Food containers for immersion sterilization and sterilizing tanks using the containers

Abstract

This utility model discloses a food container for immersion sterilization and a sterilizing autoclave using the container, relating to the field of food sterilization technology. The food container for immersion sterilization includes a housing with a stacking structure for forming a stack. An immersion space for containing sterilization media is formed within the housing. The housing has a media input structure and a drainage structure, the drainage structure for draining the sterilization media in the immersion space to the outside of the adjacent lower housing. This utility model provides good sterilization uniformity, high sterilization efficiency, and helps ensure the integrity of the packaging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food sterilization technology, and in particular to a food container for immersion sterilization and a sterilization kettle using the container. Background Technology

[0002] An autoclave is a device used in food processing for sterilization. It primarily utilizes the high temperature of a heat transfer medium (such as water) to kill microorganisms in food, and maintains appropriate pressure within the autoclave to prevent damage to food packaging due to pressure differences between the inside and outside. During sterilization, the uniformity of contact between the heat transfer medium and the food affects the sterilization quality, while the heating and circulation efficiency of the heat transfer medium affects the overall sterilization efficiency. Currently, there are three main sterilization methods in autoclaves: all-water type, top spray type, and side spray type.

[0003] One method, all-water sterilization, involves filling the sterilizing vessel with enough water to submerge all the food. This allows for complete contact between all the food and the water, resulting in excellent heat transfer. However, its disadvantages are also obvious. First, it uses a large volume of water, leading to high water and energy consumption. Furthermore, the large volume of water in the vessel causes slow heating and cooling, resulting in a longer cycle time and a longer sterilization period. Second, since the food is placed in multiple sterilization trays in layers, the significant water pressure differences at different heights within the large volume of water make it impossible to control the pressure within the vessel according to the different heights of the food in the sterilization trays.

[0004] The principles of top-spray and side-spray sterilization are similar; both spray water onto the food. In both methods, the food in each sterilization tray is less affected by water pressure differences, meaning the external pressure on each layer comes from the internal pressure of the sterilizer, ensuring the integrity of the food packaging. Simultaneously, the water heating and circulation efficiency is high, resulting in high sterilization efficiency. However, both methods suffer from uneven sterilization. In top-spray sterilization, water is sprayed directly onto the food in the top sterilization tray, passing through each layer from top to bottom. The temperature difference between the food in different layers can lead to situations where the food in the bottom trays is well-sterilized while the food in the top trays is over-sterilized. In side-spray sterilization, water is sprayed from the side onto each layer of sterilization tray, minimizing the impact of temperature differences between layers. However, side-spray sterilization is significantly affected by the volume and shape of the food. When spraying densely packed, large, or irregularly shaped foods, the heating of the food in the middle of the tray and some of the bottom surface of the food will be limited.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sterilization method that balances sterilization uniformity, sterilization efficiency, and packaging integrity, based on the actual production of sterilization autoclaves, in order to improve the current situation. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a food container for immersion sterilization and a sterilizing kettle using the container, which has good sterilization uniformity, high sterilization efficiency, and helps to ensure the integrity of the packaging.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is: a food container for immersion sterilization, including a container body, the container body being provided with a stacking and mating structure for forming stacks, the container body having an immersion space for containing sterilization media, the container body being provided with a media input structure and a drainage structure, the drainage structure being used to drain the sterilization media in the immersion space to the outside of the adjacent lower container body.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, the accommodating body is provided with an overflow structure.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the overflow structure includes an overflow port disposed on the side wall of the accommodating body.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, an overflow baffle is provided inside the overflow outlet in the immersion space, and an overflow communication port is provided between the overflow baffle and the bottom wall of the container. The inner space of the overflow baffle forms a container space for holding materials.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the media input structure includes a media input port disposed on the side wall of the accommodating body.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the drainage structure includes a drainage outlet disposed at the side edge of the accommodating body.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the accommodating body is provided with a drainage guide surface located below the adjacent upper drainage outlet.

[0014] The sterilization vessel for the food containers used in the immersion sterilization process includes a sterilization tank, which has a sterilization space for placing and stacking the food containers used in the immersion sterilization process; the sterilization tank is provided with a media input device, which is used to input sterilization media into the immersion space through each of the media input structures.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the system also includes a hot water tank, which is provided with a hot water supply pipeline connected to the medium input device; the bottom of the sterilization tank is provided with a hot water circulation pipeline connected to the medium input device, and the hot water circulation pipeline is provided with a hot water circulation pump and a heating device.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the medium input device is also connected to a cold water supply device via a pipeline.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model, as a stackable container, places the material to be sterilized in the immersion space. After the sterilizing medium input from the medium input structure enters the immersion space, part of it will drain out from the draining structure. Since the input flow rate of the medium input structure is greater than the draining flow rate of the draining structure, the sterilizing medium in the immersion space ultimately completely submerges the material, while the drained sterilizing medium flows directly into the sterilization tank without passing through the lower container. Therefore, the water volume and temperature received in each container are uniform, and the material in each container is in complete contact with the same sterilizing medium, all materials are in the same heating environment, resulting in good sterilization uniformity. The circulating water mainly consists of the sterilizing medium in each container, has a small volume, and completes one cycle in a short time. Therefore, it is easier to maintain the required sterilization temperature in each container at all times, resulting in high sterilization efficiency. Each container is connected to the internal environment of the tank, with the same pressure. Furthermore, based on the uniform heating of the materials in each container, all food products can be sterilized while maintaining an acceptable internal and external pressure difference, which helps to ensure the integrity of the packaging. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following figures are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sterilization container according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A diagram from another perspective; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization container according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the structure of multiple sterilization containers stacked in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization vessel according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization stage of the sterilization autoclave in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sterilization autoclave recovery stage in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling stage of the sterilization autoclave in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sterilization container according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the sterilization container according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the structure of multiple sterilization containers stacked together in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1-Containment; 11-Immersion space; 12-Bottom plate; 13-Side panel; 14-Containment space; 15-Stacking structure; 16-Anti-tipping structure; 2-Media input structure; 21-Media input port; 3-Drainage structure; 31-Drain outlet; 32-Drainage guide surface; 4-Overflow structure; 41-Overflow outlet; 42-Overflow baffle; 43-Overflow connection port; 44-Shielding plate; 5-Sterilization tank; 51-Sterilization... 6-Microbial space; 6-Media input device; 61-Water distribution pipe; 62-Spray nozzle; 63-Spray control valve; 7-Hot water tank; 71-Hot water supply pipeline; 72-Hot water supply control valve; 8-Hot water circulation pipeline; 81-Hot water circulation pump; 82-Heating device; 83-Hot water circulation control valve; 9-Cold water supply device; 91-Cold water supply pipeline; 92-Cold water supply pump; 93-Drainage pipeline; 94-Drainage control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the following detailed description, only certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are illustrative in nature and not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0021] Example 1: As Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a food container for immersion sterilization includes a container body 1. The container body 1 is provided with a stacking mating structure 15 for forming a stack, meaning that in this embodiment, it can be stacked during use. The stacking mating structure 15 includes a support portion disposed at the top of the container body 1 and a resting portion disposed at the bottom of the container body 1. When stacking, the resting portion of the upper container body 1 rests against the support portion of the lower adjacent container body 1 to achieve stacking. Based on this, the stacking mating structure 15 is a structure form that uses a resting method to achieve stacking. Regardless of whether the resting portion and the support portion adopt a point, line, or surface contact form, as long as a resting stacking is achieved, it is within the range of the stacking mating structure 15.

[0022] Of course, based on this, an anti-tipping structure 16 can be added to the accommodating body 1 to further ensure the stability of stacking. The anti-tipping structure 16 can be a pin hole mating structure, or a restrictive structure that restricts the lateral movement of adjacent accommodating bodies 1, etc. In this embodiment, no restrictions are imposed, and it is only illustrated in the form of lateral movement restriction.

[0023] like Figure 4As shown, the container 1 has an immersion space 11 formed within it for containing the sterilization medium. The material to be sterilized is also placed within this immersion space 11. The formation of the immersion space 11 is not affected by whether the container 1 is top-open or top-closed, as long as the container 1 has a structure that can form the immersion space 11 internally and communicate with the internal space of the sterilization tank 5. Within the protection scope, this embodiment only illustrates a disc-shaped structure. Accordingly, as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the container 1 includes a base plate 12 and side panels 13 fixedly mounted on the base plate 12. Furthermore, the sterilization medium is a fluid that uses high heat properties to kill microorganisms in food after immersion in the material; it can be a liquid fluid such as water.

[0024] The container 1 is provided with a media input structure 2 and a drainage structure 3. The media input structure 2 is used to facilitate the input of the sterilization medium into the immersion space 11, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the media input structure 2 in this embodiment includes a media input port 21 disposed on the side wall of the accommodating body 1. Of course, in the structural form of the accommodating body 1 in this embodiment, it is located on the side panel 13. Thus, the external sterilizing medium can be poured or sprayed through the media input port 21 into the immersion space 11. Besides simply opening to avoid the path of pouring or spraying, the media input structure 2 can also be in the form of a pipe, using an external connection to a nozzle to allow the sterilizing medium to flow into the immersion space 11. These variations should all be within the scope of the media input structure 2.

[0025] The drainage structure 3 is used to drain the sterilization medium in the immersion space 11 to the outside of the adjacent lower container 1. Accordingly, the immersion space 11 in each container 1 is equivalent to being configured with a separate medium input structure 2 and drainage structure 3, and can form a separate medium circulation, thus facilitating the formation of an equivalent sterilization environment.

[0026] like Figure 4As shown, the drainage structure 3 in this embodiment includes a drainage outlet 31 located at the side edge of the container 1. Regarding the arrangement of the container 1 in this embodiment, the drainage outlet 31 can be located at the lower part of the side panel 13 or around the bottom plate 12 of the container 1. As long as the sterilizing medium in the immersion space 11 can be completely drained from the drainage outlet 31 without the input of sterilizing medium, the effects of these arrangements are equivalent and should all be within the protection scope. This embodiment only illustrates the arrangement around the bottom plate 12. As for the medium input structure 2 in this embodiment, which is a medium input port 21 located on the side wall of the container 1, as long as it does not affect the input of sterilizing medium at the medium input port 21, the specific location of the drainage outlet 31 on one or more sides of the container 1 is not limited in this embodiment. Preferably, a drainage guide surface 32 is provided on the container 1 below the adjacent upper drainage outlet 31 to further prevent the drained sterilizing medium from entering the lower container 1.

[0027] Preferably, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the container 1 is provided with an overflow structure 4. In this embodiment, the medium input flow rate of the medium input structure 2 is greater than the drainage flow rate of the drainage structure 3, so that a sterilization medium sufficient to submerge the material can be formed in the immersion space 11. During the sterilization process, because the sterilization medium needs to circulate continuously, and the medium input flow rate of the medium input structure 2 will continuously be greater than the drainage flow rate of the drainage structure 3, in order to avoid the immersion space 11 overflowing and affecting the medium flow, this embodiment adds the overflow structure 4 to control the overflow path of the sterilization medium exceeding the immersion space 11.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the overflow structure 4 in this embodiment includes an overflow port 41 disposed on the side wall of the container 1. The lower edge of the overflow port 41 is not lower than the upper edge of the immersion space 11, and like the drain port 31, the overflowing water does not affect the input of the sterilization medium. Preferably, an overflow baffle 42 is provided inside the overflow port 41 within the immersion space 11. An overflow connection port 43 is provided between the overflow baffle 42 and the bottom wall of the container 1, and the inner space of the overflow baffle 42 forms a container space 14 for holding materials. Accordingly, the sterilization medium input from the medium input port 21 in this embodiment first comes into full contact with the materials in the container space 14 before overflowing through the overflow connection port 43 and the overflow port 41. This ensures sufficient contact time between the sterilization medium and the materials, promoting improved media sterilization utilization.

[0029] This embodiment also provides a sterilization autoclave using the aforementioned immersion sterilization food container, such as... Figures 5 to 8 As shown, it includes a sterilization tank 5, which has a sterilization space 51 for placing stacked food containers for immersion sterilization. The sterilization tank 5 is equipped with a media input device 6, which is used to input sterilization media into the immersion space 11 through each of the media input structures 2. In this embodiment, where the media input structure 2 uses a media input port 21 on the side wall, the media input device 6 includes a vertically arranged water distribution pipe 61. Spray nozzles 62 are installed on the water distribution pipe 61 corresponding to each of the media input ports 21, and the spray nozzles 62 spray sterilization media into the corresponding media input ports 21 to achieve media input.

[0030] Specifically, the sterilization tank also includes a hot water tank 7, which is equipped with a hot water supply pipeline 71 connected to the media input device 6; the bottom of the sterilization tank 5 is equipped with a hot water circulation pipeline 8 connected to the media input device 6, and the hot water circulation pipeline 8 is equipped with a hot water circulation pump 81 and a heating device 82. Of course, the hot water supply pipeline 71 is equipped with a hot water supply control valve 72, the hot water circulation pipeline 8 is equipped with a hot water circulation control valve 83, and the media input device 6 is equipped with a spray control valve 63.

[0031] Preferably, the medium input device 6 is also connected to a cold water supply device 9 via a pipeline, so that the material can be rapidly cooled by inputting cooling water after sterilization. In this embodiment, the cold water supply device 9 includes a cold water supply pipeline 91, and a cold water supply pump 92 is installed on the cold water supply pipeline 91. Based on this, the sterilization tank 5 is also provided with a drain pipeline 93 to facilitate the discharge of cooling water used for cooling; naturally, a drain control valve 94 is provided on the drain pipeline 93.

[0032] The working principle of the sterilization vessel in this embodiment is as follows, and for ease of description, the sterilization medium involved in the principle is described as water.

[0033] The first step is the preheating stage, in which the hot water tank 7 is filled with water, and the water temperature is raised to the required temperature by means of inputting steam or other methods.

[0034] The second step is the launching stage, such as... Figure 5As shown, multiple containers 1 containing food to be sterilized are stacked within the sterilization space 51 of the sterilization tank 5. A hot water supply pump or the water pressure difference between the hot water tank 7 and the sterilization tank 5 is used to spray hot water from the hot water tank 7 into the containers 1 through the spray nozzle 62 and medium inlet 21. At this time, the spray control valve 63 and the hot water supply control valve 72 are open. Some of the water sprayed into the immersion space 11 drains out through the draining structure 3. Since the spray volume per unit time is greater than the drain volume, the immersion space 11 gradually fills with hot water, completely submerging the food. After continued spraying, excess water overflows through the overflow structure 4. Neither the drained nor overflowing water enters the lower containers 1.

[0035] The third step is the sterilization stage, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the hot water supply control valve 72 is closed, while the hot water circulation control valve 83 and the hot water circulation pump 81 are open. The water supplied to the sterilization tank 5 continuously circulates through the hot water circulation pipeline 8, maintaining the submersion space 11 within each container 1. During the circulation process, the circulating water is reheated using the heating device 82, causing the temperature to rise continuously until it reaches the desired temperature. The pressure inside the sterilization tank 5 is adjusted within the required range using a pressure valve and an exhaust valve. The heating device 82 can be implemented using a water-steam mixer or similar device.

[0036] The fourth step is the recycling phase, such as... Figure 7 As shown, after sterilization is completed, the spray control valve 63 is closed and the hot water supply control valve 72 is opened. The water in the immersion space 11 of the container 1 is gradually drained from the drain outlet 31 into the tank. The water in the tank returns to the hot water tank 7 through the hot water circulation pump 81 or through the pressure difference between the two tanks, and is ready for the next sterilization.

[0037] The fifth step is the cooling stage, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the hot water circulation control valve 83 is closed, while the spray control valve 63 and the cold water supply pump 92 are open. Similar to the water discharge stage, the immersion space 11 gradually fills with cooling water, and the material is immersed in the cooling water for rapid cooling. The drained and overflowing cooling water enters the sterilization tank 5. Unlike the sterilization process, the cooling water does not circulate during the cooling process. Instead, after the water level in the sterilization tank 5 reaches a certain level, the drain control valve 94 is opened to discharge the water directly.

[0038] In this embodiment, the container 1 is used for stacking. The material to be sterilized is placed in the immersion space 11. After the sterilization medium input from the medium input structure 2 enters the immersion space 11, part of it will drain out from the draining structure 3. Since the input flow rate of the medium input structure 2 is greater than the draining flow rate of the draining structure 3, the sterilization medium in the immersion space 11 is ultimately in a state of complete immersion of the material, while the drained sterilization medium flows directly into the sterilization tank 5 without passing through the lower container 1. As a result, the water volume and temperature received in each layer of container 1 are uniform, and the material in each container 1 is in complete contact with the same sterilization medium. All materials are in the same heating environment, resulting in good sterilization uniformity. Similarly, during the cooling process, all materials are in the same cooling environment, resulting in good cooling uniformity. The circulating water mainly consists of the sterilization medium in each layer of container 1. It has a small volume and a short cycle time, so it is easier to maintain the required sterilization temperature in each container 1 at all times, resulting in high sterilization efficiency. Each container 1 is connected to the internal environment of the tank and the pressure is the same. Based on the uniform heating of the materials in each container 1, all food can be sterilized while maintaining the allowable internal and external pressure difference, which helps to ensure the integrity of the packaging.

[0039] Example 2: Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the structural form of the overflow structure 4. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, the side panel 13 of the overflow structure 4 is a sandwich structure, meaning that a baffle 44 is provided on the outer side of the side panel 13, and the top of the inner overflow baffle 42 is closedly connected to the baffle 44, with the side panel 13 sandwiched between them. The overflow outlet 41 is formed by the gap between the top edge of the side panel 13 and the overflow baffle 42. In this embodiment, the side panel 13 of the overflow structure 4 does not have a baffle 44 on its outer side, but multiple openings are formed on it to create the overflow outlet 41, thus achieving the overflow function while maintaining the integrity of the side panel 13.

[0040] 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 claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A food container for immersion sterilization, comprising a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a stacking fit structure for forming a stack, characterized in that: The container has an immersion space for containing the sterilization medium. The container is provided with a medium input structure and a drainage structure. The drainage structure is used to drain the sterilization medium in the immersion space to the outside of the adjacent lower container.

2. The food container for immersion sterilization as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The container is equipped with an overflow structure.

3. The food container for immersion sterilization as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The overflow structure includes an overflow outlet disposed on the side wall of the accommodating body.

4. The food container for immersion sterilization as described in claim 3, characterized in that: An overflow baffle is provided inside the overflow outlet within the immersion space. An overflow connection is provided between the overflow baffle and the bottom wall of the container. The inner space of the overflow baffle forms a container space for holding materials.

5. The food container for immersion sterilization as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The media input structure includes a media input port disposed on the side wall of the accommodating body.

6. The food container for immersion sterilization as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The drainage structure includes a drainage outlet located at the side edge of the accommodating body.

7. The food container for immersion sterilization as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The accommodating body is provided with a drainage guide surface located below the adjacent upper drainage outlet.

8. A sterilizing autoclave using a food container for immersion sterilization as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a sterilizing tank, characterized in that: The sterilization tank has a sterilization space for placing and stacking the food containers for immersion sterilization; the sterilization tank is equipped with a media input device, which is used to input sterilization media into the immersion space through each of the media input structures.

9. The sterilization autoclave as described in claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a hot water tank, which is equipped with a hot water supply pipeline connected to the medium input device; the bottom of the sterilization tank is equipped with a hot water circulation pipeline connected to the medium input device, and the hot water circulation pipeline is equipped with a hot water circulation pump and a heating device.

10. The sterilization autoclave as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The medium input device is also connected to a cold water supply device via a pipeline.

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