A homogenizing mixing device for preparing plant protein beverages

Abstract

This application relates to the field of food processing equipment technology, and in particular to a homogenizing and mixing device for preparing plant protein beverages. The device includes a base plate, a first support fixedly mounted on the top of the base plate, a stirring mechanism mounted on the top of the first support, a vacuum homogenizing mechanism mounted on the top of the stirring mechanism, a shearing mechanism mounted on one side of the vacuum homogenizing mechanism, a pre-mixing mechanism mounted on the top of the shearing mechanism, and a feeding hopper fixedly mounted on the top of the pre-mixing mechanism. Through multi-stage homogenization using small-diameter and ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valves, the slurry particles are significantly refined, improving the uniformity and stability of the beverage and preventing stratification or sedimentation. The vacuum chamber shell and vacuum pump ensure that the homogenization process is carried out in a low-pressure environment, preventing bubble generation and oxidation reactions, and protecting nutrients. A circulating pump and electrically controlled on / off valve enable automated circulation processing, improving production efficiency and meeting different production needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of food processing equipment technology, and in particular to a homogenizing and mixing apparatus for preparing plant protein beverages. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of plant-based protein beverages, homogenization and mixing are key process steps that directly affect the product's taste, stability, and nutritional value. Traditional homogenizing equipment typically uses a single mechanical homogenization method. While this can reduce particle size to some extent, it suffers from the following problems: Limited particle refinement: Traditional equipment struggles to adequately refine the fibers and large particles in plant proteins, resulting in a coarse texture and a tendency for stratification or sedimentation. Oxidation and nutrient loss: During homogenization at atmospheric pressure, air can easily be incorporated into the slurry, leading to oxidation and damaging the beverage's nutrients. Low production efficiency: Traditional equipment lacks automated control, requiring manual intervention, resulting in low production efficiency and poor consistency. Equipment damage: Particles in the slurry can cause wear and tear on internal components, shortening the equipment's lifespan.

[0003] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, the inventors have discovered the following drawbacks: Existing devices may only be equipped with a single-diameter homogenizing valve, making it impossible to perform varying degrees of fine homogenization through small-diameter and ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valves. This results in an uneven and delicate product texture, potentially exhibiting a grainy texture or uneven component distribution. Furthermore, the lack of a circulation pump and corresponding circulation pipelines means the liquid can only undergo homogenization once, making it difficult to achieve the thorough mixing and dispersion effects of multiple circulation homogenizations, thus affecting product stability and consistency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art and in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, this application provides a homogenizing and mixing device for preparing plant protein beverages.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a homogenizing and mixing device for preparing plant protein beverages, comprising a base plate, a first support fixedly installed on the top of the base plate, a stirring mechanism provided on the top of the first support, a vacuum homogenizing mechanism provided on the top of the stirring mechanism, a shearing mechanism provided on one side of the vacuum homogenizing mechanism, a premixing mechanism provided on the top of the shearing mechanism, and a feeding hopper fixedly installed on the top of the premixing mechanism;

[0006] A vacuum homogenizing mechanism includes an inlet pipe, a vacuum chamber shell, a small-diameter homogenizing valve, an ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve, an atomizing tube, a first homogenizing valve adjusting rod, a second homogenizing valve adjusting rod, an electrically controlled on / off valve, a first drain pipe, a circulating pump, and a second drain pipe. One end of the inlet pipe is connected to the shearing chamber of a shearing mechanism, and the other end is connected to the vacuum chamber shell. A small-diameter homogenizing valve is installed inside the vacuum chamber shell. The bottom of the small-diameter homogenizing valve is connected to the ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve via the second drain pipe. The drain pipe is equipped with a one-way valve. The bottom of the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve is connected to an atomizing tube. A first homogenizing valve adjusting rod is located on one side of the small diameter homogenizing valve, and a second homogenizing valve adjusting rod is located on the other side. An electrically controlled on / off valve is installed between the vacuum chamber shell and the stirring mechanism. A first drain pipe is connected to one side of the small diameter homogenizing valve, and a circulation pump is fixedly installed on one side of the first drain pipe. A second drain pipe is fixedly installed at the bottom of the circulation pump and is connected to the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve. The atomizing tube atomizes the homogenized slurry, forming fine droplets for easy subsequent processing.

[0007] Optionally, the above-mentioned vacuum homogenization mechanism further includes an air outlet, a liquid separator, a liquid separator plate, an air outlet pipe, and a vacuum pump. The air outlet is located at the top of the vacuum chamber shell, and an air outlet pipe is fixedly installed at the top of the air outlet. A liquid separator is fixedly installed inside the air outlet pipe, and a liquid separator plate is provided at the top of the liquid separator. A vacuum pump is fixedly installed at the top of the air outlet pipe, and an exhaust pipe is provided on one side of the vacuum pump.

[0008] Optionally, the stirring mechanism includes a gear drive assembly for stirring the slurry and a stirring chamber housing; the shearing mechanism includes a mounting plate for fixing a motor, a servo motor for driving a rotor inside the shearing chamber, and a shearing chamber housing for accommodating the rotor; and the premixing mechanism includes a premixing chamber housing, a transfer pipe for connecting the premixing chamber housing and the shearing chamber housing, and a stirring shaft with a built-in drive assembly.

[0009] Optionally, the first homogenizing valve adjusting rod and the first drain pipe are located on one side of the small-diameter homogenizing valve, and the angle between the first homogenizing valve adjusting rod and the first drain pipe is 90°. The second homogenizing valve adjusting rod and the second drain pipe are both located on one side of the ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve, and the angle between the second homogenizing valve adjusting rod and the second drain pipe is 90°.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid inside the inlet pipe passes sequentially through a small-diameter homogenizing valve, a first drain pipe, a circulating pump, a second drain pipe, an ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve, and an atomizing pipe. The liquid inside the inlet pipe also passes sequentially through a small-diameter homogenizing valve, a second drain pipe, and an ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve. Both the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe are equipped with inlet check valves.

[0011] Optionally, the liquid-blocking block includes a liquid-blocking block for preventing liquid from splashing into the vent pipe and a cross-shaped bracket for fixing the liquid-blocking block to the inner wall of the vent pipe. The liquid-blocking plate includes a circular plate with an arched cross section and an exhaust hole opened at the top of the circular plate.

[0012] Optionally, the atomizing tube includes a straight tube connected to an ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve and an atomizing nozzle fixedly connected to the bottom of the straight tube with an inner diameter smaller than that of the straight tube.

[0013] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects:

[0014] 1. This invention utilizes multi-stage homogenization with small-diameter and ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valves to significantly refine slurry particles, improve the uniformity and stability of beverages, and prevent stratification or sedimentation. The vacuum chamber shell and vacuum pump ensure the homogenization process is conducted under low pressure, preventing bubble generation and oxidation reactions, and protecting nutrients. The circulating pump and electrically controlled on / off valves enable automated circulation, improving production efficiency, while the adjusting rods of the first and second homogenizing valves precisely control the homogenization intensity to meet different production needs.

[0015] 2. In use, this invention uses an atomizing tube to atomize the homogenized slurry, facilitating subsequent sterilization, filling, or drying processes and improving product solubility and dispersibility. Liquid separators and plates prevent slurry from splashing into the vacuum pump, protecting the equipment and extending its lifespan. A one-way valve design prevents slurry backflow, ensuring continuous and stable production. Furthermore, the vacuum homogenizing mechanism is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, adaptable to various plant protein raw materials, meeting diverse production needs, and significantly improving the taste, texture, and market competitiveness of beverages. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device in the embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the device in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the vacuum homogenizing mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure installation of the vacuum homogenizing mechanism in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Reference numerals: 1. Base plate; 2. First support; 3. Stirring mechanism; 4. Vacuum homogenizing mechanism; 401. Liquid inlet pipe; 402. Vacuum chamber shell; 403. Small-diameter homogenizing valve; 404. Ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve; 405. Atomizing tube; 406. First homogenizing valve adjusting rod; 407. Second homogenizing valve adjusting rod; 408. Electrically controlled on / off valve; 409. First drain pipe; 410. Circulating pump; 411. Second drain pipe; 412. Air outlet; 413. Liquid separator; 414. Liquid separator plate; 415. Air outlet pipe; 416. Vacuum pump; 5. Shearing mechanism; 6. Premixing mechanism; 7. Feed hopper. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0022] This application discloses a homogenizing and mixing apparatus for preparing plant protein beverages.

[0023] Please see Figure 1 A homogenizing and mixing device for preparing plant protein beverages includes a base plate 1, a first support 2 fixedly mounted on the top of the base plate 1, a stirring mechanism 3 disposed on the top of the first support 2, a vacuum homogenizing mechanism 4 disposed on the top of the stirring mechanism 3, a shearing mechanism 5 disposed on one side of the vacuum homogenizing mechanism 4, a premixing mechanism 6 disposed on the top of the shearing mechanism 5, and a feeding hopper 7 fixedly mounted on the top of the premixing mechanism 6; the stirring mechanism 3 includes a gear drive assembly for stirring the slurry and a stirring chamber shell; the shearing mechanism 5 includes a mounting plate for fixing a motor, a servo motor for driving the rotor inside the shearing chamber, and a shearing chamber shell for accommodating the rotor; the premixing mechanism 6 includes a premixing chamber shell, a transfer pipe for connecting the premixing chamber shell and the shearing chamber shell, and a stirring shaft with a built-in drive assembly.

[0024] Please see Figures 2 to 4The vacuum homogenizing mechanism 4 includes an inlet pipe 401, a vacuum chamber shell 402, a small-diameter homogenizing valve 403, an ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve 404, an atomizing tube 405, a first homogenizing valve adjusting rod 406, a second homogenizing valve adjusting rod 407, an electrically controlled on / off valve 408, a first drain pipe 409, a circulating pump 410, and a second drain pipe 411. One end of the inlet pipe 401 is connected to the shearing chamber of the shearing mechanism 5, and the other end of the inlet pipe 401 is connected to the vacuum chamber shell 402. The small-diameter homogenizing valve 403 is installed inside the vacuum chamber shell 402, and the bottom of the small-diameter homogenizing valve 403 is connected to the ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve 404 through the second drain pipe 411. 4. The second drain pipe 411 is equipped with a one-way valve. The bottom of the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve 404 is connected to the atomizing pipe 405. The first homogenizing valve adjusting rod 406 is provided on one side of the small diameter homogenizing valve 403. The second homogenizing valve adjusting rod 407 is provided on one side of the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve 404. An electrically controlled on / off valve 408 is provided between the vacuum chamber shell 402 and the stirring mechanism 3. The first drain pipe 409 is connected to one side of the small diameter homogenizing valve 403. A circulation pump 410 is fixedly installed on one side of the first drain pipe 409. The second drain pipe 411 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the circulation pump 410. The second drain pipe 411 is connected to the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve 404.

[0025] The vacuum homogenizing mechanism 4 also includes an air outlet 412, a liquid separator 413, a liquid separator plate 414, an air outlet pipe 415, and a vacuum pump 416. The air outlet 412 is located on the top of the vacuum chamber shell 402. An air outlet pipe 415 is fixedly installed on the top of the air outlet 412. A liquid separator 413 is fixedly installed inside the air outlet pipe 415. A liquid separator plate 414 is provided on the top of the liquid separator 413. A vacuum pump 416 is fixedly installed on the top of the air outlet pipe 415. An exhaust pipe is provided on one side of the vacuum pump 416.

[0026] The first homogenizing valve adjusting rod 406 and the first drain pipe 409 are located on one side of the small-diameter homogenizing valve 403, and the angle between the first homogenizing valve adjusting rod 406 and the first drain pipe 409 is 90°. The second homogenizing valve adjusting rod 407 and the second drain pipe 411 are both located on one side of the ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve 404, and the angle between the second homogenizing valve adjusting rod 407 and the second drain pipe 411 is 90°.

[0027] The liquid inside the inlet pipe 401 passes sequentially through the small-diameter homogenizing valve 403, the first drain pipe 409, the circulating pump 410, the second drain pipe 411, the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve 404, and the atomizing pipe 405. The liquid inside the inlet pipe 401 also passes sequentially through the small-diameter homogenizing valve 403, the second drain pipe 411, and the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve 404. Both the first drain pipe 409 and the second drain pipe 411 are equipped with inlet check valves.

[0028] The liquid-blocking block 413 includes a liquid-blocking block for preventing liquid from splashing into the vent pipe 415 and a cross bracket for fixing the liquid-blocking block to the inner wall of the vent pipe 415. The liquid-blocking plate 414 includes a circular plate with an arched cross section and an exhaust hole opened on the top of the circular plate.

[0029] The atomizing tube 405 includes a straight tube connected to the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve 404 and an atomizing nozzle fixedly connected to the bottom of the straight tube with an inner diameter smaller than that of the straight tube.

[0030] Further explanation is needed:

[0031] The core function of the vacuum homogenizing mechanism 4 is to significantly improve the quality of plant protein beverages through multi-stage homogenization. The small-diameter homogenizing valve 403 and the ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve 404 refine the slurry step by step, reducing the particle size to a more uniform microscopic state. This process not only makes the beverage taste more delicate and smooth, but also effectively prevents the beverage from separating or settling during storage, thereby improving the stability of the product. In addition, the vacuum chamber shell 402 and the vacuum pump 416 work together to create a low-pressure environment, preventing air from being mixed into the slurry during homogenization, reducing the generation of bubbles, and reducing the damage of oxidation reactions to nutrients such as vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, ensuring the purity and nutritional value of the beverage.

[0032] The vacuum homogenizing mechanism 4, through the design of the circulating pump 410 and the electrically controlled on / off valve 408, realizes the automated circulation of slurry, significantly improving production efficiency. The circulating pump pumps the slurry from the first drain pipe 409 into the second drain pipe 411, allowing the slurry to pass through the homogenizing valve multiple times for refinement, ensuring that each batch of slurry achieves a consistent homogenization effect. The electrically controlled on / off valve automatically controls the flow path of the slurry, reducing manual intervention and lowering the difficulty of operation. At the same time, the first homogenizing valve adjusting rod 406 and the second homogenizing valve adjusting rod 407 provide precise adjustment functions, which can flexibly adjust the homogenization intensity according to different raw material characteristics or production needs, ensuring the stability and controllability of product quality. This efficient and automated design not only improves production efficiency but also reduces production costs.

[0033] The working principle of the above embodiments is as follows:

[0034] First, the raw materials are fed into the premixing mechanism 6 through the hopper 7. Inside the premixing chamber, the stirring shaft rotates through the built-in drive assembly to perform preliminary mixing of the raw materials. This process ensures that the solid particles and liquid are in full contact to form a uniform slurry mixture. The premixed slurry is then transported to the shearing mechanism 5 through the transfer pipe to prepare for subsequent refining.

[0035] Secondly, the premixed slurry enters the shearing chamber of the shearing mechanism 5. Driven by the servo motor, the rotor in the shearing chamber rotates at high speed, generating a strong shearing force to further break down the particles in the slurry. This step is particularly suitable for processing fibers or large particles in plant proteins, ensuring the fineness and fluidity of the slurry. The sheared slurry is then transported to the vacuum homogenizing mechanism 4 through the inlet pipe 401 for the next stage of processing.

[0036] Next, the slurry enters the vacuum chamber shell 402 through the inlet pipe 401. Under the action of the vacuum pump 416, a low-pressure environment is formed inside the chamber to prevent air from mixing into the slurry or generating bubbles. The slurry first passes through the small-diameter homogenizing valve 403 and undergoes preliminary homogenization under high pressure to reduce the particle size to a smaller range. Subsequently, the slurry enters the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve 404 through the second drain pipe 411 for secondary homogenization to further refine the particles and ensure the uniformity and stability of the slurry. During the homogenization process, the first homogenizing valve adjusting rod 406 and the second homogenizing valve adjusting rod 407 can precisely adjust the opening and closing degree of the valves to control the homogenization intensity.

[0037] Next, the homogenized slurry is atomized and sprayed out through the atomizing pipe 405 to form fine droplets. The atomization process not only improves the dispersibility of the slurry, but also facilitates subsequent sterilization, filling or drying processes. At the same time, the circulating pump 410 pumps part of the slurry from the first drain pipe 409 into the second drain pipe 411, and then delivers it back to the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve 404 for secondary treatment. This circulation design ensures that each batch of slurry can achieve a consistent homogenization effect, improving the stability of product quality.

[0038] Finally, the homogenized and atomized slurry enters the next process. The slurry can be transported to the sterilization equipment for high-temperature sterilization, or directly enter the filling line for packaging. Throughout the process, the electrically controlled on / off valve 408 automatically controls the flow path of the slurry to ensure continuous and efficient production. The liquid separator 413 and liquid separator plate 414 prevent the slurry from splashing into the vacuum pump 416, protecting the normal operation of the equipment. Ultimately, the equipment produces a plant protein beverage with fine particles, a smooth taste, and high stability.

[0039] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A homogenizing mixing device for preparing a plant protein beverage comprising a base plate (1), characterized in that: A first bracket (2) is fixedly installed on the top of the base plate (1). A stirring mechanism (3) is provided on the top of the first bracket (2). A vacuum homogenizing mechanism (4) is provided on the top of the stirring mechanism (3). A shearing mechanism (5) is provided on one side of the vacuum homogenizing mechanism (4). A premixing mechanism (6) is provided on the top of the shearing mechanism (5). A feeding hopper (7) is fixedly installed on the top of the premixing mechanism (6). The vacuum homogenizing mechanism (4) includes an inlet pipe (401), a vacuum chamber shell (402), a small-diameter homogenizing valve (403), an ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve (404), an atomizing pipe (405), a first homogenizing valve adjusting rod (406), a second homogenizing valve adjusting rod (407), an electrically controlled on / off valve (408), a first drain pipe (409), a circulating pump (410), and a second drain pipe (411). One end of the inlet pipe (401) is connected to the shearing chamber of the shearing mechanism (5), and the other end of the inlet pipe (401) is connected to the vacuum chamber shell (402). The vacuum chamber shell (402) is equipped with a small-diameter homogenizing valve (403). The bottom of the small-diameter homogenizing valve (403) is connected to the ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve (404) through the second drain pipe (411). The second drain pipe (411) is connected to the atomizing pipe (405) at the bottom of the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve (404). A first homogenizing valve adjusting rod (406) is provided on one side of the small diameter homogenizing valve (403). A second homogenizing valve adjusting rod (407) is provided on one side of the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve (404). An electrically controlled on / off valve (408) is provided between the vacuum chamber shell (402) and the stirring mechanism (3). A first drain pipe (409) is connected to one side of the small diameter homogenizing valve (403). A circulating pump (410) is fixedly installed on one side of the first drain pipe (409). A second drain pipe (411) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the circulating pump (410). The second drain pipe (411) is connected to the ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve (404).

2. A homogenizing mixing device for preparing a plant protein beverage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum homogenizing mechanism (4) further includes an air outlet (412), a liquid separator (413), a liquid separator plate (414), an air outlet pipe (415), and a vacuum pump (416). The air outlet (412) is located on the top of the vacuum chamber shell (402). An air outlet pipe (415) is fixedly installed on the top of the air outlet (412). A liquid separator (413) is fixedly installed inside the air outlet pipe (415). A liquid separator plate (414) is provided on the top of the liquid separator (413). A vacuum pump (416) is fixedly installed on the top of the air outlet pipe (415). An exhaust pipe is provided on one side of the vacuum pump (416).

3. The homogenizing and mixing apparatus for preparing plant protein beverages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring mechanism (3) includes a gear drive assembly for stirring the slurry and a stirring chamber shell. The shearing mechanism (5) includes a mounting plate for fixing the motor, a servo motor for driving the rotor inside the shearing chamber, and a shearing chamber shell for accommodating the rotor. The premixing mechanism (6) includes a premixing chamber shell, a transfer pipe for connecting the premixing chamber shell and the shearing chamber shell, and a stirring shaft with a built-in drive assembly.

4. The homogenizing and mixing apparatus for preparing plant protein beverages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first homogenizing valve adjusting rod (406) and the first drain pipe (409) are located on one side of the small-diameter homogenizing valve (403), and the angle between the first homogenizing valve adjusting rod (406) and the first drain pipe (409) is 90°. The second homogenizing valve adjusting rod (407) and the second drain pipe (411) are located on one side of the ultra-small-diameter homogenizing valve (404), and the angle between the second homogenizing valve adjusting rod (407) and the second drain pipe (411) is 90°.

5. The homogenizing and mixing apparatus for preparing plant protein beverages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid inside the inlet pipe (401) passes sequentially through a small-diameter homogenizing valve (403), a first drain pipe (409), a circulating pump (410), a second drain pipe (411), an ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve (404), and an atomizing pipe (405). The liquid inside the inlet pipe (401) also passes sequentially through a small-diameter homogenizing valve (403), a second drain pipe (411), and an ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve (404). Both the first drain pipe (409) and the second drain pipe (411) are equipped with inlet check valves.

6. The homogenizing and mixing apparatus for preparing plant protein beverages according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid-blocking block (413) includes a liquid-blocking block for preventing liquid from splashing into the vent pipe (415) and a cross bracket for fixing the liquid-blocking block to the inner wall of the vent pipe (415). The liquid-blocking plate (414) includes a circular plate with an arched cross section and an exhaust hole opened on the top of the circular plate.

7. The homogenizing and mixing apparatus for preparing plant protein beverages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomizing tube (405) includes a straight tube connected to an ultra-small diameter homogenizing valve (404) and an atomizing nozzle fixedly connected to the bottom of the straight tube with an inner diameter smaller than that of the straight tube.

Images