A vertical fermentation tank aeration disc connecting structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses a connection structure for an aeration disc in a vertical fermenter, including an aeration disc body with an integrated air inlet end connected to a connecting pipe; and a quick-connect assembly, comprising a claw assembly and a connecting seat. Several claw assemblies are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the bottom end of the connecting pipe. Each claw assembly consists of a vertical plate and a locking block. The top of the vertical plate is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom end of the connecting pipe, and one side of the bottom end of the vertical plate is connected to the locking block. This utility model achieves quick connection and stable locking between the aeration disc and the air supply pipe through the locking block-slot-vertical slot interlocking structure of the claw assembly and the connecting seat. During installation, simply insert the locking block into the corresponding slot along the vertical slot; no thread tightening or tool assistance is required, significantly improving installation efficiency and facilitating industrial site operation and subsequent maintenance. It is especially suitable for fermentation equipment that requires frequent disassembly or cleaning, effectively reducing equipment downtime.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aeration disc technology, and in particular to a connection structure for aeration discs in a vertical fermenter. Background Technology

[0002] In modern fermentation processes, vertical fermenters are widely used in food, biopharmaceutical, and environmental protection fields. In the aeration system of a vertical fermenter, the aeration disc is the core component. Its core function is to convert the gas (such as oxygen) supplied by the gas supply system into tiny bubbles through the micropores on the disc surface, releasing them evenly into the fermentation broth to provide sufficient oxygen for microbial growth and reproduction. Therefore, the stable operation of the aeration disc directly affects the dissolved oxygen content, mixing effect, and mass transfer efficiency of the fermentation broth, making it a key component for ensuring the smooth progress of the fermentation process and improving the yield and quality of fermentation products.

[0003] However, existing aeration disc connection structures generally suffer from problems such as complex connection methods, low assembly and disassembly efficiency, unstable sealing performance, and the risk of structural loosening. Traditional aeration discs are mostly connected directly to the air supply pipeline through threads, flanges, or welding, making maintenance and disassembly difficult and unsuitable for industrial needs involving frequent replacement or cleaning. Sealing relies on a single sealing ring, and under high-pressure aeration or long-term operating environments, traditional connection structures are prone to leaks, sealing ring aging, and joint loosening, severely impacting fermentation efficiency and equipment stability. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an aeration disc connection structure that offers quick connection, reliable sealing, and shock resistance to improve equipment operating efficiency and maintenance convenience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a connection structure for aeration discs in vertical fermenters.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A vertical fermenter aeration disc connection structure includes an aeration disc body, with an air inlet end integrally connected to a connecting pipe; a quick-connect assembly, comprising claw assemblies and a connecting seat, wherein several claw assemblies are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the bottom end of the connecting pipe, each claw assembly consisting of a vertical plate and a locking block, the top of the vertical plate being fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom end of the connecting pipe, and one side of the bottom end of the vertical plate being connected to the locking block; the connecting seat includes a tube body coaxially arranged with the connecting pipe, the top of the tube body fitting against the bottom end of the connecting pipe, and several locking grooves matching the locking blocks being opened on the inner wall of its top end; each locking block having a vertical groove near the end of the vertical plate, the bottom end of the vertical groove communicating with the locking block and the top end penetrating the top of the tube body, the width of the vertical groove being slightly greater than the sum of the widths of the vertical plate and the locking blocks, and the locking blocks being fitted into the locking grooves one by one; and an elastic clamping assembly, comprising a guide pipe, a second tube body, and... The device consists of a limiting ring, a spring, and an annular plate. The guide tube and the connecting tube are coaxially arranged, and the outer wall of the guide tube at its top is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom of the claw assembly. The outer wall of the guide tube is attached to the inner wall of the tube body. The second tube body is coaxially arranged in the inner cavity of the tube body, and there is a gap between its outer wall and the tube body. The inner wall of the limiting ring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the top of the second tube body, and its outer wall is attached to the inner wall of the tube body. The top of the limiting ring is attached to the bottom of the guide tube. The spring is movably sleeved on the second tube body, and its two ends are fixedly connected to the bottom of the limiting ring and the annular plate, respectively. The outer wall of the annular plate is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body, and its inner wall is attached to the outer wall of the second tube body. When the locking block is in the locking groove, the spring is in a compressed state. The sealing assembly includes an O-ring seal set between the outer wall of the guide tube and the inner wall of the tube body, a first sealing ring set between the connecting tube and the tube body, and a second sealing ring set between the guide tube and the limiting ring.

[0007] Preferably, a first annular plate is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom end of the connecting pipe, and a second annular plate is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the top end of the pipe body. The top of the second annular plate is tightly fitted with the bottom of the first annular plate. A first annular groove for installing a first sealing ring is opened on the top of the second annular plate. The first sealing ring is fitted into the first annular groove and its top protrudes from the surface of the second annular plate.

[0008] Preferably, the outer wall of the guide tube is provided with an annular groove for installing an O-ring, the O-ring being fitted into the annular groove and its outer wall protruding from the outer wall of the guide tube.

[0009] Preferably, the top of the limiting ring has a second annular groove for installing the second sealing ring, and the second sealing ring is fitted into the second annular groove with its top protruding from the surface of the limiting ring.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the pipe body is integrally provided with and connected to an air inlet pipe for connecting to the gas supply pipeline of the fermenter, and the outer wall of the pipe body is fixedly sleeved with an installation flange for fixing the connecting seat in the fermenter.

[0011] Preferably, the inner walls of the slot and the vertical groove are continuous and smooth arc-shaped structures, and the side walls of the vertical plate and the card block are continuous and smooth arc-shaped structures that fit against the inner walls of the slot and the vertical groove.

[0012] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] 1. This utility model achieves rapid connection and stable locking between the aeration disc and the air supply pipe through the interlocking structure of the claw assembly and the connecting seat's block-slot-vertical groove. During installation, simply insert the block along the vertical groove into the corresponding slot; no thread tightening or tool assistance is required, significantly improving installation efficiency and facilitating industrial site operation and subsequent maintenance. It is especially suitable for fermentation equipment that requires frequent disassembly or cleaning, effectively reducing equipment downtime.

[0014] 2. This utility model adopts an elastic clamping assembly consisting of a guide tube, a second tube body, a limiting ring, a spring, and an annular plate. The spring force continuously clamps the connecting structure, which can prevent the aeration disc from loosening or falling off due to vibration or airflow impact during operation. This significantly enhances the shock resistance of the connecting structure, extends its service life, ensures long-term stable operation of the equipment, and reduces the risk of fermentation interruption caused by connection problems.

[0015] 3. This utility model is equipped with a triple sealing structure, with sealing rings respectively configured between the guide tube and the connecting seat, between the connecting tube and the tube body, and between the guide tube and the limiting ring. The sealing path is reasonable and the compression is reliable, ensuring that the gas supply system still has good airtightness under high-pressure aeration or continuous operation, effectively avoiding gas leakage problems, and improving the safety and energy efficiency of fermenter operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the connecting pipe and the elastic clamping assembly of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the connecting pipe and connecting seat of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connecting pipe and connecting seat of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 7This is an exploded structural diagram of the connecting pipe, connecting seat, and elastic clamping assembly of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the connecting tube, claw, and guide tube of this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Aeration disc body; 2. Connecting pipe; 201. First annular plate; 3. Claw assembly; 301. Vertical plate; 302. Claw block; 4. Connecting seat; 401. Pipe body; 401a. Second annular plate; 401b. First annular groove; 402. Slot; 403. Vertical groove; 5. Elastic clamping assembly; 501. Guide pipe; 501a. Annular slot; 502. Second pipe body; 503. Limiting ring; 503a. Second annular groove; 504. Spring; 505. Annular plate; 6. O-ring seal; 7. First sealing ring; 8. Second sealing ring; 9. Air inlet pipe; 10. Mounting flange. 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 of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0026] Reference Figure 1-8A vertical fermenter aeration disc connection structure includes an aeration disc body 1, with an air inlet end integrally formed and connected to a connecting pipe 2; a quick-connect assembly, comprising claw assemblies 3 and a connecting seat 4. Several claw assemblies 3 are evenly distributed on the bottom inner wall of the connecting pipe 2. Each claw assembly 3 consists of a vertical plate 301 and a locking block 302. The top of the vertical plate 301 is fixedly connected to the bottom inner wall of the connecting pipe 2, and one side of the bottom of the vertical plate 301 is connected to the locking block 302. The connecting seat 4 includes a pipe body 401 coaxially arranged with the connecting pipe 2. The top end of the tube body 401 is fitted to the bottom end of the connecting tube 2, and the inner wall of its top end is provided with several slots 402 that match the locking blocks 302. Each locking block 302 is provided with a vertical groove 403 near the end of the vertical plate 301. The bottom end of the vertical groove 403 is connected to the locking block 302, and the top end penetrates the top of the tube body 401. The width of the vertical groove 403 is slightly larger than the sum of the widths of the vertical plate 301 and the locking blocks 302. The locking blocks 302 are fitted into the corresponding slots 402. The elastic pressing component 5 consists of a guide tube 501, a second tube body 502, and a limiting ring 503. The system consists of a spring 504 and an annular plate 505. A guide tube 501 is coaxially arranged with the connecting tube 2, and its top outer wall is fixedly connected to the bottom inner wall of the claw assembly 3. The outer wall of the guide tube 501 fits against the inner wall of the tube body 401. The second tube body 502 is coaxially arranged within the cavity of the tube body 401, with a gap between its outer wall and the tube body 401. The inner wall of the limiting ring 503 is fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the second tube body 502, and its outer wall fits against the inner wall of the tube body 401. The top of the limiting ring 503 fits against the bottom of the guide tube 501. The spring 504 is movably sleeved on the second tube body 501. 2. The two ends of the connecting tube 501 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the limiting ring 503 and the annular plate 505 respectively. The outer wall of the annular plate 505 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube body 401 and its inner wall is in contact with the outer wall of the second tube body 502. When the locking block 302 is in the slot 402, the spring 504 is in a compressed state. The sealing assembly includes an O-ring 6 disposed between the outer wall of the guide tube 501 and the inner wall of the tube body 401, a first sealing ring 7 disposed between the connecting tube 2 and the tube body 401, and a second sealing ring 8 disposed between the guide tube 501 and the limiting ring 503.

[0027] In this embodiment, the aeration disc body 1 and the connecting pipe 2 establish the initial air intake channel. The vertical plate 301 and the locking block 302 in the claw assembly 3 cooperate with the pipe body 401 and the slot 402 in the connecting seat 4. The vertical slot 403 guides the locking block 302 to be quickly inserted and locked in the slot 402, achieving rapid docking. The guide tube 501, the second pipe body 502, the limiting ring 503, the spring 504 and the annular plate 505 in the elastic pressing assembly 5 work together. After the locking block 302 is locked in, the spring 504 continuously provides axial pressing force to prevent the connection from loosening. At the same time, the O-ring 6, the first sealing ring 7 and the second sealing ring 8 form multiple seals between the guide tube 501 and the pipe body 401, the connecting pipe 2 and the pipe body 401, and the guide tube 501 and the limiting ring 503, respectively, to ensure that the entire connection structure has good sealing performance, stability and ease of disassembly and assembly during aeration operation.

[0028] In this utility model, a first annular plate 201 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the bottom end of the connecting pipe 2, and a second annular plate 401a is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the top end of the pipe body 401. The top of the second annular plate 401a is tightly fitted to the bottom of the first annular plate 201. A first annular groove 401b for installing a first sealing ring 7 is opened on the top of the second annular plate 401a. The first sealing ring 7 is fitted and installed in the first annular groove 401b and its top protrudes from the surface of the second annular plate 401a.

[0029] In this embodiment, the bottom outer wall of the connecting pipe 2 is fixedly connected to a first annular plate 201, and the top outer wall of the pipe body 401 is fixedly connected to a second annular plate 401a. The top of the second annular plate 401a is tightly fitted to the bottom of the first annular plate 201. The top of the second annular plate 401a is provided with a first annular groove 401b for installing a first sealing ring 7. The first sealing ring 7 is fitted into the first annular groove 401b and its top protrudes from the surface of the second annular plate 401a.

[0030] In this utility model, the outer wall of the guide tube 501 is provided with an annular groove 501a for installing the O-ring 6. The O-ring 6 is fitted into the annular groove 501a and its outer wall protrudes from the outer wall of the guide tube 501.

[0031] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the guide tube 501 is provided with an annular groove 501a for installing an O-ring 6. The O-ring 6 is fitted into the annular groove 501a, and its outer wall protrudes slightly from the outer surface of the guide tube 501. When the guide tube 501 is inserted into the tube body 401, it forms a reliable fit with its inner wall, thereby effectively blocking the gas leakage path along the axial direction, enhancing the sealing performance between the guide tube 501 and the tube body 401, and improving the airtightness and operational safety of the entire connection structure.

[0032] In this utility model, the top of the limiting ring 503 is provided with a second annular groove 503a for installing the second sealing ring 8. The second sealing ring 8 is fitted into the second annular groove 503a and its top protrudes from the surface of the limiting ring 503.

[0033] In this embodiment, a second annular groove 503a is provided on the top of the limiting ring 503 for installing the second sealing ring 8. The second sealing ring 8 is fitted into the second annular groove 503a, and its top protrudes slightly from the surface of the limiting ring 503. When the guide tube 501 is in contact with the limiting ring 503, the second sealing ring 8 is compressed and deformed, thereby forming an effective seal at the contact interface between the two, further preventing gas leakage and improving the sealing performance and operational stability of the connection structure under high-pressure aeration conditions.

[0034] In this utility model, the bottom of the pipe body 401 is integrally provided with and connected to an air inlet pipe 9 for connecting the gas supply pipe of the fermenter, and the outer wall of the pipe body 401 is fixedly sleeved with an installation flange 10 for fixing the connecting seat 4 inside the fermenter.

[0035] In this embodiment, the bottom of the pipe body 401 is integrally formed and connected to an air inlet pipe 9, which is used to connect with the air supply pipe of the fermenter to realize the stable delivery of gas to the aeration disc body 1; at the same time, the outer wall of the pipe body 401 is fixedly fitted with an installation flange 10, which is used to reliably install the connecting seat 4 on the internal structure of the fermenter, ensuring the stability and positioning accuracy of the entire aeration disc connection structure, thereby improving the system's installation convenience and operational reliability, and meeting the requirements for long-term stable aeration operation.

[0036] In this utility model, the inner walls of the slot 402 and the vertical groove 403 are continuous and smooth arc-shaped structures, and the side walls of the vertical plate 301 and the card block 302 are continuous and smooth arc-shaped structures that fit against the inner walls of the slot 402 and the vertical groove 403.

[0037] In this embodiment, the inner walls of the slot 402 and the vertical slot 403 are continuous and smooth arc-shaped structures, and the side walls of the vertical plate 301 and the locking block 302 are also continuous and smooth arc-shaped structures that fit snugly against the inner wall of the former. This design makes it easier for the locking block 302 to be inserted along the vertical slot 403 and to engage with the slot 402, reducing frictional resistance and facilitating quick installation and disassembly. At the same time, the tight fit of the arc surfaces increases the contact area, improves the stability of engagement, avoids stress concentration that is easily caused by sharp corner structures, extends the service life of components, and further ensures the reliability of the connection structure.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A connection structure for aeration discs in a vertical fermenter, characterized in that, include: The aeration disc body (1) has an air inlet end that is integrally provided and connected to a connecting pipe (2). A quick-connect assembly includes a claw assembly (3) and a connecting seat (4). Several claw assemblies (3) are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the bottom end of the connecting tube (2). Each claw assembly (3) consists of a vertical plate (301) and a locking block (302). The top of the vertical plate (301) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom end of the connecting tube (2), and one side of the bottom end of the vertical plate (301) is connected to the locking block (302). The connecting seat (4) includes a tube body (401) coaxially arranged with the connecting tube (2). The top end of 401 is attached to the bottom end of the connecting pipe (2), and the inner wall of its top end is provided with several slots (402) that match the card block (302). Each card block (302) is provided with a vertical groove (403) near the end of the vertical plate (301). The bottom end of the vertical groove (403) is connected to the card block (302), and the top end penetrates the top of the pipe body (401). The width of the vertical groove (403) is slightly greater than the sum of the widths of the vertical plate (301) and the card block (302). The card blocks (302) are fitted into the slots (402) one by one. The elastic clamping assembly (5) consists of a guide tube (501), a second tube body (502), a limiting ring (503), a spring (504), and an annular plate (505). The guide tube (501) is coaxially arranged with the connecting tube (2), and its top outer wall is fixedly connected to the bottom inner wall of the claw assembly (3). The outer wall of the guide tube (501) is attached to the inner wall of the tube body (401). The second tube body (502) is coaxially arranged in the inner cavity of the tube body (401), and its outer wall is left with a gap between it and the tube body (401). The inner wall of the limiting ring (504) is connected to the second tube body (2). The top outer wall of the second tube (502) is fixedly connected and its outer wall is in contact with the inner wall of the tube (401). The top of the limiting ring (503) is in contact with the bottom of the guide tube (501). The spring (504) is movably sleeved on the second tube (502) and its two ends are fixedly connected to the bottom of the limiting ring (503) and the annular plate (505) respectively. The outer wall of the annular plate (505) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the tube (401) and its inner wall is in contact with the outer wall of the second tube (502). When the card block (302) is in the card slot (402), the spring (504) is in a compressed state. The sealing assembly includes an O-ring (6) disposed between the outer wall of the guide tube (501) and the inner wall of the tube body (401), a first sealing ring (7) disposed between the connecting tube (2) and the tube body (401), and a second sealing ring (8) disposed between the guide tube (501) and the limiting ring (503).

2. The connection structure for aeration discs in a vertical fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom outer wall of the connecting pipe (2) is fixedly connected to a first annular plate (201), and the top outer wall of the pipe body (401) is fixedly connected to a second annular plate (401a). The top of the second annular plate (401a) is tightly fitted to the bottom of the first annular plate (201). The top of the second annular plate (401a) is provided with a first annular groove (401b) for installing a first sealing ring (7). The first sealing ring (7) is fitted into the first annular groove (401b) and its top protrudes from the surface of the second annular plate (401a).

3. The aeration disc connection structure for a vertical fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the guide tube (501) is provided with an annular groove (501a) for installing an O-ring (6). The O-ring (6) is fitted into the annular groove (501a) and its outer wall protrudes from the outer wall of the guide tube (501).

4. The connection structure for aeration discs in a vertical fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the limiting ring (503) is provided with a second annular groove (503a) for installing the second sealing ring (8). The second sealing ring (8) is fitted into the second annular groove (503a) and its top protrudes from the surface of the limiting ring (503).

5. The connection structure for aeration discs in a vertical fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the pipe body (401) is integrally provided with and connected to an air inlet pipe (9) for connecting the gas supply pipe of the fermenter. The outer wall of the pipe body (401) is fixedly sleeved with an installation flange (10) for fixing the connecting seat (4) in the fermenter.

6. The connection structure for aeration discs in a vertical fermenter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner walls of the slot (402) and the vertical groove (403) are continuous and smooth arc-shaped structures, and the side walls of the vertical plate (301) and the card block (302) are continuous and smooth arc-shaped structures and fit against the inner walls of the slot (402) and the vertical groove (403).

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