A Sophora japonica hulling device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a Sophora japonica bud threshing device and method. The threshing device includes a drum open at both ends, with a door cover at each opening. The drum wall has sieve holes and a toothed ring. A hopper is located below the drum, a support is provided around the drum, and a scraper is provided on the inner wall of the drum. The threshing method includes the following steps: 1) collecting and high-temperature treating the Sophora japonica buds; 2) threshing the Sophora japonica buds: the high-temperature treated Sophora japonica buds are fed into the threshing device of this invention for rolling threshing. Existing mechanized threshing of Sophora japonica buds is carried out while the buds are fresh, resulting in poor threshing efficiency. This invention adopts a method of high-temperature fumigation treatment of the Sophora japonica buds followed by mechanized threshing, and a threshing device is specifically designed for this purpose. This invention enables complete threshing of Sophora japonica buds. Compared with traditional methods that require manual kneading and beating to achieve complete threshing, the threshing operation of this invention is time-saving and labor-saving, and has good prospects for widespread application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the primary processing technology of Chinese medicinal materials, specifically a device and method for threshing Sophora japonica buds. Background Technology

[0002] "The flower buds of the unopened sophora japonica flower are called 'huaimi' in the ancient Chinese medical text *Ben Cao Xin Bian*." Sophora japonica flower buds are the flower buds of the sophora japonica L., a legume, and are considered both a food and a medicine. They are believed to have cooling and blood-clearing properties, as well as liver-cleansing and fire-reducing effects. Their main active ingredient, rutin, possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, blood vessel-preventing, hemostatic, free radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation-resistant, and UV-damaging properties. Therefore, they are widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Furthermore, sophora japonica flower buds can be used in soups, porridges, and dishes, and their resulting health drinks and herbal teas are popular among some consumers.

[0003] Due to its important applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, the supply of Sophora japonica buds exceeds the demand. Sophora japonica tree cultivation for the purpose of producing Sophora japonica buds has flourished in the last 20 years and has become a pillar agricultural and forestry industry in some regions.

[0004] The flowers of the locust tree are in spike-like inflorescences, composed of numerous individual flowers (locust buds) clustered together. In production, the entire cluster of locust buds is usually harvested from the tree and then threshed. With the development of agricultural mechanization, mechanized threshing of agricultural products has become an inevitable trend. Currently, mechanized threshing of locust buds also exists in production, mainly using equipment such as full-feed agricultural threshers to directly thresh the harvested clusters of locust buds. However, because the connection between the stalk and the bud is extremely tough in fresh conditions and difficult to separate, existing machinery usually cannot thresh them cleanly, requiring supplementary threshing methods such as manual rubbing, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In addition, existing mechanical threshing often results in a large number of locust buds being crushed, greatly affecting the appearance of the locust buds.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop a better device and method for threshing Sophora japonica flowers to solve the above problems and meet the production needs of the Sophora japonica flower industry. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for completely threshing Sophora japonica buds without the need for manual kneading or beating, and to prevent the buds from being crushed and affecting their appearance. This invention enables complete threshing of Sophora japonica buds, saving time and labor, and has good prospects for widespread application.

[0007] The technical solution to achieve the objective of this invention is:

[0008] A sophora japonica threshing device includes a drum with openings at both ends. Removable first and second covers are respectively provided at the openings of the drum. An array of sieve holes is spaced apart on the drum wall. First and second toothed rings with teeth are respectively provided on the outer walls of both ends of the drum. A collection hopper with a collection port for collecting sophora japonica buds is provided below the drum. A support frame for supporting the drum is provided around the drum. The support frame includes first, second, and third support rods and a first crossbar on one side, fourth, fifth, and sixth support rods and a second crossbar on the other side, and a third crossbar located above the drum. The first, second, and third support rods and the first crossbar are symmetrical with the fourth, fifth, and sixth support rods and the second crossbar about the plane formed by the drum axis and the third crossbar. First and second fixing holes are respectively provided at both ends of the first crossbar. First and second adjustment hole groups are respectively provided at the upper ends of the first and third support rods. The first and second fixing holes are... The first support rod is fixed to the first and second adjusting hole groups. The second support rod is movably connected to the middle of the first crossbar. The first crossbar has a first gear and a motor with a second gear at both ends. The first and second gears mesh with the teeth on the first and second gear rings, respectively. The third crossbar has a third and a fourth gear at both ends. The third and fourth gears mesh with the teeth on the first and second gear rings, respectively. An arc-shaped connecting rod for supporting the drum is provided between the first and second crossbars and the third crossbar. The arc-shaped connecting rod is also connected to the aggregation bucket below. The fourth, fifth, and sixth support rods and the second crossbar are configured the same as the corresponding positions of the first, second, and third support rods and the first crossbar, except that the second crossbar does not have a motor. That is, they are respectively provided with third and fourth fixing holes, third and fourth adjusting hole groups, and fifth and sixth gears. The fifth support rod is movably connected to the middle of the second crossbar. The inner wall of the drum is provided with spaced scrapers.

[0009] The inner wall of the drum is provided with three long scrapers spaced 120° apart and perpendicular to the inner wall of the drum. The intersection line of the long scrapers and the inner wall of the drum is parallel to the center line of the drum axis.

[0010] The first, second, third and fourth adjustment hole groups are all three-hole groups, with the three holes arranged on the same arc in the form of upper, middle and lower.

[0011] When the roller is in a horizontal state, the first and second fixing holes are fixed to the middle holes of the first and second adjusting hole groups by axle pins, while the third and fourth fixing holes are fixed to the middle holes of the third and fourth adjusting hole groups by axle pins, respectively. When the roller is tilted for feeding or unloading, the first and third fixing holes are fixed to the upper (or lower) holes of the first and third adjusting hole groups by axle pins, while the second and fourth fixing holes are fixed to the lower (or upper) holes of the second and fourth adjusting hole groups by axle pins.

[0012] A collection frame is provided below the collection port of the aggregation hopper to facilitate the collection of threshed Sophora japonica buds.

[0013] The aperture of the sieve is 1.2-1.5 times the longitudinal diameter of mature Sophora japonica buds.

[0014] A speed regulator connected to the motor is provided next to the motor.

[0015] The teeth of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth gears are all stepped, with the outer side higher than the inner side. The inner (lower) parts of these teeth mesh with the teeth on the first or second gear ring, while the outer (higher) parts abut against the outer wall of the first or second gear ring to prevent them from falling off when the roller tilts.

[0016] A method for threshing Sophora japonica buds, comprising the aforementioned Sophora japonica bud threshing device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0017] 1) Collection and high-temperature treatment of Sophora japonica flower spikes: During the season when Sophora japonica flowers are ripe, harvest Sophora japonica flower spikes with 1 / 5 to 1 / 4 of the flower buds open. Cut the whole Sophora japonica flower spikes off the tree and pile them into the fumigation box of the steam oven. Combine the high-temperature fumigation treatment of Sophora japonica flower spikes in the fumigation box with the requirements of blanching.

[0018] 2) Threshing of Sophora japonica flowers: Tilt the drum, and the first and second crossbars connected to the drum will tilt in the same direction as the drum. Fix the first and third fixing holes to the upper (or lower) holes of the first and third adjusting hole groups respectively by means of axle pins. Fix the second and fourth fixing holes to the lower (or upper) holes of the second and fourth adjusting hole groups respectively. Open the door cover of the upper end of the drum and put the Sophora japonica flowers after high temperature fumigation into the drum through the opening. Then fasten and lock the door cover of the opening. Take out the axle pins used for fixing on all adjusting hole groups. After adjusting the drum to a horizontal state, fix the first, second, third and fourth fixing holes to the middle holes of the first, second, third and fourth adjusting hole groups respectively by means of axle pins. Turn on the motor power to make the second gear rotate and drive the drum to work through the second gear ring on the drum. The Sophora japonica flowers in the drum collide with the scraper during the rotation of the drum, thereby threshing the Sophora japonica flowers. The threshed Sophora japonica flowers fall into the aggregation hopper through the sieve holes and are collected through the collection port.

[0019] 3) After this batch of Sophora japonica buds has been threshed, disconnect the motor power. The second gear will stop rotating, and the drum will also stop rotating. Remove the pins from all the adjusting hole groups, tilt the drum, and fix the tilted drum again using the pins as in step 2). Open the door cover at the bottom of the drum, and manually remove the Sophora japonica bud stalks and other impurities through the opening. Then close and lock the door cover. Next, open the door cover at the top of the drum, and repeat the steps in step 2) of putting in Sophora japonica buds and the following steps until all Sophora japonica buds have been threshed.

[0020] In step 1), the steam oven and the fumigation box are separate. The inner wall of the fumigation box is made of stainless steel. The high-temperature steam generated by the steam oven is introduced into the fumigation box through a heat-insulated pipe.

[0021] In step 1), the high-temperature fumigation time is 40-50 minutes. That is, after the high-temperature steam has squeezed out the cold air in the fumigation box and the outer wall of the fumigation box is hot to the touch, high-temperature steam is continued to be introduced into the fumigation box for 40-50 minutes.

[0022] In step 2), the volume of the Sophora japonica buds added to the drum each time does not exceed 1 / 4 of the drum's volume, and the drum is rotated for 8-20 minutes at a rotation speed of 20-60 rpm.

[0023] Advantages and positive effects of this technical solution:

[0024] Existing mechanized threshing of Sophora japonica flowers is carried out while the flower spikes are still fresh, resulting in poor threshing efficiency. This invention proposes to perform mechanized threshing after high-temperature fumigation of the Sophora japonica flower spikes and has designed a threshing device accordingly, filling a relevant technological gap.

[0025] This technical solution uses a separate steamer and fumigation chamber as the high-temperature fumigation device for Sophora japonica flower spikes. This prevents water from the steamer from overflowing into the fumigation chamber, thus avoiding the extraction and removal of the effective components of the Sophora japonica flowers by hot water. With these measures, the high-temperature fumigation time is extended to 40-50 minutes (after the high-temperature steam has exhausted the cold air in the fumigation chamber and the outer wall of the chamber is completely hot to the touch, high-temperature steam is continued to be introduced into the fumigation chamber for another 40-50 minutes). This longer fumigation process makes it easier to separate the Sophora japonica flower spike stalks from the flowers, creating favorable conditions for threshing. After fumigation, the Sophora japonica flower spikes are then processed by the threshing device of this technical solution, achieving complete and thorough threshing. Compared with traditional methods that require manual rubbing and beating to achieve complete threshing, the threshing operation of this technical solution is time-saving and labor-saving, with a very positive effect.

[0026] In addition, since the fallen Sophora japonica flowers are collected through the sieve holes, the flower stalks and other impurities are removed. Therefore, the Sophora japonica flower threshing device of this technical solution also has the function of removing impurities. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 The cross-sectional and side sectional views of the roller in the embodiment are shown.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the image.

[0030] In the diagram, 1. Roller; 101. Scraper; 2. First gate cover; 3. Second gate cover; 4. Screen hole; 5. First gear ring; 6. Second gear ring; 7. Aggregating hopper; 8. First support rod; 801. Fourth support rod; 802. First adjusting hole group; 803. Third adjusting hole group; 9. Second support rod; 901. Fifth support rod; 10. Third support rod; 1001. Sixth support rod; 1002. Second adjusting hole group; 1003. Fourth adjusting hole group; 11. First crossbar; 1101. Second crossbar; 12. Third crossbar; 13. Motor; 14. Second gear; 15. First gear; 16. Third gear; 17. Fourth gear; 18. Connecting rod; 19. Fifth gear; 20. Sixth gear. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A sophora japonica threshing device includes a drum 1 with openings at both ends. A detachable first cover 2 and a second cover 3 are respectively provided at the openings at both ends of the drum 1. An array of sieve holes 4 are spaced apart on the wall of the drum 1. A first toothed ring 5 and a second toothed ring 6 with teeth are respectively provided on the outer walls of both ends of the drum 1. An agglomerating hopper 7 with a collection opening for collecting sophora japonica buds is provided below the drum 1. A support frame for supporting the drum 1 is provided around its periphery. The support frame includes a first support rod 8, a second support rod 9, a third support rod 10, and a first crossbar 11 located on one side, and a fourth support rod 801, a fifth support rod 901, a sixth support rod 1001, and a second crossbar 1101 on the other side. The first support rod 8, the second support rod 9, the third support rod 10, and the first crossbar 11 are respectively symmetrical with the fourth support rod 801, the fifth support rod 901, the sixth support rod 1001, and the second crossbar 1101 about the plane formed by the axis of the roller 1 and the third crossbar 12. The first crossbar 11 has first and second fixing holes at both ends. The first support rod 8 has a first adjusting hole group 802 at its upper end, and the third support rod 10 has a second adjusting hole group 1002 at its upper end. The first and second fixing holes are respectively fixed to the first adjusting hole group 802 and the second adjusting hole group 1002. The second support rod 9 and the first crossbar 11 are respectively fixed to the first crossbar 1001. The first horizontal bar 11 is connected in the middle. A first gear 15 is located at the end of the first horizontal bar 11 near the first support rod 8. A motor 13 with a second gear 14 is located at the end of the first horizontal bar 11 near the third support rod 10. The first gear 15 and the second gear 14 mesh with the teeth on the first gear ring 5 and the second gear ring 6, respectively. A third gear 16 and a fourth gear 17 are located at both ends of the third horizontal bar 12, respectively, meshing with the teeth on the first gear ring 5 and the second gear ring 6. An arc-shaped connecting rod 18 for supporting the roller 1 is located between the first horizontal bar 11, the second horizontal bar 1101, and the third horizontal bar 12. The arc-shaped connecting rod 18 also connects with the lower agglomerating bucket. 7. The fourth support rod 801, the fifth support rod 901, the sixth support rod 1001 and the second crossbar 1101 are configured in the same way as the corresponding positions of the first support rod 8, the second support rod 9, the third support rod 10 and the first crossbar 11, except that the second crossbar 1101 does not have a motor 13. That is, they are respectively provided with a third fixing hole and a fourth fixing hole, a third adjusting hole group 803 and a fourth adjusting hole group 1003, and a fifth gear 19 and a sixth gear 20. The fifth support rod 901 is movably connected to the middle of the second crossbar 1101. The inner wall of the roller 1 is provided with spaced scrapers 101. In this example, the arc-shaped connecting rod 18 and the aggregation bucket 7 are detachably connected.

[0034] like Figure 2As shown in Figure a, Figure b is a structural diagram of the cross-section of the roller and a structural diagram of the side cross-section of the roller. The inner wall of the roller 1 is provided with three long scrapers 101 that are spaced 120° apart and perpendicular to the inner wall of the roller 1. The intersection line of the long scrapers 101 and the inner wall of the roller 1 is parallel to the center line of the roller. The length of the long scrapers 101 extending from the inner wall of the roller to the center of the roller is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the inner radius of the roller 1.

[0035] The first adjustment hole group 802, the second adjustment hole group 1002, the third adjustment hole group 803 and the fourth adjustment hole group 1003 are all three-hole groups, and the three holes are arranged on the same arc in the form of upper, middle and lower.

[0036] When the roller 1 is in a horizontal state, the first and second fixing holes are fixed to the middle holes of the first adjusting hole group 802 and the second adjusting hole group 1002 respectively by axle pins, while the third fixing hole and the fourth fixing hole are fixed to the middle holes of the third adjusting hole group 803 and the fourth adjusting hole group 1003 respectively by axle pins; when the roller 1 is tilted for feeding or unloading, the first crossbar 11 and the second crossbar 1101 connected to the roller 1 tilt in the same direction, the first and third fixing holes are fixed to the first adjusting hole 802 and the third adjusting hole 803 respectively by axle pins, while the second and fourth fixing holes are fixed to the second adjusting hole 1002 and the fourth adjusting hole 1003 by axle pins.

[0037] The collection hopper 7 has a collection frame below the collection port to facilitate the collection of threshed Sophora japonica buds.

[0038] The aperture of the sieve 4 is 1.2-1.5 times the longitudinal diameter of the mature Sophora japonica buds.

[0039] A speed regulator connected to the motor 13 is provided next to the motor 13.

[0040] The first gear 15, the second gear 14, the fifth gear 19 and the sixth gear 20 on the first crossbar 11 and the second crossbar 1101 serve to support the roller 1.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the teeth of the first gear 15, the second gear 14, the third gear 16, the fourth gear 17, the fifth gear 19, and the sixth gear 20 are all stepped, with the outer side higher than the inner side. The inner (lower) portions of the teeth of the first gear 15, the second gear 14, the third gear 16, the fourth gear 17, the fifth gear 19, and the sixth gear 20 respectively mesh with the teeth on the first gear ring 5 or the second gear ring 6, while the outer (higher) portions of the teeth of the first gear 15, the second gear 14, the third gear 16, the fourth gear 17, the fifth gear 19, and the sixth gear 20 respectively abut against the outer wall of the first gear ring 5 or the second gear ring 6 to prevent them from falling off when the roller 1 tilts.

[0042] A method for threshing Sophora japonica buds, comprising the aforementioned Sophora japonica bud threshing device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0043] 1) Collection and high-temperature treatment of Sophora japonica flower spikes: During the season when Sophora japonica flowers are ripe, harvest Sophora japonica flower spikes with 1 / 5 to 1 / 4 of the flower buds open. Cut the whole Sophora japonica flower spikes off the tree and pile them into the fumigation box of the steam oven. Combine the high-temperature fumigation treatment of Sophora japonica flower spikes in the fumigation box with the requirements of blanching.

[0044] 2) Threshing of Sophora japonica buds: Tilt the end of roller 1 near the first support rod 8 downwards. The first crossbar 11 and the second crossbar 1101 connected to roller 1 then tilt in the same direction as roller 1. Fix the first and third fixing holes to the upper holes of the first adjusting hole group 802 and the third adjusting hole group 803 respectively through the shaft pins. Fix the second and fourth fixing holes to the lower holes of the second adjusting hole group 1002 and the fourth adjusting hole 1003 respectively. Open the second door cover 3 at the end of roller 1 near the third support rod 10. Put the high-temperature fumigated Sophora japonica buds into roller 1 through the opening. Then fasten and lock the second door cover 3 on the opening. Remove the pins on the joint hole group (802, 803, 1002 and 1003), adjust the drum 1 to a horizontal state, and then fix the first, second, third and fourth fixing holes to the middle holes of the first adjusting hole group 802, the second adjusting hole group 1002, the third adjusting hole group 803 and the fourth adjusting hole group 1003 respectively through the pins. Turn on the power of the motor 13, so that the second gear 14 rotates and drives the drum 1 to work through the upper second gear ring 6 of the drum 1. The Sophora japonica ears in the drum 1 collide with the scraper 101 during the rotation of the drum 1, so that the Sophora japonica ears are threshed. The threshed Sophora japonica ears fall into the aggregation hopper 7 through the sieve hole 4 and are collected through the collection port.

[0045] 3) After this batch of Sophora japonica buds has been threshed, disconnect the power supply to motor 13. The second gear 14 will stop rotating, and the drum 1 will also stop rotating. Remove the pins from all the adjusting hole groups (802, 803, 1002 and 1003). Tilt the end of the drum 1 near the first support rod 8 downwards. Fix the tilted drum 1 again using the pins as described in step 2). Open the first door cover 2 of the drum. Manually remove the Sophora japonica bud stalks and other impurities from the opening corresponding to the first door cover 2. Then close and lock the first door cover 2. Next, open the second door cover 3 and repeat the steps of putting in Sophora japonica buds and the following steps in step 2) until all Sophora japonica buds have been threshed.

[0046] In step 1), the steam oven and the fumigation box are separate. The inner wall of the fumigation box is made of stainless steel. The high-temperature steam generated by the steam oven is introduced into the fumigation box through a heat-insulated pipe.

[0047] In step 1), the high-temperature fumigation time is 40-50 minutes. That is, after the high-temperature steam has squeezed out the cold air in the fumigation box and the outer wall of the fumigation box is hot to the touch, high-temperature steam is continued to be introduced into the fumigation box for 40-50 minutes. In this example, the high-temperature fumigation time is 45 minutes.

[0048] In step 2), the volume of the Sophora japonica buds added to the roller 1 each time does not exceed 1 / 4 of the volume of the roller 1. The roller 1 rotates for 8-20 minutes at a rotation speed of 20-60 rpm. In this example, the roller 1 rotates for 10 minutes at a rotation speed of 30 rpm.

[0049] Comparative Example 1:

[0050] The high-temperature fumigation time is 35 minutes (after the high-temperature steam has squeezed out the cold air in the fumigation chamber of the steam oven and the outer wall of the fumigation chamber is hot to the touch, continue to input high-temperature steam into the fumigation chamber for 35 minutes), and other operating methods are the same as in Example 1.

[0051] Comparative Example 2:

[0052] 1. Collection and high-temperature treatment of Sophora japonica flower spikes: The high-temperature fumigation time is 30 minutes (after the high-temperature steam has squeezed out the cold air in the fumigation chamber and the outer wall of the fumigation chamber is completely hot to the touch, continue to input high-temperature steam into the fumigation chamber for 30 minutes). Features of the steam oven used for fumigation treatment: The inner wall of its fumigation chamber is made of aluminum, and the fumigation chamber is placed directly above the heating water tank and the two are integrated. The remaining operation methods are the same as in Example 1.

[0053] 2. Drying and threshing of Sophora japonica flower spikes: After high-temperature fumigation, the Sophora japonica flower spikes are taken out of the fumigation box and spread on the drying ground for drying. Partial threshing is achieved during the process of removing the spikes from the fumigation box and turning them over during drying.

[0054] Comparative Example 3:

[0055] 1. Collection and high-temperature treatment of Sophora japonica flower spikes: Same as in Example 1.

[0056] 2. Drying and threshing of Sophora japonica flower spikes: Same as Comparative Example 2.

[0057] Comparative Example 4:

[0058] Mechanized threshing was carried out. In this example, a full-feed agricultural threshing machine was used to directly thresh the fresh locust flower spikes harvested from the tree.

[0059] The threshing objects of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-4 were all Sophora japonica buds of the medicinal Sophora japonica variety, Jinhuagui G9-2. Table 1 below shows the threshing effect of Sophora japonica buds in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-4 and the corresponding Sophora japonica bud quality and other indicators.

[0060] Table 1. Effects of different threshing methods on the threshing effect and quality of Sophora japonica buds.

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] Note: The determination of rutin content was carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Sophora japonica section of the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Part I).

[0064] As shown in Table 1, the threshing rate of Sophora japonica buds in Example 1 was approximately 99%, indicating excellent threshing performance. Subsequent manual threshing methods such as kneading and pounding were completely unnecessary. Furthermore, the breakage rate of the buds was low, and the buds were golden yellow and of good quality. In contrast, Comparative Example 1, with other operating methods identical to Example 1 but with the high-temperature fumigation time shortened to 35 minutes, only achieved a threshing rate of approximately 65%, significantly lower than Example 1. This demonstrates that the high-temperature fumigation time has a significant impact on the threshing effect of Sophora japonica buds. The threshing rate of Sophora japonica buds in Comparative Example 2 was approximately 75%. It's noteworthy that this comparative example, with a slightly shorter high-temperature fumigation time (30 minutes) and without any threshing equipment, achieved a threshing rate 10% higher than Comparative Example 1. The main reason for this is that the Sophora japonica buds in Comparative Example 1 were threshed immediately after high-temperature fumigation, at which point the buds still contained a significant amount of moisture. In contrast, the Sophora japonica buds in Comparative Example 2 underwent partial threshing during subsequent processes such as removal from the fumigation oven, drying, and turning, and the threshing rate was only calculated after both the buds and buds were completely dry. The dried buds are more brittle than the wet buds, making them relatively easier to thresh. However, both Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 had relatively low threshing rates, requiring further manual rubbing and beating to achieve complete threshing, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive. The high-temperature fumigation time for Comparative Example 3 was the same as that for Example 1. Without a threshing device, the threshing rate was only about 88%, requiring further manual rubbing and beating to ensure complete threshing of the Sophora japonica flowers. Comparative Example 4, which involved mechanical threshing of fresh Sophora japonica flower spikes, achieved a threshing rate of only about 55%. This is because the connection between the flower spike stalk and the flower buds is extremely tough in fresh conditions, making mechanical threshing ineffective. Furthermore, due to mechanical tearing, the breakage rate of the Sophora japonica flowers in Comparative Example 4 reached as high as 20%, while Comparative Examples 1-3, due to manual rubbing and beating, also exhibited a breakage rate of 1.5-3%. These broken flowers negatively impacted the appearance of the Sophora japonica flowers to some extent.

[0065] The rutin content of the five samples ranged from 29.95% to 35.41%, and the differences between them were not regular. These differences should be attributed to different sampling methods rather than differences in high-temperature treatment and threshing methods (the rutin content of the harvested buds used in each sample naturally varies to some extent). In addition, compared with the buds of the other samples, the buds of Comparative Example 3 were slightly darker in color, with a small number of buds occasionally appearing grayish-black. This may be related to the fact that the fumigation chamber of the steamer used in this example was made of aluminum.

[0066] In summary, under current technological conditions, achieving complete threshing of Sophora japonica buds without manual kneading or beating requires two conditions: appropriate high-temperature treatment (a certain high-temperature fumigation time) and suitable mechanical threshing assistance. In Example 1, by using a separate steamer and fumigation chamber as the high-temperature treatment device and extending the high-temperature fumigation time to 45 minutes, the threshing device of Example 1 is used to thresh the high-temperature treated Sophora japonica buds, achieving complete and thorough threshing. Compared to traditional methods that require manual kneading and beating to achieve complete threshing, the threshing method of Example 1 is time-saving and labor-saving, with a very positive effect.

[0067] In this embodiment 1, the second crossbar 1101, the third adjusting hole group 803, the fourth adjusting hole group 1003, the fifth gear 19, and the sixth gear 20, due to the illustrated effect, Figure 1 Not displayed.

Claims

1. A method for threshing Sophora japonica buds, characterized in that, The device includes a Sophora japonica hulling apparatus. The apparatus comprises a drum open at both ends, with detachable first and second covers at the openings of each end. An array of sieve holes is spaced apart on the drum wall. First and second toothed rings with teeth are respectively provided on the outer walls of both ends of the drum. A collection hopper with a collection opening is located below the drum for collecting Sophora japonica hull grains. A support frame is provided around the drum to support it. The support frame includes first, second, and third support rods and a first crossbar on one side; fourth, fifth, and sixth support rods and a second crossbar on the other side; and a third crossbar located above the drum. The first, second, and third support rods and the first crossbar are symmetrical to the fourth, fifth, and sixth support rods and the second crossbar with respect to the plane formed by the drum axis and the third crossbar. The first crossbar has first and second fixing holes at both ends. The upper ends of the first and third support rods have first and second adjusting hole groups, respectively. The holes are fixed to the first and second adjusting hole groups respectively. The second support rod is movably connected to the middle of the first crossbar. The two ends of the first crossbar are respectively provided with a first gear and a motor with a second gear. The first and second gears mesh with the teeth on the first and second gear rings respectively. The two ends of the third crossbar are respectively provided with a third and a fourth gear. The third and fourth gears mesh with the teeth on the first and second gear rings respectively. An arc-shaped connecting rod for supporting the drum is provided between the first and second crossbars and the third crossbar. The arc-shaped connecting rod is also connected to the aggregation bucket below. The fourth, fifth and sixth support rods and the second crossbar are set in the same way as the corresponding positions of the first, second and third support rods and the first crossbar, except that the second crossbar does not have a motor. That is, they are respectively provided with third and fourth fixed holes, third and fourth adjusting hole groups, and fifth and sixth gears. The fifth support rod is movably connected to the middle of the second crossbar. The inner wall of the drum is provided with spaced scrapers. The method includes the following steps: 1) Harvesting and high-temperature treatment of Sophora japonica flower spikes: During the Sophora japonica flower ripening season, harvest Sophora japonica flower spikes when the flower buds are 1 / 5 to 1 / 4 open. Cut the whole flower spikes off the tree and pile them into the fumigation chamber of the steam oven. Combine the high-temperature fumigation treatment of the Sophora japonica flower spikes in the fumigation chamber with the requirements of blanching. The high-temperature fumigation time is 40 to 50 minutes. That is, after the high-temperature steam has squeezed out the cold air in the fumigation chamber and the outer wall of the fumigation chamber is hot to the touch, continue to input high-temperature steam into the fumigation chamber for 40 to 50 minutes. 2) Threshing of Sophora japonica flowers: Tilt the drum, and the first and second crossbars connected to the drum will tilt in the same direction as the drum. Fix the first and third fixing holes to the upper or lower holes of the first and third adjusting hole groups respectively by means of axle pins. Fix the second and fourth fixing holes to the lower or upper holes of the second and fourth adjusting hole groups respectively. Open the door cover of the upper end of the drum and put the Sophora japonica flowers after high temperature fumigation into the drum through the opening. Then fasten and lock the door cover of the opening. Take out the axle pins used for fixing on all adjusting hole groups. After adjusting the drum to a horizontal state, fix the first, second, third and fourth fixing holes to the middle holes of the first, second, third and fourth adjusting hole groups respectively by means of axle pins. Turn on the motor power to make the second gear rotate and drive the drum to work through the second gear ring on the drum. The Sophora japonica flowers in the drum collide with the scraper during the rotation of the drum, thereby threshing the Sophora japonica flowers. The threshed Sophora japonica flowers fall into the aggregation hopper through the sieve holes and are collected through the collection port. 3) After this batch of Sophora japonica buds has been threshed, disconnect the motor power. The second gear will stop rotating, and the drum will also stop rotating. Remove the pins from all the adjusting hole groups, tilt the drum, and fix the tilted drum again using the pins as in step 2). Open the door cover at the bottom of the drum, and manually remove the Sophora japonica bud stalks and other impurities through the opening. Then close and lock the door cover. Next, open the door cover at the top of the drum and repeat the steps in step 2) of putting in Sophora japonica buds and the following steps until all Sophora japonica buds have been threshed.

2. The method for threshing Sophora japonica flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the drum is provided with three long scrapers spaced 120° apart and perpendicular to the inner wall of the drum. The intersection line of the long scrapers and the inner wall of the drum is parallel to the center line of the drum axis.

3. The method for threshing Sophora japonica flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first, second, third and fourth adjustment hole groups are all three-hole groups, with the three holes arranged on the same arc in the form of upper, middle and lower.

4. The method for threshing Sophora japonica flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the roller is in a horizontal state, the first and second fixing holes are fixed to the middle holes of the first and second adjusting hole groups by axle pins, while the third and fourth fixing holes are fixed to the middle holes of the third and fourth adjusting hole groups by axle pins, respectively. When the roller is tilted for feeding or unloading, the first and third fixing holes are fixed to the upper or lower holes of the first and third adjusting hole groups by axle pins, while the second and fourth fixing holes are fixed to the lower or upper holes of the second and fourth adjusting hole groups by axle pins.

5. The method for threshing Sophora japonica flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that, A collection frame is provided below the collection port of the aggregation hopper.

6. The method for threshing Sophora japonica flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aperture of the sieve is 1.2-1.5 times the longitudinal diameter of mature Sophora japonica buds.

7. The method for threshing Sophora japonica flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1), the steam oven and the fumigation box are separate. The inner wall of the fumigation box is made of stainless steel. The high-temperature steam generated by the steam oven is introduced into the fumigation box through a heat-insulated pipe.

8. The method for threshing Sophora japonica flowers according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2), the volume of the Sophora japonica buds added to the drum each time does not exceed 1 / 4 of the drum's volume, and the drum is rotated for 8-20 minutes at a rotation speed of 20-60 rpm.

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