A compaction device for tofu production
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI DOUXIANGYUAN FOOD CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Traditional tofu production involves a compaction process that is labor-intensive, inefficient, and requires large equipment space, making it unsuitable for small workshops. Existing equipment can only compact one batch of tofu at a time, resulting in low efficiency.
Design a compaction device that includes a box and a shelf. The shelf is connected by a vertically set scissor lift, and the multi-layer tofu is compacted synchronously with equal pressure through a drive mechanism. Combined with a locking mechanism and a manual crank, the device reduces equipment costs and is adaptable to the compaction needs of tofu of different production scales and shapes.
It enables simultaneous compaction of multi-layer tofu, improving production efficiency, reducing labor intensity and equipment footprint, making it suitable for small workshop layouts, compatible with the compaction needs of various tofu shapes, and avoiding uneven pressure and tofu breakage.
Smart Images
Figure CN224440362U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tofu production technology, specifically to a compaction device for tofu production. Background Technology
[0002] As a traditional Chinese food, tofu production mainly involves four core steps: selecting and soaking soybeans, grinding and boiling the soy milk, adding coagulant to coagulate, and pressing into shape. Among these, pressing and shaping is the key step that determines the final texture, density, and taste of tofu. After the soy milk is coagulated with coagulant (such as brine, gypsum, or glucono delta-lactone), the protein coagulates to form a colloidal "tofu curd." At this point, the water content is high and the structure is loose. Excess water is expelled through mechanical pressure, which allows the protein network to bind tightly, forming tofu varieties with different densities (such as soft tofu and firm tofu). The tofu curd is then packaged into molds or filter cloth bags, and heavy objects (such as stone slabs or iron blocks) are placed on top for static pressure, allowing the water to drain slowly under gravity.
[0003] Traditional compaction processes require individual tofu curds to be packaged into multiple containers (such as wooden boxes or plastic baskets) and wrapped with filter cloth to prevent breakage. During compaction, heavy objects need to be moved on top of the tofu, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Traditional methods are usually single-layer operations, which require a lot of workspace for mass production. Furthermore, the stacking of heavy objects can easily lead to uneven pressure. While some existing compaction equipment does not require moving heavy objects, it can only compact one batch of tofu at a time, resulting in low efficiency. Although electric or hydraulic compaction equipment improves efficiency, it occupies a large area, making it inconvenient for small workshops.
[0004] In view of the above, this application is hereby submitted. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a compaction device for tofu production, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a compaction device for tofu production, including a box body and multiple horizontally arranged storage plates inside the box body. A fixing frame is fixed to the top of the storage plate. Vertically arranged scissor frames are rotatably arranged on both sides of the storage plate along the width direction of the box body. The top of the scissor frames on both sides of the storage plate is rotatably arranged with the same horizontal top plate. Multiple horizontally linearly distributed and vertically arranged fixing pipes are fixed to one side of the storage plate along its length direction. A drain pipe is fixed to the side wall of the storage plate near the fixing pipes. The drain pipe slides inside the fixing pipes and passes through the fixing frame to connect to the inside of the storage plate. A drainage passage is provided on the inner wall of the bottom of the box body at the position corresponding to the fixing pipes.
[0007] Furthermore, horizontal mounting plates slide on both sides of the storage panel along the width of the box. The end of the mounting plate away from the storage panel slides horizontally on the scissor lift. A pressure plate is fixed at the center of the bottom of the storage panel, and the pressure plate is inserted and fitted with the fixed frame. Extensions are fixed on both sides of the top plate along the width of the box. When the extensions abut against the top opening of the box, the scissor lift reaches its maximum retraction. A guide groove is horizontally opened on the side wall of the mounting plate away from the storage panel. A slider is rotatably installed on the side wall of the scissor lift near the mounting plate. The slider slides in the guide groove. Both ends of the side wall of the storage panel along the width of the box and along the length of the box are connected to vertically arranged scissor lifts with the same structure. A drive mechanism is connected to the bottom end of the scissor lift on one side of the storage panel away from the storage panel. A fixed block is rotatably connected to the bottom of the scissor lift. The fixed block slides on the inner wall of the bottom of the box along the length of the box. A storage groove is provided on the inner side wall of the box corresponding to the position of the drive mechanism.
[0008] Furthermore, the drive mechanism located in the storage slot on the box includes a connecting plate fixed to a side wall of the fixing block away from the center of the box. Two adjacent connecting plates on the same side of the storage plate are not on the same horizontal plane. A rack is fixed to the side wall of the connecting plate away from the center of the box. The two racks are connected to the same gear at their closest ends. A sprocket is coaxially fixed to the side of the gear away from the center of the box. The top of the sprocket is equipped with a sprocket with the same structure. The outer sides of the two sprockets are connected to the same chain. A locking mechanism is fixed to the side of the sprocket away from the gear away from the center of the box. The locking mechanism extends through the box to the outside and is fixed with a crank handle.
[0009] Furthermore, the locking mechanism fixed to the end of the sprocket includes a fixed disc coaxially fixed to the sprocket. A fixed cylinder is coaxially rotatably connected to the side wall of the fixed disc away from the sprocket. The end of the fixed cylinder away from the second limiting block is rotatably connected to the crank handle. A first limiting block is coaxially rotatably connected to the side wall of the fixed disc near the crank handle. A groove is provided on the outer arc wall of the first limiting block along its circumference. A second limiting block is fixed to the outer edge of the side wall of the fixed disc away from the sprocket. The second limiting block extends into the groove. The same coil spring is sleeved on the outer side of the first limiting block and the second limiting block. Both ends of the coil spring are fixed with bends that extend into the groove. The outer arc wall of the coil spring slides against the inner arc wall of the fixed cylinder.
[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0011] 1. The vertically set scissor lift connects the storage board and the top plate. When the scissor lift retracts, the multiple storage boards descend synchronously at equal intervals in the vertical direction, achieving synchronous and equal pressure compaction of multiple layers of tofu. Therefore, multiple layers of tofu can be compacted in a single operation, which is several times more efficient than the traditional single-layer compaction. Moreover, it is only necessary to move and install the storage board on the scissor lift, without the need to move heavy objects and achieve layering. The geometric characteristics of the scissor lift ensure that the descent speed of each layer of storage board is consistent, and the pressure on the tofu is uniform, avoiding density differences caused by pressure gradients. The multi-layer stacking design reduces the floor space and is suitable for compact layouts in small workshops.
[0012] 2. With the drive mechanism and locking mechanism, the manual crank design requires no electricity, reducing equipment costs. The drive mechanism is integrated into the side wall of the box, reducing external parts and facilitating cleaning and maintenance. The locking mechanism reduces the possibility of shaking or displacement, preventing tofu from breaking or becoming uneven in texture. The shelf can be added or removed as needed to adapt to different production scales. The fixed frame and pressure plate can be changed in shape as needed to accommodate the compaction needs of tofu in various shapes such as square and round. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a compaction device used in tofu production, viewed from the front.
[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a compaction device used in tofu production, viewed from the rear.
[0015] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a compaction device used in tofu production after shrinkage;
[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the scissor lift and the storage plate in a compaction device for tofu production.
[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the drive mechanism, the scissor lift, and the storage plate in a compaction device for tofu production.
[0018] Figure 6 An exploded view of the drive mechanism in a compaction device for tofu production.
[0019] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a partial structure of the drive mechanism in a compaction device for tofu production.
[0020] In the picture:
[0021] 10. Box body; 11. Top plate; 111. Extension; 12. Shelf; 121. Mounting plate;
[0022] 122. Pressure plate; 13. Crank handle; 14. Scissor lift; 141. Slider; 15. Fixing pipe; 151. Drain pipe;
[0023] 20. Sprocket; 21. Chain; 22. Gear; 23. Rack and pinion; 231. Connecting plate;
[0024] 30. Fixed cylinder; 31. Limiting block one; 32. Fixed disc; 33. Limiting block two; 34. Coil spring. Detailed Implementation
[0025] 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.
[0026] Please see the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 7 This utility model provides a compaction device for tofu production: it includes a box body 10 and multiple horizontally arranged storage plates 12 inside the box body 10. A fixed frame is fixed to the top of the storage plate 12. Vertically arranged scissor brackets 14 are rotatably arranged on both sides of the storage plate 12 along the width direction of the box body 10. The top of the scissor brackets 14 on both sides of the storage plate 12 is rotatably arranged with the same horizontal top plate 11. Multiple horizontally linearly distributed and vertically arranged fixed pipes 15 are fixed to one side of the storage plate 12 along its length direction. A drain pipe 151 is fixed on the side wall of the storage plate 12 near the fixed pipe 15. The drain pipe 151 slides inside the fixed pipe 15 and passes through the fixed frame to connect to the inside of the storage plate 12. A drainage passage is provided on the bottom inner wall of the box body 10 at the position corresponding to the fixed pipe 15.
[0027] The storage plate 12 has horizontal mounting plates 121 that slide on both sides along the width direction of the box body 10. The end of the mounting plate 121 away from the storage plate 12 slides horizontally on the scissor lift 14. A pressure plate 122 is fixed at the bottom center of the storage plate 12. The pressure plate 122 is inserted and matched with the fixed frame. The top plate 11 has extensions 111 fixed on both sides along the width direction of the box body 10. When the extensions 111 abut against the top opening of the box body 10, the scissor lift 14 reaches its maximum retraction.
[0028] The mounting plate 121 has a horizontal guide groove on the side wall away from the storage plate 12. The scissor lift 14 has a slider 141 rotatably mounted on the side wall near the mounting plate 121. The slider 141 slides in the guide groove. The storage plate 12 has vertically mounted scissor lifts 14 with the same structure on both ends of the side wall along the width direction of the box 10 and along the length direction of the box 10.
[0029] The bottom end of the scissor lift 14 on one side of the shelf 12 away from the shelf 12 is connected to a drive mechanism. The bottom of the scissor lift 14 is rotatably connected to a fixing block. The fixing block slides along the length of the box 10 on the inner wall of the bottom of the box 10. The inner wall of the box 10 is provided with a storage groove at the position corresponding to the drive mechanism.
[0030] It should be noted that: the shelf 12 is the container for storing soy milk. It is slidably connected to the mounting plate 121 for easy removal and placement, thus eliminating the need to carry heavy objects to press the tofu. The pressing plate 122 corresponds to the shape of the fixed frame. The two are plugged into each other, meaning that the pressing plate 122 can be pressed vertically into the fixed frame and the shape fits perfectly to ensure uniform pressing. It can be understood that the shape of the pressing plate 122 and the fixed frame can be changed according to specific needs.
[0031] The scissor lift 14 includes several sets of scissor arms. Each set of scissor arms includes two scissor arms, namely scissor arm 1 and scissor arm 2, which are rotatably connected to each other. Scissor arms 1 and scissor arms 2 in the same set are stacked on top of each other and are rotatably connected to each other through the same damping shaft 1 in the middle. Scissor arms 1 and scissor arms 2 in adjacent sets of scissor arms are rotatably connected to each other through the same damping shaft 2. Thus, multiple sets of scissor arms are rotatably connected to each other to form a mesh structure.
[0032] The slider 141 and the fixed block are respectively rotatably set at the two ends of the damping shaft at the corresponding horizontal positions. Dovetail blocks are fixed on both sides of the shelf 12 along its length direction. The mounting plate 121 is provided with dovetail grooves at the positions corresponding to the dovetail blocks. The dovetail blocks and dovetail grooves correspond one-to-one and slide fit together. The length direction of the dovetail blocks and dovetail grooves is consistent with the length direction of the shelf 12.
[0033] The fixed tube 15 has a concave cross-section along the horizontal direction, with the concave opening facing the shelf 12. The drain pipe 151 is inclined downward at the end away from the shelf 12. The drain pipe 151 slides vertically on the inner wall of the fixed tube 15, and the opening of the end of the drain pipe 151 away from the shelf 12 is almost in contact with the inner wall of the fixed tube 15. Furthermore, the bottom inner wall of the shelf 12 is inclined towards the drain pipe 151. The degree of inclination ensures that the soy milk will not spill or the tofu will shift during the tofu pressing process. The slight inclination facilitates the drainage of water during the pressing process. In order to facilitate the drainage of water from the side and the front, the fixed frame can be set as a double-layer structure, with the outer layer sealed and the inner layer having through holes. The interlayer is directly connected to the drain pipe 151.
[0034] The fixed pipe 15 facilitates the vertical sliding of the drain pipe 151 within it. The drain pipe 151 fits inside the fixed pipe 15 so that the water flow can slide along the inner wall during drainage, thereby avoiding splashing. The drainage passage is set corresponding to the fixed pipe 15 to facilitate further drainage of water to the outside of the equipment.
[0035] Please see the appendix Figure 1To be continued Figure 7 The present invention provides a technical solution: the driving mechanism set in the storage slot on the box 10 includes a connecting plate 231 fixed on a side wall of the fixing block away from the center of the box 10, two adjacent connecting plates 231 located on the same side of the storage plate 12 are not located in the same horizontal plane, and a rack rod 23 is fixed on a side wall of the connecting plate 231 away from the center of the box 10.
[0036] The two rack rods 23 are close to each other on one side and the same gear 22 is engaged at one end. A sprocket 20 is coaxially fixed on the side of the gear 22 away from the center of the housing 10. A sprocket 20 with the same structure is provided on the top of the sprocket 20. The two sprockets 20 are engaged with the same chain 21 on their outer sides. A locking mechanism is fixed on the side of the sprocket 20 away from the center of the housing 10. The locking mechanism passes through the housing 10 to the outside and is fixed with a crank 13.
[0037] The locking mechanism fixed to the end of the sprocket 20 includes a fixed plate 32 coaxially fixed to the sprocket 20, a fixed cylinder 30 coaxially rotatably connected to the side wall of the fixed plate 32 away from the sprocket 20, and the end of the fixed cylinder 30 away from the limiting block 33 rotatably connected to the crank handle 13.
[0038] The fixed disk 32 is coaxially rotatably connected to a limiting block 31 on one side wall near the crank handle 13. A groove is provided on the outer arc wall of the limiting block 31 along its circumference. A limiting block 33 is fixed on the outer edge of the side wall of the fixed disk 32 away from the sprocket 20. The limiting block 33 extends into the groove. The same coil spring 34 is sleeved on the outer side of the limiting block 31 and the limiting block 33. Both ends of the coil spring 34 are fixed with bends that extend into the groove. The outer arc wall of the coil spring 34 slides against the inner arc wall of the fixed cylinder 30.
[0039] It should be noted that: the limiting block 31 is cylindrical in shape, the groove can be regarded as a groove dug out along the circumference on its outer arc wall, and the bends at both ends of the coil spring 34 extend inward and the extension direction of the bends is perpendicular to the axis of the coil spring 34.
[0040] Since the bends at both ends of the coil spring 34 abut against the inner walls of the grooves at both ends, when the user shakes the handle 13 to drive the limit block 31 to rotate actively, the groove on the limit block 31 will abut against the bend and thus push the coil spring 34 to move. During this period, since the groove abuts against the inner curved surface of the bend, which is closer to the coil spring 34, the coil spring 34 will be in a "contracted" state when subjected to the force of the inner curved surface. That is, the coil spring 34 has a tendency to contract inward, and thus the radius of the coil spring 34 will be slightly reduced, reducing the friction between the coil spring 34 and the fixed cylinder 30. Thus, the gear 22 can be driven to rotate normally through the sprocket 20 and the chain 21.
[0041] In one specific embodiment of this example, the longitudinal section of the limiting block 33 is a fan-shaped ring. The cross-sectional size of the limiting block 33 is smaller than that of the groove, thus providing space for the coil spring 34 to move. Since the sides of the bends at both ends of the coil spring 34 that are close to each other abut against the outer walls of the two ends of the limiting block 33, when the gear 22 drives the limiting block 33 to rotate actively, the limiting block 33 will abut against the bend and thus push the coil spring 34 to move. During this period, since the groove abuts against the outer curved surface of the bend from the side away from the coil spring 34, the coil spring 34 will be in a "stretched" state when subjected to the force of the outer curved surface, that is, the coil spring 34 has an outward expansion tendency. As a result, the radius of the coil spring 34 will increase slightly, thereby increasing the contact area and contact force with the fixed cylinder 30, increasing the friction force, and thus making the scissor lift 14 have a tendency to retract. When it drives the gear 22 to rotate in the opposite direction, it is difficult to rotate or even cannot rotate, thus achieving the purpose of locking.
[0042] The sprocket 20 and chain 21 are used to raise the level of operation, making adjustments easier.
[0043] Working principle:
[0044] Place the tofu pudding into the fixed frame of the shelf 12, and then install it in the corresponding position on the scissor lift 14. Shake the handle 13 to drive the fixed cylinder 30 and the limiting block 31 to rotate. The groove of the limiting block 31 pushes the bend of the coil spring 34 to "close" the coil spring 34, reducing the friction with the fixed cylinder 30. The sprocket 20 and chain 21 drive the gear 22 to rotate. The gear 22 meshes with the rack 23, causing the rack 23 to move horizontally, pushing the connecting plate 231 and the fixed block to slide along the bottom of the box 10, thereby causing the scissor lift 14 to retract.
[0045] The slider 141 on the scissor lift 14 slides in the guide groove of the mounting plate 121, causing the shelf 12 to descend. The pressure plate 122 is inserted into the fixed frame to press the tofu. Water flows into the drain pipe 151 through the inclined inner wall at the bottom of the shelf 12, and then is discharged along the fixed pipe 15 and the drainage passage at the bottom of the box 10. When the shaking stops, the gear 22 drives the limit block 33 to rotate. The limit block 33 pushes the coil spring 34 to "unwind", increasing the friction with the fixed cylinder 30, locking the sprocket 20, preventing the scissor lift 14 from rebounding, and maintaining the pressed state. The crank handle 13 can be reset by shaking in the opposite direction to remove the finished product.
Claims
1. A compacting device for tofu production, comprising a box (10) and a plurality of horizontal placement plates (12) arranged in the box (10), and a fixed frame is arranged on the top of the placement plates (12), characterized in that: The shelf (12) is rotatably provided with vertically arranged scissor lifts (14) on both sides of the width direction of the box (10). The top of the scissor lifts (14) on both sides of the shelf (12) is rotatably provided with the same horizontal top plate (11). Multiple horizontally linearly distributed and vertically arranged fixed pipes (15) are fixed on one side of the shelf (12) along its length direction. A drain pipe (151) is fixed on the side wall of the shelf (12) near the fixed pipe (15). The drain pipe (151) slides in the fixed pipe (15). The drain pipe (151) passes through the fixed frame and connects to the shelf (12). A drainage passage is provided on the bottom inner wall of the box (10) at the position corresponding to the fixed pipe (15).
2. The compacting device for tofu production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage plate (12) has horizontal mounting plates (121) sliding on both sides of the box body (10) in the width direction. The end of the mounting plate (121) away from the storage plate (12) slides horizontally on the scissor lift (14). A pressure plate (122) is fixed at the center of the bottom of the storage plate (12). The pressure plate (122) is plugged into the fixed frame. The top plate (11) has extensions (111) fixed on both sides of the box body (10) in the width direction. When the extensions (111) abut against the top opening of the box body (10), the scissor lift (14) reaches its maximum retraction.
3. The compacting device for tofu production according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting plate (121) has a horizontal guide groove on the side wall away from the storage plate (12). The scissor lift (14) has a slider (141) rotatably mounted on the side wall near the mounting plate (121). The slider (141) slides in the guide groove. The storage plate (12) has vertically mounted scissor lifts (14) with the same structure on both ends of the side wall along the width direction of the box (10).
4. The compacting device for tofu production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The scissor lift (14) on one side of the storage board (12) is connected to a drive mechanism at the bottom end of the side away from the storage board (12). A fixed block is rotatably connected to the bottom of the scissor lift (14). The fixed block slides along the length of the box (10) on the inner wall of the bottom of the box (10). A storage slot is provided on the inner wall of the box (10) at the position corresponding to the drive mechanism.
5. The compacting device for tofu production according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drive mechanism located in the storage slot on the box (10) includes a connecting plate (231) fixed on a side wall of the fixing block away from the center of the box (10). Two adjacent connecting plates (231) on the same side of the storage plate (12) are not located in the same horizontal plane. A rack rod (23) is fixed on the side wall of the connecting plate (231) away from the center of the box (10).
6. The compacting device for tofu production according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two rack rods (23) are connected by the same gear (22) on their respective sides. A sprocket (20) is coaxially fixed on the side of the gear (22) away from the center of the housing (10). The top of the sprocket (20) is provided with a sprocket (20) with the same structure. The two sprockets (20) are connected by the same chain (21) on their outer sides. A locking mechanism is fixed on the side of the sprocket (20) away from the center of the housing (10). The locking mechanism extends through the housing (10) to the outside and is fixed with a crank (13).
7. The compacting device for tofu production according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking mechanism fixed to the end of the sprocket (20) includes a fixed plate (32) coaxially fixed to the sprocket (20), a fixed cylinder (30) coaxially rotatably connected to the side wall of the fixed plate (32) away from the sprocket (20), and the end of the fixed cylinder (30) away from the second limiting block (33) rotatably connected to the crank handle (13).
8. The compacting device for tofu production according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fixed disk (32) is coaxially rotatably connected to a limiting block one (31) on one side wall near the crank handle (13). A groove is provided on the outer arc wall of the limiting block one (31) along its circumference. A limiting block two (33) is fixed on the outer edge of the side wall of the fixed disk (32) away from the sprocket (20). The limiting block two (33) extends into the groove. The same coil spring (34) is sleeved on the outer side of the limiting block one (31) and the limiting block two (33). Both ends of the coil spring (34) are fixed with elbows that extend into the groove. The outer arc wall of the coil spring (34) slides against the inner arc wall of the fixed cylinder (30).