A method and device for one-time topping and curing of upper leaves of flue-cured tobacco

Abstract

This invention discloses a method and apparatus for one-time cutting and curing of upper tobacco leaves, comprising the following steps: S1 Preparation: The cut upper tobacco leaves are suspended on the tobacco stalks using hooks, secured with twine, and placed in different temperature zones within the curing barn according to the quality of the leaves for pretreatment; S2 Curing: The circulating fans and blowers in the curing barn are controlled by a timer controller, and the temperature and humidity of the curing equipment within the barn are also controlled, allowing the tobacco leaves to be cured in stages under preset temperature and humidity conditions; S3 Post-curing treatment. This invention employs a stem-in-leave curing process, which results in a looser structure and more suitable quality of the tobacco leaves, reducing the number of harvests of the upper leaves, simplifying the harvesting process, optimizing the curing operation, reducing the workload of tobacco farmers, and improving harvesting and curing efficiency. Furthermore, the stem-in-leave cutting and curing technique saves time and improves quality and efficiency, as the tobacco leaves are cut down along with the stems and cured with the stems attached, thus reducing labor and time costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flue-cured tobacco technology, specifically to a method and apparatus for one-time cutting and curing of the upper part of flue-cured tobacco leaves. Background Technology

[0002] Curing is a crucial step in flue-cured tobacco production. Traditional methods for curing upper tobacco leaves typically involve harvesting mature leaves before curing. While simple, this method produces low-quality leaves with a high ash content and low yellow tobacco content, failing to achieve the desired "yellow, bright, and soft" appearance. This negatively impacts not only the post-curing grade and economic benefits but also the intrinsic quality of the tobacco. Therefore, simplifying the process and improving the quality and yield of upper tobacco leaves is a pressing issue. To address this, we propose a one-time harvesting and curing method and apparatus for upper tobacco leaves. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for one-time cutting and curing of the upper tobacco leaves to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A method for one-time cutting, curing, and baking of the upper tobacco leaves includes the following steps:

[0006] S1 preparations:

[0007] A circulating fan and a blower controlled by a timer controller are installed in the curing barn. The upper leaves of the chopped tobacco are hung on the tobacco stalks by hooks and tied with twine. The leaves are placed in different temperature zones in the curing barn according to their quality for pretreatment.

[0008] S2 Baking:

[0009] The timer controller controls the start and stop of the circulating fan and blower in the curing barn, and controls the temperature and humidity of the curing equipment in the curing barn, so that the tobacco leaves are cured in stages under the preset temperature and humidity conditions, thereby turning the tobacco leaves yellow and dry.

[0010] S3 Post-Baking Treatment:

[0011] After drying, the tobacco leaves with stems are rehydrated, and then the leaves are separated from the stems and stored separately.

[0012] A further improvement is that, in step S1, the tobacco leaves are placed at different temperature zones in the curing barn according to their quality, specifically as follows:

[0013] The cut tobacco plants are divided into underripe, mature, and overripe. Underripe tobacco is placed in the low-temperature layer of the curing barn, mature tobacco is placed in the medium-temperature layer of the curing barn, and overripe tobacco is placed in the high-temperature layer of the curing barn, with no gaps between the layers.

[0014] A further improvement is that the preprocessing in step S1 specifically includes:

[0015] Set the circulating fan and blower to low speed, close the maintenance door and windows, and pre-treat for 10-12 hours without ignition.

[0016] A further improvement is that the baking step S2 is performed according to the following steps:

[0017] S21: After ignition, raise the temperature to 35℃ at a rate of 0.5℃ / 2 hours. The starting temperature should not be lower than 32℃. The wet bulb temperature should be 35℃, and the dry-wet difference should be 0. After adjusting the blower and circulating fan to the high position, run the machine. Set the timer controller to stop for 1 hour and run for 10 minutes. Stabilize the temperature for 8-10 hours. The total baking time should not exceed 10 hours. The temperature and humidity should be synchronized to retain moisture and turn yellow until the leaf tips turn yellow.

[0018] S22: Increase the temperature by 1℃ / 2 hours, and when it reaches 38℃, maintain the temperature for baking. Adjust the wet bulb temperature to 38℃, and the dry-wet difference to 0. Set the blower and circulating fan to high level. Set the timer controller to stop the fan for 1 hour and run it for 10 minutes. Run the main unit and keep the temperature and humidity in sync to keep the tobacco leaves yellow until the tobacco leaves in the middle temperature layer are baked to 70-80% yellow.

[0019] S23: Heat up to 40℃ at a rate of 1℃ / hour to achieve stable temperature baking. Adjust the wet bulb temperature to 40℃ and the dry-wet difference to 0. Set the blower and circulating fan to high settings. Set the timer controller to stop the fan for 1 hour and run it for 10 minutes. Run the main unit to achieve stable temperature baking to reach 90% yellow color. The total baking time before reaching 40℃ should be controlled within 30-35 hours.

[0020] S24: First, remove moisture, then raise the temperature by 1℃ / 1 hour to reach a stable temperature of 42℃ for baking. The baking time at this temperature range is more than 28 hours, maintaining a wet bulb temperature of 36℃, until all tobacco leaves in the kiln are baked until they turn green with veins and yellow wither, all tobacco leaves in the middle temperature layer are "dragging" and 50% of the tobacco stems are wilted. The total baking time before reaching 42℃ should be controlled at 50-55 hours.

[0021] S25: Heat up to 45℃ at 1℃ / 1 hour and bake at a stable temperature, keeping the wet bulb temperature at 36℃ until the tobacco leaves in the middle temperature layer reach the state of yellow leaves and yellow veins in small rolls. Control the stable temperature time to prevent the tobacco leaves from turning too yellow and becoming too thin.

[0022] S26: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to reach a stable temperature of 47℃-48℃ for baking, maintain a wet bulb temperature of 37℃, control the stable temperature time until all tobacco leaves in the low temperature layer reach the state of yellow leaves with yellow veins, hooked tips, curled edges, and small curls, and the base of the main vein of the tobacco leaves in the high temperature zone turns white.

[0023] S27: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to 52℃, wet bulb temperature 38℃, and bake at a stable temperature for 8 hours until the leaves are completely dry and the large roll is achieved;

[0024] S28: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to reach a stable temperature of 54℃ for baking, maintain a wet bulb temperature of 39℃, control the baking time until all tobacco leaves in the kiln reach the large roll size and the leaves above the mid-temperature layer are completely dry;

[0025] S29: Bake at a constant temperature of 62℃ for 8-10 hours with a temperature increase of 0.5℃ / hour, keeping the wet bulb temperature at 40℃, until all tobacco leaves in the kiln are completely dry and the main ribs above the mid-temperature layer are half dry.

[0026] S210: Bake at a stable temperature of 68℃ by increasing the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour, and maintain the wet bulb temperature at 41℃-42℃ until the tobacco leaves are completely dry.

[0027] An apparatus for implementing the above-mentioned baking method includes a baking chamber and a hot air chamber respectively disposed on both sides of the inner cavity of the baking room. The baking chamber is provided with a tobacco support assembly for supporting the tobacco to be baked. The circulating air outlet of the baking chamber is connected to the hot air chamber and the dehumidification outlet. The air inlet of the hot air chamber is connected to the atmosphere. The circulating fan, blower and baking equipment are all disposed in the hot air chamber. The timer controller is disposed on the outer wall of the hot air chamber.

[0028] A further improvement is that the baking chamber is equipped with a dry-bulb temperature sensor, a wet-bulb temperature sensor, an anemometer, and a humidity sensor, and one outer wall of the hot air chamber is equipped with a controller for electrically connecting to the dry-bulb temperature sensor, the wet-bulb temperature sensor, the anemometer, the humidity sensor, and the baking equipment.

[0029] A further improvement is that the flue-cured tobacco carrying assembly includes two sets of symmetrical mounting plates. Each set of mounting plates has a drive roller rotatably mounted on all four sides of its opposite side. A conveyor belt is driven by the outer wall of the four sets of drive rollers. One of the drive rollers is driven to rotate by a rotating device. The outer wall of the conveyor belt is detachably provided with several sets of mounting seats. One end of the carrying telescopic tobacco rod is rotatably connected to the mounting seat. Between the two sets of mounting plates and at the bottom of the conveyor belt, there is a push-pull unloading part for moving the flue-cured tobacco on the carrying telescopic tobacco rod.

[0030] The two sets of mounting plates have corresponding load-bearing telescopic smoke rods.

[0031] A further improvement is that the actuating unloading part includes a protective rod connecting two sets of mounting plates. A bidirectional stud is rotatably provided inside the protective rod. The bidirectional stud is driven to rotate by a rotating device on a mounting plate. Both ends of the outer wall of the bidirectional stud are threaded with moving blocks. One end of the moving block extends from a transverse opening on one side of the protective rod and is connected to a connecting plate. A push seat is hinged to the side of the connecting plate away from the moving block. The inner wall of one side of the push seat is provided with an arc-shaped groove for adapting to the telescopic cigarette rod. The push seat is connected to the connecting plate through an arc-shaped spring. One end of a pull rope is connected to one side of the push seat. The other end of the pull rope is wound around the outer wall of the take-up shaft. The take-up shaft is rotatably provided on the connecting plate, and a driven gear is sleeved on the outer wall of the take-up shaft. The outer wall of the protective rod is provided with a rack for driving the driven gear to rotate when the moving block moves to a preset position.

[0032] A further improvement is that the telescopic cigarette rod includes a sleeve rod with hollow ends and a movable rod inserted into one end of the sleeve rod. The movable rod has a piston block adapted to the inner cavity of the sleeve rod at one end. A bearing rod is fixedly installed inside the sleeve rod. One end of the bearing rod movably passes through the piston block and extends into a groove opened at the end of the movable rod facing the piston block. The bottom of the groove and the bearing rod are connected by an elastic element.

[0033] Mounting plate 2 is fixedly embedded in the side wall of mounting plate 1. Mounting plate 2 is provided with an air suction head. The air suction head is connected to an external air extraction device. The air suction head is used to correspond to the end of the sleeve rod in the telescopic cigarette rod located in the arc groove that is away from the movable rod.

[0034] A further improvement is that a sensor is embedded in the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove of the push seat. When the sensor detects that the telescopic cigarette rod has entered the arc-shaped groove, it sends a signal to the controller, which then controls the rotating device to work.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0036] 1. This invention adopts a tobacco curing process with stems, which can make the tobacco leaves loose and of moderate size, reduce the number of harvests of the upper tobacco leaves, simplify the harvesting process, optimize the curing operation process, reduce the workload of tobacco farmers, and improve the efficiency of harvesting and curing. At the same time, the stem-cutting and curing technology can save labor time and improve quality and efficiency. The tobacco leaves are cut down together with the stems and cured with the stems, which can reduce labor costs and time costs.

[0037] 2. Because the upper leaves are resistant to growth in the field, they mature slowly and have a long maturation period. This makes it difficult for the leaves to turn yellow during the curing process, and they are prone to producing ash-covered tobacco. However, this invention can reduce ash-covered tobacco leaves and increase the proportion of high-quality tobacco by harvesting and curing them with the stalks in one go.

[0038] 3. This invention suspends the upper leaves on the tobacco stem by hooks and secures them with twine, preventing the tobacco leaves from falling off during the curing process. During the curing process, the tobacco stem continuously provides the tobacco leaves with the moisture needed for the leaves to turn yellow, allowing the tobacco leaves to turn yellow normally and improving the quality and weight of the cured tobacco leaves.

[0039] 4. This invention adds a timer controller for the circulating fan and blower in the curing barn. By controlling the temperature and humidity of the curing equipment, the temperature and humidity during the yellowing period are synchronized, increasing the yellowing humidity and accelerating the yellowing process and degree of the tobacco leaves. This not only shortens the curing time but also ensures the quality of the cured tobacco leaves.

[0040] 5. Compared with traditional harvesting and curing methods, this invention effectively increases the proportion of high-grade tobacco, medium-to-high-grade tobacco, and the proportion of orange-yellow tobacco in medium-to-high-grade tobacco, while effectively reducing the proportion of green tobacco and mixed-color tobacco. Furthermore, it effectively increases the average single leaf weight of the third leaf from the bottom and the average single leaf weight of the sixth leaf from the bottom, thereby improving the internal and external quality of the cured tobacco leaves and increasing the income of tobacco farmers.

[0041] 6. This invention uses a tobacco-bearing component to suspend the tobacco rods. During the later unloading process, the tobacco rods that have finished roasting on the same rod can be detached from the rod simultaneously, which can complete the unloading work quickly. There is no need to manually remove the tobacco rods that have finished roasting from the rods one by one, which reduces the intensity of manual labor and improves work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the high-density drying room structure of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tobacco curing support component structure in this invention;

[0044] Figure 3 In this invention Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of structure A in the image;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the load-bearing telescopic smoke rod structure in this invention.

[0046] In the diagram: 1. Baking chamber; 2. Hot air chamber; 3. Exhaust vent; 4. Hot air supply assembly; 41. Baking equipment; 42. Blower; 43. Circulating fan; 5. Controller; 6. Tobacco-bearing assembly; 61. Mounting plate one; 62. Drive roller; 63. Conveyor belt; 64. Rotating device one; 65. Mounting base; 66. Supporting telescopic tobacco rod; 661. Sleeve rod; 662. Movable rod; 663. Supporting rod; 664. Piston block; 665. Elastic element; 67. Protective rod; 68. Double-acting stud; 69. Rack; 610. Connecting plate; 611. Push seat; 612. Pull rope; 613. Driven gear; 614. Sensor; 615. Mounting plate two; 616. Suction head. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] A method for one-time cutting, curing, and baking of the upper tobacco leaves includes the following steps:

[0050] S1 preparations:

[0051] A circulating fan 43 and a blower 42 controlled by a timer controller are installed in the curing barn. The upper leaves of the chopped tobacco are hung on the tobacco rods by hooks and tied with hemp rope. The leaves are placed in different temperature zones in the curing barn according to their quality for pretreatment.

[0052] In step S1, placing the tobacco leaves at different temperature zones in the curing barn according to their quality specifically involves:

[0053] The cut tobacco plants are divided into underripe, mature, and overripe. Underripe tobacco is placed in the low-temperature layer of the curing barn, mature tobacco in the medium-temperature layer, and overripe tobacco in the high-temperature layer. There are no gaps between the layers. The tobacco can be placed on the tobacco stalks in the following way: for example, hang 28-32 plants on a 1.4-meter-long tobacco stalk, starting to hang the tobacco from 0.15 meters away from the top of the stalk, with a spacing of about 4 centimeters. In a standard dense curing barn, about 100 stalks are hung on each layer.

[0054] The preprocessing in step S1 specifically includes:

[0055] Set the circulating fan 43 and blower 42 to low speed, close the maintenance door and windows, and pre-treat for 10-12 hours without ignition. The purpose of pre-treatment is to allow the fresh tobacco leaves to wilt in a timely manner, and to ensure that the temperature and humidity of the tobacco leaves are uniform and the moisture content is suitable, so as to facilitate subsequent baking and processing.

[0056] S2 Baking:

[0057] The timer controller controls the start and stop of the circulating fan 43 and blower 42 in the curing barn, and controls the temperature and humidity of the curing equipment 41 in the curing barn, so that the tobacco leaves are cured in stages under the preset temperature and humidity conditions, thereby turning the tobacco leaves yellow and dry.

[0058] The baking step S2 is performed according to the following steps:

[0059] S21: After ignition, raise the temperature to 35℃ at a rate of 0.5℃ / 2 hours. The starting temperature should not be lower than 32℃. The wet bulb temperature should be 35℃, and the dry-wet difference should be 0 (no dehumidification). Adjust the blower 42 and the circulating fan 43 to the high position, run the main unit, and set the timer controllers of the blower 42 and the circulating fan 43 to stop for 1 hour and run for 10 minutes. Stabilize the temperature for 8-10 hours. The total baking time should not exceed 10 hours. The temperature and humidity should be synchronized to retain moisture and turn yellow until the leaf tips turn yellow. Prevent the leaf tips from turning green.

[0060] S22: Increase the temperature by 1℃ / 2 hours, and maintain a stable temperature when the temperature reaches 38℃. Adjust the wet bulb temperature to 38℃ and the dry-wet difference to 0 (no dehumidification). Set the blower 42 and circulating fan 43 to high settings. Set the timer controllers of blower 42 and circulating fan 43 to stop for 1 hour and run for 10 minutes. Run the main unit and maintain the temperature and humidity to retain moisture and turn yellow. This stage is the optimal yellowing temperature. Continue until the tobacco leaves in the middle temperature layer are roasted to 70-80% yellow.

[0061] S23: Increase the temperature by 1℃ / hour to reach a stable temperature of 40℃ for baking. Adjust the wet bulb temperature to 40℃ and the dry-wet difference to 0. Set the blower 42 and the circulating fan 43 to high position. Set the timer controller of the blower 42 and the circulating fan 43 to stop for 1 hour and run for 10 minutes. Run the main unit to achieve a stable temperature baking process until the product is 90% yellow. The total baking time before reaching 40℃ should be controlled within 30-35 hours.

[0062] S24: First, remove a small amount of moisture, then raise the temperature by 1℃ / 1 hour to a stable temperature of 42℃ for baking, extend the baking time in this temperature range, and keep the baking time in this temperature range for more than 28 hours to improve the starch conversion of tobacco leaves, prevent the tobacco leaves from being smooth and green after baking, maintain the wet bulb temperature of 36℃, until all the tobacco leaves in the kiln are baked until they are green veins and yellow leaves, all the tobacco leaves in the middle temperature layer are "dragging strips", and 50% of the tobacco stems are wilted. The total baking time before 42℃ should be controlled at 50-55 hours.

[0063] S25: Heat up to 45℃ at 1℃ / 1 hour and bake at a stable temperature, keeping the wet bulb temperature at 36℃, until the mid-temperature layer tobacco leaves reach the yellow leaf and yellow vein small roll. Control the stable temperature time. The baking time at this temperature should not be too long because the tobacco stem has a high water content. If the baking time is too long, the base will easily turn yellow excessively and become thin, affecting the quality of the tobacco leaves.

[0064] S26: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to reach a stable temperature of 47℃-48℃ for baking, maintain a wet bulb temperature of 37℃, control the stable temperature time, and extend the baking time in this temperature range until all the tobacco leaves in the low temperature layer reach the state of yellow leaves with yellow veins, hooked tips, curled edges, and small curls, and the base of the main vein of the tobacco leaves in the high temperature zone turns white. This stage is the golden baking point. Appropriately extend the baking time and place the yellowing time of the main vein and a few branch veins at the base in this stage.

[0065] S27: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to 52℃, wet bulb temperature 38℃, maintain stable temperature for 8 hours until the leaves are completely dry and reach large curl, further kill the green on the main vein, dry the leaves baking point;

[0066] S28: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to reach a stable temperature of 54℃ for baking, maintain a wet bulb temperature of 39℃, control the baking time until all the tobacco leaves in the kiln reach the large roll size and the leaves above the mid-temperature layer are completely dry (extend the baking time to promote the synthesis of aroma substances).

[0067] S29: Bake at a constant temperature of 62℃ for 8-10 hours with a temperature increase of 0.5℃ / hour, keeping the wet bulb temperature at 40℃, until all tobacco leaves in the kiln are completely dry and the main ribs above the mid-temperature layer are half dry.

[0068] S210: Bake at a stable temperature of 68℃ by increasing the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour, and maintain the wet bulb temperature at 41℃-42℃ until the tobacco leaves are completely dry.

[0069] S5 Post-Baking Processing:

[0070] After drying, the tobacco leaves with stems are rehydrated, then the stems are removed, and the tobacco leaves are sorted and stored separately.

[0071] The labor cost accounting for tobacco harvesting, curing, and storage in this embodiment is shown in Table 1:

[0072] Table 1. Labor Cost Calculation for Harvesting, Curing, and Storage of the Top 8 Tobacco Leaves

[0073]

[0074]

[0075] Conclusion: As shown in Table 1, the labor cost per mu for harvesting, roasting, and storing the top 8 tobacco leaves in one go is 235 yuan lower than that of conventional harvesting and roasting of the top 8 tobacco leaves.

[0076] Table 2 shows a comparison of the quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves obtained in this embodiment with those obtained through traditional harvesting and curing methods (the test variety is Yunyan 87):

[0077] Table 2 Comparison of tobacco leaf quality in the top 8 leaves under different harvesting and curing methods.

[0078]

[0079]

[0080] Conclusion: As shown in Table 2, the proportion of high-grade tobacco increased by 10.5 percentage points, the proportion of medium-to-high-grade tobacco increased by 5.7 percentage points, the proportion of orange-yellow tobacco in medium-to-high-grade tobacco increased by 3.3 percentage points, the proportion of flue-cured green tobacco decreased by 2.5 percentage points, the proportion of mixed-color tobacco decreased by 3.2 percentage points, the average single leaf weight of the third leaf from the bottom increased by 0.6g, and the average single leaf weight of the sixth leaf from the bottom increased by 0.4g.

[0081] In summary, the single-harvest and roasting process of the top 8 leaves not only reduces the number of harvests, optimizes the roasting process, improves work efficiency, and saves costs, but also improves the quality of tobacco leaves.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] Please see the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 2

[0084] An apparatus for implementing the above-mentioned baking method includes a baking chamber 1 and a hot air chamber 2 respectively disposed on both sides of the inner cavity of the baking room, wherein a tobacco carrying assembly 6 for supporting the tobacco leaves to be processed is provided in the baking chamber 1.

[0085] The circulating air outlet of the baking chamber 1 is connected to the hot air chamber 2 and the dehumidification outlet 3. The air inlet of the hot air chamber 2 is connected to the atmosphere. The circulating fan 43, the blower 42 and the baking equipment 41 are all located inside the hot air chamber 2. The timer controller is located on the outer wall of the hot air chamber 2.

[0086] For example, baking equipment 41 can use a heat pump with high temperature control sensitivity. When cooling down, it can be achieved by reducing the air supply of heating device 41 or reducing the fuel.

[0087] The baking chamber 1 is equipped with a dry bulb temperature sensor, a wet bulb temperature sensor, an anemometer, and a humidity sensor. The outer wall of one side of the hot air chamber 2 is equipped with a controller 5 for electrically connecting to the dry bulb temperature sensor, the wet bulb temperature sensor, the anemometer, the humidity sensor, and the baking equipment 41, so as to control the temperature and humidity in the hot air chamber 2.

[0088] Preferably, the tobacco curing support assembly 6 in this embodiment includes two sets of symmetrical mounting plates 61. The mounting plates 61 can be fixed to two opposite side walls of the curing chamber 1 using bolt-type fixing components. Drive rollers 62 are rotatably mounted around each of the four sets of mounting plates 61 on opposite sides. A conveyor belt 63 is driven by the four sets of drive rollers 62. One of the drive rollers 62 is driven to rotate by a rotating device 64. The conveyor belt 63 is positioned under the action of the four sets of drive rollers 62. Figure 2The rectangular rotating device 64 shown can be, for example, a high-temperature resistant motor, which can be set outside the baking chamber 1 and extended into the baking chamber 1 through a shaft component to connect a transmission roller 62. The outer wall of the conveyor belt 63 is detachably provided with several sets of mounting seats 65. One end of the carrying telescopic tobacco rod 66 is rotatably connected in the mounting seat 65. The tobacco to be baked is restricted on the carrying telescopic tobacco rod 66 by hooks and twine. Between the two sets of mounting plates 61 and at the bottom of the conveyor belt 63, there is a pushing unloading part for moving the tobacco on the carrying telescopic tobacco rod 66.

[0089] The load-bearing telescopic smoke rods 66 on the two sets of mounting plates 61 correspond to each other, and the opposite ends of the load-bearing telescopic smoke rods 66 on the two sets of mounting plates 61 can be interlocked to improve the load-bearing capacity of the load-bearing telescopic smoke rods 66.

[0090] Please see the appendix Figure 3

[0091] Preferably, the unloading part of this embodiment includes a protective rod 67 connecting two sets of mounting plates 61. This protective rod 67 can protect the internal structure, and as shown in the attached... Figure 2 As shown, since the telescopic tobacco rod 66 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 65, the suspended tobacco can always be kept in a vertically downward state when it moves with the conveyor belt 63. When the telescopic tobacco rod 66 is driven by the conveyor belt 63, it first moves upward, then moves horizontally at the top and then moves downward. During its horizontal movement at the bottom, it is blocked by the protective rod 67, causing the tobacco suspended on the telescopic tobacco rod 66 to rotate from a vertical state to a horizontal state.

[0092] A bidirectional stud 68 is rotatably mounted inside the protective rod 67. The bidirectional stud 68 is driven to rotate by a rotating device 2 mounted on a mounting plate 61. The rotating device 2 is, for example, a servo motor. Both ends of the outer wall of the bidirectional stud 68 are threaded with movable blocks. One end of the movable block extends from a transverse opening on one side of the protective rod 67 and is connected to a connecting plate 610. A push seat 611 is hinged to the side of the connecting plate 610 away from the movable block. The inner wall of one side of the push seat 611 is provided for adaptation to the support of the telescopic cigarette rod 66. The push seat 611 is connected to the connecting plate 610 via an arc-shaped spring. The arc-shaped spring is used to drive the push seat 611 to be perpendicular to the connecting plate 610. One end of the pull rope 612 is connected to one side of the push seat 611. The other end of the pull rope 612 is wound around the outer wall of the take-up shaft. The take-up shaft is rotatably mounted on the connecting plate 610. The outer wall of the take-up shaft is fitted with a driven gear 613. The outer wall of the protective rod 67 is provided with a rack 69 for driving the driven gear 613 to rotate when the moving block moves to the preset position.

[0093] Specifically, the push seat 611 is located at the end of the path of the telescopic tobacco rod 66 moving with the conveyor belt 63. That is, after the telescopic tobacco rod 66 passes the protective rod 67, it contacts the push seat 611. After the telescopic tobacco rod 66 enters the arc-shaped groove with the conveyor belt 63, the rotating device 2 works. The rotating device 2 drives the bidirectional stud 68 to move the moving block. The moving block causes the push seats 611 at both ends of the telescopic tobacco rod 66 located in the arc-shaped groove to move closer to each other. When the push seats 611 move closer to each other, the tobacco rod suspended on the outer wall of the telescopic tobacco rod 66 moves synchronously towards the inner end of the telescopic tobacco rod 66.

[0094] When the moving block moves to the preset position, the driven gear 613 and the rack 69 mesh. At this time, the bidirectional stud 68 continues to rotate, which will cause the winding shaft to wind up the pull rope 612. The pull rope 612 pulls the push seat 611 away from the carrier telescopic smoke rod 66 so that the carrier telescopic smoke rod 66 can subsequently pass over the push seat 611 with the transmission of the conveyor belt 63.

[0095] Please see the appendix Figure 4

[0096] Preferably, the telescopic cigarette rod 66 of this embodiment includes a sleeve rod 661 that is hollow at both ends and a movable rod 662 inserted into one end of the sleeve rod 661. The movable rod 662 is provided with a piston block 664 adapted to the inner cavity of the sleeve rod 661 at one end. A support rod 663 is fixedly provided inside the sleeve rod 661. One end of the support rod 663 movably passes through the piston block 664 and extends into a groove opened at the end of the movable rod 662 facing the piston block 664. The bottom of the groove and the support rod 663 are connected by an elastic element 665, such as a spring. A second mounting plate 615 is fixedly embedded in the side wall of the first mounting plate 61. An air intake head 616 is provided in the second mounting plate 615. The air intake head 616 is connected to an external air extraction device. The air intake head 616 is used to correspond to the end of the sleeve rod 661 in the telescopic cigarette rod 66 located in the arc-shaped groove that is away from the movable rod 662.

[0097] Specifically, when the push seats 611 move closer to each other and reach the outer wall of the movable rod 662, it means that the flue-cured tobacco suspended on the outer wall of the telescopic tobacco rod 66 is pushed onto the movable rod 662 by the push seats 611. Then, by opening the suction device, the suction head 616 generates suction force, which causes the corresponding piston block 664 to drive the movable rod 662 to move into the sleeve rod 661. When the movable rod 662 moves into the sleeve rod 661, the flue-cured tobacco on the outer wall of the movable rod 662 is detached from the movable rod 662, completing the flue-cured tobacco unloading work.

[0098] Subsequently, when the telescopic smoke rod 66 corresponding to the suction head 616 is disengaged from the suction head 616 by the conveyor belt 63, the movable rod 662 is reset under the action of the elastic member 665.

[0099] Preferably, in this embodiment, a sensor 614 is embedded in the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove of the push seat 611. The sensor 614 is, for example, an infrared receiving sensor and an infrared emitting sensor, but is not limited to this type.

[0100] When sensor 614 detects the entry of the telescopic tobacco rod 66 into the arc-shaped groove, it sends a signal to controller 5, causing controller 5 to control the rotating device 2 to operate. The rotating device 2 then controls the bidirectional stud 68 to rotate, driving the two sets of push seats 611 to move on the outer wall of the corresponding telescopic tobacco rod 66. It should be noted that since the tobacco is hung on the outer wall of the telescopic tobacco rod 66 using hooks and hemp ropes, during unloading, the hemp ropes can be removed manually using a knife-like component. Of course, since the hemp ropes are easy to break, the push seats 611 can also be used directly to push the tobacco for unloading. During the pushing process, the hemp ropes will break automatically.

[0101] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A one-time topping and curing apparatus for the upper leaves of flue-cured tobacco, characterized by: The device includes a baking chamber (1) located in the inner cavity of the baking room, and a tobacco support assembly (6) for supporting the tobacco to be processed is provided in the baking chamber (1); The flue-cured tobacco carrying assembly (6) includes two sets of symmetrical mounting plates (61). Each set of mounting plates (61) has a drive roller (62) rotatably mounted on one side of each side. The outer walls of the four sets of drive rollers (62) are equipped with a conveyor belt (63). One of the drive rollers (62) is driven to rotate by a rotating device (64). The outer wall of the conveyor belt (63) is detachably equipped with several sets of mounting seats (65). One end of the carrying telescopic tobacco rod (66) is rotatably connected inside the mounting seat (65). Between the two sets of mounting plates (61) and at the bottom of the conveyor belt (63), there is a push-pull unloading part for moving the flue-cured tobacco on the carrying telescopic tobacco rod (66) on the carrying telescopic tobacco rod (66). The two sets of mounting plates (61) have corresponding load-bearing telescopic smoke rods (66); The actuating unloading part includes a protective rod (67) connecting two sets of mounting plates (61). A bidirectional stud (68) is rotatably provided inside the protective rod (67). The bidirectional stud (68) is driven to rotate by a rotating device (2) provided on the mounting plate (61). Both ends of the outer wall of the bidirectional stud (68) are threaded with movable blocks. One end of the movable block extends from a transverse opening on one side of the protective rod (67) and is connected to a connecting plate (610). A push seat (611) is hinged to the side of the connecting plate (610) away from the movable block. The inner wall of one side of the push seat (611) is provided with an arc-shaped groove for adapting to the telescopic cigarette rod (66). The push seat (611) is connected to the connecting plate (610) through an arc-shaped spring. One end of the pull rope (612) is connected to one side of the push seat (611). The other end of the pull rope (612) is wound around the outer wall of the winding shaft. The winding shaft is rotatably mounted on the connecting plate (610). The outer wall of the winding shaft is fitted with a driven gear (613). The outer wall of the protective rod (67) is provided with a rack (69) for driving the driven gear (613) to rotate when the moving block moves to the preset position. The telescopic cigarette rod (66) includes a sleeve rod (661) with hollow ends and a movable rod (662) inserted into one end of the sleeve rod (661). The movable rod (662) is provided with a piston block (664) adapted to the inner cavity of the sleeve rod (661) at one end inside the sleeve rod (661). A support rod (663) is fixedly provided inside the sleeve rod (661). One end of the support rod (663) movably passes through the piston block (664) and extends into a groove opened at one end of the movable rod (662) facing the piston block (664). The bottom of the groove and the support rod (663) are connected by an elastic element (665). Mounting plate 2 (615) is fixedly embedded in the side wall of mounting plate 1 (61). Mounting plate 2 (615) is provided with a suction head (616). The suction head (616) is connected to an external air extraction device. The suction head (616) is used to correspond to the end of the sleeve rod (661) in the bearing telescopic smoke rod (66) located in the arc groove that is away from the movable rod (662).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The device also includes a hot air chamber (2) located inside the oven cavity. The circulating air outlet of the oven chamber (1) is connected to the hot air chamber (2) and the dehumidification outlet (3). The air inlet of the hot air chamber (2) is connected to the atmosphere. The hot air chamber (2) is equipped with a circulating fan (43), a blower (42) and a baking device (41). The outer wall of the hot air chamber (2) is equipped with a timer controller for controlling the circulating fan (43) and the blower (42).

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The baking chamber (1) is equipped with a dry bulb temperature sensor, a wet bulb temperature sensor, a wind speed meter and a humidity sensor. The outer wall of one side of the hot air chamber (2) is equipped with a controller (5) for electrically connecting to the dry bulb temperature sensor, the wet bulb temperature sensor, the wind speed meter, the humidity sensor and the baking equipment (41).

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: A sensor (614) is embedded in the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove of the push seat (611). When the sensor (614) detects that the telescopic smoke rod (66) has entered the arc-shaped groove, it sends a signal to the controller (5) so that the controller (5) controls the operation of the rotating device.

5. A method for one-time cutting, roasting, and baking of upper tobacco leaves, utilizing the baking apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1 preparations: Install a circulating fan (43) and a blower (42) controlled by a timer controller in the curing barn. Hang the cut upper leaves of the tobacco on the tobacco rods with hooks and tie them with hemp rope. Place them in different temperature zones in the curing barn according to the quality of the tobacco leaves for pretreatment. S2 Baking: The timer controller controls the start and stop of the circulating fan (43) and blower (42) in the curing barn, and controls the temperature and humidity of the curing equipment (41) in the curing barn, so that the tobacco leaves are cured in stages under the preset temperature and humidity conditions, thereby turning the tobacco leaves yellow and dry. S3 Post-Baking Treatment: After drying, the tobacco leaves with stems are rehydrated, then the stems are removed and the tobacco leaves are sorted and stored.

6. The baking method according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step S1, placing the tobacco leaves at different temperature zones in the curing barn according to their quality specifically involves: The cut tobacco plants are divided into underripe, mature, and overripe. Underripe tobacco is placed in the low-temperature layer of the curing barn, mature tobacco is placed in the medium-temperature layer of the curing barn, and overripe tobacco is placed in the high-temperature layer of the curing barn, with no gaps between the layers.

7. The toasting method according to claim 5, wherein: The preprocessing in step S1 specifically includes: Set the circulating fan (43) and blower (42) to low speed, close the maintenance door and windows, and pre-treat for 10-12 hours without ignition.

8. The toasting method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The baking step S2 is performed according to the following steps: S21: After ignition, raise the temperature to 35℃ at 0.5℃ / 2 hours. The starting temperature should not be lower than 32℃. The wet bulb temperature is 35℃ and the dry-wet difference is 0. After adjusting the blower (42) and the circulating fan (43) to the high position, run them. Set the timer controller to stop for 1 hour and run for 10 minutes. Stabilize the temperature for 8-10 hours. The total baking time should not exceed 10 hours. The temperature and humidity are synchronized to keep the water moist and turn yellow until the leaf tip turns yellow. S22: Increase the temperature by 1℃ / 2 hours, and when it reaches 38℃, maintain the temperature for baking. Adjust the wet bulb temperature to 38℃, and the dry-wet difference to 0. Adjust the blower (42) and the circulating fan (43) to the high position. Set the timer controller to stop the fan for 1 hour and run for 10 minutes. Run the main unit, and keep the temperature and humidity in sync to keep the tobacco leaves yellow until the tobacco leaves in the middle temperature layer are baked to 70-80% yellow. S23: Heat up to 40℃ at 1℃ / hour to achieve stable temperature baking, adjust wet bulb temperature to 40℃, dry-wet difference to 0, adjust blower (42) and circulating fan (43) to high position, set timer controller to stop fan for 1 hour and run for 10 minutes, run main unit to achieve stable temperature baking to 90% yellow, total baking time before 40℃ is controlled to 30-35 hours; S24: First, remove moisture, then raise the temperature by 1℃ / 1 hour to reach a stable temperature of 42℃ for baking. The baking time at this temperature range is more than 28 hours, keeping the wet bulb temperature at 36℃, until all the tobacco leaves in the kiln are baked until they turn green with veins and yellow wither, all the tobacco leaves in the middle temperature layer are "dragging" and 50% of the tobacco stems are wilted. The total baking time before reaching 42℃ is controlled at 50-55 hours. S25: Heat up to 45℃ at 1℃ / 1 hour and bake at a stable temperature, keeping the wet bulb temperature at 36℃ until the tobacco leaves in the middle temperature layer reach the state of yellow leaves and yellow veins in small rolls. Control the stable temperature time to prevent the tobacco leaves from turning too yellow and becoming too thin. S26: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to reach a stable temperature of 47℃-48℃ for baking, maintain a wet bulb temperature of 37℃, control the stable temperature time until all tobacco leaves in the low temperature layer reach the state of yellow leaves with yellow veins, hooked tips, curled edges, and small curls, and the base of the main vein of the tobacco leaves in the high temperature zone turns white. S27: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to 52℃, wet bulb temperature 38℃, and bake at a stable temperature for 8 hours until the leaves are completely dry and the large roll is achieved; S28: Increase the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour to reach a stable temperature of 54℃ for baking, maintain a wet bulb temperature of 39℃, control the baking time until all tobacco leaves in the kiln reach the large roll size and the leaves above the mid-temperature layer are completely dry; S29: Bake at a stable temperature of 62℃ for 8-10 hours with the temperature increased by 0.5℃ / hour, keeping the wet bulb temperature at 40℃, until all tobacco leaves in the kiln are completely dry and the main ribs above the mid-temperature layer are half dry. S210: Bake at a stable temperature of 68℃ by increasing the temperature by 0.5℃ / hour, and maintain the wet bulb temperature at 41℃-42℃ until the tobacco leaves are completely dry.

Images