Fully automatic tubular sterilization unit steam distributor

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of sterilization equipment technology and discloses a steam distributor for a fully automatic tubular sterilization unit, including a through pipe and an exhaust pipe connected to the through pipe. A fixing block is fixedly connected to the side wall of the exhaust pipe, and the inner wall of the fixing block is provided with an inclined groove. A locking mechanism is provided on the exhaust pipe, which includes an outer ring, a fixing plate, and a sliding component. The sliding component includes an arc block and a groove. The outer ring is fixedly connected to the fixing plate, and the fixing plate is rotatably connected to the sliding component. The arc block slides against the inner wall of the fixing block, and the groove is provided in the inner wall of the fixing block. The outer ring rotates to drive the fixing plate to move, causing the arc block to slide along the inner wall of the fixing block and rotate into the groove. Under the action of the inclined groove, the arc block unfolds outward and locks in place. This utility model realizes the rapid installation and disassembly of the exhaust pipe through the locking mechanism, improving equipment maintenance efficiency; and realizes the automatic cleaning of the inner wall of the exhaust pipe through the cleaning mechanism, extending its service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sterilization equipment technology, and in particular to a steam distributor for a fully automatic tubular sterilization unit. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of plant-based beverages such as plant protein drinks and fruit juices, tubular sterilization units are key processing equipment used for continuous high-temperature sterilization of plant pulp or mixtures to ensure the product's microbiological safety and extend its shelf life. One of the core components of this type of unit is the steam distributor, which is responsible for evenly introducing high-temperature steam into the material pipeline, allowing the material to quickly reach the sterilization temperature. The steam distributor typically consists of a main pipe and multiple branch exhaust pipes. Steam enters the exhaust pipes through the main pipe and then acts on the outer wall of the material pipeline or comes into direct contact with the material.

[0003] However, in the production environment of plant-based beverages, the materials often contain plant fibers and proteins, and the high-temperature steam can easily cause scaling, protein coagulation, or wear inside the exhaust pipe. Once the exhaust pipe malfunctions or requires regular maintenance, such as cleaning residues, replacing worn parts, or sterilization, it needs to be removed from the main pipe. Existing steam distributors mostly use traditional methods such as threaded connections, flange connections, or welding to connect the exhaust pipe to the main pipe. These connection methods often require specialized tools during disassembly and installation, consuming significant time and manpower, and are complex and inefficient. Especially in automated plant-based beverage production lines that prioritize high efficiency and low downtime, this cumbersome maintenance process can severely impact the continuity and overall operating efficiency of the production line, leading to long downtime, increased production costs, and potentially affecting the changeover speed between product batches.

[0004] Therefore, this utility model proposes a fully automatic tubular sterilization unit steam distributor to solve the problem of complex and time-consuming exhaust pipe replacement operation in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides a steam distributor for a fully automatic tubular sterilization unit, which aims to improve the problem of complicated and time-consuming exhaust pipe replacement operation in some existing fully automatic tubular sterilization unit steam distributors.

[0006] This utility model provides a steam distributor for a fully automatic tubular sterilization unit, including a through pipe and multiple exhaust pipes connected to the through pipe.

[0007] The exhaust pipe has a fixed block attached to its side wall. The inner wall of the fixed block has an inclined groove with the opening facing outwards. The exhaust pipe also has a locking mechanism, which includes an outer ring, a fixed plate, and a sliding assembly. The sliding assembly includes an arc block and a groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the outer ring is fixedly connected to the fixed plate, and the fixed plate is rotatably connected to the sliding assembly. The arc block slides against the inner wall of the fixed block, and a groove is provided on the inner wall of the fixed block. The outer ring rotates, causing the fixed plate to move, allowing the arc block to slide along the inner wall of the fixed block and rotate into the groove. Under the action of the inclined groove, the arc block unfolds outward and locks into place. This unique structural combination makes the installation and removal of the exhaust pipe quick and convenient, requiring no complicated tools or lengthy operations, significantly improving the efficiency of equipment maintenance.

[0009] Preferably, a cleaning mechanism is also provided, comprising a crossbar, a long spring, a limiting post, a disc, and a scraper. The crossbar is horizontally positioned at the connection between the through pipe and the exhaust pipe. The limiting post is fixedly connected to the crossbar, and the long spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the limiting post. One end of the long spring abuts against the crossbar, and the other end abuts against the disc. The disc is slidably positioned on the inner wall of the exhaust pipe, and a scraper is fixedly connected to the edge of the disc, contacting the inner wall of the exhaust pipe. This cleaning mechanism design allows the steam pressure to push the disc and scraper against the inner wall of the exhaust pipe during operation, scraping away water droplets and dirt. When operation stops, the spring force of the long spring resets the disc, scraping away residual water droplets again, effectively maintaining the cleanliness of the exhaust pipe interior and extending its service life.

[0010] Preferably, the outer ring has a circumferential anti-slip texture. This prevents hands from slipping, thereby improving the ease and safety of operation, especially in wet or oily environments.

[0011] Preferably, the fixed plate and the arc block are connected by a pivot pin. This ensures that the arc block can rotate accurately and smoothly under the drive of the fixed plate, allowing it to accurately enter the groove and unfold into its locking position. This improves the reliability and stability of the locking mechanism and reduces jamming caused by excessively large or small clearances.

[0012] Preferably, the inner wall of the fixed block and the outer surface of the arc block are shaped to match each other. This allows the arc block to maintain stable guidance when sliding on the inner wall of the fixed block, reducing shaking and deflection. At the same time, it can form a tight contact when locked in place, enhancing the firmness and reliability of the connection and effectively preventing the exhaust pipe from loosening due to vibration or pressure changes during operation.

[0013] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. This utility model, by setting a locking mechanism, solves the problem of complex and time-consuming exhaust pipe replacement operations in the prior art, and achieves the technical effect of rapid installation and disassembly of exhaust pipe, thereby improving equipment maintenance efficiency.

[0015] 2. This utility model solves the problem of easy accumulation of scale and difficult cleaning inside the exhaust pipe by setting up a cleaning mechanism and using steam pressure to drive the scraper to clean the inner wall of the exhaust pipe. It achieves the technical effect of automatic cleaning of the inner wall of the exhaust pipe and extending its service life.

[0016] 3. This utility model solves the problems of inconvenient operation and easy slippage in the prior art by using the anti-slip texture design of the outer ring in the locking mechanism, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the convenience and safety of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the steam distributor of the fully automatic tubular sterilization unit proposed in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting rod structure of the steam distributor of the fully automatic tubular sterilization unit proposed in this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0020] Legend:

[0021] 1. Through pipe; 2. Exhaust pipe;

[0022] 3. Locking mechanism; 31. Outer ring; 32. Fixing plate;

[0023] 33. Sliding component; 331. Arc block; 332. Groove;

[0024] 34. Fixing block; 35. Inclined groove;

[0025] 4. Cleaning mechanism; 41. Crossbar; 42. Long spring; 43. Limiting post; 44. Disc; 45. Squeegee. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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.

[0027] Example:

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides a fully automatic tubular sterilization unit steam distributor, which aims to solve the problems of complicated replacement of exhaust pipe 2, low internal cleaning efficiency, and easy accumulation of scale affecting service life in the prior art.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the system includes a main pipe 1 and multiple exhaust pipes 2 connected to the main pipe 1. The main pipe 1 serves as the main steam channel, responsible for delivering steam to each exhaust pipe 2, which in turn distributes the steam evenly to various areas of the sterilization unit. A fixing block 34 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the exhaust pipe 2. The inner wall of the fixing block 34 is provided with an inclined groove 35, the opening of which opens outward. The exhaust pipe 2 is also provided with a locking mechanism 3, which includes an outer ring 31, a fixing plate 32, and a sliding component 33. The outer ring 31 is fixedly connected to the fixing plate 32, and the fixing plate 32 is rotatably connected to the sliding component 33. The sliding component 33 includes an arc block 331 and a groove 332. The arc block 331 slides against the inner wall of the fixing block 34, and the groove 332 is located on the inner wall of the fixing block 34. The outer ring 31 rotates to move the fixing plate 32, causing the arc block 331 to slide along the inner wall of the fixing block 34 and rotate into the groove 332. The arc block 331 unfolds outward and locks in place under the action of the inclined groove 35, thereby realizing the quick installation and removal of the exhaust pipe 2.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The locking mechanism 3 includes an outer ring 31, a fixed plate 32, and a sliding assembly 33. The outer ring 31 has an anti-slip texture for easy rotation by the operator. The fixed plate 32 is fixedly connected to the outer ring 31 and moves with the rotation of the outer ring 31. The sliding assembly 33 includes an arc block 331 and a groove 332. The arc block 331 has an outer surface that matches the shape of the inner wall of the fixed block 34, and it is rotatably connected to the fixed plate 32 by a pin, allowing the arc block 331 to rotate relative to the fixed plate 32. The groove 332 is provided on the inner wall of the fixed block 34 for the arc block 331 to enter after rotation.

[0031] The fixing block 34 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the exhaust pipe 2, and its inner wall is provided with an inclined groove 35, the opening of which opens outward. When the outer ring 31 rotates, it drives the fixing plate 32 to move, and the fixing plate 32 then drives the arc block 331 to slide along the inner wall of the fixing block 34. When the arc block 331 slides to the predetermined position, it rotates into the groove 332 and unfolds outward under the action of the inclined groove 35, thereby realizing the locking and fixing of the exhaust pipe 2. This locking mechanism 3 design ensures that the exhaust pipe 2 can be installed and disassembled quickly and reliably, greatly improving the maintenance efficiency and operation convenience of the equipment.

[0032] A cleaning mechanism 4 is also provided, which includes a crossbar 41, a long spring 42, a limiting post 43, a disc 44, and a squeegee 45. The crossbar 41 is horizontally positioned at the connection between the through pipe 1 and the exhaust pipe 2. The limiting post 43 is fixedly connected to the crossbar 41, and the long spring 42 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the limiting post 43. One end of the long spring 42 abuts against the crossbar 41, and the other end abuts against the disc 44. The disc 44 is slidably disposed on the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2, and the edge of the disc 44 is fixedly connected to the squeegee 45, which contacts the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2. The design of this cleaning mechanism 4 allows the steam pressure to push the disc 44 and the scraper bristles 45 to slide on the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2 when the steam distributor is working, scraping away water droplets and dirt. When the machine stops working, the long spring 42 causes the disc 44 to reset and scrape away residual water droplets again, effectively keeping the inside of the exhaust pipe 2 clean and extending its service life. The outer ring 31 has anti-slip textures around its circumference to provide better grip for the operator when rotating the outer ring 31, preventing slippage and improving the convenience and safety of operation. The fixed plate 32 and the arc block 331 are connected by a pin shaft. This connection method allows the arc block 331 to rotate precisely around the pin shaft, ensuring that it can smoothly enter the groove 332 and unfold into its locking position, improving the reliability and stability of the locking mechanism 3. The inner wall of the fixed block 34 and the outer surface of the arc block 331 are matched. This matching design ensures the stability of the arc block 331 when sliding on the inner wall of the fixed block 34, reducing shaking and wear, while ensuring tightness and reliability when locking.

[0033] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: When the exhaust pipe 2 needs to be replaced, the operator rotates the outer ring 31. The outer ring 31 drives the fixing plate 32 to move, and the fixing plate 32 then drives the arc block 331 to slide along the inner wall of the fixing block 34 through a pin. When the arc block 331 slides to the position aligned with the groove 332, the arc block 331 rotates into the groove 332. Under the guidance of the inclined groove 35, the arc block 331 unfolds outward and forms a locking position with the fixing block 34, thereby firmly fixing the exhaust pipe 2 to the through pipe 1. When the exhaust pipe 2 needs to be removed, the outer ring 31 is rotated in the opposite direction, and the arc block 331 retracts under the action of the inclined groove 35, disengaging from the locking state, and the exhaust pipe 2 can be easily removed. This locking mechanism 3 design makes the installation and removal process of the exhaust pipe 2 quick and convenient, greatly improving maintenance efficiency.

[0034] When the steam distributor of the fully automatic tubular sterilizer is working, steam enters the exhaust pipe 2 from the through pipe 1. The steam pressure acts on the disc 44, pushing it to slide along the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2. Since the scraper bristles 45 are fixedly connected to the edge of the disc 44 and contact the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2, the sliding of the disc 44 causes the scraper bristles 45 to scrape the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2, removing condensed water droplets and any adhering dirt. When the steam distributor stops working and the steam pressure disappears, the elastic force of the long spring 42 pushes the disc 44 back to its original position along the limit post 43, and the scraper bristles 45 scrape the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2 again, ensuring the cleanliness of the pipe's interior. The limit post 43 restricts the long spring 42, ensuring the stable operation of the cleaning mechanism 4. This design of the cleaning mechanism 4 achieves automated cleaning of the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 2, effectively preventing scale formation and bacterial growth, extending the service life of the exhaust pipe 2, and ensuring the sterilization effect.

Claims

1. A fully automatic tubular sterilization unit steam distributor, including a through pipe (1) and a plurality of exhaust pipes (2) connected to the through pipe (1); Its features are, A fixing block (34) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the exhaust pipe (2). The inner wall of the fixing block (34) is provided with an inclined groove (35), and the opening of the inclined groove (35) opens outward. The exhaust pipe (2) is also provided with a locking mechanism (3), which includes an outer ring (31), a fixing plate (32) and a sliding component (33). The outer ring (31) is fixedly connected to the fixing plate (32), and the fixing plate (32) is rotatably connected to the sliding component (33). The sliding component (33) includes an arc block (331) and a groove (332). The arc block (331) is slidably fitted on the inner wall of the fixing block (34), and the groove (332) is disposed on the inner wall of the fixing block (34). The outer ring (31) rotates to drive the fixing plate (32) to move, so that the arc block (331) slides along the inner wall of the fixing block (34) and rotates into the groove (332). The arc block (331) unfolds outward and locks in place under the action of the inclined groove (35).

2. The automatic tube sterilizer unit steam distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cleaning mechanism (4) is provided at the connection between the through pipe (1) and the exhaust pipe (2). The cleaning mechanism (4) includes a crossbar (41), a long spring (42), a limiting post (43), a disc (44), and a squeegee (45).

3. The automatic tube sterilizer unit steam distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The crossbar (41) is horizontally positioned at the connection between the through pipe (1) and the exhaust pipe (2), the limiting post (43) is fixedly connected to the crossbar (41), and the long spring (42) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the limiting post (43).

4. The automatic tube sterilizer unit steam distributor according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the long spring (42) abuts against the crossbar (41), and the other end of the long spring (42) abuts against the disc (44), which is slidably disposed on the inner wall of the exhaust pipe (2).

5. The automatic tube sterilizer unit steam distributor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The edge of the disc (44) is fixedly connected with a squeegee (45), and the squeegee (45) contacts the inner wall of the exhaust pipe (2).

6. The automatic tube sterilizer unit steam distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer ring (31) is surrounded by an anti-slip texture.

7. The steam distributor for the fully automatic tubular sterilization unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed plate (32) and the arc block (331) are connected by a pin shaft.

8. The steam distributor for the fully automatic tubular sterilization unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the fixed block (34) matches the outer surface shape of the arc block (331).

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