A tunnel microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco

Abstract

The utility model provides a tunnel type microwave sterilization device of fermented tobacco, include: conveyer belt, is used for conveying tobacco; Resonant cavity forms multiple microwave feed openings, microwave feed opening is used for introducing microwave into resonant cavity, the conveyer belt passes through resonant cavity setting; Microwave generator has multiple magnetrons for generating microwave, multiple magnetrons are through microwave shielding pipeline and are oriented to multiple microwave feed openings. In the scheme of the utility model, microwave feed opening introduces the microwave generated by microwave generator into resonant cavity, carries out microwave sterilization treatment to the tobacco that flows through resonant cavity, utilizes the high penetration characteristic of microwave, realizes the synchronous heating of inside and outside material, through the synergistic effect of microwave thermal effect and non - thermal effect, directly destroys microorganism DNA and cell structure especially has the remarkable killing effect to the stubborn microorganism such as heat -resistant bacillus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tobacco product processing and manufacturing technology, specifically to a tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds. Background Technology

[0002] Tobacco is one of the core raw materials for cigarette manufacturing, and its quality directly affects the quality of tobacco products. However, harmful bacteria inevitably grow during the planting, harvesting, transportation, initial processing, storage, and fermentation of tobacco leaves. If these bacteria are not eradicated, they can affect the taste of tobacco products or even harm consumers' health. Furthermore, the aroma-enhancing fermentation process introduces a significant number of beneficial microorganisms, and some microbial cells remain in the tobacco after fermentation. To ensure the preservation and quality stability of finished cigarettes, inactivation procedures must be performed on the tobacco before rolling.

[0003] It is known that some organizations and individuals have proposed some sterilization methods or devices for tobacco, such as chemical fumigation, high-temperature steam treatment or ultraviolet irradiation. However, the defects of such methods are very obvious, for example: (1) Chemical fumigation relies on volatile agents (such as ethylene oxide) to penetrate into the tobacco, and requires long-term sealed treatment to ensure sterilization effect. It is not only time-consuming but also prone to leaving harmful chemical substances, threatening product safety; (2) Although high-temperature steam sterilization can kill microorganisms through the effect of moist heat, the heat conduction speed is slow, the energy consumption is high, and excessive heating can easily damage the tobacco fiber structure, resulting in aroma loss or hardening of texture, affecting the quality of smoking; (3) Although ultraviolet sterilization leaves no chemical residue, its linear propagation characteristics result in insufficient penetration into the interior of the tobacco stack. The sterilization effect is constrained by factors such as material density and surface cleanliness. It requires repeated turning or extended irradiation time, making it difficult to achieve rapid and uniform treatment. Moreover, ultraviolet sterilization requires long-term irradiation, which is time-consuming and consumes other energy. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the known technologies pointed out in the background section, the present invention aims to provide a tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds to solve at least one technical problem existing in the prior art.

[0005] A tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds, according to a first aspect of the present invention, includes: a conveyor belt for conveying tobacco shreds; a resonant cavity having a plurality of microwave feed ports, wherein the microwave feed ports are used to introduce microwaves into the resonant cavity, and the conveyor belt passes through the resonant cavity; and a microwave generator having a plurality of magnetrons for generating microwaves, wherein the plurality of magnetrons respectively guide microwaves to the plurality of microwave feed ports through microwave shielding pipes.

[0006] In one possible implementation, a tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco is provided, wherein the inner wall of the resonant cavity is lined with a microwave reflector.

[0007] In one possible implementation, a tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco is provided, wherein a stirrer is installed inside the resonant cavity.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds further includes, in the resonant cavity: at least one dehumidification port for connection to a negative pressure fan; and a humidity sensor for detecting humidity within the resonant cavity.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds further includes: two sets of suppressors respectively disposed on the inlet and outlet sides of the resonant cavity, the conveyor belt passing through the suppressors; wherein the suppressors are configured as a multi-layer metal mesh shielding structure.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds further includes a dry air inlet for communicating with a dry air source to provide dry air into the resonant cavity.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco further includes: a first moisture meter, disposed upstream of the resonant cavity in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt, for acquiring first moisture content information; and a second moisture meter, disposed downstream of the resonant cavity in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt, for acquiring second moisture content information.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco further includes: a hopper disposed upstream of the conveyor belt for supplying tobacco to the conveyor belt.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds further includes: an ash collection hopper disposed at one end of the conveyor belt opposite to the hopper and below the conveyor belt; a roller scraper, an outlet scraper structure, and a brush, all disposed above the ash collection hopper, wherein the brush is configured such that its bristles contact the surface of the conveyor belt; and the roller scraper and the outlet scraper structure are configured such that the gap between their scraping portions and the conveyor belt is adjustable.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds further includes: a controller, which is connected to the first moisture meter, the second moisture meter, the motor of the conveyor belt, the microwave generator, the stirrer, the negative pressure fan, the humidity sensor, and the drying air source to control and adjust the motor of the conveyor belt, the microwave generator, the stirrer, and the drying air source based on the acquired moisture content information and humidity information. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the present invention, from a frontal view.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a top view.

[0018] Among them: 1-hopper, 2-moisture meter, 3-suppressor, 4-dry air inlet, 5-resonant cavity, 6-dehumidification port, 7-feed port, 8-idler scraper, 9-outlet scraper structure, 10-brush, 11-ash hopper, 12-conveyor belt, 13-microwave generator, 14-microwave shielded pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0020] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, it should be noted that "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal thickness of the first feature is greater than that of the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal thickness of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0023] The following disclosure provides many different implementations or examples for carrying out different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various implementations and / or arrangements discussed.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the invention, from a front view and a top view. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 :

[0025] A tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco includes: a conveyor belt 12 for conveying tobacco; a resonant cavity 5 having multiple microwave feed ports 7 for introducing microwaves into the resonant cavity 5, the conveyor belt 12 passing through the resonant cavity 5; and a microwave generator 13 having multiple magnetrons for generating microwaves, the multiple magnetrons respectively guiding microwaves to the multiple microwave feed ports 7 through microwave shielding pipes 14.

[0026] The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment utilizes the synergistic effect of microwave thermal and non-thermal effects to directly destroy the DNA and cell structure of microorganisms, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of tobacco without producing side effects.

[0027] As shown in the attached figures, in a possible embodiment, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided by this utility model has a microwave reflector plate installed on the inner wall of the resonant cavity 5. By setting the microwave reflector plate, microwaves can be repeatedly reflected within the resonant cavity 5 until the energy is completely consumed, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of microwave energy.

[0028] As shown in the accompanying drawings, in a possible embodiment, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided by this utility model includes a stirrer inside the resonant cavity 5. Exemplarily, this stirrer can be a motor-driven stirring device. The stirrer is used to stir the tobacco flowing through the resonant cavity 5. On the one hand, this makes the thickness of the tobacco layer more uniform; on the other hand, it also turns the tobacco that was originally laid at the bottom to the surface, ensuring that as many tobacco strands as possible receive the same amount of microwave energy. This results in more uniform sterilization and avoids excessive localized water loss.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the invention further includes, in the resonant cavity 5: at least one dehumidification port 6 for connection to a negative pressure fan; and a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity within the resonant cavity 5. Under microwave action, some moisture may evaporate from the tobacco. The dehumidification port 6 and the humidity sensor allow for timely monitoring of the humidity within the resonant cavity 5 and the removal of humid air, maintaining the humidity within the resonant cavity 5 at the expected level and further ensuring the quality of the tobacco.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes: two sets of suppressors 3 respectively disposed on the inlet and outlet sides of the resonant cavity 5, with the conveyor belt 12 passing through the suppressors 3; wherein the suppressors 3 are configured as a multi-layer metal mesh shielding structure. The arrangement of the suppressors 3 forms an electromagnetic sealing barrier, reducing microwave energy loss and improving sterilization efficiency.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes a dry air inlet 4 for communicating with a dry air source to provide dry air into the resonant cavity 5. By providing the dry air inlet 4, dry air can be provided into the resonant cavity 5 in a timely manner, which helps to maintain the humidity inside the resonant cavity 5 and ensure the quality of the tobacco.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes: a first moisture meter 2-1, disposed upstream of the resonant cavity 5 in the moving direction of the conveyor belt 12, for acquiring first moisture content information; and a second moisture meter 2-2, disposed downstream of the resonant cavity 5 in the moving direction of the conveyor belt 12, for acquiring second moisture content information. This configuration allows for dynamic adjustment of the microwave irradiation intensity, avoiding scorching or incomplete sterilization due to moisture fluctuations, achieving closed-loop control of process parameters, and improving the stability of the sterilization process.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes: a hopper 1, disposed upstream of the conveyor belt 12, for supplying tobacco shreds onto the conveyor belt 12. Furthermore, the hopper 1 can be further configured to have an adjustable feed rate, allowing the amount of tobacco shreds fed to be controlled according to actual working conditions, ensuring the continuity and stability of material transmission, improving the uniformity of heating of the tobacco shreds in the microwave field, and reducing the sterilization dead zone rate.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes: an ash collection hopper 11, disposed at the end of the conveyor belt 12 opposite to the hopper 1, and disposed below the conveyor belt 12; a roller scraper 8, an outlet scraper structure 9, and a brush 10, all disposed above the ash collection hopper 11; the brush 10 is configured such that its bristles contact the surface of the conveyor belt 12; the roller scraper 8 and the outlet scraper structure 9 are configured such that the gap between their scraping parts and the conveyor belt 12 is adjustable. The roller scraper can simultaneously remove residual tobacco adhering to the surface of the conveyor belt, preventing residual tobacco from being repeatedly sterilized and scorched in the next cycle. The outlet scraper structure can ensure uniform discharge layer thickness, providing standardized materials for subsequent processes, and also avoiding poor heat dissipation problems caused by excessive accumulation.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the present invention further includes: a controller, which is connected to the first moisture meter 2-1, the second moisture meter 2-2, the motor of the conveyor belt 12, the microwave generator 13, the stirrer, the negative pressure fan, the humidity sensor, and the drying air source, so as to control and adjust the motor of the conveyor belt 12, the microwave generator 13, the stirrer, and the drying air source based on the acquired moisture content information and humidity information. By setting the controller, not only can the operating status information of the device be obtained in real time, but the start-up, shutdown, or power of some or all controllable parts can also be controlled, ensuring thorough sterilization of the tobacco while also guaranteeing the quality of the tobacco.

[0036] The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following technical advantages:

[0037] (1) Microwave energy can penetrate the stacked tobacco layers to achieve synchronous heating of the material inside and out, overcoming the limitation of ultraviolet sterilization which only acts on the surface. By optimizing the tunnel cavity structure and electromagnetic field distribution, microwave energy is uniformly covered, and the sterilization rate can reach more than 90% (the traditional ultraviolet sterilization rate is generally less than 70%), especially for stubborn microorganisms such as heat-resistant Bacillus.

[0038] (2) By combining real-time feedback on the moisture content of the tobacco shreds, the conveyor belt speed and irradiation time are dynamically adjusted to stabilize the sterilization temperature at 60-80℃ (the lethal temperature window for microorganisms), thus avoiding charring or aroma loss of the tobacco shreds due to high temperatures. Compared with traditional hot air sterilization (which often requires temperatures above 100℃), this technology significantly reduces the risk of heat damage, and improves the retention rate of tobacco shred color, flexibility, and sensory quality by more than 30%.

[0039] (3) The tunnel design supports the production line operation of tobacco shreds, and the processing efficiency is 2-3 times higher than that of batch UV sterilization equipment. In addition, the microwave energy is transmitted in a directional manner, and the heat energy utilization rate reaches 85% (compared to only 40-50% for traditional heat sterilization). Furthermore, no chemical preservatives or inert gas protection are required, which is in line with the trend of green production and reduces the overall energy consumption by 25-35%.

[0040] (4) The microwave frequency (e.g., 2450MHz / 915MHz), transmission speed and irradiation distance can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different tobacco types (e.g. flue-cured tobacco, sun-cured tobacco) and moisture content range. The process parameters are far more expandable than traditional fixed mode equipment, providing the industry with a highly versatile sterilization solution.

[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this application. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced within this application.

Claims

1. A tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco, characterized in that, include: Conveyor belt (12) is used to transport tobacco shreds; The resonant cavity (5) has multiple microwave feed ports (7) for introducing microwaves into the resonant cavity (5), and the conveyor belt (12) is arranged to pass through the resonant cavity (5). The microwave generator (13) has multiple magnetrons for generating microwaves, and the multiple magnetrons respectively guide the microwaves to the multiple microwave feed ports (7) through microwave shielding pipes (14).

2. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the resonant cavity (5) is covered with a microwave reflector plate.

3. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 2, characterized in that: A stirrer is installed inside the resonant cavity (5).

4. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 3, characterized in that... The resonant cavity (5) further includes: At least one dehumidification port (6) is provided for connection to a negative pressure fan; A humidity sensor is used to detect the humidity inside the resonant cavity (5).

5. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 4, characterized in that... It also includes: Two sets of suppressors (3) are respectively set on the inlet and outlet sides of the resonant cavity (5), and the conveyor belt (12) passes through the suppressors (3); wherein the suppressors (3) are configured as multi-layer metal mesh shielding structures.

6. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 5, characterized in that... The resonant cavity (5) further includes: A dry air inlet (4) is used to communicate with a dry air source to provide dry air into the resonant cavity (5).

7. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 6, characterized in that... It also includes: A first moisture meter (2-1) is positioned upstream of the resonant cavity (5) in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt (12) to acquire first moisture content information; and, The second moisture meter (2-2) is located downstream of the resonant cavity (5) in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt (12) and is used to obtain second moisture content information.

8. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 7, characterized in that... It also includes: A hopper (1) is located upstream of the conveyor belt (12) for supplying tobacco shreds onto the conveyor belt (12).

9. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 8, characterized in that... It also includes: A dust collection hopper (11) is located at one end of the conveyor belt (12) opposite to the hopper (1) and below the conveyor belt (12); The idler roller scraper (8), the outlet scraper structure (9) and the brush (10) are all located above the ash collection hopper (11). The brush (10) is configured such that the bristles are in contact with the surface of the conveyor belt (12). The idler roller scraper (8) and the outlet scraper structure (9) are configured such that the gap between their scraping parts and the conveyor belt (12) is adjustable.

10. The tunnel-type microwave sterilization device for fermented tobacco shreds according to claim 9, characterized in that... It also includes: A controller is configured to connect to the first moisture meter (2-1), the second moisture meter (2-2), the motor of the conveyor belt (12), the microwave generator (13), the stirrer, the negative pressure fan, the humidity sensor, and the drying air source, so as to control and adjust the motor of the conveyor belt (12), the microwave generator (13), the stirrer, and the drying air source based on the acquired moisture content information and humidity information.

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