A inoculation device for uniform inoculation of pericarpium citri reticulatae microbial fermentation and a pericarpium citri reticulata fermentation system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of inoculation device and dried orange peel fermentation system for dried orange peel microbial fermentation uniform inoculation, inoculation device includes inoculation structure, spraying structure and the containing cylinder of containing dried orange peel. The inoculation structure includes the inoculation cylinder matched with containing cylinder and the driving structure of driving its rotation, spraying structure is by liquid storage tank, several spray heads, booster pump and delivery pipe composition, spray head is along the axis of inoculation cylinder arrangement, for atomized bacteria liquid is evenly sprayed to the surface of dried orange peel. The containing cylinder is formed by inner and outer net cylinder and cover, form the annular space of loadable dried orange peel, containing cylinder can be inserted in inoculation cylinder and rotate with it, realize the overall uniform inoculation of dried orange peel. Containing cylinder is made of metal framework and lattice, and is firm in structure, can be stacked and placed, improve fermentation space utilization. The device structure is reasonable, easy to operate, can realize the standardization, uniformity and automation of bacteria liquid inoculation, significantly improve dried orange peel fermentation efficiency and product stability, and be applicable to dried orange peel and other traditional chinese medicinal materials solid state fermentation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tangerine peel processing and fermentation technology, specifically to an inoculation device and a tangerine peel fermentation system for uniform inoculation of microbial liquid during the artificial fermentation process of tangerine peel. Background Technology

[0002] Dried tangerine peel (aged orange or mandarin peel) is a traditional Chinese medicine with effects such as regulating qi, strengthening the spleen, and resolving dampness and phlegm. Traditionally, dried tangerine peel undergoes a long aging process, typically requiring 3 to 5 years of natural storage to achieve its ideal medicinal effects and aroma. In recent years, with the development of modern microbial fermentation technology, controlled fermentation through artificial inoculation with dominant functional strains of dried tangerine peel (such as Bacillus, yeast, and Aspergillus niger) has become an important way to accelerate the aging process.

[0003] The artificial fermentation of dried tangerine peel typically involves the following steps: bacterial culture and propagation, thinning of the tangerine peel, and spraying or spot inoculation of the bacterial culture. Current inoculation methods mostly employ manual spraying or distributed spraying with fixed nozzles, which presents the following problems:

[0004] 1. Poor uniformity of inoculation: Due to the irregular shape and varying thickness of the surface of dried tangerine peel, manual spraying can easily result in some areas having excessively high bacterial concentrations or no inoculation, leading to uneven fermentation and an increased risk of local contamination by miscellaneous bacteria.

[0005] 2. Low space utilization: Existing fermentation equipment mostly adopts flat spreading or single-layer tray structure, which limits the fermentation capacity per unit volume and is not conducive to industrial production.

[0006] 3. Low operational efficiency: Manual spraying or manual spot inoculation is a complex process with high labor intensity and difficulty in achieving standardization and repeatability control.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, there is an urgent need for a specialized device capable of multi-layer stacked fermentation within a limited space and uniformly inoculating the surface of dried tangerine peel. This device should feature an automated and controllable inoculation structure design to ensure consistent bacterial distribution and improve the efficiency and quality stability of the tangerine peel fermentation process. Utility Model Content

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to address the shortcomings of existing tangerine peel fermentation methods by providing an inoculation device with uniform microbial inoculation function, which has good inoculation uniformity, high fermentation space utilization, simple operation, and is convenient for standardized production.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0010] An inoculation device with uniform microbial inoculation function includes an inoculation structure, a spray structure, and a container for holding dried tangerine peel.

[0011] The inoculation structure includes an inoculation tube that cooperates with the container and a drive structure for driving the inoculation tube to rotate; one end of the inoculation tube is open and the other end has a through hole at its center.

[0012] The spray structure includes a storage tank, several spray heads, several booster pumps, and a delivery pipe that connects the spray heads and the storage tank through a through hole; the booster pumps are respectively installed on several delivery pipes connected to the storage tank, and the spray heads are installed in the middle of the inoculation cylinder along the axis of the inoculation cylinder.

[0013] The container has a hollow double-layered cylindrical structure, including a cylinder body and a cover. The cylinder body includes an outer mesh cylinder and an inner mesh cylinder connected to each other. The outer mesh cylinder, inner mesh cylinder, and cover are all composed of a skeleton and a lattice mesh. The inner mesh cylinder forms a perforation along its axis. The side walls of the inner and outer mesh cylinders are both surrounded by a lattice mesh. The same end of the inner and outer mesh cylinders is connected and closed by the lattice mesh. The other end of the inner and outer mesh cylinders is open. The cover is located at the open end between the inner and outer mesh cylinders. The dried tangerine peel is contained between the inner and outer mesh cylinders. The container can be fitted inside the inoculation cylinder from the open end, and several spray heads are located in the perforation of the container.

[0014] It also includes a controller that is electrically connected to several booster pumps and a drive structure.

[0015] The tangerine peel is filled into the container by using an inner and outer mesh cylinder. The distance between the inner and outer mesh cylinders can be adjusted by changing their radial dimensions, thus adjusting the thickness of the tangerine peel inside the container and laying the foundation for setting the subsequent fermentation conditions. The container can be fitted inside the inoculation tank and restrained. Several spray heads are arranged in a reasonable manner within the perforations of the inner mesh cylinder. The drive structure drives the inner mesh cylinder to rotate, and at the same time, the spray heads spray to form an atomized bacterial solution. The atomized bacterial solution passes through the inner mesh cylinder and adheres evenly to the surface of the tangerine peel. After inoculation, the container can be removed. The operation is simple and facilitates standardized production.

[0016] Furthermore, the opening end of the inoculation cylinder is horizontally or inclined upward; a roller shaft coaxial with the inoculation cylinder is provided on one side of the inoculation cylinder with a through hole, and a channel for the delivery pipe to pass through is provided along the axis of the roller shaft, which is coaxial with the through hole and the inoculation cylinder; a bearing is sleeved on the roller shaft, the bearing is mounted on a bearing seat, and the bearing seat is mounted on a first bracket; a hoop-shaped raceway is also provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the opening end of the inoculation cylinder, the hoop-shaped raceway is coaxial with the inoculation cylinder, and at least two grooved rollers that cooperate with the hoop-shaped raceway are provided below the hoop-shaped raceway, the grooves of the hoop-shaped raceway and the grooved rollers are interlocked, and the grooved rollers are mounted on a second bracket.

[0017] By setting the opening of the inoculation cylinder horizontally or tilted upwards, it is easy to place and remove the container. The rotation of the inoculation cylinder is facilitated by the cooperation between the roller shaft, bearing, and bearing housing, and by the cooperation between the hoop raceway and the grooved roller, which also provides support for the inoculation cylinder.

[0018] Preferably, the drive structure includes a motor, a reducer, a drive gear, and a gear ring sleeved on the side wall of the inoculation cylinder; the gear ring is coaxially arranged with the inoculation cylinder, the drive gear meshes with the gear ring, the drive gear is arranged on the output shaft of the reducer, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the input shaft of the reducer; the motor and the reducer are mounted on a third bracket.

[0019] The motor drives the drive gear to rotate, and the drive gear meshes with the gear ring on the inoculation cylinder, thereby driving the inoculation cylinder to rotate. The controller is electrically connected to the motor of the drive structure.

[0020] The processing, sending, and receiving procedures related to the controller of this utility model are conventional technical choices for those skilled in the art, belong to the prior art, and are technical solutions that can be obtained without creative effort, and are not the subject matter protected by this utility model.

[0021] Preferably, the spray structure further includes a converging delivery tube, the front section of which passes through the roller shaft and the through hole into the inoculation cylinder, and the rear section is fixed by a fourth bracket. The front section of the converging tube is coaxially arranged with the roller shaft, the through hole and the inoculation cylinder respectively; a plurality of spray heads are fixedly arranged on the converging tube.

[0022] The rear section of the conduit is supported by the fourth bracket, so that the front section of the conduit becomes an unsupported free section. This allows for a gap between the front section of the conduit and the roller shaft and the inoculation cylinder, preventing contact. It also facilitates the fixing of several spray heads and the collection and delivery tube.

[0023] Preferably, the outer mesh cylinder of the container body is provided with a coaxial first outer end ring and a second outer end ring, and the first outer end ring and the second outer end ring are connected by no less than three outer longitudinal rods, which are arranged axially symmetrically; the inner mesh cylinder of the container body is provided with a coaxial first inner end ring and a second inner end ring, and the first inner end ring and the second inner end ring are connected by no less than three inner longitudinal rods, which are arranged axially symmetrically; the first inner end ring is sleeved inside the first outer end ring, the second inner end ring is sleeved inside the second outer end ring, the first inner end ring and the first outer end ring are connected by no less than three upper crossbars, and the second inner end ring and the second outer end ring are connected by no less than three lower crossbars, which are arranged axially symmetrically;

[0024] The second inner end ring and the second outer end ring are sealed together by a lattice mesh fixed to the second inner end ring, the second outer end ring, and the lower crossbar. The first outer end ring and the second outer end ring are sealed together by a lattice mesh fixed to the first outer end ring, the second outer end ring, and the outer longitudinal bar. The first inner end ring and the second inner end ring are sealed together by a lattice mesh fixed to the first inner end ring, the second inner end ring, and the inner longitudinal bar. The first inner end ring, the second inner end ring, the first outer end ring, the second outer end ring, the inner longitudinal bar, and the outer longitudinal bar constitute the skeleton of the cylinder. An opening is provided between the first inner end ring and the first outer end ring.

[0025] The skeleton of the cover includes a first cover end ring and a second cover end ring arranged coaxially, and a cover longitudinal rod connecting the first cover end ring and the second cover end ring; the cover longitudinal rod is no less than three and arranged axially symmetrically, and a lattice mesh is provided on the first cover end ring to close the opening between the outer mesh cylinder and the inner mesh cylinder; the second cover end ring is open and cooperates with the opening between the outer mesh cylinder and the inner mesh cylinder; the diameter of the second cover end ring is larger than the diameter of the first outer end ring.

[0026] A stable outer mesh cylinder skeleton is formed by the first outer end ring, the second outer end ring, and at least three outer longitudinal rods. A stable inner mesh cylinder skeleton is formed by the first inner end ring, the second inner end ring, and at least three inner longitudinal rods. The inner and outer mesh cylinders are securely connected by upper and lower crossbars to form the skeleton of the container body. The lattice mesh is fixed to the skeleton of the container body, while leaving an opening at one end between the inner and outer mesh cylinders. The dried tangerine peel is placed inside the container body through this opening. A stable cap skeleton is formed by the first cap end ring, the second cap end ring, and cap longitudinal rods. A lattice mesh is set on the cap skeleton, and one end of the cap is open. The open end of the cap can be fitted onto one end of the openings of the inner and outer mesh cylinders, simultaneously closing the open ends of the inner and outer mesh cylinders through the cap, thus ensuring that the dried tangerine peel is stably contained inside the container body.

[0027] Furthermore, the skeleton of the cover body also includes an inner end ring of the cover body coaxial with the first end ring of the cover body, and a cover body crossbar connecting the first end ring of the cover body and the inner end ring of the cover body; the inner end ring of the cover body is sleeved inside the first end ring of the cover body, and there are no less than three cover body crossbars arranged axially symmetrically. The lattice mesh that closes the opening between the outer mesh cylinder and the inner mesh cylinder is fixed on the first end ring of the cover body, the inner end ring of the cover body, and the cover body crossbar. The inner end ring of the cover body, the first inner end ring, and the second inner end ring have the same diameter.

[0028] A handle is provided on the frame of the inner mesh cylinder. When the lid of the container cylinder is closed, the inner end ring of the lid is aligned with the first inner end ring, and the handle passes through the inner end ring of the lid.

[0029] By setting an inner end ring inside the first end ring of the cover, which has the same diameter as the first inner end ring and is directly opposite it, it is easy to pass a handle through the inner end ring of the cover, thus making it easy to lift the entire container cylinder by the handle and facilitate handling. At the same time, when the container cylinders are stacked one on top of the other, the handle passes through the second inner end ring and enters the perforation of the inner mesh cylinder, which increases the stability of the stacking.

[0030] Furthermore, the inner wall of the inoculation tube is provided with several through grooves along its axial direction, the number of through grooves being the same as the number of outer longitudinal rods. In addition, there are outwardly protruding limiting strips in the circumferential direction of all outer longitudinal rods, and all limiting strips are respectively fitted into several through grooves; the diameters of the first outer end ring and the second outer end ring are the same, and both are smaller than the inner diameter of the inoculation tube.

[0031] By providing a limiting strip on the inner wall of the inoculation tube that cooperates with the limiting strip, when the container tube is placed inside the inoculation tube, the limiting strip is inserted into the through groove, thereby confining the container tube inside the inoculation tube, causing the inoculation tube to drive the container tube to rotate together.

[0032] Furthermore, the inner side of the second cover end ring has a protrusion, and a groove is provided on the limiting strip near the opening end of the container tube to engage with the protrusion.

[0033] The inoculation device of this utility model can conveniently and quickly cover the cover onto the cylinder. Through the cooperation of the protrusion and the groove, the edge of the groove is rounded, which can facilitate the fixing and separation of the cover and the cylinder, reducing the use of other locking structures. The structure is simple and practical.

[0034] Preferably, a limiting portion extends upward along the axial direction of the first cover end ring, and a notch is provided at the end of the limiting strip on one side of the second outer end ring; the limiting portion and the first cover end ring together form a limiting space, and the outer wall of the cylinder cooperates with the limiting space at the corresponding notch position.

[0035] By setting a limiting part on the lid and a notch at the lower end of the limiting strip, it is convenient for adjacent containers to be stacked, thus ensuring the stability of stacking.

[0036] Preferably, the frame is made of steel bars or metal, and the lattice mesh is a metal mesh. The metal frame and metal mesh facilitate welding the metal mesh onto the frame, making the container sturdy and durable.

[0037] This utility model also relates to a fermentation system for fermenting dried tangerine peel, including the inoculation device and fermentation chamber described above, wherein the fermentation chamber is equipped with a temperature control system, a humidity control system and a ventilation system.

[0038] The inclusion of temperature, humidity, and ventilation systems facilitates precise control of fermentation conditions and standardized production of aged tangerine peel. Furthermore, the vertical stacking of container cylinders, confining the tangerine peel between inner and outer mesh cylinders, allows for thinning of the peel. From inoculation to production, the tangerine peel can be placed within the container cylinders, making it practical and efficient. The container cylinders are also perforated both inside and out, allowing for easy control of temperature and humidity after stacking.

[0039] This utility model also relates to a method of using the aforementioned inoculation device, comprising the following steps:

[0040] S1. Place the dried tangerine peel between the inner and outer mesh tubes of the container, and then close the lid on the opening between the inner and outer mesh tubes.

[0041] S2. Insert the container into the inoculation barrel through the open end of the inoculation cylinder along its axial direction, and arrange the spray head in the perforation formed by the inner mesh cylinder along the axial direction of the container.

[0042] S3. Drive the inoculation cylinder to rotate through the drive structure, and at the same time turn on the booster pump to deliver the bacterial liquid in the storage tank to the spray head and atomize it. The atomized bacterial liquid passes through the inner mesh cylinder and adheres to the dried tangerine peel. Control the rotation speed of the inoculation cylinder and the atomization time of the spray head. Finally, take out the container and continue fermentation.

[0043] From the moment the tangerine peel is inoculated, it can be placed in the container until the fermentation is complete. During this process, the tangerine peel can remain in the container, reducing the need to constantly turn it over during the steaming and drying steps of the fermentation process. At the same time, placing the tangerine peel in the container facilitates stacking and fermentation, making full use of the fermentation space and ensuring the integrity of the tangerine peel. Attached Figure Description

[0044] A brief explanation of the contents of each figure in the instruction manual and the markings in the figures is provided:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the inoculation device in Example 1;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inoculation device in Example 2;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inoculation tube and the container tube in Examples 1 and 2;

[0048] Figure 4 These are skeleton diagrams of the containers used in Examples 1 and 2;

[0049] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0050] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structural grid encapsulation between the middle cover and the bottom of the cylinder;

[0051] Figure 7 In order to be in Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cylindrical body encapsulated with a lattice mesh.

[0052] Figure 8 These are schematic diagrams of the structures of the containers in Examples 1 and 2;

[0053] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0054] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure observed along the direction of the arrow.

[0055] Figure 11 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0056] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure observed along the direction of the arrow.

[0057] Figure 13 for Figure 8 Enlarged view at point D;

[0058] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure observed along the direction of the arrow.

[0059] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the stacked container cylinders used in Examples 1 and 2.

[0060] In the picture:

[0061] 1 is a container;

[0062] 1-1 is the cylinder; 1-11 is the outer mesh cylinder; 1-12 is the inner mesh cylinder; 1-13 is the first outer end ring; 1-14 is the second outer end ring; 1-15 is the outer longitudinal rod; 1-16 is the first inner end ring; 1-17 is the second inner end ring; 1-18 is the inner longitudinal rod; 1-19 is the upper horizontal rod; 1-110 is the lower horizontal rod; 1-111 is the groove; 1-112 is the notch;

[0063] 1-2 is the cover body; 1-21 is the first end ring of the cover body; 1-22 is the second end ring of the cover body; 1-23 is the longitudinal rod of the cover body; 1-24 is the inner end ring of the cover body; 1-25 is the transverse rod of the cover body; 1-26 is the protrusion; 1-27 is the limiting part;

[0064] 1-3 are lattice mesh; 1-4 are perforations; 1-5 are handles; 1-6 are limiting strips;

[0065] 2 is the inoculation cylinder; 2-1 is the through hole; 2-2 is the through groove; 2-3 is the roller shaft;

[0066] 3 represents the drive structure; 3-1 represents the motor; 3-2 represents the reducer; 3-3 represents the drive gear; 3-4 represents the gear ring.

[0067] 4 represents the spray structure; 4-1 represents the liquid storage tank; 4-2 represents the spray head; 4-3 represents the booster pump; 4-4 represents the delivery pipe; 4-5 represents the conduit.

[0068] 5 is the bearing housing; 6 is the first support; 7 is the hoop raceway; 8 is the grooved roller; 9 is the second support; 10 is the third support; 11 is the fourth support; 12 is dried tangerine peel. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which provide some non-limiting embodiments. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the present invention.

[0070] Example 1

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, an inoculation device with uniform microbial inoculation function includes an inoculation structure, a spray structure 4, a container 1 for holding dried tangerine peel 12, and a controller. The inoculation structure includes an inoculation tube 2 that cooperates with the container 1 and a drive structure 3 that drives the inoculation tube 2 to rotate. Its core technology lies in the fact that, through the synergistic effect of the rotatable inoculation tube 2 and the internally arranged multi-nozzle spray system, the bacterial solution forms a three-dimensional circumferential atomized distribution within the container 1, thereby achieving automated and uniform inoculation of dried tangerine peel 12.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the inoculation cylinder 2 has an open end and a through hole 2-1 at the center of the other end; the spray structure 4 includes a liquid storage tank 4-1, three spray heads 4-2, three booster pumps 4-3, and a delivery pipe 4-4 that passes through the through hole 2-1 and connects the spray heads 4-2 and the liquid storage tank 4-1; the three booster pumps 4-3 are respectively installed on three delivery pipes 4-4 connected to the liquid storage tank 4-1, and the three spray heads 4-2 are arranged around the inner axis of the inoculation cylinder 2, with one booster pump 4-3 and one spray head 4-2 installed on each delivery pipe 4-4; Figure 1As shown, the drive structure 3 includes a motor 3-1, a reducer 3-2, a drive gear 3-3, and a gear ring 3-4 sleeved on the side wall of the inoculation cylinder 2. The gear ring 3-4 is coaxially arranged with the inoculation cylinder 2, and the drive gear 3-3 meshes with the gear ring 3-4. The drive gear 3-3 is mounted on the output shaft of the reducer 3-2, and the output shaft of the motor 3-1 is connected to the input shaft of the reducer 3-2. The controller is electrically connected to the three booster pumps 4-3 and the motor 3-1, and controls the three booster pumps 4-3 and the motor 3-1 to work simultaneously. The controller is electrically connected to the motor 3-1 and can precisely control the rotation speed of the inoculation cylinder 2 according to the set program, so that the tangerine peel 12 rotates slowly and uniformly during the spraying process, ensuring uniform coverage of the bacterial solution.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the open end of the inoculation cylinder 2 is horizontally positioned. A roller shaft 2-3, coaxial with the inoculation cylinder 2, is provided on one side of the inoculation cylinder 2 with a through hole 2-1. A channel for the conveying pipe 4-4 passes through the roller shaft 2-3 along its axis. This channel is coaxial with the through hole 2-1 and the inoculation cylinder 2. A bearing is sleeved on the roller shaft 2-3. The bearing is mounted on a bearing seat 5, which is mounted on a first support 6. A hoop-shaped raceway 7 is also provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the open end of the inoculation cylinder 2. The hoop-shaped raceway 7 is coaxial with the inoculation cylinder 2. At least two grooved rollers 8 that cooperate with the hoop-shaped raceway 7 are provided below the hoop-shaped raceway 7. The grooves of the hoop-shaped raceway 7 and the grooved rollers 8 are interlocked. The grooved rollers 8 are mounted on a second support 9. The grooved rollers 8 can guide and limit the rotation, further ensuring the coaxiality and balance of the rotation of the inoculation cylinder 2. The inoculation structure also includes a converging delivery tube 4-4 with a guide tube 4-5. The front section of the guide tube 4-5 passes through the roller shaft 2-3 and the through hole 2-1 into the inoculation cylinder 2, and the rear section is fixed by the third bracket 10. The front section of the guide tube 4-5 is coaxially arranged with the roller shaft 2-3, the through hole 2-1, and the inoculation cylinder 2. Several spray heads 4-2 are fixedly mounted on the guide tube 4-5. The controller is simultaneously connected to the booster pump 4-3 and the motor 3-1 to achieve synchronous spraying and rotation under program control, ensuring that the surface of the tangerine peel 12 is evenly liquidated.

[0074] The container 1 is a hollow, double-layered cylindrical structure, mainly used to hold the dried tangerine peel 12 awaiting inoculation. For example... Figure 8 As shown, it includes a cylinder 1-1 and a cover 1-2. The cylinder 1-1 includes an outer mesh cylinder 1-11 and an inner mesh cylinder 1-12 connected to each other. The outer mesh cylinder 1-11, the inner mesh cylinder 1-12, and the cover 1-2 are all composed of a frame and a lattice mesh 1-3. The frame is made of steel bars, and the lattice mesh 1-3 is a steel wire mesh welded to the steel frame. Figure 7 , 8As shown, the inner mesh cylinder 1-12 forms a perforation 1-4 along its axis; the side walls of the inner mesh cylinder 1-12 and the outer mesh cylinder 1-11 are both surrounded by a lattice mesh 1-3, the same end of the inner mesh cylinder 1-12 and the outer mesh cylinder 1-11 are connected and closed by the lattice mesh 1-3, the other end of the inner mesh cylinder 1-12 and the outer mesh cylinder 1-11 are open, the cover 1-2 is set at the open end between the inner mesh cylinder 1-12 and the outer mesh cylinder 1-11, and the dried tangerine peel 12 is filled between the inner mesh cylinder 1-12 and the outer mesh cylinder 1-11; the holding cylinder 1 can be fitted into the inoculation cylinder 2 from the open end of the inoculation cylinder 2, and several spray heads 4-2 are located in the perforation 1-4 of the holding cylinder 1.

[0075] like Figure 4 , 6 As shown, the outer mesh cylinder 1-11 of the container cylinder 1-1 is provided with a coaxial first outer end ring 1-13 and a second outer end ring 1-14. The first outer end ring 1-13 and the second outer end ring 1-14 are connected by four outer longitudinal rods 1-15, which are arranged axially symmetrically. The inner mesh cylinder 1-12 of the container cylinder 1-1 is provided with a coaxial first inner end ring 1-16 and a second inner end ring 1-17. The first inner end ring 1-16 and the second inner end ring 1-17 are connected by four inner longitudinal rods 1-18. The four inner longitudinal bars 1-18 are connected and arranged symmetrically along an axis; the first inner end ring 1-16 is fitted inside the first outer end ring 1-13, and the second inner end ring 1-17 is fitted inside the second outer end ring 1-14. The first inner end ring 1-16 and the first outer end ring 1-13 are connected by four upper cross bars 1-19, and the second inner end ring 1-17 and the second outer end ring 1-14 are connected by four lower cross bars 1-110. The four upper cross bars 1-19 are arranged symmetrically along an axis, and the four lower cross bars 1-110 are arranged symmetrically along an axis. Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the second inner end ring 1-17 and the second outer end ring 1-14 are sealed together by a lattice mesh 1-3 fixed to the second inner end ring 1-17, the second outer end ring 1-14, and the lower crossbar 1-110. The first outer end ring 1-13 and the second outer end ring 1-14 are sealed together by a lattice mesh 1-3 fixed to the first outer end ring 1-13, the second outer end ring 1-14, and the outer longitudinal bar 1-15. The first inner end ring 1-16 and the second outer end ring 1-14 are sealed together by a lattice mesh 1-3 fixed to the first outer end ring 1-13, the second outer end ring 1-14, and the outer longitudinal bar 1-15. The two inner end rings 1-17 are sealed by a lattice mesh 1-3, which is fixed to the first inner end ring 1-16, the second inner end ring 1-17, and the inner longitudinal rod 1-18. The first inner end ring 1-16, the second inner end ring 1-17, the first outer end ring 1-13, the second outer end ring 1-14, the inner longitudinal rod 1-18, and the outer longitudinal rod 1-15 constitute the skeleton of the cylinder 1-1. An opening is provided between the first inner end ring 1-16 and the first outer end ring 1-13. Figure 4As shown, the outer longitudinal rods 1-15 and the inner longitudinal rods 1-18 are symmetrically distributed along the axial direction and connected to the lower transverse rods 1-10 via the upper transverse rod 1-19, achieving rigid support for the inner and outer layers. A metal lattice mesh 1-3 is fixed between the ring frames to form a mesh wall, allowing the bacterial liquid to freely penetrate and adhere to the surface of the tangerine peel 12 during atomization.

[0076] like Figure 6 , 7 As shown, the frame of the cover 1-2 includes a first cover end ring 1-21, a second cover end ring 1-22, and an inner cover end ring 1-24 arranged coaxially; a cover crossbar 1-25 connecting the first cover end ring 1-21 and the inner cover end ring 1-24; and a cover longitudinal bar 1-23 connecting the first cover end ring 1-21 and the second cover end ring 1-22. The inner cover end ring 1-24 is fitted inside the first cover end ring 1-21. There are four cover crossbars 1-25 arranged axially symmetrically, and four cover longitudinal bars 1-23 arranged axially symmetrically. A lattice mesh 1-3 is provided to close the opening between the outer mesh cylinder 1-11 and the inner mesh cylinder 1-12. The lattice mesh 1-3 is fixed to the first cover end ring 1-21, the inner cover end ring 1-24, and the cover crossbar 1-25. An opening is provided at the second cover end ring 1-22 and it matches the opening between the outer mesh cylinder 1-11 and the inner mesh cylinder 1-12. The diameter of the second cover end ring 1-22 is larger than the diameter of the first outer end ring 1-13. The diameters of the inner cover end ring 1-24, the first inner end ring 1-16, and the second inner end ring 1-17 are the same.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, to ensure that the container 1 rotates synchronously with the inoculation container 2 during the inoculation process, the inner wall of the inoculation container 2 is provided with through grooves 2-2 along its axial direction. There are four through grooves 2-2. Four outwardly protruding limiting strips 1-6 are also provided around the four outer longitudinal rods 1-15. The four limiting strips 1-6 are respectively aligned with and interlocked with the four through grooves 2-2. The limiting strips 1-6 are symmetrically distributed around the circumference of the container 1-1, and can play a limiting and transmission role during rotation, preventing slippage. The diameters of the first outer end ring 1-13 and the second outer end ring 1-14 are the same, and both are smaller than the inner diameter of the inoculation container 2. Figure 9 , 10 As shown, for easy disassembly and assembly, the inner side of the second cover end ring 1-22 has an inward protrusion 1-26, as... Figure 5 As shown, a groove 1-111 is provided on the limiting strip 1-6 near the opening end of the container 1, which engages with the protrusion 1-26. This elastic engagement allows for quick locking and releasing without the need for additional fasteners. Figure 9 , 10As shown, when a protrusion 1-26 is provided on the inner side of the second cover end ring 1-22, the lattice mesh 1-3 between the first cover end ring 1-21 and the second cover end ring 1-22 is provided on the outer side of the cover 1-2; the lattice mesh 1-3 between the first cover end ring 1-21 and the inner cover end ring 1-24 can be welded to either the upper or lower sides of the first cover end ring 1-21 and the inner cover end ring 1-24. This ensures that the inner side of the cover 1-2 is a smooth skeleton, making it convenient for the cover 1-2 to be placed on the cylinder 1-1.

[0078] like Figure 11 , 12 As shown, for ease of handling and stacking, a handle 1-5 is provided on the inner longitudinal rod 1-18 of the inner mesh cylinder 1-12. The handle 1-5 is located in the through hole 1-4 at the end where the inner cylinder 1-1 and the cover 1-2 meet. When the cover 1-2 of the holding cylinder 1 closes the cylinder 1-1, the inner end ring 1-24 of the cover is aligned with the first inner end ring 1-16, and the handle 1-5 passes through the inner end ring 1-24 of the cover. Figure 12 As shown, the handle 1-5 is made of bent steel bars and is set in the perforation 1-4 formed by the inner mesh cylinder 1-12. The handle 1-5 is directly welded to the inner longitudinal rod 1-18 on the inner side of the perforation 1-4. The lattice mesh 1-3 on the inner mesh cylinder 1-12 is welded to the outer side of the first inner end ring 1-16, the second inner end ring 1-17 and the inner longitudinal rod 1-18 near the outer mesh cylinder 1-11, so as to ensure that the handle 1-5 is in the perforation 1-4. When it is necessary to stack the container cylinders 1, the handle of the bottom container cylinder 1 faces and enters the perforation 1-4 of the upper container cylinder 1, so as to facilitate the stacking of the container cylinders 1 and stabilize the stacked container cylinders 1 in the longitudinal direction, preventing the container cylinders 1 from sliding and tipping over, while making use of the longitudinal space for fermentation of the tangerine peel 12.

[0079] like Figure 10 As shown, a limiting portion 1-27 extends upward along the axial direction of the cover body 1-2 on the first cover end ring 1-21, as... Figure 13 , 14As shown, the limiting strip 1-6 has a notch 1-112 at one end of the second outer ring 1-14; the limiting part 1-27 and the first cover end ring 1-21 together form a limiting space, and the outer wall of the cylinder 1-1 cooperates with this limiting space at the position corresponding to the notch 1-112. Since the radial dimensions of the first outer ring 1-13 and the second outer ring 1-14 are smaller than those of the first cover end ring 1-21 and the second cover end ring 1-22, the limiting strip 1-6 is used to interlock with the through groove 2-2 of the inoculation cylinder 2. At the same time, it is also necessary to ensure that the cover 1-2 maintains a tight connection after covering the cylinder 1-1. Therefore, a notch 1-112 needs to be opened at the bottom of the limiting strip 1-6. The radial dimension of the bottom of the cylinder 1-1 corresponding to the notch 1-112 is smaller than the radial dimension of the limiting space formed by the limiting part 1-27 at the upper end of the cover 1-2. Figure 15 As shown, this facilitates the interlocking stacking of adjacent container cylinders 1, further ensuring the stability of the stacking of container cylinders 1.

[0080] The container 1 in the inoculation device of this invention is also suitable for stacked fermentation in a fermentation room, which is equipped with a temperature control system, a humidity control system, and a ventilation system. By controlling the various fermentation conditions, the standardized production of dried tangerine peel 12 is facilitated. Figure 15 As shown, the stacked containers 1 have ventilation space between them due to size limitations, and multiple perforations 1-4 in the middle of each container 1 facilitate standardized production of tangerine peel 12 fermentation. Inside the fermentation room, several containers 1 are stacked vertically, and with the help of temperature, humidity, and ventilation systems, a standardized and controllable fermentation process is achieved. The containers 1 have a sturdy structure and good air permeability, effectively improving space utilization, maintaining the integrity of the tangerine peel 12's shape, and significantly improving fermentation uniformity and product quality consistency.

[0081] The method of using the inoculation device in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0082] S1. Place the dried tangerine peel 12 between the inner mesh tube 1-12 and the outer mesh tube 1-11 of the container 1-1. Then, cover the lid 1-2 onto the opening between the inner mesh tube 1-12 and the outer mesh tube 1-11. The protrusion on the lid 1-2 engages with the groove 1-111 on the limiting strip 1-6, thereby locking the lid 1-2 and the container 1-1 together.

[0083] S2. The container 1 is inserted into the inoculation barrel through the open end of the inoculation barrel 2 along its axial direction. The inoculation barrel 2 is connected to the limiting strip 1-6 on the container 1 through the through groove 2-2, thereby confining the container 1 inside the inoculation barrel 2. The spray head 4-2 is arranged along the axial direction of the container 1 on the through pipe 4-5 in the perforation 1-4 formed by the inner mesh cylinder 1-12.

[0084] S3. Control the motor 3-1 to rotate via the controller. The motor 3-1 drives the inoculation cylinder 2 to rotate. At the same time, the controller controls the booster pump 4-3 to transport the bacterial liquid in the storage tank 4-1 to the spray head 4-2 and atomize it. The atomized bacterial liquid passes through the inner mesh cylinder 1-12 and adheres to the tangerine peel 12. Control the rotation speed of the inoculation cylinder 2 and the atomization time of the spray head 4-2. Finally, take out the container cylinder 1 and stack it for fermentation.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, the opening end of the inoculation cylinder 2 is tilted upwards. This arrangement allows workers to easily load and unload the container cylinder 1 without the need for horizontal pushing or pulling, significantly reducing labor intensity. The tilt angle is typically 10°–20° and can be adjusted via the support structure. Due to the rearward bias of the center of gravity, the container cylinder 1 automatically slides down and positions itself after being inserted into the inoculation cylinder 2, improving assembly stability and operational safety.

[0088] In this structure, the spray head 4-2 is still arranged along the axial direction of the inoculation cylinder 2, but its spray direction is slightly tilted upward relative to the axis, so that the atomized bacterial liquid forms a circumferential deposition layer under the action of gravity. When the inoculation cylinder 2 rotates, the surface of the dried tangerine peel 12 can obtain a more uniform bacterial liquid coverage. The control method of the drive structure 3, motor 3-1 and booster pump 4-3 is the same as in Example 1, and the controller can realize synchronous control of spraying and rotation. During the spraying process, excess bacterial liquid naturally flows down the cylinder wall to the recovery area at the lower end, and will not remain at the bottom of the container cylinder 1, keeping the environment inside the container cylinder 1 dry and clean.

[0089] This inclined inoculation structure offers significant advantages in terms of operability, making it particularly suitable for industrial fermentation production lines with multiple machines arranged in parallel. Without altering the core inoculation method, it achieves automatic positioning and operational optimization of the inoculation process through gravity assistance, thereby improving the consistency and standardization of Chenpi 12 inoculation.

[0090] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0091] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. An inoculation device for uniform inoculation of tangerine peel microbial fermentation, characterized in that, Includes an inoculation structure, a spray structure (4), and a container (1) for holding dried tangerine peel (12); The inoculation structure includes an inoculation tube (2) that cooperates with the container tube (1) and a drive structure (3) that drives the inoculation tube (2) to rotate; one end of the inoculation tube (2) is open and the other end is provided with a through hole (2-1) at the center of its end. The spray structure (4) includes a storage tank (4-1), a plurality of spray heads (4-2), a plurality of booster pumps (4-3), and a delivery pipe (4-4) that passes through a through hole (2-1) and connects the spray heads (4-2) and the storage tank (4-1); the plurality of booster pumps (4-3) are respectively disposed on the plurality of delivery pipes (4-4) connected to the storage tank (4-1), and the plurality of spray heads (4-2) are disposed in the middle of the inoculation cylinder (2) along the axis of the inoculation cylinder (2); The container (1) has a hollow double-layered cylindrical structure, including a cylinder body (1-1) and a cover body (1-2). The cylinder body (1-1) includes an outer mesh cylinder (1-11) and an inner mesh cylinder (1-12) that are connected to each other. The outer mesh cylinder (1-11), the inner mesh cylinder (1-12), and the cover body (1-2) are all composed of a skeleton and a lattice mesh (1-3). The inner mesh cylinder (1-12) forms a perforation (1-4) along its axis. The side walls of the inner mesh cylinder (1-12) and the outer mesh cylinder (1-11) are both surrounded by a lattice mesh (1-3). (1-11) are connected at the same end and closed by a lattice mesh (1-3). The inner mesh cylinder (1-12) and the outer mesh cylinder (1-11) are open at the other end. The cover (1-2) is set at the open end between the inner mesh cylinder (1-12) and the outer mesh cylinder (1-11). The dried tangerine peel (12) is filled between the inner mesh cylinder (1-12) and the outer mesh cylinder (1-11). The filling cylinder (1) can be fitted into the inoculation cylinder (2) from the open end of the inoculation cylinder (2) and a number of spray heads (4-2) are located in the perforations (1-4) of the inner mesh cylinder (1-12). It also includes a controller that is electrically connected to several booster pumps (4-3) and a drive structure (3).

2. The inoculation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening end of the inoculation cylinder (2) is set horizontally or inclined upward; a roller shaft (2-3) coaxial with the inoculation cylinder (2) is set on one side of the inoculation cylinder (2) with a through hole (2-1), and the roller shaft (2-3) has a channel through which the conveying pipe (4-4) passes along its axis. The channel is coaxial with the through hole (2-1) and the inoculation cylinder (2); a bearing is sleeved on the roller shaft (2-3), and the bearing is installed on the bearing seat (5). The bearing seat (5) is installed on the first bracket (6); a hoop-shaped raceway (7) is also set on the outer surface of the side wall of the opening end of the inoculation cylinder (2). The hoop-shaped raceway (7) is coaxial with the inoculation cylinder (2). At least two grooved rollers (8) that cooperate with the hoop-shaped raceway (7) are set below the hoop-shaped raceway (7). The grooves of the hoop-shaped raceway (7) and the grooved rollers (8) are fitted together. The grooved rollers (8) are installed on the second bracket (9).

3. The inoculation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive structure (3) includes a motor (3-1), a reducer (3-2), a drive gear (3-3), and a gear ring (3-4) sleeved on the side wall of the inoculation cylinder (2); the gear ring (3-4) is coaxially arranged with the inoculation cylinder (2), the drive gear (3-3) meshes with the gear ring (3-4), the drive gear (3-3) is arranged on the output shaft of the reducer (3-2), and the output shaft of the motor (3-1) is connected to the input shaft of the reducer (3-2); the motor (3-1) and the reducer (3-2) are mounted on the third bracket (10).

4. The inoculation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spray structure (4) also includes a converging delivery tube (4-4) with a wire guide tube (4-5). The front section of the wire guide tube (4-5) passes through the roller shaft (2-3) and the through hole (2-1) and enters the inoculation cylinder (2). The rear section is fixed by the fourth bracket (11). The front section of the wire guide tube (4-5) is coaxially arranged with the roller shaft (2-3), the through hole (2-1) and the inoculation cylinder (2). Several spray heads (4-2) are fixedly arranged on the wire guide tube (4-5).

5. The inoculation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer mesh cylinder (1-11) of the container cylinder (1-1) is provided with a coaxial first outer end ring (1-13) and a second outer end ring (1-14). The first outer end ring (1-13) and the second outer end ring (1-14) are connected by no less than three outer longitudinal rods (1-15), and the no less than three outer longitudinal rods (1-15) are arranged axially symmetrically. The inner mesh cylinder (1-12) of the container cylinder (1-1) is provided with a coaxial first inner end ring (1-16) and a second inner end ring (1-17). The first inner end ring (1-16) and the second inner end ring (1-17) are connected by no less than three inner longitudinal rods (1-18). No fewer than three inner longitudinal bars (1-18) are arranged axially symmetrically; the first inner end ring (1-16) is sleeved inside the first outer end ring (1-13), the second inner end ring (1-17) is sleeved inside the second outer end ring (1-14), the first inner end ring (1-16) and the first outer end ring (1-13) are connected by no fewer than three upper cross bars (1-19), the second inner end ring (1-17) and the second outer end ring (1-14) are connected by no fewer than three lower cross bars (1-110), the no fewer than three upper cross bars (1-19) are arranged axially symmetrically, and the no fewer than three lower cross bars (1-110) are arranged axially symmetrically; The second inner end ring (1-17) and the second outer end ring (1-14) are sealed together by a lattice mesh (1-3) on the second inner end ring (1-17), the second outer end ring (1-14), and the lower crossbar (1-110). The first outer end ring (1-13) and the second outer end ring (1-14) are sealed together by a lattice mesh (1-3) on the first outer end ring (1-13), the second outer end ring (1-14), and the outer longitudinal bar (1-15). The first inner end ring (1-16) and the second inner end ring (1-17) are sealed together by a lattice mesh (1-3) on the first outer end ring (1-17), the second outer end ring (1-14), and the outer longitudinal bar (1-15). The end rings (1-17) are sealed by a lattice mesh (1-3) to the first inner end ring (1-16), the second inner end ring (1-17), and the inner longitudinal rod (1-18); the first inner end ring (1-16), the second inner end ring (1-17), the first outer end ring (1-13), the second outer end ring (1-14), the inner longitudinal rod (1-18), and the outer longitudinal rod (1-15) constitute the skeleton of the cylinder (1-1); an opening is provided between the first inner end ring (1-16) and the first outer end ring (1-13); The skeleton of the cover (1-2) includes a first cover end ring (1-21) and a second cover end ring (1-22) arranged coaxially, and a cover longitudinal rod (1-23) connecting the first cover end ring (1-21) and the second cover end ring (1-22); there are no fewer than three cover longitudinal rods (1-23) arranged axially symmetrically, and a lattice mesh (1-3) is provided on the first cover end ring (1-21) to close the opening between the outer mesh cylinder (1-11) and the inner mesh cylinder (1-12); the second cover end ring (1-22) is open and cooperates with the opening between the outer mesh cylinder (1-11) and the inner mesh cylinder (1-12); the diameter of the second cover end ring (1-22) is larger than the diameter of the first outer end ring (1-13).

6. The inoculation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The skeleton of the cover (1-2) also includes an inner end ring (1-24) coaxial with the first end ring (1-21) of the cover, and a cover crossbar (1-25) connecting the first end ring (1-21) and the inner end ring (1-24); the inner end ring (1-24) of the cover is sleeved inside the first end ring (1-21), and there are no less than three cover crossbars (1-25) arranged axially symmetrically. The lattice mesh (1-3) that closes the opening between the outer mesh cylinder (1-11) and the inner mesh cylinder (1-12) is fixed on the first end ring (1-21), the inner end ring (1-24) of the cover, and the cover crossbar (1-25). The inner end ring (1-24), the first inner end ring (1-16), and the second inner end ring (1-17) of the cover have the same diameter. A handle (1-5) is provided on the frame of the inner mesh cylinder (1-12). When the cover (1-2) of the container cylinder (1) covers the cylinder (1-1), the inner end ring (1-24) of the cover is directly opposite the first inner end ring (1-16), and the handle (1-5) passes through the inner end ring (1-24) of the cover.

7. The inoculation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the inoculation cylinder (2) is provided with a number of through grooves (2-2) along its axial direction. The number of through grooves (2-2) is the same as the number of outer longitudinal rods (1-15). On the circumference of all outer longitudinal rods (1-15), there are also outwardly protruding limiting strips (1-6). All limiting strips (1-6) are respectively fitted into the several through grooves (2-2). The diameters of the first outer end ring (1-13) and the second outer end ring (1-14) are the same and both are smaller than the inner diameter of the inoculation cylinder (2). The inner side of the second cover end ring (1-22) has a protrusion (1-26) and a groove (1-111) that engages with the protrusion (1-26) is provided on the limiting strip (1-6) on the side near the opening end of the container (1).

8. The inoculation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A limiting portion (1-27) extends upward along the axial direction of the cover (1-2) on the first cover end ring (1-21). The limiting strip (1-6) has a notch (1-112) at the end on one side of the second outer end ring (1-14). The limiting portion (1-27) and the first cover end ring (1-21) together form a limiting space. The outer wall of the cylinder (1-1) cooperates with the limiting space at the corresponding notch (1-112).

9. A fermentation system for dried tangerine peel, characterized in that, It includes a fermentation chamber and an inoculation device as described in any one of claims 1-8; the fermentation chamber is equipped with a temperature control system, a humidity control system, and a ventilation system.

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