Food sterilization machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology and discloses a food sterilization machine, including a sterilization chamber and a cooling chamber disposed on one side of the sterilization chamber. The bottom of the sterilization chamber is provided with a placement groove, and the bottom of the sterilization chamber is provided with a conveying track. Conveying rollers are respectively installed at both ends of the inner wall of the conveying track. Multiple conveying belts are provided on the outer side of the conveying rollers, and gaps are provided between the conveying belts. A high-temperature nozzle is installed on the top of the sterilization chamber, and the output end of the high-temperature nozzle is located above the conveying track. A steam engine is also provided on the inner wall of the sterilization chamber, and the output end of the steam engine is located inside the sterilization chamber. A cooler is installed at the bottom of the cooling chamber, and the output end of the cooler is located inside the cooling chamber. A push-sloping panel is provided at the bottom of the cooling chamber, and the push-sloping panel is slidably connected to the bottom of the cooling chamber. An observation window is opened on one side of the sterilization chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food processing technology, specifically a food sterilization machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the food processing industry, sterilization is a crucial process for ensuring food safety and extending shelf life. Traditional food sterilization equipment, such as hot water sterilizers or steam sterilizers, often suffers from low automation, separation of sterilization and cooling processes, and low production efficiency. For example, after high-temperature sterilization, materials need to be manually or transported to the cooling station using additional equipment. This not only increases labor intensity and processing time but may also lead to secondary contamination of the materials during transport. Furthermore, traditional sterilization equipment has room for improvement in terms of sterilization uniformity, energy efficiency, and wastewater treatment.

[0003] Therefore, the industry needs a high-efficiency food sterilization equipment that can achieve continuous and automated operation, integrate sterilization and cooling, and effectively treat the condensate or wastewater generated during the sterilization process. Utility Model Content

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a food sterilization machine that features efficient continuous operation, uniform and thorough sterilization, rapid cooling and convenient discharge, safe operation and visual monitoring. It solves the problems of low efficiency and secondary pollution risks caused by the separation of sterilization and cooling processes, uneven heat distribution and sterilization dead zones in traditional sterilization equipment, inconvenient wastewater treatment during sterilization, and difficulty in discharging materials after cooling or the need for manual assistance.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the aforementioned goals of efficient continuous operation, uniform and thorough sterilization, rapid cooling and convenient discharge, safe operation and visual monitoring, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A food sterilization machine includes a sterilization chamber and a cooling chamber disposed on one side of the sterilization chamber. The bottom of the sterilization chamber has a placement groove. A conveyor track is provided at the bottom of the sterilization chamber, and conveyor rollers are installed at both ends of the inner wall of the conveyor track. Multiple conveyor belts are provided on the outer side of the conveyor rollers, with gaps between the conveyor belts. A high-temperature nozzle is installed at the top of the sterilization chamber, with its output end positioned above the conveyor track. A steam generator is also provided on the inner wall of the sterilization chamber, with its output end located inside the sterilization chamber. A cooler is installed at the bottom of the cooling chamber, with its output end located inside the cooling chamber. A sliding inclined plate is provided at the bottom of the cooling chamber, and the sliding inclined plate is slidably connected to the bottom of the cooling chamber. An observation window is provided on one side of the sterilization chamber.

[0006] Preferably, the sterilization chamber has baffles at both ends, and the baffles are respectively located at the inlet and outlet. A pneumatic cylinder is installed on the top of the sterilization chamber, and a connecting frame is installed at the output end of the pneumatic cylinder. The two ends of the connecting frame are fixedly connected to the upper ends of the baffles, and the baffles are slidably connected to the two ends of the sterilization chamber. A feed plate is provided at the inlet of the sterilization chamber, and the feed plate is located outside the sterilization chamber.

[0007] Preferably, a conveying motor is provided on the outer side of the conveying track, and the output end of the conveying motor is fixedly connected to one end of the conveying roller. Multiple support rollers are provided inside the conveying track, and the support rollers are arranged inside multiple conveyor belts.

[0008] Preferably, the placement trough is equipped with a wastewater tank, which is located at the bottom of the conveying track. A drain pipe is installed at the bottom of the wastewater tank, and an electrically controlled valve is installed in the middle of the drain pipe.

[0009] Preferably, the bottom of the placement slot is provided with a support frame, and the support frame is located at the bottom of the wastewater tank. An electric push rod is provided on the upper side of the support frame, and the output end of the electric push rod penetrates through the inner wall of the cooling chamber. The push inclined plate is fixedly installed on the output end of the electric push rod.

[0010] Preferably, a discharge plate is provided on one side of the cooling chamber, and heat dissipation holes are provided on the top of the cooling chamber. A protective net is provided at the output end of the cooler, and the protective net is embedded in the inner wall of the bottom of the cooling chamber.

[0011] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with existing technologies, this utility model provides a food sterilization machine with the following beneficial effects: This food sterilization machine, through the integration of a conveying system consisting of conveyor rollers and conveyor belts with the sterilization chamber and cooling chamber, achieves continuous automated operation of food processing from feeding, sterilization to cooling and discharging, greatly improving production efficiency. The combination of top high-temperature nozzles and side-wall steam generators creates a three-dimensional, uniform high-temperature and humid heat sterilization environment. The gaps between the conveyor belts ensure that heat and steam can fully contact all surfaces of the material, enhancing the sterilization effect. The sterilized material directly enters the integrated cooling chamber for rapid cooling, which helps maintain food quality. The unique inclined pusher panel design allows the cooled material to be pushed towards the discharge port under the drive of an electric push rod, ensuring smooth discharge and reducing manual intervention. The equipment integrates sterilization, cooling, and wastewater collection in a compact and reasonable structural design. The wastewater tank effectively collects condensate and rinsing water generated during sterilization and discharges it centrally through a drain pipe with a valve, maintaining a clean and hygienic production environment. The automatic control of the gate's raising and lowering via a pneumatic cylinder automates the sealing and opening of the sterilization chamber, reducing heat loss and the risk of personnel contact with high-temperature areas. The observation window facilitates real-time monitoring of the internal sterilization process and allows for timely adjustments to process parameters. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the conveying track of this utility model.

[0013] In the diagram: 1. Sterilization chamber; 2. Placement trough; 3. Observation window; 4. Cooling chamber; 5. Heat dissipation hole; 6. Connecting frame; 7. Pneumatic cylinder; 8. Baffle gate; 9. Steam engine; 10. Feed plate; 11. Conveying track; 12. Drain pipe; 13. Electrically controlled valve; 14. Conveying motor; 15. Wastewater tank; 16. Conveying roller; 17. Support frame; 18. Electric push rod; 19. Pushing inclined plate; 20. Cooler; 21. Protective net; 22. Discharge plate; 24. High-temperature nozzle; 25. Support roller; 26. Conveyor belt. Detailed Implementation

[0014] 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.

[0015] Example: Please refer to Figure 1-4 A food sterilization machine includes a sterilization chamber 1 and a cooling chamber 4 disposed on one side of the sterilization chamber 1. The bottom of the sterilization chamber 1 is provided with a placement groove 2 and a conveying track 11. The two ends of the inner wall of the conveying track 11 are respectively installed with conveying rollers 16. Multiple conveying belts 26 are provided on the outer side of the conveying rollers 16, and there are gaps between the conveying belts 26. A high-temperature nozzle 24 is installed on the top of the sterilization chamber 1, and the output end of the high-temperature nozzle 24 is located above the conveying track 11. A steam engine 9 is also provided on the inner wall of the sterilization chamber 1, and the output end of the steam engine 9 is located inside the sterilization chamber 1. A cooler 20 is installed at the bottom of the cooling chamber 4, and the output end of the cooler 20 is located inside the cooling chamber 4. A push inclined plate 19 is provided at the bottom of the cooling chamber 4, and the push inclined plate 19 is slidably connected to the bottom of the cooling chamber 4. An observation window 3 is opened on one side of the sterilization chamber 1.

[0016] The core architecture integrates a continuous processing system for sterilization chamber 1 and cooling chamber 4. This is the fundamental innovation of the equipment, achieving a seamless connection from sterilization to cooling. The conveyor track 11 and conveyor belt 26 form the core conveying path running through the two functional chambers. It is particularly noteworthy that there are gaps between the conveyor belts, a key design feature. This allows high-temperature steam, hot water, and cooling air to act on the food simultaneously from multiple directions, eliminating dead zones in sterilization and cooling, and significantly improving processing efficiency and uniformity. The sterilization function is achieved by high-temperature nozzles 24 spraying high-temperature hot water or steam, and steam generator 9 providing saturated steam, simultaneously increasing ambient temperature and humidity. This "point-to-surface" approach ensures that a stable and uniform high-temperature and humid environment can be quickly established and maintained within the sterilization chamber. The cooler 20 is the core of the cooling chamber; it blows cold air into the chamber through a protective net 21, rapidly and forcibly cooling the materials that have undergone high-temperature sterilization to terminate the thermal process and lock in food quality. The inclined plate 19 is a unique discharge auxiliary device. By sliding, it can "scoop up" the material remaining at the end of the cooling chamber and guide it to the discharge port, solving the problem that material on a flat conveyor belt may not be able to slide out smoothly due to friction or its own shape. Observation window 3 provides a visual monitoring method, making it easy for operators to observe the internal process status without opening the equipment.

[0017] The sterilization chamber 1 has baffles 8 at both ends, and the baffles 8 are respectively located at the inlet and outlet. A pneumatic cylinder 7 is installed on the top of the sterilization chamber 1, and a connecting frame 6 is installed at the output end of the pneumatic cylinder 7. The two ends of the connecting frame 6 are fixedly connected to the upper end of the baffles 8, and the baffles 8 are slidably connected to the two ends of the sterilization chamber 1. A feed plate 10 is provided at the inlet of the sterilization chamber 1, and the feed plate 10 is located outside the sterilization chamber 1.

[0018] The sterilization chamber is equipped with baffles 8 at its inlet and outlet. Their main function is to seal the space during sterilization, preventing heat and steam leakage, ensuring stable temperature and pressure within the chamber, thus guaranteeing sterilization effectiveness and saving energy. The two baffles are linked and raised / lowered via a pneumatic cylinder 7 and a connecting frame 6. This automated design is more efficient and safer than manual doors, reducing operator exposure to high-temperature and high-humidity environments and facilitating integration into automated production lines. The feed plate 10 acts as a transition slope, smoothly guiding materials from the previous stage onto the conveyor belt, preventing material jamming or spillage.

[0019] A conveyor motor 14 is provided on the outside of the conveyor track 11, and the output end of the conveyor motor 14 is fixedly connected to one end of the conveyor roller 16. Multiple support rollers 25 are provided inside the conveyor track 11, and the support rollers 25 are arranged inside multiple conveyor belts 26.

[0020] The document explicitly states that the power source for the conveying system is the conveyor motor 14, which drives the conveyor rollers 16 to move the entire conveyor belt. The motor speed is adjustable, allowing control over the residence time of food during sterilization and cooling processes to adapt to the processing requirements of different products. Support rollers 25 are installed inside the conveyor belt to support it and prevent excessive sagging due to the weight, especially when carrying wet or heavy food. This ensures the smooth operation of the conveyor belt, avoids material jolting, and maintains the shape of the gaps between the conveyor belt sections, ensuring smooth flow of the medium.

[0021] The placement tank 2 is equipped with a wastewater tank 15, which is located at the bottom of the conveying track 11. A drain pipe 12 is installed at the bottom of the wastewater tank 15, and an electrically controlled valve 13 is installed in the middle of the drain pipe 12.

[0022] During the sterilization process, steam condenses into water upon cooling, and hot water may also be used in the high-temperature nozzles. These liquids fall through the gaps in the conveyor belt. The wastewater tank 15 is designed to collect these waste liquids, keeping the equipment interior and production environment clean and dry, meeting food production hygiene standards. The drain pipe 12 and the electrically controlled valve 13 allow for centralized, timed, and automatic wastewater discharge, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by opening the equipment, thus improving operational convenience and hygiene.

[0023] The bottom of the placement slot 2 is provided with a support frame 17, and the support frame 17 is located at the bottom of the wastewater tank 15. An electric push rod 18 is provided on the upper side of the support frame 17, and the output end of the electric push rod 18 penetrates the inner wall of the cooling chamber 4, pushing the inclined plate 19 to be fixedly installed at the output end of the electric push rod 18.

[0024] The electric actuator 18 provides the power for linear reciprocating motion; its compact structure and stable thrust ensure consistent performance. The output end of the electric actuator is directly connected to the inclined panel 19, allowing it to slide at the bottom of the cooling chamber. This design translates electrical commands into physical actions, automating the material discharge process. The support frame 17 provides a stable mounting base for the electric actuator.

[0025] A discharge plate 22 is provided on one side of the cooling chamber 4, and a heat dissipation hole 5 is provided on the top of the cooling chamber 4. A protective net 21 is provided at the output end of the cooler 20, and the protective net 21 is embedded in the inner wall of the bottom of the cooling chamber 4.

[0026] The heat dissipation vent 5 is located at the top of the cooling chamber. Utilizing the principle of rising hot air, it effectively removes air heated by the material during the cooling process, maintaining the cooling chamber's high heat exchange efficiency and preventing the mixing of hot and cold air that could reduce cooling effectiveness. The protective net 21 is installed at the cooler's air outlet. Its primary function is to prevent food debris or packaging from accidentally falling into the cooler and damaging the fan or heat exchanger, ensuring the cooler's long-term stable operation. The discharge plate 22 is typically a guide plate with a slight incline, ensuring that the cooled material smoothly slides into the collection basket or onto the next section of the conveyor line, completing the entire processing flow.

[0027] Working Principle: Upon startup, the conveyor motor 14 starts working, driving all conveyor belts 26 to move at a uniform speed. The pneumatic cylinder 7 at the inlet activates, lifting the baffle gate 8. The food to be sterilized is fed onto the conveyor belt through the feed plate 10 and enters the sterilization chamber with it. After the material has completely entered, the inlet baffle gate closes, forming a sealed space. The steam generator 9 starts, injecting saturated steam into the sterilization chamber, rapidly increasing the ambient temperature and humidity. Simultaneously, the high-temperature nozzles 24 may spray high-temperature hot water or auxiliary steam onto the food below, performing powerful and direct impact sterilization. During this process, the steam and hot water, through the gaps between the conveyor belts, comprehensively envelop the food from top to bottom and from the sides towards the center, ensuring sterilization without blind spots. The food receives uniform heat treatment during its uniform movement. Condensate and residual liquid drip through the gaps into the wastewater tank 15 below. The operator can monitor this process through the observation window 3. After the preset sterilization time is completed, the food is transported to the end of the sterilization chamber by the conveyor belt. The outlet baffle gate opens, and the food enters the cooling chamber 4. Cooler 20 operates continuously, blowing cold air upwards onto the food through protective netting 21. Hot air is continuously expelled from the top heat dissipation holes 5, creating forced convection cooling. Cold air also passes through the gaps in the conveyor belt, cooling the bottom of the food quickly and evenly to maintain food quality and prevent overcooking. The cooled food is then conveyed to the end of the cooling chamber. Electric push rods 18 extend periodically according to a set program, pushing inclined panels 19 forward, "pushing" the food off the conveyor belt and onto the discharge plate 22, exiting the equipment for the next packaging or collection process. The push rods then retract, the inclined panels return to their original position, and the equipment awaits the next batch of materials. During production breaks or at the end of the process, the electrically controlled valve 13 can be opened to discharge the wastewater collected in the wastewater tank 15 through the drain pipe 12, facilitating equipment cleaning and maintenance.

[0028] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A food sterilization machine, comprising a sterilization chamber (1) and a cooling chamber (4) disposed on one side of the sterilization chamber (1), wherein the bottom of the sterilization chamber (1) is provided with a placement trough (2), characterized in that: The sterilization chamber (1) is provided with a conveying track (11) at the bottom, and conveying rollers (16) are installed at both ends of the inner wall of the conveying track (11). Multiple conveying belts (26) are provided on the outer side of the conveying rollers (16), and gaps are provided between the conveying belts (26). A high-temperature nozzle (24) is installed on the top of the sterilization chamber (1), and the output end of the high-temperature nozzle (24) is located above the conveying track (11). A steam engine (9) is also provided on the inner wall of the sterilization chamber (1), and the output end of the steam engine (9) is located inside the sterilization chamber (1). A cooler (20) is installed at the bottom of the cooling chamber (4), and the output end of the cooler (20) is located inside the cooling chamber (4). A push inclined plate (19) is provided at the bottom of the cooling chamber (4), and the push inclined plate (19) is slidably connected to the bottom of the cooling chamber (4). An observation window (3) is opened on one side of the sterilization chamber (1).

2. The food sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization chamber (1) is provided with baffles (8) at both ends, and the baffles (8) are respectively located at the inlet and outlet. The sterilization chamber (1) is equipped with a pneumatic cylinder (7) at the top, and a connecting frame (6) is installed at the output end of the pneumatic cylinder (7). The two ends of the connecting frame (6) are fixedly connected to the upper end of the baffles (8), and the baffles (8) are slidably connected to the two ends of the sterilization chamber (1). The sterilization chamber (1) is provided with a feed plate (10) at the inlet, and the feed plate (10) is located outside the sterilization chamber (1).

3. The food sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the conveying track (11) is provided with a conveying motor (14), and the output end of the conveying motor (14) is fixedly connected to one end of the conveying roller (16). The inside of the conveying track (11) is provided with multiple support rollers (25), and the support rollers (25) are arranged inside multiple conveyor belts (26).

4. The food sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The placement trough (2) is equipped with a wastewater tank (15), and the wastewater tank (15) is located at the bottom of the conveying track (11). A drain pipe (12) is installed at the bottom of the wastewater tank (15), and an electrically controlled valve (13) is provided in the middle of the drain pipe (12).

5. A food sterilization machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the placement slot (2) is provided with a support frame (17), and the support frame (17) is located at the bottom of the wastewater tank (15). The upper side of the support frame (17) is provided with an electric push rod (18), and the output end of the electric push rod (18) penetrates the inner wall of the cooling chamber (4). The push inclined plate (19) is fixedly installed at the output end of the electric push rod (18).

6. A food sterilization machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A discharge plate (22) is provided on one side of the cooling chamber (4), and a heat dissipation hole (5) is provided on the top of the cooling chamber (4). A protective net (21) is provided at the output end of the cooler (20), and the protective net (21) is embedded in the inner wall at the bottom of the cooling chamber (4).

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