Personalized formula product preparation device and application

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of formula product processing, and in particular to a packaging forming module, a personalized formula product preparation device, and an application. The packaging forming module provided by the present application comprises: an outer layer structure; and an inner layer structure at least partially nested in the outer layer structure and used for receiving raw materials and guiding the raw materials into a packaging container for packaging, wherein the inner layer structure and the outer layer structure are detachably connected or integrally formed. The packaging forming module is assembled in a personalized formula product preparation device, nutrients can be prepared conveniently, rapidly, with low cost, and accurately according to the personalized formula of customers, and wide popularization and application of personalized nutrition customization can be promoted.

Description

Personalized formulation product preparation equipment and applications Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of formulation product processing technology, and in particular relates to a personalized formulation product preparation device and its application. Background Technology

[0002] The phrase "you are what you eat" perfectly encapsulates the importance of nutrition. Everyone should receive nutrition optimally matched to their metabolic pattern. Eating is a prerequisite for maintaining life, and a proper nutritional supply is one of the most important means of maintaining health. Due to the uniqueness of each person's genetic code, their metabolic pattern is unique, and therefore their nutritional needs are also unique—this is the fundamental principle of metabolomics. Furthermore, due to differences in environment, age, gender, and health status, each person requires a corresponding supply of nutrients.

[0003] To provide precise, personalized nutrition, the various components of nutritional supplements need to be formulated in precise proportions. This means accurately adjusting the percentage content of various components (such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, fortifying elements, and additives) in the supplement. The proportion of some components in a nutritional supplement may be in the range of one-thousandth, one-ten-thousandth of a gram, or even lower. For example, the daily intake of vitamins for humans ranges from micrograms to milligrams.

[0004] In nutritional supplements, it is often these trace components that play a crucial role in health. The precise formulation of these micronutrients in nutritional supplements is key to whether they can provide personalized and accurate nutrition. Existing nutritional supplements, such as infant formula and similar formula products, are mass-produced industrially, sacrificing personalization in exchange for acceptable manufacturing costs. For example, raw materials are mixed in tonnes at a time, and then packaged, with each package typically weighing from a few grams to several kilograms, to meet an individual's intake for several weeks at a time.

[0005] As mentioned above, industrial-scale formulation of nutritional supplements typically involves mixing materials in ton-scale batches, while the required intake for each individual within the food's shelf life is measured in kilograms. Therefore, industrial-scale formulation cannot provide precise, personalized nutritional supplements for every individual. However, personalized nutritional formulas are beneficial to consumer health. Thus, the industry uses a rough population classification system, providing specific formulas to partially meet the needs of each group. For example, infant formula is formulated according to age groups. This represents the maximum degree of personalization achievable through mass production of nutritional supplements. However, from a nutritional perspective, each individual's metabolic pattern is different. Providing more targeted, personalized formulas could offer better nutritional supplementation effects and better meet consumer needs.

[0006] While some equipment can basically meet customers' requirements for precise formulation of nutritional products, there is still a lack of personalized formulation devices that can conveniently, quickly, cost-effectively, and accurately formulate nutritional products according to customers' individual preferences. This seriously restricts the widespread promotion of personalized nutrition customization. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a packaging molding module, a personalized formula product preparation device and application, aiming to solve at least one technical problem existing in the prior art.

[0008] The first aspect of this application provides a packaging molding module, comprising: an outer layer structure; and an inner layer structure, at least partially nested within the outer layer structure, for receiving raw materials and introducing the raw materials into a packaging container for sealing; wherein the inner layer structure and the outer layer structure are detachably connected or integrally molded.

[0009] In some embodiments, the package also includes a cutting mechanism, a sealing mechanism, a drive roller, and a winding roller; packaging material is wound on the winding roller; the drive roller can drive the packaging material wound on the winding roller to move along the surface of the outer structure, and the outer structure can be at least partially covered by the packaging material to guide the packaging material to form a packaging container; the sealing mechanism is used to seal the packaging material on the side after the outer structure has been formed, and the cutting mechanism is used to cut and seal the packaging material after the side sealing to form a packaging container.

[0010] In some embodiments, a bag supply mechanism and a bag removal and sealing mechanism are also included; the bag supply mechanism is used to store and supply packaging materials to the discharge position of the inner layer structure; the bag removal and sealing mechanism can transfer the packaging materials supplied by the bag supply mechanism to the discharge position of the inner layer structure and seal them after the raw materials are introduced to form a packaging container.

[0011] A second aspect of this application provides a personalized formula product preparation apparatus, including a dispensing unit, a mixing unit, a packaging functional unit, and a control unit. The dispensing unit includes at least one raw material unit for holding raw materials. The mixing unit includes at least one receiving container capable of moving along a preset path to receive raw materials from one or more raw material units. The control unit is connected to the raw material unit and the mixing unit and is used to control the movement of the receiving container relative to the raw material unit according to a preset personalized formula to receive the raw materials in the corresponding raw material unit. The control unit also controls the receiving container to move to a raw material packaging position to transfer the raw materials in the receiving container to the packaging functional unit. The packaging functional unit includes a packaging forming module as described above, used to receive the raw materials in the receiving container and seal them with packaging materials.

[0012] In some embodiments, the mixing unit further includes a drive mechanism, and the receiving container is detachably mounted on the drive mechanism; the drive mechanism is connected to the control unit and can drive the receiving container to move along the moving path to the raw material packaging position under the control of the control unit, so as to transfer the raw material in the receiving container into the packaging forming module.

[0013] In some embodiments, the receiving container is provided with a discharge port on the top or side; the drive mechanism is configured to drive the receiving container to rotate so that the raw material in the receiving container is poured out of the discharge port into the packaging forming module at the raw material packaging position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bottom or side of the receiving container is provided with a discharge port, and the receiving container is connected to a cover that can open or close the discharge port; the cover can open and close the discharge port so that the discharge port can be opened at the raw material packaging position to allow the raw material in the receiving container to pour into the packaging functional unit.

[0015] In some implementations, a vibrator is provided on the receiving container and / or packaging forming module, the vibrator being capable of controlled vibration of the receiving container and / or packaging forming module.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mixing unit further includes a first weighing module, which is communicatively connected to the control unit; the first weighing module can acquire first weighing data in real time based on the raw materials in the receiving container and feed the weighing data back to the control unit; the control unit is configured to control the corresponding raw material unit to start or stop feeding according to the received weighing data.

[0017] In some embodiments, the batching unit further includes multiple second weighing modules, each raw material unit is provided with a second weighing module, and the second weighing module is communicatively connected to the control unit; the second weighing module can acquire second weighing data in real time based on the raw materials in the raw material unit and feed back the second weighing data to the control unit; the control unit is configured to control the corresponding raw material unit to start or stop feeding according to the received second weighing data.

[0018] In some embodiments, a sterilization unit is also included, which is disposed on the batching unit for sterilizing the environment within the batching unit.

[0019] In some embodiments, an air purification unit is also included, which is disposed on the batching unit and communicates with the space inside the batching unit to purify the gas inside the batching unit.

[0020] The third aspect of this application provides the above-described personalized formulation product preparation device for use in the preparation of food or pharmaceuticals using at least one of powders, granules, blocks, liquids or sauces as raw materials.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0022] The packaging forming module in this application is integrated into a personalized formula product preparation device, enabling convenient, rapid, low-cost, and precise preparation of nutritional products according to the customer's personalized formula, thereby promoting the widespread application of personalized nutrition customization. In particular, when the outer and inner layers of the packaging forming module are detachably connected, the inner layer can be removed from the outer layer after each change of ingredient formula, facilitating cleaning and avoiding contamination caused by material residue from the previous mixing process, thus ensuring precise personalized nutrition.

[0023] The packaging molding module, personalized formula product preparation device, and other features and advantages provided in this application will be further described in detail in the following specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to an embodiment of this application from a single perspective.

[0026] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to an embodiment of this application from one perspective (the mixing unit is located in a non-raw material packaging position);

[0027] Figure 3 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to an embodiment of this application from another perspective (the mixing unit is located in a non-raw material packaging position).

[0028] Figure 4 is a partial structural diagram of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to an embodiment of this application (the mixing unit is located at the raw material packaging position);

[0029] Figure 5 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to an embodiment of this application from another perspective (the mixing unit is located at the raw material packaging position);

[0030] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to the embodiments of this application from one perspective (the packaging forming module is partially cut out in the figure, and the dotted lines represent the packaging materials).

[0031] Figure 7 is a partial structural enlarged view of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to an embodiment of this application from one perspective.

[0032] Figure 8 is a magnified view of a portion of the packaging forming module from a perspective of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the receiving container structure of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to the embodiments of this application (the receiving container is provided with a discharge port at the top);

[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the receiving container structure of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to the embodiments of this application (the receiving container is provided with a discharge port at the bottom and the cover is in the open state);

[0035] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the receiving container structure of the personalized formula product preparation device provided according to the embodiments of this application (the receiving container is provided with a discharge port at the bottom and the cover is closed). Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of the present application, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement various exemplary embodiments. Other features and performance can be readily understood by those skilled in the art based on the information disclosed herein. This application can be implemented by other embodiments or applied to other embodiments. Furthermore, the detailed description can be modified or altered according to viewpoint and application without departing from the scope, spirit, and other purposes of this application.

[0037] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0038] Referring to the examples in Figures 1-11, this application provides a personalized formula product preparation device, which mainly consists of a dispensing unit 1, a mixing unit 2, a control unit 3, and a packaging function unit 4.

[0039] The ingredient mixing unit 1 includes one or more raw material units 11. The multiple raw material units 11 can hold different raw materials to meet the needs of the diversity of raw materials for personalized formula products. The positions of the multiple raw material units 11 can be fixed or controlled by the control unit 3 to move along a preset moving route to supply raw materials to the mixing unit 2.

[0040] It should be clarified that the description of "multiple" in this application generally means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Taking multiple material units 11 as an example, multiple material units 11 can be two, three, or more than four.

[0041] The mixing unit 2 includes at least one receiving container 21, which can be controlled by the control unit 3 and can move according to a preset movement route based on the control of the control unit 3, so as to switch positions between different raw material units 11 or between raw material units 11 and raw material packaging positions, thereby receiving the raw materials in the corresponding raw material unit 11 and transferring the raw materials in the raw material packaging position to the packaging functional unit 4 to meet the ingredient requirements of personalized formulas.

[0042] It is understood that the receiving container 21 moves along a preset moving route, and multiple raw material units 11 can be arranged so that the raw materials they release can fall onto the preset moving route, so that the receiving container 21 can receive the raw materials in the corresponding raw material unit 11 when it moves along the preset moving route.

[0043] In this embodiment, the raw material packaging position refers to the position where the receiving container 21 releases the raw material it receives to the packaging functional unit 4. For example, the raw material packaging position can be located in the top space of the structure of the packaging functional unit 4 that receives the raw material released by the receiving container 21.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1, according to the example embodiment, in order to fix multiple raw material units 11 and other structures, the batching unit 1 may also include a frame unit 12. The frame unit 12 is designed to accommodate and fix multiple raw material units 11. In this embodiment, it can be configured into various suitable structural shapes as needed. For example, the frame unit 12 can be a cuboid frame, a cube frame, or a cylindrical frame.

[0045] The frame unit 12 may specifically include a double-layer, triple-layer, or more-layer structure arranged in the height direction. The raw material unit 11 is located on the upper layer of the mixing unit 2 to deliver raw materials to the mixing unit 2 under the action of gravity. In addition, when there is only one batching unit 1, the mixing unit 2 is constructed within a frame unit 12. The receiving container 21 can move according to a preset moving route inside or extending outside the frame unit 12, so that the receiving container 21 is transported to the position of the corresponding raw material unit 11, receives the raw material released by the raw material unit 11, and moves to the raw material packaging position to deliver the received raw material to the packaging functional unit 4 for packaging.

[0046] When there are multiple batching units 1, the frame units 12 of two adjacent batching units 1 can be connected according to the preset moving route direction. The receiving container 21 of the mixing unit 2 can move in different frame units 12 according to the preset moving route, thereby transporting the receiving container 21 to the corresponding raw material unit 11 for receiving.

[0047] According to the example embodiment, the preset movement path of the receiving container 21 can be a belt that passes through or does not pass through the frame unit 12, and the control unit 3 controls the belt to drive the receiving container 21 to move back and forth in the horizontal position of the packaging functional unit 4 and the raw material unit 11; or, the preset movement path of the receiving container 21 can also be a fixed track that passes through or does not pass through the two frame units 12, and the receiving container 21 can move back and forth along the fixed track under the control of the control unit 3.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the number of receiving containers 21 in this embodiment can be one. In some embodiments not shown, there can also be two or more receiving containers 21. One or more receiving containers 21 can be set on the same preset moving route.

[0049] The control unit 3 is communicatively connected to multiple raw material units 11 and mixing unit 2 to select and match the corresponding personalized formula according to the user's needs for different products, and to control the relative movement between the receiving container 21 and the raw material unit 11, and to control the corresponding raw material unit 11 to release the raw material when the receiving container 21 moves to the position of the corresponding raw material unit 11, so that after the receiving container 21 receives the raw material delivered by one or more raw material units 11, it transfers the raw material to the packaging function unit 4 for packaging.

[0050] It should be noted that the control unit 3 controls the relative movement between the receiving container 21 and the raw material unit 11. For example, it controls the receiving container 21 to move along a preset moving route. In some embodiments not shown, the control unit 3 can also control the raw material unit 11 to move toward or away from the receiving container 21.

[0051] The main function of packaging unit 4 is to receive the raw materials conveyed by receiving container 21 and encapsulate them into personalized formula products using packaging materials. For example, packaging unit 4 may include, but is not limited to, vertical packaging machines, pre-packaging machines, pillow packaging machines, or vacuum packaging machines. Those skilled in the art can flexibly configure it to meet the packaging requirements of personalized formula products.

[0052] In this embodiment, mass transfer of raw materials between different components is preferably achieved under the influence of gravity. For example, after the raw material unit 11 releases the raw material, the raw material falls into the receiving container 21 under gravity; or, after the receiving container 21 releases the raw material, the raw material falls into the packaging functional unit 4 under gravity. In other words, in the preferred embodiment of this application, the height of the multiple raw material units 11 can be higher than the receiving container 21, and the height of the receiving container 21 can be higher than the packaging functional unit 4, so as to reduce the design of mass transfer structures in the height direction and reduce production costs.

[0053] Considering that each change of ingredient formula can easily cause contamination due to the residue of raw materials from the previous mixing process, which is not conducive to providing accurate and personalized nutrition, in some preferred embodiments, the packaging functional unit 4 includes a packaging forming module 41. The packaging forming module 41 includes a mass transfer channel composed of multiple layers, wherein the innermost layer can directly contact the raw materials and can be easily disassembled and installed on its adjacent layer.

[0054] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, according to the example embodiment, the packaging forming module 41 may include an outer layer structure 412 and an inner layer structure 411. The outer layer structure 412 and the inner layer structure 411 may be a multi-layer shell structure or a single-layer shell structure, respectively. The inner layer structure 411 is at least partially nested within the outer layer structure 412 to receive the raw materials released from the receiving container 21 and introduce the raw materials into the packaging container for sealing. The inner layer structure 411 and the outer layer structure 412 are detachably connected and easily separated.

[0055] In this embodiment, the packaging material can be a food-grade prefabricated bag or packaging rolls such as plastic film or aluminum foil, making the formed packaging container a bag. By encapsulating the raw materials in a bag, the packaging functional unit 4 improves production efficiency and reduces the overall structural space occupied by the packaging functional unit 4 compared to encapsulating the raw materials in cup-shaped or box-shaped packaging containers. During the personalized formula product packaging process, the raw materials are transported from the mixing unit 2 to the packaging functional unit 4, contacting the inner surface of the inner layer structure 411 while avoiding contact with the outer layer structure 412. Each time the formula is changed, the inner layer structure 411 can be removed separately for replacement or cleaning, thereby avoiding cross-contamination during formula changes and ensuring the accuracy of personalized nutritional formulas.

[0056] It should be noted that the inner layer structure 411 and the outer layer structure 412 in this embodiment can be connected by easily detachable connection methods such as snap-fit, magnetic connection, or screw connection. In the preferred embodiment of this application, the inner layer structure 411 is directly supported within the outer layer structure 412 to facilitate the quick disassembly of the inner layer structure 411.

[0057] Referring to Figures 2, 6, and 7, in a specific embodiment, the outer layer structure 412 includes a support shell 4121 and a transfer shell 4122 arranged sequentially. The support shell 4121 is located on top of the transfer shell 4122, together forming a raw material mass transfer channel. The inner diameter of the transfer shell 4122 is smaller than the inner diameter of the support shell 4121. The inner layer structure 411 is similar in shape to the outer layer structure 412. The outer diameter of at least part of the top of the inner layer structure 411 is larger than the inner diameter of the transfer shell 4122 and smaller than the inner diameter of the support shell 4121. Under the action of gravity, the top of the inner layer structure 411 is supported and fixed by the support shell 4121. That is, the inner layer structure 411 can be supported on the support shell 4121 by its top part. Therefore, when it is necessary to change the formula, the inner layer structure 411 can be directly taken out from the outer layer structure 412.

[0058] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the support housing 4121 decreases sequentially from the support housing 4121 toward the transmission housing 4122. The support housing 4121 is a cylindrical shape that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the transmission housing 4122 is columnar. This facilitates the direct placement and fixation of the inner structure 411 inside the support housing 4121 and the transmission housing 4122, as well as its easy removal.

[0059] Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, in order to facilitate receiving the raw materials conveyed by the mixing unit 2, the support housing 4121 is inclined relative to the transmission housing 4122, and the support housing 4121 is inclined toward the mixing unit 2. At this time, at least part of the top of the inner layer structure 411 is also inclined toward the mixing unit 2, so that the raw materials slide naturally from the inner layer structure 411 into the packaging container for sealing under the action of gravity.

[0060] In some embodiments, the inner layer structure 411 and the outer layer structure 412 can also be integrally formed to form a single-layer structure, thereby improving the structural strength of the packaging molding module 41.

[0061] In some embodiments, the packaging material can be packaging rolls such as plastic film or aluminum film. Referring to Figures 1 to 6, according to an example embodiment, the packaging functional unit 4 may include a vertical packaging machine, and the packaging forming module 41 may also include a cutting mechanism 413, a sealing mechanism 414, a drive roller 415, and a winding roller 416 to achieve continuous forming, sealing, and cutting of the packaging material.

[0062] Specifically, the winding roller 416 is mainly used for winding packaging materials. The winding roller 416 can be arranged at intervals at one end of the outer layer structure 412, for example, in the top space of the outer layer structure 412, so as to feed the packaging materials from top to bottom. The outer contour of the outer layer structure 412 can be at least partially covered by the packaging materials to guide the packaging materials to form a packaging container. Of course, if the conditions for feeding the packaging materials can be met, the winding roller 416 can also be arranged in other positions. Those skilled in the art can design flexibly.

[0063] The drive roller 415, by contacting the packaging material, can drive the packaging material wound on the winding roller 416 to move along the surface of the outer structure 412. The drive roller 415 can be arranged at the other end of the outer structure 412, for example, on one side of the bottom space of the outer structure 412, so as to pull the packaging material to move smoothly by friction.

[0064] The sealing process in the packaging container forming process of this embodiment mainly includes longitudinal sealing and transverse sealing. Longitudinal sealing and transverse sealing can be achieved through heat sealing, pressure sealing, or other sealing methods. Longitudinal sealing is completed by sealing mechanism 414, which seals the packaging material formed by the outer structure 412 on the sides, forming continuous sealing edges on both sides of the package-like material to create a cylindrical packaging structure. Cutting mechanism 413 seals the bag opening at the cutting position and performs cutting, thereby producing the packaging container. In some optional embodiments, the packaging functional unit 4 may also include a bag-feeding packaging machine, and the packaging forming module 41 may include a bag-feeding mechanism and a bag-receiving and sealing mechanism. The packaging material in this embodiment can be a food-grade pre-made packaging bag, with an opening at the top to be sealed. The pre-made packaging bag can be stored in the bag-feeding mechanism. During the raw material packaging process, the bag supply mechanism can supply packaging materials, and the bag taking and sealing mechanism can transfer the packaging materials supplied by the bag supply mechanism to the discharge position of the inner structure 411 and seal them after the raw materials are introduced to make packaging containers.

[0065] Specifically, the bag supply mechanism consists of a bag supply chamber, which can be arranged on one side of the bottom discharge position of the inner layer structure 411. The bag taking and sealing mechanism is arranged on the other side of the bottom discharge position of the inner layer structure 411. The bag taking and sealing mechanism can use a vacuum suction cup or a multi-axis robotic arm to grab the pre-made packaging bag from the outlet of the bag supply chamber, open the bag opening through negative pressure adsorption or robotic arm, and transfer and position it to the filling station (i.e., the discharge position) at the bottom of the inner layer structure 411. After the pre-made packaging bag is filled with the raw material supplied by the receiving container 21, the bag taking and sealing mechanism can seal the top opening of the pre-made packaging bag by pressing or heat sealing to make a personalized formula product.

[0066] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, in some embodiments, the packaging functional unit 4 further includes an automatic labeling mechanism 42, which can print label information on the packaging container. The automatic labeling mechanism 42 can be arranged near the forming position of the packaging container. The printed information comes from the personalized nutrition plan and matches the contents of each mixture, including but not limited to personnel information, formula information, usage and dosage information, shelf life, and other essential information.

[0067] Referring to Figures 1-6, in order to enable the receiving container 21 to move along a preset moving route, in some embodiments, the mixing unit 2 further includes a driving mechanism 22. The driving mechanism 22 can be set on a track or conveyor belt arranged along the moving route. The receiving container 21 is detachably connected to the driving mechanism 22 by magnetic attraction, snap-fit, or other means. The driving mechanism 22 is connected to the control unit 3 and can drive the receiving container 21 to move along the moving route to the raw material packaging position under the control of the control unit 3, so as to transfer the raw material in the receiving container 21 into the packaging functional unit 4. At the same time, the easy separation of the receiving container 21 and the driving mechanism 22 allows the receiving container 21 to be disassembled and cleaned more conveniently after each formula change, ensuring the accuracy of personalized formulas.

[0068] In some specific embodiments, the drive mechanism 22 in this application embodiment may be composed of components such as a servo motor, a transmission bearing, and a loading platform; the receiving container 21 may be designed with a magnetic interface so that it can be detachably installed on the loading platform of the drive mechanism using the magnetic interface.

[0069] In some embodiments, multiple receiving containers 21 are provided, and the drive mechanism 22 also includes a conveyor chain (not shown) arranged along a preset moving route. Multiple receiving containers 21 are arranged at intervals on the conveyor chain. The drive mechanism 22 includes a motor and a transmission gear connected to the motor. The transmission chain can mesh with the transmission gear to drive each receiving container 21 to move between the raw material unit 11 and the raw material packaging position under the drive of the motor.

[0070] According to the example embodiment, in order to facilitate the mixing unit 2 to deliver raw materials to the packaging functional unit 4, the receiving container 21 is provided with a discharge port 211 on the top or side; the driving mechanism 22 is configured to drive the receiving container 21 to rotate so that the raw materials in the receiving container 21 are poured out of the discharge port 211 and fall into the packaging functional unit 4 at the raw material packaging position.

[0071] Referring to Figure 9, the discharge port 211 is located at the top of the receiving container 21, that is, the inlet at the top of the receiving container 21 can be used as the discharge port 211. The receiving container 21 has a simpler structure and is suitable for powders with good flowability (such as whey protein). It falls naturally when poured. The discharge port 211 is located on the upper side of the receiving container 21 (not shown). The discharge can be completed by rotating at a small angle, which helps to reduce energy consumption. The transmission component on the drive mechanism 22 can be equipped with a rotating bearing controlled by the control unit 3. The rotating bearing can be designed at the bottom or side of the receiving container 21. Under the control of the control unit 3, the drive mechanism 22 can drive the rotating bearing to rotate the receiving container 21 to a preset angle at the raw material packaging position, so that the raw material in the receiving container 21 is poured out from the discharge port 211 and falls into the packaging function unit 4. At the non-raw material packaging position, the drive mechanism 22 can drive the rotating bearing to keep the receiving container 21 at the initial angle, so that the receiving container 21 does not pour out the raw material. The preset angle is to make the raw material fall, and the initial angle is to make the raw material not fall. The specific angle can be flexibly set by those skilled in the art according to the actual scenario.

[0072] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, in some other embodiments, in order to facilitate the feeding of raw materials from the mixing unit 2 to the packaging functional unit 4, the bottom or side of the receiving container 21 is provided with a discharge port 211, and a cover 212 that can open or close the discharge port 211 is connected to the receiving container 21; the cover 212 can be controlled by the control unit 3 to open the discharge port 211 at the raw material packaging position so that the raw materials in the receiving container 21 can be poured into the packaging functional unit 4.

[0073] The receiving container 21 has a discharge port 211 located at its bottom or lower side, allowing for direct gravity discharge without the need for large-angle tilting, thus reducing the load on the drive mechanism. The discharge port 211 at the bottom of the receiving container 21 can be aligned with the inner structure 411 of the packaging functional unit 4, simplifying the flow guide structure. When the drive mechanism 22 moves the receiving container 21 to the raw material packaging position (as shown in Figure 10), the control unit 3 controls the cover 212 to open the discharge port, allowing the raw material in the receiving container 21 to pour into the packaging functional unit 4. When the receiving container 21 is not in the raw material packaging position (as shown in Figure 11), the control unit 3 controls the cover 212 to close the discharge port 211, preventing the receiving container 21 from pouring raw material.

[0074] When the receiving container 21 is provided with a discharge port 211 at the bottom, the receiving container 21 is designed as an inclined cylindrical body. For example, the axis of the receiving container 21 is inclined at an angle of 15 to 30° with the horizontal plane. The discharge port 211 located at the bottom of the receiving container 21 can be opened in the horizontal direction so as to use gravity to assist the raw material to flow naturally to the discharge port 211, thereby improving the discharge efficiency and reducing the residue of raw materials.

[0075] To reduce raw material residue during the production process, in some embodiments, a vibrator (not shown) is provided on the receiving container 21 and / or packaging forming module 41. The vibrator can vibrate the receiving container 21 and / or packaging forming module 41. The vibrator can be a piezoelectric vibrator, an electromagnetic vibrator, or a pneumatic vibrator. The vibrator can be communicatively connected to the control unit 3 to vibrate under the control of the control unit 3, so that the raw material attached to the inner wall of the receiving container 21 can be vibrated off during the material feeding process, and the raw material attached to the inner wall of the inner layer structure 411 can be vibrated off during the material transfer process, so as to ensure the accuracy of personalized formulation products.

[0076] In some embodiments, the vibrator on the receiving container 21 is configured to automatically trigger vibration at the raw material packaging position, thus eliminating the need for control unit 3. The vibrator on the packaging forming module 41 is configured to automatically trigger vibration after the raw material is introduced, also eliminating the need for control unit 3.

[0077] It should be noted that the term "on" in the context of the vibrator being installed on the receiving container 21 and / or packaging forming module 41 does not refer to a specific location. In fact, the vibrator can be installed at any position above, below, to the left, or to the right of the receiving container 21 and / or packaging forming module 41, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0078] In personalized nutrition formulation devices, raw material residue and cross-contamination are key issues affecting product quality. Traditional devices are difficult to clean, and the structures in contact with raw materials are prone to leaving trace amounts of residue, which in turn affects the accuracy of subsequent formulations. To address this, in some embodiments, the receiving container 21 and / or the raw material unit 11 includes an inner shell layer and an outer shell layer fitted over the inner shell layer. The inner shell layer and the outer shell layer are detachably connected, so that the inner shell layer in contact with the raw materials can be directly removed for cleaning when needed, avoiding raw material residue and cross-contamination.

[0079] In order to achieve precise ingredient dispensing for personalized formulations, in some embodiments, the mixing unit 2 further includes a first weighing module (not shown), which is communicatively connected to the control unit 3. The first weighing module can acquire first weighing data in real time based on the raw materials in the receiving container 21 and feed back the weighing data to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 is configured to control the corresponding raw material unit 11 to start or stop feeding according to the received weighing data.

[0080] The first weighing data refers to the weight change data of the raw materials in the receiving container 21. Specifically, the first weighing module can adopt centralized bus control. The first weighing module can be located at the bottom or side of the receiving container 21. When the receiving container 21 moves to the position of the relevant raw material unit 11, it starts to weigh the weight gain data (first weighing data) of the relevant raw materials in the receiving container 21 and transmits it to the control unit 3 in real time. When the weight gain data differs from the required amount of the relevant raw material within the allowable error range, the control unit 3 shuts down the current relevant raw material unit 11 and moves the receiving container 21 to the next relevant raw material unit 11. In other words, the first weighing module can monitor the first weighing data of the weight of the raw materials in the receiving container 21 and report all the first weighing data directly to the control unit 3, which will analyze and control the start and stop of each raw material unit 11.

[0081] When multiple receiving containers 21 are designed, the first weighing modules corresponding to multiple receiving containers 21 can also adopt distributed bus control. That is, each receiving container 21 is equipped with an independent first weighing module. Each first weighing module transmits the first weighing data to the control unit 3 in parallel through a bus (such as a CAN bus) so as to realize the autonomy of each raw material unit 11 through bus adjustment commands.

[0082] In other embodiments, the batching unit 1 further includes multiple second weighing modules (not shown), each raw material unit 11 is provided with a second weighing module, and the second weighing module is communicatively connected to the control unit 3; the second weighing module can acquire second weighing data in real time based on the raw materials in the raw material unit 11, and feed back the second weighing data to the control unit 3; the control unit 3 is configured to control the corresponding raw material unit to start or stop feeding according to the received second weighing data.

[0083] The second weighing data refers to the weight change data of the raw materials in the raw material unit 11. Specifically, the second weighing module can adopt distributed bus control. Each raw material unit 11 is equipped with an independent second weighing module. When the receiving container 21 moves to the position of the relevant raw material unit 11, the second weighing module weighs the weight loss data (second weighing data) of the relevant raw materials in the relevant raw material unit 11 and transmits it to the control unit 3 in real time. When the weight loss data of the relevant raw materials is within the allowable error range of the required amount of the relevant raw materials, the raw material unit 11 is closed and the receiving container 21 is moved to the discharge port of the raw material hopper of the next relevant raw material unit 11. In other words, the second weighing module monitors the raw material consumption (second weighing data) of the corresponding raw material unit 11. Each second weighing module transmits the second weighing data to the control unit 3 in parallel through a bus (such as a CAN bus) to facilitate the adjustment of commands through the bus and realize the autonomy of each raw material unit 11.

[0084] In some embodiments, the minimum weighing unit of the raw material delivered by the raw material unit 11 is no more than 0.1 grams, that is, the first weighing module or the first weighing module can detect and acquire the weight data of the raw material changing within 0.1 grams when the amount of raw material decreases or increases; for example, the minimum weighing unit of the raw material delivered by the raw material unit 11 is 0.1 to 0.01 grams.

[0085] Referring again to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the personalized formulation product preparation device further includes a sterilization unit 5, which may include one or more ultraviolet sterilization light sources. The sterilization unit 5 may be disposed on the frame unit 12 of the ingredient preparation unit 1, for example, suspended at the top inside the frame unit 12, for sterilizing the environment inside the ingredient preparation unit 1.

[0086] Referring again to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the personalized formula product preparation device further includes an air purification unit 6. The air purification unit 6 may include an air purifier and a duct. The air purification unit 6 may be disposed on the frame unit 12 of the ingredient preparation unit 1 (e.g., the top of the frame unit 12) and communicate with the space inside the frame unit 12 for purifying the gas inside the ingredient preparation unit 1.

[0087] Another embodiment of this application provides the above-described personalized formulation product preparation device for use in the preparation of food or pharmaceuticals using at least one of powders, granules, blocks, liquids or sauces as raw materials.

[0088] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A packaging forming module, characterized in that, include: Outer structure; The inner layer structure, at least partially nested within the outer layer structure, is used to receive raw materials and introduce them into the packaging container for sealing. The inner layer structure and the outer layer structure can be detachably connected or integrally formed.

2. The packaging forming module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cutting mechanism, a sealing mechanism, a drive roller, and a winding roller; Packaging material is wound on the winding roller; The drive roller can drive the packaging material wound on the winding roller to move along the surface of the outer structure, and the outer structure can be at least partially covered by the packaging material to guide the packaging material to be formed into a packaging container. The sealing mechanism is used to seal the packaging material formed by the outer structure on the side, and the cutting mechanism is used to cut and seal the packaging material after side sealing to make a packaging container.

3. The packaging forming module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a bag supply mechanism and a bag-receiving and sealing mechanism; The bag supply mechanism is used to store and supply packaging materials; The bag-taking and sealing mechanism can transfer the packaging material supplied by the bag-supplying mechanism to the discharge position of the inner layer structure, and seal it after the raw material is introduced to make a packaging container.

4. A personalized formula product preparation device, characterized in that, It includes a batching unit, a mixing unit, a packaging unit, and a control unit; The ingredient preparation unit includes at least one raw material unit, which is used to hold raw materials. The mixing unit includes at least one receiving container, which can move along a preset path to receive raw materials from one or more raw material units. The control unit is connected to the raw material unit and the mixing unit, and is used to control the receiving container to move relative to the raw material unit according to a preset personalized formula so as to receive the raw material in the corresponding raw material unit; and to control the receiving container to move to the raw material packaging position so as to transfer the raw material in the receiving container to the packaging functional unit; The packaging functional unit includes a packaging forming module as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, used to receive the raw materials in the receiving container and encapsulate them using packaging materials.

5. The personalized formula product preparation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mixing unit also includes a driving mechanism, and the receiving container is detachably mounted on the driving mechanism; The drive mechanism is connected to the control unit and can drive the receiving container to move along the moving path to the raw material packaging position under the control of the control unit, so as to transfer the raw material in the receiving container into the packaging forming module.

6. The personalized formula product preparation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The receiving container is provided with a discharge port on its top or side; The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the receiving container so that the raw material in the receiving container is poured out of the discharge port into the packaging forming module at the raw material packaging position.

7. The personalized formula product preparation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The receiving container is provided with a discharge port at the bottom or side, and the receiving container is connected with a cover that can open or close the discharge port; The cover can open and close the discharge port, so that the discharge port can be opened at the raw material packaging position to allow the raw material in the receiving container to pour into the packaging functional unit.

8. The personalized formula product preparation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The receiving container and / or the packaging forming module are equipped with a vibrator, which can controllably vibrate the receiving container and / or the packaging forming module.

9. The personalized formula product preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixing unit further includes a first weighing module, which is communicatively connected to the control unit; The first weighing module can acquire first weighing data in real time based on the raw materials in the receiving container and feed the weighing data back to the control unit; The control unit is configured to control the corresponding raw material unit to start or stop feeding based on the received weighing data.

10. The personalized formula product preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The batching unit also includes multiple second weighing modules, each of the raw material units is provided with a second weighing module, and the second weighing module is communicatively connected to the control unit; The second weighing module can acquire second weighing data in real time based on the raw materials in the raw material unit and feed the second weighing data back to the control unit; The control unit is configured to control the corresponding raw material unit to start or stop feeding based on the received second weighing data.

11. The personalized formula product preparation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a sterilization unit, which is disposed on the ingredient preparation unit for sterilizing the environment within the ingredient preparation unit.

12. The personalized formula product preparation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes an air purification unit, which is disposed on the ingredient mixing unit and communicates with the space inside the ingredient mixing unit for purifying the gas inside the ingredient mixing unit.

13. The personalized formulation product preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 12, and its use in the preparation of food or medicine using at least one of powder, granules, block, liquid or sauce as raw material.

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