A slow cooking system for packaged food

Abstract

This utility model relates to a slow-cooking system for packaged food, comprising: N slow cookers, a hot water storage tank, and a cold water storage tank. Each slow cooker has a lid covering its top opening and an inner pot inside. The rear of each slow cooker has a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, and a cold water outlet. The bottom of each slow cooker has a hot water outlet. An integrated temperature sensor is installed on the rear of each slow cooker. The hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank is connected to the hot water inlet via a hot water delivery network, and the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank is connected to the hot water outlet via a hot water return network. The cold water outlet of the cold water storage tank is connected to the cold water inlet via a cold water delivery network, and the cold water return port of the cold water storage tank is connected to the cold water outlet via a cold water return network. The advantages are: it avoids hot water waste, facilitates the handling of packaged food, allows workers to handle packaged food in a cooled state, preventing burns, and improves the cooling speed of the packaged food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food cooking equipment, and in particular to a slow cooking system for packaged food. Background Technology

[0002] Slow cooking, a food preparation method introduced from abroad, involves placing food in a heat-resistant plastic bag, removing all air to create a vacuum, and then immersing it in a constant-temperature hot water solution (50°C to 80°C) for a predetermined time. This allows the food to slowly cook at the optimal temperature, releasing the maximum amount of monosodium glutamate (MSG), preserving its original flavor, texture, and nutritional value. The entire process can take anywhere from three to five hours to several days and nights, depending on the ingredients.

[0003] Existing slow cookers use electric heating elements and thermostats to slow-cook water and packaged food at low temperatures. After slow cooking, the packaged food is removed from the slow cooker and allowed to cool naturally before being placed back into the slow cooker. This method has the following problems: the water in each slow cooker is heated independently, and to avoid wasting hot water, hot water is always kept in the slow cooker when removing and placing packaged food, which is inconvenient; workers are at risk of burns when removing and placing packaged food because the slow cooker and the water in it are still warm; and the natural cooling of packaged food is slow. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems in the existing technology and provide a slow cooking system for packaged food.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives and effects, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0006] A slow-cooking system for packaged food, comprising:

[0007] N slow cookers, each with a lid covering its top opening, an inner pot for containing packaged food placed inside, a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, and a cold water outlet connected to the inner cavity of the slow cooker on its rear side, a hot water outlet connected to the inner cavity of the slow cooker on its bottom side, and an integrated temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature inside the slow cooker installed on its rear side.

[0008] A hot water storage tank, wherein the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank is connected to the hot water inlet through a hot water delivery pipeline network, and the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank is connected to the hot water discharge port through a hot water return pipeline network;

[0009] A cold water storage tank, wherein the cold water outlet of the cold water storage tank is connected to the cold water inlet through a cold water delivery pipeline network, and the cold water return port of the cold water storage tank is connected to the cold water discharge port through a cold water return pipeline network;

[0010] Each slow cooker has a slow cooker control cabinet installed on one side. The slow cooker control cabinet is electrically connected to an integrated temperature sensor, a hot water supply network, a hot water return network, a cold water supply network, and a cold water return network via cables.

[0011] The slow cooker control cabinet is equipped with a PLC controller, a first relay, a second relay, a third relay, and a fourth relay. The signal input terminal of the PLC controller is connected to the integrated temperature sensor by a cable, and the control signal output terminal of the PLC controller is electrically connected to the input circuits of the first relay, the second relay, the third relay, and the fourth relay by cables, respectively.

[0012] The hot water delivery pipeline network includes a hot water delivery main pipe, a first flexible hose, and a first solenoid valve. The inlet end of the hot water delivery main pipe is connected to the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank. N series-connected first reducing tees are installed on the hot water delivery main pipe. One end of the first flexible hose is connected to the interface in the middle of the first reducing tees. The other end of the first flexible hose is connected to the inlet end of the first solenoid valve. The outlet end of the first solenoid valve is connected to the hot water inlet. The output circuit of the first relay is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve via a cable. The inlet end of the hot water delivery main pipe is connected to the hot water outlet on one side of the hot water storage tank.

[0013] The cold water delivery pipeline network includes a main cold water delivery pipe, a second flexible hose, and a second solenoid valve. N series-connected second reducing tees are installed on the main cold water delivery pipe. One end of the second flexible hose is connected to the interface in the middle of the second reducing tees, and the other end of the second flexible hose is connected to the inlet end of the second solenoid valve. The outlet end of the second solenoid valve is connected to the cold water inlet. The output circuit of the second relay is electrically connected to the second solenoid valve via a cable. The inlet end of the main cold water delivery pipe is connected to the cold water outlet on one side of the cold water storage tank.

[0014] The cold water return pipeline network includes a main cold water return pipe, a third flexible hose, a third solenoid valve, a first buffer tank, a first water pump, and a fifth relay. The main cold water return pipe is equipped with N series-connected third reducing tees. One end of the third flexible hose is connected to the interface in the middle of the third reducing tees, and the other end of the third flexible hose is connected to the outlet of the third solenoid valve. The inlet of the third solenoid valve is connected to the cold water discharge port. The output circuit of the third relay is electrically connected to the third solenoid valve via a cable. The outlet of the main cold water return pipe is connected to the inlet on one side of the upper part of the first buffer tank. The inlet of the first water pump is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the first buffer tank via a pipe, and the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the cold water return port at the top of the cold water storage tank via a pipe. A first float level switch is installed on the first buffer tank. The first float level switch is electrically connected to the input circuit of the fifth relay via a cable, and the output circuit of the fifth relay is electrically connected to the junction box of the first water pump via a cable.

[0015] The hot water return pipeline network includes a hot water return main pipe, a fourth flexible hose, a fourth solenoid valve, a second buffer tank, a second water pump, and a sixth relay. The hot water return main pipe is equipped with N series-connected fourth reducing tees. One end of the fourth flexible hose is connected to the interface in the middle of the fourth reducing tees, and the other end of the fourth flexible hose is connected to the outlet of the fourth solenoid valve. The inlet of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the hot water discharge port. The output circuit of the fourth relay is electrically connected to the fourth solenoid valve via a cable. The outlet of the hot water return main pipe is connected to the inlet on one side of the upper part of the second buffer tank. The inlet of the second water pump is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the second buffer tank via a pipe, and the outlet of the second water pump is connected to the hot water return port at the top of the hot water storage tank via a pipe. A second float level switch is installed on the second buffer tank. The second float level switch is electrically connected to the input circuit of the sixth relay via a cable, and the output circuit of the sixth relay is electrically connected to the junction box of the second water pump via a cable.

[0016] The hot water storage tank and the cold water storage tank are equipped with a tank control cabinet on one side. The tank control cabinet is equipped with a temperature controller, a seventh relay, an eighth relay, and a ninth relay. The output terminal of the temperature controller is electrically connected to the input circuit of the seventh relay by a cable.

[0017] The hot water storage tank is equipped with a spiral electric heating element. The temperature sensor of the temperature controller is inserted into the hot water storage tank. The output circuit of the seventh relay is electrically connected to the power line of the electric heating element. The hot water storage tank is also equipped with a third float level switch. A first water inlet is provided at the top of the hot water storage tank. A fifth solenoid valve is installed on the first water inlet. The end of the fifth solenoid valve away from the first water inlet is connected to a tap water pipe. The third float level switch is electrically connected to the input circuit of the eighth relay by a cable. The output circuit of the eighth relay is electrically connected to the fifth solenoid valve by a cable.

[0018] The cold water storage tank is equipped with a fourth float level switch, and a second water inlet is provided at the top of the cold water storage tank. A sixth solenoid valve is installed on the second water inlet, and the end of the sixth solenoid valve away from the second water inlet is connected to a tap water pipe. The fourth float level switch is electrically connected to the input circuit of the ninth relay by a cable, and the output circuit of the ninth relay is electrically connected to the sixth solenoid valve by a cable.

[0019] The inner pot is a rectangular box-shaped structure with an open top. Multiple rectangular grid plates are stacked in the inner pot from bottom to top. The grid plates are provided with downward-extending grid support feet around their perimeter. Several water passage holes are provided on the side walls and bottom of the inner pot.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] The hot water is centrally heated by a hot water storage tank, and the hot water is recycled back to the hot water storage tank for storage when the slow cooker is used to load and unload packaged food and when it is cooled. This avoids the waste of hot water and facilitates the loading and unloading of packaged food.

[0022] Hot water is introduced into the slow cooker to immerse the packaged food in the hot water for slow cooking at a low temperature. After slow cooking is complete, the hot water is drained, and then cold water is introduced into the slow cooker to cool the packaged food. Workers can handle the packaged food in a cooled state, preventing burns and increasing the cooling speed of the packaged food. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the slow-cooking system for packaged food in this utility model, viewed from the upper side.

[0025] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pot lid covering the slow cooker, viewed from the side and above.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pot lid covering the slow cooker, viewed from the lower side.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner pot with stacked grid plates in the slow cooker, viewed from the side and above.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pot lid of this utility model as viewed from the upper side;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pot lid of this utility model as viewed from the lower side;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention, showing the grating plates stacked in the inner pot, viewed from the side and above.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the inner pot of this utility model viewed from the upper side;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a side view of the inner pot structure of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the grating plate in this utility model viewed from the upper side;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a side view of the structure of the two-layer grid plate stacked in this utility model;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the hot water storage tank in this utility model with the lid open, viewed from the side and above.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the hot water storage tank in this utility model, viewed from the lower side.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold water storage tank of this utility model, viewed from the side and above.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cold water storage tank of this utility model, viewed from the lower side.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the hot water delivery pipeline network in this utility model;

[0040] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the cold water transmission pipeline network in this utility model;

[0041] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the cold water return pipe network in this utility model;

[0042] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the hot water return pipe network in this utility model;

[0043] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the connection relationships of the electronic components in this utility model;

[0044] Explanation of the numbers in the diagram: Slow cooker 1, lid 11, stainless steel ring 111, hanging rod 112, handle 113, positioning protrusion ring 114, sealing ring 12, inner pot 13, water passage hole 131, handle hole 132, support block 133, grating plate 14, grating support foot 141, hot water inlet 15, cold water inlet 16, cold water outlet 17, hot water outlet 18, integrated temperature sensor 19.

[0045] 2. Hot water storage tank; 21. Electric heating element; 22. Third float level switch; 23. First water inlet; 24. Fifth solenoid valve; 25. Hot water outlet; 26. Hot water return outlet; 27. First overflow pipe; 28. First waste discharge pipe; 29. ​​Third manual shut-off valve.

[0046] 3. Cold water storage tank; 31. Fourth float level switch; 32. Second water inlet; 33. Sixth solenoid valve; 34. Cold water outlet; 35. Cold water return outlet; 36. Cooling circulation outlet; 37. Cooling circulation inlet; 38. Second overflow pipe; 39. Second waste discharge pipe; 310. Fourth manual shut-off valve; 311. Fifth manual shut-off valve.

[0047] 4. Hot water delivery pipeline network; 41. Hot water delivery main pipe; 42. First flexible hose; 43. First solenoid valve; 44. First reducing tee; 45. First manual shut-off valve.

[0048] 5. Cold water delivery pipeline network; 51. Cold water delivery main pipe; 52. Second flexible hose; 53. Second solenoid valve; 54. Second reducing tee; 55. Second manual shut-off valve.

[0049] 6. Cold water return pipeline network; 61. Cold water return main pipe; 62. Third flexible hose; 63. Third solenoid valve; 64. First buffer tank; 65. First water pump; 66. Fifth relay; 67. Third reducing tee; 68. First float level switch.

[0050] 7. Hot water return pipe network; 71. Hot water return main pipe; 72. Fourth flexible hose; 73. Fourth solenoid valve; 74. Second buffer tank; 75. Second water pump; 76. Sixth relay; 77. Fourth reducing tee; 78. Second float level switch.

[0051] Slow cooker control cabinet 8, PLC controller 81, first relay 82, second relay 83, third relay 84, fourth relay 85, start button switch 86, pause button switch 87, emergency stop button switch 88, ultrasonic generator 89, ultrasonic transducer 891.

[0052] 9. Storage tank control cabinet, 91. Temperature controller, 92. Seventh relay, 93. Eighth relay, 94. Ninth relay, 10. Chiller. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 20 As shown, a packaged food slow cooking system includes four slow cookers 1, a hot water storage tank 2, and a cold water storage tank 3. The slow cookers 1 are rectangular box-shaped structures with an open top.

[0055] The slow cooker 1 has a lid 11 on its top opening, which is rectangular. A stainless steel ring 111 is welded to the center of the top of the lid 11. A lifting rod 112 is welded to the stainless steel ring 111 and arranged radially along the stainless steel ring. The lifting rod 112 is provided to facilitate the lifting of the lid using a gantry crane or other lifting tools in the factory.

[0056] A handle 113 is welded to the side of the pot lid 11 so that workers can manually open or close the pot lid 11.

[0057] The bottom of the lid 11 is provided with a downward protruding positioning ring 114. The positioning ring 114 is inserted into the top opening of the slow cooker 1. The positioning ring 114 is a rectangular frame. The outer contour of the positioning ring 114 is the same as the shape and size of the inner contour of the top opening of the slow cooker 1. After the positioning ring 114 is inserted into the top opening of the slow cooker 1, the lid 11 and the slow cooker 1 will not move relative to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0058] A sealing ring 12 is installed on the top of the slow cooker 1. When the lid 11 is placed on the opening at the top of the slow cooker 1, the sealing ring 12 is sandwiched between the slow cooker 1 and the lid 11.

[0059] The slow cooker 1 contains an inner pot 13 for containing packaged food. The inner pot 13 is a rectangular box-shaped structure with an open top. Several water passage holes 131 are provided on the side wall and bottom of the inner pot 13. Water can flow into or out of the inner pot 13 through the water passage holes 131. Two mirror-symmetrical handle holes 132 are provided on the side plate of the inner pot 13. Workers can insert their fingers into the handle holes 132 to facilitate the handling of the inner pot 13. Several evenly distributed support blocks 133 are fixed to the bottom of the inner pot 13. The support blocks 133 create a gap between the bottom of the inner pot 13 and the inner bottom of the slow cooker 1 to allow water to flow through.

[0060] Multiple rectangular grid plates 14 are stacked sequentially from bottom to top in the inner pot 13. Each grid plate 14 has downward-extending grid support legs 141 fixed around its perimeter. The angle between the grid support legs 141 and the grid plate 14 is 87°, and the height of the grid support legs 141 is 5 cm. When the grid plates 14 are stacked, the grid support legs 141 at the bottom of the upper grid plate 14 support the top of the lower grid plate 14. The grid support legs 141 support the grid plates 14, preventing them from being directly placed on the packaged food and thus preventing the packaged food at the bottom from being deformed.

[0061] In addition, the height of the grid support foot 141 can be in the range of 3 to 6 centimeters. The specific height should be selected according to the thickness of the packaged food, as long as the height of the grid support foot 141 is greater than the thickness of the packaged food.

[0062] The slow cooker 1 has a hot water inlet 15, a cold water inlet 16, and a cold water outlet 17 connected to the inner cavity of the slow cooker 1 on its rear side. The slow cooker 1 has a hot water outlet 18 connected to the inner cavity of the slow cooker 1 at its bottom. The hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank 2 is connected to the hot water inlet 15 through the hot water delivery network 4. The cold water outlet of the cold water storage tank 3 is connected to the cold water inlet 16 through the cold water delivery network 5. The cold water return port of the cold water storage tank 3 is connected to the cold water outlet 17 through the cold water return network 6. The hot water return port of the hot water storage tank 2 is connected to the hot water outlet 18 through the hot water return network 7.

[0063] An integrated temperature sensor 19 for monitoring the temperature inside the slow cooker 1 is installed on the rear side. The probe of the integrated temperature sensor 19 is inserted into the slow cooker 1 and is in direct contact with the water in the slow cooker 1.

[0064] Each slow cooker 1 has a slow cooker control cabinet 8 installed on one side. The slow cooker control cabinet 8 is electrically connected to the integrated temperature sensor 19, hot water supply network 4, hot water return network 7, cold water supply network 5, and cold water return network 6 via cables.

[0065] The slow cooker control cabinet 8 is equipped with a PLC controller 81, a first relay 82, a second relay 83, a third relay 84, and a fourth relay 85. The front of the slow cooker control cabinet 8 is equipped with a start button switch 86, a pause button switch 87, and an emergency stop button switch 88. The signal input terminals of the PLC controller 81 are electrically connected to the integrated temperature sensor 19, the start button switch 86, the pause button switch 87, and the emergency stop button switch 88 via cables. The control signal output terminals of the PLC controller 81 are electrically connected to the input circuits of the first relay 82, the second relay 83, the third relay 84, and the fourth relay 85 via cables.

[0066] The hot water delivery pipeline network 4 includes a hot water delivery main pipe 41, a first flexible hose 42, and a first solenoid valve 43. The inlet end of the hot water delivery main pipe 41 is connected to the hot water outlet 25 of the hot water storage tank 2. Four first reducing tees 44 connected in series are installed on the hot water delivery main pipe 41. One end of the first flexible hose 42 is connected to the interface in the middle of the first reducing tees 44, and the other end of the first flexible hose 42 is connected to the inlet end of the first solenoid valve 43. The outlet end of the first solenoid valve 43 is connected to the hot water inlet 15. The output circuit of the first relay 82 is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve 43 through a cable. The inlet end of the hot water delivery main pipe 41 is connected to the hot water outlet on one side of the hot water storage tank 2.

[0067] A first manual shut-off valve 45 is also installed between the inlet end of the hot water delivery main pipe 41 and the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank 2 to control whether hot water in the hot water storage tank 2 flows into the hot water delivery main pipe 41.

[0068] The cold water delivery pipeline network 5 includes a cold water delivery main pipe 51, a second flexible hose 52, and a second solenoid valve 53. The inlet end of the cold water delivery main pipe 51 is connected to the cold water outlet 34 of the cold water storage tank 3. Four second reducing tees 54 connected in series are installed on the cold water delivery main pipe 51. One end of the second flexible hose 52 is connected to the interface in the middle of the second reducing tees 54, and the other end of the second flexible hose 52 is connected to the inlet end of the second solenoid valve 53. The outlet end of the second solenoid valve 53 is connected to the cold water inlet 16. The output circuit of the second relay 83 is electrically connected to the second solenoid valve 53 through a cable. The inlet end of the cold water delivery main pipe 51 is connected to the cold water outlet on one side of the cold water storage tank 3.

[0069] A second manual shut-off valve 55 is also installed between the inlet end of the cold water conveying main pipe 51 and the cold water outlet of the cold water storage tank 3 to control whether the cold water in the cold water storage tank 3 flows into the cold water conveying main pipe 51.

[0070] The cold water return pipeline network 6 includes a cold water return main pipe 61, a third flexible hose 62, a third solenoid valve 63, a first buffer tank 64, a first water pump 65, and a fifth relay 66. Four third reducing tees 67 connected in series are installed on the cold water return main pipe 61. One end of the third flexible hose 62 is connected to the interface in the middle of the third reducing tees 67, and the other end of the third flexible hose 62 is connected to the outlet end of the third solenoid valve 63. The inlet end of the third solenoid valve 63 is connected to the cold water discharge port 17. The output circuit of the third relay 84 is connected to the third solenoid valve 63 via a cable. The outlet of the cold water return main pipe 61 is connected to the inlet on the upper side of the first buffer tank 64. The inlet of the first water pump 65 is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the first buffer tank 64 through a pipe. The outlet of the first water pump 65 is connected to the cold water return port 35 at the top of the cold water storage tank 3 through a pipe. A first float level switch 68 is installed on the first buffer tank 64. The first float level switch 68 is electrically connected to the input circuit of the fifth relay 66 by a cable. The output circuit of the fifth relay 66 is electrically connected to the junction box of the first water pump 65 by a cable.

[0071] When the liquid level in the first buffer tank 64 is higher than the set liquid level, the first float level switch 68 closes, causing the fifth relay 66 to work, which in turn powers the first water pump 65 to pump the cold water in the first buffer tank 64 to the cold water storage tank 3; when the liquid level in the first buffer tank 64 is lower than the set liquid level, the first float level switch 68 opens, causing the fifth relay 66 to stop working, which in turn powers off the first water pump 65 and stops working.

[0072] The hot water return pipeline network 7 includes a hot water return main pipe 71, a fourth flexible hose 72, a fourth solenoid valve 73, a second buffer tank 74, a second water pump 75, and a sixth relay 76. Four fourth reducing tees 77 connected in series are installed on the hot water return main pipe 71. One end of the fourth flexible hose 72 is connected to the interface in the middle of the fourth reducing tees 77, and the other end of the fourth flexible hose 72 is connected to the outlet end of the fourth solenoid valve 73. The inlet end of the fourth solenoid valve 73 is connected to the hot water discharge port 18. The output circuit of the fourth relay 85 is connected to the fourth solenoid valve 73 via a cable. Electrical connections: The outlet of the hot water return main pipe 71 is connected to the inlet on the upper side of the second buffer tank 74. The inlet of the second water pump 75 is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the second buffer tank 74 through a pipe. The outlet of the second water pump 75 is connected to the hot water return port 26 at the top of the hot water storage tank 2 through a pipe. A second float level switch 78 is installed on the second buffer tank. The second float level switch 78 is electrically connected to the input circuit of the sixth relay 76 by a cable. The output circuit of the sixth relay 76 is electrically connected to the junction box of the second water pump 75 by a cable.

[0073] When the liquid level in the second buffer tank 74 is higher than the set liquid level, the second float level switch 78 closes, causing the sixth relay 76 to work, which in turn powers the second water pump 75 to pump the cold water in the second buffer tank 74 into the hot water storage tank 2; when the liquid level in the second buffer tank 74 is lower than the set liquid level, the second float level switch 78 opens, causing the sixth relay 76 to stop working, which in turn powers off the second water pump 75 and stops it from working.

[0074] A tank control cabinet 9 is installed on one side of the hot water storage tank 2 and the cold water storage tank 3. The tank control cabinet 9 contains a temperature controller 91, a seventh relay 92, an eighth relay 93, and a ninth relay 94.

[0075] For electrical safety, the fifth relay 66 and the sixth relay 76 are installed in the tank control cabinet 9.

[0076] A spiral electric heating element 21 is installed in the hot water storage tank 2. The temperature sensor of the temperature controller 91 is inserted into the hot water storage tank 2. The output terminal of the temperature controller 91 is electrically connected to the input circuit of the seventh relay 92 by a cable. The output circuit of the seventh relay 92 is electrically connected to the power line of the electric heating element 21. A third float level switch 22 is also installed on the hot water storage tank 2. A first water inlet 23 is set at the top of the hot water storage tank 2. A fifth solenoid valve 24 is installed on the first water inlet 23. The end of the fifth solenoid valve 24 away from the first water inlet 23 is connected to the tap water pipe. The third float level switch 22 is electrically connected to the input circuit of the eighth relay 93 by a cable. The output circuit of the eighth relay 93 is electrically connected to the fifth solenoid valve 24 by a cable.

[0077] When the temperature controller 91 detects that the temperature in the hot water storage tank 2 is lower than the set temperature, the temperature controller 91 controls the seventh relay 92 to work and power on the electric heating tube 21 to heat it; when the temperature controller 91 detects that the temperature in the hot water storage tank 2 is higher than the set temperature, the temperature controller 91 controls the seventh relay 92 to stop working and power off the electric heating tube 21 to stop heating.

[0078] When the liquid level in the hot water storage tank 2 is lower than the set liquid level, the third float level switch 22 closes, causing the eighth relay 93 to work, which in turn causes the fifth solenoid valve 24 to open and replenish the hot water storage tank 2 with tap water; when the liquid level in the hot water storage tank 2 is higher than the set liquid level, the third float level switch 22 opens, causing the eighth relay 93 to stop working, which in turn causes the fifth solenoid valve 24 to close and stop replenishing the hot water storage tank 2 with tap water.

[0079] The set liquid level in the hot water storage tank is the liquid level when the volume of hot water in the tank is 30% of the total volume of the hot water storage tank.

[0080] A fourth float level switch 31 is installed on the cold water storage tank 3. A second water inlet 32 ​​is provided at the top of the cold water storage tank 3. A sixth solenoid valve 33 is installed on the second water inlet 32. The end of the sixth solenoid valve 33 away from the second water inlet 32 ​​is connected to the tap water pipe. The fourth float level switch 31 is electrically connected to the input circuit of the ninth relay 94 by a cable. The output circuit of the ninth relay 94 is electrically connected to the sixth solenoid valve 33 by a cable.

[0081] When the liquid level in the cold water storage tank 3 is lower than the set liquid level, the fourth float level switch 31 closes, causing the ninth relay 94 to work, which in turn causes the sixth solenoid valve 33 to open and replenish tap water into the cold water storage tank 3; when the liquid level in the cold water storage tank 3 is higher than the set liquid level, the fourth float level switch 31 opens, causing the ninth relay 94 to stop working, which in turn causes the sixth solenoid valve 33 to close and stop replenishing tap water into the cold water storage tank 3.

[0082] The set liquid level in the cold water storage tank is the liquid level when the volume of cold water in the cold water storage tank is 30% of the total volume of the cold water storage tank.

[0083] The chilled water storage tank 3 is connected to a chiller 10 installed outside the factory workshop via a pipeline. A cooling circulation outlet 36 is located at the bottom of the chilled water storage tank 3, and a fourth manual shut-off valve 310 is installed on the cooling circulation outlet 36 to control whether chilled water is discharged from the outlet. A cooling circulation inlet 37 is located at the top of the chilled water storage tank 3. The fourth manual shut-off valve 310 is connected to the inlet of the chiller 10 via a pipeline, and the cooling circulation inlet 37 is connected to the outlet of the chiller 10 via a pipeline. Water from the chilled water storage tank 3 continuously flows into the chiller 10 for cooling and then flows back into the chilled water storage tank 3, circulating to cool the water in the chilled water storage tank 3. The chiller 10 is installed outside the factory workshop to reduce noise within the workshop.

[0084] The first solenoid valve 43, the second solenoid valve 53, the third solenoid valve 63, the fourth solenoid valve 73, the fifth solenoid valve 24, and the sixth solenoid valve 33 are all normally closed flange stainless steel piston solenoid valves.

[0085] The first relay 82, the second relay 83, the third relay 84, the fourth relay 85, the fifth relay 66, the sixth relay 76, the seventh relay 92, the eighth relay 93, and the ninth relay 94 are all intermediate relays.

[0086] To ensure that the water in the slow cooker is stirred evenly, an ultrasonic generator 89 is installed in the slow cooker control cabinet 8, and an ultrasonic transducer 891 is installed at the bottom of the slow cooker 1. The ultrasonic generator 89 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 891 via a cable. When the ultrasonic generator 89 and the ultrasonic transducer 891 work, they cause the water in the slow cooker to vibrate, which promotes the even stirring of the water and improves the uniformity of the water temperature.

[0087] The slow cookers in a slow cooking system for packaged food are connected in parallel. The maximum number of slow cookers connected in parallel in a slow cooking system for packaged food is determined by the capacity of the hot water tank. Generally, the capacity of the hot water tank is twice the total volume of the slow cookers connected in parallel, and the capacity of the cold water tank is 1.3 times the total volume of the slow cookers connected in parallel.

[0088] A first overflow pipe 27 is installed on the upper part of one side of the hot water storage tank, and a first waste pipe 28 is installed at the center of the bottom of the hot water storage tank. A third manual shut-off valve 29 is installed on the first waste pipe 28 to control whether the first waste pipe 28 discharges wastewater. A second overflow pipe 38 is installed on the upper part of one side of the cold water storage tank, and a second waste pipe 39 is installed at the center of the bottom of the cold water storage tank. A fifth manual shut-off valve 311 is installed on the second waste pipe 39 to control whether the second waste pipe 39 discharges wastewater.

[0089] How a slow cooker works:

[0090] Lay a layer of packaged food on the bottom of the inner pot, then place a grid plate on it, and then lay another layer of packaged food on the grid plate. Repeat the process of placing the grid plate and laying the packaged food on it until the grid plate and packaged food are placed in the inner pot. Place the inner pot into the slow cooker and close the lid.

[0091] When the worker presses the start button, the PLC controller simultaneously controls the first relay and the ultrasonic generator to start working. The first relay opens the first solenoid valve, allowing hot water to flow into the slow cooker and stop when the designed liquid level is reached. The hot water is used to heat the packaged food in the inner pot. The ultrasonic generator generates a high-frequency AC signal, which causes the ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasonic waves, thereby causing the water in the slow cooker to vibrate and stir.

[0092] When the water temperature in the slow cooker drops before the heating time is reached, the PLC controller controls the fourth relay and the first relay to start working simultaneously. The fourth relay and the first relay control the fourth solenoid valve and the first solenoid valve to open, allowing hot water to flow in the slow cooker. The hotter hot water replaces the colder hot water in the slow cooker. When the water temperature in the slow cooker returns to the set temperature, the PLC controller controls the fourth relay and the first relay to stop working simultaneously.

[0093] Once the heating time is complete, the PLC controller activates the fourth relay, which in turn opens the fourth solenoid valve to drain the hot water from the slow cooker. Then, the PLC controller activates the second relay, which opens the second solenoid valve to allow cold water to flow into the slow cooker and reach the designed liquid level. After this, the PLC controller activates the second and third relays simultaneously, which in turn open the second and third solenoid valves respectively, allowing cold water to flow through the slow cooker to cool the packaged food.

[0094] After cooling down for a period of time, the PLC controller controls the second relay to stop working and the third relay to continue working. The operation of the third relay causes the third solenoid valve to open and drain the cold water from the slow cooker.

[0095] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0096] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A slow-cooking system for packaged food, characterized in that, include: N slow cookers, each with a lid covering its top opening, an inner pot for containing packaged food placed inside, a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet, and a cold water outlet connected to the inner cavity of the slow cooker on its rear side, a hot water outlet connected to the inner cavity of the slow cooker on its bottom side, and an integrated temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature inside the slow cooker installed on its rear side. A hot water storage tank, wherein the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank is connected to the hot water inlet through a hot water delivery pipeline network, and the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank is connected to the hot water discharge port through a hot water return pipeline network; A cold water storage tank, wherein the cold water outlet of the cold water storage tank is connected to the cold water inlet through a cold water delivery pipeline network, and the cold water return port of the cold water storage tank is connected to the cold water discharge port through a cold water return pipeline network; Each slow cooker has a slow cooker control cabinet installed on one side. The slow cooker control cabinet is electrically connected to an integrated temperature sensor, a hot water supply network, a hot water return network, a cold water supply network, and a cold water return network via cables.

2. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slow cooker control cabinet is equipped with a PLC controller, a first relay, a second relay, a third relay, and a fourth relay. The signal input terminal of the PLC controller is connected to the integrated temperature sensor by a cable, and the control signal output terminal of the PLC controller is electrically connected to the input circuits of the first relay, the second relay, the third relay, and the fourth relay by cables, respectively.

3. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hot water delivery pipeline network includes a hot water delivery main pipe, a first flexible hose, and a first solenoid valve. The inlet end of the hot water delivery main pipe is connected to the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank. N series-connected first reducing tees are installed on the hot water delivery main pipe. One end of the first flexible hose is connected to the interface in the middle of the first reducing tees. The other end of the first flexible hose is connected to the inlet end of the first solenoid valve. The outlet end of the first solenoid valve is connected to the hot water inlet. The output circuit of the first relay is electrically connected to the first solenoid valve via a cable. The inlet end of the hot water delivery main pipe is connected to the hot water outlet on one side of the hot water storage tank.

4. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cold water delivery pipeline network includes a main cold water delivery pipe, a second flexible hose, and a second solenoid valve. N series-connected second reducing tees are installed on the main cold water delivery pipe. One end of the second flexible hose is connected to the interface in the middle of the second reducing tees, and the other end of the second flexible hose is connected to the inlet end of the second solenoid valve. The outlet end of the second solenoid valve is connected to the cold water inlet. The output circuit of the second relay is electrically connected to the second solenoid valve via a cable. The inlet end of the main cold water delivery pipe is connected to the cold water outlet on one side of the cold water storage tank.

5. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cold water return pipeline network includes a main cold water return pipe, a third flexible hose, a third solenoid valve, a first buffer tank, a first water pump, and a fifth relay. The main cold water return pipe is equipped with N series-connected third reducing tees. One end of the third flexible hose is connected to the interface in the middle of the third reducing tees, and the other end of the third flexible hose is connected to the outlet of the third solenoid valve. The inlet of the third solenoid valve is connected to the cold water discharge port. The output circuit of the third relay is electrically connected to the third solenoid valve via a cable. The outlet of the main cold water return pipe is connected to the inlet on one side of the upper part of the first buffer tank. The inlet of the first water pump is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the first buffer tank via a pipe, and the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the cold water return port at the top of the cold water storage tank via a pipe. A first float level switch is installed on the first buffer tank. The first float level switch is electrically connected to the input circuit of the fifth relay via a cable, and the output circuit of the fifth relay is electrically connected to the junction box of the first water pump via a cable.

6. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hot water return pipeline network includes a hot water return main pipe, a fourth flexible hose, a fourth solenoid valve, a second buffer tank, a second water pump, and a sixth relay. The hot water return main pipe is equipped with N series-connected fourth reducing tees. One end of the fourth flexible hose is connected to the interface in the middle of the fourth reducing tees, and the other end of the fourth flexible hose is connected to the outlet of the fourth solenoid valve. The inlet of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the hot water discharge port. The output circuit of the fourth relay is electrically connected to the fourth solenoid valve via a cable. The outlet of the hot water return main pipe is connected to the inlet on one side of the upper part of the second buffer tank. The inlet of the second water pump is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the second buffer tank via a pipe, and the outlet of the second water pump is connected to the hot water return port at the top of the hot water storage tank via a pipe. A second float level switch is installed on the second buffer tank. The second float level switch is electrically connected to the input circuit of the sixth relay via a cable, and the output circuit of the sixth relay is electrically connected to the junction box of the second water pump via a cable.

7. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 1, characterized in that: A tank control cabinet is installed on one side of the hot water storage tank and the cold water storage tank. The tank control cabinet is equipped with a temperature controller, a seventh relay, an eighth relay, and a ninth relay. The output terminal of the temperature controller is electrically connected to the input circuit of the seventh relay by a cable.

8. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 7, characterized in that: The hot water storage tank is equipped with a spiral electric heating element. The temperature sensor of the temperature controller is inserted into the hot water storage tank. The output circuit of the seventh relay is electrically connected to the power line of the electric heating element. The hot water storage tank is also equipped with a third float level switch. A first water inlet is provided at the top of the hot water storage tank. A fifth solenoid valve is installed on the first water inlet. The end of the fifth solenoid valve away from the first water inlet is connected to the tap water pipe. The third float level switch is electrically connected to the input circuit of the eighth relay by a cable. The output circuit of the eighth relay is electrically connected to the fifth solenoid valve by a cable.

9. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cold water storage tank is equipped with a fourth float level switch. A second water inlet is provided at the top of the cold water storage tank. A sixth solenoid valve is installed on the second water inlet. The end of the sixth solenoid valve away from the second water inlet is connected to a tap water pipe. The fourth float level switch is electrically connected to the input circuit of the ninth relay by a cable. The output circuit of the ninth relay is electrically connected to the sixth solenoid valve by a cable.

10. The slow-cooking system for packaged food according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner pot is a rectangular box-shaped structure with an open top. Multiple rectangular grid plates are stacked in the inner pot from bottom to top. The grid plates are provided with grid support feet extending downward around their perimeter. Several water passage holes are provided on the side walls and bottom of the inner pot.

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