Precise tea leaf fixation device and method based on steam pyrolysis principle

Abstract

The invention provides a precise tea leaf fixation device and method based on a steam pyrolysis principle, and belongs to the technical field of tea leaf processing equipment, the precise tea leaf fixation device comprises an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a steam circulation cavity, a water collection tank, a stirring assembly, a driving assembly, a spraying system, a through groove, a feeding port, a discharging port, a spiral conveying plate, an air inlet, a feeding frame, a rotating cavity and other structures. According to the device, the inner cylinder is heated through the steam circulating cavity, the spiral conveying plate pushes tea leaves to move evenly to achieve precise fixation, the water collecting tank collects condensate water, the stirring assembly rolls over water to release waste heat, the spraying system atomizes and sprays the condensate water to the discharging end, the humidity is adjusted, and fragrance is enhanced. The problems of resource waste, equipment corrosion, inaccurate temperature and humidity control, insufficient pyrolytic reaction and single function caused by condensed water accumulation of traditional steam fixation equipment are solved, fixation uniformity and tea aroma and quality are remarkably improved, and the steam fixation equipment is suitable for the modern tea processing industry and has remarkable practical value and popularization prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of tea processing equipment, and in particular to a device and method for accurately withering tea leaves based on the principle of steam pyrolysis. Background Art

[0002] Tea leaf withering is a key step in tea processing. High temperatures rapidly inactivate polyphenol oxidase activity, preventing oxidation reactions and preserving the tea's color, aroma, and nutrients, paving the way for subsequent rolling, drying, and other processes. Traditional tea leaf withering methods include pan-frying, drum-tumbler ...

[0003] However, existing equipment has significant drawbacks: Condensed steam accumulates at the bottom of the equipment, resulting in wasted heat and corrosion risks. Temperature and humidity control is imprecise, making it difficult to dynamically adjust parameters based on tea type and moisture content, resulting in insufficient aroma production. Optimization of the pyrolysis reaction is limited, failing to fully realize the potential of steam pyrolysis and affecting tea flavor. Furthermore, existing equipment is limited in its functionality, failing to effectively utilize condensed water and waste steam heat, resulting in significant resource waste and limited adaptability to meet the diverse needs of tea processing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this section is to summarize some aspects of the embodiments of the present invention and briefly introduce some preferred embodiments. Some simplifications or omissions may be made in this section and the abstract and title of this application to avoid obscuring the purpose of this section, the abstract and the title of the invention, and such simplifications or omissions should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0005] In view of the above problems and / or the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention is proposed.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the problems of steam condensation water accumulation in existing steam fixing equipment, which leads to waste of resources, inaccurate temperature and humidity control, insufficient optimization of pyrolysis reaction and single equipment function.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a precise tea withering device based on the principle of steam pyrolysis, comprising an outer cylinder, the inner cylinder of which is rotatably connected to the inside of the outer cylinder, a steam circulation chamber is formed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, a water collecting trough is provided at the bottom end of the steam circulation chamber, a toggle assembly is provided at the center of the water collecting trough, the left end of the toggle assembly is transmission-connected to a drive assembly, a spray system is provided at the right end of the water collecting trough, a through groove is provided inside the inner cylinder, a feed port is provided on the left side of the through groove, a discharge port is provided on the right side of the through groove, and a spiral conveying plate is installed inside the through groove.

[0008] As a preferred solution of the precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle of the present invention, an air inlet is provided at the top of the outer cylinder, and the output end of the air inlet is connected to the steam circulation chamber.

[0009] As a preferred solution of the precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle of the present invention, a feed frame is provided at the left end of the inner cylinder, and the opening at the top of the feed frame is connected to the feed port.

[0010] As a preferred solution of the precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle of the present invention, a rotating chamber is opened on the left side of the inner part of the outer cylinder, and an annular gear is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the inner cylinder and inside the rotating chamber.

[0011] As a preferred solution of the precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle described in the present invention, the driving assembly includes a rotating motor fixedly mounted on the left outer wall of the outer cylinder, the output end of the rotating motor is connected to a rotating shaft through a coupling, the right end of the rotating shaft extends into the rotating chamber and is fixedly connected to a gear, and the top end of the gear is meshed with the annular gear.

[0012] As a preferred solution of the precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle described in the present invention, the toggle assembly includes a rotating rod fixedly connected to the right end of the rotating shaft, and the right end of the rotating rod extends to the water collecting tank and is fixedly connected to a toggle plate.

[0013] As a preferred solution of the precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle of the present invention, a cavity and an annular groove are provided at the right end of the inner part of the outer cylinder.

[0014] As a preferred solution of the precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle described in the present invention, the spray system includes a water pump fixedly installed inside the cavity, the input end of the water pump is connected to a water pump pipe, and the input end of the water pump pipe extends into the water collecting tank, the output end of the water pump is connected to a drain pipe, and the output end of the drain pipe extends into the annular groove, the outer side of the top of the annular groove is connected to a water outlet pipe, and the bottom end of the water outlet pipe is connected to an atomizing nozzle.

[0015] As a preferred solution of the precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle of the present invention, a ball bearing is provided between the outer surface of the right end of the inner cylinder and the inner wall of the outer cylinder, and the right end of the inner cylinder is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder through the ball bearing.

[0016] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention further provides a method for accurately withering tea leaves based on the principle of steam pyrolysis, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Connect the steam outlet pipe of the steam kettle to the air inlet at the top of the outer cylinder to ensure that high-temperature steam enters the steam circulation chamber and provides a continuous heating source for the inner cylinder.

[0018] Step 2: Pour the tea leaves to be processed into the opening at the top of the feed frame. The tea leaves slide along the inclined surface inside the feed frame into the through groove of the inner cylinder and pass through the feed port to achieve uniform input of the raw materials.

[0019] Step 3: Start the rotating motor in the drive assembly, drive the shaft to rotate through the coupling, and the shaft drives the gear to engage with the annular teeth on the outer surface of the inner cylinder, so that the inner cylinder rotates stably in the rotating chamber.

[0020] Step 4: The rotation of the inner cylinder drives the spiral conveyor plate in the through groove to rotate. The tea leaves are pushed by the spiral conveyor plate to move at a constant speed from the feed port to the discharge port. At the same time, steam circulates in the steam circulation chamber, heating the iron inner cylinder, so that the tea leaves are evenly heated during the movement, completing the withering, passivating the enzyme activity, and retaining the color and aroma.

[0021] Step 5: The water formed by the condensation of steam in the circulation chamber falls into the bottom water collection tank. The rotating shaft drives the rotating rod and the toggle plate in the toggle assembly to rotate, rolling the condensed water in the water collection tank, releasing the residual heat to the circulation chamber, and improving the thermal energy utilization efficiency.

[0022] Step 6: Start the water pump in the spray system, draw the condensed water in the water collection tank to the drain pipe through the water pump pipe, and then transport it to the annular trough. Finally, it is sprayed out from the top of the discharge port in the form of water mist through the outlet pipe and the atomizing nozzle to adjust the humidity of the tea leaves at the discharge end and prevent the loss of aromatic substances due to high temperature drying.

[0023] Step 7: The tea leaves after withering are discharged from the discharge port under the push of the spiral conveyor plate, completing the withering process and collecting the withered tea leaves for subsequent processing.

[0024] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0025] (1) The efficiency and quality of tea leaf withering are significantly improved through the double-cylinder structure of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, the efficient heating of the steam circulation chamber, the uniform transportation of the spiral conveyor plate, the condensed water treatment of the toggle assembly, and the humidity adjustment of the spray system. Compared with traditional tea leaf withering equipment, the present invention realizes the recycling of steam and condensed water, and solves the problems of resource waste and equipment corrosion caused by the accumulation of condensed water. The steam circulation chamber ensures uniform heating of the inner cylinder through the circulation flow, and combined with the turning action of the spiral conveyor plate, the tea leaves are fully exposed to the high-temperature surface in the through groove, the tea leaves are withered evenly, the enzyme activity is quickly deactivated, the bright green color and natural aroma of the tea leaves are retained, and at the same time, the pyrolysis reaction is promoted to generate volatile aroma substances, thereby improving the flavor of the tea leaves.

[0026] (2) The condensed water in the water collection tank is converted into fine water mist through the spray system and sprayed onto the tea leaves at the discharge end, accurately adjusting the humidity to prevent the loss of aromatic substances caused by high temperature drying. At the same time, the water mist can carry the trace components released by the tea leaves back to enhance the aroma and taste of the tea leaves. The toggle component rolls the condensed water and releases the residual heat to the steam circulation chamber, further improving the efficiency of thermal energy utilization and reducing energy consumption. The inclined design of the feed frame and feed port ensures uniform input of raw materials and reduces the risk of blockage; the precise transmission of the rotating motor, shaft, gear and ring gear, as well as the low friction design of the rotating chamber and ball, ensure the smooth rotation of the inner drum, extend the life of the equipment and reduce maintenance costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort. Among them:

[0028] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional front cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional side sectional view of the middle part of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional side sectional view of the rotating cavity of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure at center A;

[0033] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art may make similar generalizations without violating the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0036] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it refer to a separate or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , which is the first embodiment of the present invention, provides a precise tea withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle, including an outer cylinder 1, and an inner cylinder 2 is installed inside the outer cylinder 1 through a precise rotating connection structure. The outer cylinder 1 provides a solid external support and a closed environment for the device, ensuring the stability of heat and pressure in the steam circulation chamber 3, while protecting the internal components from external interference, and maintaining the continuity and efficiency of the withering process. A steam circulation chamber 3 is formed between the inner cylinder 2 and the outer cylinder 1. The steam circulation chamber 3 is used to accommodate high-temperature steam, and the inner cylinder 2 is uniformly heated by circulating flow, ensuring that the tea leaves are heated uniformly during the withering process, retaining the bright green color and natural aroma, and promoting the pyrolysis reaction to generate volatile aroma substances.

[0039] A water collecting tank 4 is provided at the bottom end of the steam circulation chamber 3. The water collecting tank 4 is used to collect water formed by steam condensation to prevent the accumulated water from corroding the equipment and provide a recyclable water source for the spray system 7, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency and the environmental friendliness of the device. A toggle assembly 5 is provided at the center of the water collecting tank 4. The toggle assembly 5 rolls the condensed water in the water collecting tank 4 through mechanical movement, releasing residual heat back to the steam circulation chamber 3, enhancing the recycling of thermal energy, preventing the water from standing still and causing sedimentation or odor, and keeping the water collecting tank 4 clean. The left end of the toggle assembly 5 is connected to a drive assembly 6, which provides power to the inner cylinder 2 and the toggle assembly 5, ensuring that the rotation of the inner cylinder 2 is synchronized with the movement of the toggle plate 502, realizing a seamless connection between tea delivery and condensed water treatment, and improving the operating efficiency of the device.

[0040] A spray system 7 is provided at the right end of the water collecting tank 4. The spray system 7 converts the condensed water in the water collecting tank 4 into a fine water mist, which is sprayed onto the tea leaves at the discharge end, accurately adjusting the humidity of the tea leaves and preventing the loss of aromatic substances due to high temperature drying. At the same time, the water mist can carry the trace aromatic components released by the tea leaves and spray back to the surface of the tea leaves, thereby enhancing the flavor and quality of the tea leaves. A through groove 8 is provided inside the inner cylinder 2. The through groove 8 serves as the main channel for the tea leaves to flow in an orderly manner during the heating process, avoids accumulation, and ensures the uniformity of the tea leaves. A feed port 9 is provided on the left side of the through groove 8. The feed port 9 is used to guide the tea leaves to smoothly enter the through groove 8 from the outside, ensure the uniformity and continuity of the raw material input, and reduce the risk of material blockage. A discharge port 10 is provided on the right side of the through groove 8. The discharge port 10 facilitates the smooth discharge of the tea leaves after the tea leaves are cured, ensures the continuity of the process flow, and facilitates the connection of subsequent processes such as rolling and drying. A spiral conveyor plate 11 is installed inside the through groove 8. The spiral conveyor plate 11 is fixed to the inner wall of the inner cylinder 2. It pushes the tea leaves from the feed port 9 to the discharge port 10 at a constant speed through rotation, ensuring that the tea leaves are fully turned over in the through groove 8 and evenly contact the heated surface of the inner cylinder 2, thereby optimizing the withering effect.

[0041] An air inlet 12 is provided at the top of the outer cylinder 1, and the output end of the air inlet 12 is connected to the steam circulation chamber 3, which is used to introduce high-temperature steam from the external steam kettle into the steam circulation chamber 3, providing a continuous and stable heat source for the withering process and ensuring efficient heating of the inner cylinder 2. A feed frame 13 is provided at the left end of the inner cylinder 2, and the opening at the top of the feed frame 13 is connected to the feed port 9. The inclined surface design guides the tea leaves to enter the through groove 8 smoothly, reducing the scattering of raw materials, improving feeding efficiency and operating convenience. A rotating chamber 14 is provided on the left side inside the outer cylinder 1. The rotating chamber 14 provides space for the rotation of the inner cylinder 2, reduces friction resistance, ensures smooth rotation of the inner cylinder 2, and extends the service life of the equipment. An annular gear 15 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the inner cylinder 2 and inside the rotating chamber 14. The annular gear 15 is engaged with the gear 603 of the drive assembly 6 to ensure accurate power transmission and make the rotation speed of the inner cylinder 2 controllable and stable.

[0042] The drive assembly 6 comprises a rotating motor 601 fixedly mounted on the left outer wall of the outer drum 1. The output end of the rotating motor 601 is connected to a rotating shaft 602 via a coupling. The right end of the rotating shaft 602 extends into the rotating chamber 14 and is fixedly connected to a gear 603. The top end of the gear 603 meshes with the annular gear 15. The rotating motor 601 provides stable power, driving the inner drum 2 through the rotating shaft 602 and gear 603. It also provides power for the toggle assembly 5, achieving multifunctional drive and improving the device's integration and energy efficiency. The toggle assembly 5 comprises a rotating rod 501 fixedly connected to the right end of the rotating shaft 602. The right end of the rotating rod 501 extends into the sump 4 and is fixedly connected to a toggle plate 502. Driven by the rotating rod 501, the toggle plate 502 rotates, stirring the condensed water to prevent sedimentation and releasing the condensed water's waste heat into the steam circulation chamber 3, enhancing thermal energy utilization efficiency.

[0043] The right end of the outer cylinder 1 defines a cavity 16 and an annular groove 17. Cavity 16 provides installation space for the water pump 701 of the spray system 7. The annular groove 17 is used to collect and distribute condensed water, ensuring smooth water flow to the spray system 7 and improving spray efficiency. The spray system 7 includes a water pump 701 fixedly mounted within cavity 16. The input end of the water pump 701 is connected to a water pump pipe 702, which extends into the water collection tank 4. The output end of the water pump 701 is connected to a drain pipe 703, which extends into the annular groove 17. The outer side of the top of the annular groove 17 is connected to a water outlet pipe 704, and the bottom end of the water outlet pipe 704 is connected to an atomizing nozzle 705. The spray nozzle 7 uses a pump 701 to pump condensed water from the sump 4 into an annular groove 17. The water is then converted into a fine mist through an outlet pipe 704 and an atomizing nozzle 705 and sprayed above the discharge port 10. This precisely adjusts the moisture content of the tea leaves, optimizes the pyrolysis reaction, enhances aroma retention, and simultaneously recycles the condensed water, reducing resource waste. A ball bearing 18 is positioned between the outer surface of the right end of the inner tube 2 and the inner wall of the outer tube 1. The right end of the inner tube 2 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the outer tube 1 via the ball bearing 18. This ball bearing 18 reduces friction between the two tubes, ensuring smooth rotation of the inner tube 2, reducing energy consumption, and extending the service life of the device.

[0044] This embodiment realizes the precision, automation and efficient resource utilization of tea leaf withering through the double-cylinder structure of the outer cylinder 1 and the inner cylinder 2, the efficient heating of the steam circulation chamber 3, the uniform transportation of the spiral conveying plate 11, the condensed water treatment of the toggle component 5 and the humidity adjustment of the spray system 7, which significantly improves the withering uniformity, the aroma and quality of the tea leaves, and reduces energy consumption and equipment maintenance costs. It is suitable for the processing needs of various teas such as green tea and oolong tea, and has strong process adaptability and economic benefits.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] The present invention also provides a method for accurately removing green tea leaves based on the steam pyrolysis principle, comprising the following steps:

[0047] S1. Connecting the Steam Source: Connect the steam kettle's outlet pipe to the air inlet 12 at the top of the outer tube 1 to ensure that high-temperature steam flows smoothly into the steam circulation chamber 3, providing a continuous and stable heating source for the inner tube 2. The air inlet 12, located at the top of the outer tube 1, optimizes the steam flow path, ensuring uniform steam distribution within the steam circulation chamber 3, creating a stable high-temperature environment, promoting the effective pyrolysis reaction of the tea leaves, while reducing heat loss, improving the device's energy efficiency, and ensuring the continuity and stability of the withering process.

[0048] S2. Adding tea leaves: Pour the tea leaves to be processed into the opening at the top of the feed frame 13. The tea leaves slide along the inclined surface inside the feed frame 13 into the through groove 8 of the inner cylinder 2 and pass through the feed port 9 to achieve uniform feeding of the raw materials. The feed frame 13 adopts an inclined surface design to guide the tea leaves into the through groove 8 smoothly, avoid the accumulation or scattering of raw materials, improve feeding efficiency and ease of operation, ensure that the tea leaves are evenly distributed before entering the withering channel, lay the foundation for the uniformity and quality consistency of the subsequent withering, and reduce the risk of material blockage.

[0049] S3. Start the inner drum rotation: Start the rotary motor 601 in the drive assembly 6, which drives the rotating shaft 602 to rotate through the coupling. The rotating shaft 602 drives the gear 603 to engage with the annular gear 15 on the outer surface of the inner drum 2, causing the inner drum 2 to rotate stably within the rotating chamber 14. The rotary motor 601 provides efficient and controllable power. Combined with the precise transmission of the rotating shaft 602 and the gear 603, it ensures the smooth rotation of the inner drum 2. The meshing design of the annular gear 15 and the gear 603 optimizes power transmission efficiency. The rotating chamber 14 provides ample space, reduces frictional resistance, and extends the service life of the equipment. It also supports the synchronous operation of the spiral conveying plate 11 and the shifting assembly 5.

[0050] S4. Tea transportation and heating: The rotation of the inner cylinder 2 drives the spiral conveying plate 11 in the through groove 8 to rotate. The tea leaves are pushed by the spiral conveying plate 11 from the feed port 9 to the discharge port 10 at a constant speed. At the same time, steam circulates in the steam circulation chamber 3, heating the iron inner cylinder 2 so that the tea leaves are evenly heated during the movement, completing the tea-wiping process, deactivating enzyme activity, and retaining color and aroma. The spiral conveying plate 11 is fixed to the inner wall of the inner cylinder 2 and is designed as a spiral structure to ensure that the tea leaves are fully turned in the through groove 8 and evenly contact the high-temperature surface of the inner cylinder 2, optimizing heat transfer efficiency. The steam circulation chamber 3 maintains a continuous high temperature of the inner cylinder 2 through the circulation flow, promoting thermochemical reactions inside the tea leaves, generating volatile aroma substances, and significantly improving the taste and quality of the tea leaves.

[0051] S5. Condensate Collection and Turbulence: Water condensed from steam within the steam circulation chamber 3 falls into the bottom sump 4. The rotating shaft 602 drives the rotating rod 501 and the sump plate 502 of the toggle assembly 5 to rotate, tumbling the condensate within the sump 4 and releasing residual heat into the steam circulation chamber 3, thereby improving thermal energy utilization efficiency. The sump 4, located at the bottom of the steam circulation chamber 3, effectively collects condensate and prevents corrosion to the equipment caused by accumulated water. The toggle assembly 5 rotates the rotating rod 501 and the sump plate 502 to tumble the condensate, preventing it from settling or generating odors. This also releases the residual heat of the condensate back into the steam circulation chamber 3, enhancing thermal energy recycling and reducing energy consumption.

[0052] S6. Condensate spraying to adjust humidity: The pump 701 in the spray system 7 is activated, and the condensed water in the water collection tank 4 is pumped into the drain pipe 703 through the pump pipe 702, and then transported to the annular groove 17. Finally, it is sprayed out from above the discharge port 10 in the form of water mist through the outlet pipe 704 and the atomizing nozzle 705, thereby adjusting the humidity of the tea leaves at the discharge end and preventing the loss of aromatic substances due to high-temperature drying. The spray system 7 uses the pump 701 to efficiently extract condensed water. The pump pipe 702 and the drain pipe 703 ensure smooth water flow. The annular groove 17 optimizes the distribution of the water mist. The outlet pipe 704 and the atomizing nozzle 705 convert the condensed water into a fine water mist, which is precisely sprayed onto the tea leaves at the discharge end, maintaining the appropriate humidity and promoting the fixation of aromatic substances. At the same time, the water mist can carry trace components released by the tea leaves back to the spray, enhancing the tea flavor.

[0053] S7. Tea Discharge and Collection: The withered tea leaves are discharged from discharge port 10 under the propulsion of spiral conveyor plate 11, completing the withering process. The withered tea leaves are then collected for further processing. Discharge port 10 is located to the right of through-channel 8 to ensure smooth discharge of the withered tea leaves. The continuous rotation of spiral conveyor plate 11 ensures orderly transportation of the tea leaves, preventing blockage. The collected withered tea leaves maintain a uniform color and aroma, providing high-quality raw materials for subsequent rolling, drying, and other processes, improving overall processing efficiency and product quality.

[0054] This embodiment achieves precise, automated, and resource-efficient tea-withering through the dual-tube structure of outer and inner tubes 1 and 2, efficient heating by steam circulation chamber 3, uniform conveying by spiral conveyor plate 11, condensate treatment by toggle assembly 5, and humidity regulation by spray system 7. This device significantly improves tea-withering uniformity, tea aroma, and quality, while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs. It is suitable for processing a variety of teas, including green and oolong teas, and offers strong process adaptability and economic benefits.

[0055] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the present application shown in a number of different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, it should be readily understood by those who refer to this disclosure that many modifications are possible (e.g., the size, scale, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, directional changes, etc.) without departing substantially from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the element may be inverted or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of the discrete elements may be altered or changed. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "means plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and is not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent structures. Other replacements, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0056] Additionally, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual embodiment (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention or those that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may not be described.

[0057] It will be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but will, for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and production without undue experimentation.

[0058] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, which should all be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle is characterized by: The invention comprises an outer cylinder (1), wherein the inner cylinder (2) is rotatably connected to the inner cylinder (1), a steam circulation chamber (3) is formed between the inner cylinder (2) and the outer cylinder (1), a water collecting trough (4) is provided at the bottom end of the steam circulation chamber (3), a toggle assembly (5) is provided at the center of the inner part of the water collecting trough (4), the left end of the toggle assembly (5) is connected to the driving assembly (6), a spray system (7) is provided at the right end of the water collecting trough (4), a through groove (8) is provided inside the inner cylinder (2), a feed port (9) is provided on the left side of the through groove (8), a discharge port (10) is provided on the right side of the through groove (8), and a spiral conveying plate (11) is installed inside the through groove (8).

2. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air inlet (12) is provided at the top end of the outer cylinder (1), and an output end of the air inlet (12) is connected to the steam circulation chamber (3).

3. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle according to claim 2, characterized in that: A feed frame (13) is provided at the left end of the inner cylinder (2), and an opening at the top end of the feed frame (13) is connected to the feed port (9).

4. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle according to claim 3 is characterized in that: A rotating chamber (14) is provided on the left side of the interior of the outer cylinder (1), and an annular gear (15) is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the inner cylinder (2) and inside the rotating chamber (14).

5. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The driving assembly (6) comprises a rotating motor (601) fixedly mounted on the left outer wall of the outer cylinder (1); the output end of the rotating motor (601) is connected to a rotating shaft (602) via a coupling; the right end of the rotating shaft (602) extends into the rotating chamber (14) and is fixedly connected to a gear (603); the top end of the gear (603) is meshed with the annular gear (15).

6. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The toggle assembly (5) comprises a rotating rod (501) fixedly connected to the right end of the rotating shaft (602); the right end of the rotating rod (501) extends into the water collecting tank (4) and is fixedly connected to a toggle plate (502).

7. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The right end of the inner portion of the outer cylinder (1) is provided with a cavity (16) and an annular groove (17).

8. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle according to claim 7, characterized in that: The spray system (7) comprises a water pump (701) fixedly mounted inside the cavity (16); the input end of the water pump (701) is connected to a water pump pipe (702), and the input end of the water pump pipe (702) extends into the water collecting tank (4); the output end of the water pump (701) is connected to a drain pipe (703), and the output end of the drain pipe (703) extends into the annular groove (17); the outer side of the top end of the annular groove (17) is connected to a water outlet pipe (704), and the bottom end of the water outlet pipe (704) is connected to an atomizing nozzle (705).

9. The precise tea-withering device based on the steam pyrolysis principle according to claim 8, characterized in that: A ball (18) is provided between the outer surface of the right end of the inner cylinder (2) and the inner wall of the outer cylinder (1), and the right end of the inner cylinder (2) is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the outer cylinder (1) via the ball (18).

10. A method for accurately withering tea leaves based on the principle of steam pyrolysis, comprising the device for accurately withering tea leaves based on the principle of steam pyrolysis according to claim 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Connect the steam source: Connect the steam outlet pipe of the steam kettle to the air inlet at the top of the outer tube to ensure that high-temperature steam enters the steam circulation chamber and provides a continuous heating source for the inner tube. S2. Adding tea raw materials: Pour the tea leaves to be processed into the opening at the top of the feed frame. The tea leaves slide along the inclined surface inside the feed frame into the through groove of the inner cylinder and pass through the feed port, so that the raw materials are evenly added. S3. Start the inner cylinder to rotate: Start the rotating motor in the driving assembly, drive the shaft to rotate through the coupling, and the shaft drives the gear to engage with the annular teeth on the outer surface of the inner cylinder, so that the inner cylinder rotates stably in the rotating chamber. S4. Tea transportation and heating: The rotation of the inner cylinder drives the spiral conveyor plate in the through groove to rotate. The tea leaves are pushed by the spiral conveyor plate from the feed port to the discharge port at a uniform speed. At the same time, steam circulates in the steam circulation chamber, heating the iron inner cylinder, so that the tea leaves are evenly heated during the movement, completing the tea withering, deactivating enzyme activity, and retaining color and aroma. S5. Condensate collection and tumbling: The water formed by the condensation of steam in the circulation chamber falls into the bottom water collection tank. The rotating shaft drives the rotating rod and the toggle plate in the toggle assembly to rotate, rolling the condensate in the water collection tank, releasing the residual heat to the circulation chamber, and improving the thermal energy utilization efficiency. S6. Condensate spray to adjust humidity: Start the water pump in the spray system, extract the condensed water in the water collection tank to the drain pipe through the water pump pipe, and then transport it to the annular groove. Finally, it is sprayed out from the top of the discharge port in the form of water mist through the outlet pipe and the atomizing nozzle to adjust the humidity of the tea leaves at the discharge end and prevent the loss of aromatic substances due to high temperature drying. S7. Tea discharging and collection: The tea leaves after withering are discharged from the discharging port under the push of the spiral conveyor plate, completing the withering process. The withered tea leaves are collected for subsequent processing.

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