Pressing apparatus for wine-making fruits

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of squeezing equipment of fruit for brewing wine, including shell, rotatably arranged in shell's spiral shaft, filter screen net and drive system being located in the outer periphery of spiral shaft;Its key innovation is in the working surface of the spiral shaft and / or the filter screen net is integrated piezoelectric transducing layer, and is equipped with the ultrasonic generator electrically connected with this piezoelectric transducing layer.The utility model is combined with macroscopic mechanical extrusion force and micro ultrasonic vibration, while spiral shaft extruding fruit, using the acoustic cavitation effect of ultrasonic to the physicality of fruit cell Breaks wall, so that it can be under more gentle pressure condition, significantly improve the extraction efficiency of fruit juice and flavoring material, and effectively prevent screen net blockage using the "self-cleaning" effect of vibration, synchronously improves the squeezing efficiency and the quality of final product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fruit processing equipment technology, and in particular to a pressing device for winemaking fruits that uses sound waves to improve efficiency. Background Technology

[0002] Screw presses are key pieces of equipment widely used in fruit wine brewing and juice production. Their basic working principle is that a motor drives a screw shaft to rotate inside a cylindrical filter screen, applying strong mechanical pressure to the fruit entering the equipment, thereby separating the juice from the pulp, peel and seeds.

[0003] Existing screw press equipment relies entirely on macroscopic mechanical force for juice separation. While this method is simple in structure and reliable in operation, it has the following inherent drawbacks in practical applications, especially when processing fruits used for high-end winemaking: 1. Simple mechanical squeezing is difficult to reach the microscopic cellular level. For fruits with tough cell walls or dense structures, a large amount of juice and flavor substances are still locked inside the cells that are not completely broken, resulting in incomplete squeezing, low juice yield, and waste of raw materials. 2. In pursuit of higher juice yield, operators often increase the pressure of the auger. However, excessive pressure can over-compress the grape skins and abrade the seeds, causing undesirable bitter substances from the skins (such as excessive tannins) and oils from the seeds to dissolve into the juice, severely impacting the final wine's taste, color, and quality. How to gently increase juice yield while maintaining quality remains a major challenge in current technology. 3. During the pressing process, the high viscosity of the pulp and the fine particles of the peel easily clog the micropores of the filter screen, forming a filter cake that greatly hinders the smooth flow of juice. This clogging not only reduces pressing efficiency but also requires frequent shutdowns for high-pressure rinsing, affecting the continuity of production.

[0004] Therefore, how to innovatively improve the working principle of existing screw press equipment, and assist cell wall breaking at the microscopic level without relying on excessive mechanical pressure, so as to achieve gentle and efficient pressing and reduce screen clogging, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pressing device for fruit used in winemaking, which aims to solve the technical problems of incomplete pressing, low juice yield, inability to apply high pressure to maintain quality, and easy clogging of filter screens caused by existing screw press equipment relying solely on mechanical extrusion.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a pressing device for fruit used in winemaking, comprising: A housing defines a pressing chamber for processing fruit and is provided with an inlet for receiving fruit, a juice outlet for discharging juice, and a pulp outlet for discharging pulp. A cylindrical filter screen is disposed inside the pressing chamber. The mesh structure of the filter screen is used to divide the pressing chamber into an internal pulp conveying channel and a juice collection area surrounding the pulp conveying channel. The juice outlet is connected to the juice collection area. A spiral shaft is rotatably disposed within the pulp conveying channel defined by the filter screen. The spiral shaft is configured to convey fruit entering from the feed inlet along the pulp conveying channel toward the pulp outlet when rotating, and to apply gradually increasing squeezing force to the fruit during the process, so that the juice is separated from the pulp and passes through the filter screen into the juice collection area. A drive system is connected to the helical shaft to drive its rotation; A piezoelectric transducer layer is integrated on at least one working surface of the spiral shaft and / or the filter screen that is in contact with the fruit; and An ultrasonic generator is electrically connected to the piezoelectric transducer layer. The ultrasonic generator is configured to drive the piezoelectric transducer layer to generate ultrasonic vibrations, so as to assist the rupture of fruit cell walls through the ultrasonic vibrations while the helical shaft squeezes the fruit, thereby improving the juice separation efficiency.

[0007] Preferably, the piezoelectric transducer layer is integrated on the working surface of the spiral shaft.

[0008] Preferably, the pressing equipment further includes a conductive slip ring, through which the ultrasonic generator is electrically connected to the piezoelectric transducer layer on the spiral shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the piezoelectric transducer layer is integrated into the working surface of the filter screen.

[0010] Preferably, the filter screen has a tapered hole structure with smaller inner holes and larger outer holes.

[0011] Preferably, the working surface with the integrated piezoelectric transducer layer has conductive properties, and the working surface itself constitutes the first electrode. The pressing equipment also includes a second electrode laid on the outer surface of the piezoelectric transducer layer, and the two output terminals of the ultrasonic generator are electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively.

[0012] Preferably, the piezoelectric transducer layer is made of piezoelectric ceramic material.

[0013] Preferably, the ultrasonic generator is configured to drive the piezoelectric transducer layer to generate ultrasonic vibrations with a frequency of 20 kHz to 40 kHz.

[0014] Preferably, the pressing equipment further includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the drive system and the ultrasonic generator respectively, and the control unit is configured to control the start and stop of the ultrasonic generator according to the operating status of the drive system.

[0015] Preferably, the working surface of the integrated piezoelectric transducer layer has a micro-roughened structure formed by sandblasting or etching to enhance the bonding strength of the piezoelectric transducer layer and / or enhance the cavitation effect of the ultrasonic waves.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant advantages: By combining macroscopic mechanical extrusion with microscopic ultrasonic cell disruption, this invention fundamentally solves the contradiction between juice yield and juice quality in traditional pressing processes. It efficiently releases deep-seated juice and flavor compounds within cells under gentler mechanical pressure, significantly increasing juice yield while avoiding the release of bitter substances and flavor degradation caused by excessive extrusion, resulting in higher-quality, purer-tasting juice. Furthermore, the high-frequency vibration generated by the piezoelectric transducer layer endows the working surfaces of the equipment, especially the filter screen, with excellent self-cleaning capabilities. This effectively prevents high-viscosity fruit pulp particles from clogging the screen holes, ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the pressing process and reducing downtime maintenance costs.

[0017] In summary, this utility model has an ingenious structure. Without making any radical changes to the main structure of the existing equipment, it achieves simultaneous improvement in three core indicators: juice yield, juice quality, and operating efficiency by introducing ultrasonic assistance. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the piezoelectric transducer layer structure on the working surface of the central helical shaft.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified schematic diagram of the piezoelectric transducer layer structure on the working surface of the filter screen.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the conical screen hole structure of the filter screen in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an electrical connection block diagram of the control system in this utility model.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10-machine casing, 11-pressing chamber, 111-pulp conveying channel, 112-juice collection area, 12-feed inlet, 13-juice outlet, 14-pomace outlet, 15-pressure regulating head, 16-conical pressure regulating body, 17-slag discharge gap.

[0025] 20 - Helical shaft, 21 - Shaft core; 22 - Helical blade.

[0026] 30 - Filter screen, 31 - Screen holes.

[0027] 40-Drive system.

[0028] 50-Piezoelectric transducer layer.

[0029] 60 - Ultrasonic generator.

[0030] 70 - Conductive slip ring.

[0031] 80 - Second electrode.

[0032] 90 - Control Unit. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 This utility model provides a pressing device for fruit used in winemaking, the main structure of which includes a housing 10, a spiral shaft 20, a filter screen 30 and a drive system 40.

[0035] The casing 10 defines a pressing chamber 11 for processing fruit, and includes a fruit inlet 12 for receiving fruit, a juice outlet 13 for discharging juice, and a pulp outlet 14 for discharging pulp. A cylindrical filter screen 30 is fixed inside the pressing chamber 11, dividing the chamber into an internal pulp conveying channel 111 and a surrounding juice collection area 112. The juice outlet 13 communicates with the juice collection area 112.

[0036] The spiral shaft 20 is rotatably mounted within the pulp conveying channel 111, with one end connected to the drive system 40 via a transmission mechanism. The drive system 40 provides a stable and powerful torque for the rotation of the spiral shaft 20. In a preferred embodiment, the drive system 40 includes a drive motor, a reducer, and a transmission mechanism. The drive motor is typically a three-phase asynchronous motor, providing the initial power. The reducer, such as a cycloidal pinwheel reducer or a gear reducer, is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, converting the high-speed, low-torque power of the motor into low-speed, high-torque power suitable for the pressing process. To flexibly adjust the pressing speed according to the characteristics of different fruits, the drive system 40 may also include a frequency converter, which steplessly adjusts the speed of the spiral shaft 20 by controlling the power supply frequency of the drive motor. The output shaft of the reducer is ultimately connected to the transmission end of the spiral shaft 20 via a coupling or chain drive, or other transmission mechanism.

[0037] The spiral shaft 20 includes a core 21 and spiral blades 22 wound around the core 21. During operation, the drive system 40 drives the spiral shaft 20 to rotate. Fruit entering from the inlet 12 is captured by the spiral blades 22 and forced to be transported along the pulp conveying channel 111 towards the pomace outlet 14. Preferably, the diameter of the core 22 gradually increases towards the pomace outlet 14, and / or the pitch of the spiral blades 21 gradually decreases, causing the volume of the pulp conveying channel 111 to continuously decrease. This applies a gradually increasing mechanical pressure to the fruit, causing the juice to separate from the pulp and pass through the mesh of the filter screen 30 into the juice collection area 112, ultimately being discharged from the juice outlet 13; while the compressed pomace is discharged from the pomace outlet 14. To control the moisture content of the pulp and the pressure within the pressing chamber 11, a pressure regulating mechanism is provided at the pulp outlet 14. This mechanism includes a pressure regulating head 15 and a conical pressure regulating body 16. At the end of the screw shaft 20, the conical pressure regulating body 16 forms a pulp discharge gap 17 with the casing 10. The pulp that has been pressed dry in the pulp conveying channel 111 is discharged through this pulp discharge gap 17 to the pulp outlet 14. By adjusting the position of the pressure regulating head 15, the conical pressure regulating body 16 can be moved axially, thereby changing the width of the pulp discharge gap 17 and controlling the pulp discharge resistance.

[0038] The core innovation of this invention lies in the introduction of an ultrasonic-assisted system based on the aforementioned mechanical pressing structure. This system includes a piezoelectric transducer layer 50 and an ultrasonic generator 60. The piezoelectric transducer layer 50 is integrated onto the working surface of the spiral shaft 20 or filter screen 30, which is in direct contact with the fruit. The ultrasonic generator 60 provides a high-frequency electrical signal to the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 via an electrical connection, driving it to generate high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations. This ultrasonic vibration can assist in the rupture of fruit cell walls at the microscopic level, synergizing with the macroscopic mechanical pressure, thereby significantly improving the juice separation efficiency while ensuring a gentle pressing process. Example

[0039] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment demonstrates a preferred scheme in which the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 is integrated on the spiral shaft 20.

[0040] In this embodiment, the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 is firmly deposited on the working surface of the helical blades 22 or the core 21 of the helical shaft 20 using surface engineering techniques such as plasma spraying. Since the helical shaft 20 is a rotating component, in order to transmit electrical energy from the stationary ultrasonic generator 60 to the rotating piezoelectric transducer layer 50, this embodiment also includes a conductive slip ring 70. The conductive slip ring 70 is installed at the non-working end of the helical shaft 20; its stationary portion is connected to the ultrasonic generator 60, and its rotating portion is connected to the electrodes of the piezoelectric transducer layer 50, thereby achieving uninterrupted electrical energy transmission.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 This demonstrates the specific stacked structure of the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 on the spiral shaft 20. The spiral shaft 20 itself is made of conductive metal such as stainless steel and can be directly used as the first electrode (ground electrode). A piezoelectric transducer layer 50, serving as the core functional layer, is deposited on its surface, and a conductive second electrode 80 is deposited on the outer surface of the piezoelectric transducer layer 50. The ultrasonic generator 60 has two output terminals, one of which is connected to the first electrode (i.e., the spiral shaft 20) via a frame ground, and the other terminal is connected to the second electrode 80 via a conductive slip ring 70. Example

[0042] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 This embodiment demonstrates another preferred solution where the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 is integrated onto the filter screen 30.

[0043] In this embodiment, the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 is laid on the inner working surface of the stationary filter screen 30. Since the filter screen 30 is a stationary component, the output end of the ultrasonic generator 60 can be directly connected to the electrode of the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 through a standard waterproof connector, eliminating the need for the conductive slip ring 70, thus simplifying the overall structure and increasing reliability.

[0044] Please see Figure 4 Its stacked structure is similar to that of Embodiment 1. The metal substrate of the filter screen 30 serves as the first electrode, on which the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 and the second electrode 80 are sequentially deposited.

[0045] To further enhance the technical effect of this utility model, the following preferred structure may also be adopted: Please see Figure 5 To better complement the self-cleaning function of ultrasound, the filter screen 30 preferably has a tapered hole structure with smaller inner holes and larger outer holes. This structure itself is less prone to clogging by fruit pulp particles. Under the high-frequency vibration of ultrasound, particles inside the screen holes 31 are more easily ejected rather than wedged in, resulting in excellent anti-clogging effect.

[0046] In addition, in order to enhance the bonding strength between the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 and the substrate (spiral shaft 20 or screen 30) and at the same time enhance the cavitation effect of the ultrasonic waves, the working surface on which the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 is integrated preferably has a micro-roughened structure formed by sandblasting or etching.

[0047] Regarding the selection of materials and parameters, the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 is preferably made of a piezoelectric ceramic material with stable performance and high conversion efficiency. The ultrasonic generator 60 is preferably configured to drive the piezoelectric transducer layer 50 to generate ultrasonic vibrations with a frequency of 20kHz to 40kHz, which has good industrial applicability while ensuring the processing effect.

[0048] Please see Figure 6 To achieve intelligent control, this invention may also include a control unit 90. The signal terminals of the control unit 90 are electrically connected to the drive system 40 and the ultrasonic generator 60, respectively. Through a preset program, the control unit 90 can be configured to automatically control the start / stop and power output of the ultrasonic generator 60 according to the operating status of the drive system 40 (e.g., start, stop, load size), thereby achieving energy saving and process optimization.

[0049] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A pressing device for fruit used in winemaking, characterized in that, include: A housing (10) defines a pressing chamber (11) for processing fruit and is provided with a fruit inlet (12) for receiving fruit, a juice outlet (13) for discharging juice and a pulp outlet (14) for discharging pulp. A cylindrical filter screen (30) is disposed inside the pressing chamber (11). The mesh structure of the filter screen (30) is used to divide the pressing chamber (11) into an internal pulp conveying channel (111) and a juice collection area (112) surrounding the pulp conveying channel (111). The juice outlet (13) is connected to the juice collection area (112). A spiral shaft (20) is rotatably disposed within the pulp conveying channel (111) defined by the filter screen (30). The spiral shaft (20) is configured to convey fruit entering from the feed inlet (12) along the pulp conveying channel (111) toward the pulp outlet (14) when rotating, and to apply gradually increasing squeezing force to the fruit during the process, so that the juice is separated from the pulp and passes through the filter screen (30) into the juice collection area (112). A drive system (40) is connected to the helical shaft (20) to drive its rotation; A piezoelectric transducer layer (50) is integrated on at least one working surface of the spiral shaft (20) and / or the filter screen (30) that is in contact with the fruit; and An ultrasonic generator (60) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric transducer layer (50). The ultrasonic generator (60) is configured to drive the piezoelectric transducer layer (50) to generate ultrasonic vibrations, so as to assist the rupture of fruit cell walls through the ultrasonic vibrations while the fruit is squeezed by the spiral shaft (20), thereby improving the juice separation efficiency.

2. The pressing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piezoelectric transducer layer (50) is integrated on the working surface of the spiral shaft (20).

3. The pressing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a conductive slip ring (70), through which the ultrasonic generator (60) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric transducer layer (50) on the spiral shaft (20).

4. The pressing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piezoelectric transducer layer (50) is integrated on the working surface of the filter screen (30).

5. The pressing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter screen (30) has a tapered hole structure with smaller inner holes and larger outer holes (31).

6. The pressing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The working surface of the integrated piezoelectric transducer layer (50) has conductive properties, and the working surface itself constitutes the first electrode; The pressing equipment also includes a second electrode (80) laid on the outer surface of the piezoelectric transducer layer (50), and the two output terminals of the ultrasonic generator (60) are electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode (80) respectively.

7. The pressing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piezoelectric transducer layer (50) is made of piezoelectric ceramic material.

8. The pressing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic generator (60) is configured to drive the piezoelectric transducer layer (50) to generate ultrasonic vibrations with a frequency of 20 kHz to 40 kHz.

9. The pressing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit (90) which is electrically connected to the drive system (40) and the ultrasonic generator (60) respectively. The control unit is configured to control the start and stop of the ultrasonic generator (60) according to the operating state of the drive system (40).

10. The pressing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The working surface of the integrated piezoelectric transducer layer (50) has a micro-roughened structure formed by sandblasting or etching to enhance the bonding strength of the piezoelectric transducer layer (50) and / or enhance the cavitation effect of ultrasound.

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