Self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure

Abstract

This utility model relates to a self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure, including a tank body and a detachable tank cover mounted on top of the tank body. The bottom of the tank cover has an annular inner groove for installing a sealing ring. When the tank cover and the tank body are in a compressed state, the sealing ring is in a deformed state. A clamping member is provided above the tank body to apply downward pressure to the tank cover. The pressure change between the clamping member and the tank cover is automatically adjusted by a drive mechanism on the side wall of the tank body. The clamping force of the clamping support plate of this utility model is automatically controlled by the drive mechanism, transforming manual operation into automated execution by the drive mechanism. The dynamic adjustment of the external clamping member replaces the traditional static bolt fixing. This design significantly improves the opening speed compared to traditional solutions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mixing tank technology, specifically to a self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure. Background Technology

[0002] Mixing tanks are core equipment in the dairy industry, primarily used for mixing, homogenizing, and fermenting raw materials such as milk and probiotics. These tanks are typically made of stainless steel and feature sealing, corrosion resistance, and temperature control to ensure hygiene standards and process stability. Mixing tank designs must meet GMP specifications; common types include vertical mixing tanks and jacketed heating mixing tanks, with some high-end models integrating a CIP (Clean In-Place) system. In the production of products such as yogurt and cheese, the mixing speed, temperature, and mixing time of the mixing tank directly affect the taste and quality of the finished product.

[0003] Application announcement number CN120242845A discloses a stirring device for dairy product processing. According to its specification and drawings, the tank body is a cylindrical container with a cover plate on the top. The cover plate can be opened to add materials into the tank. The bottom of the tank body is conical, and a discharge pipe is also provided at the bottom of the tank body for discharging the stirred dairy products. A stirring rod is vertically arranged along the axial direction inside the tank body. The stirring rod can be driven to rotate by a drive motor at the top.

[0004] However, the solution has certain limitations: 1. Components such as the agitator and sealing ring are prone to wear due to long-term contact with corrosive media. How to quickly open the tank cover during regular maintenance is a problem that needs to be considered; 2. If the agitator is severely worn, how to quickly disassemble and replace the top of the agitator and the end of the drive motor shaft is also a problem that needs to be considered. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the efficiency issue of mixing tank maintenance by proposing a self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure. The clamping force of the clamping support plate is automatically controlled by a drive mechanism, transforming manual operation into automated execution by the drive mechanism. The dynamic adjustment of external clamping components replaces the traditional static bolt fixing, significantly improving the opening time compared to traditional solutions.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure, comprising a tank body, a detachable tank cover mounted on top of the tank body, an annular inner groove for installing a sealing ring at the bottom of the tank cover, the sealing ring being in a deformed state when the tank cover and the tank body are in a compressed state, a clamping member applying downward pressure to the tank cover is provided above the tank body, and the pressure change between the clamping member and the tank cover is automatically adjusted by a driving mechanism on the side wall of the tank body.

[0007] Preferably, a number of hinged support plates are fixedly connected to the top side wall of the tank body, and a first hinged support shaft is provided inside the adjacent hinged support plates. Both ends of each first hinged support shaft are hinged to one end of the clamping member, and the other end of each clamping member is hinged to each driving mechanism.

[0008] Preferably, the clamping component includes a plurality of clamping support plates, each of which is hinged at both ends to the end of the first hinged support shaft and the end of the drive mechanism, respectively.

[0009] Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a cylinder support seat, a cylinder element, and a second hinged support shaft. The side wall of the tank body is also provided with a plurality of cylinder support seats. The cylinder support seats are internally hinged to the cylinder side wall of the cylinder element. The piston rod end of the cylinder element is provided with a second hinged support shaft. The two ends of each second hinged support shaft are hinged to the end of the pressure support plate.

[0010] Preferably, the top of the tank cover is connected to several flange support columns at both ends. The surface of the flange support column at the top is provided with an observation window. The tank body is provided with a stirring drive shaft inside. The top of the stirring drive shaft passes through the tank cover and extends into the interior of several flange support columns. The top of the flange support column at the top is provided with a drive motor. The end of the drive motor shaft can be quickly inserted into the stirring drive shaft.

[0011] Preferably, a snap-fit ​​post is provided between the top of the stirring drive shaft and the end of the drive motor shaft, the snap-fit ​​post having a cross groove inside, and both the top of the stirring drive shaft and the end of the drive motor shaft having a cross boss adapted to the cross groove.

[0012] Preferably, the tank body includes a first tank and a second tank, with a tank partition for storing heating or cooling media between the first tank and the second tank.

[0013] Preferably, the stirring drive shaft is equipped with stirring blades inside the first tank, which is designed to ensure that the liquid inside the first tank is fully mixed.

[0014] 1. The clamping force of the support plate is automatically controlled by a drive mechanism, transforming manual operation into automated execution. Dynamic adjustment of external clamping components replaces the traditional static fixing with bolts. This design significantly improves the opening speed compared to traditional solutions and reduces labor costs: no special tools or multiple operators are required; safety is also enhanced: avoiding the risk of mechanical injury during manual disassembly and assembly.

[0015] 2. While removing the flange support column located at the top, the nested connection between the drive motor shaft and the snap-fit ​​column can be easily pulled out, thereby achieving quick removal of the flange support column and drive motor from the tank cover. This saves on disassembly and assembly speed and removes excess weight when removing the tank cover, making it more convenient for workers to lift and carry out maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 For the present utility model in Figure 2 Enlarged view of region A in the image;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the snap-fit ​​post after it has been removed from the present invention.

[0020] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Tank body; 10. Hinge support plate; 11. First hinge support shaft; 12. First tank; 13. Second tank; 2. Tank top cover; 21. Annular inner groove; 3. Clamping component; 31. Clamping support plate; 4. Drive mechanism; 41. Cylinder support seat; 42. Cylinder component; 43. Second hinge support shaft; 5. Flange support column; 6. Stirring drive shaft; 61. Stirring blade; 7. Drive motor; 8. Snap-fit ​​column; 81. Cross groove; 9. Cross boss. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings:

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a self-locking stirring tank maintenance structure includes a tank body 1, which comprises a first tank body 12 and a second tank body 13. A tank partition for storing heating or cooling media is provided between the first tank body 12 and the second tank body 13. The bottom of the tank cover 2 has an annular inner groove 21 for installing a sealing ring. When the tank cover 2 and the tank body 1 are in a compressed state, the sealing ring is in a deformed state.

[0023] The first tank 12 can be made of stainless steel or lined with steel, with an electrolytically polished surface to prevent bacterial residue. The interior of the tank compartment is used to heat materials (temperature ≤100℃), achieving uniform heat transfer through jacket circulation; it can also be used for rapid cooling, such as rapid cooling after pasteurization (e.g., the termination stage of yogurt fermentation); compressed air can also be introduced into the jacket or a vacuum can be created to dynamically regulate the temperature through airflow.

[0024] In this embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 4 The tank body 1 is also provided with a detachable tank cover 2. Several flange support columns 5 are connected to the top and bottom of the tank cover 2. The surface of the flange support column 5 at the top is provided with an observation window 51. The tank body 1 is provided with a stirring drive shaft 6. The top of the stirring drive shaft 6 passes through the tank cover 2 and extends into the interior of several flange support columns 5. The end of the shaft of the drive motor 7 can be quickly inserted into the stirring drive shaft 6.

[0025] In order to enable quick connection, a snap-fit ​​post 8 is provided between the top of the stirring drive shaft 6 and the end of the rotating shaft of the drive motor 7. The snap-fit ​​post 8 has a cross groove 81 inside. The top of the stirring drive shaft 6 and the end of the rotating shaft of the drive motor 7 are both provided with cross bosses 9 that are adapted to the cross groove 81.

[0026] With this setup, when inspecting the interior of the first tank 12, firstly, the tank cover 2 is in a movable state from the first tank 12. Since the top of the stirring drive shaft 6 is hinged to the inside of the flange support column 5 located at the bottom, the drive motor 7 is then removed, allowing the end of the drive motor 7's shaft to be pulled out from the cross groove 81 on the locking column 8. Next, the flange support column 5 located at the top is removed. At this point, the weight of the drive motor 7 and one flange support column 5 has been removed when removing the tank cover 2, making it easier for workers to lift. Then, the remaining flange support column 5, stirring drive shaft 6, and tank cover 2 are easily removed outwards simultaneously, allowing for inspection of the stirring blade 61 and the interior of the first tank 12.

[0027] During maintenance, components such as the stirring blade 61 and the sealing ring inside the annular inner groove 21 will wear down due to long-term use. Maintenance can prevent the risk of production stoppage caused by mechanical failure. Secondly, microorganisms may grow in the welds or dead corners inside the first tank 12. Opening the tank cover 2 for inspection can promptly detect hygiene hazards and avoid batch contamination. Standardized maintenance procedures are not only a necessary means of equipment maintenance, but also a key link in food safety control.

[0028] In this embodiment, a drive motor 7 is provided at the top of the flange support column 5 located at the top, and a stirring drive shaft 6 is provided with stirring blades 61 inside the first tank body 12. During the rotation of the drive motor 7, the rotating shaft can drive the stirring blades 61 to rotate. The stirring blades 61 effectively break up clumps or particles in dairy raw materials (such as milk, cream, and other liquid or semi-solid materials) through the shear force and eddy current generated by the rotation, and maintain the uniform distribution of suspended particles.

[0029] In this embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 2A clamping member 3 is provided above the tank body 1 to apply downward pressure to the tank cover 2. The pressure change between the clamping member 3 and the tank cover 2 is automatically adjusted by a drive mechanism 4 on the side wall of the tank body 1. Several hinged support plates 10 are fixedly connected to the top side wall of the tank body 1. Each adjacent hinged support plate 10 has a first hinged support shaft 11 inside. Both ends of each first hinged support shaft 11 are hinged to one end of the clamping member 3, and the other end of each clamping member 3 is hinged to each drive mechanism 4. The clamping member 3 includes several clamping support plates 31, and both ends of each clamping support plate 31 are respectively hinged to the end of the first hinged support shaft 11 and the end of the drive mechanism 4.

[0030] During the process of being subjected to tension and thrust, one end of each clamping support plate 31 rotates relative to the end of the drive mechanism 4, while the other end rotates relative to the end of the first hinge support shaft 11. Furthermore, since each hinge support plate 10 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the first tank 12, the hinge support plate 10 is in a stationary state, while the angle between the bottom of the clamping support plate 31 and the bottom of the tank cover 2 changes. This change in angle of the clamping support plate 31 enables the clamping or unlocking of the bottom of the tank cover 2.

[0031] The automatic control of the clamping force of the clamping support plate 31 transforms manual operation into automated execution by the drive mechanism, replacing the traditional static fixing with dynamic adjustment of external clamping components. This design significantly improves the opening speed compared to traditional solutions and reduces labor costs: no special tools or multiple operators are required; safety is also enhanced: avoiding the risk of mechanical injury during manual disassembly and assembly.

[0032] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2 The drive mechanism 4 includes a cylinder support seat 41, a cylinder element 42, and a second hinge support shaft 43. The side wall of the tank body 1 is also provided with a plurality of cylinder support seats 41. The cylinder support seat 41 is internally hinged to the cylinder side wall of the cylinder element 42. The piston rod end of the cylinder element 42 is provided with a second hinge support shaft 43. The two ends of each second hinge support shaft 43 are hinged to the end of the pressure support plate 31.

[0033] When a tensile or pushing force needs to be transmitted to the clamping support plate 31, the piston rod of the cylinder element 42 begins to extend or retract. At this time, the cylinder sidewall of the cylinder element 42 rotates relative to the cylinder support seat 41, while the second hinged support shaft 43 at the end of the piston rod of the cylinder element 42 rotates and changes position relative to the clamping support plate 31. During the position change, the second hinged support shaft 43 can transmit tensile or pushing force to the clamping support plate 31.

[0034] Working principle and usage of this utility model:

[0035] When the entire mixing tank is in operation: the rotating shaft of the drive motor 7 can drive the stirring blades 61 to rotate. The stirring blades 61 effectively break up the clumps or particles in the dairy raw materials (such as milk, cream and other liquid or semi-solid materials) through the shearing force and eddy current generated by the rotation, and maintain the uniform distribution of suspended particles.

[0036] When the mixing tank needs maintenance: the piston rod of cylinder element 42 begins to retract. At this time, the side wall of cylinder element 42 rotates relative to cylinder support 41, while the second hinged support shaft 43 at the end of the piston rod of cylinder element 42 rotates and changes position relative to the clamping support plate 31. During the position change, the second hinged support shaft 43 can transmit tension to the clamping support plate 31.

[0037] Next, one end of the clamping support plate 31 rotates relative to the end of the drive mechanism 4, while the other end of the clamping support plate 31 rotates relative to the end of the first hinged support shaft 11, thus changing the angle between the bottom of the clamping support plate 31 and the bottom of the tank cover 2. This change in angle of the clamping support plate 31 enables the unlocking of the bottom of the tank cover 2.

[0038] Next, remove the drive motor 7, so that the end of the drive motor 7 shaft is pulled out from the cross groove 81 on the snap-fit ​​post 8, and then remove the flange support post 5 located at the top. At this point, the weight of the drive motor 7 and one flange support post 5 has been removed when the tank cover 2 is removed, making it easier for the worker to lift. Then, the remaining flange support post 5, the stirring drive shaft 6 and the tank cover 2 can be easily removed outwards at the same time, allowing for the inspection of the stirring blade 61 and the interior of the first tank 12.

[0039] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-locking type agitator tank maintenance structure, comprising a tank body (1), a tank upper cover (2) detachably arranged on the top of the tank body (1), characterized in that, The bottom of the tank cover (2) is provided with an annular inner groove (21) for installing a sealing ring. When the tank cover (2) and the tank body (1) are in a compressed state, the sealing ring is in a deformed state. The upper part of the tank body (1) is provided with a clamping member (3) that applies downward pressure to the tank cover (2). The pressure change between the clamping member (3) and the tank cover (2) is automatically adjusted by the driving mechanism (4) on the side wall of the tank body (1).

2. The self-locking type agitation tank inspection structure according to claim 1, wherein Several hinged support plates (10) are fixedly connected to the top side wall of the tank body (1). The interior of the adjacent hinged support plates (10) is provided with a first hinged support shaft (11). Both ends of each first hinged support shaft (11) are hinged to one end of the clamping member (3), and the other end of each clamping member (3) is hinged to each drive mechanism (4).

3. The self-locking type agitation tank maintenance structure according to claim 2, characterized by The clamping component (3) includes several clamping support plates (31), and the two ends of each clamping support plate (31) are respectively hinged to the end of the first hinged support shaft (11) and the end of the drive mechanism (4).

4. The self-locking type agitation tank maintenance structure according to claim 3, characterized by The drive mechanism (4) includes a cylinder support seat (41), a cylinder element (42), and a second hinge support shaft (43). The side wall of the tank body (1) is also provided with a number of cylinder support seats (41). The cylinder support seat (41) is internally hinged to the cylinder side wall of the cylinder element (42). The piston rod end of the cylinder element (42) is provided with a second hinge support shaft (43). The two ends of each second hinge support shaft (43) are hinged to the end of the pressure support plate (31).

5. The self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the tank cover (2) is connected to several flange support columns (5) at both ends. The surface of the flange support column (5) at the top is provided with an observation window (51). The tank body (1) is provided with a stirring drive shaft (6). The top of the stirring drive shaft (6) passes through the tank cover (2) and extends into the interior of several flange support columns (5). The top of the flange support column (5) at the top is provided with a drive motor (7). The end of the rotating shaft of the drive motor (7) can be quickly inserted into the stirring drive shaft (6).

6. The self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, A snap-fit ​​post (8) is provided between the top of the stirring drive shaft (6) and the end of the drive motor (7) shaft. The snap-fit ​​post (8) has a cross groove (81) inside. Both the top of the stirring drive shaft (6) and the end of the drive motor (7) shaft are provided with cross bosses (9) adapted to the cross groove (81).

7. The self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tank body (1) includes a first tank (12) and a second tank (13), and a tank partition for storing heating medium or cooling medium is provided between the first tank (12) and the second tank (13).

8. The self-locking mixing tank maintenance structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stirring drive shaft (6) is located inside the first tank (12) and has stirring blades (61).

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