A meal kit proportioning and forming equipment

Abstract

This application relates to a meal kit proportioning and forming device, particularly in the field of food processing equipment technology. It includes a frame with a horizontally arranged feeding tray on the frame. A feeding pipe is connected to the feeding tray, and a packaging bag is connected to the bottom of the feeding pipe. A heat-sealing device for heat-sealing the packaging bag is also provided on the frame. Several feeding hoppers are slidably arranged on the upper surface of the feeding tray, surrounding the axis of the feeding tray. Each feeding hopper is connected to a feeding pipe at its bottom. A feeding track coaxial with the feeding tray is fixed on the feeding tray, and a track groove is coaxially formed on the upper surface of the feeding track. The lower end of the feeding pipe slides around the track groove, and the feeding pipe is located on its movement trajectory. A switching mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the feeding pipe is provided on the feeding pipe. A drive assembly for driving the feeding hoppers to rotate around the central axis of the feeding tray is provided on the frame. This application features high automation, accurate proportioning, and simple operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing equipment technology, and in particular to a meal kit proportioning and forming equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the food processing industry, the production of ready-to-eat meals typically involves mixing various raw materials in specific proportions, followed by packaging and other processes to create the finished product. The raw material proportioning device is a key piece of equipment in ready-to-eat meal production, and its performance directly affects product quality and production efficiency.

[0003] In the existing technology, the ingredient ratio method of ready-to-eat meals is relatively complicated: the staff needs to weigh each ingredient separately, then calculate the amount of each ingredient to be added, and then manually pour the ingredients into the mixing tank for mixing and processing.

[0004] This method has obvious shortcomings: First, it relies on manual operation, which results in low mixing efficiency and is prone to insufficient mixing accuracy due to human error; second, it is difficult to quickly achieve accurate mixing when the weight of raw materials is unknown; and third, existing mixing devices generally have complex structures, and uneven discharge is prone to occur, affecting the quality of subsequent packaging.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a highly automated, precise, and easy-to-operate meal kit formulation and molding equipment to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a meal kit proportioning and forming device.

[0007] The present invention provides a meal kit proportioning and forming device with the following technical solution:

[0008] A meal kit proportioning and forming device includes a frame with a horizontally arranged feeding tray on the frame. A feeding pipe is connected to the feeding tray, and a packaging bag is connected to the bottom of the feeding pipe. A heat-sealing device for heat-sealing the packaging bag is also provided on the frame. A plurality of feeding hoppers are slidably arranged on the upper surface of the feeding tray, and the plurality of feeding hoppers are arranged around the axis of the feeding tray. The bottom of each feeding hopper is connected to a feeding pipe. A feeding track coaxial with the feeding tray is fixed on the feeding tray. A track groove is coaxially formed on the upper surface of the feeding track. The lower end of the feeding pipe slides around the track groove. The feeding pipe is located on the movement trajectory of the feeding pipe. A switching mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the feeding pipe is provided on the feeding pipe. A drive assembly for driving the feeding hoppers to rotate around the central axis of the feeding tray is provided on the frame.

[0009] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a drive gear ring fitted around several feeding hoppers, the feeding hoppers being fixed on the inner wall of the drive gear ring, a servo motor being fixed on the frame, and a drive gear meshing with the drive gear ring being fixed on the output shaft of the servo motor.

[0010] Furthermore, the switching mechanism includes an arc-shaped block fixed to the lower end of the feeding pipe and sliding in the track groove. The arc-shaped block has a switch opening that passes through the arc-shaped block and communicates with the feeding pipe. A switch plate for closing the switch opening is slidably arranged on the arc-shaped block. The switching mechanism also includes a switch assembly that pushes the switch plate to open when the switch opening moves to directly above the feeding pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the switch assembly includes a switch spring fixed inside the arc-shaped block, the switch spring pushing the switch plate to close the switch opening, the switch assembly also includes a telescopic rod fixed to the switch plate and pushing the switch plate to move in the opposite direction, the side wall of the arc-shaped block is provided with a storage groove, the telescopic rod slides in the storage groove, and a drive protrusion that pushes the switch plate to rotate is fixed on the inner wall of the track groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the heat sealing device has heating plates symmetrically arranged on both sides of the packaging bag, and a heat sealing cylinder is fixed on the frame to drive the two heating plates to move in the direction of clamping the packaging bag and heat sealing the packaging bag.

[0013] Furthermore, the packaging bag is a long strip with a bottom seal, the feeding tube extends to the bottom of the packaging bag, a set of gripper cylinders is fixed on the frame, the gripper cylinders clamp the top of the packaging bag on both sides of the feeding tube to seal it, and the frame is equipped with a lifting mechanism that drives the gripper cylinders to move downward a specified distance each time.

[0014] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes two lifting blocks slidably mounted on the frame, a lifting screw that is vertically connected to the corresponding lifting block and threadedly connected to the lifting block is rotatably connected to the frame, and a stepper motor that drives the lifting screw to rotate is fixed on the frame.

[0015] Furthermore, a conveying assembly is provided below the heat-sealing device. The conveying assembly includes a conveyor belt and a conveyor motor that drives the conveyor belt to rotate. The conveyor belt is used to convey the heat-sealed food package.

[0016] In summary, this utility model has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0017] By increasing the automation level of batching and reducing reliance on manual labor, the equipment uses a drive component to rotate multiple feeding hoppers around the axis of the feeding tray. This, combined with a switching mechanism, enables automatic material feeding, replacing the cumbersome process of traditional manual weighing and emptying. The precise coordination between the servo motor and the drive gear ring allows for constant-speed rotation and positioning of the feeding hoppers, significantly improving production efficiency while avoiding errors such as misfeeding and missed feeding caused by manual operation.

[0018] To improve proportioning accuracy and ensure product quality stability, the feeding hopper is limited by a track groove. The switching mechanism, through the mechanical linkage of the drive protrusion and the telescopic rod, ensures that each feeding tube opens precisely only when it moves directly above the feeding tube, reducing the error in raw material feeding. This significantly improves proportioning accuracy and ensures consistent taste across different batches of meal kits.

[0019] The equipment simplifies the operation process and adapts to various raw material ratios. By changing the feeding hoppers of different volumes, it can quickly adapt to the mixing requirements of different raw materials (solid granules, powders, sauces, etc.). The alignment design of the opening and the feeding pipe avoids raw material spillage and waste, improving raw material utilization. The operation process only requires setting the feeding sequence and frequency in advance, without the need for complex parameter debugging, reducing reliance on operator skills.

[0020] To achieve continuous forming and improve production continuity, the heat sealing device, in conjunction with the gripper cylinder and lifting mechanism, can immediately complete the segmented heat sealing of the packaging bag after the raw materials are put in, forming an independent meal kit; the lifting mechanism uses a stepper motor to drive the lead screw to precisely control the descent distance, improving packaging efficiency without changing the packaging bag, and can also adapt to the forming of meal kits of different specifications. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the switching mechanism of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the clamping cylinder and the lifting screw.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the heat sealing device.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Frame; 2. Feeding tray; 3. Feeding pipe; 4. Packaging bag; 5. Feeding hopper; 6. Feeding pipe; 7. Feeding track; 8. Track groove; 9. Drive gear ring; 10. Arc block; 11. Switch plate; 12. Switch spring; 13. Telescopic rod; 14. Storage slot; 15. Drive protrusion; 16. Grip cylinder; 17. Lifting block; 18. Lifting screw; 19. Stepper motor; 20. Heating plate; 21. Heat sealing cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0027] This utility model discloses a meal kit proportioning and forming device.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 A meal kit proportioning and forming device includes a frame 1, a horizontally arranged feeding tray 2 fixed on the frame 1, a feeding pipe 3 connected below the feeding tray 2, a packaging bag 4 connected to the bottom of the feeding pipe 3, a heat sealing device for heat sealing the packaging bag on the frame 1, a conveying component below the heat sealing device, the conveying component including a conveyor belt and a conveying motor for driving the conveyor belt to rotate, the conveyor belt being used to convey the heat-sealed meal kit.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A plurality of feeding hoppers 5 are slidably arranged on the upper surface of the feeding tray 2. The plurality of feeding hoppers 5 are arranged around the axis of the feeding tray 2 and evenly distributed along the circumference of the feeding tray 2. The bottom of each feeding hopper 5 is connected to a feeding pipe 6. A feeding track 7 coaxial with the feeding tray 2 is fixed on the upper surface of the feeding tray 2. A track groove 8 is coaxially opened on the upper surface of the feeding track 7. The lower end of the feeding pipe 6 slides around the track groove 8. The feeding pipe 3 is located on the movement trajectory of the feeding pipe 6 and is connected to the track groove 8.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The frame 1 is equipped with a drive assembly that drives the feeding hopper 5 to rotate around the central axis of the feeding tray 2. The drive assembly includes a drive gear ring 9 sleeved on the outside of several feeding hoppers 5. The feeding hopper 5 is fixed on the inner wall of the drive gear ring 9. A servo motor is fixed on the frame 1. A drive gear that meshes with the drive gear ring 9 is fixed on the output shaft of the servo motor. The servo motor drives the drive gear ring 9 to rotate. The rotation of the drive gear ring 9 drives the feeding hopper 5 to rotate, so that the feeding hopper 5 moves to the top of the feeding pipe 3, thereby facilitating feeding.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The feeding pipe 6 is equipped with a switch mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the feeding pipe 6. The switch mechanism includes an arc-shaped block 10 fixed at the lower end of the feeding pipe 6. The arc-shaped block 10 slides in the track groove 8. The arc-shaped block 10 is coaxial with the track groove 8. A switch opening is provided on the arc-shaped block 10, which is connected to the feeding pipe 6. A switch plate 11 for closing the switch opening is slidably provided on the arc-shaped block 10. The switch mechanism also includes a switch assembly that pushes the switch plate 11 to open when the switch opening moves to directly above the feeding pipe 3.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The switch assembly includes a switch spring 12 fixed inside the arc-shaped block 10. One end of the switch spring 12 is fixed to the switch plate 11, and the other end is fixed to the arc-shaped block 10. The switch spring 12 pushes the switch plate 11 to close the switch opening. The switch assembly also includes a telescopic rod 13 fixed to the switch plate 11. A storage groove 14 is provided on the side wall of the arc-shaped block 10, and the telescopic rod 13 slides within the storage groove 14. A drive protrusion 15 is fixed on the inner wall of the track groove 8 to push the switch plate 11 to rotate. When the arc-shaped block 10 slides within the track groove 8, the telescopic rod... 13 moves together with the arc-shaped block 10. When the telescopic rod 13 contacts the driving protrusion 15, during the movement of the arc-shaped block 10, the driving protrusion 15 acts on the telescopic rod 13, causing the telescopic rod 13 to drive the switch plate 11 to move backward relative to the arc-shaped block 10, opening the switch port, and the material enters the packaging bag 4 through the lower feed pipe 3. As the arc-shaped block 10 continues to move forward, under the action of the driving protrusion 15, the telescopic rod 13 is compressed and moves to the other side of the driving protrusion 15, closing the switch port under the action of the switch spring 12.

[0033] In actual production, a solenoid valve can be used to replace the above-mentioned switching mechanism, depending on the environment and equipment. Alternatively, a solenoid valve can be installed on the feeding pipe 6 and used in conjunction with the switching mechanism.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The packaging bag 4 is a long strip with a sealed bottom. The feeding pipe 3 extends to the bottom of the packaging bag 4. A set of gripper cylinders 16 is fixed on the frame 1. The gripper cylinders 16 clamp the upper opening of the packaging bag 4 on both sides of the feeding pipe 3. The frame 1 is equipped with a lifting mechanism that drives the gripper cylinders 16 to move downward a specified distance each time. The lifting mechanism includes two lifting blocks 17 slidably mounted on the frame 1. A lifting screw 18 is rotatably connected to the frame 1, passing vertically through the corresponding lifting block 17 and threadedly connected to the lifting block 17. A stepper motor 19 is fixed on the frame 1 to drive the lifting screw 18 to rotate.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The heat sealing device has heating plates 20 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the packaging bag 4. A heat sealing cylinder 21 is fixed on the frame 1 to drive the two heating plates 20 to move in the direction of clamping the packaging bag 4 and heat sealing the packaging bag 4.

[0036] After the designated ingredient packet is placed into the packaging bag 4, the stepper motor 19 drives the packaging bag 4 to fall a certain distance. The packaging bag 4 is then sealed by two heating plates 20. The sauce continues to fall into the heat-sealed packaging bag 4, and the above operation is repeated. As the connected ingredient packets become longer and longer, they are transported to the designated position by the conveyor belt.

[0037] The above are all preferred embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape and principle of this utility model should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A meal kit proportioning and forming device, characterized in that: Includes a frame (1), on which a horizontally arranged feeding tray (2) is provided, and a feeding pipe (3) is connected to the feeding tray (2). The bottom of the feeding pipe (3) is connected to a packaging bag (4). The frame (1) is also provided with a heat-sealing device for heat-sealing the packaging bag. Several feeding hoppers (5) are slidably arranged on the upper surface of the feeding tray (2). The several feeding hoppers (5) are arranged around the axis of the feeding tray (2). The bottom of each feeding hopper (5) is connected to a feeding pipe (6). The feeding tray ( 2) A feeding track (7) is fixed on the upper surface and is coaxial with the feeding tray (2). A track groove (8) is coaxially opened on the upper surface of the feeding track (7). The lower end of the feeding pipe (6) is located in the track groove (8) and slides around the track groove (8). The feeding pipe (3) is located on the movement trajectory of the feeding pipe (6). A switch mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the feeding pipe (6) is provided on the feeding pipe (6). A drive assembly for driving the feeding hopper (5) to rotate around the central axis of the feeding tray (2) is provided on the frame (1).

2. The meal kit proportioning and forming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a drive gear ring (9) fitted around several feeding hoppers (5), the feeding hoppers (5) being fixed on the inner wall of the drive gear ring (9), a servo motor being fixed on the frame (1), and a drive gear that meshes with the drive gear ring (9) being fixed on the output shaft of the servo motor.

3. The meal kit proportioning and forming equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switching mechanism includes an arc-shaped block (10) fixed to the lower end of the feeding pipe (6) and sliding in the track groove (8). The arc-shaped block (10) has a switch opening that passes through the arc-shaped block (10) and communicates with the feeding pipe (6). A switch plate (11) for closing the switch opening is slidably arranged on the arc-shaped block (10). The switching mechanism also includes a switch assembly that pushes the switch plate (11) to open when the switch opening moves to directly above the feeding pipe (3).

4. The meal kit proportioning and forming equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The switch assembly includes a switch spring (12) fixed inside the arc-shaped block (10), the switch spring (12) pushes the switch plate (11) to close the switch opening, the switch assembly also includes a telescopic rod (13) fixed on the switch plate (11) and pushes the switch plate (11) to move in the opposite direction, the side wall of the arc-shaped block (10) is provided with a storage groove (14), the telescopic rod (13) slides in the storage groove (14), and a drive protrusion (15) that pushes the switch plate (11) to rotate is fixed on the inner wall of the track groove (8).

5. The meal kit proportioning and forming equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat sealing device is symmetrically arranged on the heating plates (20) on both sides of the packaging bag (4). The frame (1) is fixed with a heat sealing cylinder (21) that drives the two heating plates (20) to move in the direction of clamping the packaging bag (4) and heat seals the packaging bag (4).

6. The meal kit proportioning and forming equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The packaging bag (4) is a long strip with a sealed bottom. The feeding tube (3) extends to the bottom of the packaging bag (4). A set of gripper cylinders (16) is fixed on the frame (1). The gripper cylinders (16) clamp the upper end of the packaging bag (4) on both sides of the feeding tube (3) to seal it. The frame (1) is equipped with a lifting mechanism that drives the gripper cylinders (16) to move downward a specified distance each time.

7. The meal kit proportioning and forming equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism includes two lifting blocks (17) slidably mounted on the frame (1). A lifting screw (18) is rotatably connected to the frame (1) and passes vertically through the corresponding lifting block (17) and is threadedly connected to the lifting block (17). A stepper motor (19) is fixed on the frame (1) to drive the lifting screw (18) to rotate.

8. The meal kit proportioning and forming equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: Below the heat-sealing device is a conveying assembly, which includes a conveyor belt and a conveyor motor that drives the conveyor belt to operate. The conveyor belt is used to convey the heat-sealed food package.

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