A raw material soaking device for natto processing

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology, and in particular to a raw material soaking device for natto processing. The device includes a soaking frame, a sealing cap, a handle, a motor, and a stirring paddle. A controller is located on the front outer wall of the soaking frame, and an openable sealing cap is located on the top of the frame. A handle is fixedly connected to the front of the top of the sealing cap. A motor is located on the rear side of the soaking frame, and the motor's output shaft extends through the rear wall of the frame and into its interior, connecting to the stirring paddle. The stirring paddle is rotatably supported at both ends by bearings on the front and rear inner walls of the soaking frame. This utility model, by combining a water pump circulation system with a sloping guide surface at the bottom (lower at the front and higher at the back), forms a directional water flow field. This guides the detached bean skins during soaking to gather upwards and forwards with the liquid flow, and then traps them through a filter drawer at the front of the collection chamber. This achieves the effect of automatically collecting bean skins and impurities during soaking, improving the cleanliness of the soaking liquid, and facilitating subsequent cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology, and in particular to a raw material soaking device for natto processing. Background Technology

[0002] Natto, a traditional fermented food, has a long history of consumption in some Asian countries and regions. It is made from soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis (Natto bacteria) and is rich in protein, vitamins, and various beneficial active ingredients. In the natto production process, the pretreatment of the raw soybeans is one of the key steps determining the quality of the final product, with the soaking process being particularly crucial. Proper soaking allows the soybeans to fully absorb water and swell, softening their structure and facilitating uniform high-temperature cooking and efficient fermentation by Bacillus subtilis. At the same time, a good soaking process can effectively remove some soluble anti-nutritional factors and impurities, improving the product's taste and safety.

[0003] However, existing raw material soaking equipment for natto processing has some shortcomings. Traditional soaking methods are mostly static soaking or simple stirring, which makes it difficult to ensure that all beans can fully contact the water and achieve a consistent soaking effect. Light impurities such as bean skins and debris generated during the soaking process tend to float on the liquid surface or mix among the beans, making cleaning difficult and affecting subsequent processes. Appropriate soaking temperature is important for maintaining the integrity of the beans and promoting pre-fermentation treatment, but existing equipment lacks precise temperature control. From soaking to draining to discharging, the entire process usually requires a lot of manual intervention, resulting in low automation and low efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a raw material soaking device for natto processing to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of traditional soaking methods, which are mostly static soaking or simple stirring, making it difficult to ensure that all beans are fully in contact with water and achieve a consistent soaking effect, and making it difficult to clean the bean skins produced during the soaking process, this utility model provides a raw material soaking device for natto processing.

[0006] The technical implementation scheme of this utility model is as follows: A raw material soaking device for natto processing includes a soaking frame, a sealing cover, a handle, a motor, a stirring paddle, a dynamic seal, a guide slope, a discharge frame, a baffle plate, a liquid collection chamber, a water outlet, a valve, a filter drawer, and a sealing strip. A controller is provided on the front outer wall of the soaking frame, and an openable sealing cover is provided on the top of the soaking frame. A handle is fixedly connected to the front side of the top of the sealing cover. A motor is provided on the rear side of the soaking frame, and the output shaft of the motor passes through the rear wall of the soaking frame and extends into its interior, and is connected to the stirring paddle. The two ends of the stirring paddle are connected by shafts. The motor is rotatably supported on the front and rear inner walls of the soaking frame. A dynamic seal is provided at the point where the motor output shaft passes through the rear wall of the soaking frame. The bottom of the soaking frame has a sloping guide surface that is lower at the front and higher at the back. A discharge frame is fixedly connected to the front side of the soaking frame. A baffle plate is slidably connected to the upper part of the discharge frame. A liquid collection chamber is connected and communicated to the lower right side of the soaking frame. A water outlet is connected and communicated to the bottom of the liquid collection chamber. A valve is installed on the pipe of the water outlet. A filter drawer is slidably connected to the front side of the liquid collection chamber. A sealing strip is provided at the fit between the filter drawer and the opening of the liquid collection chamber. The motor and the controller are electrically connected.

[0007] More preferably, it also includes a sealant, with the sealant located at the bottom of the sealing cap, and the sealant is adhered to the top end face of the soaking frame to achieve a seal.

[0008] More preferably, it also includes a water pipe, a water pump, and a first filter screen. The lower side of the soaking frame is connected to the water pump inlet via a water pipe. The water pump inlet is equipped with a first filter screen for intercepting impurities. The water pump outlet is connected to the upper side wall of the soaking frame via a water pipe. The water pump is electrically connected to the controller.

[0009] More preferably, it also includes a heating pad and a temperature sensor. The heating pad is located on the lower part of the outer rear wall of the soaking frame, and the temperature sensor is located in the middle of the inner wall of the soaking frame. Both the heating pad and the temperature sensor are electrically connected to the controller.

[0010] More preferably, it also includes ultraviolet lamps, with ultraviolet lamps located on the top left and right sides of the soaking frame, and the ultraviolet lamps are electrically connected to the controller.

[0011] More preferably, it also includes an observation window, with a transparent observation window on the left side of the immersion frame.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The present invention, by setting up a water pump circulation system in conjunction with the inclined guide surface at the bottom with a lower front and higher back, forms a directional water flow field, which guides the bean skins that fall off during the soaking process to gather forward and upward with the liquid flow, and intercepts them through the filter drawer at the front of the liquid collection chamber, thereby achieving the effect of automatically collecting bean skins and impurities during the soaking process, improving the cleanliness of the soaking liquid and facilitating subsequent cleaning.

[0013] 2. This utility model achieves quick assembly and disassembly of the filter unit and reliable sealing by setting a horizontally sliding filter drawer on the front side of the liquid collection chamber and setting a sealing strip at the junction of the drawer and the opening. This results in efficient solid-liquid separation, convenient maintenance and operation, and prevention of leakage.

[0014] 3. This utility model integrates a heating pad, a temperature sensor, an ultraviolet lamp, and a controller to form a temperature control and sterilization synergistic system, which can automatically adjust the soaking temperature and inhibit the growth of microorganisms, thereby optimizing the soaking process conditions, ensuring the hygiene and quality of raw materials, and improving the quality of finished natto products. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the components of this utility model, including the soaking frame, controller, and observation window.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the components of this utility model, including the stirring paddle, water pipe, and discharge frame.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the components of this utility model, including the liquid collection chamber, water outlet, and valve. The reference numerals in the figure represent: 1. Soaking frame; 101. Controller; 102. Observation window; 2. Sealing cover; 3. Handle; 4. Sealant; 5. Motor; 6. Stirring paddle; 7. Guide slope; 8. Discharge frame; 9. Baffle plate; 10. Liquid collection chamber; 11. Water outlet; 12. First filter screen; 13. Valve; 14. Filter screen drawer; 15. Water pipe; 16. Water pump; 17. Sealing strip; 18. Dynamic seal; 19. Heating pad; 20. Temperature sensor; 21. Ultraviolet lamp. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Example: A raw material soaking device for natto processing, such as... Figures 1-4As shown, the device includes a soaking frame 1, a sealing cover 2, a handle 3, a motor 5, a stirring paddle 6, a dynamic seal 18, a guide slope 7, a discharge frame 8, a baffle plate 9, a collection chamber 10, a water outlet 11, a valve 13, a filter drawer 14, and a sealing strip 17. A controller 101 is located on the front outer wall of the soaking frame 1. An openable sealing cover 2 is located on the top of the soaking frame 1. A handle 3 is bolted to the front of the top of the sealing cover 2. A motor 5 is located on the rear side of the soaking frame 1. The output shaft of the motor 5 passes through the rear wall of the soaking frame 1 and extends into its interior, connecting to the stirring paddle 6. The stirring paddle 6 is rotatably supported on the front and rear inner walls of the soaking frame 1 by bearings at both ends. The motor 5's output shaft passes through the rear wall of the soaking frame 1. The device is equipped with a dynamic sealing element 18. The bottom of the soaking frame 1 is provided with a guide slope 7 that is lower in the front and higher in the back. The front side of the soaking frame 1 is connected to the discharge frame 8 by an integral molding. The upper part of the discharge frame 8 is slidably connected to the baffle plate 9. The lower right side of the soaking frame 1 is connected to and communicates with the liquid collection chamber 10. The bottom of the liquid collection chamber 10 is connected to and communicates with the water outlet 11. A valve 13 is installed on the pipe of the water outlet 11. The front side of the liquid collection chamber 10 is provided with a horizontally sliding filter drawer 14. A sealing strip 17 is provided at the mating point between the filter drawer 14 and the opening of the liquid collection chamber 10. When the filter drawer 14 is pushed into place, the sealing strip 17 is compressed to achieve a seal, so as to prevent liquid leakage through the gap. The motor 5 is electrically connected to the controller 101.

[0020] like Figures 1-4 As shown, it also includes sealant 4, water pipe 15, water pump 16 and first filter screen 12. The bottom of the sealing cover 2 is provided with sealant 4. The sealant 4 is attached to the top end face of the soaking frame 1 to achieve a seal. The lower side of the soaking frame 1 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 16 through the water pipe 15. The inlet of the water pump 16 is provided with a first filter screen 12 for intercepting impurities. The outlet of the water pump 16 is connected to the upper side wall of the soaking frame 1 through the water pipe 15. The water pump 16 is electrically connected to the controller 101.

[0021] like Figures 2-4 As shown, it also includes a heating pad 19, a temperature sensor 20, an ultraviolet lamp 21, and an observation window 102. The heating pad 19 is located in the lower middle part of the outer wall of the rear side of the soaking frame 1, the temperature sensor 20 is located in the middle of the inner wall of the soaking frame 1, the ultraviolet lamps 21 are located on the top left and right sides of the soaking frame 1, and the ultraviolet lamps 21 are located above the normal working water level. A transparent observation window 102 is located on the left side of the soaking frame 1. The heating pad 19, the temperature sensor 20, and the ultraviolet lamp 21 are all electrically connected to the controller 101.

[0022] When using the raw material soaking device for natto processing described in this utility model, first open the sealing cover 2, put the raw bean material to be processed into the soaking frame 1, then close the sealing cover 2, set the soaking parameters through the controller 101, inject an appropriate amount of clean water or soaking liquid into the soaking frame 1, stop adding liquid after the liquid level reaches the preset height, and leave a certain space between the liquid surface and the sealing cover 2.

[0023] During the soaking process, the controller 101 controls the motor 5 to operate continuously at low speed or to start and stop intermittently. The motor 5 drives the stirring paddle 6 to rotate in the soaking frame 1, which uniformly stirs the raw materials and liquid, promotes the exchange of water and soluble substances, and improves the soaking efficiency and uniformity. At the same time, the controller 101 can start the water pump 16. The water pump 16 draws liquid from the soaking frame 1 through the water pipe 15 at the lower side. After impurities are intercepted by the first filter screen 12 at the inlet, the liquid is transported from the outlet through the water pipe 15 to the upper side wall of the soaking frame 1 for re-injection, realizing the circulation of the soaking liquid and further improving the soaking uniformity.

[0024] The direction of the circulating flow is coordinated with the guide slope 7 at the bottom of the soaking frame 1, which is lower at the front and higher at the back, to form a composite water flow field from back to front and from bottom to top. The water pump 16 draws water from the lower right rear side of the soaking frame 1 and injects water forward and upward. The water flow forms a directional flow field from back to front and from bottom to top through the guide slope 7. Under the action of the water flow, light impurities such as bean skins and debris that fall off during the soaking process move forward and upward with the liquid flow and gradually gather towards the side of the liquid collection chamber 10 under the guidance of the water flow. When the liquid containing bean skins enters the area of ​​the liquid collection chamber 10, it needs to flow through the first filter 12 on the filter drawer 14. The bean skins and other impurities are effectively trapped in the filter drawer 14, while the liquid is discharged through the outlet 11 or continues to circulate. Through this synergistic effect, the bean skins are collected in the filter drawer 14, avoiding them from floating or settling in the soaking frame 1. This not only improves the cleanliness of the soaking liquid but also provides convenience for subsequent cleaning.

[0025] When it is necessary to control the soaking temperature, the controller 101 automatically starts and stops the heating pad 19 based on the temperature signal fed back in real time by the temperature sensor 20, which is located in the middle of the side wall of the soaking frame 1, away from the trajectory of the stirring paddle. This keeps the soaking solution within a suitable temperature range to meet the process requirements at different stages. To prevent microbial contamination, the controller 101 can also turn on the ultraviolet lamp 21 at regular intervals or continuously. The ultraviolet lamp 21 is turned on in an unloaded state before soaking or during the soaking interval to avoid direct irradiation of the liquid and prevent the ultraviolet light from being absorbed and rendered ineffective by the liquid, thus ensuring the cleanliness of the soaking environment.

[0026] After soaking, the controller 101 shuts off the motor 5 and the water pump 16, and opens the valve 13 on the outlet 11 pipe. Under the action of gravity, the soaking liquid flows along the guide slope 7 to the collection chamber 10 and is discharged through the outlet 11. Before entering the collection chamber 10, the liquid needs to flow through the filter drawer 14. The remaining small bean scraps or impurities are intercepted by the first filter 12, realizing the initial separation of solid and liquid during the drainage process. The filter drawer 14 is installed by horizontal sliding, which is convenient to be pulled out for cleaning or replacement regularly. At the same time, the collected bean skins can be taken out and processed together.

[0027] After the liquid is drained, the baffle plate 9 can be slid out from the top of the discharge frame 8, and the soaked raw material can slide into the discharge frame 8 along the guide slope 7 to achieve smooth discharge. During the entire operation, the internal soaking status, liquid level and stirring status can be monitored in real time through the transparent observation window 102 on the left to ensure that the process is stable and controllable.

[0028] In summary, this device achieves automation, cleanliness, and efficiency in the soaking process of natto raw materials through the synergistic effects of stirring, circulation, heating, sterilization, filtration, and flow guidance, significantly improving soaking quality and ease of operation.

Claims

1. A raw material soaking device for natto processing, characterized in that: The components include a soaking frame (1), a sealing cap (2), a handle (3), a motor (5), a stirring paddle (6), a dynamic seal (18), a guide slope (7), a discharge frame (8), a baffle plate (9), a liquid collection chamber (10), a water outlet (11), a valve (13), a filter drawer (14), and a sealing strip (17). A controller (101) is provided on the outer wall of the front side of the soaking frame (1). An openable sealing cap (2) is provided on the top of the soaking frame (1). A handle (3) is fixedly connected to the front side of the top of the sealing cap (2). A motor (5) is provided on the rear side of the soaking frame (1). The output shaft of the motor (5) passes through the rear wall of the soaking frame (1) and extends into its interior, and is connected to the stirring paddle (6). The two ends of the stirring paddle (6) are rotatably supported on the soaking frame (1) by bearings. The front and rear inner walls of the soaking frame (1) are provided with a dynamic seal (18) at the point where the output shaft of the motor (5) passes through the rear wall of the soaking frame (1). The bottom of the soaking frame (1) is provided with a guide slope (7) that is lower in the front and higher in the back. The front side of the soaking frame (1) is fixedly connected to a discharge frame (8). The upper part of the discharge frame (8) is slidably connected to a baffle plate (9). The lower right side of the soaking frame (1) is connected to and communicates with a liquid collection chamber (10). The bottom of the liquid collection chamber (10) is connected to and communicates with a water outlet (11). A valve (13) is installed on the pipe of the water outlet (11). The front side of the liquid collection chamber (10) is slidably connected to a filter drawer (14). A sealing strip (17) is provided at the joint between the filter drawer (14) and the opening of the liquid collection chamber (10). The motor (5) is electrically connected to the controller (101).

2. The raw material soaking device for natto processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a sealant (4), the bottom of the sealing cap (2) is provided with the sealant (4), and the sealant (4) is attached to the top end face of the soaking frame (1) to achieve a seal.

3. A raw material soaking device for natto processing according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a water pipe (15), a water pump (16) and a first filter screen (12). The lower side of the soaking frame (1) is connected to the inlet of the water pump (16) through the water pipe (15). The inlet of the water pump (16) is provided with a first filter screen (12). The outlet of the water pump (16) is connected to the upper side wall of the soaking frame (1) through the water pipe (15). The water pump (16) is electrically connected to the controller (101).

4. A raw material soaking device for natto processing according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a heating pad (19) and a temperature sensor (20). The heating pad (19) is provided on the lower part of the outer wall of the rear side of the soaking frame (1), and the temperature sensor (20) is provided on the middle part of the inner wall of the soaking frame (1). The heating pad (19) and the temperature sensor (20) are both electrically connected to the controller (101).

5. A raw material soaking device for natto processing according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes ultraviolet lamps (21), with ultraviolet lamps (21) located on the top left and right sides of the soaking frame (1), and the ultraviolet lamps (21) are electrically connected to the controller (101).

6. A raw material soaking device for natto processing according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes an observation window (102), and a transparent observation window (102) is provided on the left side of the soaking frame (1).

Images