Energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of sterilization devices and discloses an energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine, including a support frame, multiple water storage tanks, multiple multi-port water pipes, and two connecting water pipes. Input components are fixedly installed on the upper end of the support frame near the front end. An insulation frame is fixedly installed on the upper end of the support frame, and multiple drainage grooves are formed on the inner bottom surface of each insulation frame. Three conveying components are installed inside the insulation frame. Multiple conical nozzles are fixedly fitted onto the inner surface of the insulation frame near the multi-port water pipes. Multiple isolation mechanisms are installed inside the insulation frame, each including an upper partition and a lower partition. Telescopic frames are slidably fitted inside each of the upper partitions. Two rotating plates are rotatably connected to the inner surface of each telescopic frame near the lower end. This utility model effectively reduces energy consumption and ensures a safe working environment for workers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sterilization devices, and in particular to an energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine. Background Technology

[0002] Tunnel sterilization machines are a common type of sterilization equipment, typically used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries for product sterilization. They are tunnel-shaped, with materials transported inside via a conveyor belt and undergoing sterilization during transport. Tunnel sterilization machines offer various sterilization methods, including high-temperature sterilization, ultraviolet sterilization, and ozone sterilization. Taking high-temperature sterilization as an example, a spray system is installed inside the tunnel. By controlling the water temperature, preheating, high-temperature sterilization, pre-cooling, and rapid cooling of the product are achieved, thus fulfilling the sterilization purpose.

[0003] In current tunnel sterilization machines, items are typically transported via a conveyor belt. Each conveyor belt can usually only handle one batch of items at a time, and the processing time for each stage is controlled by adjusting the conveyor belt's movement. Furthermore, the working areas are often interconnected, with the sterilization and pre-cooling zones adjacent to each other. Their temperatures may affect each other. During cooling, the sterilization zone may need to temporarily stop working to ensure cooling effectiveness, requiring reheating for the next use, potentially wasting energy and impacting the overall efficiency of the sterilization machine. Additionally, the preheating tunnel chamber's entrance is usually open, allowing some water vapor and mist to leak out for extended periods during high-temperature water spray sterilization, potentially wasting heat and affecting the ambient temperature, thus impacting worker comfort.

[0004] Therefore, those skilled in the art have provided an energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine to solve the problems mentioned in the background art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing an energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine that can effectively reduce energy consumption and ensure a better working environment for staff.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine includes a support frame, multiple water storage tanks, multiple multi-port water pipes, and two connecting water pipes. Input components are fixedly installed on the upper end of the support frame near the front end. An insulation frame is fixedly installed on the upper end of the support frame. Multiple drainage grooves are formed on the inner bottom surface of the insulation frame. Three conveying components are installed inside the insulation frame. Multiple conical nozzles are fixedly fitted onto the inner surface of the insulation frame near the multi-port water pipes. Multiple isolation mechanisms are installed inside the insulation frame. A telescopic partition is fixedly installed on the inner top surface of the insulation frame near the upper end, and a baffle is fixedly installed on the inner bottom surface of the insulation frame near the lower end.

[0008] Each of the aforementioned isolation mechanisms includes an upper partition and a lower partition. Each of the aforementioned upper partitions has a telescopic frame slidably fitted inside. Each of the aforementioned telescopic frames has two rotating plates rotatably connected to its inner surface near the lower end.

[0009] Furthermore, a water pump is provided at one end of each of the multiple multi-port water pipes and the two connecting water pipes. The ends of the multiple multi-port water pipes near the water pumps are respectively fixedly connected to one side of four of the multiple water storage tanks, and the ends of the multiple multi-port water pipes away from the water pumps are respectively fixedly connected to multiple conical nozzles.

[0010] Furthermore, a control panel is fixedly installed on one side of the insulation frame, and the two ends of the two connecting water pipes are respectively fixedly connected to one side of four of the multiple water storage tanks.

[0011] Furthermore, the input component includes a support frame, a conveyor belt, a first motor, and two transmission rollers, and the three transmission components each include two transmission rollers, a mesh belt, and a second motor.

[0012] Furthermore, two of the multiple water storage tanks are fixedly installed at the upper end of the insulation frame, and four of the multiple water storage tanks are fixedly installed at the lower end of the insulation frame.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper ports of the four water tanks located at the lower end of the insulation frame are all directly facing the multiple water leakage channels, and the four outer surfaces of the water tanks located at the upper end of the insulation frame are all fixedly fitted in the support frame.

[0014] Furthermore, the telescopic partition and the baffle are positioned correspondingly, with the telescopic partition and the baffle located above and below one of the three conveying assemblies closest to the rear end, respectively.

[0015] Furthermore, the multiple upper partitions and multiple lower partitions are all fixedly installed on the inner surface of the insulation frame, and the two sides of the multiple rotating plates are rotatably connected to the multiple telescopic frames by spring clips.

[0016] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. This utility model proposes an energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine, which is equipped with an isolation mechanism. A partition with an isolation function is installed at the entrance of the device. The closing of the isolation mechanism is controlled by controlling the up and down movement of the telescopic frame. At the same time, two rotating plates are located between the conveying component and the input component to ensure the smooth transport of products. This can reduce the leakage of high-temperature water vapor inside, which can not only reduce the waste of heat energy, but also reduce the impact on the external ambient temperature, and ensure a comfortable working environment for the staff.

[0018] 2. This utility model proposes an energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine, which is equipped with an isolation mechanism and multiple conveying mechanisms. During use, the multiple conveying mechanisms are located in different areas. The rotating plate in the isolation mechanism can ensure the smooth transition of the product between the various conveying mechanisms. At the same time, the isolation mechanism can separate each working area, forming a temporarily closed environment during operation, avoiding mutual interference between adjacent working areas. This ensures that each area can operate simultaneously without interference, realizing continuous sterilization of the product, thereby ensuring the working efficiency of the sterilization machine. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the present invention near the control panel;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention from the axial side near the connecting water pipe;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional axonometric view of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of the isolation mechanism in this utility model.

[0024] Legend:

[0025] 1. Support frame; 2. Control panel; 3. Input component; 4. Insulation frame; 5. Drainage trough; 6. Conveyor assembly; 7. Water storage tank; 8. Conical nozzle; 9. Multi-port water pipe; 10. Connecting water pipe; 11. Isolation mechanism; 1101. Upper partition; 1102. Lower partition; 1103. Telescopic frame; 1104. Rotating plate; 12. Telescopic partition; 13. Baffle. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] Reference Figure 1-5 An embodiment of this utility model is provided: an energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine, including a support frame 1, multiple water storage tanks 7, multiple multi-port water pipes 9 and two connecting water pipes 10. Input components 3 are fixedly installed on the upper end of the support frame 1 near the front end. A heat insulation frame 4 is fixedly installed on the upper end of the support frame 1. Multiple drainage grooves 5 are opened on the inner bottom surface of the heat insulation frame 4. Three conveying components 6 are installed inside the heat insulation frame 4. Multiple conical nozzles 8 are fixedly fitted on the inner surface of the heat insulation frame 4 near the multi-port water pipes 9. Multiple isolation mechanisms 11 are installed inside the heat insulation frame 4. A telescopic partition 12 is fixedly installed on the inner top surface of the heat insulation frame 4 near the upper end. A baffle 13 is fixedly installed on the inner bottom surface of the heat insulation frame 4 near the lower end.

[0028] A water pump is installed at one end of multiple multi-port water pipes 9 and two connecting water pipes 10. The ends of the multiple multi-port water pipes 9 near the water pumps are fixedly connected to one side of four of the multiple water storage tanks 7. The ends of the multiple multi-port water pipes 9 away from the water pumps are fixedly connected to multiple conical nozzles 8. A control panel 2 is fixedly installed on one side of the insulation frame 4. The two ends of the two connecting water pipes 10 are fixedly connected to one side of four of the multiple water storage tanks 7. The input component 3 includes a support frame, a conveyor belt, a No. 1 motor and two transmission rollers. The three conveying components 6 each include two transmission rollers, a mesh belt and a No. 2 motor.

[0029] Two of the multiple water storage tanks 7 are fixedly installed at the upper end of the insulation frame 4, and four of the multiple water storage tanks 7 are fixedly installed at the lower end of the insulation frame 4. The upper ports of the four water storage tanks 7 located at the lower end of the insulation frame 4 are directly facing the multiple water leakage channels 5. The outer surfaces of the four water storage tanks 7 located at the upper end of the insulation frame 4 are fixedly fitted in the support frame 1. The telescopic partition 12 and the baffle 13 are positioned correspondingly, and the telescopic partition 12 and the baffle 13 are respectively located above and below the one of the three conveying components 6 closest to the rear end.

[0030] Specifically, the support frame 1 is the supporting structure in the sterilizer, supporting the entire device. The control panel 2 controls the operation of all parts of the device; it can control the telescopic frame 1103 to move up and down along the inner wall of the upper partition 1101, and it can also control the extension and retraction of the telescopic partition 12. Furthermore, it can control the input component 3 and the conveying component 6 by controlling motors 1 and 2, and uniformly adjust the motor speeds through the control panel 2. The insulation frame 4 is a tunnel-like structure in the sterilizer, through which the product moves and passes through various stages of the sterilization process. The side walls of the insulation frame 4 are lined with insulation material, which provides a certain degree of insulation and reduces internal heat. Heat dissipates outward, ensuring the temperature stability of each sterilization stage. The insulation frame 4 is divided into four areas by multiple isolation mechanisms 11, telescopic partitions 12 and baffles 13. From front to back, they are the preheating zone, sterilization zone, precooling zone and cooling zone. The preheating zone and cooling zone are separated by telescopic partitions 12 and baffles 13. The water leakage channel 5 is opened on the inner bottom surface of the insulation frame 4. The cross-section of the water leakage channel 5 is an inverted isosceles trapezoid, and its inner surface is designed with an incline. When the high-temperature water mist heats or cools the product, a large amount of water mist will condense into water droplets. The water droplets can enter the water storage tank 7 along the incline of the water leakage channel 5 so as to enter the next water cycle.

[0031] The main purpose of input component 3 is to smoothly transport the product into the sterilizer. Input component 3 includes a support frame, a conveyor belt, a No. 1 motor and two drive rollers. The support frame is fixedly installed on the upper end of the support frame 1 near the front end. Both sides of the two drive rollers are rotatably sleeved on the support frame. The conveyor belt is rotatably sleeved on the outer surface of the two drive rollers. The No. 1 motor is fixedly installed on the support frame. The output end of the No. 1 motor is fixedly connected to one of the two drive rollers.

[0032] Each of the three conveying components 6 includes two conveying rollers, a mesh belt, and a second motor. The three second motors are fixedly mounted on one side of the insulation frame 4, and the two sides of the six conveying rollers are rotatably mounted on both sides of the insulation frame 4. The output ends of the three second motors are fixedly connected to three of the six second rollers respectively. The three mesh belts are respectively mounted on the outer surface of the six conveying rollers. The conveying rollers are provided with annular toothed racks near both sides, which mesh with the mesh holes on the mesh belt. The mesh belt can ensure stable conveying of the product and ensure that the water mist condenses into water droplets and falls smoothly into the water storage tank 7.

[0033] The main function of the multiple water storage tanks 7 is to store water and circulate it through multiple water pipes 9 and connecting water pipes 10. The water in the water storage tanks 7 is sterile to ensure the sterilization effect of the product. The water storage tank 7 located at the upper end of the insulation frame 4 near the front has thicker walls, providing a certain degree of insulation. It is equipped with heating elements and temperature sensors. The water in the water storage tank 7 can be heated electrically to reach the appropriate temperature for high-temperature sterilization. At the same time, the control panel 2 can adjust the power of the heating elements or the water pump flow based on the temperature sensor data. The water temperature is controlled in a closed loop. The water tank 7 located at the upper end of the insulation frame 4 near the rear end has a thinner wall to facilitate the dissipation of heat from the warm water inside. Multiple heat dissipation fins are installed on the outside to increase the contact area with the outside environment and accelerate the drop in water temperature. The two water tanks 7 at the top are partitioned to avoid the influence of backflow water temperature on the output water temperature, thus ensuring the stability of the output water temperature. The other water tank 7 located at the lower end of the insulation frame 4 has a thicker wall to reduce heat loss. It mainly collects water droplets condensed from water mist for water circulation.

[0034] The device has two water circulations: one is a hot water circulation, which exists between the preheating zone and the sterilization zone. In the upper water tank 7 near the front end, water is heated to the required temperature by a heating element. The hot water is then used to sterilize the products in the sterilization zone through a multi-port water pipe 9 and a conical nozzle 8. After sterilization, the water temperature drops, and the cooled water collects in the lower water tank 7 of the sterilization zone. Then, it is used to preheat the products in the preheating zone through the multi-port water pipe 9 and the conical nozzle 8, and the water temperature drops again. The cooled water collects in the lower water tank 7 of the preheating zone and returns to the water tank 7 with the heating element through a connecting water pipe 10 to enter the next cycle. In this cycle, only the water mist in the sterilization zone needs to be heated. Through heat exchange with the products, the water temperature is reduced, meeting the water temperature requirements of the preheating zone and the sterilization zone.

[0035] Another system involves cold water circulation, located between the pre-cooling and cooling zones. In the upper water tank 7 near the rear, the thin walls, combined with the heat dissipation of the fins, maintain the water temperature close to room temperature. Room temperature water is cooled by the conical nozzles 8, which then spray heat onto the products in the cooling zone. After heat exchange, the water temperature rises slightly. The heated water collects in the water tank 7 below the cooling zone and is then cooled by the multi-port water pipes 9 and the conical nozzles 8, causing the water temperature to rise again. This heated water collects in the water tank 7 below the pre-cooling zone and returns to the finned water tank 7 via the connecting water pipes 10. Once the water temperature drops, it re-enters the next cycle. In this cycle, heat exchange with the products raises the water temperature, preventing the heating of the water mist in the preheating zone. The system absorbs heat from the products to meet the water temperature requirements of both the preheating and sterilization zones.

[0036] Multiple multi-port water pipes 9 are connected between the conical nozzles 8 and the water storage tanks 7, which can deliver water of corresponding temperatures to the conical nozzles 8 in the corresponding areas. The main function of the connecting water pipes 10 is to transport water flow, from the water storage tank 7 located at the lower end to the water storage tank 7 located at the upper end for heating or cooling. It is a crucial link in the water circulation. The conical nozzles 8 are atomizing nozzles that can turn water into water mist and spray it out. If it is high-temperature water mist, it is used for high-temperature sterilization. If it is low-temperature water mist, it is used for rapid cooling of products. The telescopic partition 12 is an electric telescopic partition that can be controlled by the control panel 2. When the telescopic partition 12 is extended, it can separate the pre-cooling zone and the cooling zone. The baffle 13 can ensure that water mist of different temperatures in the pre-cooling zone and the cooling zone enters the different water storage tanks 7 respectively.

[0037] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 Each of the multiple isolation mechanisms 11 includes an upper partition 1101 and a lower partition 1102. Each of the multiple upper partitions 1101 has a telescopic frame 1103 slidably fitted inside. Each of the multiple telescopic frames 1103 has two rotating plates 1104 rotatably connected to the inner surface of the inner surface of the telescopic frame 1103 near the lower end.

[0038] Multiple upper partitions 1101 and multiple lower partitions 1102 are fixedly installed on the inner surface of the insulation frame 4, and the two sides of multiple rotating plates 1104 are rotatably connected to multiple telescopic frames 1103 by spring clips.

[0039] Specifically, the upper partition 1101 and the lower partition 1102 correspond to each other, and each of the upper partition 1101 and the lower partition 1102 has a groove on its opposite side for storing the telescopic frame 1103. The vertical movement of the telescopic frame 1103 is controlled by the control panel 2. The telescopic frame 1103 is a plate-like structure with its lower half cut out in the middle. The telescopic frame 1103 is connected to the upper partition 1101 by a telescopic rod. The control panel 2 controls the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod, thereby controlling the raising and lowering of the telescopic frame 1103. The two ends of the rotating plate 1104 are rotatably fitted with the inner wall of the telescopic frame 1103 by spring clips. When the isolation mechanism 11 is in the closed state... At this time, the rotating plate 1104 and the spring clip are both located inside the lower partition 1102. The upper part of the telescopic frame 1103, together with the upper partition 1101 and the lower partition 1102, forms an isolation structure. The spring clip does not affect the sealing effect of the isolation mechanism 11. When the lower end of the rotating plate 1104 is squeezed, it can be flipped upward and changed from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction. When the rotating plate 1104 is not subjected to external force, under the elastic force of the spring clip, the rotating plate 1104 can be kept in a horizontal state. Although the two rotating plates 1104 are in a horizontal state, the two upper end faces are located in a slightly downward inclined plane, which can ensure the smooth transfer of products.

[0040] Working principle: In the initial state, the lower end of the telescopic frame 1103 in the isolation mechanism 11 is housed in the lower partition 1102, and the two rotating plates 1104 are both in a vertical state due to the obstruction of the inner wall of the lower partition 1102. The spring clip has a certain elastic potential energy, which together with the telescopic frame 1103 forms a whole partition. When it is necessary to control the isolation mechanism 11 to open, the telescopic frame 1103 is retracted through the control panel 2. The telescopic frame 1103 moves upward and slowly slides out from the lower partition 1102. As the resistance of the lower partition 1102 to the rotating plate 1104 gradually decreases, the rotating plate 1104 flips downward under the action of the spring clamp, changing from a vertical state to a horizontal state. The plane formed by the two rotating plates 1104 is an inclined plane, with its front end slightly higher than its rear end, which facilitates the transfer of the product between the two structures. Conversely, when the telescopic frame 1103 moves downward, the rotating plate 1104 can flip back to a vertical state and be stored in the lower partition 1102 under the obstruction of the lower partition 1102.

[0041] When sterilizing the product, place the product on the conveyor belt in the input component 3. Open the isolation mechanism 11 through the control panel 2. The plane formed by the two rotating plates 1104 is slightly inclined, with its front end slightly higher than its rear end, located between the input component 3 and the conveyor component 6, facilitating a smooth transition of the product between the two. Start the input component 3, and the product moves along the rotating plate 1104 to the top of the first conveyor component 6 and enters the preheating zone. After all the products in a batch have entered the preheating zone, close the isolation mechanism 11 at the front and rear ends to form a temporarily closed area in the preheating zone. Under the action of water circulation, high-temperature water mist is sprayed onto the product through the conical nozzle 8 to heat the product. At the same time, as the water mist accumulates, it will gradually condense into water droplets. Under the action of gravity, the water droplets will pass through the mesh and drainage groove 5 on the mesh belt and enter the water storage tank 7 below. After the preheating time is up, repeat the above operation. The product will enter the sterilization zone, precooling zone and cooling zone in sequence to exchange heat with water mist of different temperatures to achieve the purpose of sterilization and cooling.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine, comprising a support frame (1), multiple water storage tanks (7), multiple multi-port water pipes (9), and two connecting water pipes (10), characterized in that: The upper end of the support frame (1) is fixedly provided with an input component (3) near the front end. The upper end of the support frame (1) is fixedly provided with a heat insulation frame (4). The inner bottom surface of the heat insulation frame (4) is provided with multiple water leakage grooves (5). The interior of the heat insulation frame (4) is provided with three conveying components (6). The inner surface of the heat insulation frame (4) near the multi-water pipe (9) is fixedly provided with multiple conical nozzles (8). The interior of the heat insulation frame (4) is provided with multiple isolation mechanisms (11). The inner top surface of the heat insulation frame (4) is fixedly provided with a telescopic partition (12) near the upper end. The inner bottom surface of the heat insulation frame (4) is fixedly provided with a baffle (13) near the lower end. Each of the multiple isolation mechanisms (11) includes an upper partition (1101) and a lower partition (1102). Each of the multiple upper partitions (1101) is slidably fitted with a telescopic frame (1103). Each of the multiple telescopic frames (1103) has two rotating plates (1104) rotatably connected to the inner surface of the inner surface of the telescopic frame (1103) near the lower end.

2. The energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water pump is provided at one end of each of the multiple multi-port water pipes (9) and the two connecting water pipes (10). The ends of the multiple multi-port water pipes (9) near the water pumps are respectively fixedly connected to one side of four of the multiple water storage tanks (7). The ends of the multiple multi-port water pipes (9) away from the water pumps are respectively fixedly connected to multiple conical nozzles (8).

3. The energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A control panel (2) is fixedly installed on one side of the insulation frame (4), and the two ends of the two connecting water pipes (10) are respectively fixedly connected to one side of four of the multiple water storage tanks (7).

4. The energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input component (3) includes a support frame, a conveyor belt, a No. 1 motor and two transmission rollers, and the three transmission components (6) each include two transmission rollers, a mesh belt and a No. 2 motor.

5. The energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two of the multiple water storage tanks (7) are fixedly installed at the upper end of the insulation frame (4), and four of the multiple water storage tanks (7) are fixedly installed at the lower end of the insulation frame (4).

6. The energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper ports of four of the multiple water storage tanks (7) located at the lower end of the insulation frame (4) are directly facing multiple water leakage channels (5), and the outer surfaces of the four of the multiple water storage tanks (7) located at the upper end of the insulation frame (4) are fixedly fitted in the support frame (1).

7. The energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic partition (12) and the baffle (13) are positioned opposite each other, with the telescopic partition (12) and the baffle (13) located above and below one of the three conveying components (6) closest to the rear end, respectively.

8. The energy-saving tunnel sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple upper partitions (1101) and multiple lower partitions (1102) are fixedly installed on the inner surface of the insulation frame (4), and the two sides of multiple rotating plates (1104) are rotatably connected to multiple telescopic frames (1103) by spring clips.

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