Surround hot air slow drying device for pet food processing and three-stage baking method

Abstract

A surround hot air slow drying device and a three-stage baking method for pet food processing are provided. The surround hot air slow drying device for pet food processing includes a drying box. A hot air drying unit is provided at an inner bottom of the drying box, a circulating conveying unit is provided inside the drying box, a plurality of drying frames are evenly distributed on the circulating conveying unit, a material turning mechanism is provided inside the drying frames, and a positioning component is provided inside the drying box. The material turning mechanism cooperates with the positioning component to turn the raw materials in the drying frames. The material turning mechanism provide reduced product breakage and loss, and to provide a more evenly dried product.

Description

A surround hot air slow drying device and a three-stage baking method for pet food processing

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411735340.9, filed on November 29, 2024, entitled "A Surrounding Hot Air Slow Drying Equipment and a Three-Stage Baking Method for Pet Food Processing", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of pet food processing technology, specifically to a surrounding hot air slow drying device and a three-stage baking method for pet food processing. Background Technology

[0003] In the processing of meat-based pet food, meat materials need to be rolled into granules before drying to dehydrate and crisp them. During the drying process, the food granules are placed inside the drying equipment's drum. An internal turning mechanism agitates the granules, bringing them into contact with hot air for dehydration and drying. Current technology typically uses multiple hollow plates to stir the pet food raw materials on the inner wall of the drying drum, promoting agitation and preventing clumping. Through-holes allow some raw materials to pass through the hollow plates, and air vents on the outer sides of these plates allow hot air to directly enter the interior of the raw materials, releasing heat from within. However, during the stirring process, the raw materials at the edges are easily broken due to friction and compression between the hollow plates and the drum. Furthermore, the raw materials repeatedly fall from a height, and the impact during these falls can cause further breakage and debris, reducing the yield and quality of the pet food. Technical issues

[0004] One of the objectives of this application is to provide a surrounding hot air slow drying device and a three-stage baking method for pet food processing, which aims to solve the problem of pet food particles breaking during the stirring process. Technical solutions

[0005] The technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this application is:

[0006] In a first aspect, a hot air slow drying device for pet food processing is provided, including a drying box, a hot air drying unit installed at the bottom of the drying box, a circulating conveying unit installed in the drying box, a plurality of drying frames evenly distributed on the circulating conveying unit, a turning mechanism provided in the drying frame, and a positioning component installed in the drying box. The turning mechanism and the positioning component cooperate to turn the food particles in the drying frame.

[0007] The material turning mechanism includes a material turning module and a drive module. The material turning module includes a material turning plate that slides with the drying frame. The material turning plate has an isosceles triangular cross section. An adjustment plate is provided on the top of the material turning plate. The drive module is located inside the material turning plate and is used to drive the adjustment plate to move back and forth.

[0008] The positioning component includes a positioning rod that is elastically connected to the drying oven, and the driving module abuts against the positioning rod. The positioning component also includes a trapezoidal block disposed at the corner of the drying frame, and the trapezoidal block slides in contact with the positioning rod.

[0009] In one embodiment, the hot air drying unit includes a fan and a heating element fixedly installed at the bottom of the drying chamber, with the heating element located above the fan.

[0010] In one embodiment, the circulating conveying unit includes chains arranged symmetrically on both sides inside the drying chamber. The chains are rectangular in shape and have four sprockets meshing with them. The sprockets are rotatably connected to the drying chamber. One of the sprockets is coaxially connected to a motor, which is fixedly installed on the outside of the drying chamber.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drying frame is connected to the chain via a connector. The connector includes a lifting rod, and a connecting frame is fixedly connected between the end of the lifting rod and the drying frame. An insert rod is elastically connected to the end of the lifting rod via a spring. One end of the insert rod is inserted into a socket, and the socket is fixedly installed on the chain.

[0012] In one embodiment, the insertion rod has an L-shaped structure, with one end extending outward through the lifting rod. The spring drives one end of the insertion rod to connect with the socket, so that the lifting rod can place the drying frame on the chain. By pulling the insertion rod towards the middle of the lifting rod to cancel its connection with the socket, the drying frame can be removed from the chain.

[0013] In one embodiment, a plurality of fixing plates are evenly distributed on the inclined surface of the flipping plate, and the adjusting plate includes an arc-shaped plate that slides with the flipping plate, and a plurality of fixing plates are evenly distributed on the arc-shaped plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, when food particles are on the curved plate, the curved plate drives the fixed plate to swing back and forth.

[0015] In one embodiment, the drive module includes a rotating shaft rotatably connected to the tilting plate, a reciprocating screw fixedly connected to the middle of the rotating shaft, a sliding sleeve slidably connected to the reciprocating screw, and the sliding sleeve being fixedly connected to the arc plate.

[0016] The end of the rotating shaft extends out of the drying frame and is fixedly connected to a gear. A rack is meshed with one side of the gear, and the rack is fixedly connected to the drying frame.

[0017] In one embodiment, a connecting seat is slidably connected to the positioning rod, the connecting seat is fixedly connected to the drying oven, and one end of the positioning rod is elastically connected to the connecting seat through a spring.

[0018] One end of the positioning rod is fixedly connected to a driving rod, and the trapezoidal block slides in contact with the driving rod.

[0019] In one embodiment, baffles are vertically slidably connected to both sides of the drying frame. One side of the baffle is elastically connected to the drying frame via a spring, and the baffle has a clearance hole that matches the fixed plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, a plurality of air guide plates are fixedly installed in the middle of the drying chamber, and the plurality of air guide plates are arranged in a stepped structure.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the air guide plates is inclined, and the multiple air guide plates are arranged in two symmetrical groups and located above the fan.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bottom of the drying frame has multiple through holes, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the pet food pellets.

[0023] In one embodiment, the drying oven includes a box body and a door. A control module is installed on the door, and a temperature and humidity sensor is installed on the top of the box body. The temperature and humidity sensor, fan, and heating element are all connected to the control module. The control module controls the heating element to heat to the working temperature and controls the fan to rotate, driving the airflow in the drying oven to move in a circular motion. The temperature and humidity sensor monitors the temperature and humidity data in the drying oven and displays it on the control module.

[0024] Secondly, a three-stage baking method for pet food is provided, including the following steps:

[0025] S1. Raw material preparation and processing: Fresh meat, starch, fruits and vegetables and nutrients are mixed and then rolled into pellets suitable for cats and dogs to eat using a food roller pressing device.

[0026] S2, 65℃ flash drying: The roller-printed granules are placed in a 65℃ flash drying device and heated for two hours to reduce the moisture content of fresh meat and concentrate nutrients.

[0027] S3, 85℃ hot air slow drying: Place the flash-steamed food particles on the drying frame. The hot air drying unit generates 85℃ circulating hot air. The circulating conveying unit drives the drying frame to rotate for two hours, so that the moisture in the particles evaporates slowly and forms crispy particles.

[0028] S4, 100℃ short-time heating: Place the slow-dried food particles into a 100℃ baking device and heat for one hour to promote a mild Maillard reaction in the raw materials and reduce nutrient loss;

[0029] S5. Cooling and Inspection: The baked food particles are cooled and their moisture content is tested. Food particles that meet the requirements proceed to the next process, while those that do not meet the requirements are re-baked. Beneficial effects

[0030] The beneficial effects of the pet food processing surround hot air slow drying equipment provided in this application embodiment are as follows: During the horizontal movement of the drying frame, the turning plate moves within the drying frame, turning the food particles on the drying frame. Simultaneously, the arc-shaped plate and the fixed plate reciprocate, causing the turned food particles to be distributed in an S-shape. This avoids damage to the food particles while changing the contact surface between the food particles and the hot air, improving both the yield rate of pet food and the drying effect. When the turning plate moves towards the side of the drying frame, its inclined surface drives the baffle to rise vertically. The baffle and the turning plate work together to turn the product particles on the side of the drying frame to the other side, avoiding dead corners in the turning of the particles and ensuring that particles within the entire range of the drying frame are turned. The design of the air guide plate increases the contact area between the hot air and the drying frame and food particles, and creates two looping airflows within the drying chamber, further improving the drying effect on the food particles.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the three-stage baking method for pet food provided in this application are as follows: through the three-stage baking process, the starch gelatinization degree of the baked pet food can be increased to more than 90%, making the starch in the pet food easier to be hydrolyzed by enzymes, which is conducive to digestion and absorption, and at the same time, it can improve the texture and taste of the pet food. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or exemplary technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the pet food processing surrounding hot air slow drying equipment provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the drying oven provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the cyclic conveying unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the drying frame and the material turning module provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the drying frame and baffle provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 is a magnified view of the structure at point A in Figure 5;

[0039] Figure 7 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 8 is an exploded structural diagram of the material turning module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the driving module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 10 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the flipping plate and the arc plate provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the positioning component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 12 is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the drying frame, rotating shaft, and positioning rod provided in the embodiment of this application. Embodiments of the present invention

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0046] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly or indirectly attached to that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to that other component. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are for ease of description only, not to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features. "A plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0047] To illustrate the technical solutions provided in this application, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific drawings and embodiments.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1-12, some embodiments of this application provide a surrounding hot air slow drying device for pet food processing, including a drying chamber 1. A hot air drying unit is installed at the bottom of the drying chamber 1. A circulating conveying unit 2 is installed inside the drying chamber 1. Multiple drying frames 3 are evenly distributed on the circulating conveying unit 2. A turning mechanism is provided inside the drying frames 3. A positioning component 7 is installed inside the drying chamber 1. The turning mechanism cooperates with the positioning component 7 to turn the raw materials inside the drying frames 3. The turning mechanism includes a turning module 5 and a drive module 6. The material turning module 5 includes a material turning plate 501 that slides with the drying frame 3. The material turning plate 501 has an isosceles triangular cross section. A steering plate is provided on the top of the material turning plate 501. The drive module 6 is located inside the material turning plate 501 and is used to drive the steering plate to move back and forth. The positioning component 7 includes a positioning rod 701 that is elastically connected to the drying box 1. The drive module 6 abuts against the positioning rod 701. The positioning component 7 also includes a trapezoidal block 704 located at the corner of the drying frame 3. The trapezoidal block 704 slides in contact with the positioning rod 701.

[0049] Specifically, pet food pellets are laid flat on the drying frame 3. The circulating conveying unit 2 drives each drying frame 3 to circulate. The hot air drying unit generates hot air in the drying chamber 1. When the hot air passes through the drying frame 3, it removes moisture from the pet food pellets. Whenever the drying frame 3 moves to the vicinity of the positioning component 7, the drive module 6 abuts against the positioning rod 701 to keep the turning plate 501 stationary. At the same time, the drying frame 3 continues to move, causing the turning plate 501 to turn over the food pellets accumulated in the drying frame 3. The drive module 6 rotates and drives the adjusting plate to move back and forth, so that the food pellets passing over the top of the turning plate 501 slide down and are guided, so that the food pellets are scattered in an S-shape on the other side of the drying frame 3, realizing the change of the orientation of the food pellets. This ensures that each side of the food pellets can contact the hot air. By using one end of the turning plate 501 and the reciprocating movement of the adjusting plate, the food pellets are prevented from being damaged while the drying effect is improved.

[0050] The bottom of the drying frame 3 has multiple through holes, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the pet food particles, so that some hot air can pass through the through holes and come into contact with the food particles at the bottom of the drying frame 3.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1-2, the hot air drying unit includes a fan 101 and a heating element 102 fixedly installed at the bottom of the drying chamber 1, with the heating element 102 located above the fan 101.

[0052] Specifically, the heating element 102 is a heating rod. The heating element 102 is heated to the working temperature, and the fan 101 rotates to drive the airflow in the drying chamber 1 to make circular motion, so that the flowing hot air comes into contact with the food particles and removes moisture from the food particles.

[0053] The drying oven 1 consists of a body and a door. A control module (not shown) is installed on the door, and a temperature and humidity sensor (not shown) is installed on the top of the body. The temperature and humidity sensor, fan 101, and heating element 102 are all connected to the control module. The control module controls the heating element 102 to heat to the working temperature and controls the fan 101 to rotate, which drives the airflow in the drying oven 1 to move in a circular motion. The temperature and humidity sensor monitors the temperature and humidity data in the drying oven 1 and displays it on the control module.

[0054] Referring to Figure 3, the circulating conveying unit 2 includes chains 201 arranged symmetrically on both sides inside the drying chamber 1. The chains 201 are rectangular in shape and four sprockets are meshed on the chains 201. The sprockets are rotatably connected to the drying chamber 1. One of the sprockets is coaxially connected to a motor 202, which is fixedly installed on the outside of the drying chamber 1.

[0055] Specifically, motor 202 is connected to the control module via signal, and the two motors 202 rotate synchronously. The two chains 201 work together to drive the drying frame 3 to perform a clockwise movement in a rectangular structure.

[0056] Referring to Figure 7, the drying frame 3 is connected to the chain 201 via a connector 4. The connector 4 includes a lifting rod 401. A connecting frame 402 is fixedly connected between the end of the lifting rod 401 and the drying frame 3. An insert rod 404 is elastically connected to the end of the lifting rod 401 via a spring 403. One end of the insert rod 404 is inserted into a socket 405, which is fixedly installed on the chain 201.

[0057] Specifically, the insertion rod 404 has an L-shaped structure, with one end extending outward through the lifting rod 401. The spring 403 drives one end of the insertion rod 404 to connect with the socket 405, so that the lifting rod 401 can set the drying frame 3 on the chain 201. By pulling the insertion rod 404 towards the middle of the lifting rod 401 to disconnect it from the socket 405, the drying frame 3 can be removed from the chain 201, making it convenient to place or remove food particles on the drying frame 3.

[0058] Referring to Figure 8, multiple fixing plates 502 are evenly distributed on the inclined surface of the flipping plate 501, and the adjusting plate includes an arc plate 503 that slides with the flipping plate 501, and multiple fixing plates 504 are evenly distributed on the arc plate 503.

[0059] Specifically, when the drying frame 3 moves and the flipping plate 501 is stationary, the food particles on the side of the drying frame 3 opposite to the direction of movement come into contact with the flipping plate 501 and form an accumulation. When the accumulation height is higher than the flipping plate 501, the particles slide down the other side of the drying frame 3 along one side of the flipping plate 501, thereby realizing the flipping and repositioning of the food particles. When the food particles are on the arc plate 503, the arc plate 503 drives the fixed plate 504 to swing back and forth, so that the food particles are distributed in an S-shape, improving the flipping effect of the food particles.

[0060] Referring to Figure 9, the drive module 6 includes a rotating shaft 601 rotatably connected to the flipping plate 501. A reciprocating screw 602 is fixedly connected to the middle of the rotating shaft 601. A sliding sleeve 603 is slidably connected to the reciprocating screw 602. The sliding sleeve 603 is fixedly connected to the arc plate 503. A gear 604 is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating shaft 601 through the drying frame 3. A rack 605 is meshed on one side of the gear 604. The rack 605 is fixedly connected to the drying frame 3.

[0061] Specifically, after the rotating shaft 601 abuts against the positioning rod 701, the drying frame 3 continues to move, causing the rack 605 to drive the gear 604 to rotate. The rotating shaft 601 drives the reciprocating screw 602 to rotate synchronously, causing the sliding sleeve 603 to reciprocate, thereby driving the arc plate 503 to reciprocate synchronously.

[0062] Referring to Figure 11, a connecting seat 702 is slidably connected to the positioning rod 701, and the connecting seat 702 is fixedly connected to the drying oven 1. One end of the positioning rod 701 is elastically connected to the connecting seat 702 through a spring 703. A driving rod 705 is fixedly connected to one end of the positioning rod 701, and the trapezoidal block 704 is in sliding contact with the driving rod 705.

[0063] Specifically, during the horizontal movement of the drying frame 3, the rotating shaft 601 on it abuts against the lower end of the positioning rod 701. At this time, as the drying frame 3 continues to move, the rotating shaft 601 keeps the flipping plate 501 stationary, realizing the process of the flipping plate 501 moving to the other side of the drying frame 3 to flip the food particles. When the flipping plate 501 moves to the other side of the drying frame 3, the inclined surface of the trapezoidal block 704 near the flipping plate 501 abuts against the driving rod 705, causing the positioning rod 701 to rise to cancel the limit on the rotating shaft 601. Subsequently, the flipping plate 501 can move synchronously with the drying frame 3.

[0064] Referring to Figures 3 and 11, the connecting seat 702 is located inside the upper right corner and the lower left corner of the chain 201, so that the turning plate 501 moves from right to left during the process of the drying frame 3 moving to the right on the upper side of the chain 201, and the turning plate 501 moves from left to right during the process of the drying frame 3 moving to the left on the lower side of the chain 201. When the drying frame 3 completes one revolution with the chain 201, the turning plate 501 performs one reciprocating movement, turning the food particles in the drying frame 3 twice.

[0065] Referring to Figures 4-8, this is the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that baffles 301 are vertically slidably connected to both sides of the drying frame 3. One side of the baffle 301 is elastically connected to the drying frame 3 via a spring 302, and the baffle 301 is provided with a clearance hole that is adapted to the fixing plate 502.

[0066] Specifically, when the flipping plate 501 moves towards the side of the drying frame 3, the inclined surface of the flipping plate 501 near the baffle 301 slides into contact with the lower end of the baffle 301, causing the baffle 301 to rise vertically. This allows the baffle 301 to push the food particles at the corners of the drying frame 3 to the other side of the flipping plate 501, avoiding dead corners and improving the flipping effect on the food particles. The remaining structure is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0067] Referring to Figures 2-3, this is the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that a plurality of air guide plates 103 are fixedly provided in the middle of the drying oven 1, and the plurality of air guide plates 103 are arranged in a stepped structure.

[0068] Specifically, each air guide plate 103 is inclined, and multiple air guide plates 103 are arranged in two symmetrical groups, positioned above the fan 101. The fan 101 generates upward hot air, which moves to both sides under the action of the air guide plates 103, allowing the bottom of the drying frame 3 to effectively contact the hot air during vertical movement. The hot air flows through the through holes onto the surface of the food particles, further enhancing the drying effect on the food particles. At the same time, under the action of the air guide plates 103, the hot air forms two looping airflows inside the drying chamber 1, further enhancing the contact effect between the hot air and the food particles. The remaining structure is the same as that of Embodiment 2.

[0069] Referring to Figures 1-12, the fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a three-stage baking method for pet food, comprising the following steps:

[0070] S1. Raw material preparation and processing: Fresh meat, starch, fruits and vegetables and nutrients are mixed and then rolled into pellets suitable for cats and dogs to eat using a food roller pressing device.

[0071] S2, 65℃ flash drying: The roller-printed granules are placed in a 65℃ flash drying device and heated for two hours to reduce the moisture content of fresh meat and concentrate nutrients.

[0072] S3, 85℃ hot air slow drying: Place the flash-steamed food particles on the drying frame 3. The hot air drying unit generates 85℃ circulating hot air. The circulating conveying unit 2 drives the drying frame 3 to rotate for two hours, so that the moisture in the particles evaporates slowly and forms crispy particles.

[0073] S4, 100℃ short-time heating: Place the slow-dried food particles into a 100℃ baking device and heat for one hour to promote a mild Maillard reaction in the raw materials and reduce nutrient loss;

[0074] S5. Cooling and Inspection: The baked food particles are cooled and their moisture content is tested. Food particles that meet the requirements proceed to the next process, while those that do not meet the requirements are re-baked.

[0075] In the pet food, after the three-stage baking process from S2 to S4, the baking starch in the raw materials absorbs water and expands at high temperature, increasing the gelatinization degree of the baking starch to over 90%. By increasing the gelatinization degree, the starch in the raw materials is more easily hydrolyzed by enzymes, which is beneficial for digestion and absorption. At the same time, it can improve the texture and taste of the pet food.

[0076] Based on embodiments 1-4, the working principle of this invention is as follows: The granules, after flash evaporation at 65°C, are spread evenly on each drying frame 3. The chamber door is closed, and the fan 101 and heating element 102 are turned on, creating a hot air environment of 85°C inside the drying chamber 1. The motor 202 drives the chain 201 to rotate clockwise. Under the action of the air guide plate 103, the hot air forms a U-shaped airflow inside the drying chamber 1 and contacts the bottom of the moving drying frame 3 and the surface of the food granules. During the horizontal movement of the drying frame 3, the rotating shaft 601 on it abuts against the lower end of the positioning rod 701. At this time, as the drying frame 3 continues to move, the rotating shaft 601 keeps the tilting plate 501 stationary, causing the tilting plate 501 to move to the other side of the drying frame 3. At this time, when the drying frame 3 moves, the rack 605 drives the gear 604 to rotate, the rotating shaft 601 drives the reciprocating screw 602 to rotate synchronously, causing the sliding sleeve 603 to reciprocate, and the arc plate 503 to reciprocate synchronously. During the movement of the turning plate 501 relative to the drying frame 3, it cooperates with the fixed plate 504 to spread the food particles to the other side in an S-shape, so that the food particles continue to be in contact with the hot air after changing their position. When the turning plate 501 moves to the other side of the drying frame 3, the inclined surface of the trapezoidal block 704 near the turning plate 501 abuts against the driving rod 705, causing the positioning rod 701 to rise to cancel the limit on the rotating shaft 601. Then the turning plate 501 follows the drying frame 3 to move synchronously.

[0077] After drying for two hours, stop the operation of fan 101, heating element 102, and motor 202, open the oven door, and wait for the temperature to drop. Then, pull the plug 404 towards the middle of the lifting rod 401 to disconnect it from the socket 405, and the drying frame 3 can be removed from the chain 201, making it easier to remove the food particles from the drying frame 3.

[0078] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A circulating hot air slow drying device for pet food processing, characterized in that, The equipment includes a drying box (1), a hot air drying unit installed at the bottom of the drying box (1), a circulating conveying unit (2) installed in the drying box (1), a plurality of drying frames (3) evenly distributed on the circulating conveying unit (2), a turning mechanism provided in the drying frame (3), and a positioning component (7) installed in the drying box (1). The turning mechanism and the positioning component (7) cooperate to turn the raw materials in the drying frame (3). The material turning mechanism includes a material turning module (5) and a drive module (6). The material turning module (5) includes a material turning plate (501) that slides with the drying frame (3). The material turning plate (501) has an isosceles triangular cross section. A steering plate is provided on the top of the material turning plate (501). The drive module (6) is located inside the material turning plate (501) and is used to drive the steering plate to move back and forth. The positioning component (7) includes a positioning rod (701) that is elastically connected to the drying box (1). The driving module (6) abuts against the positioning rod (701). The positioning component (7) also includes a trapezoidal block (704) located at the corner of the drying frame (3). The trapezoidal block (704) slides in contact with the positioning rod (701).

2. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hot air drying unit includes a fan (101) and a heating element (102) fixedly installed at the bottom of the drying box (1), with the heating element (102) located above the fan (101).

3. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circulating conveying unit (2) includes chains (201) arranged symmetrically on both sides inside the drying box (1). The chains (201) are rectangular in shape. Four sprockets are meshed on the chains (201). The sprockets are rotatably connected to the drying box (1). A motor (202) is coaxially connected to one of the sprockets. The motor (202) is fixedly installed on the outside of the drying box (1).

4. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drying frame (3) is connected to the chain (201) via a connector (4). The connector (4) includes a lifting rod (401). A connecting frame (402) is fixedly connected between the end of the lifting rod (401) and the drying frame (3). An insert rod (404) is elastically connected to the end of the lifting rod (401) via a spring (403). A socket (405) is inserted into one end of the insert rod (404). The socket (405) is fixedly installed on the chain (201).

5. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 4, characterized in that, The insertion rod (404) has an L-shaped structure, and one end extends outward through the lifting rod (401). The spring (403) drives one end of the insertion rod (404) to connect with the socket (405), so that the lifting rod (401) can set the drying frame (3) on the chain (201). By pulling the insertion rod (404) towards the middle of the lifting rod (401) to cancel its connection with the socket (405), the drying frame (3) can be removed from the chain (201).

6. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tilting plate (501) has a plurality of fixed plates (502) evenly distributed on its inclined surface. The adjusting plate includes an arc plate (503) that slides with the tilting plate (501). The arc plate (503) has a plurality of fixed plates (504) evenly distributed on its surface.

7. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 6, characterized in that, When food particles are on the arc-shaped plate (503), the arc-shaped plate (503) drives the fixed plate (504) to swing back and forth.

8. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive module (6) includes a rotating shaft (601) rotatably connected to the flipping plate (501), a reciprocating screw (602) fixedly connected in the middle of the rotating shaft (601), a sliding sleeve (603) slidably connected on the reciprocating screw (602), and the sliding sleeve (603) being fixedly connected to the arc plate (503); The end of the rotating shaft (601) extends out of the drying frame (3) and is fixedly connected to a gear (604). A rack (605) is meshed on one side of the gear (604), and the rack (605) is fixedly connected to the drying frame (3).

9. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting seat (702) is slidably connected to the positioning rod (701). The connecting seat (702) is fixedly connected to the drying box (1). One end of the positioning rod (701) is elastically connected to the connecting seat (702) through a spring (703). One end of the positioning rod (701) is fixedly connected to the driving rod (705), and the trapezoidal block (704) slides in contact with the driving rod (705).

10. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drying frame (3) has vertically sliding baffles (301) on both sides of its symmetrical shape. One side of the baffle (301) is elastically connected to the drying frame (3) via a spring (302), and the baffle (301) has a clearance hole that is compatible with the fixing plate (502).

11. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple air guide plates (103) are fixed in the middle of the drying box (1), and the multiple air guide plates (103) are arranged in a stepped structure.

12. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the air guide plates (103) is inclined, and the multiple air guide plates (103) are arranged in two symmetrical groups and located above the fan (101).

13. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the drying frame (3) has multiple through holes, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the pet food pellets.

14. The pet food processing equipment with surrounding hot air slow drying according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drying oven (1) includes a box body and a box door. A control module is installed on the box door. A temperature and humidity sensor is installed on the top of the box body. The temperature and humidity sensor, fan (101), and heating element (102) are all connected to the control module. The control module controls the heating element (102) to heat to the working temperature and controls the fan (101) to rotate and drive the airflow in the drying oven (1) to make a circular motion. The temperature and humidity sensor monitors the temperature and humidity data in the drying oven (1) and displays it on the control module.

15. A three-stage baking method for pet food, employing the surrounding hot air slow-drying equipment for pet food processing as described in any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Raw material preparation and processing: Fresh meat, starch, fruits and vegetables and nutrients are mixed and then rolled into pellets suitable for cats and dogs to eat using a food roller pressing device. S2, 65℃ flash drying: The roller-printed granules are placed in a 65℃ flash drying device and heated for two hours to reduce the moisture content of fresh meat and concentrate nutrients. S3, 85℃ hot air slow drying: Place the flash-steamed food particles on the drying frame (3), the hot air drying unit generates 85℃ circulating hot air, the circulating conveying unit (2) drives the drying frame (3) to rotate for two hours, so that the moisture of the particles evaporates slowly and forms crisp particles. S4, 100℃ short-time heating: Place the slow-dried food particles into a 100℃ baking device and heat for one hour to promote a mild Maillard reaction in the raw materials and reduce nutrient loss; S5. Cooling and Inspection: The baked food particles are cooled and their moisture content is tested. Food particles that meet the requirements proceed to the next process, while those that do not meet the requirements are re-baked.

Images