. The guide slopes 523 can then guide the condensed liquid on the first clip 521 and the second clip 522 onto the lining fabric 50, preventing the condensed liquid from dripping from the clips.

[0051] In one embodiment, to ensure the clamping force of the clamping plates and clips on the lining 50, the two ends of the lining 50 are provided with increased diameter locking blocks 53. The locking blocks 53 are engaged between the clamping plates and clips, which can increase the clamping force of the clamping plates and clips on the lining 50 and prevent the lining 50 from falling off due to instability in the clamping plates and clips. At the same time, after the clamping plates and clips clamp and fix the lining 50, bolts can also be installed on the free ends of the clamping plates and clips. The bolts provide greater clamping force and further ensure the stability of the lining 50 installation.

[0052] Please refer to it again. Figure 4 and Figure 5In one embodiment, the inner wall of the conveyor belt 20 circumferentially encloses an installation space, and the humidification and softening mechanism 40 is installed within the space enclosed by the conveyor belt 20, that is, the humidification and softening mechanism 40 is located between the upper and lower layers of the conveyor belt 20. Because the humidification and softening mechanism 40 is located within the conveyor belt 20, the humidifying gas provided by the humidification and softening mechanism 40 enters the humidification space 31 through the vent 201 with a shorter distance, preventing the humidifying gas from escaping to other areas and improving the utilization rate of the humidifying gas. At the same time, the humidification and softening structure being located within the conveyor belt 20 can improve the compactness of the device.

[0053] It is understood that in other embodiments, the humidification and softening mechanism 40 may also be installed in other locations, such as at the bottom of the conveyor belt 20, as long as the humidifying gas provided by the humidification and softening mechanism 40 can pass through the vent 201 into the humidification space 31.

[0054] In one embodiment, the humidification and softening mechanism 40 can be a steam generator, which is a mechanical device that uses the thermal energy of fuel or other energy sources to heat water into steam. It is understood that the humidification and softening mechanism 40 can also be a steam distribution pipe, into which external steam is introduced and then the steam is evenly sprayed out.

[0055] The steam softening device described above provides steam through the humidification softening mechanism 40. The steam enters the humidification space 31 through the vent 201 of the conveyor belt 20. When the material on the conveyor belt 20 passes through the humidification space 31, the steam in the humidification space 31 can humidify and soften the material. The humidified and softened material will not be too brittle and will not easily break or break during subsequent transfers and packaging processes, thus ensuring the product quality of the material.

[0056] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steam softening device, characterized in that, include: frame; A conveyor belt, mounted on the frame, is used to transport materials, and the conveyor belt is provided with vents for gas to pass through; A cover is mounted on the frame and at least partially covers the conveyor belt, the cover and the conveyor belt forming a humidification space; A humidification and softening mechanism is installed on the frame. The humidification and softening mechanism is used to provide humidifying gas. The humidifying gas enters the humidification space through the air vents of the conveyor belt to humidify and soften the material on the conveyor belt.

2. The steam softening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the cover is fitted with a lining cloth, which is used to absorb and condense the humidified gas.

3. The steam softening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame is equipped with a water collection tank, which is arranged along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. The water collection tank is used to receive the liquid condensed on the lining.

4. The steam softening device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the cover is provided with a first mounting component for fixing the lining, and the top of the cover is provided with a second mounting component for fixing the lining.

5. The steam softening device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first mounting assembly includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate, which are fixed to the inner wall of the cover, and the free ends of the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate clamp and fix the lining cloth.

6. The steam softening device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first clamping plate is located on the side of the second clamping plate closer to the conveyor belt, and the free end of the first clamping plate is provided with a water guide portion extending in an arc shape away from the second clamping plate; and / or The free section of the second clamping plate is provided with a water-blocking part that extends in an arc shape away from the first clamping plate.

7. The steam softening device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second mounting assembly includes a first clip and a second clip, which are mounted on the inner wall of the cover, and the free ends of the first clip and the second clip clamp and fix the lining.

8. The steam softening device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first clip and the second clip are provided with guide slopes, which gradually approach the lining fabric in a direction away from the inner wall of the cover.

9. The steam softening apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The inner wall of the conveyor belt forms a space, and the humidification and softening mechanism is installed within the space formed by the conveyor belt.

10. The steam softening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt includes conveyor rods arranged in a circumferential array. The conveyor rods are connected in series by flexible strips, and the gaps between the conveyor rods form the ventilation holes of the conveyor belt.

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